Chapter 67 Chapter 67

Since the release date was confirmed, Yin Yong began readjusting the publicity plan.

Because of several consecutive hot topics, many netizens knew about the horror film "Guimen," but the moment they saw the release date, everyone was dumbfounded.

[Watching a horror movie on Valentine's Day??? Seriously???]

[I actually think it's kind of interesting. I'll ask my crush out, and when I see a scary scene, I'll jump into their arms, hehehe, plan successful!]

[I remember every Valentine's Day, accompanying my girlfriend to watch movies was so painful. Those sickeningly sweet romance films, I'd want to fall asleep after five minutes. I had to stay awake, or she'd ask me questions I couldn't answer, and she'd say I didn't love her. It really affected our relationship! Now it's great, when she's scared, I can just hug her, avoiding her questions and enhancing our relationship! It's perfect!]

[I didn't know you could do that! Learned something new!!]

…

The netizens' feedback was unexpectedly good, giving Yin Yong more confidence and making him even more admire Gu Xing Shi.

But at this moment, a piece of bad news suddenly hit them.

A blockbuster— "Yunshan Chuan 2"— suddenly appeared in the Valentine's Day release schedule.

Three years ago, the Xianxia film "Yunshan Chuan" was a huge success. As a sequel, "Yunshan Chuan 2" has been highly anticipated.

It is said that the investment was 800 million yuan. The filmmakers were ambitious, claiming that "Yunshan Chuan 2" would surpass "Yunshan Chuan" at the box office and even have the potential to break into the top ranks of domestic films.

No one wanted to clash with such a big film, and they would try to avoid the same release schedule, but unexpectedly, it suddenly confirmed its release date.

Moreover, as soon as "Yunshan Chuan 2" confirmed its release date, it immediately launched a massive publicity campaign.

The internet was almost filled with anticipation for "Yunshan Chuan 2," making other films pale in comparison.

Other films with the same release date sighed and cried foul.

Yin Yong was also frustrated. The originally smooth publicity campaign was overshadowed by the sudden emergence of "Yunshan Chuan 2," failing to achieve his expected results.

He was worried, and inadvertently showed it in front of Gu Xing Shi.

Gu Xing Shi listened to his concerns but didn't seem too worried: "Our "Guimen" is a different genre. It shouldn't be affected that much, right?"

Yin Yong was stunned.

He had originally thought that a blockbuster like "Yunshan Chuan 2" would create a box office siphon effect, attracting most of the audience and thus occupying most of the box office revenue, leaving other films with no room to survive.

But Gu Xing Shi was right. "Guimen" was an outlier in this year's Valentine's Day release schedule and was actually the least to worry about.

Yin Yong suddenly became clear-headed and regained his confidence. He asked, "Gu Zong, I have an idea. Why don't we start large-scale early screenings? The finished product of "Guimen" is excellent, and good early screening word-of-mouth will help the box office later. What do you think?"

Gu Xing Shi nodded: "Sounds good!"

With Gu Xing Shi's approval, Yin Yong was even more confident and immediately busied himself with the task.

-

Jiang Jian Yue had been eagerly anticipating the release of "Guimen."

Firstly, she had never seen a film with so much pre-release news. It was almost constantly on the hot search. In her experience, this film would either be full of flaws or a huge hit.

Secondly, it was because of Bu Qian Wei.

As a C-Station film review UP-master, Bu Qian Wei's films were almost all in her material library. She couldn't imagine why Gu Zong would choose her as the female lead.

Until Qin Wen and Yan Xiang, in their interviews, all said that Bu Qian Wei's acting was excellent.

Gu Zong even said that Bu Qian Wei was their destined female lead.

Such high praise really piqued her curiosity.

Especially after the trailer for "Guimen" came out, Bu Qian Wei's performance was unexpectedly good, which increased her anticipation.

Therefore, when she knew that "Guimen" was having early screenings, she immediately bought a ticket.

However, as soon as she opened the ticketing app, she found that many seats had already been chosen. She was surprised. She thought that this niche horror film wouldn't attract many viewers. How could the tickets sell so fast!

