Huayu Chunqiu, starting from being adopted by a fairy mother

Chapter 342

"Ya Ya's flying dance is so beautiful, even better than during rehearsals. Especially that backwards pipa playing, it's simply amazing."

"What's so beautiful about it? If I were up there, I'd jump beautifully too."

"Hehe, it's a pity you didn't go up."

"She has powerful connections; otherwise, how could she have gotten such a memorable shot?"

"Liu Yan also has someone behind him, even the Spring Festival Gala director, but he still didn't make it onto the show. Stop gossiping, he's got the talent."

"Pshaw! I think Tang Shiyi is the most capable. She has no one behind her, so no matter how capable she is, it won't work."

"Who's behind Tong Liya? Is that person even more powerful than the director of the Spring Festival Gala?"

"I don't know, but I heard it was handpicked by director Zhang Yimou."

"What do you know? Tong Liya is an artist under Chunqiu Entertainment. Don't you even know which young master is in charge of the on-site coordination?"

"Hey! You guys don't know, I just heard it from someone. That guy was sleeping in the control room when the leader came to visit, and he got caught red-handed..."

……

Where there are many women, there is no loneliness, but also boredom.

Backstage, Tong Liya was removing her makeup. The makeup was done by a makeup artist, but she took care of the makeup removal herself.

She didn't care what her friends said about her. If she cared about those things, she would have become depressed sooner or later.

She was curious; Liu Jing didn't seem like such a lazy person to be sleeping in the control room.

"He's probably tired," Tong Liya muttered. During rehearsals, she and Liu Jing rarely interacted, nor did they have time to. However, she was aware of the rumors that Liu Jing hadn't slept for several days.

As she thought about it, her ears turned red. The scene from that day flashed through her mind; although she hadn't seen his true face, he was truly ferocious.

"Sister Ya Ya, someone sent you a love letter."

Tong Liya was daydreaming, removing her makeup while reflecting on her hardships.

The selection process for the Flying Apsaras competition was even more brutal than she had imagined. Having connections only made the application process easier; ultimately, it came down to one's own abilities.

The directing team directly contacted national-level performing arts groups, prioritizing institutions such as the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe and the PLA Academy of Arts, and did not open the application channel to the public.

She was able to register successfully because of Liu Jing's recommendation.

She was able to be in position A because of Zhang Yimou's personal selection.

The requirements for actresses are very high: height 164-168cm, waist-to-hip ratio below 0.7, shoulder width less than 38cm, and proportions consistent with those of the flying apsaras in the Dunhuang murals.

The weight must not exceed 45 kilograms, and the levitation action must be performed on a silk prop.

Her height and weight just met the requirements; otherwise, even with Liu Jing's recommendation, she would have had difficulty being selected.

Both basic and professional skills must meet the standards. Students must have a foundation in classical dance and be able to bend backwards at a 220-degree angle. They must also have outstanding balance in the air and be able to stand on one leg for more than 3 minutes.

In addition to these, candidates also need to pass the "Dunhuang Facial Recognition Test," which includes digital requirements for nose bridge height, brow arch curvature, and shoulder line curvature. 3D scanning is used to compare the candidate's physical appearance with that of the flying apsaras murals in the Mogao Grottoes.

There's an even more insane challenge: performing a reverse pipa (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument) on a vertical LED screen tilted at a 15-degree angle. Tong Liya shudders at the thought of it; thankfully, she doesn't have a fear of heights.

The most challenging part is the 50 consecutive rotations followed by immediate positioning. Many contestants ended up in the hospital because of this particular test.

She went through numerous tests, rounds of selection, and rigorous training before finally standing on the stage.

She felt she had exceeded her usual standard; at that moment, she felt as if she were possessed by a celestial being, her every move incredibly natural, her entire body leaping with joy, every cell cheering. For the first time, she truly understood what it meant to be one with the dance.

"Lin Peng, I'm taking off my makeup, can you throw this in the trash for me?" Tong Liya didn't even bother to look at it.

Ever since she got fair skin, she's been receiving love letters constantly. When I was the ugly duckling, you all looked down on me. Now you're trying to win me over? Too late.

She's now focused on removing her makeup and waiting for an opportunity.

She was curious about what kind of opportunity it was; from what he said, it seemed even more important than being lovers.

"Sister Ya Ya, this is a gift from Director Zhang Yimou, wishing you a happy birthday. If you don't want it, I'll refuse him for you." Lin Peng looked on with envy; his senior had just finished her flying performance and was about to soar into the sky.

I heard that Director Zhang is still single. If we keep a close eye on things, he might even have a chance to become our official wife.

She was a student in the 05 class of the Central Academy of Drama, one year below Tong Liya. Being from the same school, they naturally clung to each other for support, and their relationship was fairly good.

