Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 566 Praise to Death: This Person's Heart is Black
In the cornfields of Songyuan, the wind still blows.

Wu Chen hung up Ning Hao's call, but a playful smile remained on his lips.

"With his brain, he definitely couldn't have figured it out," he muttered to himself.

He knew Lu Xun's character all too well.

In summary, they lack common sense and have a penchant for thinking they're clever.

While it's true that sometimes even the most clever person can't outwit a fool, a series of tactics like "retreating to advance and using moral blackmail" are something Lu Xun himself could never have come up with.

Behind this, Lu Tianming must be the one giving advice.
Thinking of this, Wu Chen did not hesitate at all and directly dialed Han Sanping's number.

At this moment, in the office of China Film Group, Han Sanping was worried, while his secretary stood beside him, and the two seemed to be discussing something.

The vibration of his phone caught his eye. He picked it up and saw the caller ID, and he immediately guessed what was going on.

Upon hearing Wu Chen's voice after the call connected, a look of "I knew it" appeared on his face.

"Your news comes fast," Han Sanping said with a hint of surprise. "It hasn't been that long, and you already know you're in Songyuan."

"Hehe, Chairman Han, I just wanted to ask, have you received any calls on your end too?" Wu Chen asked with a smile, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

Han Sanping narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "What do you want to do? Don't do anything reckless, and don't leave any evidence against you."

"Got it!" Wu Chen smiled.

How could he not know? Obviously, someone had made a special call to Han Sanping, and it's likely that Han Sanping himself was stuck there.

As for what "handle" he was referring to, in his view, it was nothing more than Lu Xun's counterattack under the guise of "repentance and reformation," a tactic that was indeed clever.

Because it occupies the high ground of "morality" and "political correctness," it makes those who directly oppose it seem petty and as if they are not giving others a chance.

Therefore, his actions could not be direct opposition.

Instead, the goal is to make most people, especially those within the bureau, feel that Lu Xun is unsuitable, so that Han Sanping can make a careful and repeated decision.
After all, the films are positioned differently.

Thinking of this, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Unexpectedly, before Feng Xiaogang, this other matter came knocking on my door, which can be considered a relief from the boredom of shooting in the late summer.

On the other end of the phone, Han Sanping seemed confused: "You understand? You really understand? Understand what?"

He swore he wasn't implying anything.
Seeing this, the secretary chimed in at the opportune moment: "Chairman Han, Lu Xun has never gotten the slightest advantage over Director Wu."

He knew Han Sanping was hesitant, and this hesitation showed that Han Sanping had no intention of doing so at all; otherwise, he would have made a decision long ago after his teacher called.
"That's for sure. Even if ten Lu Xuns came, he still wouldn't be able to do anything to Wu Chen."

Han Sanping nodded without hesitation.

However, the secretary's words reminded him.
Since Lu Xun is no match for Wu Chen at all, what do I have to worry about?
Although he didn't know what Wu Chen "understood," based on his understanding of Wu Chen's personality, this matter was probably not over yet.

By evening, the film crew had already finished work.

Jiang Wen, who arrived late, finally called.

"Something's happened! Something's happened! That bastard signed up for 'The Founding of a Republic'!" Jiang Wen's voice on the other end of the phone was so loud it hurt your ears.

"I knew it already," Wu Chen said lazily, leaning back in his chair in the lounge. "Your information is way behind the times. If you worked in the media, you'd probably starve to death."

Jiang Wen was stunned: "There's someone who got here earlier than me? That doesn't make sense! My information comes from my best buddies! Let me tell you, Lu Xun is at the station today, that's..."

"Tears streaming down her face!" Wu Chen chuckled, picking up the thread. "Right?"

"Damn, you even knew that?" Jiang Wen was stunned, forgetting all about it, and asked curiously, "So what are you planning to do? Do you want me to..."

“I have a way,” Wu Chen said confidently.

Jiang Wen immediately stood up from the sofa at home: "What? You have another idea?"

"Is there a problem?"

"You're like Doraemon, with a magic pocket!" Jiang Wen couldn't help but complain.

Damn, this makes him seem so insignificant.

"When should we make our move?" In the end, Jiang Wen returned to the main topic.

"No rush," Wu Chen said calmly. "This matter needs to be spread before we talk about it."

"It's too early; it makes us seem too hasty. Besides, I have a feeling that Lu Xun will most likely gloat and pretend to talk about it."

The events unfolded much as Wu Chen had predicted.

