The entertainment industry: My 99 future timelines!

Li Xu was listening quietly at this moment.

This was also the first time he had heard the movie theme song, "The Things You Don't Know," in its complete arrangement.

He was the one who decided on the song's name, but he didn't know that the final demo would be so amazing.

Compared to the original version of this song, this is the basic version.

Wang Lihong used her genius arrangement, piano accompaniment, and string arrangement to bring the song's sorrow to its fullest extent.

When the song ended, its lingering melody remained.

The set was quiet, with only the faint sound of machinery running.

Many staff members were still immersed in the emotions brought about by the music.

With a hint of smugness on her face, Wang Lihong stepped forward, turned off the player, and laughed, "Everyone, isn't this song great?"

"This song wasn't written by me alone; it was co-written by Director Li and me. He provided me with a lot of inspiration and lyrics."

"Alright, Teacher Li Hong, the content I gave you is only the most basic."

"If it weren't for your genius creation, this song would at best be considered an unfinished product. I don't think my contribution is that great, so please don't overpraise me."

A slight smile played on his lips.

Li Xu felt a surge of pleasure at Wang Lihong's praise and her flattery in front of everyone. "She knows how to praise, and she likes to hear lots of it."

He doesn't care about praise from ordinary people.

But if it's Wang Lihong, then he really loves listening to her.

Even so, his tone remained as calm as ever, revealing no flaw whatsoever.

Hearing Li Xu's humble words, Wang Lihong didn't refute them, but just smiled and encouraged him:

"Honestly, Director Li, in my opinion, with your musical talent, you could totally become a music creator in the future."

"It's such a waste of your musical talent to only be a director or an actor."

"Besides, your singing voice is outstanding. I have a concert soon, would you like to come and have some fun? I promise you'll have a great time."

Li Xu shook his head slightly and chuckled:

"Teacher Li Hong, never mind, I still feel that I like directing the most."

"Whether it's acting or music, it's because I couldn't find the right people at the time, so I tried it myself."

"If I had met you earlier, I probably wouldn't have even touched this music."

Wang Lihong could tell that Li Xu wasn't just being polite, but genuinely had other plans, and couldn't help but sigh.

Having said all that, further words would be too much of a presumptuous conversation, so he didn't try to persuade him any further. He simply sighed, "It's a pity, it seems our music scene will ultimately lose a rising star like you."

"However, if I ever encounter a creative block in songwriting in the future, I will definitely have to talk to you, Director Li. Maybe there will be some surprises. After all, you are a true genius, Director Li."

"Okay, Ms. Li Hong, I also like you as a friend. Let's communicate more in the future."

Li Xu nodded, his eyes showing approval of Wang Lihong.

-

Wang Lihong did not stay on set for long.

After all, Li Xu's scenes were still being filmed, and they were important final scenes.

After completing the detailed handover of music with Li Xu, he only arranged to meet again at the wrap party that evening before being picked up by his manager to handle his own affairs.

After Wang Lihong left, the film set returned to a serious creative atmosphere.

Li Xu focused all his attention on the final shot.

This play, "Du Minghao's Creation," demands a high level of emotional depth, requiring subtle transitions between loneliness, memories, the surge of inspiration, and the tenderness at the final stroke of the pen.

Li Xu's performance was superb; with just a few subtle glances and finger movements, he perfectly captured Du Minghao's state of mind at that moment.

Shen Ao, Liu Yifei, and all the staff who had not yet left held their breath, witnessing the birth of the last scene of the film.

"Click!"

"Passed!"

Shen Ao's voice trembled slightly, but more than that, it was filled with a sense of relief and excitement.

He took a deep breath, picked up the walkie-talkie, and shouted with all his might, "Attention all departments! I hereby announce that scene 223 of 'Love Announcement,' the final take, is wrapped—!!!"

"Filming wrapped up!!!"

After a brief silence, a huge cheer erupted like a flood bursting its banks, instantly engulfing the entire studio.

The lights were all turned on, and the bright light dispelled the carefully created dim and quiet atmosphere during the shoot, illuminating every face, whether tired, excited, or reluctant to leave.

The tension that had been building for months finally eased, and smiles bloomed on everyone's faces.

The prop masters, lighting assistants, and stagehands hugged and high-fived each other; some even jumped up.

The champagne was brought out under the direction of Wang Jing, who was well-prepared. The "pop pop" of the bottle opening and the laughter of the foam spraying together made the atmosphere even more joyful.

