Chapter 54

"When one place is in trouble, help comes from all sides. In this difficult time, we have seen the kindness of people from all provinces across the country..."

The news on TV was still reporting on the torrential rain in H city.

Unlike the previous days, today's news is intended to honor and praise the deeply moving heroic figures in the disaster.

"Patriotic businesswoman Ms. Hu Zhenzhen during this disaster..."

Hearing her mentioned on TV, Hu Zhenzhen nearly choked on her porridge and quickly drank some water.

She finally understood why the three stages of the main quest had been completed so smoothly—it was all thanks to the news broadcast.

That's true; appearing on television is the fastest way for older people to get to know someone.

Hu Zhenzhen never imagined that she would appear on CCTV News, nor did she ever imagine that her name would remain on local TV news.

After playing the video a few times, even forgetful elderly people will know that there is a patriotic businessman surnamed Hu in S City.

It was because of this that Hu Zhenzhen was able to complete the third phase of the task ahead of schedule.

Hu Zhenzhen swallowed the water in her mouth and glanced at the fourth stage on the system.

[Become the richest mom in the country.]

At this stage, the task becomes much more difficult.

Fortunately, she has plenty of time. As long as she finishes within six years, her life will be safe.

Things need to be done step by step. There are so many millionaires in the country, several of whom are internationally renowned. If you want to surpass them and become the richest person in the public eye, your assets must at least catch up.

Hu Zhenzhen pondered that the film and television base in the eastern district could still be put to great use.

After all, entertainment news has a wider reach than economic news.

Thinking of the film and television base, she suddenly remembered the reward in the system that she had ignored for several days, and pulled out the model of the building with a bitter expression.

[Xiao Jin, does your system really not offer any one-click renovation service?]

"This service is not available in the system," Xiao Jin said, peeking out with a paintbrush. "This was intentionally set up to increase the host's sense of involvement in the decoration process."

Increase engagement...

Hu Zhenzhen resignedly picked up the virtual brush and started painting the wall, and it was undeniably successful.

Seeing that she really didn't want to renovate, Xiao Jin excitedly came over.

[Host, let me help!]

Hu Zhenzhen's gaze immediately fell on it. "Can you help? Didn't you say one-click renovation wasn't possible?"

Xiao Jin had already picked up a brush. "Yes, but I can help the host with the manual renovations."

Upon hearing this, Hu Zhenzhen was immediately delighted. "That's wonderful, Xiao Jin! The renovations are all in your hands now!"

She simply let go of the brush, ready to become a hands-off manager.

Little Jin didn't understand at all that this meant it was being ordered around, and instead felt very important, puffing out its chest.

[I've learned so many new painting techniques! Don't worry, host, I'll definitely paint the walls beautifully for you!]

Hu Zhenzhen sensed something ominous in those words.

She recalled Xiao Jin's previous works.

Hmm, a simple line drawing on the wall shouldn't look bad, right?

Painting a 30-story building is just too tiring. Since she has already finished painting one floor, she will just use the most normal floor for herself.

As for others—

They will definitely appreciate the artistic style the boss has created in the renovation, yes, definitely!

After comforting herself, Hu Zhenzhen handed the matter over to Xiao Jin and opened the documents Chen Kaigang had given her.

There are many things to prepare for if you want to start an entertainment company.

Most of the businesses under Hu Zhenzhen's control have a simple personnel structure.

With a small staff, few issues to deal with, and high benefits, employees are generally well-behaved and easy to manage.

However, the entertainment company we are about to contact is not so easy to manage.

Chen Kai summarized the unspoken rules of the entertainment industry into five pages for her, which gave Hu Zhenzhen a headache.

"Where do these people get so many unspoken rules?"

She frowned, pulled out the papers, set them aside, and looked at the list of available candidates.

This is what Zheng Xing has summarized from his recent visits to various film sets.

Since he started working for Hu Zhenzhen, he stopped doing his previous small-time street detective work and focused on serving his boss.

After finishing the land purchase, Zheng Xing heard from the boss that he was going to recruit a director, screenwriter, and crew. Without being told, he took the initiative to go and work on the set.

What happens in the industry is something only those who are in it truly understand.

Zheng Xing understood this; whenever he joined a film crew as a production assistant, he would first try to build good relationships with everyone.

He would strike up a conversation with any dedicated extra he encountered, asking for their contact information.

Thanks to the kindness and help of the people, Zheng Xing has learned more in just half a month of work than others who have worked for several years.

When delivering boxed lunches to a crew filming a Qing Dynasty drama, the assistant director there always liked to chat with him.

