Blueprint

"Don't just drink tea; try the local specialties. Auntie Miao's cooking here is every bit as good as what you'd find in the big restaurants." Unlike her rather persuasive attitude from moments ago, Irene's tone was now relaxed, as if she were a hospitable host.

Chen Shiyu watched as Irene skillfully used her chopsticks to pick the fine bones out of the fish before placing it into her mouth. He had only ever seen such refined movements from his grandmother.

"I'm ashamed to say that my chopstick technique isn't even a ten-thousandth as good as yours, Director Irene. I'm practically bringing shame upon my ancestors." Chen Shiyu didn't even dare to touch the steamed fish, opting only to go for the crispy suckling pig.

Seeing his clumsy movements, Irene didn't offer any sarcasm. Instead, she comforted him like an elder: "Practice makes perfect, that's all."

After finishing the steamed fish with practiced ease, Irene set down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and returned to the previous topic.

"Since Mr. Chen has already agreed to join my business venture, there are some things I need to make clear in advance. I trust that a gentleman's word is his bond and that you won't go back on your decision at the last minute." Irene's gaze turned serious once again.

"Please go ahead, Director Irene." Chen Shiyu hurriedly set down his chopsticks, sat up straight, and looked at Irene with a candid expression.

"I wonder how familiar you are with the internet?"

Chen Shiyu looked surprised. He pondered for a moment before answering: "I know a little. The internet mainly connects via computers and telephone lines. You can send and receive emails, browse some portals for news, and there are also chat rooms. I believe it will change the way information is disseminated in the future." His answer aligned with the basic instincts of a media professional, though it had yet to break free from the common perceptions of the current era.

"You're not wrong, but the speed at which it will change the world will be faster than anyone can imagine." There was a confidence in Irene's voice that suggested a precise grasp of the future.

"Before long, it will become the 'fourth medium' after newspapers, radio, and television. No, it will even surpass those three to become an entirely new world—a virtual 'New Continent'."

Chen Shiyu asked with cautious phrasing: "Director Irene, you are very optimistic about the internet?"

"That's right. In the future, information will no longer be a one-way street; it will be like a web, intertwined and interactive. Everyone will be both a recipient and a publisher, and this is where immense influence and the power of discourse will be born." Irene looked confident, as if she had already seen the direction of the future.

Chen Shiyu suddenly had a realization: "So you mean we need to establish our influence in advance."

"Exactly. After you join, your primary task won't be to wave flags for me in the traditional print media," Irene said, revealing her core intention. "Instead, it will be to secretly assemble a lean, elite team to establish one or more seemingly independent film discussion websites or forums on the internet."

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

"It seems Mr. Chen has already understood my plan." Irene was very pleased with his media acuity; it meant she could safely entrust all of this to him.

She explained in detail: "When my films are released, your team must be able to generate positive, interesting, and engaging topics immediately.

Analyze the highlights of the film, interpret the director's intentions, and even 'dig up' unknown behind-the-scenes stories about the cast and crew to stimulate the curiosity and desire for discussion among ordinary netizens.

When negative reviews appear, you must have the ability to use a larger, more rational volume of voices to hedge and resolve them, rather than simply deleting posts. What we want is a 'reputation' that goes deep into people's hearts."

"This isn't just about increasing the box office for this one film," Irene said, her gaze drifting out the window. "This is about laying the groundwork for the future. When our website accumulates enough influence and credibility through high-quality content and active engagement, it will evolve from a 'promotional tool' into a professional, authoritative film review and information platform.

By then, what we will hold in our hands is an invisible scepter capable of influencing the industry's evaluation system and, to a certain extent, swaying the choices of the audience."

She withdrew her gaze and stared at Chen Shiyu once more: "This matter requires absolute confidentiality, as well as a deep understanding of the internet ecosystem and the ability to operate within it.

I believe you are the most suitable candidate. Use your media experience from Bridge Journal, combined with the rules of this 'New Continent,' to cultivate this first and crucial stronghold of public opinion for our shared cause."

Chen Shiyu felt a surge of adrenaline, accompanied by immense pressure. He understood that Irene wasn't just giving him a job, but a strategic mission filled with both challenges and opportunities.

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

"I understand. Please rest assured, I will find people who understand technology, the internet, and have a sharp sense for entertainment as soon as possible to assemble this special team."

Speaking with a smart person was efficient; Irene nodded with satisfaction.

As the excitement faded, Chen Shiyu picked up his teacup and took a sip. The slight bitterness helped him gradually return to a state of calm and composure.

"Director Irene," his tone returned to its previous steadiness, but with a touch more intimacy. "Your blueprint and your trust leave me with no reason to refuse. It is my honor to join your team. However, before I officially work for you, there are some practical matters I need to confirm. This is also for the sake of being responsible for our future working relationship."

"Of course," Irene nodded in appreciation. She liked this kind of rationality that didn't lose its sense of proportion due to excitement. "I assume you are concerned about your compensation. There's nothing wrong with bringing that up; if you want the horse to run, you have to feed it, right?"

Chen Shiyu nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed, while thinking to himself: This director sounds more Chinese than I do, with all these idioms.

Irene took a prepared, concise letter of intent from her handbag and pushed it toward Chen Shiyu.

"The base portion of your annual salary is this figure." She pointed to a number—200,000 dollars—that would allow him to immediately escape his financial distress. "This ensures your life is worry-free. In addition, based on the actual project benefits brought about by the intelligence and analysis you provide—whether it helps us avoid risks, facilitates cooperation, or succeeds in expanding across the Pacific—you will receive corresponding bonuses, roughly 20%-40% of your annual salary."

She paused, emphasizing her tone: "Most importantly, I will give you a symbolic but highly significant 'founder's equity.'

Not in a specific project, but in the parent company I plan to establish in the future to oversee all operations. This means you are not just a senior employee, but one of the early partners in our shared cause."

Chen Shiyu looked at the terms in the letter, especially the word "equity," and felt shocked. This went far beyond the scope of a "job opportunity"; it was a binding commitment and an ultimate form of trust.

"I need to sign a strict non-disclosure agreement, right?" he asked.

"Without a doubt." Irene's eyes sharpened. "In our industry, information is power, and it is also a bomb. Your work will touch upon the most core secrets. Loyalty is the only and most important prerequisite. The price of any betrayal will be the end of your career; I believe you understand this." His work was extremely important and could not have a single flaw.

Chen Shiyu took a deep breath, carefully folded the letter of intent, and placed it in his inner pocket. "I understand. This trust is heavier than any salary. I will use my actions to prove that it is worth more than its weight."

"Very good," Irene smiled with satisfaction and raised her glass again. "You have one week to read it carefully and consult your lawyer. If you have any questions, you can ask my assistant, Vera; you have her contact information. Contact me whenever you are ready."

"Thank you for your consideration." Chen Shiyu raised his glass in response.