This director is vindictive.

Chapter 317 The Kiss from Ten Years Ago, We Rekindled It

The phenomenal drama "My Love from the Star" has a completely different cultural penetration than "Love is Not Blind".

As a domestic drama in which Chen Mo wrote, directed, and acted, it can be said that its influence was top-notch in that era. It is also known as the true pinnacle of domestic idol dramas. Its artistic completion and market influence are even better than the previous Korean version. Not only did the localized adaptation accurately hit the emotional resonance points of domestic audiences, but it also refreshed the ceiling of domestic urban fantasy romance dramas with its excellent production.

The timing of this drama's release is also quite interesting.

When the drama swept the screens, it coincided with the post-00s generation, the digital natives, entering adolescence. The interstellar romance between Do Min-joon and Cheon Song-yi in the drama became a symbol of their awakening of budding emotions.
Now, ten years later, this group of viewers has grown into the main consumer force, driving the second fermentation of classic IPs with their nostalgic feelings of "coming back to my youth".

It is worth noting that the show has achieved a rare all-age coverage: viewers born in the 70s, though now enjoying their grandchildren, still remember the heartwarming times they spent watching the show with their children.
Under the dual pressures of work and family, those born in the 80s find an outlet for their emotions by revisiting the romance in dramas.
Those born in the 90s, who are now turning thirty, regard this drama as a cultural landmark that defines their youth.

Compared to "Love Bank," a spin-off of "Love is Not Blind," which focuses on the emotional dilemmas of urban white-collar workers (a relatively niche audience), "My Love from the Star" has built a collective memory that transcends generations by perfectly balancing its interstellar travel fantasy setting with delicate emotional descriptions.

Its influence extends to the entire Asian market. Japan's NHK television station rebroadcast it three times, setting a viewership record. It has consistently ranked among the top 3 classic dramas on Southeast Asian streaming platforms for many years, and has even spurred remakes in Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries.

Moreover, this drama sparked a trend of Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) back then, and many people even believe that the drama played a significant role in the creation of Hanfu at that time.

This cultural trend, brimming with Chinese elements, quickly spread throughout Asia following the success of the drama.

This cultural influence, which has lasted for a decade, is hailed as a model case of Chinese cultural export.

So, while "Love is Not Blind" and "Love Bank" are familiar to domestic audiences but relatively unfamiliar to overseas audiences, "My Love from the Star" has a global reach, and is well-known to foreign audiences. Even some European and American audiences know that there was such a drama that was a hit in Asia back then!

Sure enough, netizens from all over the country quickly started to create their own versions of the story.

"Reporting to the organization! The Wuhan branch is in position; beer foam has gotten on the 'My Love from the Star' Blu-ray disc!"

"Live broadcast from Shenyang branch in the snow: A live food show in -15°C weather – a tribute to Professor Do's spirit of enduring the cold!"

"A netizen from Tokyo sent their congratulations, photoshopping fried chicken into a scene of the first snowfall using sticky notes."

"In Seoul, beer and fried chicken, Professor Do and Cheon Song-yi—that's my lost youth!"

"Because of this drama, I've come to love the magnificent Hanfu of China!"

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow as he looked at the real-time data: "Overseas viewership has surpassed 2 million? That's..."

He suddenly switched to Korean: "(I love you)."

Jing Tian immediately replied in Japanese: "Aishiteru (I love you)."

Finally, the two interlocked their fingers and said in unison in Chinese, "Thank you for still being here after ten years."

At this moment, the backend detected abnormal data fluctuations—the number of fried chicken orders on food delivery platforms across the country surged by 300%, and a certain brand of beer was running out of stock.

Even more dramatically, the surveillance footage from the Shanghai-based "Love Bank" suddenly cut back: the reunited couple were sitting on the steps unpacking the stars when the man suddenly knelt down on one knee, and the ring box projected into the night sky mirrored the diamond ring gift package in the live broadcast room.

"Double the sweetness! Chen Mo's move is in the atmosphere!"

"Waaaaah, the ten-year promise, another ten-year promise. The ending back then... Professor Do left, but he could have returned at any time. But this wait has lasted ten years!"

