Huayu: Traffic is king

Chapter 142 Ashes of Love Wraps Up Filming

The OPPO fan meet-up went very smoothly, with Gu Jingyi drawing cheers and filling every venue to capacity wherever he went.

Many fans even went so far as to procure OPPO R15 Dream Purple phones for their friends and family in order to increase their chances of winning a spot at the fan meeting and meeting Gu Jingyi.

By mid-July, the R15 Dream Edition had sold over 2.1 million units in its first month. Of these, Dream Purple accounted for 71%, setting a new record for OPPO's monochrome models.

According to market research and user reviews on platforms like JD.com and Taobao, 41% of female users who purchased the R15 Dream Edition admitted they bought it "for Gu Jingyi's good looks." In contrast, only 12% of VIVO X23 buyers were drawn to it because of Cai Xukun.
而二级市场，如闲鱼。蔡旭鲲蔡签名版X23贬值率高达40%，顾璟奕签名版R15溢价25%。就连一开始那个359上线的权益包，在闲鱼价值都一路走高溢价15%
Baidu Index data shows that searches for "Dream Aesthetics" surged by 540%, making it a top marketing keyword of the year.

The industry has once again witnessed Gu Jingyi's sales prowess, and OPPO has already put upgrading Gu Jingyi to a global brand ambassador on the agenda.

In contrast, vivo is already looking for a new spokesperson for the upcoming X23 Pro. Cai Xukun's contract renewal condition is that fans must account for 25% of sales. Current data shows that the fan percentage is only 17%, far below the passing mark.

Poor Kun Kun, not only did he fail to renew his contract, but this sales competition also exposed the problem of his superficial popularity.

Because of Gu Jingyi's disruption of "Idol Producer," Cai Xukun's environment is far less comfortable than in his previous life. Without a company, his development after entering the talent show is severely hampered.

He's already firmly established as one of the "second-best" celebrities.

If I had to say, Cai Xukun is one step ahead of the "second-tier top idols" and can even catch up with the "top idols".

His endorsement fees fall between top-tier and near-top-tier. The reason why brands like By-Health, Weikezi, and L'Oréal chose him was because of his cost-effectiveness—slightly less famous than top-tier but around the near-top-tier level.

Now, the only one that has suffered a major blow in the "blue-green war" is Kun Kun.

Brands that were previously in contact with Cai Xukun either increased their budgets to hire a true top-tier celebrity, or reduced their budgets and hired a near-top-tier celebrity like Ren Jialun.

Poor Kun Kun probably never imagined that just one endorsement would cause his commercial value to evaporate so much.

VIVO has once again courted Gu Jingyi, offering him the title of global brand ambassador.

But being late is being late, ever since Gu Jingyi started involving OPPO in advertising shoots and designing co-branded merchandise for the week.

His connection with Green Factory began to take shape.

What Blue Factory can give Gu Jingyi, Green Factory can give him, and even earlier.

The turnover rate of top celebrities in 2018 was too fast: Gu Jingyi's rise has further squeezed the space for the "Four Big and Three Small" stars. Yi Yangqianxi and Wang Junkai are doing better, as their data still ranks high.

However, the "Big Four" have all fallen behind in terms of traffic.

Fortunately, brand awareness and national recognition remain, and Vivo has secured Chris as the spokesperson for the X23 Pro at a bargain price.

In a fierce mobile phone war, only Giegie bore the brunt of it all. Blue Factory lived up to its reputation, while Green Factory and Gu Jingyi were utterly defeated.

As soon as Gu Jingyi arrived at the set of Ashes of Love, Yang Zi, dressed in costume, gave him a heavy pat on the shoulder.

"Hey, isn't this Phoenix? How come you're back so soon? I thought you wouldn't be back until the end of the month for the wrap party."

"Stop teasing me, Sister Zi. I'm really exhausted. To be honest, I even have dark circles under my eyes now."

Gu Jingyi pointed to his eyes, and Yang Zi looked over and indeed saw a faint bluish tinge.

