Chapter 290 Facing the Wind Without Words, Rising Against It (11,000-word update!)
As for whether Xin Zixing already had a boyfriend, Lu Yanhe naturally didn't want to ask her directly.
Chen Siqi is right. What if Xin Zixing doesn't want to tell anyone? Asking her so abruptly would be very presumptuous.
After breakfast, Lu Yanhe saw Chen Siqi off to the airport.
Chen Siqi said, "You should hurry to school too, you have class at ten o'clock."
Lu Yanhe looked at her in surprise and asked, "How did you know I had class at ten o'clock?"
Chen Siqi: "What don't you know about me?"
Lu Yanhe: "..."
"Okay, I'm leaving." Chen Siqi waved and got into the car.
Lu Yanhe helped her close the car door.
After the car drove away, Lu Yanhe was about to turn around and go back to the hotel when he suddenly saw two people guarding behind a pillar in front of him, carrying a camera.
Paparazzi?
When Lu Yanhe looked over, the two of them seemed a little flustered, as if they had been caught and were in a hurry to leave.
Lu Yanhe smiled, waved to them, and greeted them.
They were all taken aback and looked at Lu Yanhe with some surprise.
Lu Yanhe turned around and went back to the hotel.
-
Lu Yanhe's relationship with the media and paparazzi is relatively peaceful, and there have been no major conflicts.
On the one hand, Lu Yanhe himself doesn't have any secrets that can't be reported. On the other hand, Lu Yanhe is young and is an artist who puts his hard work on the public and is known throughout the country. The media and paparazzi are also very tolerant of him because they have a filter on him.
Furthermore, after Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi started working on "Jump Up," their magazine gradually became a rare masterpiece in print media, capable of sparking discussions and generating buzz from time to time. Moreover, they generously helped advertise for many books and magazines that were not related to them by business.
For example, one issue of the magazine featured a segment called "Gossip of the Past," inviting many columnists from five or even ten years ago to reminisce about famous and influential periodicals and columns from the golden age of print media, as well as some behind-the-scenes stories. Another issue invited several well-known entertainment reporters to discuss the relationship between entertainment reporters and celebrities.
These actions have led the media to implicitly regard Lu Yanhe as one of their own.
Besides "Jump Up," the editorial team's self-media editor club is also very popular.
They have opened accounts on various social media platforms and are doing a great job of them, frequently planning interesting topics and inviting experts from various fields to participate in discussions. This doesn't just mean experts in the legal or medical fields, but rather anyone with even a little influence on social media who frequently receives their invitations.
Most importantly, they never make people work for free, and they never use the excuse of "expanding your influence" to make them work for free. They always provide a good salary.
At a tea party held by "Jump Up", Chen Siqi said, "The things you are discussing are valuable in themselves. If our topic discussion brings us commercial returns, why shouldn't we share them with you at the same time?"
Young, talented, hardworking, and self-reliant, they have earned respect for their character by forging their own path without relying on wealthy patrons.
They are sensible, generous, and sincere and polite, which has earned them recognition in social interactions.
Why aren't they treated favorably by the media?
-
Li Zhibai didn't wake up until 9:30, and was woken up by Yan Liang.
"What's wrong?" Li Zhibai, with a head full of bird feathers, looked at Yan Liang sleepily.
Yan Liang said, "Old Lu has gone to class, and I'm leaving too. You'll have to take care of things yourself later."
"Where are you going?" Li Zhi asked.
Yan Liang said, "I have to go back to the film set; I have scenes to film tonight."
Li Zhi asked a hundred questions: "Are you going to the airport?"
"Um."
"Then wait for me, I'll take you there."
"Don't bother taking me there, I've already called a car," Yan Liang said. "I can't even open your eyes right now."
Li Zhibai yawned deeply and said, "Alright then, when will you wrap up filming this movie?"
Yan Liang: "Filming will be finished this month, but Zhou Ping'an has given me another role, and I'll be joining another production in October."
Li Zhibai was taken aback and looked at Yan Liang with some doubt, asking, "Don't you have to record 'Idol Era' in October?"
“Yes, but only for one episode,” Yan Liang said. “My cooperation agreement with this program is to record one episode every month.”
Li Zhibai realized what was going on and nodded. "So, will you need to ask the production crew for leave?"
"Um."
"So how are you preparing your stage?" Li Zhi asked.
Yan Liang: "I prepared this during breaks in filming; this is all I could do."
Li Zhibai: "That damn Zhou Ping'an."
Yan Liang smiled and said, "That's good. I just hope there's more work."
Li Zhibai: "Take it easy, I'm not talking to you anymore, I'm going back to sleep."
"Bye-bye." Yan Liang smiled, nodded, and left.
I have to go back to the film crew and see those people again.
A silent shadow fell over Yan Liang's heart.
At this moment, Yan Liang was actually struggling a little inside.
However, once he stepped out of the hotel, his struggle ceased.
No matter what others say, it doesn't matter. He knows best what his relationship is with Lu Yanhe and Li Zhibai. No matter how others see him among the three, he knows who he is, and he knows who he is in the eyes of Li Zhibai and Lu Yanhe, and that's enough.
