Chapter 114: The Originator
"the banquet" and "battle of wits" have successively wrapped up, and infighting may be inevitable.
"the banquet" has confirmed its bid for next year's Oscar! Following Chen Kaige, Feng Xiaogang is also unwilling to be outdone.
Feng Xiaogang: Filming "the banquet" is just to play the grandson!
Early in the morning, all the news was about Huayi Brothers. At the beginning of the Year of the Dog, Huayi Brothers seemed to want to vent its pent-up frustration!
Feng Kuzi still had to pretend to be a grandson. When he saw Chen Kaige, he always called him 'Master Kai, Master Kai'.
Why pretend? He was a true grandson.
Wang Zhonglei was going to Berlin to sell snippets of "the banquet" and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" starring Feng Xiaogang's wife.
Chen Kaige was also going to Berlin for a desperate fight, coordinating with Warner, the new North American distributor of "The Promise," to promote "The Promise."
Li Chen had even more reason to promote his "those years."
Director Li Chen's script's reputation and the Golden Palm title now had a brand effect in Asia and Europe.
"shoplifters," "new world," "father's love is like a mountain," and "painted skin" had laid a solid foundation for him among film distributors in Asia and Europe.
Even in North America, Director Li Chen was a rising star.
His and Miss Liu's "those years" would definitely not lack a market in Asia.
Even in Europe, it was highly likely to be favored by some countries.
For example, the romantic country of France, after all, it was only 2006.
When "those years" was released in 2011, it could be said to have swept Asia.
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and Korea all received immense popularity.
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Japan also bought the remake rights and TV series adaptation rights for "those years," and filmed their own movies and TV series.
Why shouldn't he use this opportunity in Berlin to give Miss Liu a push?
As the saying goes, a good wind helps one reach the clouds.
At worst, it could help her gain recognition in Asia.
Yang Siwei was extremely happy when she received Director Li Chen's call. She could go to Berlin again!
"Boss, you should have decided this earlier. Look at how much 'The Promise' has been criticized, and they still have the nerve to hold a Premiere in Berlin!"
"Originally, Teacher Xue and I were planning to hold a screening next month in the capital. After all, your golden signboard, Boss, is a guarantee of box office for those film distributors."
"Hmm, you go ahead and inform them. Bring Tangtang, but no need to bring other actors. I'll talk to Yifei."
"Also, let the reporters know. Let's see Huayi Brothers. Are we being too low-key!"
This year, only one Chinese film was nominated for the main competition unit of the Berlin Film Festival: Hong Kong's Peng Haoxiang's "isabella."
But there were quite a few Chinese films going to Berlin for exhibition.
In addition to the ones mentioned before, there were also Zhang Jingchu and Fan Wei's "A Journey of Fragrance." Everyone's goal was very clear.
It was all for the film distributors from all over the world at the Berlin Film Festival.
Director Li Chen told Miss Liu and Liu's Mother about his decision to go to Berlin.
"Really? You're not lying?" Miss Liu asked in surprise.
Thinking of walking the red carpet at the Berlin Film Festival with her boyfriend, her heart couldn't help but leap with joy.
"There's no prize for lying to you. I've already asked Yang Siwei to prepare," Director Li Chen said, playfully flicking Miss Liu's nose.
Miss Liu linked her arm with Director Li Chen, and the two snuggled together on the sofa opposite Liu's Mother.
Liu's Mother was also happy for her daughter: "Director Li Chen, next time you have to say it earlier. Yifei's schedule for this month is all arranged, and now it has to be adjusted temporarily."
Director Li Chen nodded and said, "I also made a temporary decision, Auntie. Huang Xiaoming is filming 'New Shanghai Bund,' so it's fine to postpone Yifei's 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' promotion for a few days."
"Compared to the promotion of 'those years,' the promotion of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' is not as important. This might be one of Yifei's representative works."
Liu's Mother heard Director Li Chen speak with such confidence, but she was not convinced.
She had filmed two such types of movies before, with famous directors and popular young actors, but they hadn't made any waves.
"It is reported that 'those years,' produced by Rongchen Film and Television and starring Li Chen and Liu Yifei, will also go to Berlin for exhibition."
Yang Siwei connected with Berlin, and Berlin, of course, welcomed them.
This year's Berlin Film Festival was a bit quiet. Although twenty-six films were nominated, only thirteen were truly competing for the Golden Bear.
"I envy Siwei and Tangtang for being able to go to Berlin," Yang Mi popped up in the Q group.
"Sister Xun went to America to meet the parents, Tangtang and Siwei went to Berlin, and only Xiao Zhu and I are left to guard the house!"
Yang Mi skillfully typed on the keyboard.
Yang Siwei had already told her to go back to school after the new semester and settle down to study diligently.
