Chapter 39

Wei Sheng never expected that his first “representative work” after entering the industry wouldn’t be a movie or TV drama, nor the variety show he was currently filming, but rather a special documentary on “rural revitalization” that Director Wang put together using leftover footage from the previous episode!

Even the well-experienced Zhou Mingxing was at a loss for words. He had been planning to carefully select a good script for Wei Sheng, but who would have thought this kid would be so impressive—achieving peak success right from his debut!

He skipped over all the industry capital and went straight to the big leagues—CCTV!

Here’s how it happened—

The political affairs department of J Province TV was highly interested in Wei Sheng and his team’s poverty alleviation efforts in Houzhai Village. As it happened, Wang Qun still had some unused footage. When the two sides discussed it, everything just clicked into place.

Wang Qun wanted to use the authority of political news to add credibility to the variety show.

Meanwhile, the political affairs department, inspired by the concept of “variety show-driven poverty alleviation,” wanted to explore how rural revitalization could be integrated into the new media era.

The two sides hit it off immediately. The footage was already available, and since news documentaries undergo relatively fast approval processes, the special documentary aired on the provincial channel just a few days after the main episode of the variety show, right around the time Wei Sheng had officially signed with Zhou Mingxing.

It’s not uncommon for a popular variety show to boost a region’s tourism economy. However, what Wei Sheng and his team did—making rural revitalization the main theme of their variety show—was likely the first of its kind in the entire country.

And they weren’t just helping locals sell unsold agricultural products. They tackled the root problems: difficulties in entrepreneurship, employment challenges, and low income.

Under the assistance of the variety show’s guests, the once remote and impoverished mountain village underwent remarkable changes. Narrow village roads were widened, streetlights were installed, a visitor center was built, and various bamboo processing factories, pickle factories, and wild vegetable processing plants were set up.

With more industries emerging in the village, young people who had left for work in the cities began returning home. They found jobs they liked in their hometowns, elderly parents no longer lived alone, and smiles once again lit up the faces of women and children who had been left behind.

The once desolate “empty nest village” transformed into a bustling, family-friendly tourist hotspot. It wasn’t just the director of the political affairs department who was moved—even Wang Qun, who had been involved from the start, couldn’t help but rub his teary eyes.

What no one expected was that after the documentary aired, city and provincial leaders quickly took notice and issued directives urging local governments to study and learn from the “Houzhai Model.” They encouraged integrating rural revitalization efforts with the evolving new media landscape, fostering innovation, and exploring more era-specific models inspired by Houzhai.

Houzhai Village was now famous!

Just like the early pioneers of the household responsibility system back in the day.

First, various provincial government departments organized visits to Houzhai Village for on-site learning.

Soon, more reports on the “Houzhai Model” emerged.

Then, the provincial propaganda department made a major decision: they instructed J Province TV to re-edit and expand the existing footage into a full-length documentary on “New Era Rural Revitalization.”

After undergoing multiple rounds of review and approval, this special documentary was submitted by the provincial propaganda department to the national TV station!

Honestly, when Wei Sheng saw his own face on CCTV’s main channel, he felt like he was dreaming—completely surreal.

Good heavens! He had actually appeared on CCTV’s news channel! And the host even praised him as a “model of rural revitalization in the new era”!

If this were ancient times, wouldn’t this be considered a feat worthy of bringing honor to his ancestors?

Like, the kind of achievement that would earn him an entire page in the family genealogy, and during ancestral worship, his name plaque would be placed in the most honored position?

Watching her son’s face appear on the prestigious CCTV channel, Hu Qianqian was so shocked that she forgot to pet her cat.

Grandfather Hu Yuanzheng had slapped his own thigh so hard it was turning blue.

“Aiya! If I had known our Wei Sheng would be this successful, I would have insisted on changing his surname when you divorced Wei Zhiyong! If he were named Hu Sheng, imagine how proud our Hu family would be right now!”

Grandmother Ge Jun, as always, was the most practical one: “It doesn’t matter what the child’s surname is, he’s still our family, isn’t he? Hurry up and go to the shop—get more peanuts, sunflower seeds, and celebratory candies. And don’t forget extra cigarettes and alcohol. I bet by tomorrow, our relatives and neighbors in the community will all be coming over to congratulate us.”

After all, this was CCTV—THE national television station!

And not just a fleeting background shot!

Her grandson Wei Sheng’s face had been on screen for a full ten minutes!

Hu Yuanzheng, delighted, jumped up from the sofa and personally drove to their supermarket to stock up.

Ge Jun, not caring if it was late at night, immediately called an old friend who ran a housekeeping service: “Send two efficient cleaners over first thing in the morning to tidy up the house from top to bottom!”

The Hu family had always been well-liked in their neighborhood.

Hu Yuanzheng was generous and outgoing, while Ge Jun was warm and considerate. Their supermarket had been around for years, and every year, they would donate slightly damaged but still usable goods to struggling families in the community.

