This director is vindictive.

Chapter 265 On the Self-Cultivation of a Scumbag: Wedding Planning Master (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
As the saying goes, "A thousand words are not as good as hard work."

After the huge success of "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness", Chen Mo did not take the opportunity to hype it up. Instead, he kept a low profile, but every move he made was precisely at the right point - he was quiet and the effect was better than a big publicity campaign.

However, the magnitude of the impact this time was something he himself hadn't anticipated.

The most crucial move was actually the official intervention and the spread of influence overseas.

Chen Mo knew very well that the success of "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness" was almost impossible to replicate—it required the right timing, the right location, and the right people, none of which could be lacking.

At the time, China was vigorously promoting the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, and "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness" happened to be centered on traditional wedding culture. In addition, it had already gained enough popularity in the early stages, so the official team was naturally willing to take advantage of the situation and give it a push.

However, the official focus was not on Chen Mo and Jing Tian as individuals, but rather on the concept of "modern inheritance of traditional wedding culture".

However, even the officials probably didn't expect that this push would have such a good effect!

It became a hit domestically, broke out of its niche overseas, and achieved maximum cultural export.

What was originally just a fake celebrity wedding turned into a phenomenal cultural event.

Logically, with "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness" being such a resounding success, Chen Mo should be beaming with joy. But instead, he feels anything but happy; on the contrary, he's incredibly troubled.

Having too many women is a hassle for anyone, even someone as "master of balance" as him can't handle it! Although everyone tacitly agrees that Jing Tian is the "official wife"—after all, she and Chen Mo knew each other the longest, and their relationship was the purest, without any other motives. Therefore, Chen Mo has always treated her the most special, spoiling her to the core.

The other women were also aware that their initial approaches to Chen Mo were all somewhat driven by ulterior motives. Although they had indeed developed genuine feelings after so many years together, it ultimately lacked the pure affection that Jing Tian possessed. They themselves acknowledged this.

The problem is, even if they can't compare to Jing Tian, ​​what about the rest of them? Seeing Jing Tian wearing a phoenix coronet and wedding gown and having a grand wedding with the traditional three letters and six rites, even though they knew it was just a ceremony, they were still so envious they felt like their teeth were going to fall out!

Chen Mo had indeed said he would treat everyone equally, but he hadn't kept his word yet. So these past few days, the women had been using all sorts of ways to whine and complain, their underlying message being the same: hurry up and do what you promised!

Sure enough, Xiao Zhao, who has always been "unassuming and uncompetitive," has changed his tune this time.

"I came first! I have no problem with Tian Tian going first, but I have to be second!" This was probably the first time Zhao Liying had ever "competed for favor" like this!
However, Chen Mo already had a plan in mind.

That's right. If Jing Tian is Chen Mo's "white moonlight," then Zhao Liying is equally special; she was the first woman Chen Mo encountered after coming into this world. Therefore, the second Chen Mo was originally planned to be Zhao Liying.

He had a general idea of ​​how to do it, but he hadn't really figured out the specifics yet. However, it was enough to appease Xiao Zhao.

Chen Mo had never actually considered copying BYD's "Prosperous Dynasty" series.

Moreover, it's inappropriate because the "Chinese Wedding" plan, jointly created by Shengshi Pictures, Huayun Apparel, and the cultural and tourism departments, already includes these.

Therefore, he naturally wouldn't use that idea again.

To be honest, playing the "Dynasty Warriors" series is, in a sense, just a remake and doesn't really showcase any unique features.

Besides, not every woman is suited to that kind of wedding ceremony! Take Jing Tian, ​​for example. She has a typical "peaceful and prosperous" face, so she is very suitable to play this kind of "first wife".

However, if you were to mention Xiao Zhao, or Zhang Yuqi, a tiger-woman with a touch of exoticism, it wouldn't actually be a good fit.

In short, Chen Mo had no intention of following the wedding style of the "Prosperous Dynasty".

Moreover, it is conceivable that the success of "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness" has brought such great benefits, such a huge sensation, and has even become a phenomenon-level cultural phenomenon. The resulting commercial profits have long been the envy of countless people.

Therefore, countless imitators will inevitably emerge. If you can think of the "Golden Dynasty" series, can't they think of it too?

Impossible! In fact, too many similar things will eventually lead to aesthetic fatigue.

