Listen here
[00:00]
Xu Zhaixing
T-Ten years ago?! So I’m really not dreaming? I’ve gone back ten years. Mum’s not sick, Dad’s not paralysed and we haven’t gone bankrupt!
Xu Zhaixing
We need to make it big and powerful! Have courage to create glory!
Xu Zhaixing
Cousin Xu Yan, I want to create an entertainment agency with you! Go ask my dad to borrow some money. Just say you want to start your own business.
Xu Yan
Just that and you actually have the guts to say you’ll invest with funds?!
Narration
Published on JJWXC. Written by Chun Dao Han. Broadcasted on Manbo App. Recorded by Jiuzi Voice Actor Group. Modern romance audio drama ‘The Entertainment Industry is Mine’ Season One Episode One – Reversal of Time
[00:50]
Auntie Zhu (Phone Call)
Zhaixing?
Xu Zhaixing
Aunt Zhu.
Auntie Zhu
Are you coming home for dinner? I made chicken soup for your father.
Xu Zhaixing
I need to follow the client to do their makeup tonight. The bride lives in the suburbs, so I won’t be coming back. You and Dad eat together tonight. Oh right, there’s a parcel downstairs with honey an old classmate of mine brought back from overseas. Get some and dissolve it in a bowl of water. HaveDad drink it before he sleeps. Thanks, Auntie.
Auntie Zhu
Okay, I will.
Xu Zhaixing
Alright, I’m going to hang up. It’s raining and I’m dragging a suitcase. It’s not too convenient to talk.
Boy
Hey! Ball! The ball’s roll away! Mummy, my ball!
Xu Zhaixing
Careful!
[01:39]
Colleague
Isn’t just an idol? What’s he called again? Oh, right. Cen Feng. Who cares if he’s dead?
Father Xu
We’ve gone bankrupt. I’m sorry Zhaixing…
Doctor
From the results, your mother has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. It’s terminal. The cancer cells have started to spread widely…
Neighbour
-ntie Li. Your dad was in bed and wanted to get a drink but knocked over the boiling water. The doctor said it’s a third-degree burn. Come to the hospital quickly.
Xu Zhiwen
Investments involve gains and losses in the first place. Do you think I’d ruin my actual younger brother? Don’t slander me, missy. I have no money for you! Scram!
[02:15]
Passerby
What’s going on?! Someone come over and help!
Passerby
Miss? Miss? Don’t! You can’t sleep! Hang in there a little longer. The ambulance will be here soon! What’s your name? Can you hear me?
Xu Zhaixing
I…I’m Xu Zhai…xing… The characters for…pluck-…plucking stars…by hand… Xu Zhaixing.
There’s been an accident! Is this 1201?
Don’t sleep, okay?
Mummy, my ball’s run away!
Zhaixing, are you coming home for dinner?
Zhaixing…
Zhaixing…
Zhaixing…
[02:57]
???
Zhaixing. Zhaixing? Wake up. Oh my god, did you drool?! My novel! Aahh! My magazine! They’re all wet with your drool now! Get up. C’mon, get up.
Xu Zhaixing
Mm…
???
Xu Zhaixing, I’m telling you to get up! This is the new edition! Do you know how many hours I lined up for this?!
Xu Zhaixing
Huh…? Mm…
???
Huh? It’s not drool? Ooohh, thank god! …Huh? Zhaixing, what’s up with you? How come you cried in your sleep?
Xu Zhaixing
Cheng…You…?
Cheng You
How come you’re all silly? C’mon, class is starting. It’s maths next. Hurry up and take your textbook out.
Xu Zhaixing
C-Class?
Cheng You
Hey, we only just started our first year at senior high! Did you go silly studying already?
Xu Zhaixing
First year of senior high? T-Ten years ago?
Mr Cao
All of you sit down in your seats! Day in day out, none of your hearts are on studying. You! That’s right, you! What’s so funny? Put your legs down! What kind of place do you think the classroom is? And you still stick your leg over the other? What, do I need to serve you some tea next? Huh?
Mr Cao
Quiet! All of you shut your mouths. I’m starting the lesson!
Cheng You
Hey. What’re you dazing off at?
