Unboxing, Director!

Chapter 148 It's my turn to take the stage again!

After it was confirmed that "Dae Jang Geum" would be filmed.

Once the initial enthusiasm fades, various problems arise.

The popularity of "Dae Jang Geum" was not entirely due to the drama itself.

It is also related to South Korea's "culture-based nation" strategy.

With various forms of government support, a separate allocation of 60 billion won was provided for overseas promotion.

Coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2003, the "food therapy for fighting the epidemic" plot in the drama, such as using mugwort for disinfection, resonated strongly with Asian audiences.

At the same time, this era also happened to be a time of awakening female consciousness.

It was only through a confluence of favorable circumstances that the drama surpassed its original potential.

Lu Jiang wasn't too worried about these things.

The good thing is that the time he now gets "Dae Jang Geum" is roughly the same as the original timeline.

Besides, there's the magic touch; these accidental factors are not a problem at all.

The difficulty lies in how to adapt it.

For a drama series with over fifty episodes, the various adaptations to character design, plot, costumes, and props are no small matter.

Just the meticulous attention to detail alone would probably take a lot of time.

Especially in 2002, the domestic film and television industry was relatively backward.

To achieve perfection and create a drama that showcases the ultimate Eastern aesthetics requires an immense amount of human and material resources.

The key issue is that Lu Jiang doesn't have much time left, as the work is only valid for one year.

A year later, without the cheat code suppressing it, the original Korean version will follow the original timeline, and the completion speed might even be faster.

In other words, Lu Jiang must finish the broadcast as soon as possible.

Ideally, the timeframe should be within one and a half years.

It's hard.

Fortunately, he is not alone now.

Dawn Company now has over a hundred employees. After three works, especially after "The World's Number One", everyone has a solid foundation.

And Lu Jiang is not short of money.

I believe it will be completed smoothly.

However, this means that "A World Without Thieves" will have to be released later.

Lu Jiang didn't think it was a big problem.

Once the copyright is bought, everything will be fine; we can just take our time filming.

At worst, we can just go back to the original timeline and put it in 04 to compete with "Kung Fu Hustle".

So what if we lose, just like in the original timeline?

He's Stephen Chow, and who am I, Lu Jiang? I'm just a director who transitioned from television dramas. Isn't it normal for me to lose?

Having figured things out, Lao Lu knocked on the door: "Son, it's time for lunch!"

Lu Jiang then realized that it was almost midnight.

That means this unboxing took 4 hours.

"coming."

Lu Jiang quickly went downstairs.

"Why have you been here so long? Did you fall asleep?"

Old Lu picked up the car keys and asked.

Lu Jiang shook his head: "No, I was just thinking about some things."

"What's wrong? Am I going to have a grandson?"

Lu Jiang: →_→

"Is that your granddaughter? Granddaughters are nice too."

Lu Jiang: "Don't even think about it, it's still a long way off."

"Oh, what a pity. I thought you already had one. I happen to be free, I can bring it for you."

"How about I buy you a dog or a cat to tide you over for now?"

"I think that's a good idea."

As usual, the two set off for the Beijing Hotel for lunch.

Lu Jiang is scheduled to appear on the Spring Festival Gala this year, but he has very little free time.

It's not because there's no need for a final rehearsal, but because this year's Spring Festival Gala was broadcast from multiple venues in a "five-location joint broadcast" format. In addition to the main stage in Beijing reflecting the Year of the Horse, the four other venues in Shenzhen, Shenyang, Shanghai, and Xi'an also used "horse" as a theme.

As a result, the main venue in Beijing had fewer programs, the density was reduced, and there was ample time for transitions between programs, so it wasn't as busy.

This gave Lu Jiang some free time in the morning, so he only needed to go in the afternoon.

After lunch, Lu Jiang went backstage in the afternoon to do a final rehearsal.

For Lu Jiang, who is a veteran of the Spring Festival Gala for the third time, coming backstage at the Gala feels like coming home.

When you're the host at home, you naturally have to show hospitality to the newcomers.

"Junior sister, please make yourself at home. How about a banana? Order whatever you like, don't be nervous."

This year marks Stefanie Sun's first appearance on the Spring Festival Gala, where she sang "Connecting with the World" with Xie Xiaodong.

