I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 316, "To Youth," a special screening at our alma mater!

September 2011, 10, noon.

Chen Jin woke up from her sleep.

I didn't get home until after 2 a.m. last night, and since I hadn't slept well for the past few days, I slept for almost 9 hours straight.

All fatigue vanished.

A young body is resilient.

Chen Jin didn't get up immediately, but instead reached out and turned on airplane mode on her phone.

This is his daily routine when he wakes up; there must be a lot of messages. He also made a point of turning off his phone last night before going to sleep. In the past, if something happened, he would basically keep his phone on 24 hours a day.

Chen Jin scrolled through the messages sent by Gong Ge and replied to each one.

Old Gong is flying to the United States tonight, accompanied by several assistants. As for the crew, it depends on the outcome of the discussions between Gong Ge'er and Sun Nuo—whether to temporarily recruit a Hollywood filming crew or find some people in China to fly over.

The costs are actually about the same.

For Chinese tourists, prices are cheaper, but it's more troublesome; Hollywood has high costs for labor, etc.

There is actually another compromise, but Hollywood executives probably wouldn't agree to it: key personnel, such as the cinematographer, lighting, and sound engineers, should be found by trustworthy people in China, and their Hollywood affiliates could recruit the relevant staff.

This is clearly feasible, but neither the Chinese behind-the-scenes staff in Hollywood nor the white staff would likely be willing to do so.

Therefore, this was Chen Jin's original intention in sending Gong Ge over—at least to probe the situation first.

Buzz!
My phone rang at that moment.

"Ok!"

Chen Jin swiped the screen; the call was from Zhu Yanmanzi.

"Are you awake?"

"Just woke up!"

Chen Jin stretched, then got up, put her phone on speakerphone, and went into the bathroom.

I knew you were sleeping!

"I tried calling again but couldn't get through..."

Zhu Yanmanzi made this phone call while standing downstairs in the dormitory building of the Central Academy of Drama.

"Did you go to class?"

Chen Jin asked instinctively as she brushed her teeth.

After exchanging a few casual words, Zhu Yanmanzi finally revealed the reason for her call: "I told my mom about our situation!"

"Then what!"

"My mom's just worried that you'll become too famous, and she's afraid I'll suffer because of it~~~"

Zhu Yanmanzi spoke with a relaxed expression. Chen Jin rinsed her mouth, wiped her lips, and looked at herself in the mirror.

His handsome face has sharp features, and he doesn't look like someone who lacks women.

It's perfectly normal for a future mother-in-law to have such concerns.

"Then what do you think?"

Chen Jin started washing his face again. Listening to the sounds coming from the other end of the phone, and his voice without any change in emotion, Zhu Yanmanzi smiled and said, "Let them think what they want, let's talk about what we want!"

"I just announced to them that we're together, I didn't ask for their approval or disapproval!"

Zhu Yanmanzi spoke very calmly.

Only a woman knows what her boyfriend is like. Although many girls have suffered greatly because of this kind of confidence, no one thinks that they are the ones who have suffered a loss. They always have wishful thinking.

Zhu Yanmanzi trusted Chen Jin, believing that Chen Jin was the exception.

"If that's what you're saying, then the talks didn't go very well!"

Chen Jin raised her head and sighed softly: "Actually, it's perfectly normal for Auntie to have such worries, I can understand it!"

"I'll handle it!"

"This will only worsen the relationship between you and your daughter!"

"it is good!"

Zhu Yanmanz actually wanted to ask Chen Jin how to handle it, but after thinking about it, she didn't ask.

Actually, Chen Jin was just saying it casually; he didn't have any good solutions.

Who isn't experiencing love for the first time?
Fortunately, he has experienced the lives of many characters, so... he is actually very experienced.

This matter did not burden Chen Jin. After hanging up the phone with Zhu Yanmanzi, Chen Jin took a taxi to the company.

In the afternoon, I talked with Wen Muye about "Grandma's Grandson". Tian Zhuangzhuang wanted to rest, as she is getting old, so Chen Jin didn't insist.

The director for the final film, "Train to Busan," has not yet been decided.

Zombie movies like this are difficult to get approved, so let's get the script sorted out first. As for the director, Chen Jin thought around and there really weren't many suitable ones in China. If that didn't work out... Chen Jin's trip to Hollywood could help her find one in the United States.

Chen Jin remembered a guy who was good at making horror movies, named James Wan. In the movie library, Chen Jin had seen quite a few of his films.

Because of the different filming systems, China Film Studio is actually a director-centric system, meaning that the director has a very high status.

Apart from the new director, most people still ignore Chen Jin.

In the United States, the producer-centric system prevails.

In other words, the producer is the one with the most say.

