Various Parties' Plans, Xiao Liu's Initiative

It's really not a pleasant experience.

Lu Chuan's mood these past few days can be described in four words.

Like sitting on pins and needles.

He locked himself in his room with a stack of newspapers in front of him, every single one of which had a headline about He Yi'an.

"Return from Venice: He Yi'an Slaps the Dust in the Face of All Doubts"

Lu Chuan's "Madman Theory" Becomes a Laughingstock; He Yi'an Speaks with Data

From being ridiculed to being 'deified': He Yi'an's ten-day comeback.

Lu Chuan crumpled the newspaper into a ball and threw it hard on the ground.

"asshole……"

He just couldn't understand it. What right did an eighteen-year-old kid have?

Why did he win Best Director at Venice?

Why did it gross over ten million at the box office? Why is all the media praising it?

He picked up his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and wanted to call a few "friends" in the industry to ask if they had any ideas on how to reduce He Yi'an's popularity.

But after hesitating for a long time, he ultimately did not make the call.

Because he knew that at this critical juncture, no one would help him.

After all, the warnings from all sides had just been given not long ago, and those words were still ringing in her ears, so Lu Chuan dared not read them.

In particular, the college has made it clear that it will no longer care about any problems that arise in the future, nor will it continue to help with the aftermath.

The tone even subtly implied that they would definitely favor He Yi'an in the future.

This infuriated Lu Chuan.

He wanted to ask, "Why? Because He Yi'an is the best director, and he's nothing!!"

A director who owns his own media company, has grossed over ten million at the box office, and holds a Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival is not someone that just anyone can "suppress".

Lu Chuan tossed her phone aside, lay back on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

He recalled the things he'd casually said at the airport on his way back from Venice: "An eighteen-year-old brat, made an art film, and thinks he's something special?"

"When did it become the place for people like this, who don't know how to criticize and are just manipulated by politics, to represent Chinese films?"

"He actually told the story from that perspective, instead of a critical national viewpoint. It's not just arrogance, it's stupidity. Stupidity to the point of not knowing his own limitations."

Looking back now, those words were like boomerangs, flying back and piercing him.

pain.

Excruciating pain.

After a long pause, Lu Chuan rallied her spirits: "No, I can't keep going like this. What He Yi'an can do, I, Lu Chuan, can do too!"

"I'm going to make a movie that will shock everyone!!!"

The idea was good, but how to get started was a problem.

Suddenly, Lu Chuan thought of something and quickly ran to the computer, opening a video.

After pressing play, Lu Chuan looked at the Tibetan antelope inside, and an idea suddenly came to her mind.

"I want to film Hoh Xil! I want to film the story of the Tibetan antelope!" "Just wait, wait for the amazing impact I'll have on you all!"

……

Meanwhile, an opinion piece quietly appeared on the entertainment channel of a certain portal website, with the title:

[The He Yi'an Phenomenon: When Talent Overwhelms Seniority, Where Should the Chinese Film Industry Go?]

The article writes:

Over the past ten days, the Chinese film industry has experienced an unprecedented "earthquake".

The epicenter was an eighteen-year-old boy named He Yi'an.

Ten days ago, he was a "madman," a "junior who didn't know the rules," and a "young man who should be taught a lesson."

Ten days later, he was hailed as a "genius," a "new hope for Chinese cinema," and a "phenomenal figure who broke the rules."

Why are public opinions so drastically different about the same person and the same movie?

The answer is simple: because of box office revenue.

In the entertainment industry, the logic of "the winner takes all" has never changed. If you win, everyone will applaud you; if you lose, everyone will kick you while you're down. He Yi'an won. A beautiful and complete victory.

So those who used to criticize him now have to shut up.

It's not because they had a change of heart, but because they no longer had the right to criticize.

If I keep criticizing, I'll just look like a clown.

This is the essence of the He Yi'an phenomenon: when your talent is enough to overwhelm everything, seniority, seniority, and rules all become vulnerable.

This is not arrogance, it's the truth.

Less than two hours after the article was published, it had received over 100,000 views.

The comments section was bustling with activity:

"Hahaha, where are those people who were criticizing Director He before? Come out and show yourselves!"

Lu Chuan: I won't listen! I won't listen! I won't listen!

"Honestly, over ten million for an art film, that's a terrifying number, and it's not even the limit."

"Director He is awesome! (voice cracks)" "I just want to ask, those film critics, public intellectuals, and directors who previously called Director He 'the barking dog,' aren't they ashamed?"

"What goes around comes around. Director He used box office numbers to slap people in the face; I give that move full marks."

Of course, there were also some sarcastic comments:

"High box office doesn't necessarily mean a good movie; maybe it's just good marketing?"

"It's just an art film, why is it being hyped up like this?"

"Let's wait for his next movie; one movie can't determine the future."

But these comments were quickly drowned out by the voices of supporters:

"Marketing? Try marketing yourself and see if you can break ten million!"

"Some people just can't stand seeing others do well; they're so jealous."

"The next one? Director He's next one is already in the works, just don't cry when it comes out."

……

At the same time, in Shanghai, several investors and executives were having a meeting in a conference room of a film and television group.

"Have you seen the data for 'Fireworks in the Human World'?" A man in his forties or fifties banged on the table. "Eleven million, and it's still rising."

"I saw it." The woman sitting opposite him nodded. "This He Yi'an is indeed quite capable."

"A little something?" the man laughed. "More than just a little something."

