Chapter 185 Passionate Spirit [VIP]

Chapter Summary: Witnessed the power of blockbuster movies

Mu Zhi held the microphone, her brows slightly furrowed as she looked at Du Qianqian's fans below the stage.

A young woman who looked to be in her early twenties was wearing black-rimmed glasses; she was probably still a student.

Several Du Qianqian fans sitting in the same row, all wearing the same support outfits, were holding up their phones and recording Mu Zhi on stage, looking on with expressions of anticipation. They were waiting to record the moment when Mu Zhi couldn't understand English and embarrassed herself at the press conference, so they could post it online.

Mu Zhi will be ridiculed for playing a translator who can't even understand English.

Director Tang Yan's face showed a hint of anger. Knowing Mu Zhi as he did, he was confident that her English was good and she wouldn't be stumped by this question. However, he still turned to her and asked with his eyes:

Do you need any help?

Mu Zhi remained calm and composed, her business smile unchanged, and shook her head slightly at Director Tang to indicate that she could handle the situation.

She waited deliberately for a while, but Du Qianqian, who was standing on the stage, pretended to be dead and did not react in the slightest.

The slightly startled host quickly recovered and was about to smooth things over.

Mu Zhi spoke first, asking the fan what their name was and if they majored in English.

"My name is Xiaobai."

"Yes... I'm an English major, a freshman."

Du Qianqian's fan, nicknamed Xiaobai, thought: Is this a conciliatory tactic? She wouldn't let Mu Zhi get away with it.

Mu Zhi said gently, "Young man, let's communicate in English."

After finishing, Mu Zhi repeated the question from Du Qianqian's fan in Chinese, "The question you just asked me in English, 'I heard you were injured and hospitalized while filming in China, is that true?', did I translate it correctly?"

The smug look on Du Xixi's fan's face vanished instantly. She had deliberately sped up her speech when she asked the question. There were no translators or other actors on stage to help, and they were surprised that Mu Zhi's English was actually quite good and that she had understood everything.

The host on stage clearly didn't understand and looked completely bewildered, unsure how to salvage the situation.

Then, before Du Qianqian's fan Xiaobai could make a request: that Mu Zhi answer in English.

Trying to see Mu Zhi's spoken English would be a laughing stock.

Mu Zhi answered in English, "Yes, that's right. One day while filming, I was bitten by a spider and went to the hospital. The doctor asked me to stay overnight for observation, but luckily I was fine. I was discharged the next morning."

After he finished speaking, he repeated it in Chinese.

Mu Zhi's English pronunciation is standard and pure, and her spoken English is very fluent.

Mu Zhi's fans in the audience shouted "Bravo!" and led the applause, which was then joined by the others.

"Little Bai, are you satisfied with my answer?"

The fan, Du Qianqian, felt ashamed and embarrassed. She nodded somewhat absentmindedly, and seemed to hear Mu Zhi telling her to "study hard" before sitting down.

Remembering that he hadn't returned the microphone, he stood up and handed it to the staff member.

Only after she sat down did she dare to look up at Mu Zhi on the stage. Mu Zhi seemed to be bathed in sunlight, confident and beautiful, shining with dazzling light. Du Qianqian, who was standing two people away from her, paled in comparison.

The fan Xiaobai's punch not only hit cotton, but also slapped her own face, burning her. Whether it was the disappointed look of her own fans or the questioning look of Muzhi's fans, she felt like she was being pricked by thorns and wanted to escape from here.

On stage, director Tang Yan continued the discussion, detailing Mu Zhi's experience of being bitten by a spider.

"The film crew was shooting on a grassland in country Z. A little girl from abroad was being naughty and poked a spider's nest in the grass. Zhizhi went up to remind the little girl and accidentally got bitten on the back of her hand by a spider."

It swelled up immediately. We couldn't be sure if the spider was venomous, so just to be safe, we told Zhizhi to go to the hospital right away...

Director Tang Yan said that Mu Zhi initially refused to go, worried that it would affect the filming schedule. She was discharged from the hospital the next day and told to rest well, and ended up coming to the set that afternoon.

