Full-time actor

Everyone was curious, since the person making the call at this time was probably concerned about the Golden Rooster.

But clearly, they were wrong.

It is Li An.

It's almost October, and the chairpersons of the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse jury have already been announced long ago.

Therefore, Chen Yu naturally understood the main content of his phone call.

"Director Li."

Upon hearing Chen Yu's voice, Li An slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

The fact that I can still answer his calls at least proves that there is still room for maneuver.

"Chen Yu, I think your agent should have already called you."

Li An rubbed his hands together and asked Chen Yu.

In response to Li An's question, Chen Yu naturally did not hide anything: "Yes, I just received the news!"

“I feel it’s a bit impolite to inform you of this through your agent, so I’m inviting you to participate on behalf of the Golden Horse Awards organizers.”

Li An spoke with genuine sincerity.

At the same time, he also knew Chen Yu's influence; if he could agree to participate in the Golden Horse Awards, the resulting buzz would be considerable.

long silence.

So much so that Li An thought Chen Yu had hung up the phone, but when he looked at his phone again, it showed that he was still on a call.

This clearly calmed him down a bit.

"I'm serving as the chair of the Golden Horse Awards jury this year, and participating in the Golden Horse Awards... shouldn't be a problem for you, right?"

Li An smiled and said, "If nothing unexpected happens, 'Better Days' should be able to win several major awards!"

This can be considered a disguised guarantee.

His temper is known to be exceptionally good, at least within the industry.

Especially when she patiently explained the matter to Chen Yu, it made Chen Yu hesitate a bit.

Furthermore, Li An's act of lowering himself to talk to him about this matter was ultimately a way of saving face.

The most important thing is——

As he said, this matter is indeed entirely beneficial and without any drawbacks.

It would be wonderful if Liu Yifei could win another award; also, Chen Yu has some other ideas about the Golden Horse Awards.

He didn't go to the Golden Horse Awards before because of the future, but now that his status has risen, if he attends the Golden Horse Awards to advocate for it, wouldn't that be a direct way to attack certain groups?

How can we prevent such a thing from happening again in the province, and take precautions for the future?
This kind of slap in the face is much better than them coming forward to give you a slap first.

Therefore, it is quite necessary to participate in the Golden Horse Awards to correct one's own stance; this belongs to the ideology of a certain regime.

Chen Yu certainly wanted to stay away from politics.

But in reality, given his status, he's bound to be asked by many people, even if he tries to avoid it.

It would be better to openly state one's stance at such a special awards ceremony.

This is the highest level of vocalization.

It also clearly and explicitly stated its position.

"Director Li, I need to think about this."

After Chen Yu finished speaking, there was no further hesitation on the other end.

After all, whether he comes or goes is Chen Yu's own decision, and they cannot force him to stay.

To be precise, they didn't have that ability, since they were the ones who needed Chen Yu's help.

Liu Yifei looked at Chen Yu. This matter was neither difficult nor simple.

Ultimately, it depends on Chen Yu's own character!
Little did they know, Chen Yu already had an even better... method!
……

Just as I was pondering this, the phone rang again.

Diao Yinan, who was standing to the side, shook her head and laughed. Why did everyone... call at this very moment?
Liu Yifei leaned closer, looked at the nickname on the phone, and couldn't help but stick out her tongue. The two big characters on it were indeed very intimidating.

Jinji actually gathered so many people just to get Chen Yu to participate?!

"It looks like Brother Yu is in for a busy day!"

Diao Yinan glanced at the monitor with a smile, no longer bothering Chen Yu.

Chen Yu was actually quite helpless, but after thinking about it, he finally pressed the answer button.

"Chen Yu..."

"Are you busy? Am I bothering you by calling at this hour?"

Having spent a considerable amount of time with Hao Rong, Chen Yu naturally understood his reluctance to speak.

"No rush, Dean Hao, what's the matter?"

Hao Rong is here as a lobbyist. The Golden Rooster Awards invited Chen Yu to the awards ceremony, but they are afraid of being rejected.

The only option is to ask him to act as a go-between.

To be precise, Hao Rong was somewhat hesitant about this matter.

