The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 137 Poor Hanikezi, I'm praying for you!

……

The pre-production work for "Real Steel" is almost complete.

Lu Zhiyuan had already determined the important scenes beforehand.

Because this film requires extensive use of CGI (computer-generated imagery) technology, it doesn't have high requirements for most locations... since it's mostly a virtual environment.

Lu Zhiyuan only focused on inspecting a few places.

For example, the endless yellow sand in Dunhuang, the icebergs and black lakes of Muztagh Ata.

In the remaining areas, he plans to find the female protagonist and then take her on a tour to experience firsthand the scenes where she is about to fight.

He tried this approach on Dilraba last time, and it worked quite well.

He firmly believed in one principle.

Art is a true reflection of life.

Performances need to be crafted in accordance with the inherent laws of human nature.

Therefore, actors must experience everything the character goes through and find their own feelings!
In layman's terms, it means giving actors a sense of conviction, so they don't feel like they're just acting, but rather believe they are experiencing different lives.

……

Xi'an.

Tomorrow is Lunar New Year's Eve.

Keeping his promise, Lu Zhiyuan booked a private room at the Chang'an No. 1 Hotel, not far from his home, and invited Jing Tian to meet his parents.

Let me formally introduce both parties.

"Sister Shanshan, what should I do? He really took me to meet his parents!"

“When he told me about this before, I always thought he was joking. I didn’t expect him to be so serious.”

"I thought about it carefully, and we've only been together for less than six months. Isn't it a bit too fast for him to take me to meet his parents? I'm not ready yet."

Jing Tian was extremely nervous at home, pacing back and forth, her hands and feet trembling with anxiety.

She called Zhao Shanshan over to discuss countermeasures together.

She was going to meet her parents in two hours, and now, with her hair disheveled, she was completely unprepared.

"You brat, are you showing off to me? If you don't want to go, I don't mind going in your place!"

"If you don't want such a good boyfriend, plenty of others will."

Although Jing Tian appeared very nervous, Zhao Shanshan felt that she was just showing off.

He pinched Jing Tian hard, telling her not to be so smug.

Zhao Shanshan couldn't help but come up with a terrible idea: "How about this, if you don't want to go, let Chai Biyun go in your place. She'll probably be laughing in her dreams."

"no!"

Chai Biyun was able to laugh, but Miss Jing Tian figured she was probably going to cry.

"Sister Shanshan, come with me. You've seen all kinds of big occasions, meeting the parents is just a piece of cake for you."

Jing Tian took Zhao Shanshan's hand and began to try to please her.

Mainly, she felt that Zhao Shanshan was not as good-looking as her, nor as young.

With Zhao Shanshan as a supporting character, she will surely be able to make herself, the main flower, look even more beautiful and charming.

"All you ever do is scheme against me."

Zhao Shanshan tapped Jing Tian's forehead. This brat's cleverness is all in this area.

At first, Zhao Shanshan was worried that Lu Zhiyuan was deceiving Jing Tian's feelings.

But after nearly a year together, she realized that her worries were completely unnecessary.

Lu Zhiyuan is surrounded by a constant stream of female celebrities.

Those female celebrities were drooling over Lu Zhiyuan, just like female demons drooling over Tang Sanzang's flesh.

But Lu Zhiyuan himself was like Tang Sanzang who set off from Chang'an. Except for a slight wavering once in his heart for Jing Tian, ​​the queen of the Women's Kingdom, he completely ignored the other female demons.

His devotion to Buddhism was unwavering and utterly steadfast.

"Let's go, I'll take you to a beauty salon to get a proper makeover."

Unable to resist Jing Tian's coaxing, Zhao Shanshan reluctantly nodded in agreement, playing the supporting role.

……

That night.

Miss Jing Tian was dressed exceptionally beautifully and gracefully in the private room. She spoke with a shy smile, as if she were deliberately imitating a gentle and timid woman from Jiangnan.

They have completely lost their personal style.

"Tian Tian, ​​remember, they're from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The women there are gentle and kind. If you don't have a concept of it, just think of Yu Feihong."