The junior sister was rather shy around strangers. When Lu Jiang wasn't there, she seemed a bit reserved, with a hint of social anxiety.

When Lu Jiang arrived, Stefanie Sun's eyes lit up, and she called him "senior brother" very attentively.

Lu Jiang then let her rest in his private dressing room, which also allowed Xie Xiaodong and the other newcomers he met in the corridor to benefit from the arrangement.

Among the newcomers, two are quite famous: Louis and Zhou Gongzi. It's their first time on the Spring Festival Gala, and it's also their first official meeting with Lu Jiang.

Upon arrival, fruit was distributed, and everyone politely accepted it.

With Lu Jiang around, Stefanie Sun became bolder. She didn't take the bananas, but instead chose grapes, and even handed a bunch to the other young artists who were with her.

The young artists from the Butterfly Group thanked them repeatedly, and then dragged Stefanie Sun to meet their idol in person.

Louis was tall and imposing, but he was rather shy in front of Lu Jiang. He smiled and thanked him, then sat quietly, which was quite different from what Lu Jiang had expected.

Zhou Gongzi is short, but in reality, he is quite the opposite.

"Director Lu, do you smoke?"

Zhou Gongzi's husky voice, which is almost mature, is very distinctive.

She didn't ask for fruit, but as if in return, she took out a pack of cigarettes whose name she didn't know.

That's a bit too slick, isn't it?
"No, thank you. I never smoke."

"That's great, there aren't many men who don't smoke these days."

A strange light flashed in Zhou Gongzi's eyes, and Louis chimed in, "I don't smoke either."

"You can't sing well, it would be a waste not to smoke for you!"

Mr. Zhou immediately started teasing, clearly indicating that the two were quite familiar with each other.

After getting acquainted for a while, Young Master Zhou was about to start a conversation. After all, it was a rare opportunity to meet Lu Jiang, and at such a good time, he naturally wanted to do something.

Put aside the pursuit of resources, let's at least establish a foundation of friendship first.

But she clearly underestimated Lu Jiang's status backstage at the Spring Festival Gala.

Before long, celebrities from all walks of life began to visit.

Singers include Xuecun, Wang Leehom, and the Yi People's Creation group.

When actress Cai Ming passed by, she glanced into the dressing room and exclaimed "AUV!" before remarking, "It's really lively!" She then started chatting with Lu Jiang like an aunt at home.

Lu Jiang, of course, wouldn't sit and chat with his senior, so as they chatted, the two of them started visiting each other backstage.

Sun Yanzi and her group definitely wouldn't dare to go out casually, for fear that there wouldn't be any seats available when they came back, and also for fear of all kinds of social interactions.

Young Master Zhou wanted to go along, but felt they weren't that familiar with each other, so he decided to leave it for Lu Jiang to come back later.

And then we waited for more than half an hour.

When Lu Jiang returned from visiting his neighbors, before he had even sat down, someone else arrived.

This time, it's also the first time a newcomer has appeared on the Spring Festival Gala: Li Yang from Crazy English.

Li Yang was very outgoing. After a brief compliment to Lu Jiang, he got straight to the point: "Director Lu, you're going to the Grammys in a few days, right? Do you need a translator? If so, I'd be happy to help for free!"

It's obvious that the other party is trying to ride on your fame to do business.

Lu Jiang smiled and declined, saying, "I speak English, and my spoken English is quite good."

"Really?"

"of course"

The two immediately began communicating in English.

This was the first time Lu Jiang had used his spoken English skills with a stranger; he considered it a rehearsal before going to the US.

He was very satisfied with the results.

Li Yang immediately recognized the London accent and praised it in Chinese: "Your accent is indistinguishable from that of a native Londoner. No wonder you can write such good English songs."

The voice was so loud that everyone could hear it clearly.

"Exactly? He can write English songs and he doesn't need translations?"

Young Master Zhou, standing to the side, struck a nerve with Li Yang.

However, Li Yang, who has the thickest skin backstage at the entire Spring Festival Gala, was not going to be embarrassed by these few words. He immediately laughed and said, "I was just looking for a collaboration. Compared to people who are secretive, I think Director Lu would definitely appreciate someone like me who is open and says what I mean, right, Director Lu?"

