Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 628 What a scene!

"The Warmest Thirty Days of My Life" remains the absolute focus of discussion within the industry as March draws to a close.

This project has seemed too mysterious from the very beginning.

Apart from its heartwarming title, the outside world knew nothing about it.

Who is the lead actor?

What exactly is the story about?
This airtight environment, ironically, heightened everyone's curiosity to the extreme.

Just then, Starry Night Pictures' official Weibo account officially announced the start of filming.

The date was set for April 8th.

Immediately, reporters from all the industry media outlets circled this date in red on their work schedules.

"Xingchen is being very secretive this time; they haven't even revealed the lead actors yet."

"Filming will start in early April, and it's an art film. Do you think there's a chance to compete in this year's Venice Film Festival at this time?"

"Hey, you know what, it's actually possible! With Wu Chen's efficiency, filming for two or three months, plus some post-production, and sending it to Venice by the end of August, there's plenty of time!"

The media is buzzing with discussion, filled with unprecedented anticipation for the press conference on the 8th.

Meanwhile, the actors, who had been eagerly waiting, looked disappointed.

"Holy crap! They're going to hold a press conference? Does that mean the actors have already been cast? Who are they? They've kept it so secret!"

"Could it be that Wu Chen has poached some new actors from the Beijing Film Academy?"

"Wu Chen's projects are so exhausting! They always give me so much hope, but every time it's just disappointment. When will it finally be my turn?!"

Countless actors are now in despair.

This is Wu Chen's movie! Even if it's just a supporting role, it means adding the most brilliant stroke to his resume.

The lucky one chosen will undoubtedly rise to the top in one fell swoop.

Amidst all the speculation, a piece of gossip unexpectedly stole some of the headlines.

I don't know which resourceful netizen managed to uncover Zhang Ziyi's Weibo side account.

These days, it's not a big deal for celebrities to have several private accounts to express their true feelings.

But the problem is that the content of this alternate account is just too amazing.

Just a few days ago, this secondary account reposted and commented on a Weibo post about Fan Binbin attending a show at Paris Fashion Week, with the caption:
"Get it right, but don't overdo it and make it look awkward."

The veiled sarcasm was obvious enough, but what was even more interesting was that the alternate account immediately reposted another article from its own team, praising its appearance at Milan Fashion Week.

This back-and-forth comparison and disparagement is quite interesting.

The open and covert struggles between top actresses have always been a spectacle that entertains the gossip-loving public.

This time, however, the industry's reaction was somewhat mocking.

When did "International Zhang" have to resort to such subtle and innuendo-like tactics to argue with Fan Binbin?

This is somewhat degrading.

"Binbin, what's the story?" Fan Binbin's agent, Mu Xiaoguang, immediately reported the news.

Fan Binbin, who was getting her hair and makeup done, stared at the screenshot on her phone screen for a moment, then laughed.

"Of course I forgive her."

Mu Xiaoguang was taken aback. When did his master become so easy to talk to?
In the past, if someone had pointed fingers at him and made such a veiled attack, he would have personally intervened and fought tooth and nail with her until the very end. "Why should I bother with her now?" Fan Binbin looked at himself in the mirror and sneered. "If Gong Li or Liu Yifei were to make a veiled attack on me, I definitely wouldn't let the opportunity pass and would use it to create a stir."

As for Zhang Ziyi, she's no longer the 'International Zhang' she used to be.

Fan Binbin's studio quickly responded to the matter:

"I don't mind at all, and my mood hasn't been affected by this. Ziyi and I have been friends for many years. Please let's not dwell on this and not overthink it."

I must say, that was a very clever response.

At least that's how Wu Chen sees it.

In the villa's living room, Shu Chang and Liu Yifei were curled up on the sofa scrolling through Weibo. Seeing Fan Binbin's response, they were somewhat puzzled.

"Why does Fan Binbin seem less assertive than before? In the past, she would definitely have retorted."

"Perhaps I've become more magnanimous."

After thinking for a long time, Liu Yifei gave an answer that almost made Wu Chen, who was tidying his clothes and getting ready to leave, burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing at? What are you laughing at!"

Seeing Wu Chen's suppressed laughter, Liu Yifei couldn't help but feel embarrassed. She pouted and asked in a feigned fierce tone.

“You guys!” Wu Chen walked over and pinched her puffed-up cheek, explaining, “Fan Binbin’s behavior isn’t ‘magnanimity,’ it’s called ‘the mentality of someone in a superior position.’”

I reckon Zhang Ziyi must be furious to see this response right now.

Fan Binbin's actions are clearly a message to the industry: she no longer cares about Zhang Ziyi, and the other party seems unworthy to be her opponent.
It even indirectly suggests that he is a person who considers the big picture and understands the bigger picture, and would not resort to such underhanded tactics.

Of course, the most ruthless thing is to use this 'forgiveness' attitude to indirectly confirm that Zhang Ziyi was indeed 'subtly criticizing' her.

This tactic is called "killing without bloodshed."
"By the way, are you really not going to the premiere of 'The Warring States'?" Wu Chen asked again before leaving.

"I don't want to go!" Liu Yifei shook her head violently. "Attending a premiere is too tiring; I'll be hungry and sleepy, and I'll have to wear high heels."

"Alright, you two figure it out yourselves tonight."

Wu Chen nodded upon hearing this. Liu Yifei had been scouting locations with her recently and had done so much work, so it was normal for her to be tired.

After Wu Chen left, Liu Yifei suddenly thought of something and her eyes lit up: "Liangying seems to be resting these days. I'll call her, and the three of us can go out to eat and then go to karaoke!"

"quick!"

Shu sang only one word, her face full of anticipation.

However, when Liu Yifei called Zhang Liangying, she was politely refused.

"Sisi, I'm a bit busy here, so I probably won't be able to go today," Zhang Liangying said with a hint of apology on the other end of the phone.

"Oh? Didn't you say you weren't busy these days? Well, don't overwork yourself, remember to rest." Liu Yifei said with a hint of regret.

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Liangying smiled and turned back to her work.

In the recording studio, she wore headphones and sang the song Wu Chen had asked her to record over and over again into the microphone.

The melody of this song is perfectly suited to her clear and penetrating voice.

She sang it again and again, and each time, she could feel the meaning of "companionship is the longest confession" in the lyrics more deeply.

She could almost picture it.
What a blissful scene Wu Chen and Liu Yifei must have felt when this song played at their engagement ceremony.

(End of this chapter)