Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 381 Riding a Tiger and Being Difficult to Dismount
A resort town on the outskirts of Vancouver, bathed in sunshine under a clear blue sky.

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds stood hand in hand, their faces beaming with the sweet smiles of newlyweds, waving goodbye to Wu Chen and Liu Yifei, who were about to leave.

"Crystal, see you at the premiere of 'The Martian'."

"That's really a whirlwind marriage! They got married after only a few months," Liu Yifei said with a smile and a wave. Then, turning her gaze away, she remarked with admiration, "Their relationship is so good."

Wu Chen was slightly taken aback, and for a moment he didn't know how to answer.

He happens to know Blake Lively, and he wonders what Ryan Reynolds' expression will be if he sees him at a wedding next time.

The first stop for the two upon returning to Beijing was the post-production base in Huairou, where Ning Hao was working on the editing of "Bad Genius".

This movie wasn't difficult to film, and it didn't have any special effects.

Although the overall structure is that of an "intellectual crime," the editing pace is almost "action movie level."

Especially in the cheating scenes, such as the SAT exam room, answering questions in class, passing questions in the toilet, and cheating on the piano keys, it is necessary to precisely control the tension and relaxation rhythm frame by frame.

Ning Hao felt uneasy about handing the film over to an editor for a rough cut, especially for the exciting scenes, fearing that the editor might cut them out. So he decided to do it himself.

"Director Ning is so dedicated!" Liu Yifei said with a smile as she and Wu Chen stepped into the post-production studio.

Just then, the sound of staff members whispering and exclaiming came from the corridor.

"Have you heard? Zhang Yimou has just slapped the Hundred Flowers Awards in the face by announcing that 'Curse of the Golden Flower' is withdrawn from the competition."

"Why? Isn't today the opening day of the Hundred Flowers Awards?"

"Who knows? We don't know what will happen on Baihua's side. They didn't even have time to react."

"."

Wu Chen and Liu Yifei exchanged a glance, only then realizing that Zhang Yi had stirred up a major incident.

Given Zhang Yimou's current popularity after directing the Olympic Games opening ceremony, his withdrawal from "Curse of the Golden Flower" would definitely be explosive news.

Sure enough, major entertainment news outlets on my phone have already published it.

Baihua made a fool of itself.

Even writer Han Han joked on his blog: "I never knew the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards were still being given out. I thought these awards had gone out of business long ago."

Fans and netizens alike are eagerly following the drama, with various speculations and discussions emerging one after another.

As soon as the two stepped into the editing room, Ning Haote quickly pulled Wu Chen aside and started gossiping: "Do you know why Director Zhang withdrew from the Hundred Flowers Film Festival?"

Wu Chen shook his head.

"What do you think he's after? With Director Zhang's current reputation, he might just win the Hundred Flowers Award this year." Ning Hao stroked his chin, looking puzzled, and even paused the editing work.

"It's hard to say, but Baihua is definitely in a difficult position now." Wu Chen smiled, then looked at the edited footage on the screen. "Excuse me, let me see how the editing is going?"

"My pacing is definitely top-notch." Upon hearing that someone was still questioning his editing skills, Ning Hao became displeased and quickly corrected himself.

"This frame is slow."

"Damn it, how many seconds is a frame? You're nitpicking."

Ning Hao feigned anger with an exaggerated expression, which made Liu Yifei cover her mouth and laugh.

In contrast to the relaxed atmosphere in the editing room, the office of the Hundred Flowers Film Festival organizing committee was filled with tension.

Kang Jianming, who had just been promoted to executive vice chairman of the China Film Association, urgently convened a meeting of the members, as he also happened to be the director of the organizing committee for this year's Hundred Flowers Awards.

"What a bad luck!"

Kang Jianming was cursing under his breath. Originally, the matter of "Black Peony" had finally been handed over to the new secretary-general with his promotion, and he thought things would be easier for the Hundred Flowers Awards. But then Zhang Yimou caused this mess, completely pushing the Hundred Flowers Awards into the eye of the storm.

