Actor: Thank you.

Arrived at the Beijing Film Studio set.

Old Han still has a lot of face.

The largest soundstage at the Beijing Film Studio was, as usual, made available for film crews to use.

The Forbidden City is another example.

Last time, some areas that are not usually open to tourists were opened to the public.

This time, more historical sets were used to film the scenes depicting Yuan Shikai's ascension to the throne.

Apart from the enthronement ceremony and the scene of officials paying homage at the Temple of Heaven, which were filmed against a green screen, almost all other indoor scenes were filmed on location within the Forbidden City.

The filming of "The Founding of a Republic" took place mainly in these two locations.

But this time, a lot of outdoor scenes have been added.

China Film Group will film street scenes of the May Fourth Movement at its film and television base in Huairou.

One major storyline was filmed directly at the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Shanghai.

The Third Communist International Congress contacted the Kremlin in Russia for on-site filming.

The work-study program in France involved taking photos of actual street scenes in Paris.

Only Lao Han can film everything on location; most people don't have that kind of courage or connections.

Originally, Lao Han wanted to use the Palace of Versailles in France to recreate the famous scene at the Paris Peace Conference where Gu Weijun angrily berated the entire audience.

But no agreement was reached.

Therefore, the Paris Peace Conference scene in the film used a performance clip of Chen Daomin from "My 1919".

After performing a high-definition remaster, I added it directly to the movie.

Then, we had Brother Chen film a few more scenes featuring Gu Weijun to bridge the gap.

In fact, Chen Daomin's performance in "My 1919" was already excellent, and there was really no need to reshoot it.

No one can surpass his performance.

Upon arriving at the photo studio, we changed clothes and took promotional photos.

With over 100 celebrities and actors in this production crew, the photographers who take promotional photos must be exhausted.

Zhang Yuan changed into a pure black Zhongshan-style student uniform, with a small-brimmed hat on his head, which was also pure black.

The collar is small and upright, and the front is straight and fastened with buttons.

She wore a pure white shirt underneath, with only a few white traces showing at the collar and cuffs.

The black and white combination is neat and tidy.

At first glance, many people who frequently watch Japanese anime might think, "Isn't this just a Japanese school uniform?"

Indeed, the old-style school uniforms in Japan looked like this.

Just like in Li Lianjie's version of "Fist of Fury", Chen Zhen wore similar clothes when he was studying in Japan.

But it's hard to say who "borrowed" from whom.

Since Mr. Sun Yat-sen visited island nations many times, he would certainly have been influenced by their clothing and culture.

However, after modifications, the island nation was influenced by the Zhongshan suit.

This is similar to other cultures in China and Japan; they have merged and influenced each other, making it impossible to completely distinguish between them.

Zhang Yuan was tidying up his clothes.

I glanced at myself in the photo.

Well, very energetic!

Apart from the suit I had custom-made for my meeting with the island nation's number one, this is the most "decent" outfit I've ever worn.

He wasn't particularly handsome or dashing, but he possessed a vibrant youthful energy, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning, poised to rise.

Some people say that the aesthetics of the Republic of China era were better than those of the post-founding period.

School uniforms are proof of this.

This statement is actually biased.

During the Republic of China era, those who could wear this school uniform were not ordinary people.

In the context of the reform and opening up, the students should be compared to those in "elite schools" or "private universities"—students who are either extremely wealthy or have powerful family connections.

The students in those "aristocratic schools" in later generations also had very nice school uniforms.

The only ugly thing is the school uniform of ordinary students receiving compulsory education.

These students, during the Republic of China era, might not even have enough to eat, let alone attend school.

Wearing an ugly outfit is nothing; compared to other things, it's already a big improvement.

He was wearing men's clothing and women's school uniform.

During a short break, Zhang Yuan saw several acquaintances.

"Sister Jie!"

Dong Jie also starred in the film, playing the role of Soong Ching-ling in her youth.

At this point, she had already married Mr. Pan Yueming and had a child.

She exudes a maternal glow, and her demeanor is closer to Mr. Song's "compassionate" image than before.

However, it is still far from being perfect in terms of appearance.

Compared to Xu Qing in "The Founding of a Republic," she falls even further short.

