The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 141 No man can resist such a surprise.
……

The next morning.

Lu Zhiyuan drove Reba to take the art exam.

As soon as Dilraba appeared, the reporters who were staking out nearby went crazy, desperately crowding around to take pictures.

As for the other art students in the group, they were completely ignored.

"Sister Zi, you're not good enough. Look at her! She's beautiful, has a great figure, and has a big director backing her up. She's destined to be a big star."

"Little Shanzi, I think you want to die!"

Yang Xiaozhi and Zhang Yishan were also in this year's art exams.

The two stood in the line, initially thinking that the reporters' sudden commotion was because they had spotted them, and they were secretly pleased with themselves.

Unexpectedly, the group of reporters turned around and all crowded around Reba and Lu Zhiyuan, completely surrounding them.

They had wasted half a day posing for nothing.

"Director Lu, would you like to say a few words?"

"Director Lu, what's the current status of the 'Real Steel' project?"

"Director Lu, what are your feelings about returning to your alma mater?"

Although Dilraba has many interesting stories, she's here today to take the art exam, so she probably won't say much.

The hot topic is that Lu Zhiyuan, a famous director, actually sent Dilraba to participate in the art exam.

The relationship between these two is definitely worth exploring in depth.

"Today, I'm just accompanying my child to the art exam. I won't be giving interviews. You should all leave now and not disrupt the exam room."

After dropping Reba off, Lu Zhiyuan watched her go to line up, while he ran to where the parents were waiting.

From afar, Lu Zhiyuan gave Dilraba a thumbs-up.

"I'm speechless! He's such a convincing idiot! How can someone like that exist?"

Dilraba couldn't help but roll her eyes, feeling incredibly agitated.

Listen to what Lu Zhiyuan just said.

Accompanying my child to participate in the art exam!
He's acting like my dad. It's really ridiculous!
……

When Lu Zhiyuan arrived at the Beijing Film Academy, he felt like he was coming home. Unlike other parents who waited foolishly in place, he went straight to the performance classroom.

Miss Jing Tian went to Jiaozuo Film and Television City to film a movie.

However, Lu Zhiyuan also had his old friend, Chai Biyun.

"Biyun, it's been so long since I've seen you. Why don't you come over to visit?"

Lu Zhiyuan's appearance in the performance classroom caused an instant sensation; he was a renowned director.

Who wouldn't want to get to know them?
But the students also know that Lu Zhiyuan is now a famous director, and if they try to get close to him, they might just make themselves disliked.

So we can only watch from afar.

Lu Zhiyuan waved to Chai Biyun, who was staring blankly in the corner of the classroom, and called her out.

I invited her out for a cup of milk tea.

While chewing on a straw, Chai Biyun said irritably, "Tian Tian isn't home. If I go to your house to play, won't that brat come after me?"

Ever since Jing Tian got together with Lu Zhiyuan, she has become very distant from him.

Fireproof, anti-theft and anti-bestie.

Miss Jing Tian was very persistent in adhering to this simple principle.

This left Chai Biyun speechless.

I've been a matchmaker for nothing.

If I hadn't taken Jing Tian to that little tavern near Jimen Bridge back then, would Jing Tian have met Lu Zhiyuan?

Can the two of them get together?

That brat, she repays kindness with enmity.

Lu Zhiyuan smiled and extended an invitation: "By the way, Biyun, there is a character in 'Real Steel' who plays a fortune teller in Dunhuang, similar to a Western diviner, who uses mystery to guide the main characters to find a clue."

"If you have time, would you like to make a cameo appearance?"

Lu Zhiyuan didn't know anything about the sisterhood between Chai Biyun and Miss Jing Tian, ​​and didn't dare to ask too much, but Chai Biyun was the female lead in his graduation advertisement.

Definitely the first generation of "Road Girl"!

Moreover, his relationship with Jing Tian was largely thanks to Chai Biyun's help.

We definitely need to repay them properly.

"I didn't use any connections; you invited me."

Hearing the invitation, Chai Biyun was very happy. She smiled and looked at Lu Zhiyuan, instantly agreeing in her heart, but still proudly emphasized a few words.