"There's nothing we can do about it. Late June to July is the peak season for graduates to change their phones. Gu Jingyi, hurry up and put on your makeup. Once we finish filming this scene, my scenes will be almost over."

Gu Jingyi, however, was not so happy, as his screen time was about 1.5 times that of Yang Zi.

Because he had previously endorsed OPPO, he was filming his dialogue scenes in bits and pieces while filming other projects on set.

This meant that for the next week or so, Gu Jingyi had to wear dozens of kilograms of armor and be suspended by wires to film the action scenes of "The Battle of Heaven and Demon" with Luo Yunxi during the hottest weather.

Unlike action movies, the martial arts scenes in these period dramas don't just rely on flashy moves. As long as the movements are beautiful enough, that's fine.

Gu Jingyi's singing and dancing skills are among the best in Asia. With her dance background, the filming will be more visually appealing than that of ordinary actors.

His next action scenes were just a bit hot while wearing armor, nothing too difficult.

Filming period dramas is quite easy, much more comfortable than serious dramas and period dramas.

About thirty minutes later, Gu Jingyi changed into his costume.

After Xu Feng fell into demonic possession, his attire was based on black, accented with cool colors such as dark red, deep gold, and ink blue. His robes were primarily made of heavy satin and leather, while his shoulder armor and wrist guards were crafted from cold metallic materials, engraved with thorn patterns or demonic designs, exuding a chilling aura of power amidst the flowing dark light.

Gu Jingyi thought this costume was even more handsome than the one worn by the God of War in the Heavenly Realm; the black cloak billowed with every movement, like a demonic aura.

The filming of Ashes of Love lasted quite a long time, but thankfully it's finally coming to an end.

With the help of Puchi-jun and the Moon Immortal, Jinmi escaped from the barrier set up by Runyu and arrived in the Demon Realm.

Just then, Xu Feng also began to suspect Sui He, so he had Liu Ying knock Sui He unconscious. He then had Liu Ying impersonate Sui He, cover her with a red cloth, and marry her. This was all to test whether Sui He would use the Glazed Pure Flame.

Unexpectedly, the Moon Immortal and Puchi-jun dressed Jinmi in wedding attire and married Xu Feng. When Suihe reappeared, attempting to steal the bride, Xu Feng, having learned from the Moon Immortal that Jinmi was the one who helped him achieve nirvana, ignored Suihe.

Enraged, Suihe attacked Jinmi with her Glazed Pure Fire. Unbeknownst to her, this act revealed her as the murderer of the former Water God and Wind God, leading Xufeng to strip Suihe of her position as leader of the Bird Clan. He then crippled Suihe's Glazed Pure Fire, and out of guilt towards her, he voluntarily relinquished half of his cultivation.

On their wedding night, Xu Feng and Jin Mi finally had a heart-to-heart talk. He admitted he still loved Jin Mi, but they couldn't go back to the way things were. Jin Mi thought this was a rejection, and she turned to leave. But Xu Feng hugged her, saying they could start over. He asked Jin Mi to stay by his side and not to lie to him anymore.

Just as the two were enjoying their sweet time together, Runyu used Jinmi's escape from the wedding as a pretext to launch a massive war between the Heavenly Demons and the Southern Heaven.

Liu Ying was filled with worry. "Brother Feng only dispersed half of his cultivation yesterday, and today his army is already pressing in. Did he plan this all along?"

Today, Gu Jingyi is going to film this scene.

"Phoenix, don't go." Yang Zi's brows were full of worry, not wanting Gu Jingyi to go and accept the challenge.

"A million ghost generals from the netherworld have been preparing for battle day and night, waiting only for this moment!"

Gu Jingyi raised his head, a bloodthirsty smile blooming on his handsome face that was almost unbelievable.

The next second, he uttered two words crisply, which landed with a resounding clang.

"Accept the challenge!"

The River of Oblivion is boundless
The black cloud was pressing down on the city and the city was about to be destroyed, and Jiaguang opened golden scales to the sun.