Too thin, lacks presence.

Speaking of Xu Qing, Zhang Yuan recalled the past.

It's been almost a year since I practiced with my older sister, and I wonder how she's doing lately.

Old flames are great; you have to catch up with them once in a while.

The key is that older women like Xu Qing, at their age, have become more open-minded about everything.

Be happy when you're happy, and when the happiness is over, wave goodbye without leaving a trace, so as not to affect each other's lives.

Unlike some young girls who make a huge fuss about dying, which is really troublesome.

Thinking of his old flame, Zhang Yuanzheng was catching up with Teacher Dong Jie and even said he would invite the couple to dinner and introduce them to their son.

Then a pleasant female voice rang out from behind.

"Hi, long time no see."

"what?"

Zhang Yuan turned around... and his old flame appeared.

It wasn't Xu Qing; she wasn't here this time.

"Qin, hello there." Zhang Yuan greeted Li Xin with a smile, who had the same expression on her face.

It's been a long time since we last met.

Since filming "The Message," the two haven't been in much contact.

Zhang Yuan was wearing a male student uniform, while Li Xin was wearing a female student uniform from the Republican era.

It's the kind of outfit commonly seen in TV dramas and movies set in the Republican era: a light blue top with short sleeves, a stand-up collar, a slanted placket, and fastened with frog buttons.

She wore a navy blue long skirt, paired with black leather shoes and white cotton socks.

The design of the clothes is a modified version of the cheongsam.

The two suits that Zhang Yuan and Li Xin are wearing now were collectively known as "May Fourth Youth Suit" at the time.

In "The Story of a Noble Family," the actress who now plays an adult woman, Teacher Dong Jie, wore the same outfit back then.

She looked great in that outfit back then, but it doesn't suit her as much now.

Li Xin looked quite suitable, dressed very appropriately.

She even cut off her long hair and got a short hairstyle that was very popular for women at the time.

Because the role she is playing this time is that of martyr Yang Kaihui.

Although the two had engaged in very in-depth technical exchanges centered around stockings.

But now, out of respect for the monk, Zhang Yuan straightened his back and showed respect after learning about the role she was playing.

Upon seeing his "serious" expression, the other person was completely taken aback.

Li Xin: You weren't like that back then.

Dong Jie: You weren't like this back then.

Both women felt the contrast was huge.

"Don't just stand there, let's walk and talk," Zhang Yuan said, raising his hand in invitation.

Li Xin followed slowly.

I felt that Zhang Yuan's demeanor was very different from when he was on the set of "The Message".

It used to be full of evil, but now it's full of righteousness.

They must be different.

Back then, he was playing a Japanese officer, one of the most despicable, morally bankrupt, and even morally reprehensible groups in human history. Whether they could even be called human beings was debatable.

And now they are playing some of the most dazzling superstars in the 10-year history of humankind.

Every gesture he made was adjusted; it had to be different.

During the Chinese New Year, he even specially invited Wu Jing over to practice Baguazhang with him, since it was Zhou Gong's signature move.

Some men have hearts like raging fire and act like the wind.

The Duke of Zhou, on the other hand, was like a still well, unmoved as a mountain, but this was only on the surface.

Deep down, he actually had the air of a chivalrous hero.

This also aligns with Jin Yong's definition of "chivalry" in his book.

The great man is the country and the people.

A true hero should be like the Duke of Zhou.

A chivalrous hero in a narrow sense, robbing the rich to help the poor.

A chivalrous hero in a broad sense, leading the people out of their predicament.

Watching from the side, Li Xin could tell from a professional perspective that Zhang Yuan used some of the martial arts footwork techniques from traditional Chinese opera when he walked.

"It's still good..." the girl exclaimed.

She's good-looking and professional.

Dong Jie slowed down by half a step, watching the two walk forward from behind.

Seeing Li Xin lean slightly towards Zhang Yuan, Miss Dong keenly sensed something was amiss.

I still owe you a lot of money.

“However, I… will have to wait a while.” Miss Li brought up the matter herself.

It was during the filming of "The Message" that Zhang Yuan gave her some living expenses after she was scammed.

Of course, you can't get your money back from telecom fraud, so don't even think about it.