Li Xu was surrounded by the crowd, and the champagne foam splashed onto his face, bringing a cool touch.

He smiled, accepted a small glass of champagne handed to him by someone, and raised it high: "Thank you for your hard work! Teachers, brothers and sisters! Our filming is finished!"

"Director Li, you've worked hard!"

"Congratulations on wrapping up filming!"

"A box office smash!"

The cheers and blessings rose even louder.

"night!"

Li Xu raised his voice to quell the noise, "Everyone, it's my treat at a resort near Huairou! Everyone, no one left out, we won't leave until we're all drunk!"

"Great! Long live the director!!"

He was met with even louder cheers.

At this moment, there are no directors or actors, no lead actors or stagehands, only a group of partners who have worked together for months toward the same goal and finally completed a remarkable work.

Standing a little further away, Liu Yifei watched Li Xu, who was surrounded by a crowd and had a broad, cheerful smile on his face, and the corners of her mouth also unconsciously turned up.

She could clearly feel Li Xu's genuine joy and relaxation at this moment, which was completely different from his absolute focus and strictness on set, yet equally dazzling.

She pursed her lips slightly and gripped the water bottle in her hand tighter. She regretted not bringing her sketchbook to the set today; otherwise, she could have drawn this scene.

-

The wrap party that evening was held at a distinctive mountain resort near the Huairou Film and Television Base, known for its whole roasted lamb and local cuisine. The entire largest banquet hall was booked.

The long tables were arranged in a "回" shape, and were filled with all kinds of delicacies and fine wines. The atmosphere was so lively that it almost lifted the roof off.

The pressure that had been building for months was suddenly released, and everyone let loose.

Shen Ao, his face flushed from drinking, put his arms around cinematographer Wang Luyao and lighting technician Liu Hu, and boasted in a thick tongue about how much he had learned from Director Li and how he would make a big splash in the next film.

Li Deyuan and Wang Jing, the two "veterans," were much more composed, but they were all smiles as they moved among the guests, clinking glasses with the heads of various departments to thank everyone for their contributions.

As the absolute core, Li Xu was naturally the focus of everyone's toasts.

Even though he had a good tolerance for alcohol, after round after round, his face flushed and his eyes became brighter than usual.

Wang Lihong also attended the wrap party as promised.

He sat with Li Xu, and after a few drinks, he relaxed completely, no longer putting on airs.

The two chatted about music, movies, and their views on art. The more they talked, the more they clicked, as if they had known each other for a long time. They put their arms around each other's shoulders and laughed constantly, completely forgetting the unpleasantness and distance they had felt when they first agreed to sing together.

As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Someone suggested that the main cast perform a talent show, and Shen Ao started singing "Friends" off-key, which drew good-natured laughter and even louder cheers.

Li Xu smiled too. In this completely relaxed and fulfilling atmosphere, he also felt a long-lost and rare pure joy.

The banquet gradually came to an end as night deepened.

The people at the wrap party finally said their goodbyes in twos and threes and left, many of them so drunk that they needed their companions to help them up.

Wang Lihong also drank to her heart's content. As her manager half-helped, half-carried her into the car, she waved at Li Xu, slurring, "Next time... next time for my concert, Lao Li, you absolutely have to come! Let's... collaborate again then, brother..."

Li Xu smiled and waved, "Okay, I'll definitely go when I have time."

"Also, don't call me Old Li, I'm only twenty!"

The car door closed, and the car drove away.

Li Xu stood there, and a night breeze blew, which made him less drunk.

He rubbed his throbbing temples, walked to the front desk, and prepared to pay the bill.

"Mr. Li, the bill for this room has already been settled."

The receptionist smiled politely.

"It's already settled?"

Li Xu was taken aback and looked at Wang Jing, the production manager next to him.

Wang Jing, with a knowing smile that said "I knew it," leaned closer and whispered, "Director Li, it was Miss Jing Tian who paid. Her assistant contacted the resort this afternoon and made an advance payment, saying it was a wrap-up gift for the film crew. She told us to make sure we ate and drank well, and that the bill would be on her account."

Li Xu was stunned.

He never expected Jing Tian to go to this extent.

Investing and helping to connect resources is one thing, but even "small things" like the wrap party were quietly arranged...

He walked to a relatively quiet corner outside the villa, where the night breeze brought a touch of coolness to his burning face.

After hesitating for a moment, I dialed Jing Tian's number.

The phone was answered after two rings. The background was quiet on the other end, and Jing Tian's sweet and melodious voice came through, tinged with a smile: "Director Li? The wrap party's over? Did you have fun?"

