Who said this top flow is crazy! This top flow is awesome!

Chapter 358 brings another star to the top, making her the leading lady in a film with over 40 billion yuan in box office revenue.

Before the project was approved, "The Martian" was defined by Ikeno as a "science fiction blockbuster".

What is a science fiction blockbuster?

Those special effects were created by spending money, countless manpower and resources. The main creators of the production team traveled all over the country to find more than a dozen filming locations before filming began. The knowledge was obtained by consulting and researching the Chinese Academy of Sciences countless times.

The cost and effort involved in just one Martian location and a simple panoramic shot have exceeded the limits of what domestic films could ever imagine.

The film's climax, the opening sandstorm, is a complex simulation of particles and physics; the Zhurong 3 spaceship is a high-precision CG model with complex animation; and the space scenes are a seamless combination of live-action and CG. These are all too numerous to mention.

— Almost all the wide-angle shots in the film that show the desolation, magnificence and loneliness of Mars are the result of Matte Painting digital painting and 3D environment expansion.

Guo Feng's team needed to seamlessly stitch together the actual desert footage, remove all elements that did not belong to Mars, create the distant horizon, mountains, and huge craters, and adjust the lighting and atmospheric effects unique to Mars.

The scale, precision, and sheer volume of these shots are beyond the imagination of other science fiction films.

While "The Martian" may not have the same exaggerated expressiveness as the world's number one sci-fi blockbuster, its creators have almost reached the pinnacle in terms of detail and "realism."

This led to everyone being completely stunned when they saw a domestic science fiction film achieve such effects and reach such a level for the first time in their lives.

Shock, shock, indescribable, unbelievable.

Dimensionality reduction attack!

The story continues. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, just past midnight, audiences across the country and science fiction fans who had been waiting for it for countless years will never forget this day, nor the shock and surprise that "The Martian" and Ikeno brought them.

Mamo did not die.

He miraculously survived, stranded alone on this distant red planet.

He dragged his badly injured body back to the habitat, performed a rudimentary surgery on himself, removed the antenna fragments embedded in his abdomen, and stitched up his wounds himself.

Upon waking, Marmo realized he had become a "space Robinson Crusoe," possessing a habitat that could sustain him for a period of time and some supplies.

However, the food will eventually run out, and he will lose all contact with Earth and even "Zhurong 3".

Everyone on Earth believed he had sacrificed himself.

After a brief period of despair, Marmer, an outstanding botanist and engineer, decided to use his scientific knowledge and optimism to face the adversity.

He recorded his first video log and uttered that signature line:
"Okay, the situation is clear, I'm stuck here... I'm stuck here all alone, um... I have no way to contact anyone... It's either die or start—plowing."

In the footage, Ikeno still has that signature face, as beautiful as ever, but there's a hint of dishevelment and a sense of unfamiliarity in that beauty—that's a kind of charm.

It's not Ikeno, it's the charm of the character Mamo.

Thus, the film establishes its central conflict: how a person, using human wisdom and perseverance, can survive as long as possible on a planet completely uninhabitable, while waiting for a slim chance of rescue.

The audience is already captivated by it, and as the plot unfolds, they become increasingly engrossed.

……

Two o'clock in the morning.

The premiere of "The Martian".

There was complete silence. Almost everyone, including the media who had come with the intention of finding fault, looked up, their eyes fixed on the big screen with a mixture of tension and anticipation.

Marmo seemed to be finally going to be saved. Under the watchful eyes of all humanity, he bravely forged ahead, just as he had when he was left alone on Mars, yet he remained optimistic, courageous, and strong in his struggle to survive.

In the pitch-black space, against the backdrop of the massive Mars, Mammo appeared as a tiny speck as it emerged from the Mars Ascent Vehicle hatch, with no room for error.

The small amount of gas ejected from behind him instantly diffused and disappeared in the vacuum.

The camera rapidly switches between his despairing face, Liu Lan's nervously operating hands, and Wenbin's outstretched hand at the airlock door.

In the end, Mamo grabbed Wenbin's hand, but they were moving too fast and were about to be thrown back into space.

At the critical moment, Liu Lan, secured by a safety rope, leaped out like a space cowboy and grabbed them.

Three people spun and drifted in the cold universe, with enormous Mars and stars behind them.