As for why the envelope ended up in her hands, it was both a coincidence and an inevitability.

Liu Jing fell asleep quickly and decisively, leaving the old strategist in a dilemma.

He handpicked Tong Liya for the lead role, partly because of Liu Jing, but mostly because Tong Liya was exceptionally talented. Naturally, he favored those with connections among equally excellent contestants.

Zhang Yimou believed he was acting with impartiality, but the other contestants didn't see it that way, and many rumors circulated.

With the envelope in hand, he absolutely refused to send it over; wouldn't that just confirm the rumors?

If something really happened, that would be fine. But this girl is Liu Jing's type, and he doesn't want to take the blame for her.

So Zhang Yimou handed the letter to Cheng Xiaodong, saying, "When Tong Liya comes off the stage later, give her the envelope and wish her a happy birthday."

Zhang Yimou assumed that Cheng Xiaodong must have seen Liu Jing hand him the letter, so he didn't offer any further explanation.

Cheng Xiaodong didn't dare to ask any more questions, nor did he want to give it to her in person, as that would only cause trouble. Knowing that Tong Liya and Lin Peng were close, he called Lin Peng over, "This is a birthday gift from Director Zhang to Tong Liya. I won't go to the dressing room; you can give it to her."

Zhang Yimou originally wanted to avoid suspicion, but with so many people watching behind the scenes, he ended up taking the blame for everything thanks to the gossip of those with ulterior motives.

"Just put it on the table, I'll return it to him later." Tong Liya's expression was complicated. This person couldn't be treated like an ordinary person; throwing him in the trash would be too disrespectful. She decided to hand it over to Liu Jing to handle after the meeting.

"Sis, seize this opportunity! If you make it big, don't forget to give me, your messenger, a helping hand!" Lin Peng grinned, placing the envelope on the table before turning away with a disdainful look. What's with the act of innocence? Hearing it's from a big director, why isn't she throwing it in the trash?

I told him I'd return it to him tonight, and while I was at it, I'd also return myself.

I'm so envious! Where is my sugar daddy? Please show up soon!

"Happy birthday? Sigh! I'm happy until you mention it, then I'm not happy at all." Tong Liya sighed. Everyone knows it's the opening ceremony of the Olympics today, but how many people know it's her birthday? Not to mention her friends, even her parents were too busy watching TV to remember her birthday.

She glanced at the envelope. Both were renowned directors; there was no need for hesitation between old and young.

"At her age, still using envelopes with a youthful theme, it's disgusting. If only Liu Jing were that romantic."

Tong Liya lost all interest in removing her makeup. She casually opened the envelope, looked at the contents, and burst into tears. It turned out that someone still remembered today.

The three cards represent three plays and three characters, with brief character biographies written on them.

Wu Xikui, the third female lead in "The Golden Era".

Identity: A popular dancer and top socialite at the Paramount Ballroom.

Personality: Outwardly alluring and worldly-wise, well-versed in the rules of the entertainment industry. Inwardly lonely and strong-willed, loyal to her sisters, and still harboring fantasies about love.

Symbolic meaning: A microcosm of women in the pleasure quarters of old Shanghai, showcasing the tragedy and resilience behind the glitz and glamour.

Character Relationships: She is both a rival and a sister to the female lead, Jin Daban. Despite their open and covert struggles, they understand each other and ultimately find common ground amidst the tides of history…

This drama was produced by Fan Bingbing Studio. The role was obtained by Gao Yuanyuan on behalf of Tong Liya. Originally, she wanted to take the second female lead, Ren Daidai, and give her to Tang Yan, but Liu Jing took her and gave her to Yang Mi.

The Holy Maiden in "Chinese Paladin 3" protects Zi Xuan, a descendant of Nuwa.

Identity: Priest of the Miao ethnic group in Miao territory, guardian and guide of Nuwa (Zixuan), a descendant of the Nuwa clan.

Personality: Cold on the outside but warm on the inside, mysterious and dignified, knowledgeable in divination and witchcraft, carries a staff, and speaks full of prophecies.

Symbolic meaning: The embodiment of tradition and responsibility, representing the conflict between "destiny" and "human desire".

Character Relationships: She is like a teacher and mother to Zi Xuan, deeply aware of Zi Xuan and Xu Changqing's three lifetimes of love tribulations, and tries to dissuade them but ultimately chooses to let them be together...

This role was handpicked by Lao Cai, who had dealt with Tong Liya several years prior. Lao Cai invited her to play Princess Xiangxiang, but later stood her up because of Liu Shishi.

Xixi, Liu Shishi, and Sun Li didn't want to play the role of Nuwa's descendant, so Lao Cai thought of Tong Liya and felt that she was quite suitable.

As a result, Liu Jing recommended Tang Yan, and Lao Cai, as a second choice, gave the role of the Holy Maiden to Tong Liya.