"It's okay, I'm not in a hurry," Zhang Yuan reassured him.

He didn't care about these "small amounts of money".

But he also knew that what he considered "small money" was "big money" to others.

However, these days it's quite rare for someone in debt to voluntarily bring up their debts with a look of shame.

The production team chose her to play Yang Kaihui because of the unique "righteousness" she possessed.

Compared to other new female contestants at the same time, such as Song Yi, Kan Qingzi, and Jiang Mengjie, she is more fortunate.

Li Xin is indeed more "upright".

This is partly due to her background as a Kunqu opera virtuoso (young lady role), and partly due to her innate personality.

"At this time last year, you were filming 'Dream of the Red Chamber' in the studio next door."

"Only a year has passed, and I'm already playing an important role in this big production."

"You've made great progress," Zhang Yuan praised as he walked.

"So you don't need to worry about that money, you'll earn it soon."

"I hope so..." But faced with his encouragement, the girl lowered her eyes slightly, appearing less confident.

"what happened?"

"What difficulties did you encounter?"

“You can tell me about it.” Zhang Yuan noticed the situation.

"Ugh...tsk." Li Xin sighed, "Have you ever felt that sense of disappointment, like you tried your best but didn't get the results you wanted?"

"What you're talking about is someone who put a lot of effort into acting in a play or playing a role, but the audience didn't approve after watching it, right?" Zhang Yuan pointed out.

“Yes, yes, that’s the feeling.” Li Xin nodded vigorously.

“No,” Zhang Yuan replied decisively.

Li Xin: ...

Zhang Yuan spread his hands and said, "That's the kind of man I am."

I personally selected all the roles and scenes.

And if someone disagrees, I simply won't read it.

It's none of your business to define me!

"The broadcast of 'Dream of the Red Chamber' was not very successful, was it?" Zhang Yuan said bluntly, with his hands behind his back.

Li Xin placed her hands in front of her, rubbing them nervously, while nodding.

The TV series "Dream of the Red Chamber" was broadcast as a trial on Beijing TV.

The results were not ideal.

Many viewers were highly critical of the film's color palette and atmosphere!
Especially for older viewers who watched the 87 version of "Dream of the Red Chamber", watching this version... it's considered good-tempered if they don't curse.

It's like watching the old version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and then watching the new version.

Those lines are so funny, you can't help but laugh. He's definitely a character.

Famous scenes from the old "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" include "Zhuge Liang scolding Wang Lang", "Cao Cao's three laughs", "Discussing heroes over wine", "Zhang Fei shouting at Dangyang Bridge", and "Zhuge Liang shedding tears in the rain".

The most memorable scenes in the new "Three Kingdoms" series are "Cao Cao eating rice", "Sima Yi stealing Zhuge Liang's four-wheeled cart", and "then music and dance."

The actors' performances did have problems, but the biggest problem lies with the director and producer.

The Diao Chan in the old "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was played by Chen Hong, who was incomparably beautiful.

The new "Three Kingdoms" is played by Cheng Hao. In terms of appearance, Cheng Hao is slightly less attractive than Chen Hong, but she is definitely a beauty.

In terms of acting skills, Chen Hong is actually quite average, while Cheng Hao's overall ability is no worse than hers.

But the problem lies in the director's aesthetic sense and the filming.

Even if you filmed Wang Fulin, Cheng Hao would still be stunningly beautiful.

Even if you take photos of Gao Xixi, Chen Hong will still look like an ordinary, unremarkable woman.

The new version of "Dream of the Red Chamber" also has this problem.

Even if you hand Chen Xiaoxu over to Li Shaohong, things won't turn out well.

Besides, someone like Li Shaohong might not even be interested in Chen Xiaoxu.

What level of quality was the 87 TV series "Dream of the Red Chamber"?
The project was initiated in 83, with Wang Fulin as the chief director. He invited Zhou Ruchang, a scholar of "Dream of the Red Chamber," to lead the scriptwriting team. Based on the annotations of Gao E and Zhiyan Zhai, they compiled the script for the last 28 chapters.

In the same year, a preliminary selection process was held, screening out several thousand people.

Then, after four years of practicing and filming simultaneously.