“Indeed.” Lu Jiang nodded with a smile. “But I really don’t need a translator.”

"No problem, no problem. This is my business card, Mr. Lu. If anyone in your company wants to learn English, feel free to contact me anytime. I guarantee that my teaching efficiency is absolutely the best in the country!"

After handing over his business card, Li Yang tactfully left, quite decisively.

After the person left, Zhou Gongzi picked up the conversation: "Director Lu, where did you learn your English? It sounds so sophisticated!"

"Stop talking nonsense. You heard it yourself, I like to get straight to the point." "Not just being polite?"

"of course."

You've got a box on your head, buddy, of course I won't be polite.

Young Master Zhou was also quite bold, saying directly, "Okay, Director Lu, I want to cooperate with you."

"Sure, we're short-staffed for the new album's music video, how about we give it a try?"

"Okay, when?"

"In a few days."

"Sure! I'm ready to answer your call anytime."

As soon as he finished speaking, the green "Establish a Cooperative Relationship" treasure chest above Zhou Gongzi's head fell down.

After exchanging business cards, Lu Jiang started receiving visitors again, and soon began visiting other people's homes because Sister Song had arrived.

When he came out, Louis looked surprised: "That's it?"

Mr. Zhou smiled as he saved the contacts on his phone: "Regret it?"

“No, not at all.” Louis shook his head.

Hard mouth!

Young Master Zhou saw through it but didn't say anything.

He knew that when "Meteor Garden" became popular, this kid had complained about Lu Jiang, saying that it was unbelievable that such a bad idol drama could be so popular.

Indeed, it's normal for young actors to feel threatened and hostile, given their similar backgrounds.

But who in the industry doesn't know that being a singer and director is Lu Jiang's true calling?
So they are no match for you at all!

On the contrary, if you build good relationships, people might even help you out.

And yet you're still acting all high and mighty.

I really don't know what they were thinking.

However, as a friend, Mr. Zhou still mentioned, "If you're interested, I'll ask around for you later."

She had basically figured out Lu Jiang's personality.

Just like Lu Jiang himself said, let's get straight to the point and not beat around the bush.

Therefore, if Louis really wanted to seek cooperation, Zhou Gongzi felt that asking him would definitely not be a problem and would not affect the relationship.

Louis hesitated for a moment before nodding.
After checking out the venue, I went back to rest for a while. That's one of the advantages of living close to home.

At 6 o'clock, Lu Jiang returned backstage to start putting on makeup again.

At this point, the conversations in the dressing room decreased significantly, and there was no more visiting between rooms.

Instead, a familiar tension arose, like dark clouds looming overhead, the air pressure extremely low.

Lu Jiang was happy to have some peace and quiet, and focused on adjusting his emotions to prepare for going on stage.

Meanwhile, Fan Binbin and his family, also in Beijing, sat down in front of the television.

This year, the roles at home have reversed, and Fan Binbin is now the one who's anxious: "Why can't we go to Lu Jiang's house?"

This is the first time the family has spent the Lunar New Year in BJ Fan Binbin's new house.

The reason for making this decision was that my hometown was a bit too crowded.

This year, Fan Binbin became a goddess of Chinese pop culture, attracting a constant stream of relatives and friends, making her restless.

Another reason is that Fan Binbin's parents brought Fan Chengcheng to visit the set not long ago during the filming of "The World's Finest".

They got along very well with Lu Jiang, and Lu Jiang gladly accepted Fan Chengcheng calling him brother-in-law.

Therefore, Fan Binbin felt that they could press their advantage.

The original plan was to come to Beijing for the Lunar New Year under the pretext of "avoiding peace and quiet," and then naturally spend the New Year with Lu Jiang and his son, which also meant that their relationship was on the right track.

But Fan Binbin's parents betrayed him at the crucial moment.

Their explanation was: "Our daughter got a little anxious!"

Fan's mother, speaking with the air of someone who's been through it all, said, "You were just a little nervous one minute, and then you walked in the door the next. What do you think your future father-in-law will think?"

"Uncle Lu and I are very close!"

"That won't do! No matter how good it is, we can't rush it. We can't let them think our family is impolite!"

"Uncle Lu doesn't care about that!"

