It's reasonable for me, a stuntman, to live a crazy life, right?

Chapter 1367 The Overlord of the Animation Market!
"The Room Next Door?"

At the birthday party, Liu Yifei instinctively reached out and took the script that Chen Fei handed her.

The friends who had been invited to the banquet also gathered around.

As people working in the film and television industry, we all have a natural sense of awe for "scripts," and we can't help but be curious after seeing them.

Liu Yifei traced the title on the script cover with her fingertip, then looked up with a puzzled look in her eyes: "What's this story about? The title sounds a bit like a suspense film?"

Chen Fei took the son from her arms and let the little guy rest on his shoulder so that she could look through the script.

“It’s not a suspense thriller.” He shook his head and explained, “The story is about the lives of two women, a dual-female-lead structure.”

One of them is a female screenwriter from the Yunnan Literature Society, who travels all over the country and seeks out beautiful scenery; the other is a female war correspondent whose lens is full of children in the midst of war.

The two were close friends in their youth, but lost contact due to different career choices...

When they reconnected years later, the female journalist was terminally ill. She wanted to leave with dignity, so she asked her friend to be by her side in the final moments of her life.

Although the female screenwriter was quite surprised, she still agreed to her friend's request and helped her repair her relationship with her biological daughter..."

Chen Fei gave a brief overview of the script.

The story is actually not complicated. It mainly revolves around three core themes: life and death, friendship, and family. It also incorporates unique expressions of "dying with dignity," "interpersonal relationships," and "intergenerational emotions" to evoke emotional resonance in the audience.

The reason for choosing a "dual female lead" structure is mainly to conform to the current mainstream style of the three major European awards.

Feminism is currently experiencing a boom, and although Chen Fei doesn't want to get involved with these things, it doesn't mean he can't take advantage of them.

Just like Parasite.

Choosing Han Jianu as director implicitly increased the chances of winning an award.

Female directors, female producers, female actresses... this is the "mainstream" in the current European and American film market, and no one can escape this category.

As he was pondering this, he heard Liu Yifei's somewhat conflicted voice beside him: "But I haven't systematically studied directing techniques, can I really make this story work?"

"Who can be born a director?" Chen Fei interrupted her with a laugh. "Zhang Yimou used to be a photographer, and Jiaozi studied medicine, but they still successfully switched careers to become directors."
Don't worry, once the film project is approved, I'll assemble the best team for you. You just need to tell them what your vision of the story should look like.

Liu Yifei blinked and pondered for a moment.

When she looked up again, the hesitation in her eyes had turned into light: "What if I mess it up?"

"If you smash it, it's on me!" Chen Fei pinched her cheek, his eyes full of affection. "But I know you definitely won't. You've played so many roles in life, now it's your turn to use your own eyes to tell a story that you truly understand."

“Well…” Liu Yifei took a deep breath, nodded emphatically, and a bright smile bloomed on her face: “Thank you for the birthday gift, husband. I love it!”

Looking into the light in her eyes, Chen Fei suddenly felt that the noise of the birthday party had become background noise.

Some gifts don't need to be fancy; as long as they can make the light in her eyes shine brighter, that's enough.

"As long as you're happy, I'm happy too..."

"Oh my!" Han Jianu suddenly rubbed her arms exaggeratedly and deliberately moved aside. "I'm getting goosebumps all over. Senior, it's a pity you're not writing idol dramas with your sweet talk skills!"

As soon as she finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted around her.

Zhou Xun chuckled and teased, "Why are you getting involved when the young couple is whispering sweet nothings to each other? Are you just jealous?"

Upon hearing this, Han Jianu immediately retorted, "I'm envious? I'm afraid that if they keep being so lovey-dovey, the cake will melt!"

Amidst the laughter, Liu Yifei's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quietly moved closer to Chen Fei.

Looking at the script cover, Jing Tian said with envy, "This gift is so thoughtful! It's not only a good story, but it also takes into account your strengths."

“Absolutely.” Shu Chang leaned over and glanced at the script synopsis. “Two female leads, realistic themes, and it even aligns with international award trends. It’s paved the way for you to become an ‘art-house female director.’”

As she spoke, she nudged Liu Yifei's arm again, "From now on, I can't call you Qianqian anymore, I have to call you Director Liu, hehe, Director Liu, don't forget us little actors."

Tang Yan suddenly exclaimed, "Shouldn't we book the opening banquet in advance?"

Shen Jianni, who was holding her arm, immediately chimed in: "Not just the opening banquet, we can even book the venue for the celebration banquet, haha."

Chen Fei held Xiao Shitou in his arms, looking tenderly at Liu Yifei, who was surrounded by a group of girls.

She was looking down at the script, a smile she couldn't hide playing on her lips.