Even the most delicious food will become tiresome if you eat it too much! Even the most beautiful things will become boring if you look at them every day!
Therefore, Chen Mo directly instructed Shengshi Pictures, Huayun Apparel, and the cultural and tourism departments to jointly launch the "Chinese Wedding" project.

Because this is really nothing new anymore.

"Do you have any ideas of your own?" Chen Mo asked with a smile.

"Emmm, I had some ideas before, but after watching 'The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness,' I have no ideas anymore!" Zhao Liying said somewhat dejectedly.

Women always dream about their weddings.

Although she knew that choosing Chen Mo meant she would probably never have a "wedding" in this lifetime, it didn't stop her from having her own dreams.

In particular, Chen Mo's suggestion to hold a wedding ceremony under the guise of filming a promotional video touched a nerve with her.

But when it came to the specific arrangements, with Jing Tian's excellent example before her, she suddenly realized that the ideas she had come up with were simply too low-level!
“You’re a great director and screenwriter, of course you should come up with the ideas!” Zhao Liying said, her eyes darting around as she looked at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo couldn't help but smile slightly.

"It depends on how you look at it. In fact, the influence of 'The Phoenix's Auspiciousness' is irreplaceable. Even the 'Chinese Wedding' documentary project, which was created in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, can never reach the level of influence of 'The Phoenix's Auspiciousness'."

Because only the first person to eat a crab gets to eat the best and most delicious piece.

"Even if we introduce wedding customs from various dynasties later, the influence will definitely not be that strong," Chen Mo said with a smile.

Zhao Liying could understand.

The reason is simple: everything is new and exciting the first time.

While the fact that "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness" has broken into the mainstream and even crossed national borders is indeed closely related to the cultural inheritance of traditional Chinese wedding customs, what really matters is the opportune timing, favorable location, and harmonious relationships that made this documentary possible.

Initially, the buzz started because Chen Mo and Jing Tian were the center of attention.

Later, the subsequent reactions arose because the format of watching wedding documentaries on Valentine's Day resonated with the aspirations of contemporary young people.

But even if the wedding documentaries that follow are more elaborate and lavish than "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness," they will never reach this level.

Just like those classic works in the past, such as "The Return of the Condor Heroes" and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils", were the TVB versions really better than the later remakes?

Definitely not! But why is it that in the public's mind, it can never compare?

The principles are actually quite similar!
Now it's Zhao Liying's turn to worry. Perhaps to outsiders, they're just watching the show.

But for Zhao Liying, this is a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony!

Zhao Liying certainly cared a lot about this. She dreamed of having a wedding like the one in "The Phoenix Brings Auspiciousness," a classic that everyone would talk about, and one that would be envied and praised by countless people.

But after hearing Chen Mo's explanation, she felt a little depressed.

"Actually, it's not like there's no other way!" Chen Mo couldn't help but smile when he saw her wrinkled face, but he also felt a little sorry for her.

"Really? Okay, you did this on purpose, didn't you?" Zhao Liying's eyes widened immediately upon hearing this, and she punched him lightly, both embarrassed and annoyed. "Tell me! Stop keeping me in suspense!"

Chen Mo calmly put his arm around her. She was petite, and even though she was pregnant, she was still easy to hold, like a soft, fluffy cat.

She's a little flustered right now! But she's still incredibly cute! Chen Mo really enjoys this feeling.

Especially after becoming pregnant, Xiao Zhao went from being skinny to being chubby, making her very comfortable to hold.

Chen Mo couldn't help but pinch her cheek and said, "Chinese culture is so rich, why insist on sticking to historical themes?"

"What has been passed down for thousands of years is not just those old relics. Some of the derived cultures are even more popular than the traditional ones!"

Zhao Liying blinked, vaguely feeling that it made sense, but she couldn't think of any specific way to do it.

"Oh, just tell me!" She tugged at Chen Mo's sleeve and shook it, her voice soft and slightly coquettish. This side of Xiao Zhao was rare, and Chen Mo chuckled, resting his chin on her shoulder as he said, "Think about it, movies and TV shows are divided into fantasy, martial arts, xuanhuan, and science fiction, and further subdivided into suspense, comedy, and mystery... Why can't our wedding be a little different?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Liying's eyes lit up immediately, and she looked up abruptly: "That's right!"

