During Simon Westeros' recent trip to China, he arranged an exchange program for students from the Central Academy of Drama and the Beijing Film Academy. This initiative was partly motivated by a desire to support the Chinese film industry and partly by the selfish goal of cultivating local talent for the Jin Shu system.
On a deeper level, it was also about influencing the direction of Chinese cinema.
When discussing Chinese cinema in the 1990s, those familiar with the field often think of one term: the Sixth Generation.
Officially defined, the Sixth Generation of filmmakers grew up during a turbulent period of rapid transformation in Chinese society, encompassing politics, economy, and culture. Their works are characterized by "rebellion and reflection," often focusing on realistic themes and exploring the confusion and disorientation of various social classes during China's historical transition.
This description isn't wrong.
However, in Simon's personal view, the reason the Sixth Generation filmmakers turned out this way was largely due to the influence of capital.
During the same period, as China gradually opened up, countries around the world inevitably wanted to learn more about this nation in every aspect. Film became an important window for showcasing China. With demand came capital, which led to most Sixth Generation directors—and many from the Fifth Generation—relying heavily on foreign funding for their films.
This brings up another issue, one that has drawn criticism for both the Sixth and Fifth Generation directors.
Why did these directors always focus on showcasing the backwardness and darkness of China, rather than depicting the country's overall rapid development and prosperity?
Again, it comes down to capital.
It's not that foreigners particularly enjoyed these themes, but rather that such topics were more likely to win awards at international film festivals. For niche Chinese films, winning awards at these festivals was the only way to attract Western media attention, draw audiences to theaters, and ultimately generate profits.
A Chinese film with a budget of just tens of thousands or even a few hundred thousand dollars could, with luck, earn millions of dollars by circulating through Western markets.
It was highly profitable.
This was the root cause.
Without the drive for profit, Western film capital would have no reason to intentionally fund films that "smear" China. Controlling public opinion is the government's job, not the responsibility of capital.
So, the question arises: how do you win awards?
Western film festivals, particularly European ones, tend to favor artistic, "rebellious, and reflective" works. This isn't targeted at any specific country; the backwardness and darkness of nations worldwide are all represented. Thus, the demands of these festivals aligned perfectly with the characteristics of the Sixth Generation.
The strongest evidence supporting this argument lies in the development of Chinese cinema a decade later on the original timeline.
The turning point was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2000.
The massive overseas success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon shifted capital's focus. In the following years, a series of Chinese blockbusters aimed at the international market emerged, including Hero, The Promise, and The Banquet. Most of these films had significant involvement from Western film capital.
At the same time, during this period, the market for art films shrank dramatically due to the global dominance of Hollywood blockbusters, which changed audience preferences. As a result, China's Sixth Generation filmmakers declined, with only a few managing to sustain their careers.
If the participants of this exchange program succeed, they could be considered part of China's Sixth Generation.
Simon's goal is to use the capital influence of Daenerys Entertainment and the Westeros system to create a Sixth Generation that aligns more with his own vision.
In the study of the Southampton estate, Simon carefully reviewed the detailed profiles of all 30 participants. These weren't the typical polished resumes but rather candid assessments of each individual's abilities and backgrounds, personally compiled by Qing Chen.
Of the 30, half were selected as favors, and the other half for their talent.
Simon skimmed through the "favors" section. Maintaining these connections would be Qing Chen and Jin Shu's responsibility. Daenerys Entertainment would ensure these individuals had a comfortable experience to enhance their credentials. Of course, if any of them showed ambition, Simon would be pleased.
The remaining 15 were the focus, and among them, two had been personally selected by Simon.
Both were from the Beijing Film Academy's directing department, and naturally, they were individuals Simon was quite familiar with from his past life.
The first was a Mongolian director with the surname Wu, currently a junior at the Beijing Film Academy, nicknamed "523."
523 was one of China's most successful commercial film directors. After graduating from the Beijing Film Academy in the 1990s, he directed his first film, The Sword Identity, in 2010. He then rose to prominence with films like Painted Skin 2 and Mojin: The Lost Legend. Though his output was limited, each film was a box office hit, delivering substantial profits to investors—a rare feat.