She didn't think much and quickly bought a ticket.

On the day of the screening, she arrived at the cinema early. To her surprise, this session was already full, and there were many couples among the audience.

A couple sat next to Jiang Jian Yue. The boy was tall and strong and kept comforting his girlfriend: "If you're scared, just hide in my arms. I'll protect you…"

Their little thoughts were obvious.

Jiang Jian Yue was forced to eat a lot of dog food.

Fortunately, the movie started soon, and Jiang Jian Yue put aside her distracting thoughts and immersed herself in watching the film.

The beginning of the film showed Qin Wen, playing the male lead, inviting Bu Qian Wei, playing the female lead, to play an escape room and had already greeted the NPC beforehand to scare the female lead at the right moment, making sure she would hide towards him.

This little thought was exactly the same as most of the couples in the audience, and the cinema immediately erupted in knowing laughter.

But with Bu Qian Wei's appearance, almost everyone gasped in surprise.

Some people thought that Qin Wen, such a handsome guy, using this method to pursue a girl was a bit fake.

But looking at Bu Qian Wei's beautiful and striking face, almost instantly they could understand the male lead.

Bu Qian Wei's female lead was somewhat spoiled, but not annoying, and Jiang Jian Yue was surprised to find that her acting was very natural.

Jiang Jian Yue had thought that the scene in the trailer was a result of editing, but now it seemed that Bu Qian Wei's acting had actually improved.

As the plot progressed, the dreaded "Guǐ" didn't show its true face, but people kept dying, and the atmosphere of terror constantly intensified.

Until the male and female leads discovered new clues, it turned out to be from a long-abandoned village. They drove to the village.

From the moment they entered the village, nothing happened, but Jiang Jian Yue's heart felt like a taut string, any movement could make her snap.

At this moment, she was completely immersed in the plot until the female lead was possessed by Guǐ.

Seeing Bu Qian Wei's beautiful face suddenly twisted, the impact felt like a sharp knife, "zheng," cutting the string in her heart.

Jiang Jian Yue was so scared that her body recoiled.

But it wasn't over. The female lead had a strange smile on her face, her body bent into a shape that was incomprehensible, and she began to chase after the male lead.

This indescribable fear, between human and non-human, was forcefully imprinted in the minds of every audience member.

And the unedited long shot further pushed this sense of oppression to the extreme.

Jiang Jian Yue's back was tightly pressed against the seat back, her breathing becoming rapid.

Screams erupted from the audience.

Until the film ended and the lights in the cinema came back on.

All the audience members were still in shock, breathing a long sigh of relief. Even because so many people were exhaling, the uniform "hu" sound startled some audience members who were still immersed in the movie.

Jiang Jian Yue wiped the sweat from her forehead and still felt her heart racing.

The tall and strong boy next to her was now clinging to his girlfriend's shoulder and crying softly, and his girlfriend patted his shoulder: "Don't be afraid, I'll protect you…"

Jiang Jian Yue: "…"

To be honest, she didn't expect the film to be so powerful!

Qin Wen's acting was excellent. Although this was just a horror film, it gave Qin Wen a lot of room to play, and his delicate acting was perfectly showcased in this film.

Yan Xiang's scene was also wonderful. The expressive power of her struggle for survival made Jiang Jian Yue feel the same.

Of course, the most surprising thing was Bu Qian Wei.

Jiang Jian Yue couldn't rationally evaluate Bu Qian Wei's acting at this moment. Only one sentence was in her mind: Anyone who dares to question Bu Jie's acting, punish them by making them watch "Guimen" ten times!!!

Now she finally understood why Gu Zong would say Bu Qian Wei was the destined female lead for this film!!

It could only be said that Gu Zong was worthy of being Gu Zong!!

As an audience member, you can always trust Gu Zong's choices!!

After returning home, Jiang Jian Yue stayed up all night editing a video, frantically promoting "Guimen," praising it as the best horror film she had seen in years.

[Wtf!! Almost thought the UP-master's account was hacked, is it really that good?]

