Chapter 159: The End of Sci-Fi; I Must Not Lose Money; Three Years in the East of the River, Three Years in the West of the River; Never Bullying a Young Man in His Poverty!

During this period, Xu Jiang closed his ears to the outside world.

He focused wholeheartedly on studying the two 'secret manuals' Su Mu had left him.

Often, star actors have to face the challenge of transformation.

For instance, as they grow older, they might gradually shift from innocent, youthful roles to more mature personas, or, having attained higher acting skills, they might explore broader possibilities.

The directing profession is much the same.

In fact, sometimes a director's transformation is even more difficult than an actor's.

Because this requires psychological construction.

If film and television dramas are viewed as works of art, every artist likely has their own form of expression and internal subjective understanding of art.

Suddenly being asked to discard their original philosophy and switch to an entirely different style is like changing a painting technique from traditional ink wash to abstract oil painting, and so on.

Putting technical levels aside, the psychological barrier alone can be immense.

What Xu Jiang has to face now is the abandonment of his stubborn attachment to his previous cinematic philosophy.

He must force himself to march in step with the market.

Like most directors, he enjoyed pursuing higher-level concepts.

The works he directed tended to be deeper; even back when he made *Candle in the Tomb*, he loved making a fuss over the characters' emotions and psychology.

He believed such elements possessed true depth.

However, after carefully examining the two scripts Su Mu gave him over the past few days, his psychological defenses were gradually being shattered.

Two scripts.

One was titled *Meteor Shower*.

The other was titled *Ultimate Class*.

To be honest, judging solely by the names, they sounded completely nonsensical.

Without reading the content, one might easily mistake *Meteor Shower* for a sci-fi film.

He had privately chatted with Su Mu about this issue.

To his surprise, Su Mu gave him an unexpected reply at the time.

Su Mu: "That's right, this is a sci-fi film."

Upon hearing Su Mu's answer, Xu Jiang was completely dumbfounded.

He failed to understand why Su Mu would offer such an explanation.

He was only told by Su Mu to go back and read it a few more times.

Xu Jiang followed the instruction.

Yet, after reading it once, he almost threw the script away in frustration.

After all that fuss, *Meteor Shower* had literally nothing to do with meteors.

Wasn't this simply a romantic idol drama?

Furthermore, it was the kind of completely unrealistic idol drama!

Xu Jiang was truly reaching his breaking point.

So, he sought out Su Mu for another conversation.

And Su Mu's words from that day.

He still remembered them vividly.

"No matter how hard a script is to chew through, it's still better than eating shit." -- Su Mu

After listening to Su Mu's inspirational pep talk, Xu Jiang's inner turmoil finally settled. When he thought about it, it made sense; after all, the current reality of the industry was that money is hard to earn and shit is hard to eat.

Thus, Xu Jiang rallied his spirits.

He returned to studying the material once more.

And after continuous contemplation, at a certain moment, a glimmer of enlightenment seemed to dawn upon him.

He finally understood what Su Mu had told him before.

Why did he say this idol drama was a sci-fi film?

From a certain perspective, isn't an idol drama simply a sci-fi film?

A girl from a poor family manages to attend a top-tier elite school.

And then, inside this elite school, there is an ultra-powerful group called F4?

Surprisingly, the wealthiest guy among them actually falls in love with her...

At that moment, Xu Jiang just wanted to scream: Oh my god, good heavens!

Back then, he genuinely could not comprehend what kind of logic this was.

But now, he understood.

Poor boy loves rich girl, poor girl loves rich boy; regardless of the setting, even if you are on Mars, you damn well must fall in love!

He had attained enlightenment.

This time, he truly attained enlightenment.

Turns out, the ultimate destination of science fiction... is fucking idol dramas!

...

In the office.

Su Mu looked at Xu Jiang: "Came to see me—have you gained new insights?"

Xu Jiang smiled: "Su Mu, I've recently developed some personal reflections and came to discuss them with you. I feel that if the insights I've attained this time are correct enough, there shouldn't be any problems."

