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

Chapter 362, Wang Lei: President Han, you've been praising Lu Chuan for so long, but you end up supporting Li Xuan?

"We pursue different things. I aim to capture the market through commercial excellence, while China Film Group may demand more and do more."

Han Ping understood as well.

Capital companies don't pursue awards; they prioritize box office success over artistic achievement. Or rather, artistic achievement is something that top directors strive for, but others don't need to.

Huayi Brothers' trump card is Zhang Yimou, a top director with countless awards and box office hits, so they don't need to pursue anything else.
Of course, Han Ping only knew a little about the matter with Zhang Mouzi.
All I can say is, there's something interesting about it.
They want to be inextricably linked to the powerful, but they don't want others to play along with them.
"In short, Huayi Brothers is taking the box office crown this time. As for the rest, you can divide it among yourselves, whether it's the Beijing circle or any of you," Wang Lei said calmly.

Beijing's elite circle, you guys.
Well, you're not exactly a 'loyal' person either.

"However, let me ask you another question. From your perspective, which version of 'Nanjing' would you favor?" Wang Lei looked at Han Ping and said with a hint of amusement, "It's from your personal perspective, not from the choices you made for this publicity campaign."

Han Ping invested heavily in the promotion and distribution of "Nanjing Photo Studio".

In Wang Lei's view, there might be some personal grudges involved. This time, the Beijing circle's attempt to undermine China Film Group was not exactly ethical. They wanted to weaken the influence of the China Film Group from both overt and covert perspectives.

It's not unreasonable to be 'retaliated against'.
But that's one thing, and I personally think it's another thing.
Han Ping took a sip of tea.

"Frankly speaking, Lu Chuan has an advantage on paper: a graduate of a prestigious university, from a family of directors, and a rising star in Beijing's film circle. From various perspectives, his understanding and knowledge of history and materials are more extensive, deeper, more comprehensive, and more insightful."

It can be said that Han Ping explained Lu Chuan's advantages from all aspects. It can be said that he recognized them from all angles.
He is an 'aristocrat'.

Born into an aristocratic family in the film and television industry, his 39 years of life have shaped him into a truly strong man.

The passage of time and his family background gave him knowledge and resources that he couldn't obtain through normal channels.

It's something that 'peasants' can't provide.

Even those in higher positions have a different perspective. They can see things more broadly, deeply, and in greater detail.

Therefore, how can Li Xuan, with his "lower" perspective, compare to Lu Chuan, who directed a film based on the same major events in modern history, with his "higher" perspective? There's simply no comparison.
Therefore, I support Li Xuan more.

Wang Lei: Huh?

Even Wang Lei was somewhat taken aback.
More support for Li Xuan?!

"You've been praising Lu Chuan for ages, and now you come here and tell me you support Li Xuan?"

"Is this contradictory? No, it's not," Han Ping said calmly. "Does having an advantage guarantee a win? Not necessarily."

"Then why do you support Li Xuan?"

"Because he is Li Xuan."

Because he is Li Xuan, for that reason.

At this moment, Wang Lei thought of a different question that yielded the same answer. It had appeared in his support of Jiang Wen back then.

After Jiang Wen was "blacklisted," Han Ping still supported him in making "Looking for a Gun," a film that appeared to be directed by Lu Chuan but was actually made under Jiang Wen's name.
That was his answer at the time.

Because he is Jiang Wen.

Like now.

Because he is Li Xuan.

At this point, the publicity and promotion had reached a fever pitch.

During the Spring Festival holiday, some people look forward to movies, while others look forward to the Spring Festival Gala.
"This year's Spring Festival is quite lively. I wonder what kind of works Mr. Zhao Benshan will be able to produce."

"I heard he'll be mentoring a newcomer, someone named Shenyang something."

At this moment, Lu Chuan and Jiang Wen were chatting casually.
The relationship between the two remained somewhat distant.

Then he fell silent.

It had been a long time since they had shared any common topics. Lu Chuan didn't know when it started, but Jiang Wen stopped talking to him about things like movies and art, and stopped going on about them.