Perhaps because they felt that Zheng Xing posed no threat and had little connection with the entertainment industry, the assistant director liked to talk to him about many things.

Why do celebrities insist on bringing their children to the set? Which actor can't even remember their lines for today's shoot? And which assistant is so mean-spirited, acting more like a diva than the minor celebrity?

Zheng Xing heard these words a lot and managed to remember them all thanks to his good memory.

After everyone left, he would write furiously in his notebook, recording everything he had heard in great detail.

Although the records were all gossip, Zheng Xing found a lot of useful information when he went home to review them.

A screenwriter who couldn't make a living.

Lei Tao.

Speaking of this person, we also have to mention the assistant director who liked to complain.

When Zheng Xing worked for him, he often gave him a few packs of cigarettes as a token of respect.

He was good at getting things done, willing to spend money, and had a pleasant way of speaking. Before long, he became close friends with the assistant director.

And this screenwriter, Lei, was the first person to be criticized by the assistant director.

At that time, the assistant director didn't trust Zheng Xing much, so he couldn't tell him anything important, only things about small people like Lei Tao.

"Xingzi, I'm not saying this to be rude, but you're really good at handling things. It's so comfortable being around you."

Zheng Xing knew what he meant, and casually took out a cigarette from his pocket and offered it to him.

The assistant director had barely put his cigarette in his mouth when Zheng Xing's lighter was already at his lips.

The assistant director didn't even have to lower his head before the cigarette was lit.

He took a drag of his cigarette and sighed again, "If only everyone in this crew could be as easy to manage as you."

Zheng Xing followed up with a forced smile, "What's wrong, Brother Zhao? Who on set upset you?"

"Who else could it be?" the assistant director said irritably when the name was mentioned. "It's that stubborn guy, Lei Tao."

Zheng Xing often heard him mention this name and had some recollection of it.

"Screenwriter Lei, what did he do?"

"Don't even mention it. He must be a stubborn person, nothing but stubbornness. The director even said that he wanted to give the second female lead more screen time, but he just wouldn't agree to that request."

Zheng Xing's timely "Ah?" immediately sparked the assistant director's desire to speak.

"He brought his own investment to the project, and he didn't say he wanted a lot of screen time. He just wanted his character to have more memorable moments. What's wrong with changing the script? I really don't understand him!"

"They insist that this character has his own storyline and is incapable of doing good deeds. Isn't that just because they don't want to change things?"

"Director Chen was also annoyed by him. He offended all the people who appreciated his talent. How can there be such an ungrateful person in this world?"

Once Lei Tao is mentioned, he starts talking non-stop and can't stop for a while.

"Last time I had dinner with investors, this stubborn guy suddenly became ill. When they offered him a drink, he insisted that drinking would damage his brain and refused to drink no matter what."

"The atmosphere was so good, but it instantly turned cold because of his words. The 50 million that was in hand shrank to 30 million. Director Chen was so angry that he almost had a heart attack."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xing knew that this person was stubborn and had strong opinions.

He asked curiously, "Even with screenwriter Lei in such a state, why did the director still use him?"

"They're just capable."

The assistant director spoke words of praise, but his tone was somewhat sarcastic.

"But what's the use of just having talent? There are plenty of talented screenwriters in this industry, and many of them can make a living. Even if Lei Tao doesn't want to make a living, there are plenty of other people who do."

From what Zheng Xing heard, it seemed that he didn't intend to work with screenwriter Lei Tao anymore.

However, it's considered taboo to pry too much into gossip, so Zheng Xing didn't ask any further questions. He simply flattered the assistant director and said a few words, preparing to secretly observe the situation of this screenwriter Lei.

Sure enough, a week after the vice president made those remarks.

Zheng Xing then heard the news that the screenwriter had made a major mistake and had been fired by the production team.

A major work error.

With such a label attached, even if other production teams are interested in Lei Tao, they will probably have to think twice.

When he left, Zheng Xing saw him and even went to see him off.

This editor, Lei, whom the assistant director described as stubborn, even stood up straight when he left.

He was only in his thirties, but due to long-term mental exertion, half of his hair had turned gray, he had shaved his head, and wore the most basic style of black-rimmed glasses.

Zheng Xing glanced at him from the side and knew that this person was definitely not one to curry favor with the powerful.

How could someone who never bends over when walking easily bow down for a pittance?

Even so, Lei Tao's face still couldn't hide his dejection after being fired from the production team.

He is no longer suitable for children.

Having worked on various film crews for so many years, I understand the current situation to some extent.

Before Director Chen, few film crews were willing to use his scripts.