Zhao Feiyan in "The Empress of the World" is skilled at palm dancing.

Identity: Empress of Emperor Cheng of Han, Liu Ao, a famous beauty in history, known as "Yan Shou" in the phrase "Yan Shou" (meaning "slender and graceful").

character:……

This is a historical drama, produced and distributed by Chunqiu. Wen Zong serves as the producer, Gao Yuanyuan plays the female lead, Wang Zhengjun, and Bai Bing took the opportunity to slip a Chunqiu product into the show.

Originally planned to start filming in the first half of the year, it was postponed to the second half of the year due to scheduling conflicts among several people.

None of the three roles are leading roles, but this signifies her entry into the film and television industry. As a newcomer, having three substantial roles supporting her debut already puts her ahead of 99% of actors.

Fan Xiaopang in "The Golden Era", Gao Yuanyuan in "The Empress of China", and Liu Jing in "Chinese Paladin 3" are all newcomers who dream of working with these three.

"This guy really wants to see me dance. Two out of the three roles involve dancing." Tong Liya's eyes were misty and tears were streaming down her face. It felt so good to have someone thinking of her.

She hadn't been very enthusiastic about dancing before, but suddenly she felt she couldn't give it up, because there were still people who enjoyed watching. Besides the three character cards, there was also a note with familiar handwriting: "Happy Birthday! Tonight you are the most beautiful sight; all these fireworks are celebrating for you. This thunderous applause is the best gift. Twenty-five years old, half-mature in youth, the future is promising."

"You're only half-baked when it comes to all these tricks." Tong Liya laughed through her tears. The note was more precious than the three roles; it was her pass to that small circle.

The small circle is very small, secretive, and subtle, but it cannot escape the long-term observation of those who are interested.

She's been at Chunqiu for several years now, a veteran figure, and has a vague sense of the existence of that circle.

The core member is definitely Liu Jing, and the members should include Liu Yifei, Gao Yuanyuan, Shu Chang, Bai Bing, Tang Yan, Yang Mi, Liu Shishi, and Jing Tian.

Haha, talking about Yang Mi being a "resource-rich" person, among all these people, Yang Mi has the worst resources.

Liu Yifei and Shu Chang are leading actresses, Gao Yuanyuan and Tang Yan have the support of Chunqiu, Liu Shishi is the one being promoted by Tangren, and Jing Tian goes without saying.

If we disregard Liu Jing, what else does Yang Mi have? Does Rong Xinda want to sideline her?

"Whether it's a trap or a snare, tomorrow will definitely be better," Tong Liya murmured.

Next door, the control room tensed up again; the lighting of the Olympic flame was about to begin.

"How long is the overtime?" Zhang Yimou asked seriously, because the ceremony for lighting the main torch had to be adjusted because the delegation's entry had exceeded the time limit.

"24 minutes, just before midnight."

"Director, the Olympic flame has arrived."

"Alright! Emergency measures activated, backup plans prepared." The old mastermind was sweating profusely. This wasn't a casual rehearsal; it hadn't been done before. One mistake, and the whole thing would be ruined.

"The flag bearer is entering..."

"Shut up! Focus!" Zhang Yimou scolded.

Eight flag bearers carrying the Olympic flag entered the stadium; these were eight athlete representatives. Then, eighty children dressed in traditional costumes sang the Olympic anthem.

The national flag and the club flag were slowly raised and fluttered in the sky above the stadium.

One hundred girls in white, along with all the athletes, actors, and audience members, waved the image of peace doves to the tune of a song.

At this moment, Sun Jinfang, the former captain of the women's volleyball team, held up a torch and lit the torch in Li Ning's hand.

"Good! Haha..." Zhang Yimou laughed loudly, and everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

If the torch fails to light, the backup plan must be activated. The robotic arm automatically ignites the torch, and a second torch stand has been prepared in advance outside the venue.

Li Ning, wearing a fireproof spacesuit and suspended by tantalum alloy wires, flew up from the edge of the Bird's Nest bowl and ran along the inner wall.

As he approached the torch tower and was about to trigger the ignition device, he suddenly slapped his thigh three times with his left hand.

"The wire got stuck."

"Damn it, it broke down at this time."

"Where's Liu Jing? We need to coordinate this quickly..."

"Coordination nonsense, he's sleeping."

"Who let him sleep?"

"Chief."

"Stop arguing, the backup motor has started automatically, it's time to switch the camera back."

"Holy crap, Liu Jing, when did you wake up?"

"When a hundred girls in white appeared," Liu Jing said leisurely, watching Li Ning light the sacred flame.

When Liu Jing woke up, the world was still the same, but he felt something was amiss.

Having been confined in a cage for so long, returning to nature feels like a weight has been lifted from my body.

