Entertainment from Divorce

On the afternoon of the day the filming of "The Three-Body Problem" ended, the sunlight in Beijing gradually softened.

In the public relations department office of Brilliant Entertainment, the sound of keyboards clicking could be heard everywhere, and the staff stared at the computer screens with tense expressions.

Reports about the start of filming for "The Three-Body Problem" from various media outlets sprang up like mushrooms after rain, and online discussions surged in a short period of time, keeping the entire public relations team busy.

"Film and Television Daily: Tan Yue crosses over into hard science fiction! The TV series 'The Three-Body Problem' starts filming in Huairou, with veteran actors such as Ma Guoliang and Zhang Lan joining the cast."

"Southern Entertainment: The opening ceremony was described in detail, and a group photo of the main creators was also included. It was specifically mentioned that "Tan Yue attended in person and said that he would do his best to create the first high-quality hard science fiction drama in China."

"Science Fiction World: From Interstellar to The Three-Body Problem, it is expected to fill the gap in domestic hard science fiction TV series and provide a new direction for the industry's development."

In addition to traditional media, discussions on major social media platforms have exploded.

Just after 3 p.m., the topic "Tan Yue, Three-Body Problem, Start of Filming" surged to the top of Weibo's trending topics list. In less than an hour, the topic had garnered over 500 million views and more than 3 million discussions.

Netizens left enthusiastic comments under the topic, expressing their anticipation for the drama.

"Finally, a sci-fi drama starring Tan Yue! I've watched 'Interstellar' three times, and I'm sure 'The Three-Body Problem' won't disappoint this time either!"

"The cast of Ma Guoliang and Zhang Lan is absolutely amazing! Two veteran actors sharing the stage, just thinking about it is so exciting!"

"This is hard science fiction! Finally, someone in China dares to make one. I hope it can recreate the universe I've imagined!"

However, amidst the anticipation, there were also many voices of doubt, with the focus on the new director Lu Chuan.

One netizen left a comment.

"Tan Yue's script is good, but the director is Lu Chuan? I've never heard of him. Has he directed any works before?"

"Previously, Tan Yue's TV dramas were all directed by Lin Qingye, and they were all hits like 'Raging Storm' and 'I Am a Criminal Police Officer.' Will this newcomer cause a flop?"

"Hard science fiction demands so much from directors. Can a newcomer handle it? Don't waste a good script and good actors."

Some extreme netizens even started the topic of "changing the director," which, although not very popular, did spark some follow-up discussions.

The public relations department's monitoring system detected these negative comments immediately.

Staff member Li Meng stared at the public opinion analysis report on the screen with a furrowed brow. She immediately took the report and hurried toward Director Wu's office.

"Mr. Wu, there have been some fluctuations in public opinion regarding 'The Three-Body Problem.' Many netizens have questioned Lu Chuan's ability as director, and some have even started discussions about 'replacing the director.' Although the impact is not significant at present, if it is not guided in time, it may escalate."

Engineer Wu took the report, quickly flipped through it, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and fell into deep thought.

Having worked in public relations for many years, he deeply understands the importance of guiding public opinion.

Especially for a high-profile project like "The Three-Body Problem," any negative feedback can be amplified, affecting the audience's expectations for the work.

"Which platforms are these questions mainly focused on? Are there any online trolls pushing this from behind?" Mr. Wu asked in a calm tone.

"The discussion mainly focuses on Weibo and Douyin. No traces of paid trolls have been found so far. It should be spontaneous discussions among ordinary netizens."

Li Meng answered.

"Most of the netizens who questioned the director were worried that the new director could not handle the hard science fiction genre. After all, director Lin Qingye had a very good reputation before, so it is normal for people to make comparisons."

Engineer Wu nodded and stood up: "Let's go to General Manager Tan's office and report the situation. We need General Manager Tan to make the decision on this kind of thing."

The two walked quickly to the president's office on the eighth floor, where Tan Yue was having a video conference with the head of the overseas distribution department to discuss the details of the European screening of "Interstellar".

Seeing Wu Gong and Li Meng standing at the door, Tan Yue said "Wait a moment" to the screen, paused the meeting, and gestured for the two to come in: "What's wrong? Is there a problem with public opinion regarding 'The Three-Body Problem'?"

"Mr. Tan, take a look." Engineer Wu handed over the public opinion report.