"No matter what his parents ask you, remember to speak slowly and lower your voice a beat. This will make you sound more gentle and tender. Don't chatter away like a little sparrow."

Zhao Shanshan was teaching the Bible to Miss Jing Tian, ​​who kept nodding.

It works really well.

"Tian Tian, ​​eat more, you're so thin."

"Tian Tian, ​​Auntie has heard your song before. It's about someone on the Xi'an city wall who made a vow that they would never part. It's a very nice song."

After the meal, Lu Zhiyuan's parents were indeed very satisfied with Miss Jing Tian.

Not only is she beautiful, but she also has a gentle personality, a particularly sweet smile, and big eyes. She doesn't seem to have any bad intentions and isn't the kind of person with a cunning nature.

very good!

Being a daughter-in-law is the ultimate dream!

Moreover, how should I put it, Jing Tian's face has the kind of appearance that looks very auspicious.

The older generation likes girls with this kind of appearance.

"A-Yuan, take Tian Tian out to play. Be careful on the road."

After dinner, Lu Zhiyuan's parents said they were a little tired and went home first, letting Lu Zhiyuan play outside with Jing Tian for a while longer.

It's almost Chinese New Year, and the streets are bustling with activity. I asked Lu Zhiyuan to buy Jingtian some pretty clothes.

Jing Tian felt as if she had been granted a pardon, and she grabbed Lu Zhiyuan and turned to run away.

"See you next time, Uncle and Aunt."

Zhao Shanshan smiled apologetically at Lu Zhiyuan's parents, then scolded Jing Tian a few times, saying that the child was rash and asked Lu Zhiyuan's parents not to mind.

After Zhao Shanshan left.

Lu Zhiyuan's parents exchanged a glance, and a sudden realization dawned on their eyes.

"I knew it! I wondered why we were suddenly transferred back, and why I was even recommended to pursue a PhD and become the vice president of the urban rail company. Now I understand."

"So, it turns out that Tian Tian's cousin is our CEO Zhao's daughter!"

Lu Zhiyuan's father discovered the truth.

Lu Zhiyuan's mother nodded in agreement: "Yes. The two, mother and daughter, look exactly alike. I saw a photo of them together when I went to General Manager Zhao's office to deliver a report last time."

"Mr. Zhao chatted with me for a long time. I was wondering to myself, what is there for such a high-ranking leader like Mr. Zhao to talk about with me? It turns out that we are about to become relatives."

Zhao Shanshan's mother is the CEO of Lu Zhiyuan's parents' company.

As for Zhao Shanshan's father, needless to say.

My mother is the CEO of a large state-owned enterprise, and my father is a leader in a government unit. We're just domestically made revolving doors.

……

"Ah Yuan, your uncle and aunt like me very much. I can tell."

Jing Tian smiled smugly, then said to Lu Zhiyuan in a coquettish tone, "I've already met your parents. When are you going to meet mine?"

"anytime."

Lu Zhiyuan answered very seriously.

Whether it's true or not, Miss Jing Tian said she was very happy tonight.

At least, Lu Zhiyuan has the courage.

Other men probably wouldn't even have the courage to do that; they'd be terrified if I just mentioned it.

After all, if someone dares to bring up breaking up or cause trouble after meeting the parents, the consequences are usually unbearable for most people.

"You guys take your time looking around, I'm leaving now."

Zhao Shanshan was preparing to leave; she didn't want to be a third wheel.

Before leaving, she helped Jing Tian put on her hat and mask and said, "Don't forget, you're a big star now. Be careful not to be recognized by your fans."

"understood."

Jing Tian smiled and nodded, thinking to herself that although being a big star was quite enjoyable, not being able to go shopping with her boyfriend seemed to take away a lot of the fun.

Especially in the last two days.

They couldn't meet casually, and she couldn't come looking for Lu Zhiyuan.

Back in Yanjing, she used to make soup for Lu Zhiyuan every day. Now that she's back home, she doesn't make soup, and she always feels uneasy if she doesn't do something at night.

