This director is vindictive.

Chapter 297 New Year's Eve Fireworks and Half a Sugar Chestnut

Ultimately, "The Flying Swordsman" is just a relatively "novel" and "non-genre film," so its box office performance was quite different from that of a typical blockbuster film.

Even so, the box office of over 1 billion, nearly 1.5 billion, still leaves an extremely significant mark on film history for this special movie.

Chen Mo's "movie week" plan is still ongoing, but after the incidents involving "Sheep Without a Shepherd 2" and "The Young Lions," he no longer intends to cause any more trouble.

I went to see a "small but beautiful" urban romance film called "The Myth of Love" with Gao Yuanyuan!
Gao Yuanyuan really liked this movie, but Chen Mo was nothing special. How so?

It's mainly about stance! As a man, well, the movie "The Myth of Love" offended him a bit.

In summary, "Love Myth" is a unique urban romance film with sharp dialogue and a strong Shanghai flavor. It uses a light touch to depict the emotional world of middle-aged people, which is both humorous and delicate, but the pace is slow and the regional characteristics are distinct.

However, its success also stemmed from its regional characteristics.

Because of its strong regional characteristics, it is not very friendly to viewers outside of Shanghai or those who prefer a strong plot.

Even Chen Mo himself found some parts quite awkward while watching.

In particular, the entire film is spoken in Shanghainese, and the scenes of Shanghai alleyways, cafes, and old villas create a strong urban artistic atmosphere, making the film full of regional characteristics.

For Chen Mo, a native of Fujian, it's actually difficult to empathize with many of these places, and even harder to understand the local jokes and references.

Moreover, this can be described as a typical "female-oriented" film.

Chen Mo noticed while watching the movie that many female viewers were engrossed, but the male viewers were less so.

This is normal, because the film uses a slice-of-life narrative, without intense conflicts or plot twists, but relies on dialogue and details to advance the story. It can be said that the plot is really "bland"!
Okay, in short, this is an art film!

This is a not-so-romantic love story!

"I feel like this movie, although it's a romance, isn't really suitable for couples to watch?" Gao Yuanyuan couldn't help but say.

Chen Mo couldn't help but laugh: "That's normal. Although it's a romance film, its unique perspective and narrative style make it unsuitable for traditional 'couples watching movies on a date,' and may even make some couples feel like they're sitting on pins and needles."

"Because of the theme of this movie, it is not 'romantic love,' but 'midlife emotional dilemmas'!"
The film focuses on the complex relationships between divorced middle-aged men and women, such as entanglement with exes, tentative flirtation, and practical concerns, rather than the kind of passionate love or romantic confessions that are commonly seen in young couples.

It's not the kind of love that lasts a lifetime, but rather more like a mirror reflecting the opposite of "love."

"A mirror behind?" Gao Yuanyuan asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Think about it, after seeing this, wouldn't couples in love think, 'Will we end up like this in the future?' How would they feel?" Chen Mo couldn't help but say.

In fact, this is true, especially in romantic movies, which makes it easier for couples to make such associations.

"Flying Swordsman" easily inspires couples to dream of having such a wedding, where everything seems so beautiful.

But what about "The Myth of Love"?

That's so damn real.

Especially the line: "When a man writes a play, there are always two kinds of women: a red rose and a white rose."

Good grief, what are couples supposed to think?
Male viewers will feel awkward, because that's just how men are!
The problem is, while this is true, it would be really awkward if your girlfriend suddenly asked, "Do you think so too?"
Gao Yuanyuan looked at Chen Mo with a strange expression.

"Therefore, this movie will not give couples a sense of excitement, but may instead make them feel infatuated."

Men may feel offended, while women may easily begin to doubt "love" because of it!
Overall, the title "The Myth of Love" is quite interesting; it gives the impression that true love is a myth, while real love is melodramatic. Chen Mo, however, remained oblivious, continuing his rambling.

"This kind of movie is actually more suitable for female friends, because they can complain about the male characters and talk about relationships! It's just not suitable for couples!"

"So, you feel this deeply?" Gao Yuanyuan asked, tilting her head.