"Since such a big director is being so proactive, I, a small-time actor, certainly can't refuse. Okay, I'll make an exception for you. Originally, I wasn't planning to go to film crews before graduating from university."

You and Jing Tian are both proud little princesses.

Lu Zhiyuan smiled, then asked his true intentions in a low voice, "Biyun, has something happened to Tiantian's family recently?"

Jing Tian's parents seem to be getting a divorce recently.

That day, Lu Zhiyuan overheard Jing Tian talking about this with her mother on the phone, and he was truly shocked.

He vaguely remembered that in another time and space, Jing Tian seemed to have mentioned her parents' divorce during an interview.

But is it about to happen now?
At this critical juncture, if conflicts arise in Jing Tian's family, it will not only affect Jing Tian, ​​but also easily affect herself.

Lu Zhiyuan also needed to figure out what the situation was really like.

At the very least, you should have a clear understanding of the situation.

So that you won't be caught unprepared when a storm comes.

"You noticed it too?"

Chai Biyun glanced at Lu Zhiyuan with some surprise.

She thought Jing Tian wouldn't tell Lu Zhiyuan.

Now it seems that these two are much closer than she is to her own best friend.

Chai Biyun hesitated for a moment, then felt that Lu Zhiyuan should also have the right to know, and whispered, "It's just as you guessed. As for the reason, you're so smart, you should be able to guess it too."

To what extent would a middle-aged man in a high position of power consider divorcing his original wife?

There must be someone else who wants to take over!
Once the new owner takes over, it will inevitably affect Princess Jingtian's status.

This will certainly have an impact on Lu Zhiyuan's career development.

"Understood, thank you for letting me know."

Lu Zhiyuan had already made some guesses.

This was merely a confirmation of my own conjecture from Chai Biyun.

"No need for thanks. I didn't say anything, let alone inform you."

Chai Biyun waved her hand, pretending that she hadn't said anything and that Lu Zhiyuan had guessed it all himself, and that it had nothing to do with her.

Otherwise, Jing Tian will blame herself later.

After thinking for a moment, Chai Biyun couldn't help but speak frankly for her friend: "Zhiyuan, I know there are all sorts of messy things in the entertainment industry. You're a big director, so you'll face even more temptations. But Tiantian is very serious about you, even if you're out there... Anyway, you should understand what I mean, right?"

Even if there are many women outside, the red flag of Jing Tian at home must not fall.

Besides, Jing Tian is so absent-minded, and you're so smart. You can easily coax her and make her carefree and happy for the rest of her life.

That's exactly what Chai Biyun wanted to say.

She believed that Lu Zhiyuan was a smart man.

Some things don't need to be said aloud; the other person will understand instantly.

Lu Zhiyuan looked at Chai Biyun with sincerity in his eyes: "Biyun, it's good that Tiantian has you as a friend. Come to our house more often. Tiantian doesn't have many friends, so don't distance yourself from her."

"Zhiyuan, you're great too."

Chai Biyun replied abruptly, then picked up the half-finished milk tea in her hand and waved at Lu Zhiyuan: "Thank you for the milk tea, I'm going to class now."

……

The entrance exams for the Beijing Film Academy will last about half a month.

Reba definitely won't be able to go to South Africa with Lu Zhiyuan and the others to see the surreal Ponte Tower that Lu Zhiyuan mentioned.

"Honey, my dear sister, don't let Brother Kun take your Teacher Lu out to fool around alone. Remember, if anything like this happens, report it to Sister Tian Tian immediately."

Before boarding the plane, Reba repeatedly gave Hanikezi instructions.

Kun is the worst.

Among the people around Lu Zhiyuan, Kun Ge is the most destructive.

Zhang Tianai, Gulnazar, Gao Yuanyuan, Liu Yifei, and Liu Shishi all gathered around Lu Zhiyuan because of Kun Ge.

This is a disaster.

"Sister Reba, I've remembered. Do your best on the exam and don't fail. There's already one art student in our family who failed the exam; we absolutely don't want another one to fail."

Hanikezi made a joke with a grin.

Clearly, they didn't take Dilraba's threat seriously.

"You brat, you dare to tease me."

