Entertainment from Divorce

In mid-August, although the summer heat in Beijing had not completely subsided, the mornings were already quite refreshing.

Tan Yue sat in his office, his fingertips tracing the first episode's broadcast data report of "Star Imagination Camp" on the table.

Within three days of its launch, the video garnered over 100 million views, dominated the top three spots on Weibo's trending topics list, and saw a 20% increase in Tencent Video's membership conversion rate compared to the previous month. Xu Nuo's team delivered an impressive performance.

He closed the report with satisfaction and was about to ask Chen Ye to notify the Overseas Cooperation Department to synchronize the data when there was a gentle knock on the office door, followed by Qian Tao's slightly hurried footsteps.

"Mr. Tan, the review results for the 'Three-Body Problem' script you requested are in!"

Qian Tao pushed open the door and entered, carrying a thick stack of documents in his hands. His face was filled with barely suppressed excitement, and his bangs were damp with sweat, sticking to his skin, showing that he had rushed over.

He was wearing a light gray shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing his strong wrists. In his hands, besides the original script, there were several bound review reports.

Tan Yue put down the report in his hand and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit down, take your time. You've had a hard week."

He noticed the bloodshot eyes in Qian Tao's eyes, clearly indicating that the director of the TV drama department had been staying up late a lot during those seven days.

After all, it is no easy task to contact top professionals in a short period of time and review the hard science fiction settings in the script word by word.

After sitting down, Qian Tao first took a sip of water from his thermos before eagerly opening the audit report.

"Mr. Tan, I contacted seven experts this week, including Professor Zhang from the Institute of Astronomy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Li from the Department of Physics, science fiction literature scholars from Tsinghua and Peking Universities, and even specially invited an engineer engaged in nanomaterials research to go through all the scientific concepts and data parameters involved in the script."

His fingers slid rapidly across the report, his voice filled with astonishment: "Guess what?"

"Except for one inaccurate description of the 'trajectory of the Trisolaran system,' which Professor Zhang corrected by revising a technical term, all other content is scientifically rigorous and logically consistent!"

"After reading it, Academician Li praised it highly, saying that it was the most physics-savvy science fiction script he had ever seen, and it didn't seem like it was written by a non-professional at all."

Upon hearing this, Tan Yue finally felt relieved, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

He recalled the days when he was writing the screenplay.

Those nights spent researching and filling notebooks with formulas and sketches have now transformed into a great sense of accomplishment.

"I've marked the parts that Professor Zhang corrected in the script. You can take a look." Qian Tao handed over the script, which had been slightly modified in red pen. Only one terminology was changed, which did not affect the overall plot at all.

"To be honest, Mr. Tan, I admire you from the bottom of my heart."

Qian Tao looked at Tan Yue with sincere admiration in his eyes and said, "I've read this script three times from beginning to end. There are many scientific concepts in it."

"For example, the Dark Forest Theory and dimensional reduction attacks are unheard-of concepts, both grand and profound, and each concept is supported by solid scientific theories, not just imagined out of thin air."

"The science fiction scholar I contacted said that the world-building in your script is enough to create a new genre of science fiction."

Tan Yue smiled, took the script, glanced at the revisions, and casually signed his name next to it: "Being recognized by all the experts means that all the previous work was worthwhile."

He pushed the script back to Qian Tao and calmly gave instructions.

"Now that the scientific settings are fine, let's start working on the storyboard."

"I recommend Li Ran as the storyboard artist. He has a lot of experience in visual presentation of science fiction, and his storyboard style is delicate and can accurately capture the atmosphere and details in the script."

“No problem! Have him assemble a storyboard team as soon as possible and try to produce the first draft of the storyboard within two weeks.” Qian Tao picked up the script and review report, got up to leave, but stopped at the door.

He turned around and asked, "Mr. Tan, do you have any preliminary ideas regarding the casting? For example, do you have any candidates in mind for the two core roles, Wang Miao and Shi Qiang?"

Tan Yue tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondered for a moment, and said, "We haven't finalized the casting yet. Wang Miao needs to portray the elegance of an intellectual and the struggle when facing the unknown, while Shi Qiang needs to combine ruggedness and keenness. Both roles are very demanding in terms of acting skills."

He paused, then added, "You can have your team compile a shortlist, taking into account both established actors and promising newcomers. Once the storyboard is ready, we can then select the best candidates together."