"Tian Tian, ​​look over there! Someone is setting off fireworks on the city wall."

Suddenly, Lu Zhiyuan saw something and his eyes widened in surprise.

Which bastard is it?
Do you know that the Xi'an City Wall is an ancient building and a cultural relic? Setting off fireworks on the city wall is an act of damaging cultural relics.

"Who dares to be so bold? Let's go see what's going on!"

According to a certain safety management regulation, setting off fireworks is prohibited near the Xi'an City Wall, and violators will be fined 300 to 500 yuan.

……

I spent the Chinese New Year in Xi'an.

Lu Zhiyuan and his family took a plane back to their hometown to wish their relatives and friends a Happy New Year.

This year is unusual.

Last year, Lu Zhiyuan was still relatively unknown.

This year, his status has completely changed, reaching almost the pinnacle that ordinary people can achieve.

The titles of Palme d'Or winner and the leading Chinese-language director in commercial films have caused a huge sensation in Lu Zhiyuan's hometown.

No matter how low-key he is, his neighbors will still be curious and will definitely take pictures when they see him.

If nothing unexpected happens, a ton of photos of the famous director Lu Zhiyuan returning to his hometown for the Chinese New Year will appear online.

fortunately.

This period of peace and quiet did not last long. Lu Zhiyuan stayed at home for four or five days, and the daily routine of visiting relatives and friends for the New Year finally came to an end.

"Brother, Teacher Dilinaer has found a girl who meets your requirements."

"The MMS photo on my phone was too blurry, so I sent it to your email. Please take a look and see if it matches your desired feel?"

On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, Lu Zhiyuan received a text message from Dilraba.

Dilraba went back to her hometown for the Chinese New Year.

After all, as the pride of the entire Uyghur people, she deserves to return home in glory.

During the Spring Festival, Reba participated in various activities of her hometown TV station.

Because of her return, the streets of Urumqi became much quieter than usual overnight, with many people sitting in front of their televisions, waiting to watch her programs and various interviews.

Upon receiving Reba's message, Lu Zhiyuan immediately turned on his computer to check it.

"Looking at the photos, this little girl is indeed fresh and refined in appearance, and has a great artistic temperament, especially her big, expressive eyes. Her face is as exquisite as a painting."

"But I'm not sure."

"Because there is a big difference between static pictures and dynamic appearances."

"Wait for me, I'll buy the plane tickets right now!" Lu Zhiyuan did indeed have a unique fondness for the exotic charm of Uyghur girls.

The girls from this ethnic group, with their deep-set eyes and high nose bridges, captivated Lu Zhiyuan when they appeared on screen.

Especially the little girl that Dilraba sent me.

Her eyes are truly beautiful.

Like classicism in painting, it has three-dimensionality and shimmering light and shadow.

It also possesses the layered washes characteristic of traditional Chinese meticulous brushwork paintings, brimming with a lively and vibrant atmosphere, both mysterious and dazzling.

Early in the morning, Lu Zhiyuan had someone send him to Hangzhou.

After a 5-hour flight from Xiaoshan Airport, Lu Zhiyuan arrived in Urumqi around 8 p.m. that evening.

"Brother, over here."

After getting off the plane, Lu Zhiyuan went to the underground parking lot.

Reba wrapped herself up like a base soldier, leaving only her eyes showing, and waved to them from afar.

The main reason is that Dilraba is just too popular.

Especially in her hometown, she can be considered the greatest superstar in history!

Wherever it appears, it's sure to be packed with people.

"Dilraba, you've only been home for less than a week, but you seem to have gained a lot of weight."

Lu Zhiyuan traveled light, carrying only a small suitcase and a few clothes, and got into Reba's car.

After Reba removed her equipment, he glanced at her and noticed that her face had visibly become rounder.

"Brother, it's vacation time, vacation time, you know? I'll lose weight after school starts."

Back in her hometown, Dilraba ate and drank excessively every day; how could she not gain weight?

"Teacher Dilinaer".

The driver was Dilinar, the director of the Reba Dance Troupe and one of the most outstanding dancers in Urumqi.

