Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 133 Birthday, two years? Full participation?
In the China Film Conference Room, the air conditioning was turned on slowly.

Wu Chen leaned back in his chair, holding the meeting materials in his hands. Han Sanping, standing next to him, was frowning as he listened to the reports of several producers.

"According to Director Wu's creative design and requirements, the overall production cost pressure will be greater than expected."

Zhang Qiang, a producer from China Film Group, spoke first, his tone cautious, "We've recalculated, and a reasonable budget is around 35 million. This way we won't run into financial difficulties in the later stages."

Han Sanping slammed the table when he heard this and said, "Forget about the 35 million, just raise it to 40 million!
The remaining five million will be used as a reserve fund. There may be unexpected changes during the two years of preparation."

Wu Chen smiled and nodded, his eyes sweeping over the densely packed numbers on the information page.

Wang Changtian said "hmm" softly on the side, thinking that this little more would not make much money anyway.

After the number was finalized, the atmosphere became much more relaxed. Everyone left the meeting room together and went to an old Beijing restaurant near the China Film Academy, where they sat down and had a casual meal.

At the dinner table, Wu Chen and Han Sanping naturally and inevitably talked about Ning Hao's "Crazy Stone".

"Actually, the Lunar New Year period is pretty good. This is a comedy, so don't worry too much, Mr. Han. Besides, doesn't we still have Jackie Chan's 'The Myth' during the National Day period?"

Wu Chen picked up a piece of braised beef and spoke casually.

Han Sanping waved his hand. "Jackie Chan's Myth is scheduled for September 23rd, and piracy is rampant these days."

Han Sanping didn't say much, but everyone knew that if there were no pirated copies of Cheng Long's movie on the fourth day of its release, it would be a great victory in the fight against piracy.

Wang Changtian listened on the side and secretly took note of Ning Hao and "Crazy Stone". After all, if Wu Chen and Han Sanping mentioned them, the probability of them being mentioned was not far off.

As the dinner was about to end, Wu Chen suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Han Sanping and Wang Changtian:
"By the way, Mr. Han and Mr. Wang, are you free on the 25th of this month?
Our crew's candidate for the female lead happens to have her birthday that day, so if it's convenient, please come and show your support."

Han Sanping turned to look at Gao Chengsheng beside him. Gao Chengsheng whispered something about the itinerary. Soon, Han Sanping smiled and nodded, "Okay, I happen to be free that day."

Wang Changtian also nodded in agreement and suggested, "Director Wu, do you want me to invite a few more media outlets over?"

"Also."

As soon as Wang Changtian mentioned "find more media outlets", Han Sanping's thoughts immediately became active, and his tone became full of pride. He took the opportunity to say:
"How about we take this opportunity to hold a grand press conference for Black Peony? Let's change the venue and just rent a large venue."

Wu Chen was stunned for a moment, then he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Boss Han, there's no need for that. There's still so much time before filming starts. There's no need to rush. It's better to just treat it as a birthday party."

The dinner came to an end. It was night time and the lights on the streets of Beijing were flickering. On his way back, Wu Chen picked up his phone and told Liu Yifei the news.

"Huh?" Liu Yifei responded softly on the other end of the line, her tone tinged with panic. "Mr. Han from China Film Group and Mr. Wang from Guangguang are coming too? But I don't know them well."

Liu Xiaoli, who was standing by, was stunned when she heard this, and her eyes narrowed.

"What's the matter?" Wu Chen laughed on the other end of the phone. "You're not welcome? Then I'll tell them not to come?"

"Junior brother, you're so annoying!" Liu Yifei raised her voice, stomping her feet a bit, and said coquettishly, "You've misinterpreted me again!"

"By the way, will Teacher Zhang come that day?" Wu Chen stopped joking and asked.

"Come on, I've already told the teacher that I'll have the day off." Liu Yifei replied with a smile, "Okay, I won't talk to you anymore. I have to work hard to make up for that day off."

Wu Chen hung up the phone with a smile.

Seeing Liu Yifei put down her phone, Liu Xiaoli's eyebrows were still a little surprised. "Xixi, are you saying that Mr. Han from China Film Group and Mr. Wang from Guangguang Film Group are coming?"

"Right." Liu Yifei continued to straighten her posture, her tone natural. "They are all producers of Black Peony, so it's normal for them to come."

"Yes, it's quite normal." Liu Xiaoli couldn't help but feel funny. Who would come here for no reason? It must be Wu Chen who issued the invitation.

She muttered, then began to think to herself, "That needs to be changed. I'm afraid the specifications we ordered before are not enough."