“Okay, I understand!” Qian Tao nodded and strode out of the office with light steps, clearly inspired by the script of “The Three-Body Problem”.

The office returned to silence. Tan Yue got up and went to the tea station to brew himself a cup of Pu'er tea.

The rich aroma of tea filled the air, dispelling some of the fatigue.

He leaned against the window, watching the employees playing in the garden downstairs, and began to plan the follow-up development of "The Three-Body Problem".

After the storyboard is completed, the filming set construction will begin. The recreation of the Red Coast Base and the creation of virtual scenes for the Three-Body Problem game both require advance preparation.

The special effects team also needs to be finalized as soon as possible. Hard science fiction has extremely high requirements for special effects, and we must find a top team in the industry to present the grand world view in the script.

As for the casting, he only has a few preliminary ideas.

Tan Yue took a sip of tea and stopped thinking about it.

The casting process can be done gradually; the most important thing right now is to complete the storyboard and pre-production work.

He returned to his desk, turned on his computer, and began to work out the draft budget for the filming of "The Three-Body Problem".

By listing all the expenses, including set construction, special effects production, actor salaries, and post-production, the initial estimate suggests that the investment in this TV series will far exceed that of any previous project.

But he believes that as long as the product is well-made, it will definitely gain market recognition.

After finishing my work, it was already getting dark.

Tan Yue glanced at the time; it was almost 7 p.m. He tidied up his desk, picked up his coat, and prepared to leave work.

Just as I stepped out of the office, I received a call from Chen Ziyu, her voice full of laughter: "Honey, my dad arrived in Beijing this afternoon and is at home now. Mom and my mother-in-law are cooking in the kitchen. Come home early."

"Okay, I'll head out now. I'll be home in about half an hour," Tan Yue replied with a smile, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

Mr. Chen usually runs a catering company in Hangzhou and is always very busy. He came here specifically to take care of Chen Ziyu and to meet with Tan Zhaohe. The two elderly people haven't seen each other much since Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu got married.

Taking the elevator downstairs, the car drove smoothly along the city streets. The evening breeze carried a touch of coolness, dispelling the daytime heat.

The neon lights outside the window lit up one after another, outlining the bustling night scene of Beijing, with traffic flowing like a river and people bustling about, creating a lively atmosphere.

Tan Yue leaned back in his seat, watching the scenery rushing past the window, his heart filled with anticipation.

As the car entered the residential area, warm lights shone from the windows of the house in the distance, and the sounds of laughter and cheerful conversation could be faintly heard coming from inside. Tan Yue got out of the car and walked into the residential area, quickly reaching the front door. The moment he pushed open the door, a rich aroma of food wafted out.

In the living room, Mr. Chen was sitting on the sofa, chatting with Tan Zhaohe, holding a cup of tea in his hand, with a gentle smile on his face.

Chen Ziyu sat on the single sofa next to her, wearing loose loungewear, with a thin blanket covering her knees. An Nuan sat beside her, peeling an orange for her.

Tan Xin ran around the living room with a rag doll in her hand, and every now and then she would run to Chen's father and pester him to tell her a story.

Chen's mother and Li Yulan were busy in the kitchen, the clattering of pots and pans and their conversation blending together, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Dad, you've arrived." Tan Yue smiled and stepped forward, shaking Chen's father's hand.

Mr. Chen's hands were broad and calloused, with a rough texture from years of running a business, yet they were very warm.

"Xiao Yue is back, come and sit down." Mr. Chen stood up with a smile, patted Tan Yue's shoulder, and said with satisfaction in his eyes, "You've worked hard these past few days, taking care of the company and Ziyu at the same time."

"Of course." After Tan Yue sat down, Chen Ziyu handed him a glass of warm water. "Are you tired? Was there traffic on the way?"

"I'm not tired. The journey was fine, not much traffic." Tan Yue took a sip of water and looked at his two mothers in the kitchen. "Mom, Aunt Chen, can I help?"

"No need, no need. You sit down and chat with your dad and Uncle Chen. The food will be ready soon."

Li Yulan poked her head out from the kitchen and continued with a smile, "Today I made braised pork, which your dad and Uncle Chen love to drink, and steamed fish, which Ziyu loves to eat."

Tan Yue had no choice but to sit down and chat with the two fathers.

Mr. Chen inquired about the company's development, especially the progress of international cooperation after Interstellar won the award, and Tan Yue responded in detail to each question.

