Entertainment from Divorce

The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dazzling entertainment penthouse, casting neat patches of light on the dark floor.

Tan Yue had just finished processing the overseas distribution authorization documents for "Stardust," and the cool ink from his fountain pen still lingered on his fingertips. His gaze fell on the folder on the corner of the table labeled "Candidates for Core Characters in 'The Three-Body Problem,'" and he gently tapped the cover with his fingertips.

Ma Guoliang's name was circled in red in the most conspicuous position, with "Wang Miao's first choice" written next to it.

He has long since risen from a domestically renowned actor to an internationally acclaimed movie star.

What's even more remarkable is that he has always maintained a deep respect for acting. Even after his value has increased significantly, he has always been available whenever Tan Yue needs him, without any airs. He is Tan Yue's most trusted "general".

Tan Yue picked up the landline and dialed Chen Ye's internal line: "Xiao Ye, tell Teacher Ma Guoliang to come to my office. Tell him I have an important script I'd like him to take a look at."

“Okay, Mr. Tan, I’ll contact Teacher Ma right away.” Chen Ye’s voice was efficient.

No more than five minutes after hanging up the phone, there was a soft knock on the office door, the rhythm steady and carrying a sense of familiar respect.

"Teacher Ma, please come in." Tan Yue stood up to greet him, watching Ma Guoliang push open the door and enter.

He wore a well-fitting dark gray casual suit with a white shirt underneath. His hair was neatly combed, and although there were fine lines around his eyes, it made him look even more refined and composed.

Even as an international superstar, he showed no sign of arrogance. His first words upon entering were still his habitual humility: "Mr. Tan, is there a new project you'd like to see me about?"

“There is indeed a big project.” Tan Yue smiled, pointed to the sofa opposite him, turned around, took out a beautifully bound script of “The Three-Body Problem” from the filing cabinet, and handed it to Ma Guoliang.

"Teacher Ma, this is the script I just finished writing. It's a hard science fiction story, and I'd like to invite you to play the male lead, Wang Miao."

"Hard science fiction?" Ma Guoliang's eyes lit up, and he gripped the script tightly with a slight force.

"Please listen to the general plot first." Tan Yue sat down opposite him, poured a cup of tea for himself and Ma Guoliang, and slowly began to speak.

"Wang Miao is a physicist who was living a peaceful life, but he is suddenly drawn into a crisis concerning the survival of human civilization. A civilization from the Trisolaran system is heading towards Earth..."

Instead of simply reading from the script, Tan Yue highlighted the key points of Wang Miao's experiences.

From the bizarre countdown appearing on the retina to joining the "Science Frontier" organization to explore the truth, and then experiencing "Operation Guzheng" firsthand, witnessing the first confrontation between humanity and the Trisolaran civilization.

He focused on depicting Wang Miao's inner changes.

From initial confusion and fear to later determination and courage, this character embodies both the elegance and prudence of an intellectual and the sense of responsibility and decisiveness in the face of crisis.

Ma Guoliang listened with exceptional focus, gently opening and closing the script in his hands, his fingertips unconsciously tapping out a rhythm on his knees.

When Tan Yue recounted how Wang Miao stood beside the wreckage of the 'Judgment Day' and watched the fragments cut by the nanoblades fall into the sea, finally understanding humanity's determination to fight against the Trisolaran civilization, he suddenly raised his head, his eyes gleaming with undisguised excitement.

"President Tan, this character is so compelling! Beneath the hard science fiction exterior lies such a profound human struggle, it's truly a rare sight."

"I knew you'd like it." Tan Yue smiled, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

"The role of Wang Miao requires the actor to not only portray the rationality and restraint of a physicist, but also to interpret the fear and confusion when facing an unknown civilization, and finally to have the determination after awakening."

"In the entire entertainment industry, you are the first person I think of. Your acting skills are more than enough to support this role, there is no need for an audition."

This is not flattery.

Ma Guoliang's performances have always been known for their subtlety.

Unexpectedly, Ma Guoliang shook his head, placed the script on the table, and said sincerely, "President Tan, I dare not accept your offer. Hard science fiction is too special. It contains many professional physics concepts and a special mindset when facing alien civilizations. I have never encountered it before, and I am really afraid that I will not be able to perform it well and ruin your script."

"Besides, this is a script you wrote yourself, so it has a different meaning. I have to try a section out to show you the effect. If you think it's good, then I'll take over."

Looking into his determined eyes, Tan Yue was deeply moved.