Mr Cao
Turn to Chapter Two. We’re learning about logarithmic functions today.
Cheng You
Do you want Mr Cao to call on you?
Xu Zhaixing
O-O-Oww!
Xu Zhaixing
So it’s really not a dream. I’ve gone back ten years. Mum’s not sick, Dad’s not paralysed. We’re not bankrupt either! Cen Feng…is still alive. There’s still time until everything happens.
[04:55]
Xu Zhaixing
I-I’m home.
Auntie Liu
Zhaixing, you’re home. Did you guess we’d be having your favourite sweet and sour pork ribs today? Wait a moment, okay? I’ll make dinner for you after I throw out the rubbish.
Xu Zhaixing
Auntie Liu, are my mum and dad at home?
Auntie Liu
You dad just came home. Your mum called and said she had to work overtime, so she won’t be coming home for dinner. Oh right, your second uncle came over too. He even brought some imported chocolate for you.
Xu Zhaixing
What?! Second Uncle came?!
Xu Zhaixing
He’s the one who came to scam Dad into making a venture capital investment to overcome the huge deficit in his funding chain and that’s what directly caused us to go bankrupt! I must… I must stop it all from happening!
Xu Zhaixing
Dad!
Xu Zhiwen
Oh, you’re home Zhaixing.
Father Xu
Oh, school ended? Are you hungry? Quick, come over here. Your second uncle bought chocolate for you from overseas. Eat a few pieces first to fill your stomach a bit.
Xu Zhaixing
Dad… I don’t like chocolate.
Father Xu
What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Wasn’t chocolate your favourite? Come on, let’s go. Why don’t you rest in your room? I’ll have your Auntie Liu look for the thermometer…
Father Xu
Oh, right. Second Brother. Let’s keep talking after I’m back. I don’t know what’s wrong with Zhaixing that kid today.
Xu Zhiwen
It’s fine, don’t worry. Do we need to call a doctor? The constitution of kids’ bodies these days can’t compare to ours back in the days.
Father Xu
No need, no need. I’ll let her lie down for a bit. If it’s serious then we’ll go to the hospital. Just wait for me for a moment, okay?
Xu Zhiwen
Sure.
Father Xu
Let’s go. Do you have a fever? Does it feel awful? Oh, right. I have a surprise for you in your room! It took me a lot of effort to…
Xu Zhaixing
Oh…!
[06:52]
Father Xu
Tada! Look at your bed.
Xu Zhaixing
Wow!!
Father Xu
I don’t actually know much about this…something-doll, but the person who helped my buy it said you’d definitely love it! So I bought it.
Xu Zhaixing
This is the Little Debbie 40th Anniversary Barbie doll! It’s really hard to buy! Thank you Dad!
[07:15]
Father Xu
Do you want to guess what it is?
Xu Zhaixing
… I don’t know.
Father Xu
I knew you wouldn’t be able to guess. Come on, we’re at your room. Quick, open your door.
Xu Zhaixing
Dad!
Father Xu
What’s wrong? What’s wrong baby? Don’t worry, Daddy’s here for you. I’m here.
Xu Zhaixing
I-It’s nothing… I just… I just suddenly really miss you. Really miss Mummy.
Father Xu
Daddy won’t work overtime so much from now on and come home more often! Look, speak of the devil. Your mum really called.
Father Xu
Hello? Zhaixing’s home. Why don’t you come home earlier today? She’s sick. It seems pretty serious. She’s crying and saying she misses us.
Mother Xu (Phone Call)
Is it bad?
Father Xu
She’s okay.
Mother Xu (Phone Call)
Alright. I’ll quickly hand over the things that need to dealt with and I’ll come home.
Father Xu
Yeah, that’s good. Hurry home!
Father Xu
Your mummy’s going to be home soon, okay? Go lie down and rest well. I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.
Xu Zhaixing
Okaaaay.
Xu Zhaixing
Thank god. Second uncle hasn’t had the chance to mention it yet… But Dad regards camaraderie highly. If I can’t come up with a reasonable idea… Just what should I do…?
[08:49]
Xu Zhaixing
Muuuuum!
Mother Xu
See? This is what happens when you don’t listen to me. You caught a cold from the freezing didn’t you?