Separated only by a narrow strip of water, Luo Yunxi stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in ethereal white robes. Behind him were celestial generals and countless heavenly soldiers descending on clouds. The number of them was vast, and the magical weapons in their hands gleamed coldly.

On the other side of the River of Oblivion, after a clear and melodious cry, a phoenix with seven-colored wings spread its wings and flew out from the boundary between heaven and earth. Its tail was eight feet long, and its radiant light was so magnificent that it was impossible to look directly at it.

Gu Jingyi and Yang Zi, suspended by wires, landed hand in hand.

This is probably the most handsome scene of Xu Feng in the battle between the Heavenly Demons. Especially the scene where the male and female leads embrace and slowly descend from the sky. Xu Feng's wings are also retracted, with only his arms adorned with red lotuses.

All the demons surrounding him were fervently calling out, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty!" This demonstrates Xu Feng's immense prestige and influence within the demon realm.

After the broadcast of "Ashes of Love," this scene became a classic shot that always appeared in every "Lingxiu Couple" CP edit. It was also one of the three times Xu Feng revealed his true form, no longer purely through special effects but with the participation of an actor.

Without a doubt, this will become one of the classic scenes in Gu Jingyi's acting career.

After landing, Gu Jingyi stood at the ferry. He was dressed in black armor, his cloak fluttering behind him.

The two sides are locked in a standoff, seemingly poised for war at any moment.

"Runyu has come today not to fight, but to bring back the Water God."

Luo Yunxi spoke with a calm expression, revealing no emotion.

"Oh—" Gu Jingyi hummed softly, her beautiful peach blossom eyes lifting slightly as she spoke leisurely, her voice echoing among the fluttering banners.

"I have just married Jinmi, and she is now the Queen of my Demon Realm. We are newlyweds, and our love is as deep as ice."

He took Yang Zi's hand and struck a pose of smugness.

Yang Zi frowned and asked somewhat anxiously, "What good will it do you to provoke him?"

"Ridiculous! The Water Goddess is the Queen of Heaven in my celestial realm. Jinmi, aren't you coming over here?"

Yang Zi reiterated his feelings for Xu Feng, and Runyu's face grew even more ashen. The atmosphere between him and Xu Feng was extremely tense, and a great battle was about to break out.

"You have tried to kill me time and time again, resorting to any means necessary. Do you think I'm so dangerous to you just because I'm alive?"

Gu Jingyi looked at Luo Yunxi with a cold expression and disdain.

"You defied the heavens and were resurrected, falling into the demonic path. As the Heavenly Emperor, I should obey the will of Heaven and eliminate evil."

Luo Yunxi put on a righteous facade, equating his own selfish desires with righteousness.

Without exchanging more than a few words, Xu Feng and Run Yu each took one end of their swords and fought for more than a dozen rounds.

This is also the scene with the most ensemble cast and the greatest scale since the filming of "Ashes of Love" began.

The special effects were extensive, whether it was the combo attacks during the fight or the aerial battle between Xu Feng and Run Yu in their original forms in the latter half. Every second was a testament to the budget being used.

Filming took place under a green screen, and special effects were captured on-site using equipment and then created in post-production.

Not only were Gu Jingyi and Luo Yunxi fighting in the air while suspended by wires, but the extras on the ground were also fighting.

When Gu Jingyi's sword tip touched Luo Yunxi's throat, the wire cable trembled slightly.

This scene required many takes. We had to film the action from various camera angles and then select the best version. Finally, we re-combined the footage to create the final version for playback.

The green screen's light made Gu Jingyi's face appear deathly pale, and beads of sweat rolled down the dragon scale patterns on his Demon Lord armor, accumulating into small puddles at his feet.

However, the storyline makes it seem more realistic because Xu Feng's golden core was tricked by Run Yu into losing its fire attribute, and he suffered a severe backlash.

The war between the Heavenly and Demonic realms was extremely fierce, resulting in countless injuries.

