Chapter 218: Is saving face more important, or substance?
Liu Wei kept trying to defend himself, and there was a hint of grievance in his voice.
"Chance?"
"What kind of opportunity are you giving them? To give up pursuing art and just keep making those commercial fast-food films of yours?"
Liu Mingyuan hit the nail on the head, his tone becoming much more serious: "Xiaowei, you're still too impatient, you see things too superficially, and you're too eager for quick success."
"You really think they're just putting on a brave face all this time? Liu Wei, can't you use your brain for once?!"
"Set construction, venue approval, actor training—all of these cost money! Do you really think that money just appears out of thin air?!"
"And those top consultants, do you think you can just hire them because of anyone's connections?!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Wei's heart skipped a beat, and everything he had previously ignored suddenly seemed wrong: "Uncle, you mean..."
Liu Mingyuan lowered his voice and explained, "I just received word that their project has caught the attention of higher-ups."
"You're all backing us up from above. You'd better start showing goodwill now. It's not about offering help when things are tough, it's about adding to our success, going with the flow! It's about planning ahead! Do you understand?"
Liu Mingyuan paused, his tone softening considerably: "Moreover, that kid Xu Bai... when he first debuted, he was framed, and I helped him out and even gave him resources."
"He's a sentimental person. It was precisely because he cherished those old friendships that he invested in our company and signed his management contract with Starry Sky Entertainment."
"Look what you've done!"
"Over the years, they have made a lot of contributions to the company and earned a lot of money. In our Liu family, we should not forget about them after they leave, let alone kick them when they are down!"
As Liu Wei listened to his uncle's words on the phone, his expression changed constantly. He knew rationally that his uncle was right, but he was still very unwilling.
He struggled to explain, "Uncle, even if you're right, what will people in the industry think of Xingchen if we go up there now? Where will we put our face?!"
"Foolish!"
Liu Mingyuan rebuked sharply, "Is face more important, or substance?!"
"I asked you to offer your support, not to grovel and beg them!"
"By partnering with us, we can provide access to our channels and promotional conveniences—this is a strategic investment!"
"This way, we can not only repair our relationship, but also get on board the big ship behind them. Can't you figure out this deal?!"
After Liu Mingyuan finished speaking, he paused to catch his breath, and then continued, "I know you have a strong personality. Your parents entrusted you to me before they passed away. Have I ever mistreated you all these years?"
"If you can't do it, then arrange for your subordinates to do it. Contact Zhou Kangning, express our willingness to cooperate, and be humble. Just say that you are optimistic about the prospects of this project and are willing to help in any way you can. Let them suggest the specifics of how to cooperate."
He took a deep breath, his voice sounding much more weathered: "Xiaowei, I'm getting old. Sooner or later, Xingchen will be completely handed over to you, but I hope that the company you take over will be one that can assess the situation, has vision and a broad perspective! Not an empty shell that will just stagnate and miss opportunities because the boss acts impulsively!"
"Let's take a long-term view."
These words struck Liu Wei hard. He gripped his phone so tightly that his knuckles turned white from the force.
His uncle had already made his point so clear; if he insisted any further, he might really disappoint the old man.
Liu Wei pursed his lips tightly, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
He looked down at the table, at the documents on it, but the images of Pei Xubai and Lin Yan'an's resolute backs flashed through his mind.
But his uncle also said that their project actually had support from above...
final,
The resentment in my mind was ultimately defeated by the realities of life.
Liu Wei sighed heavily, saying helplessly and unwillingly, "I understand, Uncle."
"Please don't be angry, I'll arrange for someone to handle it."
Hearing his admission of weakness, Liu Mingyuan's tone softened considerably: "Yes, that's more like it."
"It's important to maintain a proper balance. We're there to extend goodwill, not to give alms. Attitude is crucial."
"Yes, Uncle, I've got it."
After hanging up the phone, Liu Wei rubbed his hair in frustration, looking at the somewhat messy desk, his face turning pale and then flushed.
The joy of watching the jokes has long since vanished, replaced by a sense of frustration and humiliation at being slapped in the face by reality.
After trying to calm himself down, he picked up his phone and decisively relayed his uncle's message.
At the office door, the assistant stared in disbelief at the contents of his phone.
Did his boss take the wrong medicine?
Weren't you just having fun watching people suffer? Why are you offering to help now?
The assistant was puzzled and quite confused.
He quickly got up, walked to Liu Wei's office door, checked his phone, then looked at the door and hesitated.
Finally, unable to resist, he gently knocked on the door: "Mr. Liu, what were you doing just now..."
He hadn't finished speaking yet.
The office door was pulled open from the inside.
The assistant froze for a moment, then quickly stood up straight.
Looking at Liu Wei standing at the door, he pointed to his phone.
Liu Wei glared at him irritably: "What? Can't you understand the message I sent?"
"No, Mr. Liu, you really..."
"Really, go right away!"
"Okay, I'll go right away!"
After finishing his sentence, the assistant quickly turned and left. Liu Wei watched his retreating figure, and in an instant, he felt even more annoyed!
Damn it!
Liu Wei was extremely frustrated, but Lin Yan'an felt the complete opposite.
At the filming location of "Folk Customs Records: The Great Tang Dynasty" production team, after the initial filming wrapped up, the crew immediately entered a high-speed operation phase.
Inside the realistic palace, staff from various departments were busy adjusting equipment, checking props, and confirming movement routes; everything was in perfect order.
Lin Yan'an wasn't too caught up in his excitement. He was with Director Li, the director of photography, and others, carefully checking the camera angles and lighting.
Suddenly, he saw a familiar bluish-green shadow in the camera lens.
Lin Yan'an paused, then stood up and looked up.
Suddenly, Mr. Du's illusory figure appeared silently. He was still wearing the same blue robe, but his figure seemed even fainter than usual, as if he might blend into the light and shadow of the palace at any moment.
In stark contrast to his phantom image was the tiny creature on his shoulder, Zhong Suisui.
The little guy sat steadily on Mr. Du's shoulder, his fluffy fur standing out against Mr. Du's blue robe.
Its tail tip swayed gently, and its round cat eyes curiously surveyed the bustling scene around it.
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