When it was mentioned that the script for "The Three-Body Problem" had been reviewed and was about to begin filming, both Chen's father and Tan Zhaohe showed relieved smiles.

“Xiao Yue, you’ve always been reliable in your work, so we’re all at ease.” Mr. Chen picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"But you also need to take care of your health and not overwork yourself. Ziyu is pregnant now, and you have to take care of things at home and at the company. If you really can't handle it, find someone to help you. Don't try to do it all yourself."

"Dad, I understand, don't worry." Tan Yue nodded, feeling a warmth in his heart.

It wasn't long before the meal was ready.

Chen's mother and Li Yulan came out of the kitchen carrying dishes, filling the entire table with the family's favorite dishes.

"Dinner's ready!" Li Yulan called out with a smile. Tan Xin immediately ran to the table, sat down obediently, and picked up her chopsticks to grab some fries, but Chen's mother gently patted the back of her hand: "Wash your hands first before you eat."

Tan Xin stuck out her tongue and ran to the bathroom to wash her hands.

The family sat around the dining table and enjoyed their dinner together in a harmonious atmosphere.

Chen's mother and Li Yulan kept putting food on Chen Ziyu's plate, urging her to eat more and replenish her nutrition.

Chen's father and Tan Zhaohe opened a bottle of baijiu and slowly drank it. The conversation ranged from everyday matters to work, from how Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu met to their unborn child. The more they talked, the more they clicked.

"Old Tan, let me toast you." Chen's father raised his glass and clinked it with Tan Zhaohe's. "Xiaoyue and Ziyu were able to get together thanks to you for raising such an outstanding son."

"Old Chen, you're too kind," Tan Zhaohe replied with a smile, taking a sip of wine. "Ziyu is also an outstanding child, well-educated and reasonable. It's a blessing for our Tan family to have such a daughter-in-law."

The two elderly people chatted happily, one after another, drinking one glass of baijiu after another, their faces flushed.

Tan Yue would occasionally join them for a drink, listening to them reminisce about the past, and feeling a warm glow in his heart.

Chen Ziyu leaned against Tan Yue, occasionally putting food on her plate, her eyes filled with happiness.

An Nuan took care of Tan Xin, serving her food and wiping her mouth like a real older sister.

Dinner lasted for more than an hour in a warm and lively atmosphere.

After the meal, Chen's mother and Li Yulan cleared the table, while Tan Yue sat on the sofa with his two fathers, drinking tea and chatting.

"Xiao Yue, when do you plan to start filming the TV series 'The Three-Body Problem'?" Mr. Chen asked, his eyes full of anticipation.

Chen's father learned that Tan Yue was writing a new TV drama script through Chen Ziyu.

In other words, only his family knew that Tan Yue was writing a script.

"It will probably take another month or so. After the storyboard is completed, we still need to build the shooting set and determine the actors, all of which will take time," Tan Yue responded. "When filming starts, I'd like you to come to the set and take a look."

“Okay, I’ll definitely go.” Mr. Chen nodded with a smile. “Although I don’t know much about movies and TV dramas, I know you’re doing something big. If this drama is well-made, it’s sure to be a hit.”

Tan Zhaohe chimed in, "Xiao Yue, don't worry about it. We'll take care of things at home. We'll look after Ziyu. You don't need to worry about anything."

As night deepened, the city lights gradually softened.

In the living room, the sounds of cartoons and family conversations mingled together, creating a warm and cozy family scene.

Tan Yue leaned back on the sofa, looking at her family around her, her heart filled with happiness and contentment.

The Three-Body Problem project is about to start, the company's development has entered a fast track, and a new member has been added to the family. Everything is developing in a better and better direction.

He firmly believes that good stories will not be buried, and as long as you stick to your original aspirations and work hard to polish your work, you will definitely gain the audience's recognition.

Now that the script has passed professional review and the project is about to start, he is even more determined in his belief.

It was late at night, and Tan Xin had already fallen asleep in An Nuan's arms. Chen's father and Tan Zhaohe had also finished their conversation and were getting ready to rest.

Tan Yue helped Chen Ziyu back to her room, covered her with a blanket, gently stroked her lower abdomen, and whispered, "Baby, Daddy will try his best in everything to give you and Mommy a better future."

Chen Ziyu opened her eyes, looked at Tan Yue, and smiled gently: "Husband, you should take good care of yourself too, don't overwork yourself."

Tan Yue nodded and kissed her forehead: "Don't worry, goodnight." (End of Chapter)