Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

[Hunting] When editing at Beijing Film Academy, many teachers and professors from the academy would come over from time to time out of curiosity.

Everyone wants to know where Wang Xuan got the confidence to submit his first art film to the Berlin Film Festival.

Although only a rough cut was seen, the teachers who watched it gave it extremely high praise. A few professors remained silent, lamenting that they were really getting old, and then complaining that Tian Zhuangzhuang was quick to act and had found a good apprentice.

Outside the film market, "Hardcore" and "Love Transfer 2" were released on the same day, kicking off the competition for the Lunar New Year film season.

Both companies earned around a million yuan on their opening day, but the gap widened starting from the second day.

The former only grossed 3.8 million yuan in three days, while the latter grossed 14.5 million yuan.

Compared to action movies, comedy films are more popular in the market.

On December 1st, Director Chen, for some unknown reason, held a screening the day before the premiere.

Media, film critics, and industry professionals were invited to preview the film.

After watching the film, the audience gave it extremely high praise in interviews, unanimously agreeing that Chen Kaige had returned to his previous level and far surpassed "The Promise".

When asked if they had reached the level of their performance in "Farewell My Concubine," they all smiled and remained silent.

The news report that day featured the following in bold and large font: Chen Kaige + Prequel to "Farewell My Concubine" + Peking Opera Theme, Possibly a contender for the Golden Bear.

"The odds are 50/50, and there's a chance of winning a prize."

Whether it's a press release arranged by the film company or sensationalist rhetoric from the media, these words are far too arrogant.

It gives the impression that Chen Kaige is determined to win the Berlin Film Festival soon.

On the 2nd, the premiere of "Mei Lanfang" was held at the Huairou Base.

According to the rules of the Berlin Film Festival, the premiere of a film in competition must be held at the festival.

However, an exception was made for Chen Kaige, allowing his film to be screened before the film festival.

As soon as Wang Xuan got out of the car, he was shocked by what he saw. Peking Opera elements were everywhere, making it look like a large theme park.

Along the 100-meter red carpet, blooming plum trees adorned both sides, and the words "Starry Night Global Premiere" were embossed on the backdrop wall.

As Wang Xuan walked the red carpet, he was once again stunned. The backdrop, flower pillars, and flower walls were covered with a large number of artificial plum blossom branches, which was extremely luxurious.

"Director Wang, this way please."

Wang Xuan followed the hostess into the celebration venue.

This was his first time attending a premiere, and it opened his eyes to the world; he had no idea that premieres could be so entertaining.

"Should we do it this way for the [hunting]?"

Wang Xuan had this idea, but he rejected it himself as soon as he had it.

The quality of a movie depends on the story itself. How much can a lavish premiere attract attention and boost box office revenue?

The atmosphere at the ceremony was very lively, with media, actors, and celebrities from all walks of life forming different circles and interacting with each other.

Chen Kaige's workplace is still affiliated with the Beijing Film Studio, and there were quite a few officials who came to show their support; his official jacket made it easy to spot.

Wang Xuan spotted Feng Xiaogang and his wife, as well as Chen Daoming, Zhang Guoli, Huang Xiaoming, and others.

Basically, everyone who comes is a top-tier figure in the industry.

Many Hong Kong and Taiwanese artists also came.

Although Gillian Chung's scenes were completely cut due to the photo scandal, it didn't stop Ying Huang from showing up to support her.

Even people from the cinema chains came; the positive reviews of the screening gave the major cinema chains a lot of confidence.

The main creators of the "Mei Lanfang" program haven't arrived yet, but the hosts for the gala are already in place: Taiwanese celebrity Cai Kangyong and CCTV host Jingwei.

This kind of occasion is a stage for making connections and expanding one's circle of fame and fortune. All sorts of people come over to exchange pleasantries and introduce themselves. Wang Xuan is already adept at handling this kind of scene.

"Director Wang~"

Hearing the familiar voice, Wang Xuan turned around and saw Jiang Wenli walking over with a smile, accompanied by a young girl.

"Sister Wenli, you look really beautiful in that outfit," Wang Xuan complimented politely.

However, her outfit was indeed daring, even a bit attention-grabbing.

She wore an ice-blue deep-V halter dress, her back exposed, showcasing the charm of a mature woman.

"Thank you for the compliment."

Jiang Wenli was clearly pleased; what older woman doesn't love to hear kind words?

She stepped aside for the girl behind her and introduced her, "Let me introduce you, this is my niece, Ma Sichun."

"Sichun, quickly call for help."

"Hello handsome, my name is Ma Sichun."

With a faint smile on her face, Ma Sichun extended her fair right hand, showing none of the restraint an actor would have when facing a director.

"That's rude, you should call him Director."

Wang Xuan interrupted Jiang Wenli's reprimand and said with a smile:

"We're about the same age, so calling me 'handsome guy' is fine, but calling me 'director' makes me sound old."

As he spoke, he took the outstretched hand, gently covered her fingertips, and withdrew it after a brief touch.

"You young people are chatting, but I see an old friend. I'll go over and say hello."

Before the two could react, Jiang Wenli walked towards a group of directors' wives.

Watching her aunt's retreating figure, Ma Sichun pursed her lips, knowing perfectly well what she was thinking.

However, she did not object to her "selling" herself and took the initiative to start the conversation.

"We're about the same age. I've only just started playing leading roles, while you've already won Best Actor and become a director. You're a true genius."

Compared to Wang Xuan's sudden emergence, Ma Sichun, the princess of the Northwest circle, has already acted in dozens of dramas, both big and small.

Little did she know, she was also the envy of others.

"I wouldn't call myself a genius, I'm just luckier than others."

Wang Xuan said modestly, found a place to sit, and said that given the current situation, it wouldn't be over anytime soon, so he should eat something to fill his stomach first.

"Would you like some?"

"Hehe, I'm hungry too."

Ma Sichun accepted the small cake and sat down in the seat next to her, showing no signs of the body image anxiety often associated with female celebrities.

The two of them didn't care what others thought and started eating.

"My aunt told me you filmed a really great movie. Can you tell me about it?"

Ma Sichun spoke indistinctly while eating.

···

Suddenly, a commotion arose at the entrance; the entire creative team of "Mei Lanfang" had arrived.

Zhang Ziyi's outfit attracted most of the attention: a burgundy strapless dress with a shawl draped over her shoulders, paired with an exaggerated retro hairstyle, which looked somewhat incongruous.

The ceremony began, and everyone took their seats.

"Hey handsome, let's exchange contact information."

Ma Sichun got in through family connections; her position was at the back.

"Even though what you said is true, please call me by my name."

Even with his thick skin, Wang Xuan couldn't resist being called "handsome guy" all the time.

"Hehe, you're naturally handsome."

Ma Sichun's eyes were sparkling, which made Wang Xuan a little uneasy. Could this girl be a lovesick fool?

After giving them his phone number, he quickly sent them away.

Superficial women only care about his handsome appearance.

On stage, the main creators were already seated. Chen Da gave a speech to thank the guests for coming, and then talked about the hardships of the creation process, his words full of satisfaction and praise for the work.

Then came the performance segment, where Li Yuchun took the stage to sing.