"Let's all talk about what to do. Because of Zhang Yi's actions, Baihua is practically a laughing stock this year."

As soon as the words were spoken, someone couldn't help but mutter curses:
“I’ve said it before: Zhang Yimou is the biggest traitor. Does he think that after directing the Olympics, we’ll be powerless against him?”

Despite the criticism, when it came to the actual punishment, the meeting room fell into an awkward silence.

Zhang Yimou is currently enjoying high prestige. Who can guarantee that they won't ask Zhang Yimou for help at future major international events and opening ceremonies, such as the G20 summit?

From then on, Zhang Yimou basically became the official director of major opening ceremonies and performances.

Seeing this, Kang Jianming sighed and beckoned to a staff member: "Can you contact Zhang Yimou or New Pictures?"

The staff member shook his head awkwardly: "We can't get through. It's been consistently unanswered. The front desk at New Picture keeps saying they'll transfer you, but..."

Kang Jianming waved his hand impatiently: "Fine, you can go out now."

After the door closed, he looked at everyone and said wearily, "Let's decide now, whether or not to punish them?"

After exchanging glances for a moment, someone finally spoke up: "Let's forget about the punishment. Just plug the loopholes in the future and prevent others from following his example."

"I think we should let it go and not punish him. We need to plug this loophole in the future, otherwise if everyone follows his example, it will be chaos."

"I have an idea. There's a Best Supporting Actor nomination for 'Curse of the Golden Flower,' right? It's Jay Chou who's nominated. He can't just stop other actors from getting nominated, can he? Let's talk about it more and divert some attention."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up. The key now was how to save face and uphold the dignity of the Hundred Flowers Awards.

"Yes, we'll also ask Huayi to cooperate and let Feng Xiaogang say a few more words to minimize the impact."

The plan was quickly finalized.

Feng Xiaogang was very enthusiastic after receiving the assignment. Huayi Brothers had already internally hinted that he had a great chance. Even while filming in Japan, he put in extra effort during a phone interview with a reporter.

"Director Zhang Yimou was probably just too busy during the Olympics."

"Personally, I think that firstly, the credibility of this award is indeed constantly improving, and secondly, the awards given out are representative of the achievements of our country's film creation in the past two years."

I have no doubt about the credibility of the Hundred Flowers Awards. This year they even made a special promise not to award two winners, which is a big step forward.

The reporter on the other end of the phone sounded somewhat doubtful. Was this still the same "Little Cannon"? Why was he constantly spouting empty platitudes and bureaucratic jargon? So he pressed on sharply with a question:
"Director Feng, since you say the credibility of the Hundred Flowers Awards is beyond doubt, why didn't you submit 'Black Peony,' which just won Best Foreign Language Film this year?"

At this moment, Feng Xiaogang was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but wipe his sweat.

Damn it, it's not easy to say nice things.
He quickly composed himself and chuckled twice: "Hehe, it's possible that Director Wu wants to submit it for next year's Golden Rooster Awards and doesn't want to be criticized for submitting it again. Of course, you still need to call Director Wu Chen to find out."

"Then why was 'The Knot,' starring Li Binbin, submitted for approval multiple times?"

"I'm not sure about that!"

After hanging up the phone, Feng Xiaogang let out a heavy sigh.

He had no idea why Wu Chen didn't apply. If it were him, he would have applied for all of them and won all the big prizes.

However, he couldn't help but feel fortunate that only Wu Chen and Zhang Yimou—one didn't register, and the other withdrew—otherwise, he wouldn't have had the opportunity.
Feng Xiaogang's unusually bureaucratic remarks quickly spread online, sparking confusion and criticism from netizens.

"Has the little cannon changed its nature?"

"Why does it feel like Feng Xiaogang has been recruited by the government?"

Liu Yifei looked at Wu Chen curiously after seeing the message: "What's wrong with Director Feng? Isn't he usually the one who scolds the most?"

"I was fed candy."

(End of this chapter)