Directors... often have a low status unless they make several blockbuster movies, which is equivalent to a movie star. Once they have their own fame, they can discuss things with the producer; but ultimately, the producer decides on some roles and filming matters.

The director is only responsible for overseeing the direction of the film and the script. Except for a few super directors, such as Nolan and Cameron, that's a different level altogether.

James Wan is clearly not at that level yet.

However, he has already made the "Chainsaw" series, which holds a certain place in the hearts of horror fans around the world.

Chen Jin could only try her luck and see if the script could impress this guy.

That's still possible.

"That means I'll be starring in about three movies next year!"

"A total of 10 were produced by CETC!"

Chen Jin was calculating the films that the film science investment would cover in the next two years. Apart from his own films "Grandma", "The Fast and the Furious" and "Busan", there was also "Lost in Thailand", which was not starring Chen Jin, but was already being filmed.

Projects that haven't been filmed but are confirmed include "Silent Witness," "American Dreams in China," Zhang Yimou's "The Criminal Lu Yanshi," Tian Yusheng's "Love is Not Blind 3," and Diao Yinan's "Black Coal, Thin Ice."
Hu Bo's "The Neighborhood" is still in the script conception stage.

The total investment for these films is approximately 5 million.

Currently, CETC has 1.5 million yuan in its accounts.

This includes box office revenue from "Life's Big Events," revenue sharing from internet multimedia platforms, and profit sharing from CCTV's "Poetry and Lyrics."

"They've taken a bit too big a step!"

"Let's see how much we can get from 'So Young,' or we can ask the bank for some collateral!"

For a typical film and television company, this kind of investment and expansion would definitely be a precursor to disaster; who would invest so much all at once?

Although many projects have not yet started and money has not yet been invested, launching ten projects simultaneously within a year is indeed a very crazy move.

Fortunately, Chen Jin Electric Technology also owns shares in Dida and Xiaomi, so even if the cash flow is not keeping up, Chen Jin is not afraid.

These are high-quality assets that can withstand risks.

……

For the next few days, Chen Jin spent most of her time at the company.

On November 2nd, the first university screening of "Love is Not Blind 2: So Young" finally took place at Chen Jin's alma mater, Peking University.

In fact, there have been several internal screenings and small-scale screenings at the Beijing Film Academy in the past two days, and the response has been very positive.

Guo Fan went from being anxious at the beginning to being full of confidence now.

The screening gave him some confidence. Especially since the media and some film critics gave it very positive ratings; more than one person said that *Love is Not Blind 2* surpassed the first film, *Love is Not Blind*!
This is exactly the kind of positive feedback that Guo Fan wants.

In the first film, "Love is Not Blind," he was indeed a newcomer with little experience, and the filming was not without flaws. When Guo Fan was producing "So Young," he reviewed the content of the first film again.

Based on his current directing experience, there are undoubtedly many things that could be revised.

He had much more experience directing the second film.

Of course, this is just one aspect in which "Love is Not Blind 2" is better than "Love is Not Blind 1". Guo Fan has also made great progress in terms of plot and the narrative of multiple characters.

That's why film critics say this film surpasses his debut.

Today is the day to truly test the word-of-mouth reputation.

People from Beijing Film Academy, media professionals, and film critics are, after all, specialists, while films are aimed at the general public, especially college students. "So Young" depicts their romantic relationships, so college students have a real say in the film.

At this moment, backstage at the Qiu Deba Gymnasium of Peking University.

"Phew, I'm so nervous!"

Gulnazar was wearing a T-shirt with the large logo of "Love is Not Blind 2: So Young" printed on it, and she was patting her slightly protruding chest.

As a newcomer, and participating in a preview screening roadshow for the first time, she was naturally full of anticipation, but also a little bit at a loss.

Apart from her, the rest of the main cast of "So Young" has arrived.

Chen Jin, Zhu Yanmanz, Li Xian, Lin Genxin, Qin Junjie, Li Jiahang, and others.

Li Xian is also a newcomer, but he seems quite composed.

"I just heard from Director Guo that the media gave the film a very high rating at the screening!"

"It's really good! I also attended the screening at the Beijing Film Academy a few days ago!"

Hearing Li Xian speak, Nazha spoke with a hint of pride.

It's permissible for the main creative team to watch sample footage in advance. However, some companies have stricter rules, fearing that actors might leak information prematurely due to excitement. So, whether or not they can watch in advance depends on the producer and director.

"Then why are you nervous?"

Li Jiahang and Lin Genxin were playing a game when they heard this and looked up.

"It's not that we lack confidence in our film, it's just... this is Peking University!"