Reba hugged Hanikezi and tickled her armpits, making the little girl laugh and shout, "I was wrong, I'll never do it again!"

Then, she ran behind Lu Zhiyuan and hid.

"Alright, stop fooling around. We need to go through security. Reba, study hard for your exam and try to get first place."

Lu Zhiyuan picked up a suitcase and helped Hanikezi carry a small suitcase, then turned and walked towards the airport interior.

Hanikezi skipped and jumped around beside Lu Zhiyuan, extremely happy.

I'm going to South Africa for tourism.

She had never been to such a far place in her life.

This year is 2010, and the South Africa World Cup will be held in June.

Right now, South Africa must be a busy construction site in preparation for the World Cup.
"Xiao Su, how long have you been following Zhiyuan? Do you know that he's a pervert? And a pervert who practices those evil martial arts?"

Faced with Zhou Xun's question, Su Lun chuckled and pretended to be clueless.

Who doesn't know that our Brother Yuan is a pervert?
But how could I possibly agree with something an outsider said? Wouldn't that be jeopardizing my own livelihood?

"Brother Kun, I'm warning you, don't cause any more trouble. If you bring me another Nazha, I'm really going to report you to Sister-in-law Tian Tian."

Kun Ge's harm is too great. After Reba finished explaining about Hanikezi, the little undercover agent, she went to warn Xin Yukun himself.

"Reba, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm a good citizen."

Xin Yukun shrugged at Reba without looking up, his hands busy pressing buttons on his phone, seemingly texting someone.

"Reba, don't be so reluctant to leave, we'll be back soon."

Seeing that everyone else had left, Xin Yukun put on his sunglasses, pushed a suitcase, turned around and left, leaving Dilraba with an arrogant back view.

……

Magic City.

On the set of "Love Announcement".

"Xiao Niu, you're wearing glasses, you look quite intellectual and artistic. Who are you imitating?" Gao Yuanyuan came to visit Liu Yifei on set.

When Liu Yifei heard the news, her mouth gaped open wider than a minotaur's.

Are we that close?
You came to visit me on set?

baffling!

But out of curiosity about Gao Yuanyuan's true intentions, Liu Yifei came over to take a look.

Faced with Gao Yuanyuan's provocation, Liu Yifei retorted without backing down: "Sister Cha, what about you? You've gotten so thin lately, with a delicate and fragile beauty. Let me guess, is it because someone often watches the melancholic beauty of [Takehisa Yumeji], and you're trying to change yourself just to make him smile?"

Gao Yuanyuan has been corrupted by Dilraba's influence; she even calls herself "Little Cow." But you're not Dilraba, why should I give you face?
Liu Yifei's use of the phrase "Tea Sister" almost made Gao Yuanyuan choke.

But a moment later, Gao Yuanyuan smiled calmly.

"Little Niu, you're still young and don't understand current fashion at all."

"My current makeup look is called 'Celadon Glaze Makeup,' a plus version of the laid-back office style that Zhiyuan created for me. What does it have to do with Takehisa Yumeji?"

After Gao Yuanyuan said those words, she looked into Liu Yifei's eyes.

A moment later, seeing Liu Yifei staring at her for a long time, her eyelids twitched slightly, revealing a look of apprehension.

She immediately smiled with even greater composure.

“Little Niu, I can tell from your expression that I did the right thing.”

"Of all these people, you're Zhiyuan's confidante, the one who understands his preferences best. The fact that you're so nervous right now proves that my makeup is indeed very powerful!"

"Thank you very much, sister. I'll take my leave now."

After seeing Liu Yifei and confirming the power of her makeup, Gao Yuanyuan turned and left.

These past two days, she's been hosting a Chanel Spring Ready-to-Wear fashion show in Shanghai.

As a fashion darling, she doesn't need to act much; she's already overwhelmed with commercial engagements.

Needless to say, now the whole country knows that the "YG Company" in the movie "Upgrade" is the "Yuan Gao Technology" that she and Lu Zhiyuan started together, which specializes in making robots.

Real female CEOs of tech companies are far more authentic and domineering than the characters portrayed in movies, and their personalities far exceed people's imaginations.

Build robots!

Benchmark against Boston Dynamics!
A true trendsetter in technology.

