A widower's entertainment

Xinghua Hutong, Beijing.

Lin Zhaoyuan was lulled to sleep by her nanny, Sister Zhou, while Lin Zhaole and Lin Zhaohuan were playing in the main room.

Looking at Xie Shuhua and Lin Youcheng who had just returned home, Lin Zhaole couldn't help but ask, "Mom, did you and Dad go to see a movie together?"

Xie Shuhua didn't expect Lin Zhaole to ask her that question. She nodded and confirmed that she had indeed gone to see the movie "Strange Tales of the Human World" with Lin Youcheng.

Why didn't you take me with you?

Lin Zhaole immediately said with some disappointment, "Take me to see it after school!"

Hearing Lin Zhaole's words, Lin Zhaohuan reached out and tapped Lin Zhaole on the head, as if he understood everything, and said, "Why did Dad and Mom take you to the movies?"

Why can't you take me with you?

Lin Zhaole was still a little reluctant and said, "I also want to watch a movie."

Upon hearing Lin Zhaole's words, Xie Shuhua glanced at Lin Zhaohuan and quickly said, "Mom will take you to the movies next time."

Upon hearing Xie Shuhua's words, Lin Zhaole quickly replied, "Mom, you're the best."

Xie Shuhua wasn't embarrassed, but she felt it was best to skip the topic in front of the children. Although she now had several children calling her "Mom" and had given birth to more children, she was still young. She wanted to be with Lin Youcheng because she loved him, and she felt there was nothing wrong with going to the movies with him, especially romantic ones.

However, there's no need to say this in front of children.

"Zhao Le, have you finished your homework?"

Well, as soon as Lin Youcheng said that, Lin Zhaole immediately stopped clamoring to watch the movie and hurriedly said, "Dad, I'll go do my homework now."

As he spoke, Lin Zhaole walked out the door, but when he was halfway there, he turned back and said, "Dad, promise me you'll take me to the movies next time."

Lin Youcheng looked at Lin Zhaole and couldn't help but chuckle. He nodded and said, "Alright, hurry up and do your homework."

Hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Lin Zhaole ran off to do his homework.

As for Lin Zhaohuan, she didn't feel any pressure because she had already finished her homework. However, Lin Zhaohuan didn't stay there any longer and went to play with Lin Zhaoman instead.

Xie Shuhua watched as Lin Zhaohuan and Lin Zhaole left, then glanced at Lin Zhaoyuan who was still sleeping, and couldn't help but smile. Turning to Lin Youcheng, she said, "Lin Zhaohuan seems like a little adult too."

Lin Youcheng glanced at his daughter Lin Zhaohuan's retreating figure, smiled, and nodded.

"Li An really adapted your novel very well."

Hsieh Shu-hua is now talking to Lin Yu-cheng about "Strange Tales of the Human World". Even though she already knew the story very well, Hsieh Shu-hua still has a lot of feelings about the movie.

It has to be said that this movie was truly moving. She couldn't help but cry when she saw the ending. Many years ago, she was deeply moved when she read Lin Youcheng's novel "Strange Tales of the Human World". At that time, she had not yet gotten together with Lin Youcheng, but now she and Lin Youcheng are married and have children. The two of them sat in the movie theater together watching Lin Qi and Jiang Xi's love story, which made her feel the wonder of fate even more.

Indeed, this may be destiny, just like the meeting and reunion of Lin Qi and Jiang Xi.

Lin Youcheng nodded in agreement upon hearing Xie Shuhua's words, also agreeing that Li An had indeed done a very good job filming.

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have felt comfortable entrusting this novel to him for filming."

Lin Youcheng also said with a smile, "No wonder there are people queuing up outside to watch this movie now."

Lin Youcheng couldn't help but marvel at the hype surrounding the film, attributing its huge box office success to the film's quality and positive word-of-mouth.

Hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Xie Shuhua nodded in agreement. They had also seen the audience members queuing up at the movie theater entrance enthusiastically discussing the film, Lin Qi's unconventional life, and his love story.

Although the movie "Human Wonders" is very exciting, Lin Youcheng now focuses more on television dramas.

The company had previously been preparing to film the TV series "Bright Sword".

Because it was directed by Kong Sheng and co-produced by CCTV, which provided support for the production, Lin Youcheng was naturally very reassured.