"How do you know if he's particular or not? Even if he isn't, we still have to be!"

Mr. Fan chimed in, "Yes, details determine success or failure; we can't rush things."

"Yes, so let's find an opportunity to formally contact each other this year before making any further plans."

Parents have their own set of ideas.

Fan Binbin naturally didn't quite understand this.

However, since they didn't want to go for the time being, she couldn't force them to go.

Even if we could force them to come, it's too late now; that would be truly rude.

Fan Binbin then pouted and gently pinched Fan Chengcheng's cheek to vent her anger.

Fan Chengcheng, who is almost 20 months old, can already talk and even tattle. He babbles in protest: "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law!"

Fan Binbin playfully squeezed his face into a ball: "You little brat, you even know how to tattle!"

"Alright, stop playing around, our Lu Jiang is out!"

As soon as Fan Ma's voice rang out, sure enough, after the ninth program on the television, the cast list appeared—

Song: "Yellow Race"

Lyricist: Lu Jiang

Composer: Lu Jiang

Singer: Lu Jiang

Performance by: Tagou Martial Arts School

As the cast list appeared, a lively and cheerful flute melody began to play, and several small fireworks exploded on the stage. Two teams of martial arts performers dressed in bright yellow uniforms quickly came to the center of the stage, took their stances, and practiced their punches and kicks.

After a twenty-second intro, Lu Jiang appeared on stage wearing a black stand-up collar suit decorated with armor.

Fan's mother was the first to exclaim, "So handsome!"

The sharp-eyed Fan Binbin spotted Wang Baoqiang among the martial arts team members.

Thanks to Lu Jiang, he managed to snag a small center position this time.

But now no one will notice this child.

But back in Baoqiang's hometown of Xingtai, dozens of people had already gathered in front of the television set at Old Wang's house.

"I saw it, I saw it!"

"Third son has really made something of himself!"

"Wow, he's got a head of steel! He's even on TV!"

"What iron head? That's your brother Baoqiang!"

"."

During the discussion, many people were happy for Old Wang's family.

Of course, many people also believe that this is Baoqiang's peak, and he will never be like this again.

What they didn't know was that the incense smoke from Old Wang's ancestral graves had already begun to rise quite high.
On the television, accompanied by a high-energy band performance, Lu Jiang's passionate and powerful voice rang out.

"From the waves that have crossed five thousand miles"
The city wall is still under reconstruction.
All the yellow after history fades
The sunset gathered and shone on me.

......"

"Ahhh, so handsome."

This year, Lu Jiang has improved his physique and looks much more energetic and handsome.

With the right costumes and stage movements, the hormones were even more intense than during "Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales".

In addition, everyone knows that Lu Jiang received a Grammy nomination.

As a result, Lu Jiang on stage shone even brighter, drawing admiring glances from both men and women who exclaimed at his handsome appearance.

What Lu Jiang didn't know was that because of his renewed surge in popularity, the overseas viewership of this year's Spring Festival Gala also increased.

As a result, more Chinese people heard the core lyrics of "Yellow Race" this year than in previous years:

"Yellow race, came to earth"

Stand tall with new confidence
Yellow people, walking on the road
The world knows I am different

The more turbulent the situation, the braver we become.

The world is changing, and I need to break through.
With an open and honest heart, I can travel to any place.
Five thousand years later, it's finally my turn to take the stage.
"

The term "yellow race" does not refer to a specific race, but rather to the Chinese people.

The lyrics are filled with strong national sentiment and patriotic enthusiasm, praising the great Chinese nation while also earnestly hoping for a bright future for China.

Looking back at 2001.

China won the bid to host the Olympics, joined the WTO, and the Chinese national football team qualified for the World Cup.
China is accelerating its integration into the world.

This makes the song very timely and appropriate for the occasion.

But only a careful person can notice it.

The last line of the lyrics changed from "It's my turn to go on stage" to "It's my turn to go on stage again".

The word "again" indicates that we are not newcomers.

For five thousand years, our great China has been at the card table.

It's just that we've taken a nap in the last two hundred years.

Now, we're back!
The problem is that many people are not aware of this right now.

But I believe that in the near future, the value of this lyric will only increase.
(End of this chapter)