-
At 11:40, the bell rang to signal the end of get out of class.
Lu Yanhe finished taking the last few notes, put the pen cap back on, packed his schoolbag, and prepared to go for lunch.
Ji Qianxing suddenly turned around and asked, "Lu Yanhe, was yesterday your birthday?"
Lu Yanhe nodded in surprise.
Ji Qianxing asked, "Why did you only invite Miao Yue and Zhou Mukai, but not us to your birthday party?"
She blinked.
Lu Yanhe's words at his birthday party last night were recorded on video and forwarded online.
Although we don't know who recorded it, it doesn't matter, because Lu Yanhe's event itself didn't tell everyone to keep it a secret or not to post it online.
However, Lu Yanhe's words have gone viral online.
As many people at the scene remarked, everyone said that Lu Yanhe was really good at speaking and was a role model to learn from.
This also made many people aware that yesterday was Lu Yanhe's birthday.
Lu Yanhe hadn't expected Ji Qianxing to suddenly ask him that question.
There was a moment of awkwardness.
Indeed, Lu Yanhe did not invite his classmates to his party.
On the one hand, there were limited seats inside, so he could only invite his best friends. On the other hand, Lu Yanhe also felt that his relationship with the other classmates was not close enough.
But of course, that's not how it should be said.
Saying it aloud would be too hurtful.
Lu Yanhe had no choice but to explain: "Yesterday's party was mainly for my work collaborators. Mu Kai is a part-time editor at 'Jump Up,' and Miao Yue is because we are working together on a movie. I also thought about inviting everyone, but since they are mostly work friends and I don't know them personally, I didn't do it in the end."
This is the only reasonable explanation he can think of at the moment.
Ever since he rejected Ji Qianxing's confession at the dinner party after military training, Ji Qianxing has been targeting him, even making a big deal out of it.
Normally, if you didn't receive an invitation, would you just silently pretend it never happened? You're not Lin Miaomiao, who can justifiably ask herself why she wasn't invited.
Upon hearing Lu Yanhe's reply, Ji Qianxing curled her lips and said, "I thought you looked down on us classmates and thought we weren't worthy of attending your birthday party."
Lu Yanhe frowned.
Ji Qianxing definitely did it on purpose.
Just as Lu Yanhe was about to say something, Miao Yue suddenly said, "Of course Yanhe wouldn't look down on his classmates. He's always been very good to them. Several times, it was his suggestion that led me to organize class dinners. But, if he has parties like this, he definitely won't invite you next time."
Ji Qianxing asked, "Why?"
Miao Yue said, "Is that even a question? It's to avoid embarrassment."
Miao Yue didn't directly mention that Ji Qianxing had failed to confess her feelings to Lu Yanhe, but everyone present knew what had happened.
Ji Qianxing glared at Miao Yue, her anger and embarrassment palpable.
What do you mean?
Miao Yue said, "What do you mean? Asking Lu Yanhe why he didn't invite everyone to his birthday party in front of the whole class after class, isn't that just to make everyone feel uncomfortable and hold a grudge? But Lu Yanhe is an artist and the editor-in-chief of 'Jump Up.' His social circle is very different from ours. How could he possibly invite all the classmates to his birthday party like we do? Would you invite all of us to your party after you start working?"
"Why not?" Ji Qianxing's features were distorted with anger at this moment.
Miao Yue: "Then I hope you remember what you said today. If you ever throw a birthday party and don't invite the whole class, I'll come and ask you what you were thinking."
Ji Qianxing was stunned and realized that she had been tricked.
Miao Yue turned to look at Lu Yanhe and said, "However, we haven't had a get-together since school started. How about we find some time to have a meal together?"
Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "Okay."
Other students also responded enthusiastically.
Compared to Ji Qianxing, Miao Yue does have a stronger influence in the class.
Her popularity far surpasses that of Ji Qianxing.
-
"Ji Qianxing has been holding a grudge against you for rejecting her and can't get over it."
In the cafeteria, Miao Yue spoke to Lu Yanhe.
Zhou Mukai nodded as well. "When Zhou Qingcheng and I were doing a social survey before, Ji Qianxing was in our group, and she would ask me about you from time to time."
Lu Yanhe couldn't help but be surprised, "Why would she do this?"
“You’re still not giving up on me, aren’t you?” Miao Yue said. “Or maybe it’s because you rejected her in front of so many people that she felt she lost face and has been trying to get back at you.”
Lu Yanhe shook his head, "I refused very tactfully back then."
“Even the most tactful approach is still a rejection. Everyone’s not stupid; of course they know what’s going on,” Miao Yue said.
Lu Yanhe grunted.
Miao Yue asked, "There must be many cases like this, right?"
"What's going on?"
"The girl who likes you."
"It's alright, not as much as you imagine," Lu Yanhe quickly denied.
Zhou Mukai: "He's either reading in the library or working outside, so people basically don't have any contact with him."
Miao Yue laughed, "You can do that too?"
She said, "I thought that in the entertainment industry, a place of fame and fortune, many girls would like you."
“That’s all been demonized by the media,” Lu Yanhe said. “At least that’s not what I’ve seen.”
