I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

Cheng Sheng then suppressed his smile and added seriously, "Of course, my trip to Hollywood this time was not just for filming. The main purpose was to study and learn about the top computer special effects technology there."

These words instantly jolted Master Han awake, and he quickly asked, "Is this preparation for the previously agreed-upon sci-fi blockbuster?"

Previously, Han Sanye and a group of industry bigwigs had discussed with Cheng Sheng on several occasions, hoping that he could take the lead in directing a top-notch science fiction blockbuster, break the void in Chinese science fiction, completely shake up the Chinese film industry, and raise the ceiling of domestic films.

However, Cheng Sheng had to film "Zheng He's Voyages to the West," so although he agreed to work with them, the project has been delayed and there's still no sign of it.

Now that Cheng Sheng has gone to Hollywood, does that mean he's planning to start preparing to shoot a science fiction movie?

“That’s right.” Cheng Sheng replied in a deep voice, “You and I both know the level of the domestic film and television industry. The shortcomings in special effects technology are too obvious and the gap is too big. The core of science fiction films is special effects. Without solid technical support, no matter how good the script or how excellent the filming, it will only end up as a cheap 50-cent film. I must go to Hollywood in person to learn from their experience and thoroughly understand the logic of top-notch technology.”

Of course, he didn't mention going to see Scarlett.

"Has the script been started yet?" Master Han asked expectantly.

"I don't have time to write," Cheng Sheng said with a helpless laugh.

For the past six months, I've been filming at sea, traveling to various countries and seas, working day and night to film "Zheng He's Voyages to the West." I haven't had any free time at all. In addition, I had previously promised to help Feng Xiaogang polish and customize the script, so I've been extremely busy lately.

Fortunately, Feng Dapao's script has been finalized. Tonight, he will take some time to send the final draft to Xu Fan, thus putting an end to a worry on his mind.

Upon hearing this, Master Han on the other end of the phone could not hide his disappointment, as he had originally hoped to get a sneak peek at the top-notch science fiction script.

After a brief silence, Han Sanye asked again, "So, are you going back to China at the end of this year? Or are you planning to stay in Hollywood and celebrate the New Year?"

"It's not certain yet; it depends on the subsequent filming progress and schedule," Cheng Sheng replied casually.

"Then let me give you a heads-up." Han Sanye's tone became serious. "CCTV has already extended a formal invitation to you for this year's Spring Festival Gala. If you're not going back to China at the end of the year, I can help you decline it."

To appear on the Spring Festival Gala?
Cheng Sheng was stunned for a moment, his face full of surprise.

He has never been a performer or a celebrity; he has always worked behind the scenes as a director, screenwriter, and producer. Why would the Spring Festival Gala, a top-tier stage that attracts so much attention, specifically invite him?

"Mr. Han, is there a mistake on CCTV's part?" Cheng Sheng asked doubtfully. "I'm just a behind-the-scenes director, not a star on stage. There's no need for me to be on the Spring Festival Gala."

"Haha, you're the only one who could be wrong about anyone else." Han Sanye laughed loudly. "Xiao Cheng, your current popularity, international fame, and industry influence have long surpassed those of many top domestic celebrities. Others may not be qualified, but you absolutely are."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Sheng could only offer a helpless, bitter smile.

That's absolutely true.

Although he never endorses films, engages in hype, or associates with fan groups, he boasts numerous international awards and blockbuster films, has garnered honors at the three major film festivals, and has become a pillar of the Chinese film industry. In terms of fame and influence, he truly surpasses the vast majority of on-screen stars. He pondered silently for a moment, having already made his decision.

For him, appearing on the Spring Festival Gala was a meaningless honor, but he suddenly recalled scenes from his childhood.

When I was a child, my family would watch the Spring Festival Gala on New Year's Eve. My parents would always pat my head and joke that if one day their son could appear on the Spring Festival Gala and wish the whole country a Happy New Year, they would wake up laughing in their dreams.

This simple expectation touched him instantly.

“No need to cancel, I agree to participate in the Spring Festival Gala.” Cheng Sheng said firmly, “However, Mr. Han, I don’t have time to participate in the tedious rehearsals for the Spring Festival Gala. Could you help me negotiate with CCTV to try to avoid the entire rehearsal process?”

The entire rehearsal process for the Spring Festival Gala took nearly a month, which was both time-consuming and labor-intensive. He simply didn't have any extra time to waste on repeated rehearsals.

"We can negotiate to waive the entire rehearsal, but you must at least make time to attend one rehearsal to ensure the stage flow and transitions are flawless," Han Sanye instructed, then added with a smile, "I almost forgot, you're not only a top director, but also a top-notch songwriter with several widely popular classic hits. For you, performing on stage really doesn't require repeated rehearsals. With your current status, you don't actually need my help at all; you can communicate with CCTV yourself, and they will fully cooperate."

“Okay, then I’ll wait for the CCTV contact person to reach out to me, and I’ll communicate with them personally.” Cheng Sheng agreed.

Just as their casual conversation was coming to an end, Master Han suddenly changed the subject, his tone instantly becoming serious and solemn: "By the way, Xiao Cheng, the controversy surrounding you on the Guli film set has spread far and wide, and it's being hotly discussed all over the internet in China. Even the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television is paying close attention to it. Tell me honestly, is the rumor about discrimination against local actors true or not?"

Discrimination against foreign artists can easily trigger transnational public opinion disputes and diplomatic misunderstandings. Once it escalates, it will have a huge negative impact on Cheng Sheng's personal reputation, his future in the industry, and even the international exchanges of Chinese film and television.

“Those rumors online are pure nonsense, turning black into white.” Cheng Sheng’s tone was cold and he didn’t hesitate for a moment. “I only asked the actor to fit the historical background and to portray the humble attitude of a vassal state towards the Celestial Empire according to the script. It was his own twisted mentality that caused him to refuse to cooperate and even provoke trouble in public.”

He paused, then added, "The entire filming process was recorded and preserved. All conversations and arguments are documented in high-definition video, making it clear who is right and who is wrong."

"That's great!" Third Master Han breathed a sigh of relief, his tone excited. "Send me the complete original video as soon as possible, and I'll immediately contact the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television to help you clarify the rumors, clear up the public opinion, and stop the malicious smear campaign!"

"No problem, I'll send it to you as soon as I've organized it." Cheng Sheng agreed.

"Also, you must be extra careful tonight." Master Han solemnly instructed, "The local people have been completely incited by public opinion, and their extreme emotions are running high. I'm afraid that someone might take the opportunity to cause trouble or target the film crew. Tonight, everyone should try not to go out. After dinner, stay in the hotel to rest. We will lead the team back to port first thing tomorrow morning and not linger."

"Don't worry, I've already made arrangements in advance. Everyone is confined to the hotel and strictly prohibited from going out without permission," Cheng Sheng replied.

"That's good. I'll immediately arrange for a team to strictly control domestic public opinion. Send the video over as soon as possible."

"Ah."

After hanging up the international call, Cheng Sheng immediately summoned Pang Ho-cheung and asked him to retrieve the complete original video footage from yesterday's film set, package it up, and send it to him. He then forwarded it to Han Sanye immediately to cooperate with the official clarification and evidence collection.

...(End of this chapter)