Although Lin Youcheng didn't pay special attention to this TV series and was busy filming the movie "Our Millionaire" with Lin Zhaomei, he naturally knew that the TV series had been completed and was just waiting to be broadcast. Because CCTV was involved, the TV series would naturally be broadcast on CCTV.

There is no doubt that CCTV is also looking forward to the broadcast of this drama.

Lin Youcheng had also seen the finished film directed by Kong Sheng, and thought it was very well made. In his opinion, it was no weaker than the original version of "Bright Sword" in another timeline. In particular, Kong Sheng had taken his advice and cast Li Youbin as the male lead, Li Yunlong, and Li Youbin's performance was also quite good.

In fact, Lin Youcheng knew very well that the original "Bright Sword" was a classic. It was a coincidence that in another timeline, in 2005, the first week of the premiere of "Bright Sword" had an average rating of 11.42% and a peak of 13.7%, breaking the ratings record set by CCTV's "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner" in 2005. Later, it ranked first in CCTV's drama ratings for the entire year of 2005 with an average rating of 10.3%.

Lin Youcheng's previous drama, "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner," is quite old now, but this is Huayi Brothers' next drama, following "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner." "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner" was a huge hit, so now we'll see how "Bright Sword" fares in terms of ratings.

In Lin Youcheng's view, "Bright Sword" is a mainstream work that blends the art of war with legendary elements, and it would only be more popular in 1997.

After watching the show, he was very confident about its broadcast.

Kong Sheng was undoubtedly very happy to hear Lin Youcheng's praise, since Lin Youcheng said it was very good, so it must be good.

CCTV plans to broadcast it at the end of this month.

Lin Youcheng nodded in agreement upon hearing Kong Sheng's words, and said with a smile, "Maybe this will break the ratings record again."

Breaking viewership ratings?

Is this a bit difficult?
Kong Sheng wasn't as optimistic as Lin Youcheng, but he also hoped that the broadcast would be well-received by the public and achieve high ratings.

Of course, Kong Sheng decided to adapt this TV series because the novel was a classic, and he also had high hopes for the TV series and believed that the story of "Bright Sword" would be loved by the people.

Actually, there's no need to mention it. The TV series *Bright Sword* and *Strange Tales of the Human World* were both adapted from novels by Lin Youcheng from the very beginning. The original novels were already quite popular, so the TV adaptations were bound to be successful. Especially now that the movie *Strange Tales of the Human World* is showing in theaters, it will likely reignite interest in the novel.

The publisher had informed Lin Youcheng of this, which naturally led to higher royalties later on.

The popularity of the novel "Strange Tales of the Human World" has also brought attention to the four foreshadowing elements. Among them, "The Message," "My Chief and My Regiment," and "War Meridian" have all been adapted into films and television series. Currently, only "Bright Sword" remains as an adaptation.

It can be said that the TV series "Bright Sword" received a lot of attention from the very beginning of its filming. It was based on the original novel and was produced by CCTV in conjunction with other TV stations. Even though the cast of this series was not as luxurious as that of the previous "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner", it was still highly anticipated.

Now that "Bright Sword" is about to be broadcast, both industry insiders and audiences outside the industry are eagerly anticipating it. After watching the trailer broadcast on CCTV, they are already impatient to watch this TV series.

It was with this kind of anticipation that the TV series "Bright Sword" was broadcast.

Without a doubt, the story of "Bright Sword" was quite exciting from the very beginning because it was a true historical war drama.

That is, from July 7, 1937, the War of Resistance against Japan broke out in full force. Li Yunlong, the commander of the 1st Regiment of the 386th Brigade of the 129th Division, led his troops with excellent tactics and strategies, becoming increasingly brave in battle and striking fear into the hearts of the enemy. In a battle with the Japanese Sakata Regiment, they successfully broke through the encirclement from the front and killed Sakata. At the same time, Chu Yunfei, the commander of the 358th Regiment of the Jin-Sui Army, also took notice of this extraordinary Li Yunlong.

Because Li Yunlong disobeyed orders, his superiors decided to replace him with Ding Wei, the commander of the 28th Regiment, who was preparing to go for training. Li Yunlong was transferred to the rear to serve as the director of a clothing factory. The Japanese army dispatched a combat detachment to raid the Independent Regiment, but due to poor command by Regiment Commander Kong Jie, the entire regiment suffered heavy losses. Headquarters had no choice but to reassign Li Yunlong, who was still carrying a disciplinary record, to the Independent Regiment.