Additionally, 523's films were known for their exceptional visual artistry. Having studied fine arts, many scenes in his films could be framed as wallpapers.
While reviewing 523's profile, Simon noticed several similarities between him and Zack Snyder, who was still under the radar in Hollywood at this time. Both were formally trained, had strong backgrounds in visual arts, spent years directing commercials and music videos before breaking into film, and achieved success later in their careers. Both also made a splash with their low-budget debut films.
It was 1997, and Zack Snyder, already in his early thirties, was still unknown. Remembering this, Simon jotted down a note in his memo.
He could look for Snyder later as another potential director for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Compared to 523, whose career progressed steadily, Snyder's later Hollywood journey was fraught with ups and downs. However, his talent was undeniable—the key was to use it effectively.
The second person Simon personally selected had just completed his senior year at the Beijing Film Academy. His surname was Xu, and like 523, he was a late bloomer. After graduating in 1997, he didn't direct his first film, The Sword Identity, until 2011, which immediately established his reputation. He followed up with works like The Master and The Final Master.
Xu wasn't a commercial film director, but Simon chose him for his unique style.
In the century-long history of cinema, few filmmakers have had such a distinct visual and narrative style that audiences could immediately identify their work. Xu was one of them. Despite controversies, criticisms, and the occasional indulgence in audience-pleasing but media-criticized quirks, Xu had carved out a unique cinematic voice.
What he lacked to be considered a master was refinement and depth.
From the raw The Sword Identity to the polished The Master, Xu had steadily honed his craft.
Based on their potential, Simon had specific plans for both.
523 would be sent to Australia to work as a director's assistant to Peter Jackson, who was preparing The Lord of the Rings series. This would familiarize him with the intricacies of Hollywood's film industry and train him to become a blockbuster director.
Xu, on the other hand, would be sent to Ang Lee. With Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon about to be released, Lee was already preparing his next project, The Ice Storm, which Simon had previously put on hold. Lee excelled at capturing human emotions, an area where Xu had room for improvement. Additionally, Simon hoped Xu would absorb some of Lee's stylistic influences. With the kung fu craze still going strong, Xu's unique approach to Chinese martial arts could potentially make waves in Hollywood.
As for the others, they were also given valuable practical opportunities. How much they learned would depend on their own efforts.
Simon wouldn't neglect them either. After all, they were being groomed as core talents for Jin Shu, and they were already the best of the best. While Wu and Xu had the advantage of Simon's prior knowledge, the others, without such advantages, might still achieve comparable success.
After handling this matter, Simon continued with other tasks. Before long, Aide A entered to remind him that Irene Lauder in Manhattan was feeling unwell and wanted to see him.
Unlike the other women, Irene had been the most demanding during her pregnancy. As a大小姐 (young lady) experiencing motherhood for the first time—and without the security of a formal relationship—it was understandable. Her doctor had privately informed Simon's assistant that Irene was showing signs of prenatal depression, so Simon had been accommodating. He even considered that if things didn't work out, they could separate, but the child would definitely remain with him.
Checking the time, it was already past 11 a.m. Taking a helicopter back to Manhattan would allow him to have lunch with Irene, so he went to bid farewell to Grace.
Grace had no objections, but Blythe couldn't resist making snide remarks.
Simon didn't hold back this time. He pinned Blythe to the bed and gave her a few firm spankings, not holding back, which brought tears to her eyes. Then he left without another word.
---
Manhattan.
After returning to the U.S., Qing Chen immediately plunged into her endless workload. With little free time, she let Princess Xu, who had accompanied her, explore on her own.
It was paradise.
As expected, Princess Xu was no exception.
Princess Xu had seen some of the world before. She came from a prominent family and had been sent to Singapore for a cultural exchange program shortly after graduating from the Beijing Film Academy in 1992.
However, that experience paled in comparison to this one.