"The news of the start of filming for 'The Three-Body Problem' has become a trending topic. Most netizens are looking forward to it, but many people have questioned director Lu Chuan's ability, worrying that he cannot handle the hard science fiction genre. Some people have even compared him with director Lin Qingye and started a discussion about changing directors."

Tan Yue took the report and carefully looked through it, without any obvious change in expression on his face.

He had anticipated such questions.

Lin Qingye has a well-established reputation in the TV drama field, so it's normal for viewers to have concerns when a new director is suddenly appointed.

"How large are these doubts? Is there a tendency for them to spread?" Tan Yue asked calmly.

"Currently, the discussion is not very extensive, mainly concentrated among core science fiction fans and film and television enthusiasts, and has not yet spread to the general public," Wu Gong replied.

"Our public relations department has prepared two plans. One is to release an interview video with director Lu Chuan, in which he shares his understanding of 'The Three-Body Problem' and his preparations for filming, showcasing his professional abilities."

"Another option is to invite veteran actors like Ma Guoliang and Zhang Lan to speak out and affirm Lu Chuan's directing skills, thereby boosting audience confidence. Which option do you think is more suitable?"

Tan Yue pondered for a moment, then lightly traced his finger across the report: "No need to rush to respond."

He looked up at Engineer Wu and continued, "Now that we've just started production, too much public opinion guidance will only amplify the doubts."

"The audience's concerns are essentially about the quality of the work. Instead of trying to defend themselves through interviews and statements, it would be better to wait until filming progresses, release some trailers or behind-the-scenes footage, and use the actual visuals and quality to prove Lu Chuan's ability."

Tan Yue paused for a moment, then added, "Of course, we also need to pay close attention to public opinion. If there is a large-scale negative reaction or malicious manipulation by online trolls, we should take timely countermeasures."

"In addition, please inform all staff and actors not to respond to related questions on social media platforms to avoid causing unnecessary controversy."

"Okay, Mr. Tan, I understand." Engineer Wu nodded, feeling relieved.

Tan Yue's decisions always grasp the core of the problem, avoiding blind action.

"Then we'll first focus on monitoring public opinion, and once there's progress in filming, we'll cooperate with the publicity department to do relevant promotions."

"Okay." Tan Yue waved his hand. "You guys go ahead and get busy. Report any new developments immediately."

After Wu Gong and Li Meng left, Tan Yue reopened the video conference and continued communicating with the head of the overseas distribution department. But his thoughts unconsciously drifted to Lu Chuan.

The crew should be filming right now, and Lu Chuan probably hasn't seen the online criticisms yet. If he has, I wonder if it will affect his mood.

Tan Yue returned home around 7 p.m.

Chen Ziyu and her mother had already prepared dinner, with steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, and a bowl of steaming chicken soup on the table.

"You're back quite early today. Are you not too busy at work?" Chen Ziyu smiled and served him a bowl of soup. "I was browsing Weibo this afternoon and saw that 'The Three-Body Problem' is trending. Lots of people are looking forward to it."

Tan Yue took the soup, took a sip, and nodded: "It did trend on social media, but there were also some dissenting voices, mainly worried that Lu Chuan couldn't handle the hard science fiction genre."

“Although Lu Chuan is a newcomer, you must have your reasons for choosing him.” Chen Ziyu put down her spoon, her tone firm.

“You said before that he has a lot of ideas about science fiction and is very serious about it. I think as long as he makes good films, he will definitely be able to produce good works, and netizens will gradually recognize him.”

Chen's mother chimed in, "Yes, everyone has a first time. Wasn't Lin Qingye a newcomer back then? Didn't he prove himself with each and every work he did?"

Tan Yue felt a warmth in her heart; the understanding and support of her family always gave her strength.

"That's what I thought too, so I didn't have the PR department rush to respond. It's more convincing to let the work speak for itself when we release the trailer later."

He put down his chopsticks, picked up his phone, and said, "I'll call Lu Chuan first to ask about today's filming and also mention what happened online, so he won't feel guilty if he sees it."

Chen Ziyu nodded: "Go ahead, have a good talk with him, and don't put too much pressure on him."

Tan Yue walked to the French windows in the living room and dialed Lu Chuan's number.

The phone rang a few times before being answered. Lu Chuan's voice sounded tired, but still full of energy: "President Tan, why are you calling? Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing serious, just wondering how today's filming went, whether it went smoothly?" Tan Yue's tone was gentle. "How did tonight's filming go?"