Miao Yue nodded and said, "Yesterday's birthday party made me realize that people in the entertainment industry aren't like those portrayed in movies and TV dramas, full of scheming and backstabbing. To be honest, I was a little disappointed. I thought I could watch a show."
"How could that be?"
Miao Yue asked, "Did you know that our junior classmate agreed to act in 'Miss Ning'?"
"Huh?" Lu Yanhe was stunned and looked at Miao Yue in surprise.
Miao Yue: "You don't know yet? Lin Miaomiao agreed to He Han's proposal just yesterday."
Lu Yanhe was surprised.
Miao Yue: "I heard that I agreed because I found out you would also be in this movie."
Lu Yanhe grunted.
Zhou Mukai asked, "What, does that junior girl also like Lu Yanhe?"
"I don't know, but it might mean something like that." Miao Yue rested her chin on the back of her right hand, deep in thought.
Lu Yanhe: "..."
-
In the afternoon, He Han told Lu Yanhe the news.
"We can finally start filming this movie!" he exclaimed excitedly.
Lu Yanhe asked, "Director, when do you plan to start filming?"
He Han: "I don't know. I've already spoken to Longyan and we'll see when the money will be transferred. However, I've already received a sum of money from the foundation, so we can actually get started now. Please wait a moment while I go and get the production team sorted out."
Lu Yanhe said, "My film should only need one or two weekends, right?"
“Well, you only have two scenes,” He Han said. “I’ll let you know in advance.”
Where was this movie filmed?
He Han: "I plan to film in Yuming, it's convenient."
Lu Yanhe: "Have you seen the scenery yet?"
“Yes, I’ve been watching it for the past six months,” He Han said. “Lin Miaomiao suddenly agreed to act in this drama, I heard it’s because of you.”
Lu Yanhe: "I don't know."
He Han: "Stop pretending, Lin Miaomiao just told me directly."
Lu Yanhe: "Director, I don't have those feelings for her."
“I know,” He Han said. “That’s why I called you. Are you… okay?”
"What do you mean, 'OK' or 'not OK'?"
"She's playing the female lead, are you okay with that?" He Han asked.
Lu Yanhe: "Do you think I have the final say on this? Isn't it you who decides?"
He Han said, "Although I really wanted Lin Miaomiao to play the female lead, if you feel uncomfortable, I... actually, I have already given up on making this movie. Liu Bige should have told you before, right? I'm already writing a new script."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe pondered for a moment and said, "Lin Miaomiao and I never said we couldn't film a movie together. You had been reluctant to film 'Miss Ning' because you couldn't find a female lead you liked. Now that you've finally found one, it would be a shame if you had to cancel the film because of me."
“That is indeed a pity,” He Han said.
Lu Yanhe asked, "Do you have some concerns about this drama?"
"Um?"
“Knowing you as I do, now that Lin Miaomiao is willing to film, why are you hesitating about whether to film or not because of my relationship with Lin Miaomiao? Shouldn’t you be pestering me to agree to film?” Lu Yanhe pointed out.
He Han immediately denied it: "How could I be that kind of person!"
Lu Yanhe: "You are."
He Han: "I am not."
“Liu Bige told me all about how relentlessly you pursued Lin Miaomiao,” Lu Yanhe said. “Is there some other trouble with the movie ‘Miss Ning’?”
He Han fell silent for several seconds before saying, "There's been a problem in Longyan. They're not so willing to provide funding for my film anymore."
"Didn't you say you got filming funding from a foundation in France?"
“That can only cover a portion, not much,” He Han said. “Originally, Longyan had agreed to it, but because I dragged it out for too long, they changed their minds.”
It turns out it was a funding issue.
Lu Yanhe asked, "Is it much different?"
“It’s almost five million short,” He Han sighed. “So I’m thinking, maybe we should switch to a more commercial script.”
Lu Yanhe listened to He Han's words and remained silent for a moment.
He Han had never mentioned this to him before.
They were incredibly enthusiastic, acting like they could just start filming whenever they wanted.
If he hadn't noticed something amiss, no one would know when filming would have started.
"The difference is so huge... I was thinking of saying, maybe you shouldn't pay me for this movie, it's just a drop in the ocean."
“I need to find more investors,” He Han said. “But it will probably be difficult. The female lead is a girl who has never acted in a movie before, and you are only making a cameo appearance in two scenes. It will be hard to get investment.”
The future is uncertain.
Lu Yanhe wanted to say magnanimously that he would take care of the rest of the investment.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the money.
He made some money, but he couldn't possibly throw it all into this film project that didn't look like it would make much money.
"I'll think of something myself. Anyway, thank you for agreeing to act in this movie so readily," He Han said.
-
The preparation and production of "Miss Ning" was the most complicated of all the film and television projects that Lu Yanhe had been involved in.
As soon as Lu Yanhe told Chen Ziyan, Chen Ziyan immediately saw the real crux of the problem.
