I'm not a drama freak, I can really see through the script

Chapter 310, The upcoming film "Buried Alive," with its unbeatable release schedule.

As a rising star in the industry.

Liu Yifei's name also attracted the attention of those seniors.

Zhang Ziyi, Zhao Yanzi.

At this time, these two geniuses, both from the class of '96, were truly the cream of the crop, the two women at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry in this era.

In a coffee shop in the heart of Shanghai's commercial district, two true superstars were gathered.

They were chatting and laughing.
At this moment, Zhao Yanzi stared at Zhang Ziyi's face—that aloof queenly face, the face that could make a name for itself on the international stage.

“It will be tiring for you to keep staring at me.”

"If I'm not looking at you, who am I looking at?"

“It’s okay to occasionally look at the people around you,” Zhang Ziyi said calmly, glancing at Zhao Yanzi.

Zhao Yanzi shook her head.

"Looking at the people behind you is meaningless."

Zhang Ziyi looked at Zhao Yanzi.

Her eyes only saw herself.
There is only one goal: to catch up with, to surpass oneself.

There are only two people in China who can rival her in terms of national and international popularity.

One is Maggie Cheung, the other is Gong Li.

Maggie Cheung has faded from the entertainment industry, and now only Gong Li remains.
There's also Zhao Yanzi, who's currently "biting" herself.

Zhao Yanzi is a very pure person—driven purely by internal motivation without any external reasons.

Win, victory.

Since you're an actress, a female star, then strive to be number one.

Zhang Ziyi couldn't help but admire this pursuer.

However, Zhang Ziyi said casually, "Recently, we have another potential pursuer. You know, there is someone named Liu Yifei. Even I can't compare to her debut resources."

"I know, but I don't care. I don't care about those who aren't ahead of me."

Zhao Yanzi's reply was very direct, and her eyes never left Zhang Ziyi for even a moment.

Zhang Ziyi was not like Zhao Yanzi.

She's already at the very top in the conventional sense; there's nothing left to see ahead.

Everything was blurry, so she could only look to her side. Looking back, she saw Zhao Yanzi and Liu Yifei.

To be honest, Liu Yifei's debut resources were also quite abundant; she graduated with "The Forbidden Kingdom".

It's not that she didn't think it through before criticizing "The Forbidden Kingdom" at this age. When she was in college, she was too young and immature, and her temperament hadn't developed yet. Acting in such a big production would have been a burden. Now she's reached the right age.

Age, temperament, and background—these factors come together.

Only acting in "The Forbidden Kingdom" would have been effective.

It can be said that this was carefully calculated by the people behind her. This is the most suitable age, the age when she is most in her prime. If she really works hard, she will be a top performer in her field at her age.
Maybe I really can become a challenger?

The premise is that she herself doesn't make any mistakes.

For example, right now, the filming of "The Forbidden Kingdom" has just wrapped up, and there's also the Golden Eagle Goddess award.

She then announced that she was going to work on the next film crew.

A little-known film crew called "Hidden in the Dust".

Oh no, not that he's unknown, but rather that he's Zhao Yanzi's junior.

Li Xuan is another man who stirs up a storm in the younger generation of the Chinese entertainment industry.

A film called "The Young Students".

As a star who writes, directs, and stars in his own films.

Moreover, he was nominated for the Golden Eagle Award three times this year, so as long as you pay attention to the younger generation, you will definitely not miss him.

His existence cannot be ignored.

This outstanding young man cannot be overlooked.

However, although he is outstanding, his abilities exceed the range of his age.

But that's the problem.

You are a young prodigy, but I don't choose scripts based on age.

Liu Yifei's level allows her to choose higher-level scripts, and even if she chooses art films, there are many fifth and seventh generation actresses to choose from.

But she chose Li Xuan's work.

He used his fame and status, which he gained from "The Forbidden Kingdom," to support Li Xuan.

This is her classmate.

If I had to say, it's still a bit unbelievable.

Especially for her team.

I doubt they would be able to support this.

"That's the disadvantage of being young. You're not as rational as you might think, and you tend to rely more on emotion to support your actions."

At this moment, Zhao Yanzi said calmly.

In her words.

My brain was completely controlled by Happy Beans.

So stupid.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't look back?"

"I'm just a little annoyed when I see people making stupid choices."

To put it simply, it means hating stupid criminals.

The specific reason for this is obvious.

She chose love over her career.
How stupid.

Even if such a person has resources, they will eventually stop progressing.

at this time.

Huayi Brothers.

Wang Lei had also heard about this, and was slightly surprised when he learned of the project Liu Yifei had chosen.
"Interesting. They've already reached that level, yet they still come back to ask Li Xuan to act in their film."

What is this? Is this a kind of true love?
At this point, Wang Lei felt something was off. If given a choice, Liu Yifei could have selected a higher-level project.
She could have had better options.

But nowadays
But she made a completely opposite choice.