Su Mu raised an eyebrow: "Feel free to speak your mind."

Xu Jiang: "Previously, you said this was a sci-fi film, and I couldn't understand it yet, but yesterday I suddenly saw through it a little. The so-called science fiction is human fantasy that technology has yet to reach; in short, anything outside the scope of reality can be called sci-fi. And idol dramas can precisely make use of this reality-transcending expression technique. At their core, they break real-world logic to satisfy people's unrealistic sci-fi fantasies of inherently perfect romance."

Su Mu understood about half of it.

Yet he feigned composure, wearing an expression of gratification.

He nodded and said: "Splendid! For instance? Tell me your thoughts in detail."

[Facial Expression Mastery +1]

[Skill Point +0.01]

Xu Jiang stole a glance at Su Mu, and seeing Su Mu's gratified and approving expression, his confidence grew even stronger.

"Well, I've thought about it carefully; we just need to alter some real-world logic. For example, the male lead is very poor and delivers food every day, but he still manages to live in a luxury apartment complex on the Second Ring Road of Galaxy City, with an exquisite environment, and becomes neighbors with the female lead... Things like that. But the core is that all these illogical elements serve the sweet romance between the male and female leads. In fact, this actually achieves a crystal-clear main plot! I truly never expected that after all these years as a director, I had been viewing the sky from the bottom of a well. It turns out that idol dramas are profound and broad indeed."

After a moment.

Su Mu applauded with a serious expression: "Old Xu, you are the most talented person I have ever met."

Xu Jiang said excitedly: "Su Mu, thank you!"

Su Mu: "No need for that. Here, go call Qian Jida and Xiao Ju—forget it, call Master Zhu in. Regarding your sudden enlightenment on idol dramas today, I'd like to say a few brief words."

Xu Jiang: "Uh... alright."

...

Su Mu gave a brief one-and-a-half-hour lecture.

Of course, as a good boss, he naturally knew how to be considerate of his employees.

Therefore, he changed the batch of listeners every half hour.

Xu Jiang, Qian Jida, and Master Zhu; Xu Jiang, Sun Liaojun, and Little Orange; Xu Jiang, Qian Jida, and Little Orange.

It could only be said that Xu Jiang was made of iron.

After all, he drank six cups of coffee alone.

Watching everyone leave, Qian Jida looked slightly worried: "Su Mu, do you feel like Director Xu's mental state hasn't been very stable lately? I see him coming to find you all the time."

Su Mu shook his head: "His mental state should be fine."

Qian Jida: "Then what are your plans for the future? Since you've brought him over, the film and television department will eventually have to be established."

Su Mu nodded noncommittally.

In fact, when he first approached Xu Jiang, it was because Jiang He Film & Television was ready-made and could be used directly.

At the time, Su Mu thought about partnering up so he could provide scripts for them to shoot, allowing him to make more money.

However, the situation was different now.

Xu Jiang had left Jiang He and come over independently.

Thus, Su Mu had to consider whether to officially establish a film and television department under his own studio.

Actually, this format was not uncommon.

Many stars, after establishing a certain foundation, chose to transition from acting to behind-the-scenes work.

They would set up their own film and television companies, build crew teams, and produce their own shows.

The advantage of this approach was having absolute say over a production and taking a larger share of the profits in the end.

Naturally, one also had to bear the corresponding pressure.

Because whether raising investors or self-funding to produce a show, there was always the risk of facing losses.

Many stars, after becoming directors, would even exhaust their savings or resort to borrowing money.

It was fine if it turned a profit, but if it flopped, a single production could wipe out all their gains back to square one.

Therefore, before taking the plunge, one definitely had to weigh the pros and cons.

Fortunately, Su Mu had cards in his hand to play.

After a long silence.

Su Mu: "Of course it has to be established. Rather than giving good scripts to others to shoot, we might as well shoot them ourselves."

Qian Jida nodded: "Then I understand. Later on, I'll talk with Xu Jiang to figure out the basic costs and how much investment is needed."

Su Mu: "Very well."

