Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 180 Junior Brother, You Don't Trust My Judgment?

The next morning, the capital was still so hot it felt like you could be steamed alive, but the major media outlets were already extremely busy.

Wu Chen's speech at the Beijing Film Academy yesterday, especially his outlook on the future of Chinese film box office and his sharp response to the "opposition between commercial films and art," quickly became the focus of heated discussion.

Because these words came from a director who is about to enter the global box office rankings, they are highly worthy of discussion.

Various media outlets followed up with reports, each headline more sensational than the last:
[“Commercial films are not the opposite of art,” Wu Chen’s lecture at Beijing Film Academy was full of memorable quotes!]

[Spanning the cosmos and exploring the deep sea—Wu Chen's business concept lecture ignites Beijing Film Academy!]

[Wu Chen sets another goal: "500 million, 1 billion, 2 billion in box office revenue"—is the era of Chinese blockbusters on the way?]

These kinds of headlines immediately sparked heated discussions among netizens.

On film fan forums, Douban, Tianya, and Tieba, discussions surged like a tidal wave:

"Awesome, Wu Chen really dares to think big, but daring to think big is what makes him awesome."

"A billion or two billion sounds like a joke now, but when you think about it, 'Now You See Me' is already aiming for 300 million. Who knows what will happen in five or ten years? Let's wait and see!"

"That's so inspiring! As long as someone dares to film these concepts, I'm willing to watch them. This is the kind of vision a new generation of directors should have!"

Of course, there are also dissenting voices:

"Isn't that an exaggeration? Can the current conditions of domestic cinemas and the audience base support such high box office numbers?"

"Go ahead and film it. Once the pirated version comes out, one film will silence everyone."

Regardless of praise or criticism, Wu Chen's name shines brighter amidst the heated discussions.

The industry has already been in an uproar.

"Xiaoping, what do you think of Director Wu's words?"

As a senior executive whom Enlight Media had been grooming, Wang Changtian had high hopes for Li Xiaoping. Looking at the reports, he couldn't help but ask...

Li Xiaoping frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said:
"I think the 500 million or 1 billion mentioned by Director Wu is possible in the next five or ten years. There is still a lot of room for growth in domestic cinemas and screens, and there is also a lot to be done in the fight against piracy."

However, two billion is indeed hard to imagine under the current conditions.

As a senior executive at Enlight Media, she knew that Wang Changtian's foray into the film and television industry was based on his belief that this sector would explode in the future, but theoretically, this should be something that takes a relatively long time to materialize.

"Our imagination is limited, constrained by data analysis and our understanding of the industry; ultimately, it's limited by the times."

Wang Changtian smiled and did not deny Li Xiaoping's point of view, "But content creators have unlimited imagination. As for the concepts that Director Wu mentioned, we can't even imagine the scenes until they are filmed."

"By the way, how's 'Black Peony' coming along?"

Getting down to business, Li Xiaoping's expression turned serious. "Director Wu plans to start filming in November or December. The original two-and-a-half-month shooting period has been extended to more than three months to allow time for refining the filming process on set."

"Okay, the time to turn on the machine is approaching, so keep up." Wang Changtian nodded.

Around noon, Liu Yifei invited Wu Chen to have lunch together.

The summer vacation atmosphere is getting stronger and stronger on campus, and the summer vacation for Beijing Film Academy will be here in just a few days.

Liu Yifei looked down at the road sign that had not yet been removed; it still displayed information about Wu Chen's lecture from yesterday.
Strands of hair fell loosely around her cheeks, but her eyes held a hint of frustration, resentment, and slight grievance.

"I didn't hear a word you said yesterday."

Wu Chen chuckled upon hearing this: "Just read the report, it's the essence in a condensed form."

“That’s different. It’s like, if you like a song, do you only listen to the most exciting part? You have to listen to the intro, the chorus, that’s the whole song.” As Liu Yifei spoke, she gently looked up and stole a glance at Wu Chen. Seeing that Wu Chen didn’t seem to react, she subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, but then pouted.

Wu Chen chuckled inwardly, then suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, I called the sales number you gave me. He recommended a few sets of materials, and I think one of them looks pretty good."

"Really?" Liu Yifei's eyes lit up, her cheerful voice rising a few decibels as she immediately offered her opinion, "Want me to help you choose? I have an excellent eye for art."

"Ah, what's so great about your artistic eye?" Wu Chen tilted his head and blinked slightly.

"Junior brother, how dare you question my taste!" Liu Yifei quickly stepped forward. "Look, isn't my everyday outfit good-looking? Doesn't that prove my good taste?"

Liu Yifei stood confidently in front of Wu Chen, wearing a white bear-print T-shirt and denim shorts, her long, slender, and fair legs shining brightly in front of him.

Wu Chen had to admit it was indeed good-looking, but then shook his head: "The problem is, you wouldn't look much different even if you put a burlap sack over it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei was overjoyed, her happiness evident in her eyes and brows.

But upon closer reflection, Wu Chen realized that this wasn't exactly refusing to admit his good judgment, so he continued to press for answers.

"Are clothing coordination and the landscape layout of a villa the same thing?" Wu Chen shrugged.

"Then you still don't trust my exceptional artistic judgment."

"Okay, I'll take you with me, alright?" Wu Chen finally nodded in agreement.

"Junior brother, you have absolutely made the wisest choice!"

Liu Yifei raised her chin, beaming with pride, and even twirled around triumphantly. The hem of her T-shirt fluttered slightly, and her fair and slender legs under her denim shorts shimmered in the sunlight.

Wu Chen couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

Suddenly, Liu Yifei turned around, blinked at him, and asked, "Junior brother, are you planning to get a cat?"

Wu Chen was taken aback, pondered for a moment, and casually said, "Let me think about it again."

"What about keeping a dog?"

Liu Yifei pressed on relentlessly, bouncing softly and sweetly in front of him, raising her little face to stare at him.

Wu Chen couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Then the house would be full of cats and dogs!"

"Isn't that good?"

Liu Yifei smiled, her eyes crinkling, and said cheerfully, "It's so lively! When I get home, fluffy things will jump up to me and bark to greet me. Isn't that wonderful!"

"Who takes care of them on a daily basis?"

"If you're busy, you can ask me for help!"

Liu Yifei patted her chest, looking confident and saying, "I've got this covered! I'm a professional at raising cats and dogs!"

Wu Chen chuckled, "Auntie is the real professional!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei's face flushed red, and she stomped her foot angrily, saying in a reproachful tone:

"Really annoying!"

"."

At this moment, the crisp sounds intertwine with the cicadas chirping in the trees, and the summer breeze blows gently by. It's as if time itself has slowed down.

In the sunlight, the two people's shadows were stretched long and thin on the red brick pavement.
(End of this chapter)