It's not that you can't choose domestic works, after all...
At this moment, Wang Lei recalled the seat he was sitting in when he attended a meeting for "The Forbidden Kingdom".

Sitting with Lionsgate, even though Huayi Brothers was producing most of the content, their voice was constantly being held back.

After all, this work is essentially an attempt to earn foreign exchange at the box office by using the 'Monkey King' culture, which is more familiar to foreigners. It's only natural that people abroad have more say in the matter.

But this still made Wang Lei feel uncomfortable—a subtle feeling of being slighted.

Well, it's not contempt, it's more like disdain, more like ignoring.

They have never looked down on people of Asian descent.

After all, Lionsgate is just a second-tier Hollywood company, known for its high returns on low budgets, yet it is treated with such 'respect' by a top company in the Chinese-speaking world. But that's how their status is.

That's just how status is.
To achieve success in internationalization, it is necessary to cooperate with companies like Lionsgate.

This made Wang Lei think – I'm already number one in the country, why bother?
But this thought was only fleeting.

Wang Lei also felt a sense of crisis if he were to truly settle for the position of "number one in China" in the future.

One's position is easily lost.

Many companies in the domestic industry, including Enlight Media, have ambitious goals.
At that moment, a wicked thought flashed through Wang Lei's mind. If Huayi Brothers really couldn't keep up with international trends, then he would use his family's resources in China to restrict their development and maintain his position through a monopoly.
No!

What a disgrace!
Wang Lei immediately dismissed the idea; it was utterly shameful.

It's not that you can't do it.

Rather, if the reason for doing so is out of fear of one's own weakness, then that is truly cowardly.

Moreover, the capital circles in China are not like the peasants; they also have resources, and maintaining a monopoly is not so easy.

China Film Group wouldn't allow this to happen if it were just because of one big brother figure.

At that moment, Wang Lei took a puff of a Cuban cigar, a cigar rolled up from the thigh of a 14-year-old virgin, which was very precious.

One bite, and those shameful, evil thoughts were driven from my mind.

Wang Lei remained calm.

"However, Li Xuan is really lucky. He has a good-looking face. He's really quite good-looking."

At this moment, Wang Lei attributed Li Xuan's performance to Li Xuan's good looks.

Using her good looks, Liu Yifei responded in a completely illogical way.
What a pretty boy.

What exactly did these international stars go through to humble themselves, from "The Forbidden Kingdom" to "Into the Dust"?
Domestic gossip media have spread many rumors about this matter, with the most common speculation being about the relationship between Li Xuan and Liu Yifei. Otherwise, many of the details would seem illogical.

This is the most unreasonable thing, but it is also the most reasonable thing.

The most reasonable thing about this is that...

Driven by the relationship between men and women.

The rumors surrounding Liu Yifei and Li Xuan have sparked much speculation.

However, Liu Lili quickly came out to clarify this point, but there is indeed no definite and clear answer as to why she chose Li Xuan's "Hidden in the Dust".

This time, even Chen Jingfei, the owner of Red Starwood, came to find Liu Lili.

"About your daughter?"

“I know it’s her personal choice.”

"Hmm," Chen Jingfei said rationally, "You should know how much it has been downgraded from 'The Forbidden Kingdom' to this film."

"I know"

"So you're saying this was Liu Yifei's own choice?"

"Ah."

Liu Lili already thought that Chen Jingfei would say a lot of irrelevant things.

Surprisingly, this time, Liu Yifei's godfather did not continue speaking. Instead, after learning that it was Liu Yifei's own choice, he simply said "oh" and stopped talking.

"Aren't you going to ask?" Liu Lili was also a little puzzled. After all, although they had signed with Sony, it wasn't a complete contract. In terms of film and television, it was a "cooperation," but only in terms of music was Sony's full agency.

"It was her own choice, and I'm actually happy about it because she knows how to make her own choices."

At this moment, Chen Jingfei smiled slightly.

I should have known earlier that this was my goddaughter's own choice.

Isn't this great?

The label of adulthood is not reached at a certain age, nor is it that one is an adult just by turning twenty.

Instead, it's about making choices for yourself.

Whatever the outcome of this decision, I am able to take responsibility for it.
That's what it means to be an adult, that's what it means to 'grow up'.

Liu Yifei's ability to make choices for herself is a sign of growth and maturity.

How could Chen Jingfei, as an elder, not be happy?
"But this will inevitably have an impact on her career."

Liu Lili thought so too, but as a mature adult, she only knew one thing.

There's a high probability that Liu Yifei will have to pay the price for this.

Or rather, very likely.
It's not that she doesn't think highly of Li Xuan's talent; in fact, she was aware that Yu Hua was involved in the project this time.

How could this work be bad?
It won't be too bad, but it's far from matching the level of works that Liu Yifei wants to create.

Therefore, Liu Lili also has this kind of contradiction within her.
With the rapid pace of globalization, Hollywood's dominance over the world is becoming increasingly secure.

Liu Yifei should be aiming to emulate Zhang Ziyi, collaborating with renowned directors on major projects, and this should be especially true after "The Forbidden Kingdom".