Gu Jingyi and Luo Yunxi fought to a standstill, both sustaining serious injuries. Yang Zi, her face deathly pale, watched them from the ground, crying out in despair and anguish, "Stop fighting! Stop fighting!"

She tilted her head back, her emotions erupting. It has to be said that Yang Zi's rise to become one of the "top 90s stars" is truly remarkable, while Dilraba's popularity is purely based on her looks and her appearance on Running Man.

Yang Zi, on the other hand, relies on her popularity as the "nation's daughter" and her excellent acting skills.

The ecosystem for actresses born in the 90s is not good; before 2020, domestic TV dramas were almost entirely dominated by actresses born in the 85s.

But Yang Zi carved out a path for herself with her excellent acting skills.

Just like Zhao Youting, whose acting skills are described as "transformative," he is known for his "breakthrough acting skills that break through the stiff face."

Gu Jingyi even felt that Yang Zi's acting skills were much better than his idol's.

"Cut"

After director Zhu Ruibing called a halt, Gu Jingyi and Luo Yunxi finally got off the wires.

"Sister Zi, do you know what your shout just now reminded me of?"

Gu Jingyi sat down, and his team immediately arranged for a therapist to give him a massage.

This is something that is usually arranged for every actor who is suspended by wires after filming.

The wire throbbed with pain; a person weighing over 100 pounds was held aloft by that tiny steel wire. Needless to say, he was covered in bruises afterward.

Even with a massage gun, it's still not as comfortable as a manual massage. After the therapist pressed on his muscles, Gu Jingyi felt his stiff muscles gradually soften and the soreness lessen.

"What are you thinking about?" Yang Zi was genuinely curious.

"Stop fighting for me, you won't kill anyone this way."

Gu Jingyi mimicked the gentle and kind male protagonist of harem anime, uttering this line that made everyone laugh and cry.

"Haha, Gu Jingyi, you're really funny."

Yang Zi paused for a second, then quickly burst into laughter with a wild, unrestrained expression.

Luo Yunxi, however, never joined the conversation; to be precise, he unilaterally refused to communicate. This was the end of the story since Gu Jingyi returned from the Milk Foam Forest tour, and the rebuilding of Xu Feng's glory had begun.

Yang Zi was also happy to achieve this outcome. To be honest, after reading the previous script, she felt that many parts were prone to ambiguity and could lead some Runyu fans to criticize Jinmi.

After returning from the mortal realm in "Ashes of Love," Xu Feng was about to be imprisoned. The original novel didn't mention Runyu's background, nor did it attempt to whitewash him. His relationship with Jinmi was purely one of exploitation, with only a tiny bit of affection mixed in.

Even with his health severely depleted, Xu Feng instantly defeated Run Yu. This time, Gu Jingyi is even less inclined to believe that Xu Feng at full health will lose.

The world is a bustling place, everyone's driven by profit. Luo Yunxi didn't give him a friendly look, but Gu Jingyi didn't care. He was there to build his career, not to make friends.

Of all the cast members of "Ashes of Love," only Yang Zi has had a better career since then.

The two chatted happily, and Gu Jingyi even teased about today's scenes.

"Sister Zi, it's your turn to receive red envelopes today."

"Ah, hahaha, yes, alas. It's all Xu Feng's fault for dispersing half of his cultivation, otherwise Jin Mi would never have sacrificed herself."

Yang Zi expressed some genuine feelings, but Gu Jingyi directly told the truth.

"That's impossible. From a plot perspective, if Xu Feng didn't relinquish half of his cultivation, Run Yu wouldn't dare to attack. The plot wouldn't be able to move forward. Besides, Xu Feng dealt with Sui He. He's a kind-hearted person, so it's understandable that he felt guilty and couldn't bear to do it."

"Gu Jingyi, if you were Xu Feng, what would you do?"

Yang Zi really wanted to know what Gu Jingyi would do.

"Do I really have to choose?" Gu Jingyi raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, Xu Feng is Xu Feng, and you are you."

