Chapter 190 – Jinling’s Qinhuai River
Jiangnan’s beautiful place, Jinling Imperial State!
Jinling, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is located in Eastern China, downstream Yangtze River, near the sea, with a population of more than 10 million.
This city has a history of more than 6,000 years of civilization, a history of nearly 2,600 years of city-building and a history of nearly 500 years of capital-building. This city is one of the four ancient capitals of China and is known as “the ancient capital of Six Dynasties” and “the capital of ten dynasties”.
It is also an important birthplace of Chinese civilization. It has been blessed several times in history. It has long been the political, economic and cultural center of Southern China. It has a deep cultural heritage and rich historical relics.
Taking the G107 high-speed train from Beijing, Lu Chen and Li Feiyu arrived at this ancient and very modern city in only three hours.
This was the first time for Lu Chen to come to Jinling. He came here to shoot his first TV commercial.
Half a month ago, the Silver Horse Advertising Company in Beijing and Lu Chen Studio reached a cooperation agreement to invite Lu Chen to be the brand spokesperson of Senqi sportswear, with a contract period of one year, and a contract amount of 1 million yuan.
Both parties were satisfied with the contract.
The original endorsement fee proposed by Silver Horse Advertising Company was 800,000, but after Lu Xi’s efforts, the final contract amount was increased by 200,000. The contract mainly included publicity posters, TV commercial, and so on.
Senqi was a new clothing brand on the market, focusing on the sports consumer market of young people. The reason why this rising brand chose Lu Chen was mainly because he was young enough and has a healthy image.
Especially recently, under the hype of Beijing Satellite TV, his performance of “I Love you China” was leaked in advance and gained a high reputation both inside and outside the circle, which finally prompted both parties to sign a contract successfully
Lu Chen also attached great importance to his first endorsement advertisement. He arrived at Jinling just after the National Day.
The reason why this Senqi commercial was shot in Jinling rather than in Beijing was firstly because Senqi was a local brand of Jinling, and some of the posters that Lu Chen needed to be shot at the headquarters of Senqi.
Secondly, Jinling Film and Television City in Jinling was one of the three major film and television cities in China. It has large scale and advanced facilities. It has large-scale real-world buildings such as Xiangjiang Road, Minguo Street, Ming and Qing Palace, Qin Palace, Qingming Riverside Map, Buddhist Temple and Taoist Temple and so on.
In addition, there were numerous gardens in Jinling’s historical sites. There were also modern megalopolis[1]. Therefore, many film companies and TV drama production units in Beijing regarded Jinling as a fixed shooting base. There were countless celebrities who come and go to Jinling every year.
Moreover, there were many local film and television companies in Jinling. The Silver Horse Advertising Company in Beijing has opened a branch in Jinling. It was very convenient to shoot commercials and save a lot of costs.
For example, the Senqi commercial that Lu Chen was about to shoot involves urban scenes. If it was shot in Bejing, the approval issue alone could be a headache. Beijing was very strict in this respect.
In Jinling, it was not a problem at all. Needless to say, even if the scene was taken in the city, the government has green channels to encourage and support the film and television industry.
Therefore, if all goes well, Lu Chen would be able to complete the commercials and posters in Jinling in a day or two.
He could earn the 1 million very relaxed.
When the high-speed train arrived at the station, Lu Chen and Li Feiyu got off the train.
At the gate of the departure station, the sharp-eyed Li Feiyu was the first to find a young man holding a pick-up card.
The two big characters “Lu Chen” were very conspicuous.
Before leaving for Jinling, Lu Chen Studio negotiated with Silver Horse Advertising Company. When Lu Chen arrived here, the other party’s branch would arrange for accompanying personnel and accommodation.
This young man in a blue t-shirt was undoubtedly the one sent by Silver Horse Advertising Company to welcome him.
Lu Chen passed the ticket gate, walked directly in front of the other party, smiled and said, “Hello. I’m Lu Chen.”
The other party was stupefied at first, then woke up and hurriedly put down the sign and shook hands with Lu Chen.
“Hello, Mr. Lu Chen…”
This time, Lu Chen wore sunglasses, so the man in t-shirt didn’t recognize him immediately.
Although there wasn’t a lot of hype and publicity, Lu Chen was now a little famous. He was often recognized by fans when he goes out on the road. He just wore sunglasses to avoid many unnecessary troubles.
Lu Chen smiled and said, “I’ve kept you waiting. Let’s go.”
He didn’t expect Lu Chen to be so polite. The face of the man in t-shirt turned red with excitement and he became a little incoherent: “No, wat a moment, the car arranged by the company is outside. I… I’m Lu Ze of Silver Horse. Call me Xiao Lu.”
Lu Chen nodded and introduced Li Feiyu to him: “This is Brother Li Feiyu, my assistant.”
“Hello!”
Lu Ze should be a newcomer who just came out of the society. His work experience was not very rich, and he wasn’t good at interpersonal communication.
In other words, with the Silver Horse Advertising Company sending him to accompany Lu Chen, there was more or less suspicion of neglect.
But Lu Chen didn’t care, or more accurately, he didn’t have the air of a star.
He wouldn’t do things like playing big names[2].
The car picking up Lu Chen was just an ordinary Buick business car. The driver was a quiet middle-aged man. After everyone got on the car, he drove all the way to a hotel near Jinling Film and Television City in Jiangning District.
In terms of hotel accommodation, Silver Horse Advertising Company complied with the provisions of the contract and arranged a five-star.