Xu Zhaixing
Mummy, I’ll listen to what you say from now on.
Mother Xu
Oh my. Something’s really wrong. Come over here. Let me feel your temperature. You didn’t fry your brain did you?
Xu Zhaixing
Mum! I’m really fine. It’s just that the stuff we learnt in politics class were too right. From now on I’m determined to get strong and improve myself every day! I’ll be a good youth of the new generation who is a good daughter to her parents, who respects and reveres her teachers and elders, and is friendly to her classmates!
Mother Xu
Alright, you clever little girl. Let’s go downstairs for dinner.
[09:33]
Xu Zhiwen
Zhaixing, are you feeling better? The way I see it, you kids are just too lazy and don’t like to exercise. If you go out and run a few rounds, you won’t get sick at all.
Xu Zhaixing
Second Uncle, in that case are you telling me does Cousin Chaoyang goes out to run every morning?
Xu Zhiwen
He…
Father Xu
Kiddo, don’t speak to your uncle like that! Second Brother, don’t take what she said to heart.
Xu Zhiwen
It’s fine. Kids are all like that. The brat at home is already in University and still makes me worry just as much.
Mother Xu
Come, let’s all sit down for dinner. Here, Zhaixing. Your favourite sweet and sour pork ribs. This was made today especially for you.
Xu Zhaixing
Thank you Mum!
Xu Zhiwen
Old Third, about CEO Chen of the capital venture…
Xu Zhaixing
Mum! How many times have I told you. You need to chew well and swallow slowly. Don’t drink things that are too hot! Let it cool for a bit before you drink. It’s not good for your oesophagus. You’ll get cancer.
Mother Xu
Okay…
Xu Zhiwen
Look at that. We were just saying she wasn’t mature and now she knows to worry about her mum’s health. She’s really grown up. Chaoyang should learn from his younger cousin.
Father Xu
She just knows how to be good in front of others. This kid’s really naughty. Now that she’s in senior high, there’s a whole bunch of things we need to worry about.
Xu Zhiwen
Old Third, you’re being modest. Old Third, about the Zhenlin project CEO Chen recommended…
Xu Zhaixing
Dad, there’s a parent-teacher interview this Friday at school. Do you have time?
Father Xu
Parent-teacher interview? Didn’t they just have one last month? How come there’s another?
Xu Zhaixing
Coz it’s senior high. They’re all like that.
Father Xu
Alright, I’ll make time for it on Friday.
Xu Zhaixing
Thanks, Daddy!
Xu Zhiwen
About the Zhenlin project, its potential is great. I especially…
Xu Zhaixing
Oh right, Dad. I just remembered there’s something urgent. Come with me for a bit.
Mother Xu
We’re having dinner. Do it later.
Xu Zhaixing
Daaaad!
Father Xu
Then… Sorry, Second Brother. Let’s talk about the venture next time. Let’s go then, my little ancestor.
[12:00]
Father Xu
What’s wrong, Kiddo? Hm? You’re acting weird today. Are you sure you’re not feeling unwell?
Xu Zhaixing
Uhh… Daddy, this test paper needs to be signed by a parent.
Xu Zhiwen (Downstairs)
Since Zhaixing’s feeling unwell then I’ll be leaving first.
Mother Xu (Downstairs)
Second Brother, you’re leaving? Have a bit more to eat.
Xu Zhiwen (Downstairs)
I’ll come find Old Third to finish talking about what we didn’t get to next time.
Mother Xu (Downstairs)
Why don’t I call him down for you?
Xu Zhiwen (Downstairs)
You don’t need to. I’ll be leaving now. You don’t have to see me out.
Mother Xu (Downstairs)
Alright. Take care driving home.
Xu Zhaixing
Yes! Victorious in the first battle! In any case, I’ve dealt with him for now…
Father Xu
Zhaixing? Zhaixing? What’re you thinking about? I’ve finished signing. Is there anything else?
Xu Zhaixing
O-O-Oh. Nothing else. Oh, right. Daddy, I really love your present! Hurry up and go have dinner with Mum. Keep an eye on her. She always eats things that are too hot. What if she gets oesophageal cancer? When I’m not around you gotta keep a good eye on her. She even usually forgets to eat when she gets busy…
Father Xu
Alright, alright. Our Zhaixing’s a big girl now. Daddy will do as you say. Come down soon. We’ll wait for you to eat.