He was demoted after filming "The Forbidden Kingdom".

It could be said that this was a stepping stone for Li Xuan's "Hidden in the Dust".

"No need to worry. Let's wait until Li Xuan's film is released before making any further comments."

At this moment, Chen Jingfei was thinking.

What will the specific results and circumstances be like?

Li Xuan as film director
What achievements can be made?

Then they'll comment on whether their daughter "lost" or "gained".

Liu Lili also fell silent.

If I had to say something, this time, I agree with my daughter's choice.

Maybe.

Perhaps it's because of all these years that my daughter has stirred up the heartstrings of my former 'girlhood'.

When I was young, I was also so impulsive and reckless.

She also knew her nickname in the industry—the sophisticated Shanghai woman.

Although she wasn't from Shanghai, she knew what those words meant—they were basically saying she was sophisticated and selfish.

That's tantamount to saying it outright.
A sophisticated and self-serving woman from Shanghai.

But I also had my youth, my teenage years, and my girlhood.

But back then, I didn't follow through on the path of my choice as a young girl. What kind of result would my daughter, who made a different choice, have gotten?

Let's take another look.

The impulsive thoughts of a young girl.

“You don’t even know the script, yet you dare to come to Li Xuan like this.”

"What, is it not allowed?!"

"No, I just admire you."

At this moment, Gao Yuanyuan was looking at Liu Yifei.

The two inexplicably started having more contact, and their relationship became quite complicated.

In a sense, the two are 'enemies'. They are from the same generation, have similar roles, are both leading actresses, and are both considered 'potential Four Great Actresses'.

These two people are frequently brought up in the media.

Liu Yifei, Gao Yuanyuan.
However, there seems to be an unspoken, antagonistic relationship between the two, known only to the other.

"If you can go to great lengths to get Li Ge's script, why can't I!"

"I'm not acting recklessly, girl," Gao Yuanyuan said lazily. "I made this decision based on my own experience and after reading the script. I didn't just blindly jump in."

"I'm not stupid!"

"Oh, never mind, I wouldn't dare say that the international leading lady is stupid. You're smart, you're the smartest."

Gao Yuanyuan looked at Liu Yifei in front of her, an international leading lady with enviable resources.

It's the kind of thing that makes people truly envious and jealous.

Liu Yifei doesn't think she's stupid.

On the contrary, she was also very clear-headed and could give many reasons, but if asked about her own reasons, it would probably be her trust in Li Xuan.

Her trust in Li Xuan led to her decision to go on to film "Hidden in the Dust" after completing an international blockbuster.

She hadn't even read the script; she only knew the theme and the synopsis.

'Romance film'.

"Well, if it weren't for the fact that I was seriously injured this time, I would also like to compete with you for the role in 'Hidden in the Dust'."

Gao Yuanyuan paused for a moment and then said, "Let's leave it at that then. There will always be another chance."

Similarly, Gao Yuanyuan hadn't read the script either, but she knew about it from "The Long Season".

Li Xuan's script and talent
Liu Yifei heard Gao Yuanyuan's 'challenge'.

This so-called opportunity probably means that...
When will the two of them appear in the same frame?

Let's go and have another competition, let's put our acting skills to the test.

As for the reasons for the conflict.

There are all sorts of reasons, I suppose.

Meanwhile, on Li Xuan's side...

Next, after reviewing the awards...

It's about time to go to the premiere of "Buried" and the premiere of "Protégé".

Li Xuan initially thought this was a pretty impressive thing to do.

after all.

The scheduling conflicts are really bad this time.

I originally thought Buried would be released after Protégé.

As a result, this time the release schedule was arranged so that "Buried" was scheduled to be released in the same period as "Protégé".

In other words.

This time, "Buried" is going head-to-head with "Protégé," "The Warlords," and "Lust, Caution."
Three great works from Hong Kong.

Buried Alive: Me?
I have a feeling that Andy Lau has ulterior motives!

Of course, Li Xuan was just joking.

Andy Lau gave a reason that was hard to refute.

Instead of letting these three films drain the entire year's box office, why not take advantage of this opportunity to cash in?

Take advantage of the fact that this year's box office potential and threshold have not been fully exploited.

It's certain that these three will siphon off Hong Kong's box office revenue this year.
But the other way around.

It is also a box office enrichment effect.

If you have confidence in your work.

Not avoiding it leads to a better outcome.

Hollywood's returning superstar.

Li An, a renowned international Chinese director.

There were also Wu Yanzu's disciples.

"This is a risky decision. If you want to stick to the original plan and schedule the film for next month, that's fine too. It's entirely up to you, Director Li."

"Shall I make the decision?"

Actually, Li Xuan thought...

Whether this makes sense or not is another matter.

It was released in the same period as those big-budget films.

This whole thing is pretty interesting.

Liu Dehua smiled slightly after learning Li Xuan's answer.

"I have real confidence."

"That's for sure."

(End of this chapter)