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

Chapter 385, "The Age of Awakening" wraps up filming.

applause.

From scattered applause to deafening applause
Even Zhou Fengqi, who was outside the auditorium, was applauding.

Xu Xiang saw it, and he was truly impressed by the president of Peking University.

Xu Xiang also seemed to see that the young man standing on the podium was completely superimposed on the figure in the historical photos from a hundred years ago, wearing round-framed glasses and with a resolute look in his eyes.

The person standing there was not the actor Li Xuan at all.

It was Li Dazhao, it was Mr. Shouchang himself.

He traversed a century, emerging from the dust of history, and through the body of this young man, unleashed a deafening roar upon the students of Peking University, whom he was so proud of.
Li Xuan, no, this Li Dazhao, not only subdued these five hundred Peking University students, but also subdued the president of Peking University.

He was also impressed by this person who stood at the pinnacle of science and engineering universities.
This also showed admiration for Li Xuan.
He also acknowledged that the person standing before him was 'Li Dazhao'.

"See? I told you he was different."

"Is he from your Central Academy of Drama?"

Zhou Fengqi blurted out the question almost without thinking.

In his view, only the most prestigious drama schools, using the most rigorous academic methods, could possibly cultivate such a monster.

"Please don't talk about such hurtful things."

Xu Xiang gave a wry smile and shook his head.

"If he were from our Central Academy of Drama, I would be laughing in my dreams."

Zhou Fengqi was somewhat taken aback.

"His acting skills aren't those of someone from the Central Academy of Drama."

"Beijing Film Academy is incredibly lucky to have Li Xuan," Xu Xiang said with a hint of helplessness.

He looked up at the stage again. The applause had gradually subsided, but the ignited atmosphere still lingered.

More than 500 students, not one of them sat down.

They were all standing, standing very straight.

All that previous cynicism, that critical eye, that arrogant pride of a chosen one—it's all gone.

Instead, a complex mix of shame, excitement, shock, and reverence arose.

They were looking at the person on the stage.

Head up.

It was set ablaze.
The script supervisor was the first to rush forward, carrying a coat and a bottle of water.

"Director Li, are you alright?"

Li Xuan waved his hand, not taking the water, but slowly straightened up and exhaled a long breath.

As he exhaled that breath, the heaviness and sorrow that belonged to "Li Dazhao" seemed to fade somewhat.

He transformed back into that young man in his twenties.

"fine."

Li Xuan's voice was terribly hoarse.

"Let everyone get ready. The mood's built up nicely. Let's strike while the iron is hot and film the students rushing out of the lecture hall."

But just as he was about to step down from the podium, a figure blocked his way.

It's Zhou Fengqi.

The president of Peking University personally walked from the back row of the auditorium, through the crowd, to the front of the stage.

Behind him followed Xu Xiang, whose expression was complicated.

The entire lecture hall fell silent once more, all the students' eyes focused on this dramatic scene.

President, are you going to confront this director who "insulted" all Peking University students?
Han Ping's heart leaped into his throat again, fearing that the principal would seek revenge later.

Zhou Fengqi didn't look at anyone else; his gaze was fixed solely on Li Xuan.

He carefully examined the young man in front of him, who had shed the aura of "Li Dazhao".

Pale and tired, but there was a clarity in those eyes after all the impurities had been burned away.

"Director Li..."

Zhou Fengqi spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse.

He paused, seemingly realizing that the way he addressed her was inappropriate, and changed his address.

"Mr. Lee."

From "director" to "Mr.", a difference of just one word makes all the difference.

Li Xuan looked at him without saying a word, simply returning his gaze calmly.

"I……"

Zhou Fengqi took a deep breath. This renowned scholar, who had spoken eloquently at countless national conferences, was now somewhat speechless.

He bowed deeply and solemnly to Li Xuan.

Ninety degrees.

"boom!"

The audience erupted in cheers.

If Li Xuan's speech was a spiritual conquest, then Principal Zhou Fengqi's bow was a real-world coronation!

Xu Xiang closed his eyes, let out a long sigh, but a smile appeared on his face.

"Principal Zhou, what are you doing?"

Li Xuan stepped aside and did not accept his bow.

Zhou Fengqi straightened up, his face showing a mixture of relief and guilt.

"I apologize to you for my previous prejudice and narrow-mindedness."

Xu Xiang noticed it.

He wasn't referring to "our Peking University" or "the school"; he was referring to "me."

This is a scholar's most sincere tribute to another person who has captivated him on a spiritual level.

"You didn't just put on a show for us today."

Zhou Fengqi's voice echoed in the lecture hall.

“You have taught a lesson to everyone present, including me.”

"A lesson about the spirit of Peking University and the responsibilities of youth."

Li Xuan looked at him and finally smiled.

"It's not really a class."

He picked up the stack of books on the podium and weighed them in his hand.

"I just feel that some things shouldn't be forgotten."

"you're right."

Zhou Fengqi nodded emphatically.

"It should not be forgotten."

He turned around and faced the more than 500 students below the stage, his voice booming.

