The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 114 Making History, Endless Glory (34)

An awkward silence fell over the private room.

The three individuals have completely different stances and attitudes.

Although Tian Lili disliked Shen Shandeng, he was guaranteed a stable income regardless of drought or flood, and after all, he was the nominal leader of the Five Dynasties, a person of some standing.

Marco Müller represents the international film festival system, but he was forced to come here. If there is any purpose, it is to maintain his influence on Chinese films.

Only Jiang Zhiqiang was facing a life-or-death situation and only wanted to get out of trouble as soon as possible.

“Art and commerce are not entirely opposed,” Muller broke the silence: “During the Venice Film Festival, I often need to balance the relationship between the two.”

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Zhiqiang had already lost interest: "Let's eat first."

Jiang Zhiqiang finished his meal without tasting it, and returned to his hotel room where he had to take sleeping pills to fall asleep.

Monday, early morning.

A spokesperson for China Film Group held a joint press conference to officially release the news to several authoritative media outlets that "The Eunuch" had become the highest-grossing film in Chinese film history, surpassing "Titanic"!

This bombshell instantly ignited the entire public opinion arena!
Entertainment media and online platforms have gone completely into a frenzy.

Every front page and headline was dominated by "Eunuch breaks record".

Topics such as "Titanic record broken", "Shen Shandeng becomes a god", and "New king of Chinese cinema" have seen explosive growth in popularity, turning the comment section into a large-scale celebration.

This topic is being discussed everywhere – on major portal websites, movie forums, and social media.

This is not just a victory for a movie, it's a cultural event!

This is a truly proud moment for Chinese cinema!

Shen Shandeng's name has been repeatedly associated with "epoch-making", "new benchmark" and "game-changer".

"Awesome! I knew 'The Eunuch' would work!"

"We've witnessed history, brothers! Let's work together to put our domestic films on the champion's throne!"

"After watching 'The Eunuch,' other films always feel a bit lacking. Director Shen, hurry up and make a sequel!"

"This is the kind of Chinese blockbuster we want to see! Support!"

Half-asleep, Jiang Zhiqiang was woken up by his secretary.

"Mr. Jiang, you'd better take a look at this. China Film Group is making a move." The secretary looked nervous.

Jiang Zhiqiang felt a sharp pain in his heart; recent news like this never seemed to be good.

But his hands trembled as he turned on the computer. He only glanced at it before he gasped in shock, his face turning ashen.

"The film 'The Eunuch' has surpassed 'Titanic' at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film in Chinese film history."

Jiang Zhiqiang's voice was hollow and weak.

Since China Film Group dared to make such a high-profile announcement, it means their performance won't be too bad.

Moreover, as an industry insider, he was well aware that the box office success of "The Eunuch" was of high quality.

On the computer screen, Han Sanping's triumphant photo was particularly jarring.

The report mentioned that "The Supervisor" has become a "cultural phenomenon," and its success proves that "the creative direction of being rooted in local culture and promoting positive values ​​is correct."

Standing atop the pinnacle of box office history, Shen Shandeng's name is no longer just that of a director.

He is the originator of the theory, a successful practitioner, a pioneer of the industrialization of local films, and a victor who won dignity for Chinese filmmakers with real box office revenue!
Jiang Zhiqiang suddenly stood up, his eyes blazing with rage, and gritted his teeth, saying, "It's over, it's all over. Damn it! What was I hesitating for!"

The news that "The Eunuch" had topped the box office record exploded like a thunderclap on all levels.

Fan Bingbing was shooting an advertisement in the studio. During a break, she noticed that everyone's gaze towards her had changed.

clap clap clap!
A round of enthusiastic applause erupted.

Congratulations, Sister Bingbing!

The partners presented flowers.

The assistant carefully brought over the notebook, and Fan Bingbing glanced at it.

Although she, as one of the main creators, had already learned of this yet-to-be-officially-announced news last night, she was still overjoyed.

"Thank you, thank you." Fan Bingbing looked at the report, her red lips slightly parted, revealing an extremely bright yet complex smile.

We arrived at the dressing room.

Assistant Yang Tianzhen said, "Sister Bingbing, I have already had them send out the press releases about her being the 'Queen of the Box Office' and the 'First Actress in Film History'."

Fan Bingbing nodded silently, unable to hold back her tears.

She has experienced too much fame and controversy, but this time, the popularity brought by "The Eunuch" is so different.

It is warm, positive, and powerful, allowing her to enjoy this honor with dignity, without having to be careful to watch the expressions of others.

She almost subconsciously sent a text message to Shen Shandeng.

"My great hero, I bought a new outfit, and I'm waiting for you to unwrap your 'gift of honor'."

