HuaYu97: Starting as a Singer

Chapter 96 [096] Let's kiss! It's all for art!

Chen Hong was willing to film, Chen Kaige had no objections, so it would be a bit pretentious for Qi Yuan to refuse again.

It's settled then. Chen Hong will star in both the "East Wind Breaks" and "Jiangnan" music videos, and he will kiss her in the videos.

After the dinner, Qi Yuan and Chen Kaige parted ways at the restaurant entrance.

"See you next time."

Chen Kaige and Chen Hong each hugged Qi Yuan.

The paparazzi who were staking out outside pressed the shutter and took photos.

The next day, news broke that Qi Yuan was spotted at a high-end restaurant in Zhejiang Province, chatting and laughing with Chen Kaige and Chen Hong, and even sharing a warm embrace before parting.

If Chen Kaige's lawsuit against the newspaper that spread rumors shattered the rumors last time...

This private meeting between Qi Yuan and Chen Kaige completely put the rumors of their discord to the dustbin of history.

Who would have two people who don't get along eat together in private? And then hug each other when they part.

The media began to use their imaginations to speculate on the reasons and purposes behind Qi Yuan and Chen Kaige's meeting.

[The film "The Emperor's Shadow" is in its final stages of production, and Qi Yuan is suspected of making a cameo appearance.]

Qi Yuan has finally collaborated with Director Chen.

Qi Yuan's participation in "The Emperor and the Assassin" may become the film's biggest surprise.

A day later, people discovered that all the speculations from various media outlets were wrong.

Because the cultural and tourism bureaus of several cities in the Jiangnan region, including Suzhou, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, have released advertisements welcoming director Chen Kaige and Mr. Qi Yuan to film a music video in their city.

Holy crap! Chen Kaige and Qi Yuan met privately to film a music video?

Chen Kaige? A music video? Are you sure you're not joking?

This news shocked countless people.

Some media outlets, known for their gossip, are already digging into whether there are influential figures in Qi Yuan's family who can directly reach the emperor.

Unfortunately, we couldn't find out much. All we know is that Qi Yuan's parents are an ordinary landlord and landlady in Guangzhou.

This made everyone even more curious: if Qi Yuan's energy wasn't that strong, why did Chen Kaige help Qi Yuan make a music video?
Could it be true that Chen Kaige was recruiting fit young men for his wife?
Various speculations abound.

The general manager of Warner Music, who was far away in Taiwan, almost knelt down when he heard the news.

Chen Kaige took over the director's position, and the original director went back to Taiwan and informed Zhou Jianhui of the matter.

Zhou Jianhui, whose legs were a little weak, quickly called Qi Yuan and pleaded, "Brother Yuan, you're my brother now. There's no budget. You can treat it like a movie. I'm right."

But I didn't ask you to make it like an epic movie! You invited Director Chen to direct a music video, how much would that director's fee be? It wouldn't be less than a million... What? Free? Then it's fine... What? You said free?! !!!

It was already quite alarming that Chen Kaige was invited to film a music video, but Zhou Jianhui found it even more alarming that Chen Kaige didn't charge a single penny.

Could Qi Yuan really have some special background? Is he tired of staying in the Heavenly Court and debuting in the music industry just to experience life?

"Don't overthink it. Director Chen and I are just good friends. He helped me shoot the music video for free because he thinks highly of me. It's that simple."

Old Zhou, don't worry. This time, the cost of filming in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces was cheaper than you thought.

Several city cultural and tourism bureaus invited Director Chen and me to their locations for filming. They promised to provide us with food and lodging, and even send personnel to assist with our filming.

Qi Yuan said to Zhou Jianhui over the phone.

The local cultural and tourism bureaus are so proactive, of course they have their own agendas.

Qi Yuan's first album became popular across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and has a certain influence in countries with large Chinese populations such as Malaysia and Singapore.

Qi Yuan is currently a top star in mainland China, with an unparalleled popularity.

Qi Yuan's music video is the best promotional video for major tourist cities in Jiangnan. It can not only be exposed in mainland China, but also exported to Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas. What a wonderful thing! The cultural and tourism bureaus of various cities only provide food, accommodation and filming convenience, and in return they get real exposure.

With Chen Kaige as the director, the MV's exposure will only be greater; they'd love to throw a grand welcome ceremony for Qi Yuan and Chen Kaige.

Putting down his phone, Zhou Jianhui picked up the phone in front of him and dialed the number of the head of the publicity department: "Immediately launch the promotion for A-Yuan's second album in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and announce to the public that we have spent millions to produce the most exquisite and top-notch music video ever..."

……

Sioux City.

Chen Kaige and his photographer began their operation.

When directing a music video for his most admired younger brother, he had to give it his all and show him what a top-notch director is all about.

This time, Chen Kaige really succeeded in his act.

In the evening, the sky over the small town in Jiangnan had turned gray, with only a small patch of pale golden sunset remaining in the west.

The antique buildings on both sides of the river were dimly lit, and two small boats swayed slowly on the water.

A tall, upright young man and a beautiful woman stood at the bow of the boat.

"Spring waters are bluer than the sky, and painted boats sleep in the rain."

Chen Kaige was very satisfied with the composition he designed and recited a poem on the spot.

After shooting the night scene, Chen Kaige took photos of the bluestone path in the stone alley the next day, where Chen Hong met Qi Yuan while holding an oil-paper umbrella.

The apricot blossom grove, the ancient bridge over the canal, the snacks on Shuibei Street, the stage, and other places all bear traces of Qi Yuan and Chen Hong's trip together.

Later, the male protagonist lost his lover and returned to his hometown alone. Only Qi Yuan was left on the bow of the light boat. The beautiful woman was no longer there, which fits the lyrics of the song "Jiangnan".

The music video for "Dong Feng Po" is in no way inferior to that for "Jiangnan".

Because Suzhou City opened the entire Humble Administrator's Garden to Chen Kaige and Qi Yuan, allowing them to take photos at their leisure.

The beautiful scenery of Jianshanlou, Tingyuxuan, Xiaofeihong, Tayinglou, and other scenic spots were all captured in the music video.

Qi Yuan was wearing a long robe from the Republican era, while Chen Hong was wearing a cheongsam.

Qi Yuan taught Chen Hong calligraphy in the house, and they listened to the rain and enjoyed the scenery together—a romantic and beautiful experience.

Under Chen Kaige's personal direction, the footage was stunning.

“Kaige doesn’t mind, Ayuan, you don’t need to worry about him. We’re all doing this for art.”

When the scene of Qi Yuan kissing the female lead's cheek was captured, Chen Hong, fearing that Qi Yuan would be embarrassed, whispered something to him.

Qi Yuan glanced at Chen Kaige, who was earnestly communicating with the photographer.

Is it really okay to ignore someone else's wife kissing in front of your husband?
This plot is a bit outrageous! If it were in Japan, it could be expanded into a two-hour movie.

At least Qi Yuan studied at the Beijing Film Academy for a year, so he has the professional qualities of an actor.

When filming started, he kissed Chen Hong on the cheek.

"Reshoot, kiss again."

Chen Kaige was not satisfied.

“Ah Yuan, you are playing Xu Zhimo. Hong Hong admires your talent. When you kiss her face, her emotions are panic, anticipation, and sweetness. You shouldn’t be nervous.”

Qi Yuan gathered her emotions again and filmed another take, which finally turned out well this time.

The music videos for "Jiangnan" and "Dongfeng Po" have been officially filmed. Every frame was meticulously designed by Chen Kaige, bringing the artistic level of the music videos to a new height that far surpasses the industry average.

(End of this chapter)