Now, during the National Day Golden Holiday, even if booked in advance, it would be difficult to find a room around the Film and Television City, which was a tourist hot spot in Jinling. To be able to arrange Lu Chen to stay in a nearby five-star hotel undoubtedly shows the energy of Silver Horse.
The only issue was that the booked room was a standard room, not a business suite.
When stars go out to work, they usually discuss the terms of treatment with the receiving side in advance, such as the means of transportation, hotel standards, and so on. The more famous the artists, the more detailed the requirements.
There were often star artists who lose their temper or even go on strike because the reception standards of their partners do not meet their own requirements. As a result, they are published in the entertainment gossip news.[3]
Many artists regarded face as more important than life. Even if they weren’t big time artists, they would try their best to improve their treatment.
Lu Ze felt sorry for this: “Mr. Lu Chen, the hotel rooms are so tight now. The business suites of the five-star hotel here has been fully booked two months ago. If you don’t think it’s appropriate, then…”
“It doesn’t matter…”
Lu Chen smiled faintly and interrupted his explanation: “The standard room is fine, thank you.”
Lu Ze couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief: “Yes, yes!”
The thing he was most afraid of was Lu Chen losing his temper. At that time, in order to quell the latter’s anger, the company would definitely throw the responsibility on him and let him take the blame.
A few days ago, Lu Ze received an artist who also came to shoot a promotional film. Just because the pick-up vehicle was a Buick commercial car instead of a Mercedes-Benz, he got angry on the spot and left, causing him to anxiously run around in circle.
Although the company urgently transferred a Mercedes Benz later, a notice of criticism for Lu Ze was circulated in the company with the reason of poor reception, and made him have to work as usual during the National Day holiday – to atone for his failure.
At that time, not to mention how unjustly Lu Ze was treated, he really wanted to quit.
But a good job was too hard to find nowadays, and Silver Horse’s treatment was first-class in the industry. So, he could only put up with it.
Fortunately, this time, Lu Ze didn’t encounter unreasonable people.
Originally, the company arranged a Mercedes-Benz business car to pick up Lu Chen, but because another star temporarily changed the itinerary, the Mercedes-Benz car was called back and he could only continue to use Buick.
On the way over just now, Lu Ze felt uneasy in his heart.
Lu Chen’s tolerance and understanding really moved him.
The assistant that Silver Horse Company[4] sent asked attentively, “Mr. Lu Chen, if you’re not tired, how about I accompany you two to the Confucius Temple to have a taste of the local specialties, and then play by the Qinhuai River?”
Lu Chen nodded and said, “You can do as you deem fit. Just arrange it.”
Qinhuai River has been famous for a long time. Now that he has come, he should naturally enjoy the legendary Qinhuai local conditions and customs, and style.
After settling down, Lu Chen and Li Feiyu followed Lu Ze to the Confucius Temple.
After eating a sumptuous dinner in a historic top-ranked restaurant, the three of them went on a night tour at the Qinhuai River.
During this period of time, Lu Chen has been working hard for his career. Today, he has a rare chance to relax.
So he put his work and responsibilities aside for the time being.
Qinhuai River scenery was the most prosperous and bustling in the Confucius Temple area. The streets were full of people. There were many restaurant and teahouses on both sides of the river. There were numerous shops selling handicrafts and traditional snacks. The neon signs of the shops were flashing colorfully, forming a splendorous contrast with the beautiful scenery on the river bank.
Wuyi Xiang, Zhuque Bridge, Wang Xietang Qianyan, these former historic sites have long become such a bustling place for tourism. Countless tourists could be seen walking through the streets of the Confucius Temple, or by boat on the water.
On the bank of the river with willows hanging down, many old people sat around a table, enjoying their tea and playing chess.
At night in Qinhuai River, the moon was warm and the stars were bright. The liveliness along the river, the populated lines of lights, the moving sound of the xiao flute coming from the richly ornamented cruise ship from time to time – this all made one feel like they’ve traveled through time into ancient period.
Lu Chen strolled between the corridors along the riverbank, smelling the fragrance of broken flowers and vines on the wooden frame and listening to the murmuring water of the Qinhuai River. He felt relaxed and happy.
On the Wende Bridge, leaning against the railing to look, he saw light boats of all sizes shuttling back and forth, with pedestrians holding cameras and mobile phones to take pictures everywhere, flashing frequently.
Some people pointed their camera at Lu Chen standing on the bridge, laughing and recording his image.
This scene reminded Lu Chen of a poem by a famous poet: you stand on the bridge looking at the scenery, and the people watching the scenery are looking at you upstairs. The bright moon adorns your window, you adorn other people’s dreams.
Although he didn’t drink, he felt drunk.
_______________
[1] A megalopolis sometimes called a megapolis; also megaregion, city cluster or supercity is typically defined as a group of two or more roughly adjacent metropolitan areas, which may be somewhat separated or may merge into a continuous urban region. The megalopolis concept became highly influential as it introduced a new, larger scale in thinking about urban patterns and urban growth.
[2] Playing big names – someone who acts like they are the star of the show. Acting like he was a big shot.
[3] the one being put in the new was the star artist’s partner and not the star artist.
[4] This is still Lu Ze. I don’t know why author didn’t just directly use his name. I thought this was another character and not Lu Ze.
TN: If you like my translations support me in ko-fi: Here.
<Previous | Table of Content | Next>