Ma Guoliang has already achieved great success, yet he still maintains such a sense of awe, which is precisely why he has been able to establish himself in the entertainment industry for so long.

"Okay, which section would you like to try?"

"Let's try the part where Wang Miao first sees the countdown and goes to see Shi Qiang." Ma Guoliang thought for a moment, then got up, walked to the center of the office, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, his gaze had changed.

His once composed gaze now held a hint of panic and disbelief. His brow furrowed slightly, and his right hand unconsciously adjusted his non-existent glasses, his fingertips trembling slightly, as if he were truly seeing the numbers flashing on his retina.

"Who are you? Why are you in my sight?" His voice was hoarse, filled with confusion and fear. He unconsciously took a half step back, as if he were hiding from something unseen.

Then, he clenched his fist tightly, his eyes hardening: "No matter what you are, I won't be intimidated. I will find out the truth!"

In just a few dozen seconds of performance, Ma Guoliang completely immersed himself in Wang Miao's state of mind, from initial fear to later stubbornness, with a natural and smooth emotional transition and precise control over details.

Tan Yue watched his performance and couldn't help but nod.

This is the power of a veteran actor: without props or sets, they can draw the audience into the story with just their eyes and movements.

"Perfect!" Tan Yue stood up and clapped. "Teacher Ma, your performance was just like Wang Miao himself! This scene was even more vivid than what I wrote in the script."

Ma Guoliang breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile spreading across his face: "I'm glad you're satisfied. I feel much more at ease now. I'll study the script carefully during this time, thoroughly understand the physics concepts, and strive not to let you down."

“You don’t need to rush. The storyboard isn’t finalized yet, and the cast is being finalized gradually. Filming is expected to start next month.” Tan Yue handed him a cup of tea.

"Please take a rest during this period. We will organize another script reading before filming begins."

"Okay, then I'll go back and study the script first." Ma Guoliang picked up the script as if he were holding a precious treasure, and left the office with light steps. He even turned back to say something as he reached the door.

"Mr. Tan, this script is absolutely brilliant! I can't wait to start filming!"

Watching Ma Guoliang's retreating figure, Tan Yue smiled helplessly, picked up his phone, and prepared to contact the next actor.

Just then, there was a knock on the office door, and Chen Ye walked in, his face showing some excitement: "President Tan, Director Lin Qingye sent word that the editing of 'Time Ticks' is complete, and he would like to invite you to come and see the finished film."

"Oh? So fast?" Tan Yue was a little surprised. He originally thought he would have to wait a few more days.

"Let's go check out the editing room."

In the editing room, the lights were dim, with only six computer screens lit up, emitting a faint blue glow.

Lin Qingye, Hong Yuanda, and the members of the editing team sat in front of their computers, their faces showing some fatigue but unable to hide their excitement.

Seeing Tan Yue enter, Lin Qingye immediately stood up: "President Tan, you're here. The final cut is ready, just waiting for your review." "Thank you for your hard work, everyone." Tan Yue patted Lin Qingye on the shoulder and sat down in the chair in front of the main screen. "Let's begin."

Hong Yuanda pressed the play button, and the opening sequence of "Time Ticks" lit up on the screen.

The sign of the old watch shop slowly rotates in the sunlight, accompanied by the crisp ticking of the clock, and the scene gradually transitions to the main topic.

The film tells the story of an old watchmaker, Master Zhao, who adheres to traditional craftsmanship and clashes with his grandson, Lin Xiaoyu, who pursues a fast-paced life. They eventually reconcile through an old clock.

The film has a relaxed pace, warm visuals, and is full of humanistic atmosphere.

As the film ends, Lin Xiaoyu repairs his grandfather's most cherished old clock. The grandfather and grandson smile at each other, and the camera gradually zooms out, freezing on the old clock shop's signboard. Accompanied by the melodious end credits song, the film concludes.

The editing room was quiet as everyone waited for Tan Yue's evaluation.

Tan Yue did not speak immediately, but fell into deep thought.

The film is of high quality, with genuine emotions and a well-controlled pace. As Lin Qingye's first film as an independent director, it is already outstanding.

But he always felt that there was one area that could be improved.

"Overall, it's excellent, even better than I expected," Tan Yue said slowly. "The emotional expression is very sincere, and the lighting and cinematography have also improved a lot. Especially the scene where Master Zhao and Lin Xiaoyu reconcile is handled very delicately and is very moving."