All men and women, especially those playing children from the Grand View Garden, Yi Hong Courtyard, and the four major families, must learn the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

To get close to a person, one must start from their most basic temperament and cultural background.

The Grand View Garden was built specifically for the film. All the props used by the crew, even the small stalls outside the Ningguo Mansion selling bottles and jars, were genuine antiques from the Qing Dynasty.

The entire production cost 680 million!
At the same time, the price of a courtyard house in Beijing was over 10,000 yuan, and would not exceed 20,000 yuan.

The total number of shots taken exceeded 10,000.

Back then, it was almost a matter of "the entire nation's resources."

It wasn't made as a commodity, but as a work of art.

Whether a work is made with care or not, the audience can tell at a glance.

Li Shaohong himself is not skilled in the arts, and his understanding of "Dream of the Red Chamber" is inadequate. How could he possibly make a good film?

Moreover, this play is not just a commodity; it also carries the ulterior motives of certain forces, making its foundation impure.

It's not that only that era could produce good works; there's also the story of "Da Ming Dynasty 1566," which was filmed in the new century.

It's purely a matter of human incompetence.

If you're bad at the game, practice more; if you can't handle losing, don't play.

"This film will definitely be criticized once it's made."

"Because it's impossible to surpass the old version."

"The fact that this play is not popular, or that your character Xue Baochai is not popular, is not your fault, but...the fault."

Zhang Yuan pointed upwards.

Li Xin glanced at it, wanting to laugh but not daring to.

He was still so gentle, constantly encouraging and comforting me... that's what I thought.

"From a broader perspective, you need to carefully consider whether certain companies and bosses are still capable of adapting to the current era."

"Huh?" Li Xin wasn't stupid; he understood immediately.

If you adapt "Dream of the Red Chamber" into this terrible way, you should wonder if Li Shaohong can still pull it off.

If you follow her, how can things possibly turn out well?

After listening, Dong Jie looked around.

No, man!
Haven't seen you much in recent years, are you this amazing now?
They openly recruit people and criticize senior figures without keeping it to themselves.

“Director Li has given me many opportunities,” Ms. Li replied after a moment’s thought.

“That’s right, people should know how to be grateful,” Zhang Yuan affirmed.

The other party then remained silent for a while.

"I recently got a boyfriend," she suddenly said.

"Congratulations," Zhang Yuan replied casually.

Seeing his attitude, and not even interested in asking who the other person was, Miss Li suddenly felt a wave of disappointment.

Zhang Yuan didn't ask, because he roughly knew who it was.

Yang Yang also participated in the production of "The Founding of a Republic", playing Yang Kaihui's older brother, Mr. Yang Kaizhi.

It's just that he doesn't have many scenes, and he hasn't shown up yet.

“If there’s a chance, we can have dinner together. You and your boyfriend can come along.”

Li Xin's expression was indescribable; she didn't know whether she should agree or not.

That's the difference between an older sister and a younger sister.

While the young woman was still hesitating, the older woman was already smoking a cigarette afterward...

"That's okay. If you don't have time, we can schedule it when you do."

“I am not…”

"I'm leaving now." Zhang Yuan immediately made his escape.

If she has a boyfriend, it's not appropriate for her to get involved; she needs to keep her distance.

"Congratulations." Dong Jie also offered her congratulations and asked who her boyfriend was.

Li Xin watched Zhang Yuan's retreating figure and felt a pang of urge to pinch herself.

Because Yang Yang was pursuing her, she had never agreed to be with him.

I wanted to say it and see Zhang Yuan's reaction.

If the reaction is intense, or if it arouses the other person's jealousy, it might even... rekindle their relationship.

These were all suggestions given by that unlucky best friend, Kan Qingzi.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Zhang Yuan heard that she had a boyfriend, he ran faster than a rabbit.

It was completely counterproductive.

Don't listen to the advice of that cunning strategist.

No woman should ever try to test a man.

Only a sycophant would fall for that. If you meet someone as decisive as Zhang Yuan, you'll move on to the next one.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yuan encountered his "next one".

More beautiful, more prestigious, and more profitable.

Fan Bingbing, who plays Empress Dowager Longyu… (End of this chapter)