Chapter 890 Let's go, let's set off!
There is another announcement to be made in Situ.
The top Hollywood IP, "Legion of the Moon," will announce here that the next installment in the series will be directed by Liu Bige.
Liu Bige finally decided to take on the film.
A huge challenge.
Lu Yanhe came here for dinner, which included having dinner with Liu Bige and Edmund Sanchez, the CEO of Borai, the company that owns the IP "Lunar Legion".
Boral is one of Hollywood's top film studios, and its parent company, the Boral Group, is one of the world's most famous companies. In terms of the parallel universe from which Lu Yanhe comes, it's somewhat similar to Disney.
However, Borai didn't start out in animation and cartoons. He began in journalism and later dominated the media and cultural fields. Borai had previously given Lu Yanhe two scripts, but Lu Yanhe didn't accept either of them. It wasn't for any other reason than that Lu Yanhe's schedule was already full, and both projects couldn't wait for Lu Yanhe's availability; they were scheduled to start filming within six months.
This time, Liu Bige messaged Lu Yanhe, saying that Edmond Sanchez wanted to have dinner with him and asking if it was alright. Lu Yanhe had only exchanged greetings with Edmond Sanchez at some social events before, a casual acquaintance, and hadn't had any further interaction. Of course, Lu Yanhe was happy to meet him through Liu Bige's introduction. In recent years, he had been busy figuring out how to use Hollywood resources to promote his film projects—whether through collaborations or resource exchanges—in business, the more friends the better.
Edmund Sanchez is only in his forties, which is relatively young among the heads of top Hollywood film companies. He is handsome, dressed like a CEO, in a suit and tie, with a standard elite smile.
“Lu, it’s a real shame. You should have been at this year’s Oscars.” Edmund Sanchez said this as soon as he started, his face full of sincerity, as if it came from the bottom of his heart. “Winds Keeper is an outstanding film. It has been underestimated by the Academy.”
Lu Yanhe smiled and shrugged.
“Thank you,” he said. “I believe time will reward him with the honor he deserves.”
Edmund Sanchez nodded.
“Perhaps ‘The Boat’ will be redeemed at next year’s Oscars,” he suddenly said.
“Who knows?” Lu Yanhe continued to shrug. “Speaking of which, the decision to have Liu Bige direct the new installment of the ‘Lunar Legion’ series was something I never expected.”
Edmund Sanchez immediately said, "Liu Bige has already demonstrated his unparalleled talent through several films. He is fully capable of handling a variety of different themes and stories, so why not invite him to make this film? I believe it would be a wonderful decision."
Lu Yanhe laughed.
"Putting everything else aside, I believe this will definitely increase the popularity of the movie 'Legion of the Moon' in the Chinese market and expand its fan base."
Edmund Sanchez nodded.
I share your opinion.
He suddenly asked Lu Yanhe, "Would you like to join the 'Lunar Legion' and have a character of your own in this world?"
Lu Yanhe picked up a napkin, wiped his mouth, and said, "The Lunar Legion is a great film series, and I believe that joining it is every actor's dream. However, I hope that if I join this series one day, it will be because there is a role that moves me and a good story. I don't want my joining to become a bad thing."
Edmund Sanchez immediately replied, "Of course, perhaps we can sit down together later and discuss the possibilities of this role."
“No problem. As long as you have good ideas, I’m always willing to sit down and discuss them with you,” Lu Yanhe said.
Edmund Sanchez suddenly brought it up, "You and Soren announced the Men in Black movie before, how's it going now? When are you planning to start filming?"
Lu Yanhe said, "After I finish filming this movie, I will start filming 'Men in Black,' which will start filming in March, but I will join the crew a little later."
Edmund Sánchez: "I really like the Men in Black script. When I read it, Soren had already taken it. Otherwise, I would definitely have competed with them for the project. I have always hoped to find an opportunity to work with you."
"Thank you," Lu Yanhe said. "This is the first time I've written a script for a high-budget film. It seems like everyone thinks this movie will be a huge success, which is putting a bit of pressure on me."
Edmund Sanchez said, "You're being too modest. I believe no one can fail to see the value of Men in Black."
Such dinner times inevitably involve mutual flattery.
He suddenly added, "Regarding the 'Lunar Legion' series, I wonder if you would be interested in writing a screenplay for it in the future?"
"Me?" Lu Yanhe was extremely surprised.
This was something he hadn't expected.
Edmund Sanchez nodded.