"Students! Mr. Li Xuan's 'speech' just now is also what I wanted to say to you!"

"You are the chosen ones, but the title of 'chosen ones' is not only an honor, but also a responsibility!"

"From today onward, I hope that each of you, while engrossed in your studies, will also remember to look up at the land beneath our feet and at our country!"

"Filming isn't over yet!"

Zhou Fengqi's gaze swept across the entire room.

"I demand that, from this moment forward, all students involved in the filming, give it your all! You are not just extras; you are experiencing the path of our predecessors! Anyone who dares to slack off is disrespecting history and disrespecting Peking University!"

"Yes!"

More than 500 people roared in unison, the sound almost lifting the roof off the lecture hall.

That spirit, that energy, was completely united as one.

Li Xuan just watched...
The play was a success.

From this moment on, it has a true "soul".

Li Xuan watched all this without saying anything more. He simply nodded to Zhou Fengqi, then stepped down from the podium and returned behind the monitor.

He picked up the walkie-talkie again; the director who once commanded the world was back.

"Attention all departments! The morale is stable!"

"Camera crew, lighting crew, give me the best lighting effects!"

"Props team, check the doors and windows, we're really going to smash them later!"

He glanced at the monitor, at the young faces that had been set ablaze.

"Everyone, listen to my command!"

Li Xuan's voice resounded throughout the venue through the loudspeakers.

"Just now, it was anger."

"Now, I want you to turn this anger into action!"

He paused for a moment, then spoke slowly and deliberately.

"I want you to rush out like they did a hundred years ago, and use your bodies to smash open the door to that old world!"

The scenes at Peking University have been filmed.
Before leaving, he left a video recording at Peking University—this Peking University speech will remain as teaching material for the Marxist-Leninist course at Peking University. As for the copyright fees and the specifics of its broadcast, that will be discussed later.
Furthermore, the fact that this section will only be included in the teaching materials after "The Age of Awakening" has already been broadcast is stipulated in the confidentiality agreement.
Now, apart from Li Xuan himself, no one knows that his speech "The Age of Awakening" has been included in the Marxist-Leninist textbooks of Beijing Film Academy.

"How amazing! Besides the textbooks from the Beijing Film Academy, they even have Marxist-Leninist textbooks available."

At this moment, Li Xuan felt rather strange about his current state.

It was a pleasant surprise.

But the unexpected joy should also lie in the script itself.
When I rushed to another film set, I finally felt a long-awaited moment of rest.
While resting on the train.

"Mr. Lee."

"Actually, you don't need to call me Mr. Li. I feel quite unworthy of such a title."

"You truly deserve the title of 'sir'."

Li Xuan looked at the bearded man next to him.

Young, not particularly handsome, but with a sharp glint in his eyes, just like when he acts.

Li Dazhao.

He called himself "sir".
“Your work contains extraordinary truths and meanings.” ’Li Dazhao’ said to Li Xuan, “In a sense, you and we are the same kind of people.”

Faced with such sincere praise, Li Xuan pondered for a moment before replying, "Thank you."

Originally, Li Xuan wanted to be a little arrogant, saying that he was doing this for fame and fortune, and that making this film would bring him both fame and fortune, allowing him to gain something, make money, receive system rewards, and win some awards for the next two years.

But in reality, there's absolutely no need to be arrogant when it comes to your own 'personality'.

If you have an answer in your mind, just say it.

Indeed, it is about wanting to spread what they consider to be 'correct' artistic ideas, which is something every artist has—the desire to achieve happiness.

Kongming once told himself that even if the so-called 'greatness' was for the sake of a 'great' feeling and pleasure, it was still a kind of greatness.

So, even if one wants to create the most resonant "great" works for a selfish reason, that too is a kind of greatness.
These are the things that constitute greatness.
Discuss the deeds but not the heart.

Greatness that stems from selfishness is also greatness.

"I can't be as selfless as you, but I know that if I'm on the right path, the rewards I'll get are just like this. That's how it should be."

On the train.

You can see bustling traffic and all walks of life.

I can see the happiness I have now.

But injustice still exists.

Poverty and hunger have always been present.

These things have always existed.

At this moment, Li Xuan heard the conversation behind him.

"Don't be afraid, we'll go to a hospital in Beiping."

"But Mom, Grandpa, and Grandma said we're out of money. Is Lele going to die? They said leukemia is incurable."

"No, Mom and Dad sold the house, you'll be fine."

There were also a few sobs mixed in.

Some casual remarks about the various aspects of life entered Li Xuan's mind.

A variety of emotions intertwined and mixed together.

This is also why Li Xuan has always enjoyed taking the train.

We need to be grounded in reality.

Go and listen to and observe the myriad aspects of life.

To create what they want, need, and yearn to express.

art
"Li Xuan is a truly amazing person. He would rather delay for a few more days than fly. He values ​​his life so much. You know, the production crew costs a lot of money every day to operate."

"This is called experiencing life, you know? It's not a bad thing to let the crew rest for a few more days, since there aren't many scenes left to film anyway."

"Everyone else on the crew is working non-stop, because every extra day they stay means more money for equipment. Li Xuan, on the other hand, is doing well."