"Huh?" Chen Mo finally realized that he was probably the biggest negative example of "love".
"You haven't looked for a new red rose in a long time. So, have you found someone yet?" Gao Yuanyuan said teasingly.

Chen Mo rolled his eyes and said, "Alright, stop testing me. You guys are enough to keep me busy. I don't have the time or inclination for that."

Chen Mo was telling the truth; he genuinely didn't have those kinds of thoughts. Otherwise, to put it bluntly, his harem would be overflowing with people.

Afterwards, Chen Mo accompanied Fan Binbin and Zhao Liying to watch two movies.

During this period, Chen Mo didn't cause any more trouble, at most just chatting with his female confidantes about their thoughts after watching the show.

On December 31st, the last day of Chen Mo's movie-watching week plan, which was also the last day of 2021, he dedicated his time to Jing Tian.

"What do you want to see?" Chen Mo asked with a smile as the two arrived at the cinema.

This day also saw the most new films released in December.

After all, it's the New Year's Eve, and tomorrow is New Year's Day, so it's a pretty good time to go.

"Want to see the dog?" Jing Tian stood in front of the LED screen in the cinema lobby, tilted her head and glanced at the colorful posters. Suddenly her eyes lit up, and she ran a few steps to stop in front of a "Hachiko" banner.

She extended her index finger, her nail adorned with sparkling rhinestones, and gently tapped the adorable dog on the poster.

As she turned her head, her ponytail swayed slightly, the ends brushing against the fur collar of her white down jacket: "This movie just came out, you see—"

"Haha, it's actually directed by Feng Dagang and starring him!" Jing Tian couldn't help but laugh.

Chen Mo laughed too; he had never actually seen the Chinese version of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale".

Of course, to be honest, Chen Mo didn't quite understand why the movie had to be adapted.

This movie is so famous that both the Japanese and Western versions have received high praise.

Chen Mo has seen both original versions. How should I put it?

It can be called one of the most powerful tearjerker moments in film history.

Frankly speaking, if it were Chen Mo, from any perspective, remaking a movie that the original version had already achieved its best would be extremely unwise.

From a commercial perspective, although the original version of "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" was very famous, its box office performance was not that good.

In terms of reputation, expecting a remake to surpass the original, especially since the original is already the best-received dog movie, is simply impossible.

So, what's the point?

Since Jing Tian wanted to see it, he naturally agreed happily.

It has to be said that this is a powerful tearjerker. Even with the localized adaptation and if you already know the plot, it's still hard not to be moved while watching it.

Chen Mo was actually a little better, but Jing Tian was in no condition; she cried her eyes out.

Overall, while the localized adaptation is less than satisfactory and difficult to compare with the original, it is surprisingly good among many remakes.

At least it didn't flop like "The Ferryman"!
Okay, actually, the plot of the dog movie is basically the same, except that the light rail station is replaced by the Yangtze River cable car, and there's not much else to say.

From this point of view, wow, is "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" really the easiest to adapt?

When Jing Tian came out of the theater, her eyes were still red, and she was clutching a soaked tissue in her hand. She sniffed and said, "I knew the ending, but I still couldn't help it...!"

Chen Mo handed over a bottle of water and joked, "Feng Dagang didn't make a comedy this time; he switched to acting to make the audience cry." He glanced up at the New Year's Eve streamers hanging in the mall and added, "But for a remake like this, it's passable. At least he had some self-awareness and didn't mess it up!"

"You don't think it's good?" Jing Tian keenly caught his subtext.

“It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just unnecessary.” Chen Mo shrugged. “The original is already a masterpiece. A remake is like putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa—no matter how good the technique, it will still be criticized. Look at this movie, apart from changing the train station to a cable car, the dog is still the same dog, the story is still the same story, and even the tear-jerking moments are exactly the same.” He paused, “But… as long as the audience buys it, that’s fine.”

Jing Tian suddenly laughed: "You always love to analyze these things. But aren't movies meant to make people laugh and cry? I cried my heart out today, so I feel it was worth it." She took Chen Mo's arm and pointed to the countdown screen in the square, "It's almost midnight, want to make a wish?"

