Chapter 19

Zhang Guorong (September 12, 1956 – April 1, 2003) was born in Hong Kong, China. He was a renowned singer, actor, and musician with significant influence in the Chinese-speaking world and the Asian region, a superstar in the Greater China music and film industries, and one of the most successful figures in the entertainment industry. Zhang Guorong was one of the hall-of-fame singers in Hong Kong's music scene and had received the highest honor, the Golden Needle Award, in the Hong Kong music industry.

He was also the first Chinese singer to gain recognition in the Korean music industry and holds the record for the highest sales of Chinese-language albums in Korea. In 1991, he won the Best Actor Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards; in 1993, his lead role in "Farewell My Concubine" broke the box office record for Chinese art films in the United States. This film also brought him international acclaim, earning him the Best Actor Award at the Japanese Film Critics' Awards and the Special Contribution Award from the Chinese Film Performance Art Association.

Wen Jingyou stopped reading and put down the mouse. Lee Soo-young had told him to look up Zhang Guorong's information online, but seeing the long passage about his life, Wen Jingyou shook his head in frustration and stood up, sitting back in front of Lee Soo-young. "What can I think? I don't know anything about him. Can I really get a deep understanding of a so-called star who just passed away yesterday just by reading these words?"

"How do this father and daughter both like to play with people, doing whatever comes to mind." Wen Jingyou complained inwardly and looked at Lee Soo-young. "President, please share your thoughts. I can see that you have a deep affection for this star. Since he just passed away, it would be fitting for you to tell me about his life, as a way to remember him."

Lee Soo-young was taken aback, nodded slightly, and poured two glasses of water before speaking. Wen Jingyou, who had caught on, didn't just sit there; he got up to meet him. Lee Soo-young smiled but didn't say anything. After sitting down, the water in his hand warmed his stomach, and he took a deep breath before speaking slowly.

"Why did I choose him and not others? Why did I ask you to follow his path? This goes back a long way. The entertainment industry of the Republic of Korea is renowned in Asia, but when it comes to true superstars, only the neighboring country has them. Even Japan, known as the world's second-largest music market, lacks stars who can captivate the entire Asian region."

Wen Jingyou looked puzzled. "President, I'm not very familiar with foreign countries. But in Korea, I have done some research. Many Korean stars are very influential and popular in Japan and China. You said that only the neighboring country produces stars that are renowned in Asia, isn't that a bit... Of course, I don't know as much as you do, but I'm just confused."

Lee Soo-young waved his hand and smiled. "It's normal to think that way. The Korean Wave has indeed taken shape. Starting with HOT and NRG, the music industry has influenced Asian music and fashion trends. Whether it's clothing, dance, hairstyles, or models, they have all become established. And the film and television industry has always been the backbone of the Korean entertainment industry. The success of 'My Sassy Girl' even had a feminist impact that spread internationally. This is a sign of the thriving Korean entertainment industry."

After taking a sip of water, Lee Soo-young paused and slowly put on a serious face. "But, Jingyou, what about before? You were young, so you probably don't know the entertainment industry of the past."

Wen Jingyou shook his head and looked at Lee Soo-young, just as Lee Soon-gyu had looked at him when recalling his own past.

Lee Soo-young began, "In the past, the cultural protection policies of the Republic of Korea were not as strict as they are today. The impact was not only on Korea but also on Japan, which was fascinated by Hong Kong films. In those glorious days, the production volume and variety of Hong Kong films were dazzling. Many stars were born."

Wen Jingyou frowned. "President, are you saying he was one of them?"

Lee Soo-young came back to his senses, about to speak, but then shook his head and smiled. "Yes, but that's not what I want to say."

Wen Jingyou smiled lightly. "I don't think that's what you want to say either. Korea always does this—whenever something doesn't develop as well as elsewhere, it quickly protects it, preventing outside influence, and then waits to develop and even surpass others, before exporting it. Your nostalgic and admiring attitude is not typical of a Korean citizen."

Lee Soo-young was taken aback and pointed at him, laughing and crying at the same time. "How can a young person have such a strong sense of nationality?"