—Tense, hope, despair, and ultimate ecstasy merged into one, the background music reached its climax, the ultimate expression of human courage and camaraderie, the visual and emotional impact instantly eliciting gasps from everyone—

"What a nice view!"

"I rely on..."

"call……"

I do not know how long it has been.

On the big screens of cinemas across the country, scrolling subtitles have begun to appear, showing footage of Guo Feng's team and Chi Ye scouting filming locations, as well as various behind-the-scenes clips from the filming process.

The theater remained silent for a long time, everyone still immersed in the adrenaline-pumping scene and this unprecedented visual spectacle.

On the big screen, the now-renamed Ikeno Studio appeared with its new logo, prompting Jiang Kaige to remark abruptly, "After this, Ikeno's company is really going to take off."

His wife and Arthur, who were standing nearby, were taken aback.

Realizing what was happening, Arthur moved his lips but still asked, "Dad... is this really a movie that can be made in our country?"

Yes, even someone as proud as him felt his first impression after watching "The Martian" was one of unfamiliarity.

This isn't the Chinese entertainment industry he's familiar with, nor is it the Chinese science fiction film he's familiar with!
When will China be able to produce films of this caliber?
Many people might be reluctant to admit that it's world-class because "The Martian" had a poor showing overseas and didn't seem to be well-received.

But in China, or even Southeast Asia, it is definitely number one.

Moreover... now that "The Martian" has been officially released, who dares to say that corresponding changes won't occur overseas?

"...This took thought and money."

Jiang Kaige sighed, surprisingly in a good mood, and said, "This is going to be interesting. I wonder how Kuzi and the other companies are feeling right now, haha... You guys put me in their shoes!"

Chen Hong and Arthur: "..."

Poets can hold grudges too!

Jiang Kaige is indeed in a good mood right now, and can even be described as shocked.

Before he arrived, although he thought Ikeno probably wouldn't make a big mistake, he never imagined that the other party could actually make a science fiction movie like this.

The visual impact and shock that "The Martian" brought him... no, even he felt that way, so what about others?

Even if Jiang Kaige is not the best, he is still a top director in the Chinese entertainment industry, not some country bumpkin who has never seen the world.

He knew all too well how terrifying "The Martian" was, and he also understood that the company that Ikeno Go had transformed might be directly promoted to the top tier after this battle. Even if they were a little lacking in artist management, they would definitely be in the first tier in terms of content production.

Just like Chen Sicheng, who created the "Detective Chinatown" series, he became famous overnight.

Of course, The Martian is not a series, but its subject matter is far superior. It's hard to imagine how happy those big shots would be after watching The Martian.

Who knows... the huge project of "The Three-Body Problem" might even be handed over to Ikeno to personally steer.

"Ah... truly, the younger generation is rising like the waves of the Yangtze River."

Jiang Kaige let out a long breath, then subconsciously coughed up some phlegm: "This year's New Year... was quite comfortable!"

Chen Hong was silent for a moment before asking, "Then should we get closer to Chi Ye in the future...?"

As she spoke, she glanced at her son.

Arthur's expression changed, and he said with a bitter look, "I...I don't want to be someone's follower."

"Arthur, what should we do before we speak?"

"...Mother, I want to speak."

"Shut up."

"okay."

Jiang Kaige glanced at the two of them indifferently and shook his head: "Getting close now would be too beneath us, and besides... after this, who knows how many people will want to get close to him. He also has other issues to deal with, so let's wait and see." Chen Hong and Arthur were taken aback, then nodded.

……

Inside a relatively secluded cinema in the capital.

"How about it?"

Chi Ye's older brother, the old leader, stretched his back, feeling as if sitting for several hours was taking his life. His back, as he got older, was really not good anymore.

The person next to him didn't say anything, but stood up and said to him, "This time I'll personally submit the report."

"Okay."

The old leader grinned.

……

Shanghai, today, I'm back from the movie theater.

He didn't originally intend to stay up late to watch a movie. Although it was a film by Ikeno, he rarely watched Ikeno's previous works; at most, he would glance at them and then shake his head and click the "X".

After all, for someone like Jinzhao, he wasn't very satisfied with many of the subjects that Ikeno had filmed before. Of course, this was due to his father-in-law's considerations in other aspects.

From the audience's perspective, he also didn't particularly like some of the themes that Ikeno had previously filmed.

But this time it's different.