"Give me another big, healthy son next year?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow.

Jing Tian punched him lightly, but the moment the fireworks exploded, she closed her eyes and made a sincere wish.

"What did you wish for?" Chen Mo asked as she opened her eyes.

“It won’t work if I say it out loud!” Jing Tian said childishly. “What are your plans next?” Chen Mo asked as they walked.

"Chen Mo, I want to go back to acting! It's been so long since I've acted!" Jing Tian said, looking at Chen Mo with some anticipation and hope.

She was afraid he would refuse.

Actually, now that she has her daughter and her family is well-off, acting is really just a hobby for her.

But the little one is still young, and she is a little worried that Chen Mo will not allow it.

"If you want to act, then act! But do you have a specific goal?" Chen Mo asked curiously.

He genuinely didn't intend for his women to be stay-at-home wives; on the contrary, he preferred that they have their own careers and hobbies.

Otherwise, if you keep hanging around him all day, he won't have enough to go around.

Moreover, having their own things to do makes them happier.

As for the child, Chen Mo wasn't worried. After all, his parents were at home, and the child's maternal grandparents would feel uncomfortable if they didn't see the little guy every few days.

As for Jing Tian's taste in choosing films, Chen Mo has now come to terms with it.

Since it's not for money or fame, but for the enjoyment of the process, let her be.

"I haven't decided yet!" Jing Tian shook her head.

"Yes, as long as you like it!" Chen Mo said indulgently.

Hearing Chen Mo's support, Jing Tian's eyes lit up, and she smiled like a cat that had stolen a treat. She tugged at Chen Mo's sleeve and shook it: "Then can you help me choose a script?"

Chen Mo deliberately put on a stern face: "Now you know to ask me for advice? Who was it when they were filming 'The Great Wall' who said 'art needs a spirit of adventure'?" Seeing Jing Tian puff out her cheeks to refute, he immediately smiled and surrendered: "Alright, alright, you have an idea. Tell me when the time comes, and I'll have Zhao Ming send you a copy of all the films that the company has recently approved and invested in."

Well, actually I prepared this for you a long time ago. Let's see if you can pick it out this time!

"Really?" Jing Tian looked at Chen Mo with some surprise.

Chen Mo nodded; it was indeed true.

However, he does not intend to direct or act in the drama. The drama was originally intended for Jing Tian, ​​but it was shelved because Jing Tian became pregnant. Now that she wants to act in it, it is a good opportunity to bring it out.

"I'm sure I'll be chosen!" Jing Tian said earnestly.

"Yes, I believe you!" Chen Mo was actually quite curious whether Jing Tian could pick out any of the few well-received dramas from her previous life.

Jing Tian skipped and hopped, breaking the thin ice under the streetlights. Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she pointed to the newly opened roasted chestnut stall on the street corner: "I want to eat that!"

Chen Mo watched the down feathers on the brim of her down jacket flutter slightly with her movements, and vaguely recalled the image of her eating chestnuts on the set of "My Love from the Star." Time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to this woman; even her gluttonous nature hadn't changed.

Suddenly, fireworks burst in the distance, their dazzling light illuminating Jing Tian's face. Her eyes sparkled, as if filled with starlight. She looked up at the night sky, a faint smile on her lips, as if, in that instant, all her worries had been washed away by the brilliance of the fireworks.

Chen Mo turned his head to look at her, and couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch her cheek: "So happy?"

Jing Tian withdrew her gaze, her smile deepening: "Of course I'm happy! It's a new year, a new beginning!" She paused, then suddenly tiptoed closer to Chen Mo's ear and whispered, "And... the wish I just made might come true soon."

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What kind of wish is so mysterious?"

Jing Tian winked mischievously: "I already told you, it won't work if I say it out loud!" She took his arm and pulled him away from the crowd. "Let's go home, Xiao Dou Dou must be getting impatient."

Chen Mo let her pull him along, but he couldn't help but ponder her words.

However, I am somewhat curious about what her wish is.