"Gu Jingyi isn't Xu Feng; he never makes choices. It just so happens that Jinmi stabbed Xu Feng, and out of guilt, she can accept Xu Feng's choice. Before, when Suihe and Xu Feng were about to get married, wasn't she still dreaming about making love with Xu Feng every night even after being sealed away by Runyu in the Heavenly Realm? She loved him so much!"

Yang Zi is a buddy, and Gu Jingyi is always true to himself in front of her.

Yang Zi looked at Gu Jingyi, her lips twitching.

"Indeed, actors and roles should not be confused."

"Hmm," Gu Jingyi nodded and said seriously, "Pure love is work, unrestrained love is life."

"Huh..." Yang Zi looked at Gu Jingyi, speechless. "Could it be that besides Jinmi and Suihe, you have other female characters you want? It's not Liuying, is it...?"

Gu Jingyi waved his hand, "No, no, no, it's not Liu Ying. I don't appreciate dreadlocks, I don't get it."

"Who is that?"

“Changfangzhu has quite a charm,” Gu Jingyi replied instantly.

"No way, buddy, are you serious? She's way older than you. You really have a wild idea."

"You don't understand. Yu Xin was the idol drama introduction for so many kids born in the 90s. She is indeed beautiful, there's no denying that."

The actress who plays Chang Fangzhu previously portrayed Yu Xin, a piano teacher in "Thunderstorm," who was Duanmu Lei's ideal woman.

The two dated abroad, but then broke up.

Perhaps Duanmu was too fond of Metersbonwe, and his fashion sense didn't match Yu Xin's. They couldn't get along, so they broke up.

"Tch, as expected, Xu Feng is Xu Feng, and Gu Jingyi is Gu Jingyi. No wonder you're the man who wrote 'The Lover.' You didn't write an autobiography, did you?"

Yang Zi complained, but she was actually laughing happily.

"Look, this is your biggest misunderstanding of me. I don't know when it started, but a sad, thick barrier has formed between us."

Gu Jingyi clutched his chest, feigning sadness.

"Haha, Gu Jingyi, you really..."

Yang Zi laughed until tears streamed down her face, and by then she had rested enough.

Filming resumed, and Gu Jingyi and Luo Yunxi fought in the air again while suspended by wires.

Xu Feng suffered a severe backlash from Run Yu's scheme against his golden core, and had just lost half of his cultivation.

Runyu was defeating him relentlessly, and he thought, "How ironic that the mighty Heavenly Emperor would break the rules and resort to forbidden techniques."

"You, a demon, are talking to me about fairness and justice?"

Luo Yunxi's expression turned frenzied as he wiped the tip of his sword.

"I was forced to fight against the heavens to save my life. I can neither be a soldier serving on the battlefield nor a strategist plotting against others."

Yang Zi stopped trying to persuade her. She looked ahead calmly, as if she had made up her mind.

Reciting my inner monologue, I walked forward step by step.

Meanwhile, the battle between Runyu and Xufeng intensified. Both transformed into their original forms, phoenixes and silver-tailed dragons churning in the air. They then rapidly flew towards the center, lightning crackling around them.

"How ridiculous that it was used as a pretext to start a war."

Two lines of clear tears fell from Yang Zi's eyes. She leaped up and stood between the two of them.

Gu Jingyi's pupils contracted slightly as he stared at her in shock.

Luo Yunxi looked bewildered and gave her a complicated expression.

In mid-air, Jinmi's body fell like a kite with a broken string.

Xu Feng caught it and burst into tears.

"Stop fighting. This whole thing has only involved the three of us from beginning to end."

"Runyu, I'm sorry. I can never make up for the love you gave me in this lifetime. I hope you can become the little fish immortal you were again, okay?"

"I promise you," Runyu said, his eyes red and his voice trembling.

"Phoenix, promise me. You must eat it before sunset tomorrow. Take good care of yourself, I love you."

The shot focuses on Gu Jingyi, whose face is contorted with emotion as he cries.

