novellhall Chapter 1: Hello, 2006
Chapter 1: Hello, 2006
"Don't lament if you suffer a temporary setback."
"Don't be afraid of temporary setbacks."
Even if hope is lost, I'll be drunk and confused every day.
……
In the dimly lit private room, neon lights flickered overhead, and several figures, arm in arm, held microphones and swayed freely under the lights.
A loud, off-key singing voice echoed throughout the private room, penetrating the space. Even through the door, one could still feel the singer's lingering joy.
However, in the corner of the private room, a lonely and forlorn young figure sat blankly on the sofa, staring unfocused at the lively scene before him.
"Ah Qing, what's wrong with you? Do you want to sing together?"
"Let me tell you, there's nothing a song can't solve. If there is, then have another one!"
After the song ended, the burly man at the head of the group handed the microphone to the person next to him, and in a few steps he went to the corner and patted Gu Qing, who was curled up in the dark.
Gu Qing snapped out of her daze and saw the round head so close to her. She immediately darted to the wall.
"Ning, Ning Hao?"
Gu Qing bit her tongue, looking at the much younger face in front of her, and felt a chill run down her spine.
He glanced around at the somewhat tacky decor of the KTV room, and combined it with the memories that had been flooding his mind lately, he realized that he had really returned to 2006!
"Ah Qing, even though I'm not handsome, you don't need to be so terrified, do you?"
Ning Hao withdrew his hand with a frustrated expression and straightened his posture. Clearly, the other party's subconscious reaction had hurt him quite a bit.
"Sorry, Brother Hao, I was thinking about something, and you suddenly came over and startled me."
"Alright, that's enough. Just let me know if you need anything. If you want to find a girlfriend, I can ask your sister Ai to introduce you to one."
Ning Hao breathed a sigh of relief. He knew his brother's temperament; he was confident yet sensitive, especially at this point in time. He was genuinely afraid that his brother would turn on him and leave, making it difficult for him to lend a helping hand.
"Of course! What kind of relationship do we have? We're like brothers who share a meal. I'll definitely come to you if I need anything."
Gu Qing felt grateful and suppressed the excitement of being reborn, immersing herself in the joyful atmosphere.
In October 2005, Ning Hao's script, which had been in preparation for five years, was finally successfully filmed after many hardships, and was released a month earlier.
The low-budget dark comedy "Crazy Stone," which cost 3 million yuan, raked in 25 million yuan at the box office, making Ning Hao an overnight sensation and earning him much acclaim.
Inside the private room were some of the main members of the film crew: director Ning Hao, screenwriter Xing Aina, cinematographer Du Jie, and key creative personnel such as Huang Bo and Guo Tao.
Gu Qing, on the other hand, was a student at the Beijing Film Academy's School of Photography, just like Ning Hao. The two of them shot GGMV together, wrote copy, and audited photography classes.
Although Ning Hao is older than him, the two get along very well and have a very good relationship.
Unfortunately, after graduating, he started a team and made movies, and has finally made a name for himself.
Although he taught himself film shooting, he ended up working as a director, making movies.
Ning Hao entered the school with prior experience and solid basic skills. Before even graduating, he had already assembled a team to shoot movies, which Ning Hao naturally couldn't match.
In the original timeline, Ning Hao wanted Gu Qing to join his team, but the latter was too proud to admit it and refused outright, deciding to spend all his savings to build a team to make a movie.
This circle is easy to get into, but difficult to get in no matter how hard you try. Later, internet capital entered the market, which disrupted the circle and gave ordinary people a chance to make their mark.
As a result of his stubbornness, the film lost everything, and he never recovered.
He lost contact with Ning Hao again many years later, when the short drama gained popularity. He then contacted Ning Hao, borrowed some money, and prepared to make a comeback.
Unexpectedly, at the wrap party for the film crew, his joy turned to tragedy, and he died.
He thought that investing eight million in a short drama would be his chance to turn his life around, but it turned out to be his ticket to rebirth.