Hearing Tan Yue's praise, Lin Qingye smiled happily, and the team members also breathed a sigh of relief.

"However, there is one place that needs to be modified."

Tan Yue changed the subject and continued, "The scene where Master Zhao discovers Lin Xiaoyu secretly dismantling the old clock and the two argue is a bit abrupt. There's a lack of an emotional buffer between the argument and Master Zhao slamming the door and leaving, making it seem somewhat jarring."

Lin Qingye frowned and carefully recalled the editing: "You're right. At the time, I felt the pace needed to be faster, so I cut out the transition shots in the middle. Now that I think about it, it does look a bit stiff."

"After the argument, we could add a shot of Master Zhao staring blankly at the old clock, his eyes filled with both anger and reluctance, before he slams the door and leaves," Tan Yue suggested.

"In this way, the emotional transition will be more natural, and the audience will be able to better understand Master Zhao's feelings."

"Okay, I'll go and make the changes now." Lin Qingye immediately got up, walked to the computer, and started working on it.

Hong Yuanda also joined him to discuss the revised plan.

The editing room bustled with activity once again, filled with the sounds of keyboards clattering and mice clicking.

Tan Yue sat to the side, watching their focused expressions, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Time passed slowly, and the sky outside the window gradually darkened, making the office lights appear exceptionally bright.

Lin Qingye revised it several times before finally stopping, satisfied: "President Tan, what do you think of this?"

Tan Yue leaned closer to the screen and looked at the revised clip.

After the argument ended, Master Zhao stood in front of the old clock, looking at the pendulum with a complicated expression, gently stroking the clock with his fingers, then sighed and slammed the door shut as he left.

This transition shot was added just right, making the whole scene more emotionally rich.

“Very good, that’s perfect.” Tan Yue nodded. “Now the pacing and emotions of the whole film are very smooth, there are no problems.”

"That's great!" Lin Qingye clenched his fist excitedly, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "It's finally finished! Everyone has worked so hard these past few days. Tonight it's my treat, everyone can relax!"

"Great!"

The editing team cheered. They had been working day and night for a while and finally their moment of reward had arrived.

Tan Yue glanced at the time; it was almost eight o'clock in the evening, and the city outside the window was already brightly lit.

"Everyone has worked really hard, take a good rest." He patted Lin Qingye on the shoulder. "After the initial cut is completed, submit it for review as soon as possible. The publicity department has already started preparing the promotional plan, and we are striving to release it next month."

“Yes, Mr. Tan, I will arrange for it to be submitted for review tomorrow.” Lin Qingye nodded, his eyes full of anticipation.

Tan Yue walked out of the editing room. There were hardly any people in the corridor, except for a few employees who were still working overtime.

He walked to the window, looked at the bustling traffic below, and felt a deep sense of emotion.

The completion of editing for "Time Ticks" means that the company has another high-quality film with a realistic theme.

The casting process for "The Three-Body Problem" is also progressing smoothly, and Ma Guoliang's participation has laid a solid foundation for this hard science fiction masterpiece.

He took out his phone and sent a message to Chen Ziyu: "The work in the editing room is finished. I'm going home now and will be there in about half an hour."

He grabbed his coat and strode towards the elevator.

As the elevator slowly descended, Tan Yue's mind drifted to the plot of "The Three-Body Problem" and the scenes from "Time Ticks," filling him with anticipation.

The development of Brilliant Entertainment is like a movie currently showing, with exciting climaxes and mundane daily routines, but every step is taken firmly and steadily.

Stepping out of the office building, the evening breeze caressed my cheeks, carrying a slight chill.

Driver Lao Liu was already waiting downstairs. When he saw Tan Yue come out, he quickly opened the car door.

"Mr. Tan, Mr. Chen is waiting for you at home. He just called me to ask when you will arrive."

Tan Yue handles all the company's affairs by himself, and Chen Ziyu is worried that Tan Yue is too tired.

Therefore, he is now driven to and from get off work by driver Lao Liu every day.

"Okay, let's go." Tan Yue got into the car, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his seat.

He was indeed a little tired after a busy day, but he felt a great sense of accomplishment.

The car drove smoothly through the city streets, the neon lights outside the window flashing, outlining the city's prosperity.

Tan Yue looked at the fleeting scenery outside the window, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

The Three-Body Problem project was officially launched, and "Time Ticks" is about to be released, marking a rapid acceleration in the development of Brilliant Entertainment. (End of Chapter)