Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 456 Review of the Reunion of the Nation
The thing I least wanted to see has happened.

The Beijing sun scorched the earth. Ning Hao sat in the post-production editing room in Huairou, talking to Wu Chen, feeling somewhat anxious.

He sensed the crisis facing "No Man's Land".

Do you think it might not pass?

"To be honest, I think it's very likely, and it's a high-probability event," Wu Chen said frankly.

"But just two days ago, Yu Feihong's 'Love Comes Again' was scheduled for release. It will be released on Qixi Festival this year. The promotional content is about time travel and a love story between a human and a ghost."

I've seen all the posters; they're all eerie and unsettling.
"Is this really that difficult?"

Hearing Ning Hao's somber words, Wu Chen felt a little ashamed.

"The situation is different. Here's what we'll do: Chairman Han and Chairman Ren know more about this than we do. Let's get in touch online and discuss it. It'll be difficult for you to win the prize then."

Wu Chen offered some words of advice.

At this point, the best solution is to simply "disappear" from public view. As memories of the events fade, people become less sensitive, making censorship less of a problem and preserving as much of the original content as possible.
That evening, Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun met with the two online. When faced with Wu Chen's understanding of the issues in "No Man's Land", the two unanimously expressed their agreement.

"The best way to handle this is to let it cool down for now," Han Sanping immediately responded to Wu Chen's words.

Ren Zhonglun nodded slightly upon hearing this: "The key to all film submissions is to avoid being labeled negatively on the first submission."

Both are seasoned veterans with extensive experience within the system, and they are well-versed in its operating rules.

When you need to back down, don't be stubborn; just admit it.
“But what about the return on investment?” Ning Hao instinctively wanted to refuse.

Being given the cold shoulder means that several companies will not be able to receive payments, which is extremely stressful.

"Senior brother, do you think there will be any financial pressure with a production cost of 30 million and four companies investing? Whether we get the payment next year or the year after, it shouldn't be a big burden for us."

Wu Chen's words immediately amused Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun, who then made some teasing remarks.

"Director Wu is the only one who can command respect."

"Haha, that's easy to say. Of course, it won't be difficult for China Film Group either; it'll just be a couple of years later, no big deal."

"."

These words warmed Ning Hao's heart.

If this were any other film and television company, they wouldn't receive this kind of treatment.

Wu Chen's side is still discussing the matter, and Ning Hao is undecided. After all, the work is a labor of love, and unless there is an unavoidable reason, who would be willing to put it on hold and postpone it?
Meanwhile, Lu Xun was overjoyed and immediately found Lu Tianming, eagerly saying, "Dad, we can get our revenge now!"

Lu Xun spoke very quickly, afraid of being interrupted:

"As far as I know, the censorship department is currently very wary of films with violent themes. It seems that Ning Hao's new film, which Wu Chen invested in, is somewhat involved. Now, we just need to wait for him to come to us. Even if he doesn't contact us directly, we can still give him a hand and kill the film before it even gets off the ground, thus recouping some of our interest."

Lu Xun was absolutely thrilled.

God knows how he's been getting through these past few days.

Wu Chen is riding high, with box office receipts in mainland China exceeding 600 million yuan. What about him?

Although it wasn't Wu Chen himself, he felt incredibly satisfied just making Wu Chen suffer a setback.
Besides, Ning Hao isn't a good person either.

Yeah, none of the people with Wu Chen are good people.
Lu Tianming turned his head to look at Lu Xun.

"At least you have some brains."

Lu Xun was delighted, but then immediately poured cold water on him.

“But not much!” Lu Tianming continued, “You disgusted Wu Chen and Ning Hao by doing this, and you also offended Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun along the way.” Lu Xun was immediately discouraged, as if he had deflated like a punctured balloon.

"But if it's not going to be done openly, it can be done covertly. I can chat with old friends and talk about these things. It's not like I'm targeting anyone in particular." Lu Tianming was actually also unable to swallow his anger.

When has he ever experienced something so frustrating?

Ning Hao was still hesitating.

As night fell and darkness enveloped the capital, the summer breeze carried a hint of heat.

Inside the villa's study, the bright lights shone on the stacks of documents and thick script pages on the table, casting interlacing shadows.

Wu Chen sat at his desk, his fingers slightly sweaty, still writing furiously in his notebook, polishing the last shot.

A long shot slowly rises from behind Huang Xiaoshan, overlooking the entire battlefield:

On one side were the mighty Anti-Japanese Allied Forces breaking through the encirclement, their battle flags fluttering in the morning light;

On the other side was the enemy's routed position, covered with scorched earth and snow.

In the distant woods, only a tattered military cap was blown by the wind, rolled off in the sunlight, and disappeared into the depths of the snowfield.

The background music slowly rises, an old military song of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, coming from afar, like countless sacrificed soldiers softly singing in harmony at this moment:

"Smoke of war rises over the white mountains and black waters"

Hot blood stains the snow-covered sky red.

Brothers, what fear is there of losing your lives?
We only hope for a swift reunion of our nation.

Huang Xiaoshan stood alone on the high ground, his shadow stretched extremely long by the morning light.

He stood upright, slowly raised his right hand, and solemnly saluted.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she didn't make a sound.
Wu Chen put down his pen, took a deep breath, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and the tension in his shoulders gradually relaxed.

Writing a screenplay is an extremely energy-consuming activity.
Just as he was rubbing his temples, his phone on the table suddenly vibrated and the screen lit up—

Jason Blum's name flashed in the background.

“Wu, I have some good news for you! I’ve found a new director for ‘Paranormal Activity’ who has a good understanding of found-footage documentaries and is a perfect fit for the project.” Jason’s hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone.

As long as Paranormal Activity 2 isn't made terribly, it's definitely going to be a money-making project.

"Who?"

"Todd Williams, he has some experience in the horror film genre, he directed 'The Evil Within 2'."

“Good choice.”

Wu Chen nodded affirmatively, and Jason immediately understood.

Todd Williams has essentially been elected, and it's believed that the other side won't refuse this lucrative opportunity.

As he spoke, he suddenly thought of something and chuckled:
"By the way, Wu, let me tell you some gossip: Zhang's marriage to Warner Bros.' Ivy Nevo has fallen through, completely fallen through."
The prenuptial agreement was revised three times.

Humans are naturally inclined to gossip.

However, the news spread throughout Hollywood within two days.

Zhang Ziyi is quite formidable; she went toe-to-toe with Avi Nevo several times over prenuptial agreements, though she ultimately lost.
Of course, the result was that Zhang Ziyi returned dejectedly, and when interviewed, she subtly downplayed the situation, saying, "Too busy, the wedding was rescheduled at the last minute."

This reply is quite intriguing.

Those with experience in the industry began to secretly laugh.
(End of this chapter)