"There's no way to control what people across the country say, is there? Let's not even talk about anything else. 'The Return of the Heroes' is a landmark film, right? It brought so much prestige to our industry. Even the leaders praised it. And then what? There were still people criticizing it, people saying bad things about it."

Andy Lau nodded in agreement: "No one can be perfect. There will always be opportunities and people who don't like it. It's impossible for everyone to like it; it's already quite remarkable if the vast majority of people like it."

There is no movie in the world that everyone likes, except for The Godfather.

"Senior brother, your task this year is quite important. You can't be too slow in 'See the Dragon's Armor,' there's still 'House of Flying Daggers' coming up."

Zhang Yimou smiled wryly: "I know, but to be honest, it's a bit tiring to make two big-budget films with budgets exceeding $30 million at once."

Shen Fang smiled and said, "The capable should do more work. How about I give you a vacation next year?"

Zhang Yimou shook his head: "There's no rush. As long as there are good works, I'll be happy no matter how hard I work. Recently, the company's screenwriting department submitted a work to me, and I think it's quite interesting."

What work?

"The Snow Sword" seems to be written by you.

Sinking Square...

"It was indeed written by me."

Zhang Yimou smiled at Chen Fang: "Junior brother, this is very interesting. To be honest, I was quite engrossed in it. You have this talent?"

Shen Fang laughed: "Senior brother, you don't know yet, do you? I'm a top-tier author in the online novel world. But don't you think the story is a bit too long and too tedious? Besides, I'm making this book into a TV series, so of course, film and television adaptation is necessary."

"It's very well written, quite good. If I'm not mistaken, the power structure in Joy of Life was probably based on the history of the Tang Dynasty, with some additions of your own imagination, right?"

Shen Fang gave a thumbs up: "That's right. The Qing Kingdom's structure is based on the Tang Dynasty. The names of the princes are very similar. I made some special modifications to the Emperor Qing. And the eldest princess is actually a combination of Princess Taiping and Wu Zetian."

How do you plan to develop this script?

"We will fully develop the IP, first by gaining popularity online, then by publishing physical books, not just in China, but globally. Once we have accumulated enough popularity, we will adapt it into a film or television series."

"Keep the film production rights for me."

Shen Fang smiled and said, "No problem, senior brother. If you want it, no one will disagree."

Andy Lau, Daniel Wu, Xu Qing, and others standing nearby couldn't understand the conversation between Shen Fang and Zhang Yimou.

Andy Lau looked at Zhang Yimou and said, "Director Zhang, remember me if you get a good opportunity."

Zhang Yimou laughed: "There are too many roles in this script, there must be one suitable for you. Andy Lau, you are at the peak of your career now, they will definitely think of you, but I'm afraid you won't have the time."

"How could I not be available for Director Zhang's film? As long as you call me, I'll be happy to be an extra."

"No way, you're a superstar."

Although Andy Lau's words were somewhat joking, they were also quite sincere. Zhang Yimou is currently the top director in China, with both accolades and box office success, and he's praised by leaders. He's the number one director in the country. There are plenty of people vying to star in his films.

Honestly, even Andy Lau would feel like he's dreaming to have signed two leading roles. He's famous, but there are plenty of people more famous, bigger stars, and better actors. The reason he got these leading roles is firstly because of Shen Fang's recommendation, secondly because of his close ties to mainland China, and thirdly because of his character and popularity.