"Zhizhi is exceptionally dedicated."

If it were any other actor, they would have used this incident for publicity, but Mu Zhi's team didn't.

If someone hadn't brought it up at today's press conference, Tang Yan would have almost forgotten to talk about this.

He had observed the question from earlier and, looking at the audience, added, "I see quite a few of Mu Zhi's fans here today. A good actor like Mu Zhi, who puts all her heart into acting and carefully crafts her characters, is an idol worthy of your admiration."

His words contained both appreciation and protection for Mu Zhi, as well as a veiled reminder to others.

Hearing this, Du Qianqian's professional smile faltered.

She didn't say anything at first, because she really wanted to see Mu Zhi make a fool of herself. Mu Zhi didn't go to university; she went to some second-rate art school. I personally think that Mu Zhi definitely wouldn't be able to answer the questions her fans asked in English.

I never expected to be so impressed by Mu Zhi's trendy English.

Before Du Xixi could clarify her relationship with the fan who asked the question, director Tang Yan spoke first.

Then came the current situation, where director Tang Yan developed some biased opinions about her because of this fan.

Du Xixi could only wait until the press conference was over before she could explain to the director.

The next question was asked by a journalist.

People at the press conference noticed the animosity between Mu Zhi's fans and Du Qianqian's fans, with the two fan groups vying for dominance.

It's hard to say whether the fans' behavior is individual or guided or condoned by the artist's team.

It is certain that the relationship between the two artists is not very friendly.

The reporter knew that Mu Zhi was a respectable figure in the industry, with high professional ethics, and always kept a tight rein on herself during interviews.

So the problem was directed at Du Qianqian.

"Teacher Du, you collaborated with Teacher Mu on 'Safe Evacuation' this time. Teacher Mu is the female lead in this film, and she won the Best Actress award; everyone agrees that she has excellent acting skills. You played the second female lead, and it was your first time acting in a movie."

Do you feel pressured working with Teacher Mu? Do you mind people comparing you two?

Du Xixi and Mu Zhi do not have any scenes together in the movie.

If there were any scenes with Mu Zhi, Du Qianqian wouldn't accept the role; it would be embarrassing for her to be completely outshone by Mu Zhi in the same frame.

Even though they didn't have any scenes together in the movie, the awkwardness was still unavoidable, as Du Xixi felt right now.

The reporter's unspoken question was: What are Du Xixi's feelings about playing a supporting role to Mu Zhi?

Du Qianqian suppressed her displeasure, not caring whether her expression was unpleasant, knowing that everyone on and off the stage was watching her and waiting for her answer.

To avoid further embarrassment, she could only answer as quickly as possible, speaking haltingly despite her discomfort, "It's a pity that I didn't have any scenes with Teacher Mu in this movie."

This is my first time directing a film, so there's some pressure. But Director Tang is a very caring and patient director who has helped me a lot. I'm treating myself as a newcomer and learning from Teacher Mu...

It seems you forgot to answer the question, "Do you mind people comparing you to each other?"

The backstage lounge after the press conference.

Du Qianqian angrily complained to her agent Steven: "At today's press conference, everyone's attention was on Mu Zhi. She was the main attraction, and I was just a background figure. I don't want to share the stage with her again."

"I cancelled all my upcoming roadshow appearances with Mu Zhi."

She couldn't stand the difference.

Originally, she was walking ahead of Mu Zhi, but Mu Zhi overtook her.

She wasn't the only one who got surpassed; okay, she faced reality.

Before accepting the role in this movie, Du Xixi had mentally prepared herself. She and Mu Zhi were co-starring in the film, with Mu Zhi as the female lead and her as the second female lead. She gritted her teeth and accepted the role.

But at today's press conference, she was ignored and left out on the stage, while Mu Zhi was the group's darling. This difference in treatment really broke Du Qianqian's nerves.

Agent Steven advised, "We've already told Director Tang that we'll be running around for a month. If we back out now, it'll seem like we're not sincere enough. If we don't win Director Tang's favor, all your efforts will be in vain."

