Huayu: Starting with mentoring female stars

Seeing the atmosphere become awkward again, the female host quickly changed the subject: "Director Chen, on behalf of the audience, I would like to ask when your new movie is expected to be released. I believe everyone is very curious about this question."

Chen Zhou replied, "My new movie is about to start filming. It's called 'No Man's Land,' and it's expected to be released sometime this year."

Upon hearing this, Lu Chuan immediately became restless. "It seems that Director Chen still hasn't listened to my advice."

"For example, my film 'Nanjing Nanjing' took half a year to film, and the subsequent production also required at least half a year."

"As a result, Director Chen might be releasing two films within a year. Doesn't that seem a bit disrespectful to the film industry?"

"I still hold the same view: as long as the movie is well made, the audience won't care about the length of the production time," Chen Zhou said.

Lu Chuan continued, "I also reserve my opinion: a film is like a bottle of fine wine; the longer it's stored, the richer and sweeter its flavor becomes, just like my film 'City of Life and Death'!"

After listening, Chen Zhou simply smiled and said, "If it's wine, it does taste better after being stored for a long time, but if it's industrial beer, there's no difference no matter how long it's stored."

Hearing these words, Lu Chuan was once again so angry that she wanted to explode.

Chen Zhou's meaning is clearly implying that his film "Nanjing Nanjing" only deserves to be called industrial beer!

Lu Chuan then said with amusement, "Since Director Chen's new movie may also be released this year, then that means it is very likely to clash with my movie 'Nanjing Nanjing'. At that time, things will get interesting."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhou replied, "If my new movie really does clash with Director Lu Chuan's work, I'll be so happy."

"Oh? What makes you happy?" Lu Chuan asked.

"My first film was released during the Lunar New Year holiday season, which was filled with big productions by big directors. The pressure was really immense. But if my new film is released alongside director Lu Chuan's work, then there will definitely be no pressure."

Upon hearing this, Lu Chuan glared at Chen Zhou. He wasn't stupid; he knew what Chen Zhou meant—that he didn't take his movie seriously.

So, Lu Chuan got tired of pretending and said directly to Chen Zhou, "Then I'll look forward to it. Let our movies be released at the same time, and then the audience will see which one is stronger!"

"Okay, I look forward to that day," Chen Zhou replied calmly.

The tension between the two had already filled the entire venue, and the host, instead of trying to ease the tension, chose to remain silent.

The others in the audience mostly admired Chen Zhou's courage.

It's important to know that Lu Chuan isn't some director from a humble background; her father has quite a reputation in the industry.

It's quite straightforward of Chen Zhou, who comes from a humble background, to dare to openly confront Lu Chuan like this.

Sun Honglei praised, "My respect for Director Chen has increased even more; this is the kind of spirit a young director should have."

Jiang Wei smiled and said, "My student is just that bold and spirited, which is what I like most about him."

Meanwhile, Gao Yuanyuan and Qin Lan were also whispering to each other.

Qin Lan spoke softly, "I always thought that among the younger generation of directors, Director Lu Chuan was definitely one of the most talented. But now it seems that Director Chen Zhou is much more talented than Director Lu Chuan. Most importantly, he's handsome and younger than me. Who wouldn't be smitten?"

Gao Yuanyuan whispered a reminder: "Shh, you can't say things like that here. If Director Lu Chuan hears this, he'll definitely be furious. Don't forget he's pursuing you right now. What man can stand the woman he admires praising another man?"

"So what? I didn't agree to date him, I was just telling the truth." Qin Lan's eyes remained fixed on Chen Zhou.

She simply loved Chen Zhou's unrestrained and free-spirited nature.

Not to mention that Chen Zhou helped Liu Yifei transition from a television actress to a film actress with just one movie.

From this perspective alone, she, as an actress, is very envious.

"Speaking of which, isn't Director Chen Zhou dating Liu Yifei?" Gao Yuanyuan recalled the news from before.

"I don't know, but there are a lot of rumors about the two of them. Maybe they've been dating?" Qin Lan guessed.

But Gao Yuanyuan heard these words in a completely different way.

If Chen Zhou were just a single man, her feelings for him might not be so strong.

But if Chen Zhou really already has a woman, then her longing for him will only deepen...

Not long after the exchange meeting ended, Chen Zhou and Lu Chuan were both in the news.

The reporters present all published headlines about the two of them.

The titles are basically similar.

Chen Zhou and Lu Chuan go all out, agreeing to a showdown in their new movie.

Because of these news reports, the debate over who is stronger between Chen Zhou and Lu Chuan has once again escalated online.

Some people believe that Chen Zhou cannot be compared to Lu Chuan.

Some also believe that, in terms of directing ability, Lu Chuan is only fit to carry Chen Zhou's shoes.

Because Lu Chuan's total box office revenue for all the movies he has made so far is only a little over ten million.

However, he has always been called a so-called great director, which is simply undeserved and a fraud.

Chen Zhou ignored these news reports and continued to attend to his own affairs.

The following afternoon, in a conference room at a hotel.

Chen Zhou called all the main actors of "No Man's Land" together.

A script reading session was held before filming began.

The female lead is Jing Tian.

The male lead is Zhu Yilong.

Sun Honglei, the poaching boss.

His methods of killing were also magnificent.

Gao Ye, the shopkeeper.

And some other supporting characters.

It was clear that everyone present was extremely excited.

As soon as Chen Zhou sat down, Sun Honglei eagerly said, "Director Chen, I've read this script several times already. It's really well written! When Lao Duan and I got drunk before, I regretted it after waking up, feeling like you tricked me. But now, even if you want to kick me out, I'm not leaving. I love this role!"

Duan Yihong wholeheartedly agreed, saying, "Indeed, the most precious thing for an actor is to encounter a role they like, and the overall script must be good. I've really hit the jackpot by being able to join this production team."

"I'm glad you don't regret it. After all, you two were indeed tricked by me." Chen Zhou was a little embarrassed.

Then, he looked at the others and found that Jing Tian and Gao Ye both seemed particularly restrained, and their faces were stiff, clearly due to excessive nervousness.

"Jing Tian, ​​Gao Ye, aren't you two going to say a few words?" Chen Zhou struck up a conversation with them, wanting them to relax a bit.

As a result, Jing Tian and Gao Ye both jumped in surprise.

Gao Ye stammered, "H-Hello everyone, I'm Gao Ye, a student at the Beijing Film Academy. Thank you, Director Chen, for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to participate in this film. Thank you."

Jing Tian: "Hello, my name is Jing Tian, ​​and I am Director Chen's girlfriend."

Chen Zhou: "???"

Everyone: "???"