Chapter 60 A New Beginning
Six months later, in the office of the director of Yaojiang TV.
"Xiao Ling!" The station director exclaimed, clutching his thermos, "That's not fair of you. 'The Light of Dawn' just surpassed 300 million views last week, and you're already resigning and heading to Beijing? I heard you've even picked out an office space in northern Beijing?"
Ling Wei raised an eyebrow: "You even know this?"
"I've been in the broadcasting system for thirty years, after all!" The station director suddenly lowered his voice. "Here's the deal: the studio will be affiliated with the station, and I'll get you the best possible revenue sharing. Accommodation and equipment will be allocated at internal rates..."
Seeing that Ling Wei was about to speak, he immediately added, "Of course, these are just preliminary ideas. We can discuss the specific details gradually. In short, the station's support policy for outstanding talents has always been..."
“Director,” Ling Wei interrupted his rambling with a smile, “I’m going to Beijing to film a movie.”
"You should have said so earlier!" The station director's expression changed instantly. "Director Zhang of the Film Bureau is my senior! The station can handle everything from project approval and film accreditation to film festivals. You could be a special consultant for short dramas, occasionally participating in planning meetings via video..."
"Are you suggesting I take on two jobs?"
"The capable should do more!" The station director winked. "Besides, you're new to Beijing and don't know anyone, so having your family's support is always a good thing. Of course, all of this must respect your personal wishes; the station always adheres to..."
Finally, after the station director's nagging about "remembering to visit your parents' home often," Ling Wei left the office.
The short film crew was already in an uproar. That evening, at their usual restaurant, Zhang Tao was directing everyone to unfurl a banner that read, "Director Ling is going north to serve the emperor, Yaojiang will always be your Eastern Palace." As a result, he ended up getting tangled up in the banner like a mummy.
"Director Ling." Screenwriter Xiaoyu was holding a drooping cactus. "You left it at your desk, and we took turns watering it until it died... How about we get you a new one?"
Yingzi, her eyes red-rimmed, clung to Ling Wei's arm: "Weiwei, from now on, no one will be there to help me with afternoon tea discounts..."
"What are you saying!" Zhang Tao struggled out of the banner. "Director Ling is going to expand our territory! But let's make it clear first, you have to reserve red carpet spots for us at your movie premieres from now on!"
"We want to get a photo with the movie star!" Everyone cheered in unison, filling the private room with a joyful yet reluctant atmosphere.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, the door to the private room was gently pushed open, and Zhou Han appeared in the doorway.
He was wearing a dark gray overcoat, with dew still clinging to his shoulders, and his gaze found Ling Wei precisely in the crowd.
“Director Zhou.” Ling Wei stood up.
He walked up to her, took out a brown paper document bag from inside his coat, and when Ling Wei reached out to take it, he tightened his fingers slightly and did not immediately let go.
“Information on connections within the Beijing film industry,” he said in a low voice, just loud enough for her to hear, “and information on the judges of the Golden Rooster Film Project Market.”
Ling Wei took the file bag with a little force, her fingertips inadvertently brushing against his palm.
Their eyes met, and the noise in the private room seemed to fade into distant background noise at that moment.
"This gift is too much," she said softly.
“Not as good as the ‘Pursuit Order’ you gave me.” He withdrew his hand, his knuckles slightly curled.
The banquet must eventually come to an end.
After seeing off her colleagues one by one at the restaurant entrance, Ling Wei turned to look at Zhou Han, who had been standing silently in the shadows. He had also been drinking today.
"Aren't you leaving?" she asked.
The night wind ruffled her hair. Zhou Han subconsciously raised his hand, but stopped abruptly just before touching her, and instead opened the car door for her.
"Ling Wei." He suddenly spoke before she bent down to get into the car.
She turned around, and the neon lights reflected colorful spots in his eyes, but they couldn't hide the emotions surging within them.
“If,” his Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice a little hoarse, “if we encounter trouble in Beijing that we can’t resolve…”
"Just mention your name?" Ling Wei raised an eyebrow.
“No.” Zhou Han took a step forward, his figure completely enveloping her. “Just tell me.”
The weight of those words made the surrounding air seem to freeze.
Ling Wei looked up at him and suddenly noticed that this man, who had long since abandoned his unkempt appearance, now had his coat collar slightly askew.
She reached out and carefully straightened his collar. "Okay."
She smiled and said, "Take care of yourself, Director Zhou. Don't always drink cold coffee."
Even after the taxi drove away, Zhou Han remained standing in the same spot.
Yingzi peeked out from behind: "Director Zhou, the atmosphere was so good just now, why didn't you say you were waiting for her?"
When Zhou Han turned around, he transformed back into the stern-faced director.
"Some roads must be walked alone." He walked into the night, his voice fading in the wind, "And I will stay here, keeping the light on for her."
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Beijing North International Airport.
"I've been waiting for you!" Li Man rushed forward and gave Ling Wei a big bear hug, so strong that Ling Wei took a half step back.
"Yaojiang had a heavy burden, but at least the handover is finally complete." Ling Wei smiled and patted her back.
Li Man took Ling Wei's suitcase from her hand, her tone half-joking and half-serious: "Come on, the car's outside, let's go straight to my sister's. I won't feel at ease until I get you signed, afraid that another company will snatch you away."