After news broke that directors like Li Shaohong and Shen Dong had volunteered to join the co-directing team, Lu Xun finally made his move. He used his familiar three-pronged approach: first, he called in the media.

In front of several media cameras, Lu Xun's eyes were red and his voice choked as he delivered his prepared remarks with utmost sincerity:

"I know that because of some of my past works, I have let down the trust of many viewers and hurt the feelings of some people. During this period, I have been reflecting deeply and have been unable to sleep at night."

This time, I volunteered to join the creative team of "The Founding of a Republic," not for fame or fortune, but simply because...
I just wanted an opportunity, a chance to clear my name and prove myself again. I wanted to show everyone through my actions that I'm back, with a heart full of the deepest love for film, history, and my country.

He spoke with such sincerity that tears welled up in his eyes.

The media reporters were all somewhat stunned.

Good grief, you cry every time you see us, huh?
However, the topic was quite newsworthy, so the reporters tolerated it.

Soon, the relevant reports were published.

[Lu Xun tearfully volunteered for the role in "The Founding of a Republic": He hopes to have the opportunity to prove himself!]

[A Prodigal Son Returns? Lu Xun Responds to Past Controversies for the First Time, Hopes to Wash Away the Past with His Work!]

[Is Lu Xun joining the cast of "The Founding of a Republic"? He says he wants to bring back a sincere heart!]

Inside the studio, Ning Hao, Xing Aina, and others were sitting together, working on the script for "The Great Robbery".

During a break, Ning Hao turned on his computer and immediately saw these news articles, leaving him speechless.

"Damn it, this guy is shameless."

Xing Aina and screenwriter Yue Jun, among others, also curiously went over to take a look, and were left speechless with amusement.

They didn't look at the details, but that close-up of the "tears streaming down his face" was incredibly impactful.

"This is... a deep expression of emotion."

"you do not say."

Everyone couldn't help but laugh.

Even netizens couldn't help but join in the criticism.

"Just speak properly, why are you crying and making a scene? What, do you want me to hand you a tissue?"

"I'm a little tired, but I've shed quite a few tears. I just don't know if it's because I genuinely want to change!"

"In my opinion, nine times out of ten, the crying is fake, so I suggest you don't choose that option!"

"You can't say that; anything can happen."

Lu Xun naturally saw these comments as well. He specifically picked out some that were favorable to him and excitedly showed them to Lu Tianming for his appreciation.

Lu Tianming frowned slightly, feeling that this was not a good thing, but seeing that the public opinion had some effect, he didn't say anything more.

The night in Songyuan is cool and breezy.

Wu Chen naturally saw these reports as well. He chuckled, and under Liu Yifei's curious gaze, he opened his long-dormant Weibo account and slowly typed out a series of words:

"I heard that director Lu Xun recommended himself for 'The Founding of a Republic,' and I think that's quite interesting. I definitely have 100% support for director Lu Xun's prodigal son's return. It's a good thing."

When it comes to making movies, the most important thing is the director's 'perspective'.

Directors like Lu Xun, who have experienced the immense controversy and profound reflection surrounding films like "Nanjing! Nanjing!", undoubtedly possess a unique perspective.

I am very much looking forward to seeing how he will integrate his 'unique understanding' of history into a grand, mainstream work like "The Founding of a Republic".

This was definitely a brave artistic attempt.

The content was short, filled with praise and support, even commending Lu Xun for being "profound" and "reflective."

Even if Lu Xun himself came, he wouldn't be able to refute these words, and would even have to thank him while holding his nose.

Liu Yifei watched from the side, and was first taken aback, but then the quick-witted girl immediately understood the key point.

This isn't praise; it's clearly a case of flattery to kill!

Wu Chen is subtly reopening Lu Xun's wounds, once again tightly binding the controversy surrounding "Nanjing! Nanjing!" to him, and then directly throwing a fatal question at everyone.
Do you really dare to let a director with huge controversies over historical themes and whose values ​​have been widely questioned direct a film whose ideology is absolutely not to be compromised?
Choosing Lu Xun would mean relinquishing some control over the "The Founding of a Republic" project. There's a risk of being dragged into the public debate surrounding "Nanjing! Nanjing!" or encountering other problems.
Is it worth risking the entire project's corruption for the sake of a so-called "reformation" gimmick?
If we're talking about who's most concerned about Wu Chen's situation right now, it's the Lu family father and son, Feng Xiaogang, Wang Zhonglei, and others.

The two saw the message very quickly
After exchanging a glance, they both had the same thought in mind.

"Damn it, this guy's heart is absolutely black."

(End of this chapter)