“Initially, Longyan was willing to provide He Han with this part of the filming funding. On the one hand, Liu Bige acted as a middleman, and on the other hand, they valued He Han’s connections in the French film industry, which was essentially an investment in a new director,” Chen Ziyan said. “However, He Han delayed filming because he couldn’t find a suitable female lead, which caused Longyan’s evaluation of He Han to decline. Later, they probably used this as an excuse to stop investing.”
Lu Yanhe nodded.
"The most crucial reason is that He Han did not sign with Longyan," Chen Ziyan said. "Unlike Liu Bige, who has already signed with Longyan, Longyan will definitely provide much more support in order to cultivate its own new directors."
Lu Yanhe understood what Chen Ziyan meant.
Chen Ziyan said, "To be honest, you can see that if the script of 'Miss Ning' is made into a movie, unless it wins an award, the box office won't be very high. Breaking 10 million is normal, 20 million is a small miracle, and if it reaches 30 million, I can do marketing and say that you can carry the box office very well."
Lu Yanhe was both amused and exasperated.
“But since it’s an art film, it doesn’t matter. It’s normal for the box office to be bad. The key is that the role you’re playing allows you to showcase your talents and make a breakthrough,” Chen Ziyan said. “I hope things go smoothly with He Han and that he can find funding as soon as possible. Otherwise, it would be a real shame if it flopped. That guy does have some talent.”
That's how movies are; they can't be made by just one person with talent.
It's not like writing a novel, where only the writer is needed.
Chen Ziyan said, "By the way, we're preparing to submit 'Three Mountains' to the Xituer International Film Festival."
Unlike the three major European film festivals, there are four most influential film festivals in the world. Of these four, only the Venice International Film Festival has survived. Cannes and Berlin have disappeared, and their positions have been taken over by the other three major film festivals.
The Cithur International Film Festival is one of them.
If the three major European film festivals before Lu Yanhe's time travel were known for their art films, the current four major international film festivals are more comprehensive and each has its own characteristics.
The Venice International Film Festival, much like in another time and space, maintains its traditional, classic, and artistic film selection style.
The Sittor International Film Festival is known for its avant-garde, progressive, and innovative approach.
The movie "Three Mountains" is indeed like a bizarre dream, with all sorts of strange and wonderful plots and scenes.
It's perfectly normal to submit this film to the Sittor International Film Festival.
Chen Ziyan said, "In recent years, most of our domestic films have participated in the Jose International Film Festival, mainly because of the booming domestic film market. Everyone is making commercial films, and very few go to the Citur International Film Festival."
The Jose International Film Festival is one of the four major international film festivals. However, it is more focused on the reputation of audiences and film critics. It is also the only one of the four major film festivals that selects various works each year through a vote of one hundred film critics and two hundred audience members.
In recent years, Chinese-language films have won many awards at the José International Film Festival, especially the Audience Choice Award, which they have won three times in the last decade.
Lu Yanhe asked, "Is 'Three Mountains' going to the Sittor International Film Festival for the main competition?"
"It's likely. Given Director Wang Zhong's experience and international reputation, it's unlikely that his films will be placed in other sections, considering his low output," Chen Ziyan said with a smile. "Except for the Jose Film Festival, which is not suitable, the other three major film festivals would all vie for Director Wang Zhong's films. Xituer won't make any mistakes."
Lu Yanhe nodded, indicating that he understood.
Many people often use whether a film is shortlisted for the main competition as a standard to judge the quality of a film at a film festival.
In reality, it can only serve as a standard for assessing a film director's status at this film festival.
Film festivals and films have a mutually beneficial relationship.
Many good films may be relegated to other sections because the directors of those films do not have sufficient international status and influence.
Some films are really not that good, but the directors are very influential. If you don't include them in the main competition, they'll go to other film festivals. To protect the influence of your own film festival, you have to put them in the main competition no matter how bad they are.
Being the artistic director of any film festival is no easy task. To ensure the festival's influence, it needs both current popularity and recognition, as well as emerging stars and fresh talent.
This requires a lot of balancing.
After listening to Chen Ziyan's explanation, Lu Yanhe gradually understood the status of film festivals in the film industry.
Simply put, it's like a huge central hub.
Every year, a film festival brings together a number of films, attracting a lot of attention through competitions and awards, providing exposure and buyers for the films, and honor and status for filmmakers. In return, the film festival contributes to the festival's reputation and prestige within the film industry.
Chen Ziyan said, "I hope that 'Three Mountains' can enter the main competition unit of the Sitour Film Festival. At that time, you can also go to the Sitour Film Festival with the film company."
Lu Yanhe smiled and said, "Go and broaden your horizons."
"Go and let the world know you." Chen Ziyan rolled her eyes at him.
Lu Yanhe: "I don't have that ability."
Chen Ziyan said, "Do you know how the industry evaluates your performance in 'Three Mountains'?"
Lu Yanhe shook his head.
Chen Ziyan said, "Everyone says that your performance makes you a strong contender for the Best Supporting Actor award at next year's major Chinese film awards, and that you will sweep the competition."
Lu Yanhe looked at Chen Ziyan in surprise, "Really?"
"Why do you think everyone calls you a genius?" Chen Ziyan said, "Relying on just one drama, 'The Golden Era,' is far from enough. Moreover, we all know that although your performance in 'The Golden Era' was good, it wasn't good enough for others to call you a genius. The main reason you won the Golden Tripod Award is that the drama was very popular, and your competitors weren't very strong."