"I've seen it. His film cost less than three million to produce, and with marketing, it was only five or six million. It's grossed over ten million in China, and it looks like it'll probably reach around thirty million. With such huge profits, I've heard that the overseas rights have also been sold off quite a bit. You do the math."

The meeting room fell silent for a moment.

"So what do you mean?" the woman asked.

"What I mean is," the man leaned back in his chair, "that if we could win over He Yi'an..."

"But he and General Manager Han from China Film Group..."

"Han Sanping?" the man interrupted her. "Best director at Venice, box office exceeding ten million—Han Sanping can't possibly enjoy all that alone!"

The man continued, "I've already had someone inquire about it. His Langyuan Media currently has several projects, including movies and TV series..."

"But he probably doesn't lack money, does he?" "He does, but he can never have too much." The man smiled. "China Film Group, with its financial resources, can't possibly be our match."

The woman thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, then I'll have someone make contact."

"No rush." ​​The man waved his hand. "Right now, he's at the height of his fame. If we go after him, he might not even notice us. Let's wait until this hype dies down."

"yes!"

……

Back in Dali.

He Yi'an was well aware of these changes in public opinion, and it was precisely because of this awareness that he wanted to find some peace and quiet.

In fact, after he got off the plane and turned on his phone, in addition to the few calls he had made, he also received a deluge of news and messages.

There were congratulatory messages, interview invitations, expressions of interest in cooperation, and some who inexplicably tried to get close to me.

He glanced at it briefly and didn't reply to anyone.

I've also decided to change my phone number, as this one has been completely compromised due to information leaks.

However, the closer He Yi'an got to the filming location of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, the calmer he became. All he could think about now was how to give that little girl a surprise.

He Yi'an leaned against the car window, watching the Bai ethnic minority houses and the continuous Cangshan Mountains flash by outside, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

He recalled some of his intermittent chats with Liu Yifei.

"You big liar, can't you at least say I acted well to comfort me?!"

"So, do you want to hear a lie or the truth? I can tell lies however I want."

"You still say you're not a liar, but you lie all the time... How can this be corrected?"

"Practice more, think more, and feel more."

"Hmph, all you know how to do is spout these high-sounding principles."

"So what do you want to hear? Do you want me to praise you?"

"No way! You were definitely up to no good when you praised someone."

……

Whenever He Yi'an thought of these things, he couldn't help but laugh out loud. Sigh!

I still need to maintain my persona and not expose myself, otherwise I'll look too much like a pervert!

The car stopped at the entrance of Dali Tianlong Babu Film and Television City.

He instructed the driver to direct the trucks carrying fruit, snacks, and drinks to drive in first, and to arrange for people to come out and unload the goods. Only then did he take out his phone and send a message to Liu Xiaoli:

"Aunt Liu, I've arrived."

The message was sent and a reply was received quickly: "Director He, why didn't you tell me in advance? I was waiting for you at the door. I'll have to trouble you to wait a bit. Zhang Jizhong said he would come with me to pick you up."

He Yi'an replied with an "okay," put away his phone, leaned against his suitcase, and looked around.

Suddenly I saw a somewhat familiar figure.

……

Let's rewind the clock by half an hour.

The rest area of ​​the "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" film crew.

Liu Xiaoli held a newspaper in one hand and her phone in the other, looking at the text message from He Yi'an. She seemed much more relaxed, and a slight smile appeared on her face. At this moment, Liu Yifei walked in.

She had just finished filming a scene and was preparing to take off her costume and put on simple casual clothes.

Her long hair was casually tied back, her face still had light makeup on, and her eyes showed a hint of fatigue, yet she was still beautiful and charming.

"Mom, whose text message was that? You're smiling so happily."

Liu Yifei leaned closer and looked curiously at Liu Xiaoli's phone screen.

Liu Xiaoli instinctively tried to put her phone away, but she was too slow and Liu Yifei caught her.

"It's nothing, just a friend," Liu Xiaoli said with a smile, trying to cover it up.

It can only be said that the subconscious actions of this mother and daughter are like they were cut from the same mold.

Such a movement felt strangely familiar to Liu Yifei.

Wasn't this the action she took when she was chatting with He Yi'an before, so that her mother wouldn't find out?

Although she hadn't read all of the content, she had gotten the gist of it.

And then she saw the most important sentence: He Yi'an had arrived at the airport half an hour ago. This made Liu Yifei very happy!

She was also a little excited.

He Yi'an said he wanted to give her a surprise, so why didn't she give He Yi'an a surprise too, and see how he would react when he saw her?

Without hesitation, Liu Yifei, who was originally a little tired, was now full of energy and bursting with motivation.

"Mom, I'm a little tired. I want to go out for some fresh air and buy a bottle of water at the door while I'm at it," Liu Yifei said casually.

His tone was natural, without the slightest flaw.

Liu Xiaoli didn't think much of it and nodded: "Go ahead, be careful, don't go too far, we still have to film night scenes later."

"Okay," Liu Yifei replied with a smile, picked up her coat, and walked quickly out of the rest area, her steps much lighter than usual.

She walked all the way to the entrance of the film set, found a secluded corner to stand in, and stared intently at the direction of the intersection, feeling both expectant and nervous.

She imagined what He Yi'an would look like when he appeared, and wondered what his expression would be if she secretly showed up and startled him.

Thinking about all this, she couldn't stop smiling.

——————ps: The growth in average subscriptions has slowed down, but I promised to add one chapter for every 100 subscriptions that increase. I will make up for any extra chapters that are due.