"It went very smoothly!" Lu Chuan's voice immediately became excited. "We filmed Zhang Lan's monologue scene this afternoon, and we got it in one take. We also filmed Ma Guoliang's scenes twice, and he was in particularly good condition."

"The shots taken tonight are aerial views of the Red Coast Base at night. The director of photography said the results were even better than expected. Once we add special effects in post-production, it will definitely be incredibly stunning!"

"That's good. It seems like the first day of filming has gotten off to a good start." Tan Yue smiled, then changed the subject, "By the way, have you seen the news online today? The topic of the start of filming for 'The Three-Body Problem' is trending."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Lu Chuan's voice deepened: "I saw it... During my break this afternoon, my assistant told me that he had also seen some netizens' doubts, saying that I am a newcomer and cannot handle hard science fiction, and even comparing me to Director Lin."

Tan Yue could hear the disappointment in Lu Chuan's tone, and quickly comforted him, "Don't take it to heart. It's normal for the audience to have concerns. Lin Qingye's reputation in the TV drama field is well-established. It's natural for everyone to worry if a new director is suddenly replaced."

"But I chose you not because you are a newcomer, but because of your understanding of 'The Three-Body Problem,' your passion for science fiction, and your preparations over this period of time, which make me believe that you can make this series well."

He paused, his tone becoming even more resolute: "Remember when we first talked about 'The Three-Body Problem'? You said you wanted to film it to show 'the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of humanity,' and that idea coincided with mine."

“During this time, you polished the storyboard, selected actors, and followed up on the set construction. You did everything very meticulously, and I have seen it all.”

"I believe that as long as you maintain this seriousness and dedication and shoot every shot well, the final work will definitely satisfy the audience, and those doubts will naturally disappear."

There was silence on the other end of the phone again. After a while, Lu Chuan's voice came through, slightly choked with emotion: "Thank you, President Tan... Actually, when I saw those doubts today, I felt quite upset, and even doubted whether I could really do a good job."

"But now that you've said that, I feel much more at ease. Don't worry, I will do my best to live up to your trust and to live up to this script!"

"I believe in you." Tan Yue's tone was full of trust. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you encounter any problems during filming, call me anytime. If you feel tired, take a break. Health is the foundation of everything. Don't exhaust yourself trying to meet the deadline."

"Yes, I understand, Mr. Tan!" Lu Chuan's voice regained its energy.

"After today's shoot, I went over tomorrow's shooting schedule with the director of photography and art director to try and make sure the shoot goes smoothly. I'll send you the sample photos when I have time this weekend so you can rest assured."

"Okay, no rush, you should finish filming first." Tan Yue said with a smile, "It's getting late, you should get some rest too, you have to get up early to film tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Tan Yue stood by the window, looking at the myriad lights outside, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Lu Chuan is a promising talent, both gifted and hardworking. He just lacks experience and confidence. With more encouragement and support, he will surely grow into a great person.

Back at the restaurant, Chen Ziyu had already cleared the table and was sitting on the sofa reading a parenting book.

Seeing Tan Yue enter, she put down her book and asked with a smile, "Finished talking? How's Lu Chuan? Was he unaffected?"

"It's alright now. Give him a pep talk, and he's feeling much better." Tan Yue sat down next to her.

The filming of "The Three-Body Problem" has only just begun, and there may be even more challenges to come.

For example, fluctuations in public opinion, difficulties in filming, and pressure regarding special effects.

But Tan Yue believes that as long as the team works together, as long as Lu Chuan maintains his original aspiration and drive, and as long as everyone has a sense of awe for the work, they will definitely be able to overcome all difficulties and make "The Three-Body Problem" a hard science fiction masterpiece that satisfies the audience and is recognized by the industry.

It was late at night, and Chen Ziyu was already fast asleep.

Tan Yue sat at his desk, turned on his computer, and browsed online discussions about "The Three-Body Problem".

Although there are still some dissenting voices, there is more anticipation and support.

He clicked on a comment from a netizen: "No matter who the director is, as long as it's Tan Yue's script, I'll believe it! I look forward to 'The Three-Body Problem' bringing surprises!"

Tan Yue smiled slightly and turned off the computer.

He knew that the best response was to let his work speak for itself.

When "The Three-Body Problem" is broadcast, all doubts and concerns will be dispelled by this excellent work.

All he could do was silently support Lu Chuan and the entire crew from behind the scenes, protecting and ensuring that this hard science fiction drama, carrying the expectations of countless people, could set sail smoothly and head towards a wider universe. (End of Chapter)