Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 190 A Duet? A Little Public Announcement
"Director Wu, please let us know if you have any news. We will give you 200% support."

"Director Wu, you also have considerable experience with the Forbidden City."

"."

As soon as the meeting ended, Wu Chen was surrounded by representatives from all walks of life.

Many producers even promised to buy shares at high prices, which infuriated Han Sanping.

"Is there really a big plan?" Han Sanping couldn't help but ask.

"It's still far from certain, but if it works out, we'll do a joint shoot this time. I'm off now, Principal Zhang is calling me."

Wu Chen smiled and then prepared to get up and return to school with Zhang Huijun.

Watching Wu Chen walk briskly, only saying half of what he meant, and then that last "together" made him even more eager to join in.

"Thank you, Principal Zhang," Wu Chen replied with a smile after coming out with Zhang Huijun.

Without Zhang Huijun calling out, he figured he would have been asked questions for a long time.

He really didn't want to say too much about things that were still far from being settled, because saying more would be useless and would only add to people's troubles.

After laughing, Zhang Huijun said, "Still not used to it? That shouldn't be the case. By the way, you're a senior now, and you'll graduate and go on to graduate school next year. How about it? Have you considered pursuing a PhD at this university?"

"Huh, you're still reading?" Wu Chen was taken aback.

"Think about it. Do you think the school would prevent you from graduating?"

The admission quality of the photography and directing departments at the school has improved in recent years. Your presence here can help the school further enhance its admission standards.

Zhang Huijun smiled broadly. If Wu Chen could pursue a doctorate, he would gain a few more years of student status, which would also improve the school's student pool. What a wonderful thing!

"It's not that exaggerated."

"Of course there is! If you don't believe me, listen to the speech given by the outstanding representative at the school's freshman orientation. The video is on the official website, and the younger students all specifically mentioned you."

"Then I'll go back and take a look tonight," Wu Chen said with a smile.

Zhang Huijun hadn't expected Wu Chen to change the subject so easily. He smiled slightly and didn't press further, since there was still plenty of time.

Even if they don't pursue a doctorate, arranging a visiting professorship later would be a natural progression.

Back at school, Wu Chen simply gathered his dorm buddies for a meal, and even invited Liu Yifei along.

The main reason is that the two of them have started dating, and it would be very difficult to keep it a secret from those around them, and of course there's no need to hide it.

Actively introducing someone to those around them can make people feel more at ease and secure.

In a private room of a niche private kitchen near the Beijing Film Academy, several people sat around the table. Before all the dishes were served, the conversation had already gotten lively.

Xiang Zhuo was the first to start the commotion:
"Hello, sister-in-law! I knew you would become my sister-in-law a long time ago. Honestly, no one else is worthy."

"You bootlicker!" Wu Chen laughed and lightly kicked at Xiang Zhuo, who dodged it.

"Hey, sister-in-law, look how Brother Chen bullies us in the dorm all the time. Look how badly the three of us get bullied."

He dragged Park Song-il and Chu Tian-shu along to "cry out their innocence," making it sound very serious.

Liu Yifei smiled, her eyes crinkling, and gently patted Wu Chen's shoulder: "Look, they've all complained about you."

"They're talking nonsense. Three single dogs who can't do anything but ruin my reputation."

"This is too much, far too much! It's like killing someone and then destroying their spirit!" Xiang Zhuo expressed his "indignation."

"It's okay, I know a lot of good-looking people, I'll introduce them to you." Liu Yifei grinned, indicating that she would take care of it.

"What a kind person! This is a true kind person! Sister-in-law, I can tell at a glance that you are beautiful inside and out. How could you have fallen for Brother Chen? He's not good enough for you."

"Eat your food, or you'll have to pay later," Wu Chen threatened.

"Yeah, we're almost out of money, we still need to save up to buy a car." Xiang Zhuo and Park Song-il immediately started eating.

"You guys should have money next year, so buy some houses while they're cheap, you know? We're all here to make a living, so buy sooner rather than later."

Wu Chen casually offered this advice, saying that since he was his brother, he should give him this little tip.

"By the way, Tianshu, come help out at the end of the year too. The photography team is short-staffed, which should help you when you go to CCTV later," Wu Chen suggested with a smile. "Thank you, Brother Chen!" Chu Tianshu quickly replied gratefully.

The following evening, at the Grand Hyatt Wangfujing, the premiere of "The Banquet" was held.

As an all-star blockbuster, the red carpet was already packed with fans and media.