[I was going to watch "Yunshan Chuan 2" with my friends on Valentine's Day, but the UP-master's recommendation piqued my interest. I'm going to watch "Guimen" first.]

[You actually praised Bu Qian Wei's acting, my youth is over!!! I don't believe that her acting can scare people!]

Jiang Jian Yue saw this comment and specially replied: [Guaranteed to scare you, you can try it. If it doesn't scare you, I'll reimburse your movie ticket.]

Immediately, some people started to stir up trouble. The netizen couldn't resist the provocation and immediately said that they would go and watch it the next day and even posted a screenshot of their ticket purchase.

However, the next day, this netizen came back and meekly admitted defeat.

This situation wasn't only happening in Jiang Jian Yue's comment section. Even some UP-masters who didn't believe it, recorded themselves watching the movie. It was fine in the beginning, but when Bu Qian Wei appeared, they were so scared that they screamed and spilled their cola.

Immediately—

#GuimenHorror

#BuQianWei'sScaryActingInEverySense

#IsQinWenBrotherStillAlive

Various topics topped the hot search.

Netizens discussed it enthusiastically.

[I specially brought my girlfriend to watch it, wanting to show my masculinity, but in the second half of the film, I was completely lying on my girlfriend's shoulder, too scared to even lift my head.]

[Ahhhhh, finally found a boyfriend, thanks to "Guimen," thanks to my Bu Jie!]

[It's really scary. Our whole dorm went to watch it together, betting that whoever screamed would wash everyone's socks for a week. Emmmm… I lost my voice from being scared, so I don't have to wash socks for a month!]

…

As the online popularity grew, "Guimen"'s pre-sale performance was excellent.

Seeing the pre-sale box office numbers, Yin Yong was so happy he almost jumped up. He had originally worried that with "Yunshan Chuan 2," "Guimen"'s pre-sale box office wouldn't be good, but now he was completely relieved.

He looked at Gu Xing Shi with reverence: "Gu Zong, you are truly wise and farsighted! Everything is in your plan!"

"Ah?" Gu Xing Shi was bewildered. "What are you saying? Aren't you the one handling the publicity and distribution? Why is it becoming my credit?"

Yin Yong admired him even more.

With such strong abilities, he is still so humble. Indeed, he still has a lot to learn!!

With "Guimen"'s excellent performance, "Yunshan Chuan 2" on the same schedule was unhappy.

The filmmakers of "Yunshan Chuan 2" thought that with their own fame and popularity, they would be the undisputed leader in any release schedule, and other films could only give way.

But who could have imagined that they would encounter such a rising dark horse as "Guimen".

Especially Fang Ming, one of the investors.

He had disliked Gu Xing Shi before. A poor and down-and-out person, relying on Wen Yue's influence, entered the investment circle so brazenly and was even sought after by many people in the circle.

He was just lucky, he didn't understand anything about films!

An unknown director and screenwriter, a male lead who only played a couple of supporting roles. Oh, the female lead was famous, but her reputation was all negative.

Fang Ming scoffed. Once when he was chatting with other investors, he talked about this, and he laughed at Gu Xing Shi, saying that if "Guimen"'s box office exceeded 100 million, he would call Gu Xing Shi "dad."

However, he never expected that "Guimen" first had its male lead, Qin Wen, win the Best Supporting Actor award at the Xibo Film Festival, gaining a lot of attention, and then the female supporting actress, Yan Xiang, became popular because of a short drama.

"Guimen"'s popularity was rising, and he panicked.

Until "Guimen" and "Yunshan Chuan 2" clashed in their release dates.

Fang Ming's hanging heart finally settled down.

No matter how high "Guimen"'s popularity was, it would be like an egg hitting a stone when facing "Yunshan Chuan 2".

Forget about exceeding 100 million; it might not even be able to recover its costs.

But soon, he was slapped in the face by "Guimen"'s pre-sale box office.

"Guimen"'s premiere screenings were clearly lower than "Yunshan Chuan 2," but the pre-sale box office was almost the same. How was that possible?!

