The entertainment industry: My 99 future timelines!

Three days later, China Film Group.

Preparatory meeting for the Busan trip of "Love Announcement".

Inside the meeting room, Zhou, the manager of China Film Group in charge of the matter, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, his face flushed, began by loudly declaring: "This is a major breakthrough for mainland Chinese films at the three major Asian film festivals this year. Director Li, this trip to Busan must be a grand affair!"

"I've already reported to the leadership. Our Chairman Han has high hopes for our film. We must make a strong showing and bring glory to our country!"

Li Xu listened quietly, and after Manager Zhou finished speaking, he said, "Manager Zhou, we definitely need to put on a good show and I also want to win glory for the country, but shouldn't we also talk about what specific support China Film Group can provide and to what extent?"

"After all, if the film really wins an award in Busan, it will be a good thing for China Film Group's brand and for our future cooperation."

"While it's great that The New Wave won the award, the domestic box office performance of our film is also very important, and we need the cooperation of China Film Group in these aspects."

"Oh?"

Manager Zhou from China Film Group flicked his cigarette ash and smiled, "Director Li, you're a sensible man. Since that's the case, let's be frank. Tell me, what do you need?"

For the next hour, Li Xu laid out his Busan strategy.

First, Li Xu's strategy was to avoid excessive exposure of his film in the domestic mainstream media.

Instead, they precisely target key film critics and film festival selectors of the Korean New Wave, conduct public relations to a certain extent, not demanding backdoors, but at least avoiding suppression.

Secondly, copyright promotion.

Next, we need to leverage this nomination for the Korean New Wave to proactively reach out to film distributors in Japan, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, regardless of whether we win an award or not, and arrange informal screenings or discussions.

At the same time, the Busan International Film Festival is one of the largest film trading markets in Asia, and we must use this platform to pave the way for the subsequent overseas distribution of films in Asia.

At last.

Use the feedback from abroad to support the domestic economy.

During the film festival, all positive reviews from foreign media, audience reactions, and jury comments were sent back immediately and distributed through China Film Group's channels.

These days, Chinese people only believe this: if foreign media say it's good, then it's truly good.

As Manager Zhou listened, his smile grew even brighter, and his gaze toward Li Xu became increasingly kind.

After Li Xu finished speaking, he slammed his hand on the table: "Okay, Director Li, your thinking is clear. I agree with your idea. Let's proceed accordingly. I will report it to Chairman Han."

"We at China Film Group will definitely cooperate fully at that time."

……

After the meeting, Li Xu returned to his studio to continue preparing for work, accompanied by a warm farewell from Manager Zhou of China Film Distribution Department.

Upon entering, Li Xu noticed a dark gray box on his desk.

The box has no logo, is soft to the touch, and has an excellent feel.

He opened it, and inside was a suit.

It was a deep navy blue color, and the fabric was a wool blend that he couldn't name, which shimmered with a delicate sheen under the light.

The cut is clean and simple, without any unnecessary embellishments, and a cashmere trench coat of the same color is worn alongside it.

Inside the box was a folded notepad with Jing Tian's neat handwriting on it:

"Battle attire. Busan has a strong sea breeze, so bring a windbreaker. P.S.: Let me know if it doesn't fit, and I'll have it altered."

Li Xu picked up the suit jacket and ran his fingertips along the fabric.

The fabric of this dress is very light and soft, yet also quite structured. The size looks perfect for my figure; it's like a bespoke piece.

He could almost imagine what he would look like wearing this outfit on the red carpet in Haeundae, Busan.

A warm feeling welled up inside me.

After putting down the clothes, Li Xu picked up his phone and sent Jing Tian a message: "I received the clothes, thank you."

Jing Tian's phone vibrated quickly, and she replied with a message: "Do the clothes fit?"

"Haven't tried it yet."

"Try it on. I secretly checked your size, but I can't guarantee it will fit perfectly."

