Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 721 Why wait a night for revenge?

In early December in Beijing, the sky begins to turn dusky at four in the afternoon.

A cold wind swirled withered leaves across the empty streets, and pedestrians, wrapped tightly in their coats, hurried along, eager to get into the warmth of their homes.

The news released by the official media about the "New Energy Plan" and its chief expert, like the weather, didn't cause much of a stir outside the industry.

For most netizens, this news is far less exciting than another celebrity's scandal breaking out.

"Wu Chen as a 3D expert? That's normal. In China, he's the best at this, isn't he?"

"Support! By the way, I'm more interested in whether Interstellar can surpass Avatar this week."

Only Wu Chen's die-hard fans would treat this as a big deal, spreading the news in fan groups and online forums, feeling proud of it.

However, within the industry, especially among major production companies and related universities, this news is nothing short of a small earthquake.

Because what they saw was not the title of "Chief Expert," but rather the official description of the "New Energy Plan for the Creation of 3D Stereoscopic Films in China" in the press release:

"The plan was jointly initiated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Administration of Radio and Television, and the Ministry of Culture."
The plan includes establishing a special talent training fund, collaborating with top domestic universities, and building an integrated industry-academia-research base.

At the same time, a special subsidy fund for 3D film and television creation will be established to provide key support to outstanding film and television projects that adopt domestic 3D technology and have market potential…

Technology, talent, and financial subsidies.

Every word hit the nail on the head for each of the major companies.

Despite the lukewarm discussions outside the industry, Wu Chen's phone was ringing off the hook.

Even Zhang Huijun called.

"Principal Zhang, you can't let me make a mistake." Wu Chen leaned back on the sofa and said with a smile, "I'm just a tech guy, I don't have that much ability."

“I didn’t ask you to make a mistake. For programs like this, Beijing Film Academy will definitely have training slots, and I’m confident that the proportion of these slots will be significant.”

"When the time comes, you, as the chief expert, will have to teach our school's teachers and students something truly valuable!"

Having been immersed in the education field for many years, Zhang Huijun certainly understands the ins and outs of it.

While congratulating Wu Chen, he made a point of mentioning that this would definitely only bring benefits and no harm.

After all, Wu Chen graduated from the Beijing Film Academy.

"I probably won't be able to teach many sessions."

Wu Chen made a vague remark.

"Haha, then you'd better do a good job!"

Zhang Huijun understood instantly.

So this is actually a cushy job. Most likely, it's just a nominal position, with actual work done only at crucial moments.

He hadn't expected that the higher-ups valued Wu Chen so much.

But then I thought about it again, and if Wu Chen is the second person in the domestic 3D field, then no one would dare to claim the first.

This arrangement is quite reasonable.

At this time, Xu Li, the vice president of Huayi Brothers, was somewhat confused about Wang Zhonglei's latest instructions.

"Mr. Wang, although we have almost no interaction with Xingchen, we are not at odds with them either."

“I told you to do it.” Wang Zhonglei’s tone left no room for argument.

“If Xingchen encounters anything with us these days, we should be as patient as possible.”
However, I estimate that given Wu Chen's personality, as long as we don't provoke him, nothing should go wrong.

“President Wang, I’ve looked at the 3D plan.” Xu Li was still a little puzzled. “Wu Chen is only a chief expert, not a management position.”

He's probably just a figurehead technical expert from the past. Even if we apply for subsidies, it's not his place to handle it.

“He doesn’t care!” Wang Zhonglei said helplessly, glancing at Xu Li. “But even if he can’t accomplish anything, he can’t ruin your plans.”
Our application has been submitted. At the review meeting, if the chief expert casually says, "I think there are some problems with the technical solution for Huayi's project,"...

Do you think that even if our subsidy program doesn't collapse, there might still be some problems?

After being given this hint by Wang Zhonglei, Xu Li instantly understood, and a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back.

"Sigh, I guess a lot of people wouldn't be happy if Director Wu took the job. Those old guys are a bit greedy, but when it comes to getting paid to do things, Director Wu isn't short of money!"

Xu Li muttered to himself, and Wang Zhonglei didn't say anything when he heard this.

I've been doing this for years, it's just that I'm still a little unaccustomed to it.