His first reaction was that Wen Yue was supporting his boyfriend and bought the box office numbers. But after checking, he found that "Guimen"'s box office was real, and because the actors weren't very famous, there weren't many friendly group bookings from those in the circle. It could be said that it was all bought by real audiences, bit by bit.

When this investigation result came out, Fang Ming was even more unwilling to believe it.

But he quickly comforted himself. This was the effect of "Guimen"'s unconventional publicity strategy. Besides, this kind of niche film mainly relied on fans for initial box office support and would become weaker later.

So, high pre-sale box office didn't mean anything; it was all just a false appearance. The true nature would be revealed during the premiere, and audiences might follow the trend, but professional media reporters would know which film had more value.

Sure enough, when he arrived at the premiere, seeing the crowds of reporters, he finally felt relieved.

This was right!

It went without saying that reporters were all here, so "Guimen" must be deserted, with only a few people.

They must regret their decision now. This was the consequence of clashing with "Yunshan Chuan 2" at the premiere.

Meanwhile, at "Guimen"'s premiere, Gu Xing Shi glanced at the media area and was somewhat surprised: "There are quite a few reporters here!"

Almost all the seats reserved for the media were full.

Yin Yong was also surprised: "I thought most reporters would go to "Yunshan Chuan 2," and I checked, there are many senior reporters. I didn't expect them to be so optimistic about us."

As he spoke, there was another commotion in the hall.

Gu Xing Shi suddenly had a strange sense of déjà vu: "Why does this scene seem familiar?"

The system said faintly: 【You've seen it before, more than once.】

Gu Xing Shi: 【?】

The next second, he saw the crowd parting, and Wen Yue walking slowly towards him.

Gu Xing Shi was somewhat stunned: "Wen Zong?"

Wen Yue saw him, paused slightly, then nodded: "Gu Zong, congratulations."

Gu Xing Shi was a bit dumbfounded.

Not only was he dumbfounded, but the media was also dumbfounded.

They had heard that Wen Zong was extremely busy and didn't even have time to attend the premiere of Fengtingyun Movie, so why would he be at "Guimen"'s premiere?

But no matter what!

This was a big scoop!!

Today was a great day!!

They had come for "Guimen," but before the movie even started, a big news story was already in hand!

This wasn't a premiere!

This was a media feast!!

Seeing Gu Xing Shi's dazed look, Wen Yue's heart beat heavily, but his expression remained calm. He pointed to the seat next to Gu Xing Shi: "Gu Zong, may I sit here?"

Gu Xing Shi was about to speak when Qin Wen suddenly appeared from somewhere and sat down in the seat Wen Yue had pointed to.

Wen Yue: "…"

Qin Wen, from the moment Wen Yue entered, had his alarm bells ringing, watching his every move.

Seeing that he was indeed coming for Gu Xing Shi, he immediately rushed over.

Gu Xing Shi asked curiously: "Aren't you sitting with Director Pei and the others?"

Qin Wen lowered his head, his voice also low: "It's my first time playing the lead role, I'm a little nervous, it will be safer to sit here."

Then, he raised his head and said to Wen Yue, "Wen Zong, I'm really sorry."

Wen Yue glanced at him indifferently: "It's fine."

Before Qin Wen could be happy, Sun Hong Fei, who was sitting on the other side of Gu Xing Shi, jumped up, giving up his seat: "Wen Zong, please sit here!"

Wen Yue sat down calmly and began chatting with Gu Xing Shi.

Qin Wen: "!!!"

He gnashed his teeth and found another excuse to say to Gu Xing Shi: "Gu Zong, the air conditioning here is a little strong, I feel a little dizzy, can you change seats with me?"

Gu Xing Shi looked up at the air vent: "The air vent is between us. If you change seats with me, you'll still feel it."

Wen Yue glanced at Sun Hong Fei, and Lao Sun immediately received the signal and ran to Qin Wen, saying diligently: "Little Qin, the wind is smaller over here, why don't you change seats with me?"

Qin Wen: "…"

Lao Sun, you traitor!!!