It's not that his writing is bad, but that he doesn't know how to conduct himself.

A person's character.

Lei Tao's lips curled into a mocking smile as he glanced back one last time at the hotel the film crew had booked.

Those people are good at interpersonal relationships, giving away the most important parts of the script as favors, just trying to build good relationships with investors, but in the end, they only produce terrible dramas. What's the point of that?

When Lei Tao walked out of the film crew's door, he still felt like he was the only one who was sober in a world of drunks.

But soon, his pride vanished.

It's already the end of the month, and the rent is due in the middle of next month. He's been laid off and only received two thousand yuan. He doesn't know how he's going to explain this to his wife when he gets home.

Ya Ya is so supportive of his work, and he can't bear to see her struggling with rent issues anymore.

It's really shameful that a grown man like him can't even afford rent when he's out working.

Lei Tao was feeling annoyed when he caught a glimpse of an approaching man out of the corner of his eye.

He had seen this person on set before; he always hung out with that Director Zhao, and Lei Tao was dumbfounded by his sycophantic behavior.

Now that he's down on his luck, is this person coming over to mock him?

It's no wonder Lei Tao thought that way. After all, Zheng Xing had never taken the initiative to approach him or shown any goodwill before. His sudden visit to see him off would make anyone suspicious.

What are you doing here?

He spoke up before Zheng Xing even got close, having already prepared himself mentally.

If Zheng Xing were to ridicule him, he would hurl insults back.

Anyway, he won't be coming here again, so there's no need to put up with that sycophantic person until the very end.

Lei Tao had mentally prepared himself, but Zheng Xing's opening remarks shattered his plans completely.

"Screenwriter Lei, it's hard to get a taxi here. I happened to drive here, let me give you a ride."

You can't hit someone who's smiling.

Zheng Xing chuckled and came over, even offering to give him a ride. All the curses he had been brewing in his stomach were now useless.

All I could say was awkwardly, "No need, don't bother."

"Oh! How can you say it's a hassle? I've admired you for so long, but I've never had the chance to speak to you. Today is the only day I have the opportunity to give you a ride. It's really hard to get a taxi here. I'm going to the city anyway, so just consider it a shared ride and don't worry about it."

Zheng Xing spent a lot of time and effort trying to persuade Lei Tao, but he finally managed to sway him.

"Then let's consider it a carpool. A taxi usually costs fifty yuan, I'll transfer it to you."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xing knew that the assistant director's complaints were true.

This screenwriter, Lei, really doesn't know much about interpersonal relationships.

"Okay, but a taxi usually costs fifty, but since it's a carpool, screenwriter Lei, you can just give me forty."

Normally, Lei Tao would definitely argue with him and give him the fifty.

But now that he was short of money and really needed it, he acquiesced to Zheng Xing's suggestion.

Zheng Xing knew this kind of person's temperament, and seeing that he was willing to get on the bus, he knew that things were going to work out.

Zheng Xing was driving Yang Lin's old car, which was barely enough to make a good impression in a film crew.

Lei Tao got into the car, sat in the passenger seat, and continued to hold his suitcase even after fastening his seatbelt.

Zheng Xing didn't try to persuade him to give up, but just chatted with him while driving.

"Screenwriter Lei, what are your plans for the future?"

Lei Tao wasn't going to answer, but Zheng Xing kept asking a second time.

In the enclosed environment, it seemed that if he didn't answer, Zheng Xing could keep asking.

After he asked for the third time, Lei Tao finally gave a reluctant answer, "Still working as a screenwriter."

He truly has no intention of giving up his ideals, nor does he want to abandon the career he has dedicated half his life to.

Even though it seems silly now, Lei Tao believes that gold will always shine one day, it's just not the right time yet.

"If you're still going to be a screenwriter, Lei, you should consider Jianghu Pictures."

Zheng Xing could tell that Lei Tao was a straightforward person, so he didn't beat around the bush and spoke his mind directly.

"Jianghu Pictures is a newly registered film and television company under President Hu. They are currently short of staff. If you are interested, screenwriter Lei, I can help you get in touch."

His words left Lei Tao momentarily speechless.

Mr. Hu and Jianghu Film Industry were two names Lei Tao had never heard of. After a few seconds of reaction, he began to suspect that Zheng Xing was trying to deceive him.

After all, Zheng Xing was just a deliveryman for the film crew, so it sounded very fake for him to suddenly say that he knew some big boss.

"We'll see."

Lei Tao, being in someone else's car, felt awkward questioning him and simply left with that curt remark.

Zheng Xing didn't mind and happily added him on WeChat.