“You are one of the most talented screenwriters in the world today, without a doubt,” Edmund Sanchez said. “Over the years, we have been trying to find outstanding creators from all over the world to expand the boundaries of ‘Legion of the Moon.’ Of course, I know that artists like you often prefer to create a world from scratch rather than be restricted by an existing worldview. But, after all, it is ‘Legion of the Moon,’ right?”
Edmund Sanchez said to Lu Yanhe.
Lu Yanhe smiled.
He nodded.
“Indeed, it is, after all, ‘Legion of the Moon’.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “However, I’m sorry, I’m not a fan of ‘Legion of the Moon’. I’ve seen several of its movies, but unlike many Americans, I didn’t grow up watching these movies. For this film, I’m an appreciator, a viewer, but my understanding and enthusiasm for it are not enough to provide me with sufficient creative desire.”
Edmund Sanchez was taken aback.
He was clearly taken aback.
Lu Yanhe thought that Edmund Sanchez probably never expected that he would directly say that he was not a fan of "Legion of the Moon".
After all, the Lunar Legion film series is to American filmmakers what the film Farewell My Concubine is to Chinese filmmakers—if anyone dares to say that this film is not very good, then very well, you will know what it means to stir up a hornet's nest.
Before he even uttered those words, Lu Yanhe had anticipated this possibility. But he still spoke up, because if he hadn't so firmly refused, rumors might have surfaced that he might be writing the screenplay for the film *The Lunar Legion*. Lu Yanhe didn't want such rumors to emerge. So far, all his works had been completely original within this world, without any adaptations, let alone creating a new work within an existing world.
If rumors of a comeback surface and some fans believe them, any subsequent departure, regardless of the reason, will inevitably attract considerable criticism. For a screenwriter who isn't a global superstar, this might not matter; for an IP that isn't a truly top-tier global franchise, it might not matter either. But putting these two together, no one knows what explosive impact it could have.
Even though he phrased it so tactfully, Edmund Sanchez still reacted as if he had been provoked.
Lu Yanhe couldn't even imagine what would happen if some American movie fans mistakenly thought he was really going to write a script for "Legion of the Moon" but then he didn't.
It's best to distance yourself from the beginning.
-
That evening, Zhang Yuezhen also clearly sensed the silent unease beneath Chen Pinhe's expressionless and seemingly calm exterior.
"The Boat" was shortlisted for the Situ International Film Festival.
This film, which has already garnered much attention domestically, is about to be released internationally.
Regardless of the reviews it receives after its premiere tomorrow, it is clear that this film will become a major topic of discussion for many people.
The story behind this script will also be uncovered.
What about Lu Yanhe?
What interpretations will be made of the character he plays in this movie, and the son's ultimate choice to kill his father?
Zhang Yuezhen sneered. So, it was out of such fear that he chose to reconcile with Lu Yanhe? She had laid her cards on the table beforehand, telling Chen Pinhe that she already knew about his private contact with Lu Yanhe and that she had long known about their true relationship.
Even she herself didn't expect that so many things, which were clearly known to each other and understood each other all along, would only be revealed at this moment.
However, even after all this, Chen Pinhe still refused to admit that he had sought reconciliation with Lu Yanhe.
Zhang Yuezhen simply didn't believe it.
She only believed that Lu Yanhe had rejected Chen Pinhe's request for peace.
Therefore, Chen Pinhe is now even more nervous. He is uneasy about his future, worried that things will be exposed, worried that one day everything he has will crumble and cease to exist, and worried that one day when he walks out the door, he will no longer enjoy the respect he currently enjoys.
Zhang Yuezhen held a glass of wine in her hand, looking at him with great interest, a hint of pleasure appearing in her eyes.
"If Lu Yanhe is asked about his reasons for taking on this film at the media conference after the premiere tomorrow, do you think he will mention your name?"
Chen Pinhe gave her a cold look.
Zhang Yuezhen put down her wine glass, raised her hands, and made a gesture of surrender.
“Honey, don’t look at me like that. He’s not my illegitimate child; he’s yours.” She smiled radiantly. “Actually, when you tried to stop him from entering the entertainment industry, you had to go all out. Now, not only has he gotten in, but he’s doing much better than you. He has you completely under his control.”
Chen Pinhe: "Are you crazy?"
"Am I crazy for acting like this?" Zhang Yuezhen's smile vanished. "After all these years of being husband and wife, you really don't understand me."
Chen Pinhe: "What do you want to do?"