Li Xu smiled, picked up his suit jacket, and went into the inner room.

Five minutes later, he changed and came out, standing in front of the full-length mirror.

The person in the mirror is both strange and familiar.

This outfit truly lives up to its reputation as a bespoke custom piece; every inch fits his figure perfectly.

The shoulders are straight, the waist is fitted, and the length of the trousers just covers the shoes, without a single unnecessary wrinkle.

Li Xu didn't feel constrained at all by the suit during his movements.

Li Xu was stretching when his phone vibrated in his pocket. Jing Tian had sent a new message: "How's it going?"

Li Xu looked at himself in the mirror and replied, "Great, but how did you know my size?"

"secret."

Jing Tian replied with a winking emoji.

"By the way, I have a friend who owns a boutique in Seoul and is well-connected in the fashion industry. Here's her contact information. You can contact her if you need styling advice. I've already spoken to her."

Then another message followed: "Also, I'll be in Busan then. Can I tag along on your film crew's red carpet and watch the fun? That won't interfere with you and Senior Yifei walking the red carpet together, will it?"

Li Xu understood the subtle probing and replied, "You're welcome anytime. But it's windy on the red carpet, so you'll need to wear something warmer."

"Okay, smiley face," Jing Tian replied.

Putting down his phone, Li Xu looked in the mirror again.

The young man in the mirror had a calm gaze, but a light shone within it.

Next, Busan, the New Wave, his first battle to "prove his path" in the film industry.

-

In late September, a chill began to set in the air in Beijing.

With less than two weeks to go before the Busan International Film Festival, the atmosphere in Lee Wook's studio is like a fully drawn bow.

Just as Li Xu finished his overseas call with the liaison in South Korea and confirmed the delivery details of the last batch of promotional materials, Wang Jing knocked on the door and came in, holding a newly published copy of the "Film World" magazine.

"Director Li, the interview with you that China Film Group arranged for you to be published in 'Film World' a while ago has been released."

Wang Jing placed the magazine on the table; the cover prominently featured the movie poster for "Love Announcement."

The cover title is in bold black font: "Li Xu: The Light That Illuminates the Folds of the Soul".

Li Xu took the magazine and turned to the interview page.

The entire book is six pages long, accompanied by a photo of him sitting in the editing room, his eyes focused, with a wall full of storyboards in the background.

Below the article title is a line of small print: "An Interview with Li Xu, Director of 'Love Announcement'—How Do We Talk About Loneliness and Love in This Noisy Era?"

The interviewer was the deputy editor-in-chief of "Film World," known for his sharp questions and seasoned writing style. He asked sharp questions, and Li Xu answered them just as sharply.

Reporter: "Some viewers believe this film relies on 'good looks' and 'visual appeal' to win over audiences. Director Li, are you worried about being labeled an 'idol director'?"

Li Xu: "It's natural for audiences to like beautiful faces, just like people instinctively gravitate towards light. But my job is to make that light not only illuminate the face, but also the wrinkles of the soul behind that face. If after watching this film, the audience can only remember the face, then I haven't made it well."

Reporter: "You mentioned 'soul wrinkles.' In your opinion, what is the core theme that 'Love Announcement' wants to explore?"

Li Xu: "Loneliness is not an illness, but a default setting for urban dwellers. What I want to talk about is how two lonely people can overcome obstacles to be together—even if they may eventually separate. But love is just a vehicle, not everything. What I'm more concerned about is how we cope and heal ourselves in this increasingly fast-paced era."

At the end of the article, the reporter wrote: "When you talk to Li Xu, it's hard to associate him with a 'new director'."

"His mastery of cinematic language is mature beyond his years, and his exploration of emotions shows a rare clarity."

When asked about his expectations for the Busan International Film Festival, the young director simply said: "Go to learn, go to exchange ideas, and let the films speak for themselves."

Li Xu watched the interview.