"I suggest renaming it 'A Massive Human Comeback Scene': 'Permanently Frozen' Ten Years Ago, 'Seeking Reconciliation' Ten Years Later"

"This is the real collaboration between film and television and reality. Ten years ago, Hanfu culture was just beginning to emerge, but now you can see Hanfu-wearing young ladies everywhere on the streets."

Ten years ago, Chen Mo's smart home technology amazed people with its charm. Ten years later, smart homes have entered thousands of households!

Ten years ago, we hoped for a new drama that could rival "My Love from the Star," but ten years later, "My Love from the Star" remains unique.

"Ten years have passed, and we are separated by life and death."

"Hey upstairs, your use of classical Chinese poetry is really bizarre! They're both still alive and well, how come they're separated by life and death after ten years!"

"I just checked, and the long queues at the Shanghai branch are people rummaging through drawers looking for their passbooks."

Chen Mo gently wiped the fried chicken crumbs from Jing Tian's mouth, then suddenly said to the camera, "Beer and fried chicken not only go well with the first snow, but also with perks!"

"There are so many perks tonight, if I keep eating them without giving them out, I'm afraid I won't be able to give them all out by the time the live stream ends!"

"So let's eat and give away gifts at the same time! Enjoying beer and fried chicken, reminiscing about our youth and the past, you have stories, I have drinks, we have food and drinks, and we even get benefits, this is the best thing in life!"

As soon as Chen Mo uttered those words about Versailles, the live stream chat exploded once again.

"Versailles this season! There are so many amazing perks, I can't possibly send them all out in one go!"

"Help! Director Chen's move is too good! Fried chicken and beer are the DNA of youth, and now he wants to add perks? I'm doomed!"

"Is it even humanly true? The key point is, what he said in Versailles is actually true!"

"I just ordered fried chicken and beer. Please, wait a bit before posting. I also want to enjoy the perks with the beer. The more you drink, the more you get!"

"A ten-year veteran fan is moved to tears! Back in college, we used to watch dramas together in our dorms using a projector; now we're watching live streams with our kids. The fried chicken is still the same fried chicken, but Professor Do has become a 'profiteer' handing out freebies! (Chen Mo: Who are you saying has gained weight?)"

Some netizens also noticed Chen Mo's subconscious action.

"Was the fried chicken crumb on Jing Tian's mouth intentional? Absolutely! This couple's PDA is even more blatant than any fan service; the Civil Affairs Bureau should just move their livestream here!"

"Is the fried chicken crumb on Jing Tian's mouth the point? The point is that Chen Mo licked his fingers after wiping it! (doge)"

"This was definitely an unconscious action. Professor Do and Cheon Song-yi have reunited in real life, showering everyone with sweetness on live stream. Director Chen is going to bring smiles to the faces of all of Asia!"

"Long-time fans of 'My Love from the Star': Back then, we ate fried chicken while watching the drama; ten years later, we're still eating fried chicken while watching live streams. This is a perfect closed loop!"

"This 90s-born 'old auntie' is crying her eyes out! I was single when I watched this show, now I'm holding a baby in one arm and grabbing freebies in the other. Chen Mo, give me back my girlish heart!"

"This is seriously hilarious! I was eating fried chicken just now, and I got crumbs all over my mouth. My straight-laced husband actually gave me a disgusted look and said I used to eat so elegantly. I almost shoved the fried chicken right in his face!"

Chen Mo laughed as he watched the comments; this generation of netizens was really hilarious.

As for his relationship with Jing Tian, ​​he didn't care much. His relationship with several close female friends, including Jing Tian, ​​was practically public knowledge.

Those who know the facts generally know the relationship between Chen Mo and Jing Tian.

Of course, Chen Mo's action just now was indeed subconscious.

However, at this moment, he had no idea that his several close female friends watching the live stream behind him were all incredibly jealous!

Although they all acknowledged Jing Tian as the "official wife," women, those who know, know.

"Alright, let's start by giving away one million sets of Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) from the 10th anniversary reissue of 'My Love from the Star' provided by Huayun Apparel!"

"One million customized food gift packs based on 'My Love from the Star' provided by Three Squirrels!"

"One million customized digital photo frames based on the 'Love Bank' series, provided by Xiaomi Technology!"

The barrage of giveaways was so overwhelming that the entire live chat exploded.

Because what Chen Mo said was the truth; he really wasn't Versailles!