Qian Jida: "Also, there's another matter I want to ask you about."

Su Mu was stunned: "What is it?"

Qian Jida: "During our celebration banquet earlier, guess who I saw?"

Su Mu: "Your ex-wife?"

Qian Jida wanted to strangle Su Mu on the spot: "I've never been married, alright! And no, it wasn't!"

Su Mu: "Oh, then your ex-boyfriend?"

Qian Jida: "Get lost!"

Su Mu: "Hehe, just joking. Tell me, who did you see?"

Qian Jida: "Zhang Huaan."

Su Mu: "Oh? Is he still taking those four blockheads out to dinner?"

Qian Jida shook his head.

Then, he briefly recounted the situation of that day.

"Anyway, their current situation is probably just like that. So what I want to say is, if the film and television department is established and you invest money for Xu Jiang to shoot a new drama, can we arrange a role for them?"

Su Mu: "Oh my, President Qian, you've got a big vision! Weren't you and Zhang sworn enemies before?"

Qian Jida rolled his eyes: "You know what my past was like. When it all comes down to it, Zhang Huaan and I don't really have any deep-seated grudges or hatreds; it was mostly just pent-up breath, but I can't just watch his current plight and refuse to lend a hand."

Su Mu smiled inwardly, then nodded.

Actually, he knew what kind of person Qian Jida was better than anyone; even if he hadn't agreed, Qian Jida would likely have used his own connections to help out anyway.

Since he had already brought it up, however,

Su Mu couldn't very well refuse.

Yet, a bottom line still had to be maintained in principle.

Namely, he would never engage in a losing business venture.

Su Mu: "Helping out is definitely not a problem, but the original intention cannot be lost. I have to make money."

Qian Jida: "We're just arranging a role for them. Although they don't have much traffic right now, they still have some fans. It's totally fine to pay them a lower salary."

Su Mu smiled and shook his head: "President Qian, the problem doesn't lie there."

Qian Jida: "Then what is it?"

Su Mu: "Let me put it this way: the script I've arranged for Xu Jiang is bound to be a massive hit in the future. If we drop these four blockheads into it, don't you think this resource is a bit too massive?"

Qian Jida thought about it.

If these idol dramas really took off in the future just as Su Mu predicted, then it would indeed qualify as top-tier resources.

Qian Jida looked a bit troubled: "Then that might genuinely be a bit tricky."

Su Mu smiled: "Actually, it's not like there's no way."

Qian Jida: "Oh? How so?"

Su Mu: "It's very simple. If they are my people, then giving them resources is naturally unquestionable. When they take off and make more money, I'll make more money too—that is the only logical and reasonable way."

Qian Jida: "You mean... sign the four of them?"

Su Mu nodded: "Yes. Those four crooked melons and cracked dates might be a bit blockheaded, but it's not impossible for them to take off. Opportunities can be given to them, but they must sign with my studio; otherwise, there's no reason to put them in this show. You go talk to Zhang Huaan—this is the only condition. He can come over and continue to be their manager, and I can guarantee giving them decent resources. It's a win-win."

Qian Jida pondered for a long time, then stood up.

"I understand."

...

Galaxy Satellite TV, Enterprise Planning Department.

At this moment, Zhang Huaan was leading the four of them downstairs.

Glancing up at the satellite TV building, Zhang Huaan suddenly spoke: "Let me tell all four of you, make sure you put on a good performance once we go inside. Being able to secure a role in the new drama the station is preparing would be great; there is no better opportunity than this. I had to pull favors just to get in touch with someone in their planning department."

Zhao Feng: "Wow, Director Zhang has worked hard."

Sun Han: "Director Zhang is amazing, you even have connections like this?"

Li Hang: "Don't worry, with our skills, at least showing our faces shouldn't be a problem."

Zhou Yang: "That's right, even if we're extras, we'll look pretty."

Zhang Huaan was speechless: "No, tell me, can you four not have a shred of ambition? What extras? I'm trying to get you guys second and third male lead roles! How is it that after just a year, you four have lost all self-awareness? Worst-case scenario, we're still a boy band, traffic idols!"