From what she had seen and experienced in China to arriving in the U.S. on a private jet, living in a luxurious townhouse on Manhattan's Upper West Side, being chauffeured around, and being handed a credit card that she cautiously—yet irresistibly—maxed out to over $10,000 in just three days, only for Qing Chen to treat it as if it were pocket change.
This was the life Princess Xu had always dreamed of.
This continued until Saturday, July 19th.
That evening, Qing Chen took her to a social event for the first time, reportedly within the financial circle. Though Princess Xu wasn't familiar with this world, listening to Qing Chen casually introduce guests with titles tied to "Goldman Sachs," "Morgan," and "Citigroup," she felt a sense of awe, even if she could only play the role of a decorative accessory throughout the event.
She understood that this was the pinnacle of the world's social hierarchy. As a small-time actress from China, being greeted politely by these titans was something she had never dared to imagine before.
By the time the event ended, she had made up her mind.
No matter what, she had to stay.
After leaving the event around 10 p.m., Princess Xu returned to the Upper West Side townhouse. With the help of a maid, she changed out of her expensive gown, removed her makeup, and put on a casual nightgown. She then went to a sitting room on the second floor, where Qing Chen was already seated, also in casual attire, reviewing a document while giving instructions in English to a maid beside her.
As summer grew hotter, Lin Su no longer stayed here but had moved to another estate in Greenwich, both to escape the heat and for privacy.
Princess Xu tiptoed over and sat down beside Qing Chen. After Qing Chen finished speaking and the maid left, Princess Xu leaned in closer. Feeling a small hand naturally resting on her waist, she pretended to shyly squirm and turned to Qing Chen: "Sis, you mentioned a few days ago that we'd get to meet your boss. When will that be?"
Qing Chen glanced at her sideways: "Have you figured out who the boss is?"
"Of course, I'm not stupid."
Simon Westeros!
The richest man in the world, and not just ordinarily rich—the kind of wealth that could rival nations.
Qing Chen replied, "Then you should know that the boss isn't easy to meet. I haven't even seen him these past few days."
Princess Xu looked surprised: "Then what should we do?"
Qing Chen turned to her, curled her lips, and moved the hand on Princess Xu's waist upward, pulling her closer. She kissed Princess Xu's slightly fuller lips and said, "How about you just stick with me? I won't let you down."
Princess Xu had already grown accustomed to Qing Chen's sapphic tendencies. Hiding her disappointment, she smiled naturally, revealing her dimples: "Sure."
After all, it was easy to guess Qing Chen's relationship with a certain powerful figure, and Qing Chen was her biggest support at the moment. Princess Xu didn't want to upset her or make her wary.
Qing Chen studied her for a moment, then suddenly had a mischievous idea. She pushed Princess Xu to her feet: "Here's an idea. Next time we meet the boss, try pretending to be me."
Princess Xu stood up, processing Qing Chen's words. She blinked and hesitated: "How would that work?"
"Why not? It's just a joke," Qing Chen said, her interest growing. She called over a maid and pointed at her: "Here, do as I say. Pretend Lily is the boss. Try throwing yourself at her, be coquettish, and say, 'Boss, I've missed you so much.'"
Princess Xu looked at Lily Faville by the door. The maid, who had been with Qing Chen the longest, could only stand there like a mannequin in a clothing store, obediently playing her role.
Qing Chen urged: "Go on, try to mimic my voice. Xiao Qing, don't blame me for not warning you—this is the best way to catch the boss's attention quickly. He has many women around him, and if you don't make an impression right away, you might be forgotten in an instant."
Hearing this, Princess Xu felt tempted. She glanced at Lily Faville again and, under Qing Chen's repeated urging, finally walked over. She tried to imitate Qing Chen's tone: "Boss, I've missed you so much."
Qing Chen shook her head: "No, no, you're an actress, right? I've never seen such a terrible performance. You need to throw yourself at her, hug her, act coquettish. Try again."
Princess Xu had no choice but to comply.
After all, she was a Beijing Film Academy graduate. After a few attempts, with Qing Chen even demonstrating enthusiastically, Princess Xu quickly got the hang of it. She grew increasingly eager to meet the big boss soon.
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