He analyzed and looked ahead carefully: "Mu Zhi is currently in the top tier of resources in the film industry. I heard that investors in the industry are optimistic about Mu Zhi's box office appeal and have specifically opened up film projects with leading female characters to approach her."

It must be admitted that Mu Zhi has paved a path for herself in the film industry, showing everyone that actresses can indeed carry a film at the box office and that there are many possibilities in the film world. Perhaps, just like with leading lady dramas in television series, there will be more and more films featuring leading ladies.

Steven continued to earnestly persuade Du Qianqian: "Mu Zhi has high standards for choosing roles, and there's only one Mu Zhi, so other actresses will have their chance."

"Sissi, let's grit our teeth. As long as we make a breakthrough in the film industry, we'll make a comeback sooner or later."

Du Qianqian, however, wouldn't listen to her agent's empty promises: "It's not that I'm being dramatic, but if I were Mu Zhi, I would have done the same."

She's filming on set and won't be doing promotional tours for many days. What's the big deal if I do fewer promotional tours? Originally, your idea of ​​having me do promotional tours to build goodwill and get opportunities was nothing but a pipe dream!

"I've made up my mind. I don't want to be humiliated by performing on the same stage as Mu Zhi. Not only can I not stand it, but my fans will be crushed by her fans both online and offline. If they all unfollow me, how the hell will I be able to make a comeback?"

The lounge had been inexplicably occupied, leaving Mu Zhi and her group standing outside the door speechless.

There was no great word to it.

Ji Binghe knocked on the door with a cold face, and the sounds in the lounge came to an abrupt halt.

After the press conference, Mu Zhi still had to give interviews to the media reporters.

It was already afternoon when all the work was finished.

Mu Zhi didn't have time to pay attention to the news online; she was on her way to a restaurant with her team.

I heard from Minmin about the aftermath of the English question asked by Du Qianqian's fan at the press conference.

"Of course, the video was still posted online."

The trending topic #MuzhiSpeaksEnglish# even topped the list, surpassing #AllPeopleSafelyEvacuatedAndReleaseDateForNationalDayDay# and #TangYanZhouZilongNewMovieReleaseDate# in terms of ranking, readership, and popularity.

Mu Zhi glanced at the comments online, which were mostly praising her:

Wow! Mu Zhi speaks English so charmingly!

"Mu Zhi must have specifically learned English to play the role of a translator well, because she speaks it so well."

"You're too powerful. Is there anything you can't do, Mu Zhi?"

"I didn't expect Mu Zhi to be so talented. I'm looking forward to her portrayal of the translator."

There was also the discussion about Du Xixi's fans asking Mu Zhi a question in English at the press conference:

"Is this 'Xiaobai' a fan of Du Qianqian? Why is she so hostile towards Mu Zhi?"

"Was this move intended to embarrass Mu Zhi? How much do Du Xixi's fans hate Mu Zhi?"

"I don't recall Mu Zhi and Du Qianqian having much interaction, but they've collaborated on a movie this time. Mu Zhi is the female lead, and Du Qianqian is the second female lead. Are the fans upset and causing trouble?"

"Mu Zhi is so gentle and magnanimous. She first asked if the person majored in English, giving them a way out. Otherwise, she would definitely have been cursed by Mu Zhi's fans. On the other hand, Du Qianqian remained silent. The difference in their behavior is obvious."

......

Minmin sighed: "Du Qianqian didn't say a word for this fan the whole time. Du Qianqian's fans didn't feel heartbroken. On the contrary, I saw Du Qianqian's fans busy defending her in the trending topics."

This person named Xiaobai was wearing a fan support outfit and was even expelled from the fan club. Du Qianqian's fans at the scene all chimed in, saying, "We don't know this person," and "He's deliberately impersonating someone."

What's even more infuriating is that they turned around and accused the perpetrator:

My true fans would cherish the opportunity to ask Xixi questions, not Muzhi.

