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

Upon hearing Wang Xuan's words, the group of reporters' eyes gleamed. Their trip hadn't been in vain; they'd struck gold.

The "Red Cliff" project is led by China Film Group and directed by Hollywood director John Woo, bringing together a group of the top actors in the Chinese-speaking world.

When the movie was released, it was ridiculed and criticized severely by netizens, and no one in the film industry, who always thought highly of themselves, dared to stand up and tell the truth.

Just as "Red Cliff Part II" was being released, Wang Xuan did just that.

A group of reporters, never one to shy away from a good spectacle, excitedly pressed, "Director Wang, so you think 'Red Cliff' is a film with personal agendas smuggled in?"

"Of course, what decent person would go to the Three Kingdoms to oppose the war?"

This remark drew another round of laughter from the audience.

Zhang Fengyi on stage looked somewhat helpless. When he received the script for "Red Cliff," he knew it wasn't a serious historical drama.

But he was still involved in the film, and when he heard Wang Xuan's criticism, his face darkened.

"She's really daring; she'll definitely make the headlines," Chai Biyun whispered.

Wang Xuan smiled. He wanted to use the drastic changes made to "Red Cliff" to remind the director and screenwriter of "The Great Biography of Sun Tzu" to ensure that the characters were faithful to historical figures.

As for what John Woo thinks, who cares about the thoughts of a director who relies on the mainland for a living?

The cocktail party has begun.

Lu Zhen walked over with a wine glass in his hand: "What you just said was rash; it might offend someone."

Wang Xuan was quite surprised. This person had never given him a friendly look. Was this person actually concerned about him?

"I'm just stating the facts. The film and television industry needs people to tell the truth. Dramatically altering historical dramas will get you criticized."

Hearing Wang Xuan's pointed remark, Lu Zhen nodded subconsciously: "I'll have someone keep an eye on the plot of this drama."

...

"Brother Xuan, don't you think this drama is good?" The young lady frowned.

Criticizing a poorly adapted historical film in front of a historical drama that is about to start filming clearly reveals the intention behind it.

"I haven't even read the script, how would I know?" Wang Xuan shook his head in denial.

If the young lady wants to act, then she should just focus on acting. The responsibility of supervision should be borne by Lu Zhen.

Of course, this is also Jing Tian's last TV series. When he returns from Berlin, he will tailor-make a script for the young lady.

···

That afternoon, news reports appeared on the topic of "The Great Biography of Sun Tzu".

News about the filming commencement ceremony was glossed over. The media, knowing what the audience wants to see, highlighted and bolded Wang Xuan's original criticism of "Red Cliff" in bold on the front page.

Director Wang Xuan angrily criticized "Red Cliff," saying it drastically altered history and had a nonsensical plot.

"Director Wang Xuan is suspected of implying that Wu Yusen was subtly promoting his own agenda..."

"..."

Previously, no one in the industry dared to stand up, but now Wang Xuan has directly named someone, gaining a lot of support from netizens.

"Supporting Director Wang's comments means this is a film with his own agenda smuggled in, and the characters and plot are completely fabricated..."

"I've already been fooled once, I'm not going to fall for it a second time."

"To be honest, if you watch it as a comedy, it's actually quite funny."

"You can even defend this? The person upstairs must be a paid shill!"

···

China Film Group.

Han Sanping looked at the newspaper on the table, especially Wang Xuan's words, and felt somewhat irritated.

They were hoping to recoup some losses with the sequel, but with an influential director like Wang Xuan criticizing it, the box office will likely be affected.

I want to give the young people a warning, but I'm also a little reluctant.

The reason is simple: Wang Xuan is an accomplished director in mainland China and the youngest director there.

He has always cherished talent.

If an actor dared to say that, he'd have to taste the iron fist of China Film Group.

The secretary knocked on the door and came in, saying:

"Chairman Han, Wu Yusen just called, hoping the bureau will warn Wang Xuan that his remarks have already had a negative impact on the film."

"Would there be positive reports if he didn't say anything?"

Han Sanping's face was ashen, his fingers tapping on the table. As if struck by a thought, he asked:

"That kid's new film has been submitted to Berlin, right?"

Hearing her boss's seemingly nonsensical question, the secretary immediately realized that the question was about Wang Xuan and replied:

"I heard they've already registered."

"You call him yourself and tell him to bring me back a trophy, otherwise—heh."

Han Sanping smiled sinisterly. Young people have too much free time; they need some pressure.

The secretary opened her mouth, but swallowed what she wanted to say.

I thought a few words of criticism would be enough, but I didn't expect such a severe punishment. That's Berlin, even if Zhang Yimou went there, he wouldn't dare to guarantee that he would win an award.

···

Wang Xuan had just come out of Tian Zhuangzhuang's office when his phone rang. It was an unknown number calling.

After hesitating for a moment, I answered the call anyway:

"Who is it?"

"Director Wang Xuan, I'm Secretary Han. Chairman Han heard that your film has been submitted to the Berlin Film Festival and hopes you can bring back an award."

Wang Xuan wondered if he had misheard. How could he have been encouraged?

It took me a moment to realize what was happening.

Zuo Shandiao is threatening him.

Wang Xuan asked in a low voice, "What if we gain nothing?"

"The leader didn't say anything, he just smiled."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan imagined Han Sanping with a gloomy face, letting out a "hehehe" laugh.

A chill ran down my spine.

He quickly dismissed the idea; the mountain eagle truly lived up to its reputation.

They can't even accept criticism.

Are you going to make things difficult for me?

Huayi Brothers was warned last time for directly releasing films to grab box office revenue.

Just as he was complaining about Han Sanping's domineering and autocratic behavior, Ning Hao called, and his first words were a teasing remark.

"I'm a little hesitant to invite you to the premiere of [Racing], I'm afraid you'll cause trouble again."

"If you're so afraid of trouble, then I won't go."

"No, no, no, I was just kidding."

Ning Hao said in a serious tone, "I won't send you an invitation. Just remember to come to the premiere."

"You're so stingy, you even try to save on a single sheet of paper," Wang Xuan complained.

···

Online discussions about the plot of "Red Cliff" disappeared completely within a day.

It wasn't that they were PR-driven; rather, their attention was diverted by a set of explicit photos and videos.

Zhang Ziyi, a strong contender for the Golden Bear, and her foreign boyfriend were seen applying sunscreen to each other on a beach.

But as she was applying the lotion, the woman's swim trunks were pulled down...

The woman didn't object at all, and had an expression of enjoyment on her face, fawning over her boyfriend.

Not satisfied with just painting, the man rolled over and pressed down on top, starting a human pyramid.

It has been visualized in broad daylight.

The internet was filled with insults, especially on Tianya forum, where it garnered millions of views and tens of thousands of comments within two hours.

"Disgraceful to the Chinese people, despicable..."

"Being played with and yet looking like you're enjoying it, how shameless..."

"Your fawning manner is disgusting. It really itches, so grab your slippers and pat it a couple of times."

The photos and videos spread very quickly, and Wang Xuan didn't believe that no one was behind it.

The competition between female celebrities is far more ruthless than that between male celebrities; it's clearly aimed at ruining someone's reputation.

Of course, it was also her own fault.