"However, no matter how you look at it, he's a good boss."

Listening quietly to the crew's evaluation of Li Xuan, Liu Yifei listened, as did Wang Jinsong beside her.
There's no need to argue, because in their eyes, Li Xuan is a truly excellent boss, through and through.
He wanted to hear more voices.

At this moment, Liu Yifei said from the side: "Being down-to-earth will give you more inspiration and allow you to shoot more works."

"You really know him."

Wang Jinsong also looked at Liu Yifei, slightly surprised.

In this film crew, there were very few people who could truly understand Li Xuan's intentions.

Liu Hewei is one, and Wang Jinsong is another.

Liu Yifei is one of them.

“I am his wife, how could I not understand him?” Liu Yifei smiled with her eyes narrowed.

This startled Wang Jingsong, who was standing next to him.

This statement is very ambiguous and quite intriguing.

She was indeed Li Dazhao's wife in the play, but in real life...
But thinking about it carefully, Liu Yifei and Li Xuan have supported each other to get to where they are today.

It's perfectly normal for them to have some kind of relationship.
But for a rising female star to admit this also confirms one thing—her feelings are truly deep.
One option is to consider the potential damage to one's future.

It is also 'brave' in its depth.

No wonder.

She portrayed the role of Li Dazhao's wife so convincingly.
She's a brave woman, and her student is no exception.
Wang Jinsong was curious about how far Liu Yifei could go by following Li Xuan.

Where to go.

There were only a few scenes left to film, but everyone felt like a huge rock was pressing on their chests, making it hard to breathe.

Because of Li Xuan, he had to watch helplessly as his filming wrapped up.

As Li Dazhao.

On set, the gallows, hastily made from birch wood, stood quietly.

"It's okay, teacher, I'm ready."

"Um"

Wang Jinsong, the president of Peking University, watched intently from the side, staring at the figure who had already changed into his costume and was now resting with his eyes closed.

No one in the entire production crew dares to ask or even think about this question now.

"All departments, take your positions!"

At the script supervisor's shout, Li Xuan opened his eyes.

In that instant, all the lights on set seemed to dim, leaving only the light in his eyes.

He walked onto the gallows without the slightest hesitation, his steps steady, as if he were not heading towards death, but towards a podium for a speech.

The moment the rope was put around his neck, he didn't look at the camera or anyone else.

His lips moved silently.

Those who can read lip movements can tell that it's the melody of "The Internationale".

It was silent, yet more powerful than any shout.

The camera zoomed in, focusing on his face.

There was no fear or indignation on that face, only a calm after the fire had burned out, and an infinite belief in the future.

He spoke, his voice not loud, but it clearly carried throughout the deathly silent film set.

"Tell my comrades—I am dead, but communism lives on!"

The words fell.

The wooden planks underfoot were removed.

"Crack!"

That was the sound of bones breaking, simulated by the props team, which made everyone present feel a sudden jolt in their hearts.

Wang Jingsong stared intently.
Everyone stood up in front of the monitor.

In the scene, a pocket watch falls from his pocket and hangs in mid-air, its hands swinging violently before suddenly stopping.

The close-up shot focuses intently on the watch face.

April 28, 1927, 9:4 AM.

“cut…”

The script supervisor's voice was trembling. After shouting, he turned his head away and wiped his face haphazardly with his sleeve.

No one moved or spoke on set; only suppressed sobs could be heard.

……

Tiger Bridge Prison, Nanjing.

It's snowing heavily.

Liu Hewei, who plays Chen Duxiu, is dressed in thin prison clothes and stares blankly out the window.

When the jailer shoved in the newspaper that read "Li Dazhao was executed in the Beijing Detention Center," he only glanced at it and then made no further move.

He neither cried nor shouted.

He slowly stood up, pushed open the prison door, and staggered into the vast expanse of white snow.

"The blood of Shouchang burned a hole in the gallows..."

Liu Hewei's voice, hoarse as if crushed, came from off-camera, sounding like a monologue or a dream.

Is that light shining in?

He stopped, looked up, and let the snowflakes fall all over his face.

"No, it's the eyes of those who came after!"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a tearing pain and hope.

"They have a spark in their eyes—hotter than the rising sun!"

The camera followed his every step.

Those staggering, faltering steps left deep craters in the snow, but as they walked, their steps gradually became firm and powerful, eventually transforming into resounding marching steps!

His hunched back straightened.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The few faded prison buttons on his chest seemed unable to withstand the surging force, and they flew off one by one!

Captured by a high-speed camera, the five buttons traced a path in the air, transforming into five shining stars.

……

The last shot.

When an actor playing a post-90s youth carefully places a photocopy of the inaugural issue of "New Youth" on a pool of clear water.

A miracle happened.

The originally blank paper slowly revealed four invisible characters after being exposed to water.

Long live the people!

History has provided the final answer at this moment.

The spark sown a century ago has long been tempered into a steel-like faith in the soil of the new era.

"Crack!"

"pass!"

"The Age of Awakening has wrapped filming!"

(End of this chapter)