The conference area featured a large oval table, seating nearly a hundred distinguished figures from the literary world. The front few speakers were particularly eminent, considered grandmasters with renowned reputations.
For Quan Jiu, attending alongside such individuals and listening to their discussions was primarily an opportunity for learning. As she listened to the speeches, she quietly matched the speakers to the nameplates on the table. For those whose names she didn't recognize, she discreetly used her phone to search for them and their corresponding representative works.
Zhao Ziwen noticed this and whispered, "It's too much trouble to do it that way. If you want to meet someone, I'll introduce you later. I know what works they've published. I'm like a walking encyclopedia, might as well use me."
Quan Jiu was somewhat surprised. She had assumed Zhao Ziwen wasn't interested in these people, but it turned out he was well aware of them.
In fact, she felt she was getting to know Zhao Ziwen anew today. Previously, she had focused more on the entertainment industry and only knew him as a well-known director. She hadn't realized he also held significant prestige in the literary world, especially since he had published his own novel at the age of eighteen, which was truly admirable.
Having someone offer introductions was ideal, and Quan Jiu didn't refuse. She thanked him with a smile but continued her own efforts. Even with introductions, if she knew nothing about the person beforehand, they wouldn't form a good impression of her.
Seeing that she was still occupied, Zhao Ziwen didn't want to disturb her further and idly started playing a game.
The speeches and discussions lasted for nearly three hours. Quan Jiu not only gained insight into the direction of literary creation for the coming year but also memorized the names and representative works of everyone present.
The conference concluded precisely at noon, and everyone proceeded to the dining area for a self-service meal. The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to a tea reception for networking and discussion.
"...the one wearing the blue and white striped sweater..."
"Zuo Long, I was just thinking of meeting him. I'll trouble you for an introduction, Teacher Zhao." Quan Jiu smiled faintly.
Zhao Ziwen's heart skipped a beat. Although he had seen countless beautiful women, being smiled at by such an unparalleled beauty still made him a little dazed.
Zhao Ziwen cleared his throat to cover his reaction and led Quan Jiu to Zuo Long.
"Senior Zuo, long time no see. You're looking more energetic than ever. Your hair seems even thicker than last year?" Zhao Ziwen joked.
Zuo Long was clearly familiar with him and didn't mind. "You haven't improved in anything else, kid, except your mouth. It's getting more and more sarcastic."
His gaze fell on Quan Jiu, and he asked, "And who is this?"
Zhao Ziwen decided to build some suspense. "Have you seen 'Floating Life'?"
Zuo Long nodded in confusion. "I went with my grandson to see it. It's a good movie indeed, with a well-told story."
Zhao Ziwen then smiled and introduced, "This is the screenwriter of 'Floating Life', nine."
Zuo Long was astonished. "Nine? The 'God Nine' who caused a sensation across the internet as soon as she returned to the country? The last disciple of the Father of World Cinema?"
The scriptwriting goddess, spoken of so highly online, was actually this young girl?
Quan Jiu smiled modestly and handed him her business card. "Hello, Senior Zuo. Please just call me Quan Jiu. These are just empty titles, not worth mentioning."
Being the last disciple of the Father of Cinema was enough to grant her considerable standing. Zuo Long exchanged business cards and praised sincerely, "Your generation is truly full of talent. We old folks can rest easy now."
"You jest, Senior. In this field, you are the pioneers," Quan Jiu smiled, then added, "I had the fortune to read your 'Whispers of the Wind.' The rise and fall of a family, used to subtly hint at the changes of two eras, was incredibly insightful."
Zuo Long was even more surprised. "'Whispers of the Wind' is a bit niche. I recall only ten thousand copies were printed in total, but it's my favorite book, the one I poured the most effort into. You've actually read it? That book is older than you are."
Quan Jiu smiled. "Classics are always old works. Being older makes them worth savoring repeatedly..."
Watching Quan Jiu navigate the conversation with such ease, Zhao Ziwen was very impressed. As he listened, he finally understood Quan Jiu's intentions.