Ling Wei chuckled, letting her pull her outside: "What, are you afraid I'll run away?"
"That's hard to say! You're in high demand right now."
Through Riemann's introduction, Ling Wei met her sister, Li Jing.
This female president, who heads the Li Group, has a capable demeanor and sharp yet gentle gaze.
Ling Wei's studio has been established, and it not only has two artists with unlimited potential, Qi Mo and Xiang Wanxing, but they themselves have also invested as partners, deeply binding themselves to the studio.
With her current achievements in phenomenal variety shows and hit short dramas, Ling Wei can sit confidently and calmly in front of Li Jing.
After in-depth discussions, the two parties reached a cooperation agreement: Ling Wei's studio will serve as an independent creative core, with her serving as producer and general director, responsible for the artistic control and overall production of the project; Li's will provide ample financial support and mobilize its mature agency team to be responsible for the actors' daily management, publicity and business development.
Both parties share resources, risks, and benefits.
Some time later, in a high-end apartment in northern Beijing with excellent privacy, Li Man, Qi Mo, and Xiang Wanxing, who had just finished filming her new drama, gathered at Ling Wei's new residence.
"This is a good location; it's quiet and offers good privacy," Riemann said, looking around and nodding in approval.
She has also officially become a shareholder in Ling Wei's studio, and now, the studio's four core shareholders are gathered together for the first time.
"Sister Wei, what's our next step?" Xiang Wanxing asked curiously, her eyes full of anticipation.
Ling Wei was clearly in a great mood, slightly tipsy. She shook her head, but her eyes were unusually bright as she clearly uttered two words: "Take a picture of Xiao Yue."
Xiang Wanxing was slightly taken aback.
Ling Wei chuckled and continued to announce her grand plan: "It's not just about Xiao Yue. I want to film that magnificent era, and I'll make a complete 'Phoenix Cry Trilogy'! Plenty of funding, a reliable team..."
She spread her arms wide, her face beaming with unprecedented joy and confidence. "Sisters, I've never fought such a rewarding battle before!"
Upon hearing this, the eyes of everyone present lit up.
Qi Mo clapped his hands slowly, Xiang Wanxing clenched her fists excitedly, and Li Man even whistled, instantly igniting the atmosphere.
In her excitement, Li Man remembered something and leaned closer to Ling Wei: "By the way, I've accepted a regular role in the new season of 'City Chase,' working with that guy Lu Zhao. Do you have any... things to be aware of?"
Ling Wei tilted her head and thought for a moment, then solemnly imparted her experience: "It's very simple. When that guy is intentionally or unintentionally releasing his charm, just be an oblivious straight woman with a determined look in your eyes, like you're about to join the Party. The rest of the time, just bicker and tease each other normally."
"This makes it easier to create talking points, and your persona will be more distinct and down-to-earth, making it easier to get more screen time. But you absolutely must avoid any suspicion."
After hearing this, Riemann clicked her tongue and said, "Wow, isn't this just a blatant attempt to piggyback on his popularity? Doesn't it sound... like a bit of a rip-off?"
Ling Wei nodded sincerely: "A little."
Then she patted Riemann's shoulder forcefully, her tone nonchalant: "It's alright! Once you ride his coattails to become a top star, you can repent to your heart's content. I'll even accompany you to America to find a proper priest. But for now," she looked intently at Riemann, "you just need to do what you're doing."
Riemann thought it made perfect sense and nodded vigorously, "Okay! I'll listen to you!"
Qi Mo and Xiang Wanxing, who were standing nearby, looked at each other in bewilderment as they listened to the two women's treacherous plan. Finally, the four of them met each other's eyes and couldn't help but point at each other and burst into unrestrained laughter.
As the laughter subsided, Ling Wei raised her glass first, followed by the other three.
The four crystal-clear glasses clinked crisply in the air, accompanied by their unanimous, hopeful, and empowering wishes:
"Homage to Tomorrow!"
The evening breeze brushed against the windowpane, and the aviation obstruction lights on the top of the office building in the distance flickered like stars that never go out.
Ling Wei tilted her head back and drank the last sip of wine in her glass, a confident smile playing on her lips.
Her era has just begun.
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(End of text)
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Author: Ququ
Due to length constraints, the female lead's career storyline ends here.
With funding secured, no one to control me, and all the obstacles removed, I can't even imagine how my business could possibly fail from here on out. My career can just stop here.
OK, OK, I know what you're waiting for.
The bonus chapter is served!! Everything is served!! (Beating drums and gongs)
The table has four sides, so it can definitely seat four people!
(Postscript, December 13th: I used a career-centric storyline as the ending of the main text because I wanted to make sure some readers didn't like a certain male lead and really didn't want him to end up on the sidelines. Don't force yourself to continue reading. I'm not JJ (a popular Chinese online literature platform), you don't need to subscribe to the entire book. You can watch the ads and cut your losses. I'm just a writer trying to satisfy readers of all tastes, so I've marked which male leads appear in which chapters in the later side stories and warnings. If you still really don't like it, you can quietly give it three stars, but please don't write reviews complaining that I made so-and-so get on the sidelines, okay?) (Sorry, I wrote this because I saw someone not only commenting on the book but also calling me out on other platforms, so my blood pressure is a bit high and my tone isn't very nice.) (Don't worry, everyone.) (Sorry.)
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