“Me?” Zhang Yuezhen sat down leisurely next to Chen Pinhe. “I can’t do anything right now. I’m just waiting to see how things will end between you and Lu Yanhe. I’m waiting for you to come begging to me.”
Zhang Yuezhen's eyes sharpened instantly.
Chen Pinhe was stunned.
"You're really crazy." He threw down those words, got up, and went upstairs.
Zhang Yuezhen simply sat there, watching Chen Pinhe's retreating figure, slowly suppressing the cold smile on her lips.
Only after Chen Pinhe's figure disappeared behind the stairs did she pick up her phone and send a message to someone named "Wang Meng" in her contacts: "How's it going? Any potential targets around Lu Yanhe? It's been so long, you should have made some progress by now, right?"
"When you're overseas, you have to be careful around everyone; this isn't like home."
Before setting off, Wang Biao held a small meeting with Lu Yanhe's assistant team to remind them once again.
"No matter who it is or what their identity is when they approach you, as long as it involves anything related to Lu Yanhe, you must keep your mouths shut and not utter a single word. Otherwise, losing your bonus is a minor issue; leaving an unsightly mark on your resume is a serious matter."
Lu Yanhe's assistant team now each has their own specific role.
Someone is in charge of liaising with the publicity and public relations team, someone is in charge of scheduling, and someone is in charge of Lu Yanhe's food, drink, and personal needs. If this gets out, many people will probably say that Lu Yanhe is acting like a big shot.
However, the reality is that every aspect of Lu Yanhe's business involves hundreds of parties, and each interaction may involve economic interests in the six or seven figures, or even seven or eight figures.
There is no room for error.
For an ordinary person, being late is usually something that can be easily resolved with an apology.
Lu Yanhe's lateness will directly cause economic losses or damage to the image of both the film crew and the brand event.
In this situation, the bigger the celebrity, the more detailed the division of labor within the team.
For example, Lu Yanhe now has three brand PR departments, each specifically targeting different product categories.
As the number of people increased, Wang Biao, the chief steward, had to start to worry about more things.
With so many people around, no one knows when or when someone will make a mistake.
In particular, this mess was created in the name of "a member of Lu Yanhe's team".
God knows how many celebrities in the industry have ruined their reputations because of their team members.
Of course, one can be reassigned or even dismissed afterward.
But when something like this happens, it's the artist who suffers.
It's impossible for Wang Biao to step forward and shift the blame to "this person is a temporary worker in our team" when the time comes.
After Wang Biao finished explaining in bits and pieces, he made one last threatening remark.
"Finally, if anyone dares to have affairs, betray Lu Yanhe, or do anything that goes against his will, no matter if you think this is a society governed by law or not, at most you'll be fired. You've already gotten the money you wanted—I can tell you this clearly, not to mention what Sister Ziyan might do, even if I spend all my salary in a year, I will definitely find all sorts of people to mess up your future lives. I can make you experience being splashed with dog poop when you go out. Don't think you can escape. You've been in this team, and you know very well what this team is capable of. Even if you hide in the sewers of Africa, I will find mercenaries to drag you out!"
...
When Wang Biao gave his lecture, regardless of what these people were thinking, at least they all looked very honest.
No one dared to provoke this young and arrogant tyrant.
He's much harder to talk to than Lu Yanhe.
-
Wang Biao has never been a pushover. He was just too young to put on airs before. Now that he has experience, ability, and backing, what is he afraid of?
Of course, you can't blame him for being so fierce.
Given Lu Yanhe's current situation, you never know when someone might get involved with him.
How many paparazzi would stake out Lu Yanhe's hotel for three days and three nights just for a single piece of Lu Yanhe's private information?
How many people would tirelessly shower a particular member of their team with concern for an entire year just to uncover a little bit of information about Lu Yanhe?
Even if Wang Biao isn't fierce, there will always be people whose minds are restless and tempted to act.
Not to mention, in a foreign land like Situ.
You never know what kind of underhanded tactics might be used that you haven't anticipated.
You can only try to make yourself as solid as an iron barrel, impervious to water and fire.
Someone knocked on the door.
"It's time to set off."
Wang Biao nodded, then gave everyone a final warning look before saying, "Go do what you're supposed to do."
Lu Yanhe was all ready, adorned with sponsorships from five brands he endorsed, and prepared to walk the red carpet at the Situ International Film Festival.
The global premiere of "The Boat".
"Let's go, let's set off!"
(End of this chapter)
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