The entertainment industry: My 99 future timelines!

With the box office success of "You Are the Apple of My Eye," Jing Tian, ​​the female lead at the center of the storm, saw her popularity skyrocket.

Various discussion posts and arguments about her began to emerge online.

Invitations for interviews, TV programs, and magazine covers came in like snowflakes.

She was no longer an unknown freshman at the Beijing Film Academy, but had a brand new and dazzling title—"National First Love Shen Jiayi".

In a highly anticipated video interview, the host asked her how she portrayed the role of Shen Jiayi, the ideal campus goddess, so well that it resonated with countless people's youth.

Jing Tian thought for a few seconds and answered seriously, "I feel that I'm not just acting as Shen Jiayi; I'm genuinely trying to become her and understand the feelings behind each of her choices."

"After finishing this drama, I was even a little dazed, feeling as if I was saying goodbye to a real, living 'Shen Jiayi,' and I was depressed for a long time."

"Of course, I know that everyone's memory of Shen Jiayi from their youth is different, and my character is also different from the one in Giddens Ko's original work."

"But I did my best. I hope that all my friends who are still in their adolescence, and those who can still win back their friends, can hold on tightly to that boy or girl in school uniform, with a clean smile, who once illuminated a part of your youth, and not let go easily."

Jing Tian's words during the interview were widely circulated. Her humble and insightful attitude won her more favor and also largely cleared up the "resource-backed" discussions that had begun to appear online.

-

"You Are the Apple of My Eye" is in its second week of release, despite the release of new films.

However, thanks to its explosive word-of-mouth and strong social media discussion, "You Are the Apple of My Eye" maintained a stable screening share of over 29%, and earned another 65 million yuan in its second week, bringing its cumulative box office to 1.97 million yuan, just around the corner from breaking 200 million yuan.

In its third week, "You Are the Apple of My Eye" had already reaped all the box office revenue in major first-tier cities, and its word-of-mouth had further penetrated into third- and fourth-tier cities. Moreover, due to the continued trend of "collective nostalgia" in movie watching, the box office revenue still steadily increased by 4100 million yuan, with the cumulative box office revenue exceeding 2.38 million yuan, reaching a number that is currently unimaginable for domestic youth films and low- and medium-budget films.

Ultimately, a month and a half after its release, "You Are the Apple of My Eye" brought this youth storm to a glorious close with a total box office of 2.73 million RMB.

With a return on investment of over ten times, it directly became the biggest box office dark horse of the 2008 summer season and even the whole year.

This figure far surpasses the box office and critical acclaim of Zhang Yimou's "Under the Hawthorn Tree," which will not be released for another two years.

The entire film and television industry is exclaiming and excited, marveling at the fact that yet another new type of film has been pioneered, and the film and television industry's market has been expanded once again.

-

The celebration banquet for "You Are the Apple of My Eye" breaking 200 million yuan at the box office was grandly held by Starlight Brilliant Company at a high-end hotel in Beijing.

Inside the venue, toasts were exchanged and celebrities gathered.

Jing Tian, ​​dressed in a custom-made haute couture gown worth millions, with exquisite makeup, navigated the media's barrage of cameras and investors' flattery with ease.

The film's success made her, who already came from an outstanding family, even more confident and radiant. Her words exuded a captivating and composed air.

Li Xu was surrounded by heads of major production companies, theater managers, and well-known investors.

"Director Li, you're young and promising! What are your plans for your next film? Our company is absolutely interested in participating, no matter the genre!"

"Director Li, I heard you have a methodology for creating blockbuster youth films. When would you have some free time to give a lesson to our company's screenwriters and directors?"

"Director Li, I heard you're preparing a new project? Sci-fi? Just let me know if you need anything!"

Among this group, the highest-ranking and wealthiest member, CEO Wang of Huayi, patted Li Xu on the shoulder, completely setting aside his previous animosity with Liu Yifei, and said in a warm tone:

"Director Li, I've been following you ever since your Yoghurt GG film. I've seen your amazing talent, but I never expected you to rise to prominence so quickly."

"From your debut film 'Love Announcement' to this film 'You Are the Apple of My Eye,' in just over a year, you have already achieved a pivotal position in our film and television industry."

"I know that I had some misunderstanding with Ms. Liu from your company before, Director Li. I hope that we can clear up this misunderstanding in the future. In fact, Huayi has a lot of resources and needs someone with an ethereal and fairy-like temperament like Ms. Liu to act in the film."

Li Xu smiled and agreed on the surface, but inwardly he remained unsure.

Although he had no enmity with Hua Yi, he certainly wouldn't have a good impression of her because of Liu Yifei.

Cooperation?

You don't have to.