He gritted his teeth, "No need, I don't feel cold anymore…"

In the meantime, Wen Yue had already started chatting with Gu Xing Shi again, and he was particularly cunning, talking about the follow-up work of the film. Gu Xing Shi's expression immediately became focused.

Qin Wen naturally couldn't cause any more trouble and could only glare at Wen Yue resentfully.

Cheng Xin was right!

Wen Yue was indeed a green tea b*tch!!!

Wen Yue didn't chat with Gu Xing Shi for long, and it was soon time for the screening.

The lights dimmed, and the opening credits slowly appeared on the screen.

Wen Yue's attention wasn't on the film but slightly turned his head, his eyes greedily looking at Gu Xing Shi's silhouette in the darkness. But compared to the unscrupulous gaze, his body movements were very restrained.

He was tall and had long limbs; the cinema chairs were a little cramped for him.

Gu Xing Shi's hand was casually resting on the armrest. Sometimes his arm would accidentally touch Wen Yue's elbow. Even if it was just a brief touch, Wen Yue felt that the skin on his elbow was a little hot.

Compared to him, Gu Xing Shi was completely unaware and was completely immersed in the movie.

Actually, when Pei Zhuo Zhi made the rough cut, he had watched it once, but at that time, there was no music, no voiceover, and the special effects weren't finished, so it was relatively simple.

Now that the finished product was out, it was even better than he had imagined.

Thinking that this film was brought up by himself, Gu Xing Shi felt a sense of happiness.

However, he only immersed himself for a while and soon looked back to see the audience's reaction.

Seeing that the audience was watching the film intently, he turned his head back, but his phone, which had been on his lap, suddenly slipped into the gap between the chairs.

Wen Yue, who had been paying attention to Gu Xing Shi, didn't think and reached out to pick up his phone.

And Gu Xing Shi also reached into the gap at the same time.

Almost simultaneously.

Wen Yue's hand just touched Gu Xing Shi's phone when another hand covered the back of his hand. The warm fingertips were unable to retract, and they were embedded in his fingers.

Wen Yue suddenly froze.

That moment felt like it was stretched out indefinitely. He could even feel the calluses on Gu Xing Shi's fingertips sliding through his fingers, bringing a slight electric current.

Gu Xing Shi was also stunned when he touched Wen Yue's hand, but he quickly found his cold phone from Wen Yue's fingers and deftly pulled it out from under Wen Yue's hand.

But as he retracted his hand, Wen Yue's hand suddenly grabbed his.

The broad palm almost completely enveloped his hand, and the warmth in his palm was almost burning his back.

Before Gu Xing Shi realized anything was wrong, Wen Yue quickly released him.

Gu Xing Shi put away his phone and hesitantly looked at Wen Yue beside him.

But the cinema was too dark, and he couldn't see Wen Yue's expression clearly.

Thinking of this, he whispered, "Wen Zong…"

Wen Yue's heart beat irregularly. He didn't know if Gu Xing Shi had realized something, his eyes flickered slightly, and he lowered his head slightly towards him: "What?"

Gu Xing Shi hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you scared?"

Wen Yue: "…"

He was about to say no, but suddenly remembered that he had seen some comments about "Guimen" online before coming, with couples saying that when they saw scary parts, the other person would hug them.

Gu Xing Shi suddenly asked him this…

Wen Yue's throat felt a little dry, his body unconsciously leaned towards Gu Xing Shi, and whispered, "Yes."

Gu Xing Shi had only casually asked, but Wen Yue actually admitted it.

Who would have thought that the tall and imposing Wen Zong was actually afraid of ghosts?! Indeed, appearances can be deceiving.

"I see." Gu Xing Shi also turned his body.

Wen Yue felt a faint expectation, his hands on his legs involuntarily clenched into fists. He could almost hear the excited sound of blood flowing in his ears.

But the next second, Gu Xing Shi took out a talisman from his pocket and stuck it on Wen Yue's chest, "啪."

Wen Yue: "?"

Gu Xing Shi thoughtfully lowered his voice: "Director Pei personally certified it, it's very effective, oh!"

Wen Yue: "…"