Xu Zhaixing
Okay. I’ll be right there.
Xu Zhaixing
Mum’s illness needs to be prevented and I need to stop Dad from taking part in Second Uncle’s venture capital investment. Our family business’s situation… I still lack an appropriate opportunity…
[13:35]
Tape (Male)
…some red wine?
Tape (Female)
I drank some red wine last Frida-
Xu Zhaixing
Come in. Mum?
Mother Xu
Zhaixing, we just got a call. Your Big Uncle passed away. We need to go to the old family home early tomorrow morning. I’ve already taken a day off for you.
Xu Zhaixing
Mum, you normally need to look after your health more as well.
Mother Xu
I will. Go to bed early.
Xu Zhaixing
Xu Yan…
[14:13]
Xu Zhaixing
That’s weird. Xu Yan should be here already, but I can’t find him even after searching around the place.
Little Long
Cousin Chaoyang, I want more of that red chocolate!
Child A
Me too! Me too!
Xu Chaoyang
Fine, fine! Have all of it. Don’t surround me.
Xu Zhaixing
Oh no. It’s Xu Chaoyang that loafer. Better get outta here.
Child B
Big Sister Zhaixing! You’re back too?
Xu Zhaixing
Uh, yeah. Come here. I have candy for you too.
Children
Wow! Awesome! Thank you Big Sister Zhaixing!
Xu Chaoyang
Oh, it’s you Zhaixing. I heard you made it into a selective senior high school. Ha. You’ve got some skills…
Xu Zhaixing
How does it taste? Good?
Xu Chaoyang
If you study well and fight to come to Beijing for Uni, I’ll take care of you there.
Little Long
Yes!
Xu Chaoyang
Hmph!
[14:55]
Relative A
Hey, your Big Uncle’s son’s back. Do you see him? I heard he grew up overseas as a kid. Your Big Uncle’s medical fees were all paid by him. That’s what you call rich.
Relative B
Wow, you’re right. If I had a successful son like him, I wouldn’t have to worry about the rest of my life.
Xu Chaoyang
What ability to earn money does he have? It’s his mum who married well and used his step dad’s money to treat his dad’s illness. Who knows if his step dad will still want him and his mum after he finds out.
Relative A
Hey, Xu Yan’s started working, right? Do you know where’s he working and what his pay is like?
Xu Chaoyang
What kind of good job can he find with that media specialisation? State enterprises wouldn’t even want him to clean toilets for them.
Relatives
Hahaha.
Xu Zhaixing
Cousin Chaoyang, don’t just talk about Brother Xu Yan. Why don’t you talk a bit about yourself? What are you specialising in?
Xu Chaoyang
I study finance.
Xu Zhaixing
Finance? I almost thought you specialised in gossip.
Xu Chaoyang
You!
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, that’s not right. You’re a self-made genius in it.
Xu Chaoyang
You sharp-tongued brat. You really think I’ll let you off?!
Little Long
Quick, look! It’s burning!
Relative A
How did it get on fire?! Hey, Little Long, don’t run around!
Relative B
Someone! Quick, help put the fire out!
Xu Zhaixing
Hey, Little Long, hurry up and go get your parents. The cigarette butt Cousin Chaoyang threw into the grass caught fire!
Little Long
Okay! Daddy! Daddy! Come put out the fire! Cousin Chaoyang threw his cigarette butt without looking and set the grass on fire! Someone come quick!
Mother Xu
Zhaixing, did you get burnt? Did you? Where’d you get burnt? Let me look. Oh, you child. Why didn’t you run? Xu Yan, you too! The fire was so big and you still rushed over to put it out. How are you? Are you okay?
Xu Yan
I’m fine.
Xu Zhaixing
If I ran, who would put it out? Second Cousin ran faster than a rabbit. If not for Cousin Xu Yan, who knows what would end up happening!
Xu Chaoyang
Zhaixing, what’re you saying? I didn’t do it on purpose…
Xu Zhiwen
Day in day out you don’t learn anything good, but you learn how to smoke! Now you’ve put the grass on fire. Just you wait, I’m gonna beat you to death!