The joy of getting something for free has regained its dominance at this moment. And just as Chen Mo said, fried chicken with wine, there are stories, wine, and lost youth. More importantly, you can also get free benefits. What a blessing in life!
The main issue is that this round did take a bit too long, and the perks tonight are ridiculously plentiful. After this round ended, Chen Mo started the next round of "nostalgia"!
"Does everyone remember what my first film was when I transitioned from acting to directing?" Chen Mo asked with a sudden smile.

"Let's Watch the Meteor Shower Together!"

The screen was instantly flooded with comments.

However, what's even more interesting is...

I don't know who it was, but suddenly someone posted: "Thanks to the Backstabbing Cult! Looking back, if it weren't for the Backstabbing Cult's coercion and their distortion of the truth, we probably wouldn't have seen 'My Love from the Star,' let alone so many wonderful films, let alone the scandal of Chen Mo, that scumbag, and we wouldn't be sitting here today, eating fried chicken and beer, tapping the screen with our greasy fingers to get freebies!"
So, truly, I sincerely thank the "Backstabbing Cult," thank you!

This netizen's long comment immediately resonated with other netizens.

"You know what, you really have to admit, the 'Backstabbing Cult' actually did a good job! Thanks to the 'Backstabbing Cult'!"

Then the original "Meteor Shower Together" was completely turned into "Thanks to the Backstabbing Cult"!
In all honesty, although Chen Mo did indeed criticize the Backstabbing Cult quite often back then, his status is now completely different.

The first Chinese director to have a net worth of over 10 billion yuan, the ninth richest man in the country, a marketing genius, a master of Yin and Yang, and so on.

As for the members of the "Backstabbing Cult," they have gradually left the entertainment industry for various reasons, some have left, and others have been banned. It can be said that almost none of the members of the "Backstabbing Cult" are still active in the entertainment industry now.

While Chen Mo's overt and covert suppression certainly played a part, in reality, it was mostly due to his rising status; everyone knew about the incident involving the "Knife-Stabbing Cult" back then.

So even though he didn't continue to take action later, his influence was still there. Therefore, it was natural to pay some attention to things like whether anyone from the Backstabbing Cult was involved in his own projects, and whether this would displease Chen Mo and Shengshi Pictures.
Although Chen Mo did not say he would blacklist those people, some things are more effective if left unsaid than spoken!

If you say it out loud, people will only think you're too vindictive. But if you don't say it, they will gradually disappear from Chen Mo's sight.

For people in the entertainment industry, being gradually forgotten is a very painful thing!

Especially with celebrities in the entertainment industry making more and more money, they could have benefited from this wave of success, but because of a momentary lapse in judgment back then, or even just because of some careless talk, they ruined their careers and now they are filled with regret.

Now that the Backstabbing Cult has fallen so low, Chen Mo really doesn't need to drag those members, who are practically nonexistent in the entertainment industry, out of the spotlight and publicly condemn them in front of the whole world.

However, netizens and fans had no intention of letting them off the hook.

Meanwhile, many members of the "Backstabbing Cult" were also watching the live stream, not because they were all there for the perks, but because the live stream had become a phenomenon.

But they never expected that they would be dragged into this again, and this time, they would become famous all over the world.

Why do you say that?

Because overseas netizens are naturally not as aware of this matter as domestic netizens.

But you can't help it, love me, love my dog! Thanks to last year's super welfare live broadcast and this year's 814 welfare festival, Chen Mo can be said to be a big celebrity all over the world.

Previously, overseas viewers felt a sense of participation in shows like "Love Bank" and "My Love from the Star".

But when it comes to the "Backstabbing Cult," they really have no sense of participation.

This is definitely not possible!

So some people asked, and then Chinese netizens were incredibly enthusiastic and detailed, tirelessly introducing the grudges and feuds between Chen Mo and the "Backstabbing Cult" to overseas netizens!
This adds a new legendary experience to Chen Mo's resume.

In fact, as some netizens have said, Chen Mo's story is exactly like a male protagonist's underdog victory in a novel!
Some Chinese netizens even went so far as to dig up parody images of the "Knife-Stabbing Cult" from back then, translate them, and send them to overseas netizens.

Meanwhile, some brilliant netizens have compiled a detailed account of Chen Mo's repeated "revenge" attempts throughout the incident.

This made overseas netizens realize the truth one by one.