He'll definitely kick her again if he gets the chance, otherwise he'd be letting down Liu Yifei for her "kindness in recognizing his talent".

-

The hustle and bustle of the banquet was kept at bay by the heavy glass doors.

Li Xu unbuttoned the top button of his collar, leaned against the railing of the terrace, and took a deep breath of the cool night breeze.

Below, the city lights of Beijing shimmered like a train, while overhead, a few rare, sparse stars peeked out.

The celebration banquet was a great success. The investors' compliments, the colleagues' congratulations, the media's flashing lights... everything was as perfect as expected.

But the more this happened, the more tense he became.

The box office miracle of "You Are the Apple of My Eye" put him in the spotlight.

Starting tomorrow, countless eyes will be watching his next film—expectant, envious, and waiting to see him fall.

Capital is bloodthirsty; it can elevate you to great heights today, and crush you just as ruthlessly tomorrow.

He cannot fail.

I heard the soft tapping of high heels on the ground behind me, very light, with a familiar rhythm.

Li Xu didn't turn around. Everyone walks with a different rhythm, and these steps were Liu Yifei's.

"What's wrong? Came out for some fresh air? Is it too stuffy in there?"

Liu Yifei's voice arrived before she did. She walked to Li Xu's side, leaned lightly against the railing, and spoke in a cool voice.

"Did you change your clothes?"

Li Xu glanced at Liu Yifei beside him.

In just a short while, she had already changed her clothes, no longer wearing the formal long dress she wore at the banquet.

Instead, she wore a simple off-white knit sweater with dark trousers, her long hair loosely tied back, revealing her slender neck.

Having completely shed her celebrity aura, she now resembles more of an old friend keeping an appointment.

"Yeah, I just changed into something, and I also came out for some fresh air."

"Do you want to take a two-month break? Filming like this non-stop will put a lot of pressure on you, not just physically and mentally, but also mentally."

Liu Yifei spoke softly, her voice carried on the gentle night breeze of August.

"No need. You've already waited for me for more than half a year. I haven't taken on any roles or filmed anything since the end of last year."

"I know Aunt Liu must have some complaints. She thinks you've missed a lot of opportunities. After all, female stars in the entertainment industry only have so much youth left."

"The box office of 2.73 million is a double-edged sword. If the box office drops by 200 million next time, countless people will jump out and say that the author has run out of ideas. But I am confident."

Li Xu waved his hand gently, his face showing some fatigue, but mostly full of confidence.

Having memories of the future, he didn't think he would be hindered by the small thorns and stumbling blocks on his way to the summit.

"No, that's not true. These past six months have been a time for me to rest."

"But if you say that, does that mean I'm going to be the female lead in your next movie? How are you going to explain that to Tian Tian? She's a major shareholder; she'll be angry later."

"Actually, you don't have to take care of me. When it comes to the female lead in your next movie, just choose whoever is more suitable. Just don't choose an outsider. After all, the meat should stay in the pot."

Liu Yifei chuckled softly.

While a large part of her break over the past six months was indeed due to waiting for Li Xu, a smaller part was also because she wanted to take a break temporarily.

As for the lead role in Li Xu's next movie, she will definitely try to win it, but she doesn't want the atmosphere within the company to completely freeze up.

"It's okay. I've already thought of the story for the next movie, and you two will be the female leads."

"Although I am the male lead, I don't have much of my own story. The main perspective is on the two of you. Moreover, this new character is also a little something I wanted to do to break the labels on the two of you and prevent you from being stereotyped."

Li Xu calmly began to explain.

Liu Yifei remained silent.

Li Xu's answer was completely unexpected; a dual female lead scenario?

This kind of movie seems to be rare in China, so it feels like it's easy for it to fail.

But if it's Li Xu, she's willing to believe in his talent.

Seeing this, Li Xu briefly explained the synopsis of the movie that was about to be filmed:

"The movie title is 'Soulmate'."

"The story is roughly about two girls who have known each other since they were 13. One is obedient and compliant, while the other is rebellious and free-spirited. They are best friends, but they also share the same man."

"The emotional entanglement between them is far more profound than their love for that man."

"This book was written by Anne in 2000. You should check it out when you have time."

A night breeze carried the faint sound of music from afar.

Liu Yifei frowned slightly. This story? It seems pretty melodramatic.

If it weren't for Li Xu, she probably wouldn't even glance at this movie plot, let alone act in it.

Feeling somewhat hesitant, Liu Yifei was trying to figure out how to bring it up.

But the door to the terrace was pushed open again at that moment.

Jing Tian walked out, lifting the hem of her skirt. Her cheeks were flushed slightly from the alcohol.

Seeing Li Xu and Liu Yifei standing side by side by the railing, she paused for a moment, then a smile bloomed on her face.