Before her junior year, the company would not let her take on frequent acting roles each year.
Yang Mi was somewhat unconvinced in her heart. She believed that compared to the students at school, she was a senior.
She had been acting since she was a child, so what else was there to learn?
Yifei didn't study either, didn't she still get roles every day?
However, she didn't dare to cause trouble. If she fell out with her senior again now, she might really become a rat crossing the street.
Li Shaohong found Zhang Ziyi and was also going to film a movie related to the Three Kingdoms, seemingly to tell the outside world that without Zhou Xun, Rongxingda was still Rongxingda.
Yang Mi, bored, complained a couple of times to her father. She came to Rongchen Film and Television, thinking she would have endless acting opportunities.
Instead, she got 'study hard, make progress every day.'
Unexpectedly, her father, Yang Xiaolin, didn't see it that way. On the contrary, he felt that the company's arrangements were correct.
"What do you mean, Brother Xiaolin? Don't you know if your daughter can act?" Yang Mi argued with her father.
Yang Xiaolin laughed and said, "Yours is all self-taught, without systematic learning. Even I, an outsider, don't think much of it!"
"Xiao Mi, listen to your father. If you want to go far, you have to be down-to-earth. Without accumulating small steps, you can't travel a thousand miles."
Yang Mi said impatiently, "Alright, Brother Xiaolin, I just can't explain it to you!"
The day before going to Berlin, the young and beautiful Scarlett Johansson made headlines on Sina.
"Scarlett and Keira appeared nude on the cover of 'Vanity Fair.'"
Although Keira had just been nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress, she was truly overshadowed by Scarlett Johansson.
Scarlett Johansson's main appeal was two words: fair, and big!
Any normal man who saw it would have their blood rushing.
Compared to Edison Chen's several 'friends' a few years later, the difference was immeasurable!
No wonder she would later become one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses.
On the flight to Berlin, the girls gathered together and had a lot to talk about, while Liu's Mother and Liu Yifei's assistant sat behind them.
"Yifei, did my boss see Scarlett Johansson's photo today?" Yang Siwei asked with a sly smile.
Director Li Chen closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep. Miss Liu glanced at Director Li Chen, smiling playfully: "You'll have to ask your boss about that. I asked him if he saw it, and he said he did, and it was just 'so-so'!"
Director Li Chen felt unlucky remembering that morning's scene.
Director Li Chen just said 'it was just so-so.'
Miss Liu immediately pressed him, asking if he had seen anything more stimulating!
Director Li Chen really wanted to slap himself. Miss Liu was sometimes very slow to react in certain areas.
But when it came to Director Li Chen, her reaction was definitely one word: fast!
Director Li Chen explained for a long time before finally getting past the incident.
Unexpectedly, Yang Siwei brought it up again now.
Director Li Chen couldn't pretend to be asleep anymore. He opened his eyes and said seriously, "Yifei, Scarlett Johansson is indeed beautiful, but I don't like her."
"Just like that Star Girl, even if she's naked, she's not as good as you in my eyes."
Although Miss Liu still had a stern face, the smile in her eyes and the slightly upturned corners of her mouth indicated that the storm had passed.
"Oh, that's so cheesy, Boss! I can't take it anymore, Tangtang," Yang Siwei complained, leaning into Tang Yan's arms.
"Siwei, I didn't realize you were so good at digging pits. What good would it do you to bury your boss one day?" Director Li Chen said with a half-smile.
Yang Siwei was stunned. Miss Liu smiled and said, "Don't mind him. With me backing you, he wouldn't dare do anything to you."
After speaking, Miss Liu even tossed her head proudly.
Director Li Chen was internally injured from anger!
Tang Yan leaned back, hiding behind Yang Siwei's sturdy figure and secretly laughing. It was rare to see the boss in a predicament.
Upon arriving in Berlin, Tim had already arrived at the airport to pick them up.
He waved to Director Li Chen and the others from a distance.
"Hi, Boss, Boss's wife, and Siwei. This must be Miss Tang Yan," Tim said, approaching them with a familiar smile.
Tang Yan had already learned from Yang Siwei that this white man was the boss's representative in Hollywood.
"Hello, Tim. I didn't expect your Chinese to be so good," Tang Yan said with a smile.
"Tim, be careful, there are reporters at the airport!" Director Li Chen reminded him.
Tim immediately became a bit more reserved. The accompanying bodyguards escorted them quickly out of the airport.
Once in the car, Tim reported his work to Director Li Chen.
"Boss, I contacted some old friends from Seattle and the Tribeca Film Festival, and also found reporters from 'Daily Variety' and 'Hollywood Report,' to ensure that your film 'those years' will shine in Berlin."
Director Li Chen was satisfied. Yang Siwei had already contacted the film distributors in Asia and Europe.
