Chapter 00233: Signing the First One
# Signing the First One
Chapter 233
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 233: Signing the First One
After they stepped out, Fu Qi turned to Qiu Shuzhen’s parents.
"We see great potential in her and want to invest resources in her development. But since she’s still young, there’s an additional clause: While she’s in school, Great Wall will temporarily handle her acting affairs. We can collaborate with her or recommend her to other companies. If she decides to drop out of school, she must officially sign with Great Wall and become a full-time actress under our company."
Her parents didn’t quite understand.
Fu Qi spent a long time explaining before they finally grasped the idea.
Still, they hesitated.
Fu Qi asked, "I understand your family situation. What are your plans for Ah Zhen’s future?"
"Of course, to find a good job and marry into a good family."
"But from what I know, Ah Zhen’s academic performance isn’t outstanding. If she follows the path of exams, further education, and job hunting, do you really think she’ll have a bright future?"
"..."
"If you insist on her continuing her studies, that’s fine. Ah Zhen can take on acting jobs during holidays to help support the family without affecting her schooling. If she does well and gets into university, we’d be happy for her. But what if her grades never improve? Will she start working in her teens? If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to sign with our company? At least she’ll have stable support. Once she gains fame, her pay will naturally increase."
"Mr. Fu, how long would this contract last?"
"Eight years, starting from the day she officially becomes a company actress."
"Eight years? That’s too long!"
"If she doesn’t get into university, she’ll be in her teens at most. Eight years later, she’ll only be in her twenties—still in the prime of her youth. What are you worried about?"
"Then... if we refuse, will she lose this role?"
"Yes."
"We need time to think it over."
"Of course!"
Fu Qi sighed inwardly as he looked at the couple.
This idea had come from Chen Qi, whose stance was simple: If we can’t get established actors, we’ll scoop up unknowns early—sign them to long-term contracts and lock them down!
Chen Qi had originally suggested a ten-year contract, which even shocked Fu Qi. Damn, isn’t this too capitalist? We’re reforming and opening up, but we can’t just turn into full-blown capitalists!
But with the left-wing faction in its current state, they had no choice but to resort to some unconventional methods.
In the end, Fu Qi agreed, and Qiu Shuzhen became their first target.
The contract was simple: While Qiu Shuzhen was in school, Great Wall would act as her agent.
If she dropped out, she would become a full-time actress under the company...
Meanwhile, in the hallway outside.
Chen Qi was chatting with Qiu Shuzhen.
Still young and unable to hide her thoughts, she asked, "Teacher, if I finish filming this movie, will I become famous?"
"Hard to say. It might flop."
"Ah?"
Her face fell.
"I was hoping to get famous, make a lot of money, and buy nice things for my parents and siblings... Teacher, do you think I can become a star?"
"Hard to say. You might not make it."
Qiu Shuzhen choked, then noticed his teasing expression and pouted.
"I asked because you’re my teacher! Don’t lie to me!"
"Hong Kong’s entertainment industry is packed with girls dreaming of stardom. What makes you think you’ll be the one to rise? Small fame depends on promotion; big fame depends on fate. Do you have someone backing you, or are you destined for greatness?"
Chen Qi grinned.
"If you think you can just shoot one movie and become famous, take your fifteen thousand dollars and go home to dream. This industry is vast and ruthless. Without hard work, you won’t last. Don’t just think about being a star. First, develop something unique about yourself."
"What do you mean by ‘unique’?"
"Something others don’t have—only you do."
"..."
Qiu Shuzhen wasn’t sure if she understood, but she bowed anyway.
"No matter what, thank you for choosing me, Teacher. I won’t forget your kindness."
"Ah Zhen!"
Just then, her parents came out and called, "Let’s go!"
She responded and followed them, but not before turning back to stick out her tongue, revealing her little bunny teeth.
Coming from a poor family, she had learned early how to navigate the world—she knew Chen Qi’s status and was deliberately trying to get closer.
Sigh, another little sister.
Why do I keep running into so many of them? I transmigrated too early—I’m not into grooming, and those who are should be beaten to death!
Chen Qi shook his head.
In his past life, he had always liked Qiu Shuzhen.
During the era when mainland entertainment was full of exaggerated hype, marketing accounts would rave about their stars as the "pinnacle of pure desire." Do they even know what pure desire means?
Qiu Shuzhen was the only true queen of that lane.
She wasn’t Hong Kong’s most popular actress, nor the most beautiful, but her unique charm struck straight into men’s souls—something no one could replicate.
Even twenty years after retiring, she still won the title of "Tiger Pounce Goddess."
Tiger Pounce, the stronghold of straight men, had impeccable taste in selecting their goddesses—well, except for Zhan Ying...
She had spent ten years with Wong Jing without any official recognition.
Nearing thirty, she chose to retire and married wealthy businessman Shen Jiawei.
Among Hong Kong actresses, she was one of the luckier ones.
Hong Kong was a strange place—materialistic, money-worshipping, full of overnight success stories.
These people were seen as winners, not nouveau riche, because everyone was nouveau riche.
With its thriving entertainment industry and vast wealth gap, many actresses came from humble backgrounds.
Thus, it was a perfect match.
Hong Kong tycoons and actresses were practically destined to end up together.
For most actresses, marrying into a wealthy family and becoming a rich wife was the ultimate dream.
At its core, this was due to Hong Kong’s small size and surprisingly feudal mindset—even more so than the mainland.
Unlike the mainland, where the entertainment industry entered the age of capital, actresses didn’t aim to become rich wives.
Instead, they colluded with capital, clawing their way up to climb the social ladder.
Fan Bingbing, Li Bingbing, Yang Mi—all followed this path.
…………
With the fifteen thousand dollars and the threat of losing the role, Qiu Shuzhen’s parents quickly "sold" their daughter.
This actress, who would leave a lasting mark on Hong Kong cinema, became part of the left-wing faction.
At Great Wall, she naturally wouldn’t be filming movies like Naked Killer or The Secret Life of Empress Dowager Cixi.
But Chen Qi wasn’t interested in making her a third-tier actress anyway.
He was drawn to Qiu Shuzhen’s sensual charm, which could expand the range of films he could produce—she would be very useful to him.
As for Anita Yuen and Athena Chu, Chen Qi and Fu Qi didn’t bother negotiating.
Their families weren’t short on money and wanted them to focus on school.
The two girls were given minor roles as classmates, with little screen time and pay.
Their parents didn’t mind—it was just for fun.
The Orphan crew was quickly assembled.
The local social worker role went to Liu Xuehua.
Instead of hiring from overseas, they found a foreigner in Hong Kong to play the British nun—since the part was small, they saved where they could.
At this point, all that remained was casting the American couple and their two children.
And at last, the assistant sent by Anna Chennault finally arrived in Hong Kong.
(End of Chapter)