Last year's Golden Rooster incident caused a great uproar and clearly offended Chen Yu.

This is something that would be hard to forgive for anyone else, but Jinji is only doing this because he sees Chen Yu's value.

However, since Jinji has already found him, and his attitude this time is quite good, we will help if we can.

Whether it will be useful or not depends on Chen Yu's personal opinion.

"The Golden Rooster Awards organizers called me today. This year's chairman and judging panel are not the same as last year's."

"Last year, because of what happened to you, the higher-ups were very angry and have all been dismissed, including several leaders, and it's not just the reviewers!"

After Hao Rong finished speaking, he lowered his voice and said, "Moreover, this time, more than half of the judges are graduates and teachers from our Central Academy of Drama!"

"They also hope that you can attend the awards ceremony this time."

"And let me tell you that I will definitely be fair and just, and the situation will not repeat itself like last time."

"Besides... I heard the venue is in Suzhou..."

Hao Rong kept talking, and Chen Yu sighed slightly.

He did not respond immediately, indicating that he still harbored some resentment about the matter.

Hao Rong naturally gave Chen Yu ample time.

"Of course, it's up to you to decide, since what happened last year was quite frustrating."

"But who would complain about having too many prizes, right?"

Hao Rong's statement is true; winning awards is the only real measure of success these days.

He didn't care, but it might be helpful to Liu Yifei.

"Dean, I'll think about it. I'll let you know as soon as I have any news."

……

After that, several more calls came in, even from the cultural and tourism departments in Suzhou trying to get closer to him... They were basically acting as advocates for the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Awards, and of course, the local government of Suzhou also hoped that Chen Yu would return to his hometown.

These are all social obligations, and many cannot be refused.

Chen Yu was already feeling a bit overwhelmed after hanging up the phone.

If I don't participate in the Golden Rooster Awards, I'll definitely keep getting calls. But if I had participated before, I wouldn't have had so many problems.

The saying "whoever feeds you is your mother" is absolutely true. It's only when you lose them that you regret it... Liu Yifei, who had finished filming her scene, noticed Chen Yu's expression as she walked out of the room.

"What's wrong? Is it hard to decide?"

Liu Yifei walked to Chen Yu's side and put her arm around his; she was naturally a little worried when she noticed Chen Yu's condition.

"Headache……"

"Being trapped in this circle, even if I deliberately distance myself from certain circles, I still can't control my own destiny!"

To put it bluntly, China is indeed a society based on personal connections.

In this circle, there's nothing you can avoid.

After hearing Chen Yu's words, Liu Yifei was actually quite conflicted.

Of course, she didn't want Chen Yu to be like that.

After a long while, he finally looked up and asked, "So what are your plans?"

With the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Awards just around the corner, the popularity of "Better Days" at Venice was naturally noticed.

"Go, you have to go so you can win Best Actress."

Upon hearing Chen Yu's words, Liu Yifei felt a moment of emptiness in her heart.

She bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth, somewhat moved by Chen Yu's words: "Actually, it's not necessary. I've already won the Venice Film Festival Best Actress award."

Liu Yifei didn't want Chen Yu to be wronged. Last year's incident caused quite a stir, and many people probably still use it as a topic of conversation.

Although this time it was the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Awards that took the initiative to invite them, how can the disdain they received last year be made up for?

"Who would complain about having too many Best Actress winners?"

"A Golden Rooster Award winner is still an award winner; don't underestimate someone just because they're a nobody."

Chen Yu spoke with a hint of jokingness, but Liu Yifei pouted slightly after hearing what the person in front of her said.

She knew, of course, that Chen Yu would do anything for her.

But that's precisely why she couldn't let Chen Yu be affected by her affairs.

"What I mean is, don't do this for me. If you don't want to go, then we won't go."

The others present naturally overheard the discussion between the two.

It's clear that Chen Yu is determined to win the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress, but everyone is aware of what happened back then.

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

After all, it wasn't their place to speak on this matter.

"Don't overthink it, there's nothing to think about or not think about."

"They've already invited me with such humility, how could I possibly refuse?"

