Chapter 00128: Public Relations
# Public Relations
Chapter 128
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 128: Public Relations
"I came today for an interview, arranged to take a walk outside with her because I wanted to take some nice photos," the reporter explained.
"We were having a great conversation when suddenly this strange man rushed over, shouting 'Zhou Yun, Zhou Yun,' and wouldn't leave her alone, even trying to grab her. We were terrified! Look at how strong and burly he is—how could we possibly handle him? Thankfully, these brave gentlemen stepped in and saved us!"Scum like him should be locked up immediately and shot for five minutes!"The police station near North Third Ring Road was bustling. A reporter, a famous movie star, a renowned screenwriter, and several martial arts champions had arrived, escorting a man who had tried to harass someone. Yu Jiajia slammed her work ID on the table and arrogantly recounted the incident. Chen Qi added,"I had invited a few friends to the factory for a visit and happened to witness this.
How could I not step in?"Gong Xue couldn't keep a straight face while lying and simply looked terrified. The police took their statements. It was a minor incident, and the facts were clear: the man had attempted to harass someone but was stopped by good Samaritans. This was a rough and wild era. The idea of mutual combat hadn't yet taken root, and it wasn't uncommon for people to beat up criminals or even kill human traffickers. It was also common for concerned citizens to bring lawbreakers to the police station. Moreover, these individuals were all prominent figures. The police didn't dare to be negligent."We understand the situation now.
Thank you all.
You can go home for now, and we'll contact you if needed.""What will happen to him?"Chen Qi asked."We'll contact his workplace, investigate further, and punish him accordingly."His job was as good as gone, and he might even face jail time. That was the best-case scenario. Three years later, during a crackdown, he might have been executed outright. The man hadn't been beaten too badly. Ge Chunyan's strike had been measured, leaving him only mentally drained, like a deflated balloon. Seeing them about to leave, he suddenly shouted,"She! She took my ration coupons and money! She can't leave!""Huh?"The police turned to ask,"Did you have any financial dealings with him?""I don't even know him! I receive a lot of letters every day, and sometimes they include ration coupons and money.
I've already handed them over to my workplace for processing.
I had no idea it was from him.
You can verify this with the factory."Gong Xue spoke firmly."Alright, we'll investigate this thoroughly."Once outside, Gong Xue, who had been strong inside the station, suddenly weakened. She had childhood trauma and was terrified of being interrogated. Chen Qi supported her, comforting her,"It's over now.
That guy won't bother you again.""If he does, we'll beat him up again!"Huang Qiuyan said."Don't worry.
Tomorrow, I'll publish the article and clarify the situation.
Once it's settled, no one can tarnish your reputation."Yu Jiajia, for once, spoke kindly,"Chen Qi, where are you taking us to eat?""To that place, the one that claims to be the first private restaurant in the capital!""I know, Yuebin Restaurant!"... Yuebin Restaurant was located in Cuihua Hutong in the eastern part of the city. It had just opened and was the first officially recognized private restaurant in the capital. The owner, Liu Guixian, was quite resourceful. In this era of material scarcity, running a private restaurant was challenging, especially when it came to sourcing ingredients. But Liu Guixian was remarkable. Officials from the Industry and Commerce Bureau even brought her rice and pots, helping her secure a 500-yuan loan to buy a refrigerator... Chen Qi was also intrigued by this place and led the group there. The small restaurant in the hutong had only four tables, no employees, and just the owner running the show."Are you here to eat?"Liu Guixian greeted them."Yes, why are there no other customers?""Usually, I don't get many customers.
Most are from the Overseas Chinese Building.
Ordinary folks can't afford to eat out.
Take a look at the menu on the wall."Chen Qi glanced at it: prawns for 5 yuan, shredded pork with garlic sauce for 1.6 yuan, stir-fried potato shreds for 0.68 yuan..."One of each meat dish, and a couple of vegetable dishes!""Alright, please wait!"Liu Guixian had never seen such generous customers, even more so than those from the Overseas Chinese Building. She hurried to prepare the dishes. Soon, the food arrived, and it was delicious... The meat dishes were a rare treat, and everyone dug in heartily."Chunyan, you're 21 this year, right?"Chen Qi suddenly asked."Yeah, why?"Ge Chunyan maintained her cool demeanor."How old are martial arts athletes usually when they retire?""It depends.
Those with serious injuries retire early.
Normally, it's after 25, and by then, they're considered veterans and can think about becoming coaches or something.""What will you do after you retire?""Me?"Ge Chunyan thought for a moment."I'll probably become a coach, train a few champions.""If you have the chance, after retiring from the martial arts team, you could come work for me.
I'll pay you a salary, acting fees, and bonuses.""Are you turning into a capitalist?"Huang Qiuyan mumbled."I want to build a team.
Since you all acknowledged me as the leader today, I naturally want to lead you to achieve something greater.
Make more movies, earn more money, and carve out a big territory.
You'll all be big stars!""Oh, now I get it.
Making movies with you sounds fun.
I'm in!"Wang Qun said."Me too!""Count me in!""Great! Let's toast with water, including Ji Chunhua, Xiong Xinxin, and Sun Jiankui's shares."They all raised their glasses in a mock toast. Gong Xue seemed to understand a bit and asked,"But Li Lianjie will have a hard time retiring, right? He's only 17.""With five gold medals, who would let him go? He'll have to stay for another ten years!""Isn't that a waste?"As they chatted, Chen Qi stayed silent. Li Lianjie had wanted to leave after filming Shaolin Temple, but the martial arts team wouldn't allow it. In the end, he achieved his goal through unconventional means. ... After a long day, they returned to the Beijing Film Studio late at night. The two of them didn't go upstairs. Instead, they lingered near the guesthouse on that quiet path, under the dim, solitary streetlight."I'm fine now.
Don't worry about me.
I'm not a child, just a bit shaken up."Gong Xue looked at him intently."You always seem to have a way to solve every problem.
How does your mind work?""It's called public relations.
It's simple.
If the police came to the factory to investigate, there would be rumors.
But if we go to them first, it changes the narrative.
Tomorrow, the tabloids will write about it, and we'll save face.""What tabloids? Jiajia will beat you up if she hears that."Gong Xue covered her mouth and laughed. Then she noticed him leaning closer, her back pressing against the streetlight pole. She wasn't as panicked now, just shy."I never thought you were this bad before.
Why are you so mischievous now?""If I didn't make a move, you'd think something was wrong with me.""Nonsense! Don't go too far.""I'm so tired.
Can I at least hug you?"... Gong Xue lowered her eyes, gazing at the faint yellow light on the ground, murmuring like a little rabbit,"Just for a moment."... The next day. Yu Jiajia came up with a sensational headline:"Famous Actress Gong Xue Attacked in Broad Daylight!!"She painted the man as a lunatic who, after watching Romance on Lushan Mountain, became obsessed with the female lead and attacked her on the street. Fortunately, several righteous individuals stepped in to help. Gong Xue had fallen and even scraped her knee! She briefly mentioned the ration coupons and money, urging fans to be rational and not send such items. Instead, they could donate to those in need. The audience was heartbroken. Letters of sympathy flooded into the Beijing Film Studio, condemning the"lunatic"in the harshest terms... Chen Qi kept his promise and had a banner made for the martial arts team, which read:"Brave and Righteous, the Spirit of Martial Arts Lives On; Noble Virtue, a Model for the Youth!"
(End of Chapter...)