Firstly, the issue of science fiction films and cultural export has already been finalized by the higher authorities. This will be a "national policy" for the next five to ten years, so it needs to be taken seriously.

Secondly, his curiosity was piqued by a few words from Ikeno's former boss, his old friend.

He really wanted to see how good the movie really was.

I've finished watching it now.

how to say……

Suddenly, I realized that although Xiaxia was spoiled and a little domineering, she was far superior to her younger sister in terms of her judgment of people.

This Ikeno guy... it's not just about talent; being able to create a film of the scale of "The Martian" goes beyond what talent alone can explain.

After all, the channels provided by the higher-ups are all the same, and because of him, Ikeno even suffered a loss in terms of certain resources.

But even under these circumstances, the other party was able to do this...

Jin Chao is not blind; he believes that the quality and theme of "The Martian" will definitely become the focus and main focus of national attention in the next month or so.

Ikeno... perhaps he really did seize this opportunity.

I don't know whether this is good or bad for me.

"What's wrong? You've had a long face ever since you got back. Do you find me annoying? Or do you think I'm too old?"

In the bedroom.

Ms. Zeng, the mother-in-law, rolled over, clearly dissatisfied with her husband's behavior: "How long have I waited for you to come home and go to sleep? Is this how you repay me?"

"Is he seeing someone else?"

Upon hearing this, she was immediately embarrassed and annoyed: "No, what are you saying? How old are you? Can't you be normal?"

"Aren't you the one who's acting strange? Look at yourself this time..."

"Can we change the subject?"

"...How was the movie?"

Ms. Zeng only has a habit of bickering with her husband in private, but in reality, she is very concerned about the success or failure of Chi Ye's movie this time.

Jinzhao shook his head and lit a cigarette: "Sigh, Xiaxia, I don't know how she found him back then, how she could find him at a glance... Is my daughter really wise but foolish?"

"Talking nonsense!"

Ms. Zeng was immediately displeased and slapped her husband: "My daughter has been smart since she was little. Can you stop praising her like that all the time? How come you, as her father, never praise your daughter?"

"...Is this what I meant? Why can't you grasp the point?"

“I know what you want to say. Ikeno is indeed a good kid. He got to where he is today entirely on his own.”

"It's not talent."

After thinking about it, Jin Chao commented: "It's ability."

Ms. Zeng was taken aback: "You've changed your tune today? Why have I never seen you praise him like this before?"

"You'll understand once you see the finished product."

"Is it as mystical as you make it out to be...?"

"sleep."

"No, is that all? That's it?"

"...I'm a bit tired today and not in the best condition. We'll see how I perform tomorrow."

"..."

……

A helpless sigh came from the middle-aged and elderly people's unwillingness to admit defeat, as well as from the bewildered or nervous feelings of many of Ikeno's opponents.

Three o'clock in the morning.

The premiere of "The Martian" has come to a perfect end.

The audience applauded, but Li Qian couldn't tell whether it was genuine or just a habitual "praise from the crowd."

She didn't understand what was wrong with her. In short, she was indeed very nervous after watching the movie, but she didn't feel much of a "shock".

As the female lead, she had seen the finished film of "The Martian," and she had filmed a lot of it during filming, so she knew all the plot details. Coupled with her different mindset, she simply couldn't empathize with the audience who were watching the movie on the big screen for the first time.

"What's the word-of-mouth like? Hasn't the first round of reviews come out yet?"

"What about the box office? Are we still second to last?"

"I really liked this movie... I don't like the characters in it, I like the movie itself."

Li Qian sat in the RV, asking her assistant every few minutes to find out what the public opinion was like.

However, the Spring Festival film season has only just begun, and the first wave of large-scale feedback and reviews on "The Martian" and all other films will not be available until today at the earliest.

and so……

Wow.

The car door was suddenly pushed open, and Uncle Li Qian rushed in, staring intently at Li Qian: "Did you vote for 'The Martian'? Did you vote for it, and how much did you vote for?!"

"Huh?" Li Qian was confused. "What's wrong, Uncle? I didn't..."

"Fine, it's okay if you didn't invest. From now on, I'll take over the operation of your team. Get ready."

"Prepare...what preparations?"

Li Qian was still dizzy.

Seeing her dazed and confused appearance, her uncle was exasperated: "You should strive to become the leading lady in a movie with a box office of 40 billion+ or even more!"

(End of this chapter)