With this background, Gao Yuanyuan's commercial value skyrocketed, making her the undisputed number one female celebrity in China in terms of commercial value in a short period of time!
With her net worth and status skyrocketing, Gao Yuanyuan has become increasingly elegant and composed, exuding an air of authority wherever she goes.

She felt that she was almost qualified to launch S3 and challenge Jing Tian's dominant position!
"Sister Cha, where are you going?"

Seeing Gao Yuanyuan about to leave, Liu Yifei suddenly felt a little nervous.

I can't leave right now, and your sudden announcement that you have to go makes me a little nervous.

"I want to go to South Africa, to Johannesburg, to Ponte Tower... to that surreal building, to wait for someone, to wait for an encounter."

"A meeting after 12000 kilometers, in a foreign land, amidst a sea of ​​people, a single glance, and eyes met across countless crowds."

"Do you think it's unforgettable enough?"

Before boarding the plane, Xin Yukun gave Gao Yuanyuan a report.

As Gao's most loyal advisor, Xin Yukun has always stood by Gao Yuanyuan's side.

"Brother Kun, that treacherous villain!"

Liu Yifei gritted her teeth.

Liu Yifei learned about Lu Zhiyuan's trip to South Africa through other means, and Zhou Xun was also going with him.

These past few days, gossip has been flying all over the internet.

Some people are also spreading rumors that Lu Zhiyuan and Zhou Xun have gotten together.

It's almost laughable.

However, Gao Yuanyuan is truly a formidable rival.

That darn Tea Sister! She's already 30 years old, how come she's aging in reverse, getting younger, more elegant, and more beautiful every day?

This is so illogical! Did she secretly cultivate immortality?

"Little Maverick, good luck. Wang Lihong is also American, you two are a good match."

"As for Zhiyuan, don't even think about him... He likes playing with robots. I'll get my older brother involved, take out my savings, and start a company to play with him."

“I gave him everything, and I believe he knows it too.”

Gao Yuanyuan is gone.

It's like taking away a victory.

As she left, her slender figure and elegant posture made one feel as if a rain had fallen on West Lake, prompting one to recite the line, "West Lake is like Xi Shi, beautiful whether lightly or heavily adorned."

No, it should be Gao Zi.

……

After a 14-hour flight.

Lu Zhiyuan and his group arrived in Johannesburg.

This is the capital of South Africa.

It must have been very prosperous, but now it exudes a sense of decay.

This year, South Africa won the right to host the World Cup, and Johannesburg is one of the main host cities for the World Cup.

However, the city's unemployment rate is as high as 25%!

The streets were desolate.

Inside the Ponte Tower, Lu Zhiyuan led the group on a tour, nodding slightly in satisfaction with the scene.

"The sci-fi blockbuster 'District 9' was filmed here."

“Ponte Tower, originally called Ponte Apartments, was built in 1975 and still looks stunning today.”

"This used to be one of South Africa's most luxurious apartment buildings, the second tallest building in the country. But look at the state of it now, how dilapidated it is... Doesn't it have a cyberpunk vibe?"

"The closed-off nature of the vertical community, the garbage piled up in the courtyard, and the stark contrast between the dilapidated windows and the light are strikingly similar to the distorted spaces in Salvador Dalí's paintings."

"Behind the deep courtyards and dense windows lie countless slums. Imagine what was once a symbol of mansions and technological utopia has now become a breeding ground for crime and garbage."

"Doesn't it create a strong sense of contrast?"

"The female protagonist, Ophelia, grew up here. When the old man came here to find her, how heartbroken he must have been when he saw the surrounding environment?"

"The heartbreaking story of the grandfather who rallied to fight for his granddaughter is truly inspiring. Viewers who see this will surely cheer him on silently, right?"

Lu Zhiyuan originally wanted to design a scene for the female protagonist that resembled Caravaggio's dark style, imitating the painting "The Death of the Virgin," where she would witness her parents' death.

The goal is to maximize the atmosphere of that criminal and depraved world, the struggle and despair.

After thinking about it again, I realized it wasn't necessary!
Doing it this way is a mistake of formalism; it's like actually sitting at the same table as Chen Kaige.