Since Gu Qing's film production failed that year, he had studied diligently behind the scenes. He finally achieved some success, but unfortunately, he missed the changing trends in the entertainment industry. The coal boss left the stage in disappointment, and capital took over.
Lacking background and connections, he wasted a long time.
During that time, I also filmed some online movies, but they didn't make a splash at all. Later, I got involved with short dramas. A short drama director is still a director!
Recalling the vast library of films from ancient and modern times, both Chinese and foreign, in her mind, Gu Qing's mood became much more pleasant.
I've been reborn, that's wonderful.
On stage, the howling of wolves continued, as if everyone wanted to vent all the frustration they had endured during this period.
When the song reached its emotional peak, Huang Bo hugged Ning Hao and wept bitterly.
Aside from Ning Hao, the director, this film brought him the most benefits.
The others, though not as distraught, secretly wiped away tears from the corners of their eyes.
The first success is always impressive and unforgettable.
With hope, even if setbacks occur later, one won't be knocked down and unable to get back up.
Gu Qing watched silently, feeling a mix of envy, admiration, and melancholy about when she would finally succeed.
Ideals are ideals, and reality is reality. Gu Qing was not so arrogant as to think that he could succeed simply by raising his arms and calling for action.
"Gu Qing, come up and sing with us!"
Photographer Du Jie was very enthusiastic, calling out to customers.
"You've finished singing, I'm going to take a break."
Gu Qing waved his hand repeatedly, remaining calm and composed.
Of course, this isn't about being shy or saving face.
Although the song "You'll Only Win If You Fight Hard" is about setbacks, it is often sung by successful people.
While eating fruit and singing songs, the moment of turning point soon arrived.
Everyone's busy, and it's almost time to leave.
"Brother Hao, sister-in-law, we'll be going now. Let's get together again at the celebration banquet next time."
Xu Zheng, along with Huang Bo and his group, was also preparing to leave. Although he was older than Ning Hao, in the entertainment industry, it's not about who debuted first.
"Gu, Gu Qing, right? See you next time."
"Okay, everyone, take care."
Gu Qing hadn't expected to have business with them here, so he cupped his hands in farewell and said goodbye to everyone.
He didn't know much about Xu Zheng, but he knew that the man had worked his way up from a stage actor to a director and then a producer. He was a good person, and his abilities were undeniable.
Gu Qing was quite surprised that the other party had already remembered his name after only meeting him once or twice.
Ning Hao saw Huang Bo, Xu Zheng, and the others off, then waved his hand, making arrangements for the next scene.
"We won't join in your brothers' get-together."
"Don't make us go out and rescue you in the middle of the night."
Xing Aina stood up, glanced at Ning Hao with a strange look, and then picked up her handbag and left with her sisters.
Before leaving, he gave Gu Qing a gentle look.
Ning Hao kept saying things like it was just a normal brotherly gathering and that he was being too suspicious, but he was rooted to the spot and showed no intention of trying to keep his girlfriend.
He naturally wanted to let his brothers relax a bit.
"Brother Hao, it's getting late, I should head out now."
"Why are you backing out? This next round is all for you."
Ning Hao put his arm around Gu Qing's shoulder and also called Du Jie and the others to join him.
These people will become his loyal backbone in the future.
Gu Qing was helpless. He had originally planned to go back and think about his next steps, but Ning Hao was too enthusiastic, and he couldn't refuse the other party's kindness.
"Brother Hao, we can't do illegal things secretly."
"What nonsense are you spouting, kid? Do you think I'm that kind of person?"
Ning Hao blew his beard and glared, saying, "Anyone who didn't know better would think they were going somewhere."
Gu Qing smiled and followed behind the group. He was just teasing them; he knew Ning Hao's character perfectly well.
He rarely used actresses in his films, and there were hardly any repetitions. After becoming famous for "Stone," he married Xing Aina and stopped his extravagant lifestyle.
You could say that the other person's directing skills aren't the absolute best, but they're definitely among the cleanest directors in the industry.