Li Yunlong received orders and brought 200 sets of cotton-padded clothing from the clothing factory to the Independent Regiment of the 386th Brigade. On the way, the former regimental commander, Kong Jie, briefed Li Yunlong on the battle situation, pointing out that the Japanese fighting style this time was different from before; they were fighting in groups of three, and their bullets never missed their mark, specifically targeting heads. After understanding the situation, Li Yunlong appointed him as deputy regimental commander.

With their combined efforts, the brigade commander drank the wine offered by Kong Jie. The defeated army, now emboldened, greatly boosted the morale of the entire regiment. The Japanese army was using prisoners of war for training. Wei Dayong, who had trained in martial arts at Shaolin Temple, volunteered for the task. His skills were exceptional; he single-handedly killed a Japanese officer, seized his gun, and led the prisoners to escape. After providing Li Yunlong with intelligence about the enemy's use of prisoners for hand-to-hand combat training, Wei Dayong accepted Li Yunlong's invitation to stay in the army.

The two episodes, though short, are packed with a thrilling and exciting storyline. The war scenes throughout the series are also remarkably realistic. The first episode, which premiered on CCTV, broke viewership records, reaching 33%. The second episode, in particular, saw a surge to 40%, which is quite astonishing.

Of course, such ratings are also due to the fact that it was in 1997. It should be noted that the highest ratings before this year were for the rebroadcast of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", which reached a peak of 46.7%. Now, "Bright Sword" really has the potential to break that ratings record.

There's no other reason than that, even after the turn of the millennium, war dramas remained a very popular genre.

Especially back in 1997, how could such a wonderful war drama not be popular?

It can be said that at the same time, every household across the country was glued to their television sets, waiting for the broadcast of "Bright Sword". It is now a very popular show, with almost every household watching it.

This drama is truly amazing; it's a masterpiece that seamlessly blends the art of war with legendary elements.

Obviously, the news media will also report on the popularity of the patriotic TV series "Bright Sword", which has truly received an unprecedented response.

The narrow road meets the brave to win!

The TV series "Bright Sword" is just like Lin Youcheng's description in the novel. Facing a powerful opponent, even knowing that he is no match, he still has to meet the challenge. Even if he falls, he will become a mountain and a ridge.

What awe-inspiring, what resolute, what exhilarating, what magnificent spirit! In the TV series, Li Yunlong's troops lived by this principle; no matter how fierce the enemy, they never retreated. They would rather fall on the path of their charge than live a life of dishonor!
How could such a wonderful war drama not be a hit!
Many media outlets have praised and reported on this exciting war drama, creating an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm. For example, the *Masses Daily* published a commentary praising it, stating: "...A story set during wartime, the so-called 'Bright Sword' embodies a spirit. A line from the protagonist Li Yunlong's graduation thesis is particularly inspiring and uplifting: 'When ancient swordsmen encounter their opponents on a narrow path, no matter who the opponent is, or how powerful! Even if it's the world's greatest swordsman, knowing he's no match, he will still draw his sword. Even if he falls under the opponent's sword, he will still be honored in defeat. This is the "Bright Sword spirit..."'"

"Li Yunlong, the protagonist of the TV series 'Bright Sword,' bravely drew his sword, growing ever sharper, instilling fear in his opponents and ultimately achieving victory. This spirit is highly worthy of emulation. The strength of 'Bright Sword' lies in its realistic portrayal of the gap between reality and imagination, avoiding exaggerated grandeur and depicting the battlefield as a simple battle, not a campaign or even a full-blown war. Without particularly brutal depictions of war, the narrative is accessible to the average viewer. The director uses a blend of cool and warm tones throughout the series. Actor Li Youbin vividly portrays the roguish charm of a soldier from humble beginnings, as well as his unwavering national spirit. He embodies both heroism and the tenderness of an ordinary man; he portrays not only Li Yunlong, but also…"

……

As reported by the Masses Daily, other media outlets and newspapers also published commentaries discussing the TV series "Bright Sword".

Of course, because the TV series is still airing, more media outlets and newspapers are reporting on its popularity and soaring ratings. It is truly very popular, and every household is discussing the TV series "Bright Sword".

It can be said that this is precisely the time when the film "Human Wonders" is creating a sensation in the film market—

CCTV also aired a TV series that sparked a huge craze—a true phenomenon! (End of Chapter)