If anyone in the neighborhood was in trouble, they would always lend a hand whenever possible.

So when news spread that Hu Yuanzheng’s grandson had appeared on CCTV and was even praised by the national news anchor, neighbors from all around came over to celebrate.

This was an even bigger honor than getting into a top university!

Even the property management office displayed a congratulatory message on the community’s electronic billboard.

The neighbors who came to celebrate had nearly filled up the Hu family’s three-story villa. What left Wei Sheng both amused and helpless was that almost every neighbor who arrived insisted on taking a photo with him first before recounting embarrassing stories from his childhood.

Come on, grandpas and grandmas, it’s a joyous occasion—there’s no need to dig up my dark childhood history!

At this moment, Wei Sheng, who had made it onto the national TV channel, unknowingly developed a bit of an idol complex.

Debuting and immediately landing on national TV, even getting a direct commendation from the news channel for his positive contributions to rural aid—this starting point was nothing short of legendary.

Wait… since when did that old fox Zhou Mingxing have such insane connections with the national broadcaster?

The young idols and rising stars in the entertainment industry were green with envy.

Previously, Zhou Mingxing had to prepare PPTs just to submit Wei Sheng’s resume to various production crews.

Now? He didn’t even need to send out resumes—several realistic, rural-themed mainstream scripts had already come knocking on his door.

Even Shen Yi, who was busy filming, called Zhou Mingxing.

“Brother Zhou, our production is missing a role, and I think Xiao Wei fits both the age and character setting. How about letting him audition?”

As expected of his senior sister—she always looked out for her own people!

Zhou Mingxing’s heart skipped a beat. “That’s a major production over there. Are you sure Director Li would even consider Xiao Wei?”

“I’m not saying Xiao Wei isn’t good, but the kid isn’t professionally trained and hasn’t undergone any formal acting lessons. I was just looking for a coach for him…”

Shen Yi chuckled. “Not formally trained, no acting experience—doesn’t that make him exactly the type Director Li loves?”

The mainstream rural revitalization drama, Mountain Pact, was directed by Li Lei, who had a particular quirk—he didn’t care about an actor’s background or experience. In fact, he especially favored talented newcomers who had never received professional training.

Li Lei was a master of realistic storytelling and had a knack for training rookies. Many entertainment agencies, even at the cost of giving up salaries, desperately tried to place their fresh faces into his productions for the experience.

If Wei Sheng could be personally guided by Li Lei… Zhou Mingxing realized he might not even need to spend money on acting classes anymore.

What acting school could compare to Li Lei’s hands-on training?

“Alright! I’ll send Wei Sheng’s profile over right away. Help me recommend him to Director Li and let him know we’re ready for an audition anytime!”

If Wei Sheng’s first drama after debuting was a production by a renowned director like Li Lei, that would be a true high-profile entry into the industry!

Forget the newcomers who had already made a name for themselves—many of them hadn’t even touched one of Director Li’s scripts yet.

Shen Yi was quick to act. That very evening, she called Zhou Mingxing back.

“I showed Director Li the national TV documentary about Xiao Wei’s rural aid work in Houzhai Village. He’s very impressed and wants him to come for an audition right away.”

Zhou Mingxing: “…”

So, the carefully crafted PPT I prepared was completely ignored, huh?

All that effort, wasted on blind eyes!

Fine. Next time I recommend Wei Sheng to a production, I won’t bother with a PPT—just send them the national TV documentary link instead!

Meanwhile, at the Hu Family

Wei Sheng was on the verge of being sick from all the celebratory feasts.

His grandmother had been right—after seeing him on national TV, distant relatives called in their congratulations, while those living nearby came in person, bearing gifts.

Since guests had arrived, they couldn’t be sent home on empty stomachs.

Hu Yuanzheng made a decisive move—setting up a rural banquet tent in their yard and hiring a professional chef to host a grand feast for three consecutive days!

Wei Sheng loved attending banquets at other people’s houses, but having to sit through his own was an entirely different experience.

Dragged around by his grandfather, he had to make rounds at every table, offering toasts and handing out cigarettes. Relatives continuously pulled him aside to ask about his experience in Houzhai Village, until his face hurt from smiling so much.

Thankfully! On the second night, he received a call from Zhou Mingxing saying he was taking him for an audition.

Forget Director Li or Director Wang—any business trip was a good business trip!

Wei Sheng eagerly packed his bags and, using the excuse of catching a late-night flight, escaped to a hotel near the airport.

There was no other way—during the day, he belonged to his grandfather, helping entertain relatives at the feast.

At night, he was claimed by his grandmother, accompanying her to square dancing. Surrounded by a crowd of elderly ladies, not only did he have to answer more questions about Houzhai Village, but they also kept trying to introduce him to potential girlfriends…

Terrified, he grabbed his suitcase and fled overnight!

Studying for the Audition

Once he got to the hotel, Wei Sheng pulled out his phone and started researching Director Li Lei’s works.