She became increasingly infatuated with the man who had single-handedly pulled her out of the mire and bestowed upon her endless glory.

Chen Kun, who was on set of "Painted Skin," was excitedly pulled aside by his agent as soon as he finished filming, and then the crew burst into enthusiastic applause.

Upon hearing the news, Chen Kun froze on the spot, his usually calm and melancholic eyes seeming to explode with starlight.

The film "The Eunuch" completely shattered the curse of "no box office appeal" that had been hanging over him and all mainland male actors!

This was not a victory for him alone, but he was undoubtedly one of the biggest beneficiaries.

He took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and simply said, "That's good."

Shanghai.

Huang Xiaoming became the focus of a barrage of phone calls, with various congratulatory messages.

Although he was in Shanghai, his heart had already flown to Beijing and to the movie "Jiajing". He couldn't wait to finish filming it, release it, and then have it become a box office hit.

Upon receiving confirmation from various sources, he excitedly jumped up in his hotel room and shouted to his agent on the phone, "Quick! Keep a close eye on the progress of the 'Jiajing' project! Communicate well with Teacher Chen, we must seize this opportunity! Emperor Jiajing! Mine! It must be mine!"

"Please order a flower basket for me and send it to Director Shen's studio in my personal capacity."

Huang Xiaoming is well aware that even though he played the Jiajing Emperor in "The Eunuch", it doesn't mean he's safe.

Nothing in this industry is certain.

The support of fellow villagers is the most important!
Even Chen Daoming, who is usually as calm and composed as a mountain, couldn't help but laugh when he heard the news.

The brush paused slightly, and a drop of ink fell onto the rice paper, slowly spreading.

But he was completely oblivious. He put down his pen, walked to the window, and stood with his hands behind his back.

"That's impressive! That's satisfying!"

There are moments of bright sunshine and moments of deep, eerie shadows.

Compared to the ecstatic jubilation and excitement of the "Supervisor" team, those involved in "The Sinner" felt an unprecedented chill in this winter.

In some dark corners, someone smashed their wine glass and cursed the damn weather.

It's as if I've developed post-traumatic stress disorder; I can't even mention "The Duke of Du" or that name, because it brings me pain and makes me wail.

Faraway New York.

Paperclip is now focused on all the news about "Du Gong". Looking at the English report about "Du Gong" breaking records on the computer screen, he remained silent for a long time.

3.6 million, which is also fifty million US dollars!
He finally closed the webpage slowly, leaving only a long and weary sigh in the study.

BJ.

Jiang Zhiqiang locked himself in his hotel room.

The phone rang. He glanced at it; it was a Hong Kong number. He hung up immediately. He didn't want to see anyone or hear anything right now.

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Zhiqiang dialed the number on Paperclip's end.

The two, separated by the ocean and time difference, fell silent.

The box office results of "The Eunuch" were like an icicle, piercing their already cold hearts.

The once-popular "The Sinner" has been completely evaporated under the blazing sun of "The Eunuch," becoming nothing more than a background and a negative example.

All the struggles, justifications, and underhanded maneuvers seem so ridiculous and futile in the face of this absolute glory, forged by the market and the will of the people.

They could almost hear the judgment bells of fate tolling in their ears.

After a long silence, Jiang Zhiqiang spoke up: "I gave it, publicly praising the achievements of 'The Eunuch,' and congratulating 'The Eunuch' in the name of 'The Creation,' thus eliminating the last bit of controversy surrounding it. He was released, and I was taken off the screen. From then on, 'The Creation' took the initiative to give way, and I also shared in the glory."

Paperclip was silent for a moment, then said, "It's only human nature."

Hang up the phone with Paperclip.

Tian Lili and Marco Müller came looking for them.

"Mr. Jiang, what are you doing?"

Tian Lili asked in surprise.

Jiang Zhiqiang no longer hates Shen Shandeng, at least Shen Shandeng is an enemy. He only hates Tian Lili, a teammate who doesn't understand the situation.

What else could he do?
What else can I do!
Won’t you give it to me?
He insisted!
Who can refuse to give it?!
Jiang Zhiqiang almost roared, "I admit defeat! I praise! I admit my mistake! As long as Shen Shandeng can be lenient."

Marco Müller shook his head, looking at the nearly collapsing Jiang Zhiqiang with a complicated expression.

Tian Lili sighed and looked out the window at the misty sky over Beijing.

In that instant, all three of them clearly realized that the rules of the game in Chinese cinema had changed.

The person who formulated the new rules was none other than Shen Shandeng, who did not play by the rules.

Jiang Zhiqiang raised his head and asked, "Now, can we see Shen Shandeng? Can we stop here?"

The hotel room was silent; no one answered.

Because the decision-making power is not in their hands.

(End of this chapter)