Xu Chaoyang
Ow, ow! Dad, not so hard! Not so hard! I know I’m wrong, okay?!
Father Xu
Come on now. It’s not time to be hitting him. Zhaixing, take your Big Cousin to get a good rest. You younger generation don’t need to get involved with this here.
Xu Zhaixing
Okaaay.
Xu Yan
Thank you Third Uncle. Then we’ll be taking our leave first.
Xu Zhaixing
Let’s go.
[17:35]
Xu Yan
Why did you stop walking?
Xu Zhaixing
Cousin Xu Yan, I’m called Xu Zhaixing. You haven’t met me before, yeah? I wasn’t even born when you left the country.
Xu Yan
Yeah, I haven’t met you before.
Xu Zhaixing
Um… I heard you specialised in media in university. I want to study that too in the future, so can you…
Xu Yan
Just say what you have to say. I’m not Xu Chaoyang.
Xu Zhaixing
As expected of the gold-medal manager in the industry. This makes things easier.
Xu Zhaixing
Cousin, I hear you just graduated from your Masters. It’s hard to find a job here. Do you…have any plans on starting your own business?
Xu Yan
Yes. What else?
Xu Zhaixing
If you plan on staying overseas then pretend I didn’t ask, but if you plan on coming back here then, as you know, the country’s in the critical period of changing over from old to new media. Rather than adapting to it, why not pioneer it? What do you think?
Xu Yan
Go on.
Xu Zhaixing
I want to create an entertainment agency with you! I’ll invest with funds, you invest with know-how. In the years I’m in school, you’re in charge of running it. Once I graduate I’ll manage it with you. Are you…interested?
Xu Yan
You’ll invest with funds? What money do you have?
Xu Zhaixing
I know I don’t have money, but my dad does!
Xu Yan
Third Uncle would be fine with giving his money to a…er…a kid like you who’s still underaged?
Xu Zhaixing
That’s why I need to partner up with you.
Xu Yan
I don’t easily work with people. Tell me, what advantage do you bring that’s worth for me to invest in.
Xu Zhaixing
Cousin, are you a fan of any celebrities?
Xu Yan
Am I a fan? What if I am, what if I’m not?
Xu Zhaixing
If you are then you would know the impact of the Korean Wave currently within the entertainment industry is great. The idols of the people around me all basically debuted from this Wave. Their entertainment industry is mature and their methods in creating fans are incredible. Their prevalent trainee programs are presently rarely seen in our country. The upcoming era is bound to be the Era of the Clout. Rather than following others and drinking the soup, why don’t we be the one to eat the crab?
Xu Yan
After saying so much, you just want to create an agency that creates celebrities.
Xu Zhaixing
Not just that! Creating celebrities, variety shows, movies and dramas, music and even novel IP are all of the utmost importance!
Xu Yan
Novel IP?
Xu Zhaixing
Er… Anyways, what I mean is we need to make it big and powerful! Have courage to create glory!
Xu Yan
So, what advantage do you bring?
Xu Zhaixing
My insight on prospects.
Xu Yan
Hey, why did you come to me?
Xu Zhaixing
Because… You’re the only one relative who was willing to lend a helping hand when our family went bankrupt.
Xu Yan
What did you say?
Xu Zhaixing
Nothing! Because you’ve got the most skill, Big Cousin! I trust you!
Xu Yan
I’ll give it some thought and give you my reply tomorrow.
Xu Zhaixing
Then… I won’t bother you! I hope to hear a positive answer.
[20:52]
Relative C
I’m telling you there’s no way your dad could’ve repaired these two houses by himself back then. From beginning to end and inside out, it’s all thanks to us relatives of yours who helped out in taking care of it. Just take the leaking roof two years ago as an example. It’s thanks to me and your aunt for bringing someone to install a cover. It was scorching that day. Your aunt was down with a heat stroke from the sun when we got home!
Relative D
Your dad went to work in the city these few years. The fields and land, who else but us kept them growing? Even though your grandad said this land is to be left for the eldest son of the Xu family… Xu Yan, don’t blame me for saying this, but other than having Xu as your surname what part of you is still like a member of the Xu family?