Absolutely amazing!

(Japanese) "Japanese netizens exclaimed: Chen Mojun is truly a legend! I never imagined he had such a past. He's amazing. From actor to director to business tycoon, every step he took was like a scene from a shonen manga!"

(Korean) "A Korean netizen added: Moreover, his works always transcend cultural differences. 'My Love from the Star' has been rebroadcast 21 times in our country! If the 'Backstabbing Cult' incident were made into a Korean drama, it would definitely be the most satisfying revenge drama of the year!"

(English) "Western audiences were suddenly struck by the fact that Chen had such a bizarre past, and that he was once an absolutely vulnerable person. His revenge against the evil forces of the 'Knife-Stabbing Cult' was even more exciting than Marvel's Avengers! Disney should buy the rights to his biography—it's even more compelling than a superhero origin story!"

(English) "Holy shit! This is even more exciting than 'House of Cards'! Chen Mo is practically a real-life 'Game of Thrones' protagonist!"

(Japanese) "If the 'Backstabbing Cult' incident were made into a Japanese drama, it would definitely win the Academy Award for Best Screenplay!"

Even more surprisingly, the hashtag #ChenMoRevenge trended globally on Twitter, with netizens from various countries creating their own memes.
Western netizens photoshopped members of the "Backstabbing Cult" into villains from "The Avengers," while Chen Mo was photoshopped into an "Anti-Backstabber" wielding a "hammer of law" and a "sword of public opinion."

South Korean netizens created a parody poster of the Korean drama "The Backstabbing Cult Incident," with the subtitle: "That year we joined forces to betray him, ten years later he made us disappear without a trace."

Japanese netizens have even imagined a light novel plot: "Reincarnated into another world, I became a 10 billion yen director by slapping faces and stabbing back."

Of course, these are all later stories, so let’s not talk about them for now.

"Ahem, well, let's leave the matter of the 'Backstabbing Cult' behind us. Let's get back to the main topic."

Do you still remember Chu Yuxun from "Meteor Shower" by Daming Lake?

Although "Meteor Shower" was indeed popular for a while back then, of course it can't compare to "My Love from the Star". However, it was Chen Mo's first film and television work as a director.

Or it could be said to be Chen Mo's first drama to rise to prominence, his first work of "revenge".

Therefore, out of affection for the show, netizens naturally have a special feeling for it as well.

Of course, this drama does indeed carry many netizens' youthful memories.

After all, although it wasn't a phenomenal drama back then, it was at least the top-rated show in its time slot.

Chu Yuxun, oh no, it's Zhao Liying, appeared in the live broadcast room wearing the school uniform from the TV series "Meteor Shower" back then.

"Chu Yuxun!" Chen Mo smiled and opened his arms, but Zhao Liying deliberately put on a stern face and threw her school uniform jacket into his arms: "Director Chen has a good memory. Ten years ago, you made me get rained on 27 artificial rains, and now you can't even remember 'Daming Lake'."

The live chat exploded instantly: "Holy crap! Yingbao has held a grudge for ten years!"

"Is artificial rain something you can just talk about? Back then, in the behind-the-scenes footage, there were so many takes that the director personally dried Zhao Liying's hair!"

"Warning: A chaotic scene is about to unfold! Jing Tian is still clutching the handkerchief she used to wipe away the fried chicken crumbs!"

However, this "warning of a chaotic scene" seemed to open the door to gossip for netizens, who all began to watch the drama unfold!
"Holy crap, Chen Mo is awesome! Jing Tian hasn't even left the stage yet, and Zhao Liying has already stepped in. That's a real man!"

"That's awesome! They're live-streaming the carnage! Hahaha!"

"That's really awesome! At this rate, won't Yang Mi's 'The Shallows' or 'Fame and Fortune' be next, Gao Yuanyuan's 'Caught in the Web', and Zhang Yuqi's 'Candle in the Tomb' all come out at once? We love watching those love triangle dramas!"

"That's right, these are truly brave warriors who dare to face the 'battlefield' head-on!"

Chen Mo shook his head with a wry smile as he looked at the comments.

At this moment, Jing Tian said with a rather sly look in her eyes, "Didn't you say there were too many benefits and not enough time? Why don't we just have them all come over directly?"

Chen Mo was immediately speechless.

(End of this chapter)