"Senior Zuo, have you ever considered bringing 'Whispers of the Wind' to the screen?"
Zuo Long paused slightly. "Bring it to the screen? You mean film adaptation?"
"Yes. I have an entertainment company called 'Chuxin Culture,' which primarily deals with artist management, film and television adaptations, and creative publishing. 'Whispers of the Wind' has dramatic conflict that is very suitable for adaptation into a screenplay. If you have such thoughts, perhaps we could discuss it in detail another day."
Zuo Long showed a mix of pleasant surprise and concern. "I would certainly be willing to bring the story in my mind to the screen, but nowadays, there are so many 'magic adaptations' that ruin original works, and I'm reluctant."
Quan Jiu nodded slowly. "I understand your concerns, Senior. In fact, I'm also dissatisfied with the current film and television environment. It's heartbreaking to see so many good IPs being drastically altered, wasting excellent scripts. If you don't trust me, I can adapt the screenplay first. If you are satisfied, then we can discuss the next steps."
"You'll adapt it?" Zuo Long asked.
"If you deem me worthy," Quan Jiu replied with a smile.
Zuo Long immediately nodded. "I don't know about other screenwriters, but someone who can write such a good script as 'Floating Life,' I certainly trust your ability. Alright, let's discuss it in detail another day."
Quan Jiu was secretly delighted and added, "My company is currently recruiting screenwriters and contract writers. If you know any relevant talent, I hope you can recommend them to me."
Zuo Long seemed a bit puzzled. "I understand having in-house screenwriters, but contract writers? Do you also have a publishing house?"
Quan Jiu explained, "Chuxin Culture is expanding into more business areas, and publishing is one of my ventures."
Zuo Long thought for a moment and smiled. "I actually do have someone I'd like to recommend to you."
He gave Quan Jiu a phone number and continued, "He's been rejected by publishers many times. I've read his novels, and they actually have publishing value. It's just that it's hard for new writers to get ahead now because they have small fan bases, and the publishing industry isn't what it used to be under the competition from online media. So, publishers prefer to maintain relationships with established authors."
Quan Jiu nodded in understanding, saved the number, chatted with Zuo Long for a few more minutes, and finally agreed on a time to discuss the novel adaptation in detail before ending their conversation.
After they left, Zhao Ziwen asked, "When did you expand into publishing and copyright business?"
"Just now," Quan Jiu replied with a chuckle, urging him, "Let's go, we don't have much time, and I still want to meet many more people."
Zhao Ziwen sighed, "Aren't you using me a bit too openly? What's in it for me?"
"That's why you shouldn't make promises lightly, because fulfilling them can be very troublesome," Quan Jiu said without hesitation, pushing Zhao Ziwen towards the next person to talk to.
...
The entire afternoon was perfectly utilized through Quan Jiu's adept networking. She secured eleven copyright cooperation opportunities, five writer recommendations, and exchanged over forty business cards, achieving a substantial harvest.
As it was nearing six o'clock and the summit was about to conclude, Quan Jiu took the opportunity to sit in the rest area and organize her business cards.
Zhao Ziwen slumped down beside her. "This is the most tiring Golden Pen Summit I've ever attended. I haven't even had a sip of water all afternoon."
Quan Jiu gave a perfunctory nod. "Got it, got it. You've worked hard. I'll treat you to a meal another day. Oh, and bring your new girlfriend along. I've borrowed you for the whole afternoon without asking, so I should show some apology."
Zhao Ziwen paused slightly before remembering Ling Mei. He knew Wei Lan had likely been busy all afternoon, but Ling Mei was a bit of a headache.
"You scared the beauty away, so you owe me a beauty," Zhao Ziwen whined.
Quan Jiu smiled faintly. "Don't you have a bunch of beauties? How dare you ask me for one."
Zhao Ziwen was momentarily speechless, having no retort.
"Ziwen, I've been looking for you all afternoon, and you're hanging out with this vixen."
A sharp, accusatory voice rang out in the rest area.