Liu Yifei raised her head upon hearing this. "Mom, Junior Brother said we don't need to be too high-profile; we should keep it simple. Guangguang will be bringing several media outlets with them. Plus, Junior Brother said that after the announcement, we won't be able to keep a low profile for a few days even if we want to."

When Liu Xiaoli heard this, she stopped insisting and nodded and smiled: "That's right."

Time flies and comes to January 8th.

The Fangfei Garden of the State Guesthouse was full of flowers that day, and the banquet hall was decorated a day in advance.

Several well-informed media outlets got wind of the news early on and began hyping it up online two days ago.

Liu Xiaoli was busy receiving guests in the hall, while in the backstage dressing room, Liu Yifei was sitting in front of the dressing table, and the hairstylist was gently weaving an exquisite half-updo for her.

Shu Chang sat aside, muttering from time to time: "I want to see what kind of person your junior brother is, to be able to give you such a strong poison."

"Haven't you seen the photos a long time ago?" Liu Yifei's eyelashes trembled, and a small smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

"Photos are just photos. Who knows if the real person is a fake or not?" Shu Chang curled his lips.

"That's not the case, Junior Brother." Liu Yifei immediately puffed up her lips as if to protect a child, with a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice.

"Wow, you're still protecting yourself." Shu Chang stretched.

At this moment, Liu Yifei glanced down at her phone, her eyes suddenly brightening: "Junior brother said he's here."

"I'll go out and take a look!" Shu Chang stood up.

"Wait for me!" Liu Yifei also wanted to get up, but Shu Chang pushed her back into the chair, "Just stay here and wait obediently."

After saying that, she opened the door and walked out with a smile.

Outside the banquet hall, guests were arriving one after another. Amid the bright lights, spotlights flashed from time to time. An "informal" birthday party already had the air of a red carpet premiere.

Wu Chen came here with Xiang Zhuo, Park Songri and others.

The media had been prepared for Wu Chen's arrival and were not too surprised.

"Brother Chen, these are the media from Guangguang, right?" Xiang Zhuo was no stranger to the media after entering the circle these days. He immediately identified them after taking a look at the logos on several reporters.

"Yeah." Wu Chen took a glance and nodded.

Wu Chen walked into the hall and took a look. He saw that the guests were quite impressive, including many actors and producers he had worked with before, such as Huang Xiaoming, who were also there, gathered with Zhang Jizong and others.

Liu Yifei's classmates, Zhou Yang, Wang Jia, Zhu Yawen and others were on the other side.

When Wu Chen arrived, he instantly attracted a lot of people's attention, and some people's eyes lit up.

Liu Xiaoli came over with a smile.

"Auntie, you just keep busy."

Wu Chen was not a Karami, so Liu Xiaoli naturally knew that many people still wanted to be polite to Wu Chen at this time. She then told Wu Chen where he could find drinks and food, so that he could eat first if he was hungry, and then get busy with other things.

"Producer Zhang, Director Wu is here." Huang Xiaoming said to Zhang Jizong while turning sideways. The latter turned around, stood up with a smile, strode forward and stretched out his hand.

"Director Wu!" Zhang Jizong smiled happily, as if he had seen an old friend.

Wu Chen was stunned for a moment, then started joking: "Brother, have you had any trouble filming recently? Don't go to dangerous places. I won't be able to stop you next time."

"Oh, look at this, your brother and I want to live a few more years."

Zhang Jizong burst into laughter. Wu Chen's joke proved that the other party really didn't take it seriously, and he felt relieved a lot.

"Director Wu!" Huang Xiaoming took the opportunity to greet Wu Chen. Wu Chen naturally had a good impression of Huang Xiaoming, and the two chatted for a few more minutes before greeting Zhou Yang and the others.

At this moment, there was a sudden sound of media movement at the door.

"Brother Chen, President Han and President Wang are here together." Xiang Zhuo, who had just finished strolling around, took a look and spoke.

Most people in the hall were a little confused.

Why are Han Sanping and Wang Changtian here too?

"what's the situation?"

"I do not know."

"."

Just when everyone was surprised, the media didn't care about that. As long as people came, it proved that there was news to write, and it was big news, so they quickly passed the news back.

Han Sanping and Wang Changtian naturally sat together with Wu Chen.

For a moment, those who wanted to exchange a few pleasantries with Wu Chen backed off when they saw the three of them sitting together.

Zhang Jizong, on the other hand, didn't have so many taboos. He came over casually and chatted happily.

In the backstage, Shu Chang had already returned from the hall and was chattering non-stop.

"Well, it's okay, but I feel like there's an inexplicable aura about him. He doesn't seem as approachable as you said."

"You are bringing his identity into this. Junior brother is a very approachable and easy to talk to person." Liu Yifei kept muttering in defense.

"alright."

