Life countdown begins, ice queen bursts into security room

Chapter 170 Three Top Divas Send Their Blessings

The opening ceremony was held in the courtyard of the resort hotel.

In the center of the courtyard stood a long table, covered with a red cloth, upon which sat a bronze incense burner and offerings of fruit.

The two sides are lined with upright flower baskets.

Six months ago, Jiang Fan was a name that few people in the industry would have known.

But in the past six months—more than ten hit songs, and the behind-the-scenes force behind the champion of The Voice of China.

The number of media present was several times greater than Ning Yuan had anticipated.

Although a project worth 40 million is only a small amount, Ning Yuan is not the kind of director who likes to create hype.

But when the reporters glanced at the names on the flower baskets, they knew their trip hadn't been in vain.

The card on the far left has four words written on it: "Box Office Success". It is signed: Su Yuyan.

Next to it was Tang Yingxue's, with a ribbon that read "Good luck on the start of the project".

Xu Qingya also sent one – wishing everyone good luck.

Further down the list are: Mr. Zhang from Tencent Video, Director Fang from The Voice of China, and representatives from Gucci...

While the reporters were taking pictures of the flower baskets with their phones, they had already started writing headlines.

"Three top female stars send their blessings as Xinghuo Media's new film begins filming."

The ceremony officially began at 10:00 AM.

Jiang Fan, Ning Yuan, Shen Feng, and Ma Yue stood in front of the main table, with the rest of the people lined up behind them.

Each person held three sticks of incense in their hand.

Li Cheng wore a new suit and, unusually, stood on the stage as the emcee.

"Homage to the East—May auspicious purple clouds rise from the east, and may the filming go smoothly!"

Everyone turned east and bowed in unison.

"Honoring the South—May the south wind bring boundless success to the box office!"

"Worship the West..."

After the final bow, the incense stick was placed into the bronze incense burner, and wisps of smoke rose into the air.

Reporters below the stage, armed with cameras and microphones, snapped photos in rapid succession.

"President Jiang, give me a smile—"

The photographer in the front row shouted.

Jiang Fan looked at the camera cooperatively, a slight smile on his lips.

Ning Yuan, standing next to him, had a blank expression the whole time, with his hands behind his back, looking like he wanted to finish filming quickly so he could get back to work.

After the ceremony concluded, the media interview session began.

Reporters swarmed around him, shoving microphones in front of Ning Yuan's face.

"Director Ning, you haven't directed a film in over a year. What brought you together with Xinghuo Media for this collaboration?"

Ning Yuan reached out and pushed the microphone outwards two inches, giving himself some space.

"The script is good. It's that simple. Once I read the script, I knew it had to be made."

"Could you give me a general idea of what the story is going to be like?"

"A comedy. A time-travel story." Ning Yuan paused, "But it's different from the ones on the market. You'll have to see for yourselves how it's different when it's released."

After speaking, Ning Yuan took half a step back, giving up his position.

The meaning is clear—stop asking.

The reporters tactfully turned their microphones towards Jiang Fan.

"Mr. Jiang, as the investor and screenwriter, what is the total investment for this film?"

"Including post-production and marketing, it'll probably cost around 70 million."

"What are your expectations for the box office?"

Jiang Fan thought for a moment.

"Starting at one billion."

The scene fell silent for a moment.

Someone behind them handed the recorder forward, afraid they might have misheard.

A billion? A film with a budget of 70 million, and you're talking about a billion?

The veteran reporters exchanged a glance.

Last year's comedy box office champion only made 1.2 billion.

That was still a lineup of big stars, a major marketing campaign, and a summer blockbuster release.

A new company with an entirely amateur workforce dares to ask for a billion dollars?

"President Jiang seems very confident," a female reporter said with a smile, adding, "I heard this film is aiming for the Spring Festival release?"

"That's right." Jiang Fan nodded. "The high ticket prices during the Spring Festival give us a natural advantage in reaching 1 billion yuan. Secondly, it's the New Year, so everyone needs a movie that can make the whole family laugh. That's exactly what our film is about."

The female reporter then asked, "Mr. Jiang, the cast of 'Goodbye Mr. Loser' doesn't seem very impressive; it's all new faces. What were your considerations when casting the actors?"