Han Jianu suddenly leaned over and quietly nudged his arm, whispering, "Wow, senior brother, that was brilliant! Yifei is so touched, she'll probably give birth to another girl for you!"

Chen Fei glanced at her sideways, a strange smile playing on his lips: "You're really bored, aren't you?"

"Huh?" Han Jianu subconsciously shrank back. "Who said that? I'm not free, I still have to follow up on the promotion of 'Parasite'..."

The film is currently in the key extension phase, and with the Palme d'Or win, she has indeed been quite busy lately.

She was given a lot of interviews, one after another, and official media outlets would come to interview her. She felt embarrassed to refuse, since her father had arranged it all for her.

“Don’t worry, I won’t arrange a new script for you.” Chen Fei interrupted her, pointing to Liu Yifei who was surrounded by a group of people. “I don’t have time to oversee the whole process of this film. You come and be the producer, help her oversee the preparation period, location scouting, team building, budget control, you’re good at all of these things.”

Han Jianu's eyes widened in surprise: "Me, a producer? Senior, are you kidding me? I just finished filming and wanted to take a break..."

"What do you mean 'take a break'? You're so young, why don't you think about building your career instead of slacking off?" Chen Fei picked up Xiao Shitou and turned to leave, assigning the work to her without further ado. "It's settled then. I'll also arrange for Wen Muye to join the team as a producer. The three of you can work out the script details yourselves."

Han Jianu blinked, wanting to "protest" a little, but then she thought that working with her boyfriend seemed pretty good.
"What a skinflint! All he knows is how to exploit me..."

She muttered to herself as she watched Chen Fei's retreating figure, but a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips as she took out her phone and sent a message to Wen Muye.

The birthday party ended successfully at 10 p.m.

Chen Fei and Liu Yifei saw off their friends who had come to the birthday party one by one.

Although many people had been drinking, there were also plenty of drivers available today, so everyone should be able to get home without any problems.

As soon as the last car disappeared around the corner, Chen Fei closed the door and turned around to be bumped into by Liu Yifei.

The balloons in the living room were still floating in the air, the cake box was open, and the lingering scent of cream mixed with the fragrance of gardenias in her hair spread in the quiet night.

"Is Little Stone fast asleep?" Liu Yifei looked up and asked softly, her eyelashes casting faint shadows under the entryway light.

"Hmm, she started snoring as soon as I put her on the bed. The little one played all day and must be exhausted." Chen Fei pinched her cheek, his fingertips gliding over the pearl earring on her earlobe. "You must be exhausted today, right?" Liu Yifei shook her head and pulled him into the bedroom.

Her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes shone even brighter than at her birthday party: "I'm not tired, just... a little excited."

Chen Fei closed the door behind him, gently pressed his hand against her waist, leaned down close, and breath brushed against the nape of her neck: "What's making you so excited? Is it because you have a chance to be a director? Or is it because of... my gift?"

"I have both." Liu Yifei's voice softened, her fingertips pressed against his chest, but she didn't push him away. "You always like to surprise me."

Chen Fei chuckled softly, reached out to unbutton her clothes, and deliberately traced circles on her waist with his fingertips.

Liu Yifei flinched from the tickling sensation and slapped his hand away, saying, "Stop it..."

Before she could finish speaking, he kissed her lips.

Only a bedside lamp was on in the bedroom, its warm yellow light enveloping the intertwined shadows of the two people.

Chen Fei's hands became increasingly audacious, sliding from her waistline to her back, causing Liu Yifei to tremble slightly as she glared at him: "Be serious..."

However, although she said that, her eyes were as soft and powerless as honey soaked in water.

"Since you really like my gift," he said, biting her earlobe, his voice hoarse like crumpled sandpaper, "then...should I grant all your requests?"

Liu Yifei's cheeks flushed instantly, and she turned her face away, saying, "What are you thinking about now..."

"I want Director Liu to tell me a 'personal story'." Chen Fei rolled over and pinned her down, his fingertips caressing her lips. "For example... what would Director Liu look like wearing that lace nightgown I bought you last time?"

"You..." Liu Yifei was so embarrassed that she raised her hand to cover his mouth, but he grabbed her wrist and pressed her down on the pillow.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating her reddened eyes and the barely concealed smile.

He knew exactly how to make her heart flutter today.

From the script with her name on it, to the way he doted on her at the banquet, and now to the deep, unyielding tenderness in his eyes...

She struggled slightly, but finally let go, her eyelashes drooping, her voice barely audible: "Just... just this once!"

Chen Fei chuckled softly and kissed her collarbone.

The moment the blanket slipped off, she let out a soft, shy gasp, like a flower blooming under the moonlight.

The night is still long, and the sweetness of birthday wishes grows ever stronger.

……

In the last few days of August, the trending topics were all about "New Gods: Yang Jian".

Meanwhile, news also broke that Alibaba Digital Media & Entertainment Group was abandoning the animated film market.