Wen Jingyou smiled. "I don't. I've been to the United States and China, and because I speak the language fluently, I get along well with the locals. National boundaries will never confine people to a single character. Living a good life is what matters most."

Lee Soo-young looked at him with a strange expression and shook his head after a while. "You, you've become too mature. How can someone your age understand such profound truths?"

Wen Jingyou frowned in confusion. "Is it that hard? Do you need social experience to understand it?" After a pause, Wen Jingyou smiled lightly. "Maybe it's because my home is a small world. Living there, except for not knowing how to express myself or communicate, I've experienced everything else." Although Wen Jingyou was smiling, his mood was low.

Lee Soo-young patted his shoulder and changed the subject. "You're right. I have been influenced by Hong Kong's entertainment culture, but as a Korean citizen, revitalizing and developing our own industry is the right path. We should look forward, and the past is just for reminiscence. And now, at least in Asia, many Korean stars have influence that is not inferior to those from the neighboring country."

Looking at Wen Jingyou, Lee Soo-young's expression turned serious. "But do you know why I want you to pay attention to him?"

Wen Jingyou frowned, thought for a moment, and then spoke. "It's because... he has influence in both the music and film industries."

Lee Soo-young clapped his hands. "Exactly. You're smart. That's exactly why." Lee Soo-young stood up and paced, looking excited.

After a while, he sat down again and leaned forward to look at Wen Jingyou. "I'm fifty-three years old, fifty-four by Korean counting. I've been in the industry for over thirty years. But at least in Asia, among all the artists I know who have influence in both the music and film industries, he is the only one. I'm not talking about singers who dabble in acting or actors who release albums. The only one who has achieved great success in both fields is him."

Wen Jingyou pursed his lips and nodded slightly. "If that's true, as you say, he is indeed an extraordinary person."

Lee Soo-young smiled and was about to speak, but looking at the date on the clock, his smile slowly faded. "In my heart, a true star should be like that. His life was a legend, even his passing. The Republic of Korea has many so-called superstars, and their fans are spread across Asia. Unfortunately, the essence of stardom is too superficial, and the inner charm is lacking."

Wen Jingyou looked strange, opened his mouth to speak, but after a while, he shook his head and didn't say anything.

Lee Soo-young, despite being lost in thought, had the skill to read people after decades in society. "Is there something you want to say?"

Wen Jingyou cleared his throat and took a sip of water. "No."

Lee Soo-young laughed. "Being mature and understanding human relations doesn't mean being insincere. You should express yourself when it's appropriate. If you hold back too much, I'll feel that the change in you is not worth it."

Wen Jingyou thought for a moment and looked up at Lee Soo-young. "Your daughter always says I have a sharp tongue, but since you asked me to speak, I'll be frank. Don't blame me."

Lee Soo-young raised the corners of his mouth and crossed his arms, looking at him.

Wen Jingyou put down his cup and said calmly, "Your vision and ambition, as a trainee, I admire and respect. But it doesn't seem like something a CEO of an entertainment company or its subsidiary should have. Such grand aspirations... should be considered by the Minister of Culture and Tourism."

Lee Soo-young was taken aback, opened his mouth wide, and looked at Wen Jingyou, who was smiling. He pointed at him, unable to speak for a while. His face turned red and blue, and his raised hand was dodged by Wen Jingyou, who laughed and jumped away. In the end, Lee Soo-young, laughing and crying, pointed at Wen Jingyou and could only say a word that even a three-year-old in Korea would understand... Ah, shit!

Wen Jingyou's lips twitched, looking at Lee Soo-young. "That's not right. You asked me to speak, and now you're cursing at a minor?!"

Lee Soo-young glared at him angrily. "Is what you said something a child would say? Wen Jingyou, don't forget I'm your CEO!"

Wen Jingyou shrugged, looking at Lee Soo-young with a nonchalant expression. Lee Soo-young, with his small eyes wide open, stared at Wen Jingyou. After a while, they both burst out laughing.