Tim was the producer of "buried." Before coming, Director Li Chen had told him to contact some North American selectors.
Even if there was no intention in the end, they had to create a buzz.
Andy Lau had already arrived in Berlin from Hong Kong.
Upon reaching the hotel, Chinese and foreign reporters were already waiting there.
"Look, Director Li is here, and Liu Yifei. The white man next to them seems to be Tim from Panda (Chiyou Films)."
A group of reporters swarmed like bees. Director Li Chen and his party hadn't even entered the hotel when they were blocked outside the door.
"Director Li, you brought Yifei to Berlin this time. Are you going to make your relationship official?"
Director Li Chen and the others all had smiles on their faces, having long anticipated that reporters would ask this.
"Director Li, if 'those years' is not well-received in Berlin, will your self-esteem be hurt?"
"Director Li Chen, your oriental campus romance story 'those years' is rumored to be the first film to tell the first love story of you Orientals, and it's also your big screen debut."
"Even Markel, the president of the Venice Film Festival, told us yesterday that he is very much looking forward to what your old friend's big screen debut will be like. Tell us about your feelings."
Markel was truly unwilling to be outdone. He was clearly just the president of the Venice Film Festival, but he made himself out to be like the president of the three major European film festivals.
From the moment Director Li Chen participated in the Cannes Film Festival, he hadn't missed a single event, like a tool person.
Director Li Chen avoided the important and dwelled on the trivial, not responding to the rumors about him and Liu Yifei.
He just smiled and said, "'those years' is different from the passionate, bold, and uninhibited love stories of the West. It tells the story of the introverted, subtle, and beautiful first love of our young people in the East."
"It is also the love story that our generation of post-80s can most relate to. I believe you won't be disappointed after watching it, because it is bound to set off a wave of youth in Asia."
"You can wait and see. My 'those years,' as we Chinese say, will become the originator of youth romance films."
"Afterwards! Countless imitators!"
Liu's Mother was somewhat surprised by Director Li Chen's bragging!
After Director Li Chen finished answering, Yang Siwei came up at the right time and smiled, "If anyone has any questions, you can continue to ask me, and I will answer them for you."
Director Li Chen and the others entered the hotel under the escort of bodyguards.
"You really dare to brag! And 'the originator'... But, your confidence when facing the media just now was finally a bit handsome, wasn't it, Tangtang?"
In the elevator, Miss Liu said with a giggle.
"Exactly, every time the boss faces the media, he's like a different person, radiating wealth!" Tang Yan also laughed.
"What do you two know! This is originally a marketing strategy, not to mention I didn't exaggerate. You'll know in the future."
"It's a shame you two are the leads in this play, especially you, Yifei. You need to have confidence in 'those years.'"
Miss Liu feigned anger and said, "Director Li, watch your attitude!"
Tang Yan turned her head away, pretending not to see.
Director Li Chen smiled and nodded: "Tangtang is a smart person, she knows 'see no evil, hear no evil,' unlike your agent! Yang Siwei!"
Director Li Chen and the others each had a room. Although he wanted to book one with Miss Liu and let his annoying mother-in-law sleep alone.
But there were too many reporters at the hotel.
If they really stayed in one room, wouldn't that be giving the paparazzi solid evidence?
After returning to their respective rooms, Director Li Chen had barely sat down when the doorbell rang.
He opened the door and saw Markel, like a small mountain, with open arms.
"Li Chen, my friend, we meet again."
"It's good to see you again in Berlin, Markel," Director Li Chen also opened his arms and gave the other party a big hug.
The two sat down on the sofa.
Director Li Chen smiled and said, "Wait a moment, I'll introduce you to my girlfriend."
"You have a girlfriend? Oh my goodness, I'm so curious which girl is so lucky."
Director Li Chen picked up the phone and dialed Miss Liu's room.
"Yifei, come over here for a bit. I want to introduce a friend to you."
"Ah, okay."
After hanging up the phone, Miss Liu was a bit flustered.
"Mom, Director Li Chen wants to introduce a friend to me. What should I wear?" Liu Yifei asked while rummaging through her closet.
Several well-known domestic clothing brands and jewelry brands that Miss Liu endorsed, knowing she was coming to Berlin, had provided many options and sent them to the hotel early.
Liu's Mother shook her head and chuckled, "Since it's a friend, just be casual. It's not like you're walking the red carpet, why are you so excited?"
Miss Liu stopped her actions, realizing Liu's Mother's words were right.
She picked up a black slim-fit leather jacket, paired with a high-neck pure white wool sweater and khaki casual pants.
After putting them on, she twirled in front of the mirror, feeling good about herself.
"Li Chen, why isn't your girlfriend here yet? I can't wait."
"Markel, have some patience. In our country, it's only right for men to wait for women."