Shu Chang did not refute, but turned to look at Liu Yifei. His eyes fell on Liu Yifei who was already dressed up. He was stunned for a moment, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

The banquet officially started.

The lights in Fangfei Garden of the State Guesthouse slowly lit up. Accompanied by melodious violin music, Liu Yifei slowly walked into the banquet hall under the gaze of everyone.

At that moment, it seemed as if the air in the entire venue had stopped for half a beat.

Liu Yifei was wearing a soft pink princess dress. The skirt was as light as clouds and hung naturally from her waist. It was embellished with some delicate lace. It was not complicated, but it perfectly outlined her slender waist and elegant collarbone.

She wore a little makeup, but there was no trace of deliberate embellishment between her eyebrows and eyes. Her skirt and shoulders revealed a touch of white skin, as white as solidified fat.

The crystal crown on her head is small and exquisite, and her long hair is half-tied into a loose arc by the hairstylist. A few strands of hair naturally fall down to the sides of her ears, swaying gently in the breeze, adding a bit of agility.

Han Sanping couldn't help but praise her, with a hint of sincere amazement in his eyes, "It's really amazing." Then he turned his head to look at Wu Chen, "No wonder you chose her as the candidate for the female lead."

Wu Chen just smiled and shook his head without saying anything.

Liu Yifei's eyes swept across the audience and quickly locked onto Wu Chen's table.

Her eyes lit up, as if she had found a familiar harbor, and the corners of her lips unconsciously rose, revealing a playful and confident smile.

That smile was like a spring breeze, carrying the agility and kindness of a young girl.

Wu Chen caught her gaze and responded with a barely perceptible nod.

The spotlights in the audience kept flashing, and reporters quickly pressed the shutter to capture this brief but dazzling moment.

At this moment, the lights in the banquet hall suddenly dimmed, and the cake was slowly pushed to the front, immediately triggering a cheer.

Liu Yifei walked forward amid applause, smiled and put her hands together to express her gratitude, then made a wish, blew out the candles and cut the cake.

For a moment, the atmosphere was warm and cozy, the champagne in the glass was gleaming with an amber luster, and the warmth of the clinking glasses gradually spread.

The arrival of Wu Chen, Han Sanping, Wang Changtian and others undoubtedly raised the standard of this birthday party to a higher level.

The guests who were a little reserved at first, now took advantage of the alcohol and the atmosphere to come forward and say hello.

As the banquet came to an end, the guests had eaten and drunk their fill, the music slowed down, and Liu Yifei took the stage again.

The lights focused and everyone subconsciously fell silent. Some media outlets raised their equipment early and began recording.

"Director Wu, now that she's said that, the media will target you." Han Sanping reminded him in a low voice with a half-smile.

Wu Chen shook his head and corrected: "Boss Han, it's not just me, it's us."

"Hahaha, my bad." Han Sanping laughed heartily.

On the stage, Liu Yifei took the microphone and stood still.

She gently adjusted the ends of her hair, looked at the people below the stage, and smiled slightly.

"Thank you all very much for coming to my birthday party today."

Her voice was not loud, but clear and gentle, with a little solemnity but still sincerity.

"I'm grateful to my family, classmates, friends, and everyone who has sent me their blessings. Especially my mom, thank you for your continued support and understanding."

Liu Xiaoli's eyes were red in the audience and she couldn't help but applaud softly.

"Today, besides being my eighteenth birthday, I also want to take this special day to formally share with everyone a decision I have seriously considered—"

She paused and looked at Wu Chen in the audience.

"Two months ago, I officially joined the preparation and filming of the movie Black Peony, and will devote myself to this work in the next two years.

"Black Peony" is a challenge and also an opportunity for growth for me. I hope that through my efforts I will live up to the expectations of the team and the audience."

"It's going to explode." Shu Chang sat in the audience, looking at most of the people who were confused, with a slight curl of her lips. Apart from a limited number of people here, she was the one who knew the most clearly.

As soon as Liu Yifei finished speaking, the scene fell into silence for a moment, and then a "whoosh" sounded.

The reporters all looked up, and the "clicking" sounds of camera shutters suddenly became more frequent.

——Two years?
——Fully participate?

The sound of camera shutters poured down like a torrential rain, and countless reporters stood up suddenly, some of them almost raising their microphones to the front of the stage.

"Ms. Liu Yifei, have you officially signed on for 'Black Peony'? Does this mean you're confirmed to play the leading female role?"

“Does two years mean giving up other announcements?”

"What kind of movie is 'Black Peony'? What is the charm of this movie that made you make such a decision?"

"How do you and Director Wu work together? There were rumors that you two had a close personal relationship. Is that true?"

"."

(End of this chapter)