Lu Yanhe: "Okay."
“Whether you win an award or not, I’m not sure yet, but ‘Three Mountains’ will allow everyone to see your talent in acting,” Chen Ziyan said. “This is not my opinion, but the opinion of several directors who have seen the film.”
Lu Yanhe recalled the day he filmed "Three Mountains" and wondered if he had acted that well.
However, for some reason, on that day, I was in excellent condition, as if divinely inspired, and whatever I thought in my mind, I acted out in reality.
However, if Lu Yanhe were to perform the role again, he felt he might not be able to pull it off.
That's not a state that can be copied.
“These scripts are ones I’ve picked out. You can choose any role except the male lead,” Chen Ziyan said. “The lead roles are basically already decided. They know you’re willing to play supporting roles and guest appearances, so they’re sending you scripts like crazy.”
Lu Yanhe looked at the thick stack of scripts Chen Ziyan was holding and exclaimed in surprise, "So many?"
Yes, that many.
Lu Yanhe: "Then I'll take it and take a look."
-
"Lu Yanhe only had a cameo role for one day, and his scene in the movie was only ten minutes long. With just ten minutes, can he compete for the Best Supporting Actor award next year?"
He Yingzi looked at the person sitting opposite her in disbelief and asked.
The person having dinner with He Yingzi is Liu Mo, the vice president of a film company.
Liu Mo nodded and said, "We've all seen the film. At the internal screening, everyone gave Lu Yanhe's performance a very high rating."
He Yingzi couldn't help but frown.
She said, "How much higher can it get? I don't believe he has superb acting skills now."
Liu Mo: "Yingzi, you have to admit that there are too many miraculous moments in the art of performing."
He Yingzi said, "The role I wanted to get for Lang Xia in the movie 'The Blue Scheme' depends on whether Lu Yanhe accepts it. If he doesn't, then you can give it to me?"
Liu Mo nodded and said, "This is the director's opinion. He hopes that Lu Yanhe will play this role. You know, given Lu Yanhe's current situation, if he is willing to play a small supporting role, no production would want to miss him, as long as he is willing to act. Lang Xia's acting skills are certainly not bad, but he is not famous yet, and not many people know him."
He Yingzi said, "Phoenix Terrace is about to air. Once this drama airs, Lang Xia will definitely become famous. Don't you believe in director Chen Lingling's abilities?"
Liu Mo: "Of course I believe it, but that's not a reason for me to insist on pushing Lang Xia."
He Yingzi gently bit her lip.
At that moment, a sense of frustration welled up in her heart.
He Yingzi had long anticipated that Lu Yanhe might become a stumbling block for all male actors of this age, but she never expected that day to come so soon.
It wasn't even because of the Golden Tripod Award, but because of an art film that hadn't been released yet.
Production companies look at actors' popularity, fame, and appeal, but directors often look at the actors themselves.
This is especially true for the best directors.
This often leads to conflicting choices between the two sides.
Lu Yanhe's current situation is that he can satisfy both sides?
He Yingzi's anxiety intensified.
-
On Friday afternoon, Lu Yanhe and Director Lian Bei went to the hospital to visit Jiang Jun.
Lian Bei asked him if he was at school and if he was free. Lu Yanhe said yes, and then Lian Bei said he was going to the hospital to see Jiang Jun and asked if he wanted to come along.
Lu Yanhe had been there once before with Chen Ziyan, but it had been a while since he last went.
"Professor Jiang's surgery is scheduled for three days from now," Lian Bei said.
Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "I hope everything goes well."
When the two of them arrived at the hospital, Jiang Jun's wife, Wei Ran, was watching a movie on a tablet with him.
"Hi, Teacher Jiang, Sister Ran." Lian Bei knocked on the door, carrying fruit and skincare products.
Jiang Jun and Wei Ran looked up in surprise when they heard their commotion.
"Oh, Director, Xiao Lu." Wei Ran quickly got up and came over.
Lian Bei handed the things in his hand to Wei Ran.
"How have you been feeling these past few days, Teacher Jiang?"
Wei Ran glanced back at Jiang Jun.
Jiang Jun smiled broadly and said, "Very good. I'm just waiting for the surgery to be completed so I can go back to filming."
Lian Bei laughed and said, "That's great, Teacher Jiang. I look forward to your speedy recovery. I've already reserved a role for you in my next film."
Jiang Jun's eyes lit up. "Thank you so much, Director."
Wei Ran laughed, seemingly touched, and then suddenly turned away to wipe her eyes.
Lu Yanhe was somewhat surprised to see this.
Is it really necessary to be this moved?
Lu Yanhe and Lian Bei sat down.
“I’ve been editing the footage of ‘The Seventeenth Floor’ recently. As I’m editing, I’m watching it, and you’re really good at acting, Teacher Jiang,” Lian Bei said. “There are so many details that I didn’t even notice on set, but I noticed them on the editing table. Your fingers are full of acting.”
Jiang Jun quickly waved his hand with a smile, "No, no, Director, you flatter me."