One of the universities with the highest IQs in the country, Nazha is a natural optimist, but she lacks confidence in her cultural background. When she came here, she spontaneously felt like a weakling.

Upon hearing her words, the others were immediately silenced as well.

What are actors most afraid of?
It's because I met someone who is cultured.

Cultural literacy is the only thing they can't boast about.

"Don't overthink it. Peking University students are human too. They watch movies for entertainment. If they're serious, they should watch science fiction!"

It's a romance movie, but Peking University students aren't so low in emotional intelligence that they ask stupid and embarrassing questions after watching it.

Besides, Chen Jin was also a student at Peking University.

Students at Peking University naturally feel supportive of the film made by their juniors.

A moment later, the emcee walked in. He was also a student at Peking University and usually hosted the university's galas: "Director Guo, Chen Jin, get ready, it's about to begin!"

"it is good!"

Chen Jin smiled and said to the group behind him, "Gentlemen, shall we go?"

Lin and Xin immediately locked their phones, stood up, and everyone was actually quite young, so they visibly became reserved.

The emcee led everyone to the venue, and as soon as they stepped inside, sharp-eyed Peking University students immediately spotted Chen Jin.

The sound of cheers immediately erupted.

Even though Chen Jin didn't graduate from Peking University, he still enjoys considerable prestige among young people.

Moreover, Chen Jin is now blessed with multiple buffs.

A top scorer in the college entrance examination, a perfect scorer, a Venice Film Festival Best Actor, the highest-grossing male actor in China... all these titles combined make him even more popular among college students.

Naza feels inferior because she lacks these qualities, while Chen Jin's confidence stems from these titles.

"Chen Jin!!!"

"Ahhh, so handsome!"

"He looks way better than he does on my phone..."

Who is that girl behind Chen Jin?

"The female lead of 'Under the Hawthorn Tree,' what's with the Zhu!"

"Wow, so beautiful, such a great presence..."

"Damn, the one behind her is even hotter!"

"I like the girl behind her, what's her name?"

"do not know……"

Okay, Peking University students are human beings too. In fact, apart from having a higher IQ, they are no different from normal people.

As soon as Chen Jin and others appeared, the entire stadium erupted in noise, with everyone discussing Chen Jin, Zhu Yanmanz, and Gulnazar.

Beautiful women always attract more attention.

"Okay, everyone please be quiet!"

"Let's congratulate the creators of 'Love is Not Blind 2: So Young' on their appearance!"

The emcee shouted loudly, and the students below the stage quieted down, watching Chen Jin and the others go on stage one by one and then introduce themselves.

Zhu Yanmanzi, Gulnazar... are all from ethnic minorities, and many men have already remembered them.

Once on stage, they truly felt the overwhelming beauty of the two leading actresses.

Chen Jin was somewhat ignored by the boys, let alone Li Xian and the others.

Fortunately, there were many girls present, and their focus was naturally on the handsome guys. Chen Jin, Lin Genxin, Qin Junjie, and Li Xian were all quite good-looking, and as for Li Jiahang, lawyer Zhang Wei was also very popular.

Therefore, the atmosphere in the stadium became increasingly enthusiastic.

"Now, let's welcome Director Guo to talk about the film 'So Young'!"

Guo Fan went on and on, followed by Chen Jin and the other main actors. The students in the audience listened attentively, occasionally cheering and screaming.

After everyone had finished speaking, they began to discuss some plot points of "So Young," behind-the-scenes stories and interesting anecdotes from filming, and finally interacted with the students present...

After going through the entire process, director Guo Fan's second film, "So Young," finally met its first audience.

The online buzz surrounding this movie has remained consistently high these past few days.

Besides the theme song sung by Faye Wong, there's also the second collaboration between Chen Jin and Zhu Yanmanzi. Many fans of the movie "Under the Hawthorn Tree" are also full of anticipation for this pairing.

There were many students who liked hawthorn trees at the scene.

Many people yearn for pure love.

Many people initially thought the movie was about the feelings of the older generation, so many young people didn't go to the theater and watched it on streaming platforms instead.

But it brought tears to many people's eyes.

Now that Chen Jin and Zhu Yanmanzi are playing a college student couple, fans of the pairing are still very touched.

Of course, the most anticipated group of viewers must be those who watched the first "Love is Not Blind".

This is the core of "Love is Not Blind 2".

The good thing about sequels is that if the first one is successful, and the second one is not bad, then the audience who watched the first one will basically go to the theater.

This is also why many sequels surpass the original.

However, many sequels often fail to gain critical acclaim, which is why making film series is so difficult.

Not everyone can make a good sequel, although everyone knows that sequels are just a way to make money off fans.

Now is the time to see if the sequel to "So Young" truly lives up to its reputation!
(End of this chapter)