Truth be told, he was feeling a bit nervous. He had never acted in front of a camera before. Although he had been on a hit reality show, Back to Hometown with My Bros, the problem was—it had no script!

Director Wang Qun had completely let go of control, allowing the guests to improvise freely. Since the four participants were all coworkers and familiar with each other, there were hardly any moments that required actual acting. Wei Sheng had basically just been himself the entire time.

Acting skills? He had none.

Thinking about how he might embarrass himself on set and face a social death, Wei Sheng sped up his research.

The next morning, when he met up with Zhou Mingxing at the airport, his dark circles were evident.

Zhou Mingxing, however, didn’t scold him—he nodded approvingly instead.

For a rural revitalization drama, the protagonist didn’t need to be overly polished or glamorous. A little bit of roughness made it more authentic.

And staying up late to study the director’s past works at least shows that the newcomer is hardworking and eager to learn, right?

Mountain Pact is a drama based on true events. It tells the touching story of Huang Xiujuan, a poverty alleviation official who, after graduating from graduate school, gave up job opportunities in a big city to return to her hometown, Huangjiabao. There, she led the villagers in the fight against poverty and toward shared prosperity.

The young official ultimately gave her life on the road to poverty alleviation.

But her mission did not end. The younger generation picked up where Huang Xiujuan left off, and with the collective efforts of the villagers, they fulfilled the dreams she could not complete in her lifetime…

The role Wei Sheng was auditioning for was that of Yang Fan, the young college graduate who takes over as the new resident village official after Huang Xiujuan’s passing.

“Don’t be nervous. I’ve read the script—Yang Fan’s character is quite similar to the way you were when you were in Houzhai Village. You can just be yourself.” Zhou Mingxing smiled.

Hearing him mention the script, Wei Sheng frowned.

After watching some of Director Li’s famous works last night, he had also gone through the script that Shen Yi sent him. However, something about the way the screenwriter portrayed Yang Fan’s personality and decisions, especially some of his actions later in the story, felt off to him.

“What’s wrong? Not feeling confident about the role?” Zhou Mingxing asked when he saw Wei Sheng looking troubled.

“It’s not that I lack confidence—it’s just that something about how Yang Fan is written feels a bit off,” Wei Sheng explained.

He then shared his thoughts with Zhou Mingxing.

According to the script, after Huang Xiujuan’s passing, Yang Fan, who was working at the county committee and liaising with her, voluntarily applied to be stationed in the village to take over her role as the new resident official in Huangjiabao.

Determined to fulfill Huang Xiujuan’s unaccomplished dreams, Yang Fan ignored his girlfriend’s objections and his hospitalized mother’s condition, resolutely packing his bags and heading to the countryside.

While this depiction was certainly moving, putting oneself in the shoes of Yang Fan’s girlfriend or mother, was having such an irresponsible boyfriend or son really supposed to be a blessing?

“I just feel like we shouldn’t be over-glorifying this kind of ‘sacrifice your small family for the greater good’ mindset,” Wei Sheng scratched his head. “Honestly, if someone really had the heart for it, why couldn’t they have both?”

“Uncle Zhou, look—Yang Fan’s mother doesn’t have an incurable disease. She’s a retired teacher with a decent pension. Why does he have to leave her alone in the county?”

“If I were Yang Fan, I’d first hire a caregiver for my mom in the hospital. Once she’s doing better, I’d rent a comfortable house in the countryside and have her move in with me.”

“The rural environment is nice, with fresh air and natural food. Plus, with her son nearby, I think Yang’s mother’s mood would gradually improve.”

“With a retired teacher’s monthly pension of seven or eight thousand yuan, she wouldn’t even be able to spend it all in the countryside. She could live very well there.”

“And about Yang Fan’s girlfriend—putting aside all the talk of serving the country, imagine being a girl whose boyfriend abandons their relationship without a second thought just to fulfill another woman’s dream. Any normal girl would have doubts about that, right?”

“From what I read, the script says Yang Fan’s girlfriend is also a university student. So why doesn’t he try convincing her to go with him?”

“Huang Xiujuan already laid the groundwork for the village’s poverty alleviation and prosperity. Yang Fan is essentially stepping into a well-established role. The early stages of his work wouldn’t be that difficult. Besides, as the village’s industries grow, they’ll need more young professionals with higher education.”

“Finding a job as a university graduate these days is tough. I refuse to believe that if Yang Fan laid out the village’s job opportunities and salary benefits clearly, and then sincerely talked things through with his girlfriend, she wouldn’t at least reconsider her stance on moving to the countryside.”

“And even if she ultimately refused to go, at least Yang Fan would have tried. There’d be no regrets in the relationship, right?”

Wei Sheng carefully explained his thoughts about the script.

When he looked up, he noticed that at some point, Zhou Mingxing had pulled out his phone and started recording.

“Uncle Zhou, what are you doing?”

“Oh, I’m planning to send this to your senior sister.”

(End of Chapter)