Even if I don't go, you have to go!

"Understood?"

We cannot let one person's actions affect the entire cast and crew of "Better Days".

However, despite all that, Liu Yifei still knew the real reason behind it.

She sighed softly, knowing that Chen Yu had made a great sacrifice for her.

Seeing the two of them walk to the film set after discussing it, many people naturally assumed that Chen Yu had decided to participate in the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Awards.

"It seems like 'Better Days' has a chance to win a grand slam this time!"

"It's mainly about ability; Yifei's acting this time was outstanding."

"This is truly a rare opportunity!"

Chen Yu nodded at Diao Yinan's words, naturally agreeing with her assessment.

but--

Only Liu Yifei herself knows perfectly well that she delivered 80% of the highlights in the film "Better Days." If she still doesn't win an award after all that, then she really should pack her bags and go home.

After discussing it with Liu Yifei, Chen Yu directly dialed Yang Lu's number.

It's settled that "Better Days" will be nominated for the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Awards, so it's time to prepare the basic application materials; as for whether he will actually participate, that's still undecided.

What does the film crew's participation have to do with him personally?

Lu Xun and Zhou Shuren are not the same person.

"Brother Yu."

Yang Lu is currently at the company handling pre-production work for "The Grand Budapest Hotel".

"Better Days is preparing to participate in the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Awards. Before casting, we need to organize the application materials."

Yang Lu was somewhat surprised, but Chen Yu's decision naturally had its reasons.

"Okay, I'll deal with it right away."

The two parties hung up the phone, and Chen Yu turned his gaze to the crowd present.

"I'm treating everyone tonight, let's have a good get-together."

The whole crowd cheered.

This celebration is not only for their first victory in Venice, but also for the upcoming Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Awards.

After three rounds of drinking.

Liu Yifei was already dizzy, but fortunately Chen Yu stayed by her side the whole time.

He knew that Liu Yifei's little brain was bound to be overthinking things today.

He pulled Liu Yifei into his arms, and she looked at Chen Yu with blurry, drunken eyes.

"Everyone, Yifei is a little drunk. I'll take her home first. You all enjoy your meal and drinks."

Chen Yu greeted Diao Yinan and the others before pulling Liu Yifei into the car.

along the way.

Every now and then, Liu Yifei could be heard moaning softly.

It was getting late, and Chen Yu was naturally worried about leaving her alone in the room.

After a quick wash, Liu Yifei was placed on the bed.

"Husband~"

People who are drunk speak in a sweet and cloying way. Chen Yu looked at Liu Yifei with tender eyes and then pulled her into his arms.

"I don't want you to compromise yourself for my sake."

Liu Yifei's voice was intermittent, but it was still generally audible.

He knew this girl would definitely take this to heart, and he never felt that it was a grievance.

It's nothing more than some conflicts.

"It is my happiness to be able to do these things for you."

"Don't feel guilty. As long as you are happy, that is my greatest satisfaction."

Chen Yu gently patted the person in his arms, not knowing if she heard him, but he never intended to put any pressure on Liu Yifei by doing these things.

***
A few days later, Liu Yifei and Chen Yu's last scene together.

After three full months, "Black Coal, Thin Ice" is about to come to an end, which is a memorable experience for everyone in the crew.

A group of people sat around a table.

Chen Yu tried his best to adopt a flattering attitude, frequently refilling Captain Liu's glass with wine.

He shed all his pride and dignity.

"The fact that this case was solved is all thanks to our Captain Liu. Captain Liu deserves the most credit."

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this, but Chen Yu's smile was tinged with bitterness.

After everyone had left, Chen Yu stood alone by the door.

The cold wind was biting, but it couldn't dispel the bitterness in his heart.

card!
"Zhang Zili has wrapped filming!"

Chen Yu's performance in this scene was spot-on; the sense of compassion and empathy he conveyed moved everyone present.

Even knowing that fate is unfair, one cannot fight against it.

In the end, they can only fall into the mud.

"Great, this emotion is so relatable."

"I have to say, Yu Ge's acting skills are simply divinely inspired."