Wang Jing chuckled beside him, "Director Li, your words have gone viral online! Many netizens are saying they'd buy tickets to see our movie just for that 'soulful wrinkle'!"

Li Xu closed the magazine, his face expressionless except for a subtle smile in his eyes, and asked:

"What's the feedback from the magazine?"

"It exploded!"

"This issue of the magazine has been reprinted twice! Many bookstores have sold out! The editor-in-chief of Film World personally called, hoping to do another in-depth feature after the movie's release!"

"Wang Jing, send the electronic link to all our partner media, highlighting these key paragraphs. Also, have Shen Ao keep an eye on the forum and see how the professional circles react."

"clear!"

After Wang Jing left, Li Xu reopened the magazine and looked at the quote about "soul wrinkles".

He blurted those words out without thinking, never expecting them to spread so widely.

But it seems to be working well.

At least, people are starting to talk about things "outside" of movies.

-

Three days after the interview was published, Liu Yifei appeared at the entrance of Li Xu's studio.

She wore a simple white knit sweater and jeans, her hair loosely tied back, and no makeup on her face. She looked like a girl next door, if you ignored her overly beautiful face.

When Liu Yifei pushed the door open, Li Xu was facing the computer screen, his fingers rapidly typing on the keyboard, without even looking up. "Senior, sit down, wait for me for two minutes."

Liu Yifei said "Oh" and sat down on the sofa in the studio.

Her gaze unconsciously swept around the not-so-large studio. Several days had passed since her last visit, and most of the studio's layout remained unchanged.

Aside from essential office equipment, there were only books.

—The bookshelves, the table, and even the windowsill are piled with all kinds of film theories, director biographies, scripts, and storyboard collections.

On the wall was a pre-set poster for "Love Announcement".

However, a small movie character figurine has been added to Li Xu's desk. It's Léon from "Léon: The Professional," wearing sunglasses and holding a silver queen.

Liu Yifei looked at the schedule for a while, and only spoke after Li Xu stopped typing: "Junior, China Film Group sent the Busan schedule to my mom, but some details are still unclear, such as the post-screening Q&A session, should I speak first or you? What kind of questions will they ask in the media interview?"

Li Xu turned his chair around: "I, Wang Jing, will send you the itinerary details later, senior."

"In the post-screening discussion, I, as the director, usually introduce the topic first, and then the main creators add their comments."

"Media inquiries are nothing more than the initial intention of the creation, interesting anecdotes during filming, and your understanding of the character. Just prepare a three- to five-minute self-introduction in English, focusing on your understanding of the character Song Qing and how this filming is different from previous ones."

"Yes, I'm getting ready."

Liu Yifei nodded, running her fingers through her hair. "I'm just a little nervous. After all, it's my first time going to an international film festival as the lead actress. I'm afraid I won't have a good effect on our crew."

"It's normal to be nervous, I'm a little nervous too, but it's nothing to worry about."

"Whether we win an award or not, the quality of our work speaks for itself, and the domestic box office will be good."

Li Xu shook his head; he didn't share Liu Yifei's thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei looked up at him—Li Xu's expression was calm, showing no sign of nervousness whatsoever.

However, since Li Xu had said those words, she inexplicably felt a sense of unease.

-

Three days before departure, everything entered the countdown.

Material verification, itinerary confirmation, visas, air tickets, hotels, media list, interview outline, contingency plan...

Wang Jing and Shen Ao were extremely busy, while Li Xu locked himself in his office to go over the entire process of the Busan trip one last time.

Around noon, Li Xu was looking at the work he hadn't finished and was about to call someone to deliver lunch when he noticed he had missed calls on his phone.

It was Jing Tian who called earlier, but his phone was off and he didn't notice.

Li Xu called back.

"Busy?" Jing Tian's voice came through the receiver. The background was quiet, with the faint sound of a piano.

"It's alright, final confirmation process, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, just letting you know that I'm flying to Busan tomorrow. See you there."