Although he always arrogantly said that he wanted to surpass him.

but.
Why does he always seem to have such high hopes for Li Xuan?

And why are you so indifferent to yourself?

At this moment, Lu Chuancai couldn't help but ask the man he could call his master, "Master, how much do you think I'll beat him this time?"

He wanted to hear his master's approval.

You'll beat him by a little.

I will beat him by a lot.

I will beat him.
Even if these words were expressed in a roundabout way, Lu Chuan felt he would be satisfied.

Unfortunately, Jiang Wen remained silent.
silence
“Master, even if it’s the same subject matter, one is a subject I’ve poured my heart and soul into for ten years, researching and developing for so many years, while the other is a work that dabbles in all sorts of subjects, perhaps trying to ride my coattails this time, a piece filmed in three months. Even so, do you still not have confidence in me?” Lu Chuan shook his head at this moment: “Master, you don’t just simply dislike me, do you?”

"I do not have."

"Then why? Why do you have this prejudice against me?"

Lu Chuan paused and said, "Although for some reason, the people from China Film Group didn't help me this round, I'm not afraid of anything. In terms of publicity and distribution channels, our Beijing circle definitely has stronger channels than their university circle."

"You know, just one selection at an international film festival is enough to surpass his university publicity efforts. You know, that's an international film festival! I took my Nanjing-themed film to the Tokyo International Film Festival! Master, you should know all this. You could say that I have everything going for me. After this round, I can say that I am the best director of the younger generation in China. When my film gains international recognition, no one can deny the contribution of my film."

Publicity efforts are futile and like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

Lu Chuan felt that the difference between Li Xuan and himself lay in this.

My wealth comes from three generations of accumulation.

But yours is a lineage, you are one person, while I am three generations, and there is also a circle of people.

Even if he has unparalleled talent and genius.

Is it really that simple to cash out?

Even if you think so highly of his talent and ability.

But he was alone.

How could they possibly compare to me with a group of people gathered around me?

How can I compare to the many people who supported me? This is just stating the facts.

"So it's pointless for you to ask this question now, and it's pointless for me to answer it. In the end, it still comes down to the quality of the work and the box office results. Only those things matter in the end."

"Whether you're talking about Nanjing, the city of the common people, or Nanjing, the city of you so-called noble people, it ultimately needs to be put to the test of the market."

"Isn't it?"

"Yes, teacher, in the end, it has to be put to the test of the market. The competition in the publicity and distribution process can only show each company's bets and attitudes. In fact, I think it's great that someone can promote their publicity. It makes me feel more comfortable. Unlike those old-timers in the Beijing circle, I feel very happy."

Lu Chuan smiled at this moment.

That way, when I win him over.

All of you at that time.

That will give you a good slap in the face, teacher.

Release date is approaching.

For Li Xuan, this movie has even greater significance.

Regardless of the subject matter of Nanjing itself.

It's still this movie that gives me something.

Money, status, the generous reward of winning the award two years later, and the significance of not being able to lose.

If my uncle's health can completely replace Lu Chuan's position as the seventh generation leader, I will be able to gain the ability to share my own health value.

What can one gain by climbing to the top, defeating Lu Chuan, and becoming the leader of the seventh generation?
Just like myself now, I have received open support from the Central Academy of Drama and the Beijing Film Academy. After various considerations, China Film Group also decided to support me. Their connections and resources are opening their doors to me.

These things are all pushing me forward.
As the film's release date drew closer, Li Xuan could feel the sound of his heart pumping blood again and again.
Once again, I returned to the ruins of Nanjing.
The sound that came from the pump became the sound of pumping out of the body.
"You must be in a lot of pain right now."

"Yes, when I cut open a pregnant woman's belly, I feel a sense of comfort. When I cut open the life of a lower being, I feel all the pressure disappear."

Li Xuan's soul wandered through this ruin filled with blood, fire, and the smoke of battle.
Everything is history, and nothing can be changed. For Li Xuan, all he can do is feel and experience.

You can feel the touch on your skin, the sensation of blood and fire burning.