Xu Yan
My dad doesn’t have a wife or child. According to the law, I am the only heir to his inheritance. This isn’t a matter of whether it belongs to me. It’s a matter of whether I want it or not.
Relative E
What do you mean it belongs to you?! Your mum ran away with someone else twenty-something years ago. Nothing of the Xu family belongs to you!
Relative F
All these years you didn’t even come back to see your dad even once. Even we had to look after him when he got sick. What now? You’re back to fight for the inheritance? Who do you think you are? Since you want face then scram back to America while you can!
Father Xu
What’re you all doing?! I can already hear you arguing from the living room.
Xu Zhaixing
Dad, they said Cousin Xu Yan isn’t a member of the Xu family and told him to scram back to America.
Father Xu
Brilliant. Big brother hasn’t even been buried and you’ve all ganged up to bully his only son? Is that proper? Break it up. Anyone who ever mentions this again, I’ll be the first not to let them get away with it!
Relative C
No, no. We didn’t. It’s all a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding. I still have things to do at home so I’ll be leaving first.
Relative D
Yeah, me to. I haven’t harvested all the millet. It’s late already so I should get going.
Relative E
Right. Let’s go.
Relative F
Yeah. Let’s go.
Father Xu
Xu Yan, I’m here for you. I won’t let you be wronged.
Xu Yan
Thank you, Third Uncle.
Father Xu
You little girl, you’re everywhere! Hurry up and go back to pack, and get ready to leave.
Xu Zhaixing
Okay, I will. I’ll go back to my room soon!
Father Xu
Don’t keep bothering your cousin. It’s not every day he comes back from overseas.
Xu Zhaixing
I know, I know. I’ll go right now.
Father Xu
That kid’s always like that. Don’t mind her.
Xu Yan
I won’t. I think Zhaixing’s actually quite cute.
Father Xu
Xu Yan, we’ll be going back to Shanghai in a bit and I don’t know when we’ll see each other next. If you have anything you need help with in the country, just come and find me. Every time I see you, I’m always reminded about how Big Brother looked when he was young. Alright, I won’t say any more. Even if I did, time can’t be reversed…
Xu Yan
Thank you, Third Uncle. Take care on your way back.
Xu Yan
Come out.
Xu Zhaixing
Cousin, you knew I didn’t leave?
Xu Yan
I guessed. Thank you…for just then.
Xu Zhaixing
We’re allies. It’s nothing worth mentioning.
Xu Yan
Who’s your ally? I haven’t agreed yet.
Xu Zhaixing
C’mon Cousin.
Xu Yan
Alright, alright. The partnership you spoke of is based on the condition you can get funds. Without money, nothing you said is of use. Moreover, it’s not a small sum. Tell me, what do you need me to cooperate on? How do we get your dad to take out this sum of money?
Xu Zhaixing
That’s simple! Go ask my dad to borrow some money. Just say you plan on starting your own business.
Xu Yan
That’s…. Just that and you actually have the guts to say you’ll invest with funds?
Xu Zhaixing
My dad holds camaraderie in the highest regard. Just based on the fact you’re Big Uncle’s only son, as long as you ask, do you think he won’t lend it to you? And you can’t borrow too little. At least…three million!
Xu Yan
Three million…
Xu Zhaixing
Even if you don’t borrow, he’ll end up giving this sum to Xu Zhiwen for his venture capital investment. By then we’d have lost our capital as well. Might as well give it to you. And strictly speaking, he’s not lending it to you. It’s investment! He’ll have shares and dividends, alright? Cousin, it’s time to put your abilities to the test.
Xu Yan
So what you mean is, if your dad doesn’t lend me the money I can only blame myself for lacking the ability?
Xu Zhaixing
Err about that… I-I didn’t mean that…
Mother Xu (Outside)
Zhaixing, have you packed? We’re about to leave.
Xu Zhaixing
Okay! Be right there!
Xu Zhaixing
I’ll help you sway him through pillow talk. Good luck, Cousin! I’ll be waiting for you in Shanghai!
Xu Yan
I don’t think that’s how you use “pillow talk”. That girl…
1 The emergency number in China
Moonlight Osmanthus 