White ground.
A willow catkin, like a watercolor painting, floats up gently, as if blown by an unseen wind.
The ink-wash willow catkins were blown high into the air, leaving large swaths of ink on the white ground, and four bold, cursive characters appeared on the screen:
Qingping Entertainment.
They are the primary production company behind "Happiness Street".
Upon seeing the name Qingping Entertainment, Lao Liu, the quick-witted commentator, couldn't help but drift off into daydreams. Qingping Entertainment has always been known for its lavish spending. In fact, it was this company that spearheaded the "Official TV Drama Fan Editing Competition," which made fan-made videos on platforms like Pixiv, Weibo, and Douyin a crucial promotional tool for films and TV series. This, in turn, sustained a large number of content creators (UPs). Lao Liu's current success is largely thanks to Qingping Entertainment.
"Damn Qingping Entertainment," thought the fast-talking Lao Liu bitterly. "They're so rich, yet they won't even give me, Lao Liu, a bribe? I guess the boss is just a short-sighted miser."
While the fast-talking Lao Liu was lost in thought, the production company and other information flashed by in the opening credits, and the main feature finally began.
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"Happiness isn't something you can buy, you can't just buy it whenever you want..."
A cheerful melody emanated from the loudspeaker, and the five characters "Happiness Commercial Street" appeared on the screen, gradually receding into the distance.
The film's visuals are neat and beautiful, with sophisticated composition and color palette. The entire street is brightly decorated, with large red lanterns hanging high, and countless red ribbons and couplets adorning the street, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Looks like another family-friendly movie trying to ride the New Year's wave. Fast-talking Lao Liu typed "a clichéd and mediocre family comedy" on his phone.
"Sizzle!"
With the sizzling sound of frying meat, a black griddle appeared on the screen. In the very center of the griddle, on a snow-white tortilla, lay a golden egg, red bacon, and vibrant green lettuce. A pair of nimble hands skillfully flipped the tortilla. It looked incredibly tempting.
"Your takeout." The vendor rolled up the golden-brown, oily pancake and put it into a paper bag with the five red characters "Xingfu Commercial Street" printed on it. "Enjoy."
The deliveryman, wearing a helmet, took the paper bag and hopped onto his motorcycle. As the motorcycle started, deafening music blared from the speakers on the back.
"Arrogant laughter amidst a thousand waves—"
"Hot blood burns brighter than the red sun..."
As the rousing music of "A Man Should Be Self-Reliant" began, the camera exaggeratedly focused on the deliveryman in slow-motion close-ups from multiple angles. The act of him receiving the scallion pancake was rendered with the solemnity of receiving a military tally. His posture as he mounted the motorcycle exuded an indescribable boldness and style. Every movement was perfectly timed.
Sunlight illuminated his resolute jawline, a bead of sweat dangling beneath his bronze skin. The camera shifted, giving him a close-up of his full back against the light. The muscular man had one long leg planted on the ground, the other straddling a stylish motorcycle, his helmet adding a touch of mysterious ruggedness.
What a heroic and dashing young man!
The young man, peering through the visor of his helmet, gazed intently at the elderly stall owner. The stall owner, stunned, stared back at him, a youthful longing and blush spreading across her aged face…
The speaker changed the music to "You are my Destiny".
The man slowly lifted the glass cover of his helmet, revealing a pair of beautifully shaped lips.
As the heartfelt melody of "You are my Destiny" played, the man's thin lips parted slightly—
"Auntie," the deliveryman said in a thick Northeastern accent, "your pancake is a little burnt."
"Duang!"
The speaker's music was accompanied by a funny sound effect.
A burst of laughter erupted in the theater. The quick-witted Lao Liu heard the family next to him laughing too.
"Utterly boring jokes." Fast-talking Lao Liu typed these words on his phone with disdain. "Nine out of ten bad movies have jokes like this."
The stall owner was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the deliveryman had already dashed away. The movie even added a speed-up effect for him.
"You little rascal!" the stall owner muttered angrily.
As she spoke, the camera panned to the black iron plate on which the hand-pulled pancakes were being spread.
"You brat!"
A strong, resonant voice rang out, and the black griddle used for making pancakes gradually receded, transforming into a dark cell phone screen. A human figure was reflected on the screen.
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