Although there has been no official announcement, such strategic development plans have never been truly kept secret.

In particular, Fan Luyuan did not request that the matter be kept secret.

He was truly heartbroken by the "New Gods List" plan!
The industry was in an uproar.

In numerous WeChat groups within the film and television industry, the box office curve of "New Gods: Yang Jian" has been repeatedly forwarded, accompanied by various meaningful emojis.

Some people posted GIFs of "Alibaba withdrawing from the competition," others posted jokes about "Light Chaser Animation revising its PPT overnight," and still others dug up a video of Fan Luyuan's speech at an industry summit three years ago.

That bold statement, "We want to build the Chinese Disney," has now become the latest joke in the industry.

A producer from an animation company lamented in a group chat: "An investment of nearly two billion yuan has yielded almost nothing. That money could have been used to make ten 'Boonie Bears' movies."

As soon as these words were spoken, someone immediately chimed in: "They're looking for an 'international style,' how could they possibly care about our homegrown family-friendly style? And what happened? The steampunk shell couldn't hold up, and even its own foundation collapsed."

In contrast, the name of Feiyue Film & Television was repeatedly mentioned, and everyone's tone was full of undisguised admiration:
"Only Feiyue Films dares to focus on making animation. We're all chasing trends, copying Disney today and Pixar tomorrow. They're the only ones who keep focusing on 'Chinese stories'."

IPs like Nezha and Sun Wukong, by not using any fancy tricks, but telling stories in a way that children can understand, have become unique.

"I have to say, Chen Fei is really talented. The box office success of Nezha is simply terrifying!"

“We’ve compiled a report here. Last year, Feiyue Animation accounted for nearly 80% of the total box office revenue for animated films nationwide. The remaining 20% ​​was divided among a dozen or so companies. Now, when theater managers see the words ‘Feiyue Animation,’ they immediately guarantee screenings! I’m so envious.”

"There's no way around it, their trust was built on a record-breaking track record!"

Meanwhile, just as the industry was abuzz with discussion, Feiyue Film & Television's animation division capitalized on the buzz by officially announcing its latest animated film project:
On the official Weibo account's homepage, a poster in the style of an ancient scroll slowly unfolds:

Beneath the ink-painted walls of Chang'an, Li Bai raises his cup to invite the moon, while Gao Shi stands on horseback gazing into the distance. On the right side of the scroll are inscribed the four large characters "Chang'an, Three Thousand Miles Away," accompanied by a single sentence: "With poetry as our steed, let us journey together to the glorious Tang Dynasty!"

The announcement followed immediately:

"Chang'an Thirty Thousand Miles" will connect the lives of dozens of Tang Dynasty poets, including Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei, from Gao Shi's perspective, from the prosperity before the An Lushan Rebellion to the turmoil during the war, and finally to the theme of "As long as poetry exists, Chang'an exists..."

"The film will adopt an episodic structure, with each story corresponding to a timeless poem, and the manuscript contains tens of thousands of pages..."

"Director Li Yang, from the team behind 'White Snake,' is personally leading the team to create a new animated epic!"

The news caused another uproar in the industry.

"They actually dared to depict a group of historical poets?" The planning director of an animation company stared at the poster, his face full of shock. "This subject matter is too risky. Kids won't understand it, and adults will find it preachy. How do we strike a balance?"

As soon as the message was sent out, someone in the group immediately retorted: "But that's what makes Feiyue Films so amazing. They dare to tackle tough challenges that others wouldn't dare to touch. Have you forgotten how 'Ne Zha' changed 'parricide' into 'My fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens'?"

On the other hand, the film critics' discussions were even more heated.

The editor-in-chief of Film Art published a long article overnight: "The ambition of 'Chang'an 30,000 Miles' is not just to tell a good story. It wants to make animation a bridge connecting traditional culture and contemporary audiences."

When Li Bai's "The waterfall plunges three thousand feet" becomes a visual spectacle on the silver screen, and when Gao Shi's "Do not worry about having no friends on the road ahead" merges into scenes of battlefield carnage, this attempt at "the fusion of poetry and film" may redefine the boundaries of Chinese animation!

Upon seeing this lengthy article, theater managers began to have their own ideas.

One manager said in an industry group: "Regardless of the content, just based on the name 'Leap Animation,' I'm already reserving a prime-time slot for next summer's movie season."

They never disappoint. *Monkey King: Hero Is Back* captivated children, *Ne Zha* captivated entire families, and this time they might just captivate intellectuals.

Suddenly, those who had previously mocked Alibaba Pictures all turned into expressions of admiration for the leap forward.
"They can not only make family-friendly films, but also dare to tackle highly difficult themes. This is true 'monopoly'. It's not based on malicious monopoly, but on vision and patience that others can't keep up with!"

(End of this chapter)