As Xu Li said, some "old experts" and "old professors" in the industry are indeed unhappy.

It's important to understand that these cushy jobs, which come with official titles and the power to control resource allocation, were previously reserved for these individuals.

There is a lot of room for maneuver, both overtly and covertly.

Now, suddenly, a young man not even thirty years old has snatched the job away from them; no wonder they're unhappy. Soon, some sarcastic remarks began to circulate within a small circle.

"Too young! Can he be trusted to handle things? Entrusting such a big project to him is just child's play."

"He has the technical skills, he made 'Interstellar,' we acknowledge that. But being able to make movies and being able to teach others technical skills are two different things! Does being able to get into Tsinghua or Peking University guarantee that you can teach students who will get into Tsinghua or Peking University?"

"This position is most suitable for professors with rich teaching experience and industry qualifications. As for 3D technology, familiarity is sufficient. There is no need to find the absolute best."

"He became a chief expert before even completing his doctorate? That's utterly ridiculous!"

The industry was in turmoil for a time.

But netizens don't accept this logic.

When these sarcastic remarks were leaked online by some busybodies, they instantly drew ridicule from netizens.

"Damn it, what kind of professor is this? I've never even heard of him before. Can you even make 3D movies? Did your movies even make a fraction of Interstellar's box office? You have the nerve to come out and try to scam me?"

"Hilarious! Age and seniority, it's all about seniority. So many good industries in China have been ruined by old fogies like you who prioritize seniority!"

"'Familiarity is enough'? Screw you! It's because there are too many 'familiarity is enough' experts like you."

"I support Director Wu! Anyone who disagrees should go and make a billion-dollar 3D movie first, then come and talk!"

Netizens were outraged, and Wu Chen's teacher, Mu Deyuan, even made a phone call and started cursing at him over the phone.

"These old fogies! How are we supposed to use them? Can they even hold their own? If they're no good, we'll have to step in!"

Mu Deyuan, who loves martial arts, has always carried a chivalrous spirit that hasn't faded over the years.

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen felt that his teacher was about to become the ringleader and go to someone's door to beat them up.

"No need, teacher," Wu Chen said with a smile, reassuringly. "It's nothing serious. I'll call you if needed."

"Really not needed?" Mu Deyuan was still a little unwilling.

He cared deeply about his precious disciple.

Most importantly, he felt that Wu Chen seemed to need his help less and less over the years, which made him feel somewhat frustrated.

Just when they felt they were finally able to make a move, it turned out that Wu Chen also seemed to have a way to deal with it.

Ning Hao's phone call followed immediately.

As soon as the call connected, he launched into his signature swearing.

"Damn it! Where did this bunch of old idiots come from, barking like dogs here?"

What should we do? I think we should just take them down! Let's not give these people any face!

Besides, didn't you already promise Berlin? Perfect timing."

Wu Chen couldn't help but laugh when he heard this.

Ning Hao's idea coincided with his own.

"Yes, that's what I was thinking too. It's up to you now."

"Hehe, alright! Bro, just you wait and see! I've made this a perfect show of bravado for you!"

Upon hearing this, Ning Hao also got excited and was about to make a big splash, but then suddenly asked, "However, if we announce it now, won't Berlin have any objections?"

"I've already made arrangements."

"Damn, it's you again. So you had this planned all along, waiting for me to take the bait?"

Ning Hao said this, but his hands moved quickly.

However, before he could finish editing the Weibo post, Liu Shuaichen from the 3D Alliance called, his tone full of apology.

"I'm sorry, Director Wu. We really didn't consider this aspect back then."

Don't worry, our alliance will issue a special statement first thing tomorrow morning to clear your name. We absolutely will not let you suffer this injustice!

"tomorrow?"

"Okay! First thing tomorrow morning!"

"Tomorrow... might be a bit late," Wu Chen muttered to himself.

If revenge is delayed until the next day, wouldn't that be incredibly frustrating?

Liu Shuaichen clearly hadn't heard clearly and couldn't help but ask, "Director Wu, what did you say? I didn't hear you..."

"It's nothing," Wu Chen smiled. "I just saw Director Ning's Weibo post; I might need to revise the wording for tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)