After all, Real Steel isn't a crime film. Although it has a dystopian narrative, it's primarily a vibrant coming-of-age story.

The first principle of commercial films is to avoid upsetting the audience.

“Brother, Ponteta, we’ve already seen it, and I feel a bit depressed. Let’s go back to the hotel next door.”

"I'll rest for one night and head to Cape Town tomorrow. I want to go to the beach, feel the sea breeze, watch the waves, and see what the South African people's leisure activities are like."

Xin Yukun knew that Lu Zhiyuan's old habit was acting up again; he could have just looked at pictures online, but he insisted on coming to the scene to see for himself.

Now that he's seen it, he's got it.

Alright, work hours are over. Our week-long South Africa trip is officially underway!
Tomorrow, Cape Town, beach and bikinis!

"You and Teacher Zhou go have fun, Hani and I will stay here. I need to let Hani experience what a fragmented world is like."

"After experiencing it, she will understand what loneliness and the feeling of being adrift and helpless are."

In the slums, there are countless girls like the protagonist, Ophelia.

Seeing it for oneself is infinitely more profound than Lu Zhiyuan's description.

"Anyway, let's go eat first. Ponte Tower is right here, it's not going anywhere. Even if we come tomorrow or the day after, it won't change immediately."

Xin Yukun couldn't help but glance at Hanikezi.

What a pitiful little girl, to have encountered a pervert like Lu Zhiyuan. I hope she doesn't suffer too much.

"Okay. Let's go eat first."

Aside from being a bit obsessed when filming, Lu Zhiyuan is otherwise a very reasonable person.

The group returned to the hotel.

Hanikezi shared a room with Zhou Xun, while Lu Zhiyuan shared a room with Xin Yukun.

However, on the way back, Xin Yukun made an excuse to go downstairs to buy a pack of cigarettes and asked Lu Zhiyuan to go upstairs first.

Lu Zhiyuan didn't think much of it, casually entered the room, inserted the key card, and was about to take a shower, change his clothes, and go downstairs to eat.

"Ok?"

Unexpectedly, just as he entered the room and turned to close the door, the moment...

A fragrant breeze wafted over from behind, and two seconds later, a pair of fair and soft hands reached around his waist and back, tightly embracing him.

A warm face pressed against his back.

Lu Zhiyuan had smelled this perfume for the third time. It was sweet and cloying, like a collision of almonds and citrus, with a hint of smoky chocolate.

It's an acquaintance.

The perfume is called Poison Girl.

After criticizing Dilraba, that brat sold herself to Gao Yuanyuan for a high price.

So, this person is Gao Yuanyuan!
How did she end up here?

"Zhiyuan, don't turn around. Guess who I am first?"

Upon hearing that voice, it was indeed Gao Yuanyuan.

Lu Zhiyuan sighed, a little helplessly: "Little Gao, you flew 12000 kilometers just to ask me this question? The price is a bit too high."

Congratulations, you guessed it in a second!

Mr. Gao, I'm so happy!
Next, I'll give myself to you as a reward!

Are you happy?
Anyway, as long as you don't say anything and I don't say anything, no one will know what's going on here!
"Hey Gao, could you let go of me first?"

Lu Zhiyuan lowered his head, grabbed Gao Yuanyuan's hands, and tried to pry them apart. But she was holding him very tightly, and he couldn't pry them apart for a moment.

"Are you sure?"

Gao Yuanyuan asked with a smile.

What's uncertain about that?
"I am sure."

Lu Zhiyuan nodded, took Gao Yuanyuan's hands in his, and she obediently let go.

Immediately afterwards, Lu Zhiyuan turned around, his eyes widened, his heart raced, and he almost couldn't catch his breath.

Are you crazy?
Not wearing clothes in the room?

"12000 kilometers away, in an unfamiliar city, in an unfamiliar hotel, an unexpected and candid encounter—is that enough to make it unforgettable for a lifetime?"

Upon seeing Lu Zhiyuan, Gao Yuanyuan seemed stunned. She then gave him the most beautiful smile she had ever seen, hooked her arm around his neck, and kissed him.

I knew it.

No man could resist such a surprise!
(End of this chapter)