Lu Zhiyuan greeted him.

"Director Lu, thank you for taking care of Dilraba. I never expected that she would become a big star in just one year."

Reba was taken away from their song and dance troupe by Lu Zhiyuan.

Teacher Dilinaer was naturally very concerned about Reba's future.

Now, Dilraba has become a big star, but she's still the same as before, without any airs. She goes back to the dance troupe and chats and laughs with her old friends and teachers.

The entire song and dance troupe felt very proud.

"Director Lu, should we arrange for you to stay at a hotel first, or..."

Teacher Dilina asked a question while glancing at Reba.

It wouldn't be impossible for Dilraba to invite Lu Zhiyuan to stay at her home.

She knew that after Dilraba returned, she bought a luxury mansion for her family without saying a word.

"Could you contact me first so I can go and see that girl?"

As long as the female lead's identity wasn't finalized, Lu Zhiyuan felt uneasy, as if something was missing.

"Alright."

Teacher Dilina nodded: "That little girl has been dancing since elementary school. Her instructor is a friend of mine. It was a coincidence that I saw her photo that day and asked her a few questions."

Not everyone wants to be a star.

After all, many people think that becoming a celebrity is wishful thinking, or even a pipe dream.

Moreover, the entertainment industry is a mixed bag.

Parents are understandably worried about teenage girls entering this kind of circle.

Unless, of course, you get noticed by a truly great director!

……

An hour later.

In a dance studio within a song and dance troupe.

Lu Zhiyuan finally met the little girl; she was indeed very beautiful.

"What a great director Lu Zhiyuan!"

“I’ve seen Dilraba’s documentary, ‘Walking with Genius Directors,’ and it really is him.”

The girl's parents just learned from teacher Dilinaer that the famous director Lu Zhiyuan flew to Urumqi specifically to see his daughter.

There is a high probability that he will choose his daughter as the female lead in his new movie.

They were incredibly excited, but also afraid of being scammed.

Although it was highly unlikely that Teacher Dilinaer would lie to them, it still made them uneasy for a long time.

Only after seeing the real person did they breathe a sigh of relief.

"Walking with a Genius Director" is a documentary film produced by the local TV station after Dilraba returned to her hometown. The station collected many photos and materials from Dilraba, as well as some footage from the movie "Upgrade," and worked overtime overnight to produce it.

In this documentary, Dilraba analyzes many scenes from the movie "Upgrade" from the perspective of a female protagonist, as well as Lu Zhiyuan's artistic conception!
This is truly eye-opening!

Through this documentary, at least in Urumqi, everyone knows that Lu Zhiyuan is a super genius and a great director with a strong artistic flair!
Moreover, she has a wonderful personality!

In the documentary, Dilraba mentioned countless times that Lu Zhiyuan was exceptionally considerate and gentle towards her, taking meticulous care of her!

Of course, she didn't mention that Lu Zhiyuan threw her into the sea during the typhoon.

Otherwise, online opinions about Lu Zhiyuan would most likely have completely reversed.

"Honey, quickly call for help."

The girl's parents gently urged their daughter on.

The little girl seemed to wake from a dream, and nervously greeted Lu Zhiyuan: "Teacher, hello. My name is Hanikezi, I'm 13 years old, and I've been studying dance for 7 years. Currently..."

After listening to the young girl's introduction, Lu Zhiyuan smiled and nodded: "Does Hanikezi mean that she is the most outstanding one among the girls?"

Lu Zhiyuan knows a little Uyghur.

The name Hanikezi, when translated, roughly means "the best among young girls".

"Ah."

Hanikezi blushed and nodded shyly.

"Brother, how are you feeling?"

Reba thinks Hanikezi is quite pretty, with delicate features, a sweet smile, and most importantly, she is very lively and has a heroic air about her.

It won't make you look particularly weak!

It perfectly matches Lu Zhiyuan's requirements for the female lead!
Lu Zhiyuan turned to Reba and exchanged a few words: "She is beautiful both in still and moving poses, which meets my requirements."

"but……"

Upon hearing the word "but," Dilraba almost collapsed.