Feng Xiaogang, accompanied by Ge You, Zhang Ziyi, Daniel Wu, Zhou Xun, and Huang Xiaoming, greeted the guests, but a look of worry lingered on his face.

The Venice Film Festival screening of "The Banquet" a few days ago did not go particularly well. It was criticized by many foreign media outlets as being neither fish nor fowl, too Western, and lacking Chinese characteristics.
This caused him to feel inexplicably worried about things overseas.

Zhang Ziyi was now somewhat regretting taking on the role in "The Banquet," secretly thinking to herself, "I knew I couldn't trust Feng Xiaogang's period dramas."

She is currently enjoying a surge in international popularity, so if this movie doesn't do well at the box office, it will definitely be a blow to her.

But she still maintained a considerate demeanor on her face.
"Director Feng, international media are generally quite critical; the audience might not think that way."

Just then, the sharp-eyed Huang Xiaoming spotted Wu Chen at the entrance of the red carpet and quickly called out, "Director Feng, Director Wu is here."

Before Feng Xiaogang could react, Zhang Ziyi was the first to realize it, her eyes lighting up.

If there's anyone in China who could take her to the next level, besides Zhang Yimou and Li An, it would be Wu Chen.

Li An and Zhang Yimou are not to be relied upon for the time being. The former is still filming "Lust, Caution", and the latter has to prepare for the Olympics after finishing "Curse of the Golden Flower".

Wu Chen has the best chance, and he has just risen to the ranks of top-tier directors globally, enjoying great popularity. Perhaps major Hollywood studios are already in contact with him.
Feng Xiaogang took the first step, and Zhang Ziyi followed closely behind, afraid of falling behind even half a step.

"Wu Chen is here."

Media from both sides immediately picked up their cameras and started filming. Wu Chen smiled and waved to the fans on both sides, quickly walked down the red carpet, and extended his hand, saying, "Congratulations, Director Feng!"

"Where, where!"

"Hello, Director Wu!" Zhang Ziyi smiled warmly, following closely behind Feng Xiaogang to shake hands with Wu Chen, her smile beaming.

Wu Chen smiled and nodded, but when shaking hands with Huang Xiaoming, he patted Huang Xiaoming's shoulder a couple more times, "Brother Xiaoming, it seems like you've gained muscle?"

Huang Xiaoming was somewhat flattered: "It's a little more, mainly for the role. In the movie, I play the son of Grand Commandant Yin, a general."

"Then I'll have to take a good look later!" Wu Chen laughed and then walked into the hall.

A group of people were left clicking their tongues and looking at Huang Xiaoming.

"I didn't expect that, Xiaoming, you have a good relationship with Director Wu." Zhou Xun stroked his chin.

"I went to the same school as Director Wu, so we'll definitely have more to talk about," Huang Xiaoming chuckled. He was much more familiar with Wu Chen than with others, which meant he would have more opportunities in the future.

Zhang Ziyi's expression remained calm, but a strange pang of sadness welled up inside her.

Given her status, how could she be inferior to Huang Xiaoming and Zhou Xun? Wu Chen even responded to Zhou Xun a few times.
Inside the theater, Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei stood up and introduced Wu Chen upon his arrival:

"Director Wu, let me introduce you to the artists under Huayi Brothers: Fan Binbin, Huo Siyan, and Li Binbin. If you need them for your film, just give me a call anytime."

The three of them greeted Wu Chen with exceptional enthusiasm.

It must be said that Huo Siyan is indeed very uninhibited, almost completely open, and when shaking hands, she lowers her head and doesn't cover her hands at all.

Fan Binbin and Li Binbin both looked at it with disdain.

Time quickly came to the premiere, and Feng Xiaogang went on stage to talk at length about the production process and his personal journey of making the film, almost praising it to the skies.

As a result, the audience laughed throughout the screening.

"Before tonight, I was confused: with my sister-in-law by my side, what do I need the empire for?"

"I have three words to say! The principles of the court and morality, the righteousness of history, and acting on behalf of Heaven!"

"You are the Empress, the mother of the nation, yet you still kick off your blankets while sleeping!"

"."

Whenever Ge You, playing Emperor Li, solemnly and earnestly portrayed European-style deep affection, it repeatedly triggered bursts of laughter on set.

At this moment, not only were the main creators frowning, but even Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei had long lost their previous composure.

Wu Chen didn't laugh that hard, but it has to be said that if you treat it as a comedy, it's not unacceptable.
(End of this chapter)