"Okay, if you're interested, just contact me anytime. Working for Mr. Hu is much easier than working for these investors. Look at me, I work for Mr. Hu, and I'm living a carefree life now."

He should have kept quiet.

After saying that, Lei Tao was even more convinced that it was a scam.

Delivering boxed lunches in a Santana is considered stylish, which shows how small this workshop is.

Moreover, he said he was working for Boss Hu and spent every day on the set, which shows that Boss Hu didn't pay him much.

Otherwise, why would he need to find side jobs to earn extra money?

Lei Tao thought about many things in an instant, but didn't criticize his words too much. He just silently sat down at the place where he got off the bus.

"Thank you, I've forwarded this to you forty times."

After saying that, he got out of the car and left.

Zheng Xing, sitting in the car, raised an eyebrow and muttered something under his breath.

"Okay, you're quite polite."

However, Lei Tao, who had already walked away, did not hear these words.

He took out his wallet from the box he was carrying, stood at the door for a long time, and finally went inside with two thousand yuan clutched in his hand.

Sun Yaya, who was inside the door, came out of the kitchen in surprise.

"Tao Tao, weren't you told you wouldn't be able to come back for vacation until the first of next month?"

She had barely finished speaking when she saw the two thousand yuan in Lei Tao's hand and instantly understood.

He's been fired again.

This has happened more than once or twice over the years.

Sun Yaya smiled helplessly and didn't blame him. "Why didn't you call me sooner? I would have cooked more noodles for you so you could have eaten when you got home."

Lei Tao sat at the dining table, unable to lift his head.

Even though he had been scolded dozens of times, his back remained ramrod straight, except in front of Sun Yaya.

"Ya Ya, I..."

The words had barely left his mouth when he was cut off.

Sun Yaya quickly snatched the meager amount of money from his hand. "We agreed when we got married that I would manage the money, so don't even think about hiding any from me."

A slight smile appeared on Lei Tao's face. "I didn't mean to."

But that smile quickly faded, turning into exponentially more bitterness.

"Wait here, the noodles will be ready soon. I'll go fry an extra egg pancake, and I also have some newly bought ham."

Sun Yaya turned and went back into the kitchen, leaving Lei Tao at the dining table, feeling a mix of emotions.

He'd rather Ya Ya scold him a few times.

When they got married, they agreed that he would love only her forever, hand over all the family finances, live a life as a couple forever, and not have children.

Ya Ya agreed, saying she would support his career and help him pursue his dreams.

Both of them kept their promise. Logically speaking, Lei Tao should feel happy, but he felt very uncomfortable.

Ya Ya stayed in the kitchen for a long time without coming out.

Lei Tao composed himself and, wanting to ask her to cook less, walked to the kitchen door.

The thin kitchen door has limited sound insulation, but with the range hood, it's hard to hear any noise from the kitchen.

If Lei Tao had sat quietly at the dining table, he would never have heard her call.

"Xiaojing, could you lend me six thousand first?"

"Look at what you're saying. My husband is very capable. It's just that we went on a trip last month and overspent a bit, so we're a little short on cash right now."

“We really have money, why would I lie to you? I’ll definitely pay you back next month.”

Lei Tao dared not listen to what was said after that, and quickly went to the toilet. Then, while washing his face, he splashed two handfuls of cold water on his face to cover up the hot tears that were left behind.

How did life end up like this?

Lei Tao gritted his teeth, took out his phone, and opened the contact information left by Zheng Xing.

How much salary could I expect if I joined Jianghu Pictures?

For the first half of his life, he upheld the so-called integrity of a scholar and never asked for help.

The fact that Lei Tao can now talk about such mundane money-related topics is already the limit of his abilities.

Fortunately, Zheng Xing had no intention of mocking him and took the initiative to speak.

【I'll contact Mr. Hu for you. Don't worry, Screenwriter Lei, with your skills, your salary won't be less than five figures.】

Upon hearing his words, Lei Tao's desire to go became even more urgent.

Even if it's only 10,000 yuan for a single film, it's enough to solve his immediate financial problems.

Because of his constant urging, Zheng Xing handed over all the documents he had to Hu Zhenzhen ahead of time.

"Lei Tao?"

Hu Zhenzhen had never heard of his name before, and looked up at Chen Kai.

Chen Kai immediately understood his boss's meaning, found Lei Tao's encyclopedia entry on the tablet, and handed it over.

“I asked Zheng Xing, and he said that this screenwriter Lei is talented. The hit dramas 18 Adults and The Legend of Onaya were written by him. However, because this screenwriter is not good at interpersonal relationships, he was eventually kicked out of the production team.”