Lu Yanhe: "Teacher Jiang really acted very well. I learned a lot on set."
Jiang Jun waved his hand again.
"We don't have any disposable cups here, so we won't make tea. Please have some mineral water instead," Wei Ran said, bringing over two bottles of mineral water.
Lu Yanhe and Lian Bei received the items and thanked them.
Jiang Jun asked, "Is Xiao Lu filming anything lately?"
"No, I'm at school," Lu Yanhe said with a smile. "There are no confirmed filming plans yet."
Jiang Jun: "Oh dear, seeing you reminds me of my good-for-nothing son, tsk."
Wei Ran said with a smile, "Ever since he filmed with you, he has been lamenting every few days why he didn't have a son like you."
Lu Yanhe quickly shook his head and said, "It's a case of 'familiarity breeds contempt.' If Teacher Jiang had known me for a little longer, she would have started to dislike me."
"How could that be?" Jiang Jun laughed.
Lian Bei took out a thick script from his backpack and said, "Teacher Jiang, this is a movie I'm planning to film later. Take a look at it first, and if you're willing to act in it, I'll save it for you."
Jiang Jun was taken aback, somewhat surprised.
When Lian Bei mentioned that he would be offered roles later, Jiang Jun thought it was just a polite remark. However, he has encountered several setbacks recently, and the roles originally intended for him have all been given to others. After all, no film and television company is willing to take the risk given his situation.
Unexpectedly, Lian Bei suddenly pulled out a script.
Jiang Jun's hand trembled slightly as he took the script. "Director, are you really going to cast me?"
"Yes, but filming won't start until next year. No rush. Just look at the script and give me an answer before the end of the year," Lian Bei said.
Jiang Jun's lips twitched slightly. He raised his eyes, looked at Lian Bei in disbelief, opened his mouth, and said, "What else is there to say? If you really want me to act, I'll answer you right now, I'll definitely act."
"That's good." Lian Bei smiled. "Then you should rest well after the surgery and get back to your health so you can film next year."
-
Lu Yanhe felt that Lian Bei's visit today seemed to be a special one.
Of course, Lian Bei came specifically to visit Jiang Jun.
Lu Yanhe felt that Lian Bei had come specifically to visit Jiang Jun today.
They chose this day.
After leaving the hospital, Lu Yanhe asked Lian Bei, "Director, what's the next movie you're going to film?"
Lian Bei glanced at him, smiled, and said, "It's still far from over."
"ah?"
“It was a script I had prepared before, but it was shelved and never filmed,” Lian Bei said. “I recently heard that several film and television companies that were originally going to collaborate with Mr. Jiang canceled their projects because of his stomach cancer. This has been a big blow to Mr. Jiang, so his wife contacted me and asked if I could help him act in a play. Mr. Jiang is having surgery in three days, and she is worried that he will be too upset.”
Lu Yanhe looked at Lian Bei in surprise.
"So that's how it is?" Lu Yanhe thought to himself, no wonder.
Lian Bei glanced at him and said, "I called you over at the last minute to make this scene look more realistic. Thank you for your hard work."
Lu Yanhe: "No, no, I'd be happy to."
Lian Bei: "Why don't you find some time to watch the initial cut of 'The Seventeenth Floor'?"
“Okay.” Lu Yanhe nodded immediately.
Lian Bei: "Then I'll invite you over later."
"Hmm." Lu Yanhe nodded. "Director, there's one more thing. What do you think of 'Squid Game,' which I mentioned to you before?"
Lian Bei said, "I really like this concept. Did you come up with this story because of 'The Seventeenth Floor'?"
“Hmm,” Lu Yanhe said, “When I was filming ‘The Seventeenth Floor,’ I thought of this. In ‘The Seventeenth Floor,’ we are a group of treasure hunters who are tricked by fake news and get involved in a battle royale live stream on the dark web. What would it be like if a group of people actively entered such a game for profit? That’s what I thought of.”
Lian Bei: "Very interesting."
"Then I'll write the screenplay, would you like to be the director?"
“Directing is not a certainty. You know, there’s a good chance that ‘The Seventeenth Floor’ will have a sequel, and I might not have that much time,” Lian Bei said. “However, if you want to do this project, I will definitely help you, whether it’s as a producer or something else, if you need my help.”
“I really need it,” Lu Yanhe said immediately. “I know absolutely nothing about making it.”
Lian Bei nodded and said, "Okay, you can start writing the script first. I'll be busy with the post-production of 'The Seventeenth Floor' these next few months."
"good."
Lu Yanhe added, "I'd like to cast Jiang Jun as the male lead in 'The Squid Game'."
Jiang Jun is a perfect fit for the role of a down-on-his-luck, disillusioned middle-aged man in his forties.
Lian Bei thought for a moment and said, "Then we might need to find an actress who can convince the investors and the platform to take on the lead role."
“Hmm,” Lu Yanhe said, “I have a few candidates in mind, but I don’t know if they would be willing to act.”
Lian Bei said, "If 'The Seventeen Floors' becomes a hit, then they would probably be willing to participate."