Zhao Feng: "Director Zhang, what you said is right, but also wrong."

Sun Han: "Facing reality requires courage."

Li Hang: "Besides, a whole year has passed; the placement matches are already over."

Zhou Yang: "Exactly, what tier we four belong to, we still have some self-awareness of our own shit."

"I fucking..." Zhang Huaan clutched his chest, feeling utterly hopeless.

If they weren't downstairs at the satellite TV building,

he would have kicked these four to death right then and there.

You sister, we haven't even gone inside yet, and you're already aiming hard for being extras.

Your uncle, if I wanted to manage four extras, would I need to look for you guys?

Just as Zhang Huaan was reaching for his medicine bottle,

he suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure.

Not far away, a woman in professional attire was standing there, smiling as she looked in their direction.

Zhao Feng: "Jeez, that old woman!"

Sun Han: "Enemies on a narrow road, Director Zhang."

Li Hang: "From the look in her eyes, I feel like she still has lingering affections for you."

Zhou Yang: "Huh? Director Zhang, did the two of you have a thing?"

"Shut your four stinky mouths!"

Zhang Huaan's face turned dark as pitch, and he walked forward to greet her: "Fancy seeing President Qin here. Long time no, eh?"

Qin Yufang smiled and cast a sidelong glance at the four behind him: "Indeed, long time no see. And you four haven't changed a bit."

Zhang Huaan fell silent.

It was obvious that Qin Yufang's words were mocking him for making zero progress over the past year.

Zhao Feng: "No way, President Qin, we've changed a lot."

Sun Han: "Yeah, can't you tell our skin has gotten better?"

Li Hang: "President Qin is the one who hasn't changed at all. Over a year later, she's still just as..."

Zhou Hang: "Still just as bad at skin care, haha."

Qin Yufang: "!!!"

Zhang Huaan held back his laughter: "Cough, hey, you four cut it out. Don't make jokes at President Qin's expense; President Qin is busy with a thousand matters a day, which is why she has no time for skin care."

Qin Yufang frowned, a look of contempt flashing in her eyes: "You're here to see Department Head Liu of the planning department, aren't you?"

Zhang Huaan: "What, are you too?"

Qin Yufang smiled: "Oh, Director Liu is an old friend of mine. Galaxy Satellite TV is preparing a new drama, and I've arranged for Zero-One and Zero-Two to come over and try out. The roles of the first and second male leads happened to fit them, so they were handed right over. And you? Don't tell me you're here for this drama as well?"

If anyone missed the implication behind those words,

Zhang Huaan wouldn't have survived working under Qin Yufang for so many years.

His expression darkened slightly, and he said nothing more.

He turned around, ready to take the four of them and leave.

With Qin Yufang here, there was naturally no need to strive for anything further.

Just as he had taken a few steps, however, he heard Qin Yufang laughing behind him: "Zhang Huaan, being a manager is like this—only when the platform gives you backing can you stand tall. Without a platform feeding you, even a big shot has to kneel down and beg. Now do you know how hard it is?"

Zhang Huaan turned his head and said indifferently: "Platforms provide resources, and we repay the platform; there is nothing wrong with this in itself. But making people kneel to eat and then turning around to step on them—that I cannot agree with."

Qin Yufang: "You're still too immature."

Zhang Huaan: "At least I'll fight tooth and nail to let my people eat while standing up. Besides, the entertainment industry isn't just about two or three years. The river flows east for three years, then west for three years; there's always a chance."

With that, Zhang Huaan led the four away.

Qin Yufang gave a disdainful chuckle.

Then she turned and walked into the planning department.

...

Walking out of the satellite TV building,

Zhang Huaan looked up and sighed.

Behind him, the four blockheads, feeling rather impressed by his cool exit, were still marveling.

Suddenly,

a phone ringtone broke the air...

PS: Sorry for the late update today; I was delayed by some matters, but the scheduled chapters will still be completed today. Thank you for your support!

(End of this chapter)