Then, she excitedly gave Chen Mo a quick kiss, almost hitting his chin in the process.

"So, what do you think is your best look?" Chen Mo asked with a smile.

Zhao Liying tilted her head and thought for a moment: "Period dramas? 'The Journey of Flower,' 'Princess Agents,' 'The Legend of Chusen,' and the like?"

Zhao has acted in many films and television series, but her most popular works are undoubtedly her period dramas.

Chen Mo nodded and snapped his fingers, saying, "That's right!"

"The fantasy dramas you've acted in are the most popular, and audiences love watching them the most. So—"

He deliberately dragged out his words: "How about we have a fantasy-themed wedding?"

Zhao Liying's eyes lit up like stars, and she jumped out of Chen Mo's arms: "Oh my god! This is amazing! I want to fly on my sword and become your Daoist partner, hahaha!"

She was so excited that she spun around on the spot, then threw herself back into Chen Mo's arms, gave him another big kiss, and then stared at him with her big, watery eyes full of admiration: "How can you be so smart!"

"Tell me quickly, tell me quickly, what else is there?" The more Zhao Liying thought about it, the more she felt that Chen Mo's idea was simply brilliant.

Chen Mo smiled and hugged her affectionately, saying, "You're about to become a mother, and you're still so clumsy."

She playfully stuck out her tongue, then obediently found a comfortable position in Chen Mo's arms, and looked at Chen Mo expectantly.

"My idea is to replace the traditional sedan chair and wedding ceremony with flying on a sword, forming a sect alliance, and fantasy scenes, which will both preserve the cultural core and create a sense of novelty."

Chen Mo gently stroked Zhao Liying's hair and continued, "For example, we can design a 'Grand Ceremony of the Immortal Sect.' You will be dressed in a cloud-like gown, like a fairy from the heavens, riding a sword down from the ninth heaven, while I will wait for you at the summit of Kunlun. Surrounded by clouds and mist, with cranes circling around, and accompanied by specially synthesized spirit beasts and a sky full of rosy clouds, it will definitely be more spectacular than a traditional wedding."

Zhao Liying listened intently and couldn't help but interject, "What about the guests? We can't really make them climb the mountain, can we?"

“Silly girl, of course we’ll use holographic projection!” Chen Mo laughed and flicked her nose. “The venue will be set up like a fantasy world. When guests enter, they will receive a ‘Sect Jade Token.’ Maids will dress up as celestial maidens to guide them. Even the banquet can be called ‘Feast of Fine Wine’—fruit wine will be served in glass cups, and spirit fruits will be carved as cold dishes. We’ll also invite a traditional Chinese music ensemble to perform pieces like ‘The Unity of the Nine Provinces’.”

She sat up straight excitedly because Chen Mo's words had already conjured up a vivid picture in her mind, but she couldn't help but ask, "What about exchanging tokens? It can't just be rings again, can it? And how will the ceremony be conducted?"

“How about using the ‘Concentric Pact’?” Chen Mo raised his palm upwards as if a magical artifact were truly appearing. “We will each take a strand of hair to tie into a sword tassel, and then cast a spell in front of everyone to make the sword tassels transform into streams of light and enter each other’s hearts—we’ll add special effects later to symbolize ‘a bond of life and death.’ As for the marriage certificate, it can be written in the style of an ancient scroll, with cinnabar talismans used instead of signatures.”

Not only that, we can also design it, and we'll study the specifics later. In short, it will definitely be as magical as possible!

Zhao Liying's eyes suddenly reddened, and she hugged him tightly: "Chen Mo!"

She paused for a moment: "You've even thought of these details...did you secretly plan this all along?"

“I’ve been thinking about this ever since you filmed ‘The Journey of Flower.’” Chen Mo kissed the top of her head. “When I saw you standing on the Broken Heart Sword in all white, I thought that one day I would make you a real fairy.”

Cough cough, okay, that's all nonsense. Chen Mo didn't even think about it back then, okay? Although these things weren't thought of on the spot, it's impossible for them to have come up with them so early.

At this moment, he certainly wouldn't spoil the mood, after all, he wasn't a stereotypical straight man, and the other person was still feeling touched.

So, men, when a woman is moved, please, please don't say anything. Just go along with what she says. As for whether it's true or not, what proof is needed for this kind of thing? Just let your heart tell you.