Those were some people.

Pain that cannot be felt.
I'm awake.
At this moment, Li Xuan got up, looked at the bright sun outside the window, and found that his uncle was already waiting, had packed his things and luggage, and it was time to go to the premiere.

He has even more thoughts and reflections on the subject of 'Nanjing'.
Or perhaps, this generation of more "old-fashioned" people have a special feeling and emotion towards Nanjing-themed topics.
"Let's go to the Nanjing premiere." At this moment, Wei Ming's mood was not as confident and joyful as when he watched Li Xuan's works before. Instead, he felt depressed: "I remember when I was a child, I watched a movie called 'Black Sun.' It was shown in a square by a projectionist. I was young at the time and didn't have much of a concept of movies. I was depressed for a long time back then."

"But that's what movies are all about."

Li Xuan looked at the photo album he had borrowed from Han Ping and said...

"What he carries may not necessarily be happiness."

"But it must also have something that makes its existence meaningful."

Now that they've arrived in Nanjing, the screening group for "Nanjing Photo Studio" is quite substantial.

Fan Wei, who came along, was astonished just by the sheer number of this team.

Han Ping from China Film Group, Xu Xiang, the principal of the Central Academy of Drama, Wang Fengsheng, the principal of the Beijing Film Academy, and Jiang Wen, a well-known director in the industry, all arrived at Nanjing Airport with great fanfare.

Li Xuan has now clearly gained considerable influence.
It's really just as people in the industry say.

This is the feeling of a 'circle,' the aura and presence of a circle, all fully expressed here. That feeling, that sensation.
It was very grand.

Even Fan Wei himself felt a stronger sense of belonging to Li Xuan's circle.

Mr. Fan

At the airport, the two groups met; they were both on the same flight and going to the same premiere.

On Lu Chuan's side, there were Wang Shuo, Wang Lei, Zheng Long, and other veteran core members of the Beijing entertainment circle, as well as foreign friends from Lionsgate, all on one side.

When Lu Chuan saw that Fan Wei and Gao Yuanyuan were both on Li Xuan's side, he was somewhat displeased, but he still smiled slightly.

Although Fan Wei was somewhat embarrassed, he still sided with Li Xuan: "Director Lu, it's quite unfortunate that I came here with my company to watch the movie."

"It's alright, Teacher Fan. It won't hurt to watch our own movie after we've finished watching the first one."

"Yeah."

at this time.

Lu Chuan saw Li Xuan at that moment, and his thoughts returned to the train journey to the small town, to the little extra who was still quietly reading the script on the train.
At that time, I was quite friendly to him, and even had a little bit of admiration for him.

However, now that he has come to the point where he can threaten his own position.

Lu Chuan has a knot in his heart, a knot in his mind, a knot of evil!
When he looked at Li Xuan with eyes that weren't looking up at him, but rather at him straight on, his resentment deepened and became even more difficult to resolve.
"To be honest, even if you joined the Beijing elite circle and climbed to this position, I would still feel uncomfortable."

Lu Chuan stood right in front of Li Xuan and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Although I know this is wrong, I just can't suppress my feelings. I don't want to deceive you—if you hadn't climbed to this position, given our relationship, we could have cooperated seamlessly, or even been friends."

My parents told me that some people are just born superior.

At least in the film industry, I'm naturally superior to others, and I should be superior to others.

I will treat the virtuous and talented with respect.

But even corporals have the opportunity to climb over my head.

That's not right.

"Hahaha! He should be my friend!" - Ito Hideo, the bespectacled Japanese man next to Li Xuan, said with great joy that Lu Chuancai was his confidant and friend!
Li Xuan just smiled and wasn't annoyed.

"Mr. Lu, when it comes to our level, there's no need for empty talk. What truly determines our standing are reputation, box office numbers, popularity, and ultimately, the awards we receive. These are the things that truly define our position."

"Then we'll see."

"Well, we'll see."

As they spoke, the two walked in the opposite direction, and the people following them also walked in the opposite direction.

(End of this chapter)