"I'm very happy, everyone had a great time."

Li Xu paused, his voice particularly clear in the night breeze, "By the way, Miss Jing, thank you for the wrap-up gift, it was too much trouble."

"But you shouldn't do it anymore. It makes me feel like I owe you more and more, and I feel like I can't repay you."

Jing Tian's laughter came through the phone, full of liveliness: "It's just a meal, Director Li, why are you feeling pressured? The movie finished filming smoothly, so we should celebrate. I couldn't just not be there in person, could I?

"Besides, you'll be busy with post-production for the film, which will cost a lot of money. Every little bit saved counts."

Jing Tian spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, leaving Li Xu momentarily at a loss for words.

Fortunately, Jing Tian quickly changed the subject, skipping over the previous topic and naturally turning to the movie: "By the way, Li Xu, I asked about the post-production team for you. 'Tiangong' and 'Shengcai' are both good. I'll send you their sample footage and quotes later. Take a look and see which one you like."

"And there's the matter of submitting films to film festivals—Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and domestic ones like the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival. I've already sorted out the procedures and contact information for key people. I'll have Wang Jing bring it to you in a couple of days so you don't waste time on this kind of thing."

"I've also inquired with a few reputable companies about overseas distribution. Once you've done a rough cut, we can look at some sample footage together before deciding which company to negotiate with."

Jing Tian spoke slowly, but each point was clear and concise, outlining the most practical and troublesome issues that Li Xu would soon face.

She had not only thought of all these things for Li Xu in advance, but had also quietly paved the way, just waiting for him to walk through.

As Li Xu listened, the night breeze blew on his face, and he sobered up completely.

Jing Tian's tone was neither like an order nor like charity; it sounded more like the casual conversation between an old married couple: "Your business is my business. Anyway, I have some things to do now, so I'll just do it. See if it's okay."

This thoughtfulness was even more...unbearable for him than simply giving him money.

He was a bit clumsy when it came to relationships, but he wasn't really a complete blockhead.

He was not oblivious to Jing Tian's repeated olive branches and support that went beyond the bounds.

He had been so focused on filming that he had no time for anything else, and he had deliberately ignored those subtle signals.

After a few seconds of silence, he spoke, his voice a little hoarse: "...Ms. Jing, you've really gone to so much trouble...I will remember this kindness, thank you."

"It's no trouble at all."

Jing Tian's tone was light yet earnest.

"I told you before, your business is my business."

"Watching your film come to fruition from scratch feels like I've been part of a wonderful adventure myself. Now that the adventure has reached its most crucial stage, how can I not help pave a smoother path for you, the protagonist?"

"From now on, you should focus on making your film career the best it can be. Leave these miscellaneous tasks to me."

Jing Tian's voice carried a smile, as well as a confident composure.

Listen to the laughter and certainty in Jing Tian's voice.

Li Xu felt as if the night wind nearby had stopped for a moment. Under the influence of alcohol on this night of wrapping up filming, he felt that he had to do something, at least he couldn't just accept the other party's gifts without doing anything.

Without hesitation, he spoke up decisively: "Ms. Jing, is there anything I can help you with lately? GG, events, or anything else related to filming, anything will do."

"If there's anything you need my help with, just let me know, and I'll do my best to do it."

Li Xu has been very busy lately. Filming for his movie has just wrapped up, and he still has a lot of post-production issues to deal with, from editing and dubbing to submitting it for review. Time is very tight. Of course, he doesn't like making bad movies.

But at the moment.

He still spoke without hesitation.

Because this is the only way he can think of to repay Jing Tian that doesn't seem like "living off a woman."

After all, Li Xu didn't even know what Miss Jing was lacking.

Hearing Li Xu's words, Jing Tian laughed, her voice carrying a soft teasing tone: "What could possibly happen to me? I'm just a freshman in acting at the Beijing Film Academy who hasn't even officially enrolled yet."

"However, if Director Li asks me to be the female lead in his next film, like Senior Yifei, then I will definitely be there whenever he calls."

Li Xu was speechless.

Based on his past impressions of this Miss Jing, he could almost picture her speaking on the other end of the phone: her head tilted slightly, her eyes curved into crescents, and a smile playing on her lips.

He also knew what Jing Tian was talking about—given her momentum, it was almost impossible for "no arrangements" to happen.

But she just said "no," so naturally that he couldn't even bring himself to say "when you're done with your work."