The two walked side by side on their way home. The afterglow of the fireworks in the distance had not yet faded, and the faint sound of the New Year's bell could be heard, as if announcing that a new chapter was about to begin.

“Chen Mo,” Jing Tian suddenly spoke.

"Ok?"

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice unusually earnest.

Chen Mo turned to look at her and found her eyes filled with tenderness and gratitude. He smiled and put his arm around her shoulder: "Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for always supporting me and allowing me to do what I love." She leaned on his shoulder, her voice soft yet exceptionally firm. "In the new year, I will work even harder."

Chen Mo lowered his head and kissed the top of her head, then smiled and said, "Try to be happier!"

"Yes! Try even harder to be happy!" Jing Tian couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, Jing Tian stopped walking.

"What's wrong?" Chen Mo asked, puzzled.

"I'm tired!"

Jing Tian's eyes gleamed mischievously as she spread her arms wide and waved them: "I want to memorize it!"

The down feathers on the brim of her down jacket trembled slightly in the night breeze, and the streetlights cast long shadows of the two of them.

Chen Mo chuckled, deliberately swaying as he squatted down: "Your Majesty, shouldn't you be controlling your weight—"

Before he could finish speaking, Jing Tian pounced on him and grabbed his neck, her warm breath brushing against his ear: "If you dare say I'm heavy again, I'll let Xiao Dou Dou ride on your shoulders to the amusement park tomorrow!"

As he carried her through the New Year's Eve crowds, Chen Mo suddenly felt a chill on his neck. Jing Tian peeled a roasted chestnut and put it in his mouth, the sugar coating on the chestnut shell sticking to the corner of his lips.

"Is it sweet?"

She leaned on his back and asked, the faint scent of orange blossoms mingling with the winter chill in her hair.

"Extremely sweet."

Chen Mo deliberately smacked his lips, but then heard the rustling of a packaging bag behind him. Jing Tian magically produced another chestnut, this time gently biting it in half with her front teeth: "Then I'll share half of the sweetness with you."

She held half a chestnut to his lips, her fingertips still stained with sugar.

Suddenly, the large screen in the square started a countdown, and cheers from the crowd surged in like waves.

Jing Tian suddenly hugged his neck tightly and shouted loudly during the countdown, "Three, two, one!" Her New Year's wish was—

The moment the fireworks exploded, her voice, mixed with the scent of mints, drifted into my ears: "I want you to carry me home, hee hee!"

Chen Mo almost choked on the chestnut, then turned around and saw her triumphant smile, which was surprisingly bright.

He hadn't expected that Jing Tian's so-called New Year's wish would be this.

"Pigsy is carrying his wife home!" Chen Mo said, and started running with Jing Tian on his back.

As the last firework bloomed in the night sky, it illuminated the way home for the two.

When Chen Mo carried Jing Tian home, they could still see sporadic fireworks blooming in the night sky through the living room's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Jing Tian jumped off his back, took off her shoes, and ran barefoot to the nursery door. She gently pushed open the crack in the door and peeked out—Little Dou Dou was curled up in her crib, sleeping soundly, still holding the koala plush toy that Chen Mo had brought back.

"I'm going to take a shower!" Jing Tian whispered, mouthing the words to Chen Mo, and secretly pointed upstairs. As she turned around, her down jacket brushed against the door frame, making a rustling sound, which startled her so much that she froze immediately. She didn't leave until she was sure the child hadn't been woken up.

Chen Mo smiled and shook his head, then took out his phone to check the time. It was 1:17 a.m., and his WeChat was already overflowing with unread messages. He tapped the top chat window, and a selfie sent by Fan Binbin two hours earlier jumped out at him—she was wrapped in a blanket, nestled in a private cinema, and the projected image in front of her was the classic scene from "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" where the dog waits for its owner.

Chen Mo was speechless!
I had mentioned to Jing Tian on WeChat that Chen Mo had accompanied her to see the Chinese version of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale," but I didn't expect him to express it in this way.

However, I couldn't help but find it a little funny, because Fan Binbin actually rarely gets jealous.

I just didn't expect them to pull such a little trick tonight.

(End of this chapter)