Lu Yanhe clasped his hands together and prayed earnestly: "Then I hope 'The Seventeenth Floor' will definitely be a hit."
Lian Bei: "With someone as lucky as you around, I have no doubt at all."
"ha?"
"People in the industry say you are a lucky person, and everything you do has been successful."
Lu Yanhe was both amused and exasperated when he heard Lian Bei say that.
"No, not really."
“I think they’re right,” Lian Bei said. “Therefore, I have full confidence in ‘The Seventeenth Floor’.”
-
Lu Yanhe returned to school and went straight to the library.
However, instead of reading his textbooks that day, he opened his laptop and accessed a folder called "Squid Game".
Inside were some key materials he had previously recorded. Today, with Lian Bei's approval, he decided to start writing the script.
-
"Teacher Jia, this script is indeed quite brilliant, but it's a road comedy... According to our calculations, based on the market box office in recent years, the box office prospects of this movie are probably only between 300 and 500 million."
Jia Long sat in a conference room, listening to the other party's evaluation of the "Lost in Thailand" project.
Throughout the entire conversation, he maintained a completely expressionless face, regardless of what the other person was saying.
Jia Long nodded after the other party finished speaking.
“Yes, I know,” Jia Long said. “There aren’t any grand scenes, and the overall tone of the story is rather rustic. That’s what you’re trying to say, right?”
The other party looked at each other in bewilderment.
Jia Long's words left them wondering whether he agreed or disagreed.
“I think you’re all right,” Jia Long said. “However, these are not reasons for me not to make this film.”
"You've already had three films gross over a billion yuan each. Starring in a comedy film that only grosses three to five hundred million yuan at this point would affect your dominance in the comedy film genre," the other person said.
Jia Long chuckled softly.
"So, in everyone's eyes, I've already become a dominant force in comedy films? I remember when I first started acting in comedy films, everyone said I was just a clumsy imitator, and now I've become a ruler?"
The smiles on everyone's faces were inexplicably awkward.
Jia Long's words were undoubtedly a sarcastic jab at those who had ridiculed him in the past.
Among them were those who had ridiculed him in the past.
Jia Long said, "If everyone feels that the box office prospects of this movie will not meet expectations, then so be it."
“Teacher Jia, don’t worry, we are of course very willing to cooperate with you.” Someone immediately said, “It’s just that we think we can discuss your idea of the production budget for this film again.”
Jia Long tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice and said, "So, how much do you think?"
"If you and the screenwriter can adjust the profit sharing from this film from 5% each to 2%, then we will invest based on a production budget of 80 million. If you still insist on a 5% profit sharing, then we believe that the production cost of this film should not exceed 50 million, otherwise, the risk of breaking even is very high."
"Is that so?" Jia Long pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I understand. I'll think about it when I get back."
“Teacher Jia, this is already a very good offer.”
"Hmm." Jia Long smiled slightly. "I believe this is the best condition you can offer based on the prospect of 300-500 million in box office revenue."
They looked at each other in bewilderment.
After Jia Long left, the remaining people looked at each other.
What did he mean?
"Does he think this movie can get even higher box office returns?"
"How much higher can it go?"
"He's gotten carried away with the success of three movies in a row."
"I don't know where he found the script. The script is good, but it's too outdated. It's not the kind of subject matter that's popular in the current film market."
"He said it himself, it's about the countryside."
"Who wants to watch this kind of rural comedy?"
...
Clearly, not many people in this meeting room believed that the film would gross over 500 million yuan.
They don't doubt that the movie can make money. With Jia Long in the lead role, as long as the costs are controlled properly, it can make money effortlessly. However, if the production costs are too high, plus the marketing and distribution costs, it is very likely to lose money.
They certainly wouldn't suffer such a loss.
-
Meanwhile, at the end of September, the second season of "The Days of Youth" had completed all its preparations.
Lu Yanhe received a notification from the production team to prepare for recording the program.
The first season of the show brought some career boosts to all the guests, especially Yan Liang, Su Xiao, and Xiao Yun.
The same cast returns for this season.
The production team didn't expect this.
Li Zhenzhen said, "Li Zhibai and Lu Yanhe both demanded that the original cast return before they would participate in the second season. In fact, if the two of them were willing to return, the others would naturally be willing as well."
This program is very useful to everyone else; if it's not useful, it's only not useful to Lu Yanhe and Li Zhibai.
These two people have no shortage of popularity, no shortage of topics, and no shortage of buzz.
They returned to the show simply because they enjoyed filming it and were willing to continue filming with this group of people.
Liu Zhiyin, who had been back in Korea for almost a year, was originally going to miss the recording of this season.
Her focus has shifted entirely to the preparation of the show "Idol Era," including stage setup and album release at the end of the year.
However, Li Zhenzhen moved Liu Zhiyin with her words.
“Ji-yin, the biggest difference between the entertainment industry in China and South Korea is that in China, no matter if you are a singer, actor, idol, stand-up comedian, or variety show personality, the most important thing is that the audience likes you. This liking is not just about liking your professional skills,” Li Zhenzhen said. “The show ‘Young Days’ can help you fill this gap. No other program can show everyone the real and lovely you more than ‘Young Days’.”