It's reasonable to suspect that this person named Xiaobai is a fan of both Mu Zhi and Du Qianqian.

Mu Zhi: "..."

Minmin said angrily, "This fan probably went to the scene and saw his idol being beaten up and having no presence on stage. He felt uncomfortable and stood up impulsively."

Or was their plan to distance themselves afterward and refuse to admit they were Du Xixi's fans?

Otherwise, if she's wearing the support color, anyone with eyes can tell she's a fan of Du Qianqian.

The speculation is that it was an impulsive act, because this fan probably didn't think about the consequences at all. What consequences will this behavior have on Du Xixi and the movie? What will the director think?

Fortunately, Mu Zhi easily defused the difficult situation on site.

"Judging from her reaction after that fan asked the question, I think she's come to her senses a bit and probably realized her behavior was inappropriate. It might have been influenced by the fan community environment..."

What Minmin couldn't say directly in front of Muzhi was that, compared to their love for Du Qianqian, Du Qianqian's fans felt even more disgust and hatred towards Muzhi.

Because Du Qianqian's team is so close to the fan group, it makes people wonder if it's because Du Qianqian's team is very concerned about and resentful of Mu Zhi, which has led to the same atmosphere in the fan group.

Therefore, it's not unfair to pin the blame on Du Qianqian for the fans' actions being paid for by their idols.

Mu Zhi felt that this matter could be either a big deal or a small deal, but she still asked a question out of concern.

"How is that fan doing?"

"Don't worry, Sister Zhizhi. You didn't make things difficult for the fan who asked the question at the press conference. The video of you speaking English was posted online and became positive publicity. Our fans didn't cause any trouble for that fan either."

Minmin handed her phone to Muzhi to check: "This Du Qianqian fan went online and found out she had been expelled from the fan club. She posted three words, 'I'm sorry,' but I don't know who she was talking to. Then she deleted her account."

I saw that a friend who follows this fan said they need to study hard.

She wondered if the "I'm sorry" was meant for Mu Zhi? This person has finally realized it, that's good.

Mu Zhi returned the phone to Minmin.

I was relieved that nothing was wrong, and I put the matter out of my mind.

That evening, Mu Zhi and her team flew back to the Western Film City.

Filming continued as usual early the next morning.

More than half a month later.

On September 22, the crew of "Doomsday Virus" finished filming at the Western Film City and will head to the next filming location, Qionghai.

The crew built a large set in Qionghai to film the underground city scenes in the movie.

Just like the last time, the Muzhi team left two staff members to handle the luggage shipping, precisely at the time of the relocation.

Accompanied by other team members, Mu Zhi flew to Shenzhen early on September 23 to join the creative team of "Safe Evacuation of All Personnel" and began an 8-day roadshow tour of eight major cities.

Mu Zhi glanced at the list of the main creative team's roadshow lineup and realized that Du Qianqian was indeed missing.

In the "All Creators and Main Team Roadshow Group" group, I saw Director Tang Yan mention that Du Qianqian said she was not feeling well, so she had to miss the rest of the roadshow promotion.

Du Qianqian has been running promotional tours for more than 20 days. Now that Mu Zhi has joined, losing Du Qianqian will not affect the promotion.

Director Tang Yan naturally didn't say anything and told Du Qianqian to get some rest.

Mu Zhi recalled the conversation she overheard between Du Qianqian and her agent outside the lounge that day.

Du Qianqian repeatedly claimed, "I don't want to be humiliated by sharing the stage with Mu Zhi," and "Even Mu Zhi couldn't bear the feeling of being sidelined."

It seems that Du Xixi really missed the promotional roadshow to avoid me?

Mu Zhi thought to herself: I won Best Actress in my original world, but here I start as a talent show trainee, a bottom-tier student in Class F who's called a "useless vase," having to learn to dance and sing from scratch. Not to mention the treatment I received at my original company, Xinghe Culture...

I've come a long way from being nobody to where I am today.

Even if Du Qianqian fades into obscurity now, she's still a second or third-tier celebrity, which is much better than Mu Zhi's situation back then.