"Li Xu, Sister Yifei, I knew you two were hiding here for some peace and quiet!"

Her clear voice broke the silence on the terrace.

Liu Yifei turned around and nodded slightly to her: "Tian Tian, ​​Li Xu and I are discussing our next movie. Why don't you come and listen?"

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian walked between the two, naturally placing her hand on the railing next to Li Xu, and turned to look at Li Xu and Liu Yifei: "What movie? Do I have a role in it?"

"Sister Yifei, you are the female lead in Li Xu's first movie, 'Love Announcement'."

"In his second film, 'You Are the Apple of My Eye,' I was the female lead. If we follow this rule of rotation, this man should be yours now, and so should the role."

Jing Tian's tone was joking, and her eyes were full of laughter.

Liu Yifei glanced at Jing Tian, ​​a slight smile playing on her lips: "It's not me. This time, it's the two of us together."

"Us? Two female leads?"

Jing Tian blinked, her drunkenness subsiding slightly.

"Two female leads"

Li Xu chimed in, "I've already written a rough draft of the movie a while ago. It's called 'July and Ansheng,' based on Annie's book from 2000. Take a look when you have time. I'd like you to play July, and Yifei to play Ansheng."

"The story is about July and An Sheng, who have known each other since they were 13 years old. One is obedient and compliant, while the other is rebellious and free-spirited. They are each other's best friends, but they also share the same man. This story is about the emotional entanglement between them."

Jing Tian was stunned.

She looked at Li Xu, then at Liu Yifei, as if trying to determine if it was a joke.

"The two of us? Or together? Why not just create a love triangle?"

"What? Is there a problem?" Li Xu asked calmly.

"There's a serious problem!"

"It's not a movie, it's you, Li Xu. There's something wrong with you. I feel like you're plotting something. I'm scared."

Jing Tian was a little drunk today, and she wasn't as tactful or careful in her speech as usual. Upon hearing this, she straightened her back and hummed in response.

Liu Yifei spoke softly, decisively joining the group: "I think so too."

"Don't talk nonsense."

"This story may seem melodramatic, but it could actually win you both the Best Actress award."

"Think about it, two actresses who are only in their early twenties, what will your status be in the film and television industry in the future, and from now on you will never be arbitrarily labeled by others again."

Li Xu, of course, would not admit that he did have some ulterior motives, and immediately spoke out righteously.

As soon as Li Xu said this...

Both Liu Yifei and Jing Tian remained silent.

Since they've already entered the film and entertainment industry, even the most aloof, detached, and self-absorbed person would inevitably have designs on the Best Actress award.

Liu Yifei carefully observed Li Xu's expression. After confirming that Li Xu was not joking, she nodded first: "Two Best Actresses? You said it, then I'll act."

As she spoke, she looked at Jing Tian, ​​"Tian Tian, ​​what about you? You don't want to be a Best Actress?"

Jing Tian paused slightly, then remained silent for a few seconds before replying, "Yes."

"Then let's act. Stop thinking about all that nonsense. You two should rest for a while while I get the script ready and the filming team in place. We should start filming by the end of the year at the latest."

Li Xu made the final decision, giving the two no further words. For the first time, he displayed his domineering nature because of some unspeakable thought in his heart.

A night breeze blew by, and the three people's clothes fluttered gently.

Jing Tian suddenly laughed, her clear laughter echoing across the quiet terrace.

"interesting."

She stared at Li Xu with a thoughtful yet amused look in her eyes: "Li Xu, you're really something. Everyone else is thinking about how to strike while the iron is hot and make another fortune, but you, at the celebration banquet for the box office hit, are thinking about how to make us hurt each other."

"It's not just about hurting each other."

"And mutual understanding."

Li Xu vehemently denied it.

He has a clear conscience.

Jing Tian smiled and stopped talking about it. She gently patted the railing in front of her and made up her mind: "Since that's the case, then I'll act in it. After all, Sister Yifei has agreed, and I am a major shareholder of Xujing Film Industry."

"However, Director Li, I think I've spotted some of your little schemes. Be careful from now on, or I might catch you red-handed."

As she spoke, Jing Tian drew out her words, then suddenly reached out and took Liu Yifei's arm, leaning half her body against her. "Sister Yifei, we're going to be filming a movie together soon, how about we get to know each other a little beforehand? Don't pay any attention to this jerk~"

Liu Yifei was taken aback by Jing Tian's sudden intimacy. Her mind flashed back to when Jing Tian visited the set of "Love Announcement" last year, and she seemed to have seen something strange about Jing Tian at that time.

She jolted awake and quickly pulled her hand away from Jing Tian's embrace, a hint of panic on her face.

As Li Xu watched this scene, a wicked thought suddenly stirred within him, just a tiny bit.