After returning to Korea last year, Yoo Ji-eum opened up her career with the first season of "Days of Youth".
She also knows that her current status as an idol artist is actually a bit inflated.
Because not many people in China know her, most of her fans are those who accumulated during her time in girl groups, and then there are the fans brought in by the show "The Days of Youth".
Later, Yoo Ji-eum recorded other programs, but the results were not very good.
Her proactive and competitive personality is not well-suited to the environment of domestic variety shows.
Simply put, in the domestic variety show environment, people still prefer artists who are less aggressive.
But only in "The Days of Youth," because everyone was young and because of the show's format, Yoo Ji-eun's competitive personality was able to shine and win everyone's favor.
So, after Li Zhenzhen approached her, Liu Zhiyin discussed it with her manager and decided to still make time to participate in the program.
The agent also said, "Starting next year, the Tianxing Awards in China will begin, and we will definitely aim for the Tianxing Awards. You are one of the top female idols in China, and the timing of your return is very good, Zhiyin. Perhaps you will catch the biggest wave of development for idol artists in China. Now, you need to increase your popularity as soon as possible and consolidate your fan base."
However, this meant that Yoo Ji-eun had less time to prepare for "Idol Generation".
There are gains and losses; the key is to see what she needs most at this stage.
-
Before recording the second season of "The Days of Youth", another program approached Lu Yanhe, wanting him to be a regular guest.
Chen Ziyan said, "It's a program that focuses on knowledge competitions. See if you want to go."
What am I supposed to do there?
"I'll be a guest commentator, giving feedback to each contestant," Chen Ziyan said.
Lu Yanhe immediately refused, saying, "I won't go. How could I, a sophomore, be qualified to give feedback to a group of contestants in a knowledge competition?"
He is very wary of this kind of thing—because he is very popular now and has a lot of media attention. In his work environment, he is often called "brother" or "teacher," even though most of them are his seniors and older than him.
Lu Yanhe was really afraid of this kind of situation. He didn't like being elevated to a level beyond his current position just because he was more famous.
Especially when people call them teachers.
Lu Yanhe even explained to someone: "I was just a student at school. Now you call me teacher, which makes me feel like I'm offending my teachers."
His explanation was quite acceptable to everyone, and it didn't make them feel that Lu Yanhe said those words because he disliked them.
However, Lu Yanhe genuinely felt the same way. He was only at a certain level, yet people were calling him "teacher." It would take a lot of shame for him to accept that.
Chen Ziyan said, "Then I will refuse them. Actually, the recording schedule of this program is quite suitable for you. It is recorded every Saturday, so it will not affect your classes."
Lu Yanhe shook his head and said, "I can't get over my own conscience, so I couldn't say anything on that show."
“Okay,” Chen Ziyan said. “I respect your opinion. This job is optional.”
Lu Yanhe said, "Sister Ziyan, if there are any good cameo roles like in 'Three Mountains' in the future, please help me get more of them."
"Didn't I give you some scripts last time? How about it? Did you find any you liked?"
"I haven't finished reading it yet, but of the ones I have, I feel that the script for 'The Blue and Green Scheme' is very well written."
“You have a good eye. Many people have their eyes on ‘The Blue Scheme’,” Chen Ziyan said. “I heard that He Yingzi also has her eye on a role and wants to give it to Lang Xia.”
Lu Yanhe: "Ah? Then I roughly know which character it is."
There is only one role in this script that is suitable for Lang Xia to play, and it is a supporting role. That role is the only one that is suitable for him and Lang Xia to play. The other roles are not males around twenty years old.
Chen Ziyan said, "It is said that the director wanted you to play the role, so He Yingzi tried to help Lang Xia get the part, but it hasn't been successful yet. They are waiting for our decision."
Lu Yanhe: "Are you waiting for our decision?"
“Yes, they will only look for other actors if we decide not to act,” Chen Ziyan said.
Lu Yanhe: "This has put a lot of pressure on me."
“What’s so much pressure?” Chen Ziyan shook her head and said, “It’s just a supporting role, not the lead. If you don’t make a decision for now, it won’t affect their preparation for the whole movie.”
Lu Yanhe realized he had misunderstood.
He mistakenly believed that if he didn't make a decision, the show would keep waiting for him.
He overestimated himself.
Chen Ziyan: "In short, you should finish reading the script as soon as possible, choose which role you want to play, and I will help you talk to them."
"good."
Chen Ziyan then asked, "Also, you've written so many scripts for others, why haven't I seen you write a script for yourself?"
-
I need to write at least 6,000 words, plus 4,000 words I owed yesterday, plus another 6,000 words today (5,378 monthly votes - 4,720 from yesterday), for a total of 16,000 words. This chapter is 13,000 words, so I'm still 3,000 words short. I'll finish writing it in a bit.
Everyone's fighting spirit wasn't as strong as yesterday. I thought I wouldn't be able to finish my homework until tomorrow, but I didn't expect to finish it today.
A smug little face.
Does anyone still have votes to throw in for an extra chapter? (Arrogant smile, wahahahahaha!)
(End of this chapter)
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