Hu Zhenzhen frowned in confusion after hearing this.

"He's the original creator of the script, how could he be kicked out?"

After learning about this, Chen Kai inquired about it, smiled helplessly, and said to Hu Zhenzhen.

"I heard that this screenwriter Lei is struggling financially. Every time a production team agrees to use him, they have to sign the copyright of the script first, and they always sell it for a very low price."

This is purely taking advantage of the fact that the screenwriter Lei had to sell the product, thus driving down the price.

Hu Zhenzhen could also tell, "So what's the current situation with this screenwriter Lei?"

"According to Zheng Xing, when screenwriter Lei contacted him, he sounded quite anxious, probably because he had encountered some difficulties."

Hu Zhenzhen clicked on the two TV series that Lei Tao had written about and took a look.

The scores are all above nine points, and the comments section is overwhelmingly positive, showing that the work is indeed excellent.

She planned to take some time to catch up on the two TV series, but she was worried that Lei Tao might be too impatient to wait a few more days, so she said to Chen Kai, "Ask screenwriter Lei if he'd like to meet with me. I'd like to have a chat with him."

Hu Zhenzhen's goal was to become famous.

If a company owner wants to become famous, her work must first be exceptionally good.

So from the very beginning, she had no intention of making the kind of fast-paced TV dramas that are common in the market.

When signing screenwriters and directors, Hu Zhenzhen also wanted to select a few who were down-to-earth and not let them fall into decadence and debauchery as soon as they produced their works.

The same standard applies to the selection of actors.

Hu Zhenzhen can't control other companies, but at least her own company should have fewer of these dirty dealings.

Chen Kai went to contact Lei Tao, while Hu Zhenzhen was in the lounge, drinking tea and watching his old film, "18-Year-Old Adult".

This is a TV series told from the perspective of teenagers, but surprisingly it doesn't just talk about the innocent feelings of teenagers, but also about dreams and friends.

These are the first lessons the protagonist learned on the day he came of age.

In the TV series, the male protagonist chose a path opposite to that of the female protagonist in pursuit of his dream. The two people who loved each other gradually drifted apart and seemed to have become just passersby in each other's lives.

However, when the two met again at the age of thirty, the surprise and bittersweetness in their eyes brought tears to Hu Zhenzhen's eyes as well.

Just by watching this one show, Hu Zhenzhen knows that Lei Tao's storytelling ability is quite good.

TV dramas about youth are the easiest to fall into clichés.

He managed to capture that bittersweet feeling of youth so perfectly; no wonder, despite his lack of social skills, people still want to buy his scripts.

Chen Kai interrupted Hu Zhenzhen and knocked on the door, saying, "Boss, screenwriter Lei is here."

Behind him was Lei Tao, whose heart had sunk to the bottom.

He hadn't expected that the "General Manager Hu" Zheng Xing had mentioned was so wealthy, living in a villa in Woshan.

Having been on set for the past few months, Lei Tao only knew that a wealthy businessman surnamed Hu had recently become very famous, but he couldn't immediately connect him with Hu Zhenzhen.

The moment he saw Hu Zhenzhen, he had only one thought in his mind.

burn one's boats.

He was in his thirties, and he had to give Ya Ya an explanation. He couldn't let her starve with him.

So, after Chen Kai introduced him, Lei Tao bent over at a ninety-degree angle and bowed deeply to Hu Zhenzhen, saying, "President Hu, hello."

This startled Hu Zhenzhen.

She had heard all about it from Zheng Xing; this screenwriter Lei's life embodied the phrase "stubborn and unable to bend over."

What terrible thing must have happened to this family that they bowed to her the moment they met?

She spoke cautiously, "Screenwriter Lei, just tell me if you have any trouble. I'll help you if I can."

Lei Tao was also straightforward and didn't think there was anything wrong with what Hu Zhenzhen said.

He simply replied, "I have no money."

Those two words immediately silenced the two people in the room.

Hu Zhenzhen couldn't help but facepalm and took out 20,000 yuan in cash from the safe in the lounge next door.

"Is this enough for your advance salary?"

Lei Tao's gaze towards Hu Zhenzhen changed instantly.

Having worked for so many years, this was the first time he had ever met a boss who paid him upfront.

In an instant, Hu Zhenzhen's image in his mind became much more impressive.

His face was serious. He stared at Hu Zhenzhen for a long time, making her nervous. Then he pulled out a wad of money and asked, "Is this enough?"

Lei Tao, who was used to being silent, suddenly widened his eyes, seeing this method of adding money for the first time.

He opened his mouth, his voice deep and resonant, "Enough!"