"He was the most dazzling person at the entire opening ceremony," someone remarked sourly.

"I was wrong. We should have tried to put the Yue Ren Clothing logo on his clothes." Liu Jing sighed. What a great advertising opportunity! How much would such an advertisement be worth?

Everyone glanced at him. "You've even got your underwear wrong. You're really daring. Are you still dreaming?"
As the Olympic flame was lit, no one complained anymore, and the Bird's Nest was as bright as day.

Fireworks soared into the sky, dazzling and colorful, painting the night sky with vibrant hues.

The music galloped like wild horses, and the cheers were deafening. Forty thousand fireworks exploded simultaneously, and a ribbon of color suddenly appeared in the starry sky.

it's over!
"We did it! We did it..."

The control room was also in an uproar, with people hugging each other.

Some people shouted loudly, some wept with joy, and some were so excited that they didn't know what to do.

"I'm not coming to the next Olympics no matter what," Cheng Xiaodong sighed. This is a hundred times more difficult than filming a movie, and experiencing it once is enough.

"Don't worry, they won't invite you next time in London," Liu Jing comforted Cheng Xiaodong, patting him on the shoulder.

"Liu Jing, I've passed on your message. It'll be a pleasure working with you." Zhang Yimou extended his hand and shook hands with Liu Jing firmly twice.

"It's been a pleasure working with you. Remember to come find me whenever you fall out with Zhang Weiping," Liu Jing said with a smile.

Zhang Yimou released his grip, his initial excitement extinguished. "Goodbye."

"The green hills remain unchanged, the clear waters flow on, we'll meet again." Liu Jing waved his hand. Since it's over, why linger on the past?

"See you later my ass! No rehearsal for the closing ceremony? If you don't want to treat us, at least come up with a legitimate excuse," Cheng Xiaodong complained.

"Hahaha, you guys take care of the wrap-up. I'm taking two days off, don't miss me too much. After the closing ceremony, I'll treat you all to a nightclub." Liu Jing laughed, knowing he was about to pocket a huge sum of entertainment revenue.

However, he also knew that the closing ceremony would definitely be different from the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony seemed to have triggered something, and he felt that the system was also somewhat different.

He just used an appraisal on Zhang Yimou, and the system's explanation was different from usual.

[Note: Zhang Yimou, male, ...]

The system description was standard and conventional, like Zhou Tao reading from a script.

He was actually quite unaccustomed to the dog system suddenly not being dog anymore.

[Host: Liu Jing]

[Level: Three (Upgrade requires 10 million points)]

[Bond: 9/9]

[Entertainment Atmosphere: 1524.7 million]

During sleep, the system suppressed countless entertainment energies, which was incredibly satisfying.

His efforts over the past six months have paid off, significantly accelerating his upgrade process. At the normal pace, he anticipates reaching the next level around 2011.

This figure is equivalent to him personally directing a movie with a box office of 10 billion, or the earnings of fifty copies of "The Sacred Flame Order". However, the manpower, material resources, and financial resources consumed in this process could be used to make five hundred copies of "The Sacred Flame Order".

However, the movie and the opening ceremony are two different things, and the system's calculation methods are certainly different as well.

Liu Jing was in a hurry to go back, not because he didn't want to treat everyone, but because he wanted to get home quickly to level up.

He didn't have high expectations for the closing ceremony; at most, it would only cost a few million.

I used to think ten million was an astronomical figure, but since then, it's become commonplace.

It's a miracle that the box office has now exceeded 100 million. Billions, tens of billions, hundreds of billions are not unimaginable in the future.

The next upgrade should be 100 million points of entertainment energy, which means the box office will only be 100 billion.

Watching Liu Jing's hurried departure, Zhang Yimou and Cheng Xiaodong whispered to each other.

"Where is Heaven on Earth?"

"Hehe, are you asking me?"

"Ahem, this kid seems more cheerful now, like a completely different person."

After spending several months together, everyone got to know each other well, and Zhang Yimou also gained a deeper understanding of Liu Jing.

"After all, it's a world-class event. Who hasn't grown from this experience?" Cheng Xiaodong remarked, his horizons had broadened, let alone Liu Jing, who was in charge of coordinating the event.

“No! You don’t understand, he’s more like a young man now.” Zhang Yimou smiled. He was judging from a casting perspective, and Liu Jing looked much better now. The old Liu Jing always gave him a sense of incongruity. Several times when he was filming, Zhang Weiping wanted to invite Liu Jing to join his projects, but he refused each time.

"I really don't understand what you're saying. You're sixty years old, and he's only twenty. He doesn't look like a young man. Do you think you do?" Cheng Xiaodong mocked.

"Goodbye to you too." The old strategist turned and left, like a summer insect that cannot speak of ice.

(End of this chapter)