Jing Tian paused, a hint of amusement in her voice, "By the way, I had a fortune teller calculate that you'll definitely win an award when you go to Busan this time."

Li Xu chuckled: "You actually believe in this?"

"It's better to believe it's true. Anyway, good luck, I'll be waiting for you in Busan."

"Okay, thanks."

After hanging up the phone, Li Xu looked out the window.

Sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting dappled patterns of light on the table.

He suddenly remembered the first time he met Jing Tian. Looking back on the situation now, it was quite interesting. This young lady had been really good to him from beginning to end.

Every time she helped someone, she would casually say, "I have a friend," or "We happen to know each other at home," never asking for favors.

Just like this trip to Busan, Jing Tian helped a lot in the early stages, and she might help again in the future.

He was somewhat at a loss as to how to respond to this affection.

Or rather, he hasn't figured out how to respond yet.

-

On the day of boarding, at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport.

Li Xu, Wang Jing, Shen Ao, and others stood in front of the check-in counter, with several large boxes piled up at their feet—posters, roll-up banners, brochures, all materials needed for the film festival.

Liu Yifei walked over accompanied by her assistant and her mother, Liu Xiaoli.

She wore a light gray long trench coat over a white T-shirt and jeans, a baseball cap, and large sunglasses that covered half her face.

However, her tall figure and outstanding temperament still attracted a lot of attention.

As she approached, Liu Xiaoli greeted him with a smile: "Director Li, good morning. Qianqian overslept a bit, sorry."

"It's alright, it's still early." Li Xu nodded, his gaze sweeping over Liu Yifei.

Liu Yifei took off her sunglasses, revealing very faint dark circles under her eyes. "Good morning, junior."

"Didn't sleep well?"

"Um... I'm nervous," Liu Yifei honestly admitted.

"I'm not nervous at all, so why are you?" Li Xu chuckled.

"It's okay, just take a nap after you get on the plane. Don't let these dark circles affect your beauty or your performance on the red carpet," Li Xu teased.

"Okay, whatever you say."

Check-in, baggage drop-off, security check.

all the best.

Before boarding, Li Xu stood in front of the huge glass window, looking at the planes parked outside.

Busan.

A new wave in Asian cinema.

His first battle.

An announcement came over the loudspeaker: boarding has begun.

Li Xu picked up his carry-on luggage and walked towards the boarding gate.

Liu Yifei followed half a step behind Li Xu, looking at his straight back, and suddenly asked in a low voice, "Junior Li Xu."

"Um?"

"We'll win the prize, right?"

Li Xu didn't stop walking. "I don't know."

Liu Yifei was taken aback.

"But we will do our best."

Li Xu added the second half of the sentence, then turned his head and glanced at her, "That's enough."

"That's enough, that's true." Liu Yifei couldn't help but laugh out loud.

The plane soared into the sky.

Li Xu leaned against the window, watching the city below grow smaller and smaller.

Many images flashed through my mind.

The first time I picked up a camera.

While staying up all night writing a script at the Beijing Film Academy.

When filming the first scene of "Love Announcement".

And last night, Jing Tian showed me that Norwegian painting—"Before Dawn".

On the eve of a storm, dark clouds hung low over the sea, and waves surged. Light pierced through the clouds and slanted across the sea, creating a broken path of light.

He closed his eyes.

Busan, here I come.

Meanwhile, in Busan, Jing Tian sat by the floor-to-ceiling window of her hotel suite, looking at the newly updated news flash on her phone screen:

"The cast and crew of 'Love Announcement' departed for Busan this morning. Director Lee Wook and lead actress Liu Yifei appeared at the airport, looking relaxed."

The accompanying photo shows Li Xu and Liu Yifei walking towards the boarding gate, one after the other, from behind.

She watched for a while, then gently turned off the screen.

Outside the window, the sea in Busan shimmered in the sunlight.

The storm is indeed coming, but she is prepared.