Blueprint

"Don't just drink tea; try some of the local specialties, too. Auntie Miao's cooking is every bit as good as the big restaurants out there." Unlike her rather persuasive manner just moments ago, Irene now spoke in a relaxed tone, like a warm and welcoming host.

Chen Shiyu watched Irene deftly pick the tiny bones out of the fish with her chopsticks before putting it in her mouth. He had only ever seen such delicate movements from his grandmother.

"I'm ashamed to say my chopstick skills aren't even a fraction as good as yours, Director Irene. I'm disgracing my ancestors." Chen Shiyu didn't even dare touch the steamed fish, sticking to the crispy roast suckling pig instead.

Seeing his clumsy movements, Irene didn't tease him. Instead, she reassured him like an elder. "It just takes practice."

After skillfully finishing the steamed fish, Irene set down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and returned to their earlier topic.

"Since you've agreed to join my business venture, Mr. Chen, there are some things I need to make clear in advance. I trust that, as a man of your word, you won't change your mind at the last minute." Irene's expression turned serious again.

"Please, go ahead, Director Irene." Chen Shiyu quickly put down his chopsticks as well, sat up straight, and looked at her candidly.

"How familiar are you with the internet?"

Chen Shiyu looked surprised. He thought for a moment before answering, "I know a little. The internet mainly connects through computers and telephone lines. You can send and receive emails, browse some portal sites for news, and visit chat rooms. I think it'll change how information is disseminated in the future." His answer showed the basic instincts of a media professional, but still reflected the common understanding of the time.

"You're right, but it'll change the world faster than anyone can imagine." Irene's voice held the confidence of someone with a precise grasp of the future.

"Before long, it'll become the 'fourth medium,' after newspapers, radio, and television. No, it'll even surpass all three and become an entirely new world—a virtual 'new continent.'"

Choosing his words carefully, Chen Shiyu asked, "You're very optimistic about the internet, Director Irene?"

"That's right. In the future, information won't just flow in one direction. It'll intertwine and interact like a web. Everyone will be both a recipient and a publisher, and this will give rise to tremendous influence and power over public opinion." Irene spoke with confidence, as if she could already see the way forward.

Chen Shiyu suddenly understood. "So you mean we need to establish our influence over public opinion in advance."

"Exactly. After you join, I don't want your first priority to be cheering me on in the traditional print media," Irene said, revealing her central aim. "Instead, I want you to secretly assemble a small, capable team and establish one or more film discussion websites or forums on the internet that appear to be independent."

"Subtle influence..." Chen Shiyu immediately grasped the point.

"It seems you already understand my plan, Mr. Chen." Irene was delighted by his sharp media instincts. It meant she could entrust everything to him with confidence.

She explained in detail, "When my films are released, your team will need to generate positive, entertaining, and compelling topics right away.

"Analyze the films' strengths, interpret the directors' intentions, and even 'uncover' behind-the-scenes stories about the cast and crew that people don't know. Get ordinary internet users curious and eager to discuss them.

"When negative reviews appear, you'll need to counter and defuse them with a much larger volume of more rational voices, rather than simply deleting posts. What we want is a 'word of mouth' that takes root in people's minds."

"This isn't just about boosting the box office of the film at hand." Irene looked out the window. "It's also about laying the groundwork for the future. Once our website has built up enough influence and credibility through high-quality content and active participation, it can evolve from a 'publicity tool' into a professional, trustworthy platform for film reviews and news.

"When that time comes, what we hold in our hands will be an invisible scepter powerful enough to influence the industry's standards of judgment and even, to some extent, shape the choices audiences make."

She turned her gaze back to Chen Shiyu. "This has to remain absolutely confidential, and it requires a deep understanding of the internet ecosystem and how to operate within it.

"I think you're the best person for the job. Combine your media experience at Bridge Journal with the rules of this 'new continent' and break ground on the first—and most crucial—base of public opinion for our shared venture."

Chen Shiyu felt his blood surge, along with the enormous pressure. He understood that Irene was giving him more than a job; it was a strategic mission filled with challenges and opportunities.

He took a deep breath, trying to clear his head.

"I understand. You can count on me. I'll find people who understand technology and the internet and have a sharp instinct for entertainment, then put together this special team as soon as possible."

Talking to smart people was so efficient. Irene nodded in satisfaction.

As the excitement and exhilaration faded, Chen Shiyu picked up his teacup and took a sip. The slightly bitter taste gradually brought him back to his calm, composed self.

"Director Irene," he said, his tone returning to its earlier steadiness, though now with a touch more familiarity, "your vision and the trust you've placed in me leave me no reason to refuse. It would be an honor to join your team. However, before I officially start working for you, I need to clarify a few practical matters. It's the responsible thing to do for both you and our future working relationship."

"Of course." Irene nodded approvingly. She appreciated how he could stay rational without getting carried away by excitement. "I imagine you're concerned about your compensation. There's no need to feel awkward about bringing it up. If you want a horse to run, you have to feed it, don't you?"

Chen Shiyu nodded, a little embarrassed, though he thought, This director sounds more Chinese than I do. She's full of idioms.

Irene took a concise letter of intent she had prepared from her handbag and slid it across to Chen Shiyu.

"The base salary is this amount." She pointed to the figure of $200,000, enough to immediately lift him out of his financial difficulties. "That'll ensure you can live comfortably. In addition, you'll receive bonuses based on the real benefits generated by the information and analysis you provide. Whether you help us avoid risks, secure partnerships, or successfully expand across the Pacific Ocean in the future, you'll receive an appropriate bonus. It'll probably be around 20 to 40 percent of your annual salary."

She paused, placing more emphasis on her next words. "Most importantly, I'll give you a symbolic but highly significant share in the company as a founding member.

"Not in any particular project, but in the parent company I plan to establish in the future to oversee all our operations. That means you won't be a senior employee. You'll be one of the early partners in this shared venture."

Chen Shiyu looked over the terms in the letter of intent, especially the word "equity," and was deeply shaken. This went far beyond a "job opportunity." It was a bond—and an extraordinary show of trust.

"I'll need to sign a strict nondisclosure agreement, right?" he asked.

"Without a doubt." Irene's gaze sharpened. "In our industry, information is power—and it's a bomb, too. Your work will bring you into contact with our most closely guarded secrets. Loyalty is the one and only prerequisite, and the most important one. Any betrayal will end your career. I'm sure you understand that." His work was extremely important; there couldn't be the slightest mistake.

Chen Shiyu took a deep breath, carefully folded the letter of intent, and put it in his inside pocket. "I understand. This trust means more than any salary. I'll prove through my actions that it's been well placed."

"Good." Irene smiled in satisfaction and raised her cup again. "Take a week to read through it carefully and consult your lawyer. If you have any questions, you can ask my assistant, Vera. You have her contact information. When you're ready, get in touch with me anytime."

"Thank you for understanding." Chen Shiyu raised his cup to hers.