If she thinks it is, then it is! She doesn't even consider whether Chen Mo is lying to her.

And that was indeed the case. Zhao Liying certainly didn't think Chen Mo was lying to her, because there was absolutely no need for that.

At this moment, Zhao Liying was completely immersed in emotion. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that the idea of ​​a fantasy world was truly wonderful.

Moreover, Chen Mo wanted her to truly be a fairy so early on. Although he was indeed a bit of a jerk, he was just too good at it and understood everything!

She couldn't hold on any longer!

At this moment, she wasn't thinking about winning him over; instead, she was already dreaming about that special wedding, and even imagining how popular this "fantasy wedding" would be.

She nestled softly and obediently in Chen Mo's arms like a kitten, her eyes slightly glazed over.

Chen Mo, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief, having finally managed to "fool" them.

Well, actually, these were all things he had thought about before.

These women are all outstanding, each with their own unique characteristics.

Since Chen Mo wanted to give them an unforgettable "wedding ceremony," he naturally wouldn't just follow the script.

This incident also gave Chen Mo more inspiration.

Moreover, leveraging Zhao Liying's existing popular fantasy IP character brings its own buzz and audience base; the fantasy elements of the fantasy genre make it easy to create a unique visual spectacle and generate buzz; and avoiding direct comparison with Jing Tian's wedding creates a differentiated memory point.

At the same time, this theme also aligns with China's unique culture, as fantasy and martial arts are themselves a part of Chinese culture.

And given that the concept of the Huayun brand is aligned with Chinese style, who can say that fantasy and martial arts are not part of the traditional Chinese style?

As for the other women, Chen Mo is actually having a headache right now. After all, each one needs to be treated specially and made unique. How easy is that?

He also has ambitions. Although he doesn't expect to make money from it, he naturally hopes that every "wedding" can stand out from the crowd.

As a director with those resources, he naturally hopes to leave behind more special things in his lifetime.

And he also likes this kind of romance! For a moment, his thoughts even started to wander.

Chen Mo grew increasingly excited as he thought about it, relaxing back on the sofa and unconsciously tapping his fingers on the armrest. His thoughts flowed like a flood, with various wedding ideas surging through his mind: "A fantasy theme is indeed good, but other styles are also very promising!" he muttered to himself.

A martial arts-themed wedding immediately comes to mind: the bride can wear a modified version of a red martial arts outfit, while the groom is dressed in a black martial arts attire. The two engage in a "martial arts contest" to find a husband in a bamboo forest, and finally exchange tokens amidst the fluttering bamboo leaves. Guests can wear costumes from various schools of martial arts, and even the wedding invitations can be designed like "hero's invitations."

Thinking of this, Chen Mo suddenly sat up straight, his thoughts becoming even more scattered.

Wouldn't a prehistoric theme be even more stunning?
Imagine the two of them standing in the chaotic void, surrounded by prehistoric beasts created with special effects, with dragons and phoenixes in the sky, and even a ritualistic sense of "witnessing the Dao of Heaven".

And there's absolutely no need to limit yourself to that!

The Republic of China era style is also fantastic! The bride wore a fitted cheongsam with a fringed shawl; the groom wore a sharp Zhongshan suit, and the two completed the ceremony surrounded by vintage rickshaws and old-fashioned gramophones. Even the wedding candies were packaged in retro tin boxes.

My thoughts then drifted back to the 1950s and 60s: weddings back then were so simple! The bride wore a red dress, the groom wore a Zhongshan suit, the betrothal gifts were the "four major items," and the new house had to have "sixteen legs."

Singing "The East Is Red" together, it's full of nostalgia.

He suddenly laughed out loud, picked up his phone and quickly jotted down these inspirations. If all else failed, he could always solicit ideas online! Netizens have no shortage of creative ideas.

With this in mind, Chen Mo completely relaxed. He realized that creativity was never the problem—what truly limited people were budgets, resources, and the ability to implement them. And for him, these were precisely the least of his problems.

Money makes the world go round; it's a vulgar saying, but it's certainly true.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, but his eyes were full of confidence. As long as you're willing to spend the money, what kind of wedding can't you have?
Looking down, I saw that Zhao Liying had fallen asleep at some point, but a smile was playing on her lips. Perhaps she was having a wedding in her sleep?

(End of this chapter)