Faced with Diao Yinan's praise, Chen Yu shook his leather jacket, as if he had not yet recovered from that disappointing mood.

As for what comes next—

That was Liu Yifei's last scene.

She returned to her drab appearance, her delicate makeup gone, and was taken to her previous rented room in prison clothes.

He recounted the process of murdering and dismembering the body in full view of everyone.

Just as she came out of the rented room again, a firework exploded right next to her.

Liu Yifei looked up at the scene, her eyes filled with a sense of desolation and relief.

Having weathered many storms.

At that moment, she seemed to have an epiphany, and then smiled with relief.

On the rooftop, Chen Yu set off one daytime firework after another for Liu Yifei.

This was the only thing he could do for Liu Yifei.

"Black Coal, Thin Ice has officially wrapped filming!"

"Ooh ooh ooh~~~"

As Diao Yinan spoke, cheers erupted in their ears.

Everyone present rushed over; only they themselves knew the hardships they had endured during their three months of stationing.

Liu Yifei threw herself into Chen Yu's arms, both of them extremely excited.

Chen Yu and Diao Yinan checked the footage. The immediate priority was to ensure that the key shots were accurate, and reshoots would be necessary if needed.

Once all the work was completed, everyone seemed to finally feel relieved.

"Come on, let's all come over and take a group photo."

"A group photo from our 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' crew, this is also a memory for us."

The group gathered together, and the past three months had truly filled them with mixed emotions.

The filming wrapped up at this moment, leaving an indelible memory in their hearts.

"eggplant!"

Cheers resounded in all directions.

Diao Yinan had booked the restaurant well in advance. The wrap party was simple; everyone would have a meal and then get back to their other work.

Wang Jingchun was also very happy.

After all, this collaboration will definitely leave a deep impression on him.

"Let's all raise our glasses and wish for the early release of our film 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'."

Duan Yihong's words ignited even more passion among the crowd.

It was so lively with people drinking and drinking.

Diao Yinan raised his wine glass and came to Chen Yu's side. He looked radiant, as these three months had been a very long process for him.

Chen Yu knew, of course, that he would have to put in much more effort.

"Brother Yu, after today's wrap party, we don't know when we'll see each other again!"

"I wish 'Better Days' a huge box office success!"

After hearing Diao Yinan's words, Chen Yu also raised his glass and drank with her.

This statement applies to both of them as well.

"Whether it's 'Better Days' or 'Black Coal, Thin Ice,' I believe they will achieve the best results."

This statement is like a vow.

People gathered around, knowing that National Day was less than ten days away, which meant that "Better Days" was about to start pre-sales.

This was something that everyone was watching closely.

Everyone's eyes are on it; to be precise, everyone in the industry is anticipating this movie.

They were quite curious about how much box office "Better Days" would get this time.

After all, this is an art film, and its market share is inherently less competitive than that of commercial films.

"I believe that our Brother Yu will definitely achieve great success this time and make a fortune."

Everyone naturally has great confidence in this.

Chen Yu downed the wine in his cup in one gulp, but did not respond to what the others were saying.

Actually.

Regardless of the success of "Better Days" at Venice, the fact that it was his directorial debut has already garnered attention.

Unfortunately--

Art films seem to have mediocre box office performance, which is also a concern for Chen Yu.

The higher you're lifted up, the harder you'll fall.

Although the previous film, "Better Days," was a box office hit, the times are different, and this time the genre is somewhat sensitive.

Moreover, art films have always had a weaker box office performance.

This is an indisputable fact.

Perhaps sensing Chen Yu's emotions, Liu Yifei touched her cup to Chen Yu's cup.

The crisp sound brought Chen Yu back to his senses.

"Honey, I believe 'Better Days' will be a huge box office success."

These words were like a clear stream flowing directly into Chen Yu's heart, and the latter smiled slightly.

Why bother thinking about things that haven't happened yet?

Furthermore, the box office is determined on the first day.

He believed that the story of "Better Days" would definitely grab people's attention.

Even if the box office is low, it will not affect its high quality.

As for now——

It's time to consider other things.

With National Day less than ten days away, it's time to deal with marketing issues! (End of Chapter)