She was most afraid of Lu Zhiyuan saying the word "but".

Lu Zhiyuan continued, "But don't you think she's too sweet and looks too sunny, lacking the kind of decadent feeling that a female lead needs?"

"After all, you know the theme of this movie."

"The female protagonist's ID in the game is [Artemis], who is the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt. She symbolizes power and battle."

"In reality, her name is Ophelia, which comes from the drowned girl in Shakespeare's tragedy. She is a character with a melancholy and decadent feel."

"Her image needs to be both heroic and lively, and she also needs to portray a frail girl who is terminally ill and has no hope for life, that kind of decadence and even disgust with the world."

Upon hearing this, Dilraba secretly rolled her eyes.

Lu Zhiyuan is starting to speak incoherently again!

Didn't you see? Everyone else there looked completely bewildered.
"Brother, don't you know that there's something called makeup in this world?"

"Have you forgotten? Before you gave me the Empress look, I was just a country bumpkin! But now, believe it or not, I'll definitely be on the list of the 100 most beautiful faces in the world next year!"

Women need makeup.

Even the most beautiful woman will lose a lot of her looks if she doesn't wear makeup!

Besides, finding a 12- or 13-year-old girl who not only has to be pretty and have an elfin feel, but also has to have a decadent vibe, that's just ridiculous!

Lu Zhiyuan thought about it and agreed, and decisively admitted his mistake.

"You're right."

"In my memory, there are many decadent paintings in Japan."

"For example, Takehisa Yumeji, as a wandering lyrical painter, his paintings are full of that decadent feeling."

"Temperament is not something that is static; it can be cultivated through exposure and nurturing."

In order to cultivate Reba's understanding of the cyberpunk world, Lu Zhiyuan took her to the 798 Art Center every day to view Peter Marks' paintings.

Dilraba felt dizzy and lightheaded every day watching those pop art lines, and once she almost vomited from nausea.

Although Dilraba felt that this kind of training was ineffective... after filming the movie, she reflected on it again and felt that she should take back her opinion.

After all, her demeanor in the movie did undergo a complete transformation, perfectly capturing the feel of the cyberpunk world.

I never imagined that this bizarre method of training acting skills would actually work!

"Poor little Hani, your nightmare is about to begin. I'm praying for you!"

Reba glanced at the bewildered 13-year-old girl, Hanikezi, in front of her and felt a deep sense of sympathy for her.

Although Lu Zhiyuan and Reba were not speaking loudly, the classroom was very empty, with only a few of them.

Everyone heard what Lu Zhiyuan was saying.

What the hell is that? Who can understand it?

However, although they couldn't understand it, everyone was deeply impressed and could feel that Lu Zhiyuan had a strong artistic flair.

It exudes an artistic atmosphere.

Not to mention, there's a living example right next to her: Dilraba.

Once Hanikezi is selected by Lu Zhiyuan, it won't be long before he becomes another source of pride for the Uyghur people.

"Hani, could you dance a dance about Dunhuang for me?"

Lu Zhiyuan had already decided on Hanikezi. Although he wasn't completely satisfied, he couldn't find a more suitable leading lady.

He can smooth out this tiny flaw himself by hand.

"How about 'Dunhuang Dream'?"

Hanikezi hesitated for a moment, then asked a question.

This dance, based on the creations of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, tells the love story of a painter and a princess, and is grand in scale with an exotic flair.

Hanikezi had practiced before, so she was quite familiar with it.

"can."

Lu Zhiyuan recalled that Hanikezi's famous work, "A Dream of Dunhuang," combined the boldness of the Western Regions with the gentleness of the Central Plains, making her an instant star.

However, that was almost 10 years later.

Moreover, in Lu Zhiyuan's memory, Hanikezi's acting skills were very poor.

If Dilraba's acting skills only score 6 points, then she scores at most 3 points.

Dilraba is still within the range of being trainable.

Hanikezi is the kind of person that even Gulnazar would shake her head at.

This is what made Lu Zhiyuan hesitate.

(End of this chapter)