"I wish I could go back to that time. Back then, even though I didn't understand what love was, I was so happy to be by your side every day. It was so beautiful, but unfortunately, I can never go back."

Yang Zi bit through the blood pack and disappeared little by little in Gu Jingyi's arms.

The "Jinmi" that was originally meant to be roared was chewed up and swallowed by Gu Jingyi. On the monitor, Zhu Ruibing saw his jawline tighten, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down three times, and his left little finger twitching unconsciously.

This is a very typical withdrawal reaction; Gu Jingyi's attention to detail is still as wonderful as ever.

"No!"

A piercing scream rang out, slightly distorted. Gu Jingyi's fingertips trembled as he gently stroked Yang Zi's eyelids.

"Wake up!"

He looked flustered, as if he hadn't accepted it yet.

Runyu glanced at it, his expression indifferent.

"I will never set foot in the Demon Realm again in my lifetime."

With the help of wires, Luo Yunxi stood with his hands behind his back. He took a few steps in the air and drew a clear dividing line in the sky with his Lingxiao Sword.

Gu Jingyi ignored him and continued to hold Yang Zi in his arms.

The camera cut to him, and he looked up, tears streaming down his face.

"what…"

Her incredibly captivating voice resonated throughout the film set.

“Cut!!”

Zhu Ruibing called a halt, but Gu Jingyi remained standing there, still caught up in his emotions.

Yang Zi shoved him, "Hey, Gu Jingyi. Jin Mi is Jin Mi, but Yang Zi is perfectly fine!"

Gu Jingyi was still somewhat dazed, and Yang Zi, seeing this, gave him a push.

"I'm sorry, I was still caught up in my emotions and hadn't gotten over it."

It might sound a bit far-fetched, but Gu Jingyi genuinely felt that he had already touched a boundary when he was acting.

He also directly interpreted Xu Feng's reaction according to his own understanding.

It seems that from the moment he got into character, the character had his own thoughts. He was no longer confined to the script, but rather followed the character's development trajectory and acted accordingly.

"Sorry, I just made some changes to the script."

Gu Jingyi reported to the director, but Zhu Ruibing waved his hand dismissively.

"It doesn't matter, Jingyi, do you want to rest for a bit? You seem a little off."

"it is good"

A few days later, Gu Jingyi finished filming the remaining scenes.

Xu Feng and Jin Mi ended up together, five hundred years later.

When Jinmi's reincarnation was to marry the emperor because of her beauty, a phoenix with an eight-foot-long tail, radiant with rosy light, and so magnificent that it was impossible to look directly at it appeared.

"A phoenix, it's a phoenix!"

Passersby exclaimed that it was an auspicious sign.

"Could it be that the Consort Jin we are welcoming today... will be the Empress in the future?"

The phoenix circled above the sedan chair a few times before landing with a trail of fire.

"Run!"

Once all the bystanders had run away, Gu Jingyi, dressed in the Demon Lord's black robes with flames swirling in his sleeves, landed and glanced back at the sedan chair.

"I am coming"

He looked at the bride, who was covered with a red cloth, and spoke softly.

"But I've already accepted the betrothal gifts. What should I do?"

Yang Zi's expressions are still very lively, appearing both arrogant and subtly hinting to the audience that she is actually a reincarnation with memories.

"That's a real pity. I had prepared six thousand years' worth of spiritual power."

Gu Jingyi stepped into the sedan chair and lifted her out with one arm.

"In this life, you can only be my wife, Xu Feng's wife."

Gu Jingyi looked at Yang Zi, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Flowers fall all around them as the two twirl sweetly. The camera is also manipulated, capturing close-up shots.

"Cut"

Zhu Ruibing looked around and said, "Everyone has worked hard!"

After several months of filming, Ashes of Love has finally wrapped up.

At the wrap-up ceremony, everyone took a group photo and then started drinking and eating meat.

"Wishing 'Ashes of Love' a huge success! Cheers!"

The crisp sound of toasts rang out, marking the end of months of hard work.

(End of this chapter)