No matter what situation you are in, the most important thing is to have the confidence to climb back to the top.

Du Xixi is too sensitive.

If you can't even handle this level of psychological shock and can't face yourself honestly, then even more psychological shocks are waiting for you.

On that day, Mu Zhi and the main creative team, including director Tang Yan and Zhou Zilong, visited six cinemas in Shenzhen.

Every cinema we visited was packed with people.

Every theater they entered was packed, and the moviegoers were incredibly enthusiastic.

Mu Zhi could very directly feel the admiration that many movie fans had for directors Tang Yan and Zhou Zilong, and they were very much looking forward to their collaboration on "All People Safely Evacuated". Many movie fans were fans of their previous work, "Golden Globe Building".

After a day of promotional activities, Mu Zhi felt that the entire promotional team was infected by the enthusiasm of the fans, and the fans' anticipation for the film also boosted everyone's morale. Everyone was like they had been injected with chicken blood, immersed in the festive and exciting atmosphere of waiting for the film's release...

Five days later.

There are 3 days left until the release of the movie "Safe Evacuation".

The five-day promotional tour left a deep impression on Mu Zhi, more profound than any other movie promotional tour.

Every day, she feels like she's been injected with adrenaline, her blood is boiling.

As the movie's release date drew ever closer, Mu Zhi truly witnessed the power of a blockbuster.

Before "Safe Evacuation" was officially scheduled for release during the National Day holiday, four other films that were rumored to be released during the National Day holiday, including a comedy that was also favored by the industry, were all waiting and seeing.

After "Safe Evacuation" was confirmed for the National Day holiday and a release date announcement was held, these four films dared not be released and suddenly disappeared. The comedy film that the industry was optimistic about was rescheduled to New Year's Day.

Only four movies remain to be released in the same period as "Safe Evacuation". Two of them are animated films with low budgets and poor trailers, which netizens call cannon fodder. The other two are an action crime film and a romance film.

Just two days after Mu Zhi joined the promotional tour, a competitive action crime film that had been running a promotional tour for almost half a month was pulled from release.

Netizens commented: "《All People Safely Evacuate》is clearly a blockbuster with box office potential. Some films take a chance, thinking that if the blockbusters don't do well, their films can be released and they can pick up the scraps. It's all about gambling."

The movie will be released in a few days.

The film "Safe Evacuation" stands out from the crowd in every aspect, including theater screenings, the box office appeal of its director and lead actors, its popularity, the number of people who want to see it, its pre-sale performance, and the response to its roadshow.

"When a blockbuster like 'Safe Evacuation' is released, the box office will be very hot. Movies released at the same time think they can get a share of the profits, but they are also afraid that the box office will be squeezed dry and they won't even get a sip of the profits, haha. In the end, they are cowards and think it's safer to leave."

So there isn't a single movie that's good enough.

This year's National Day film season will be dominated by "Safe Evacuation," which will be the only film to stand out.

Mu Zhi glanced at the current screening schedule. Cinemas were very optimistic about "Safe Evacuation," allocating nearly 50% of the screenings to it! That was astonishing.

There's no need for preview screenings to secure screen time; they can just start showing directly.

The film's producers were so confident that they didn't even need to hold a premiere.

As a member of the creative team, Mu Zhi deeply felt that the collaboration between director Tang Yan and male lead Zhou Zilong, coupled with this subject matter, made their box office appeal truly exceptional.

The public's trust and anticipation for their collaborative works is truly enviable.

Mu Zhi knew that she was still somewhat behind them.

This realization excited Mu Zhi; it was the goal she wanted to surpass and the direction she wanted to take.

I dream that one day, the movies I star in will also earn the same trust and anticipation from the audience.

On September 30, the movie "Safe Evacuation" was released amidst much anticipation from audiences.

[Author's Note]

Go, Zhibao! Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 20221018 23:58:29 and 20221019 23:47:25!

Thank you to the little angel who watered the nutrient solution: Ye Zhirou (1 bottle);

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!