Jiang Fan glanced at Shen Feng and the others standing behind him.

"When Director Ning and I select actors, we only consider whether the role is suitable, not the actor's status."

He paused for a moment.

"Besides, these actors are all very talented. Don't let their current lack of fame fool you—I dare say that after this movie is released, everyone here will have to make an appointment in advance if they want to interview them."

Hearing this from behind, Shen Feng felt a lump in his throat and had to bite his back teeth to hold it in.

Ma Yue turned to look at him and whispered, "Don't cry, the reporters are still filming."

"Who's crying?" Shen Feng rubbed his eyes hard. "I'm getting into character for the scene this afternoon."

Lunzi added from the side, "Brother, you're building up your emotions way too early."

Shen Feng was about to hit him on the head when Ma Yue stopped him.

Another male reporter raised his hand: "Mr. Jiang, I'd like to ask, while your songwriting is widely recognized as excellent, screenwriting is a different field altogether. Do you think audiences will accept it?"

Jiang Fan wasn't angry; he just smiled.

"You'll see when it's released. What I say now might not be believed anyway. Let's wait and see."

"Mr. Jiang, there's one more question—" the male reporter pressed, "I noticed that all three top female stars sent flower baskets. What's your relationship with them?"

"It's a cooperative relationship."

Jiang Fanyu took a step back and waved her hand.

"Alright, stop asking me. There are so many people in the crew, interview some other people too."

The reporters tacitly skipped over Ning Yuan.

Given that attitude just now, asking around would only result in being turned away.

The microphone was moved to Shen Feng's face.

"Mr. Shen Feng, you come from a theatrical background, and this is your first time playing the male lead in a film. What are your thoughts?"

Shen Feng cleared his throat: "My feeling is—a stage play is only performed for eighty people a night, but a movie release has to be responsible to tens of millions of viewers. The pressure is several orders of magnitude greater."

The reporter smiled. "So, what are your expectations for the box office?"

Shen Feng rubbed his hands together: "I'm not comparing myself to President Jiang. I just hope to do justice to the audience's ticket price. I just hope they don't leave the theater cursing me."

Another burst of laughter erupted from the audience.

The microphone was handed to Ma Yue.

"Ms. Ma Yue, I heard you play the female lead, Ma Dongmei, in the film?"

Ma Yue put her hands on her hips: "Yes."

"Could you describe this character?"

"A woman who sacrificed everything for her husband, only to have him turn out to be a disappointment." Ma Yue paused, then pointed to Shen Feng beside her. "Isn't that him?"

Shen Feng: "...Could you please watch your mouth?"

The whole audience burst into laughter.

As the interview process came to a close, a reporter handed the microphone to Lu Wanqing, who was standing in the corner.

"Ms. Lu Wanqing, you've only been in the industry for less than a year and don't have any representative works yet. I heard that the competition for the role of Qiuya was very strong—what do you think made you the right choice?"

Lu Wanqing gripped the hem of her skirt tightly.

She opened her mouth, but the answer she had prepared in her mind turned into a jumbled mess due to nervousness.

His lips moved twice, but not a single word came out.

Sister Zhou was so anxious that she was about to step forward.

"Because she is the most suitable."

The sound came from the side.

Jiang Fan walked over and stood next to Lu Wanqing.

"As I just said, we don't consider star power when casting. Out of dozens of candidates, Director Ning and I both agreed that she was the most suitable for the role of Qiuya. As for the reason—"

Jiang Fan glanced at Lu Wanqing.

"Once the movie is released, the audience will give their own answer."

The reporter pressed further, "So what are your expectations for her?"

"I just hope she acts well. Don't worry about anything else."

Lu Wanqing stood to the side, her heart pounding.

She glanced at Jiang Fan, who was looking at the reporters with a relaxed and natural expression.

"Thank you, President Jiang," Lu Wanqing said softly.

Jiang Fan turned his head, nodded at her, and left.

After the morning's schedule was completed, the crew had a working lunch.

At 1:30 pm, Ning Yuan clapped his hands.

"Everyone get ready, the first session starts at 2 PM!"

The site staff began moving the equipment.