Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 723 Witnessing History: Time to Change Our tune
When the news that "Interstellar" had topped the all-time box office in China exploded across the internet on this winter morning.

The industry has become numb.

From the initial shock of its release to the numbness we feel now.

Everyone knew this day would come, but no one initially expected it to come so quickly and so suddenly.

Seventeen days.

A number that would suffocate any Chinese filmmaker.

"We've witnessed history again."

"I'm afraid we'll really enter the billion-dollar era soon. It doesn't feel that far off, and there should be other films coming out one after another."

Movie fans, on the other hand, were already caught up in pure revelry.

"Wu Chen, forever a god!"

Is there any chance to try the 20 billion threshold?

"20 billion? That's too narrow-minded."

"."

The two blockbuster films scheduled to premiere at this time naturally became the focus of media attention.

Backstage at the press conference for "The Flowers of War," Zhang Weiping was surrounded by reporters, his face unusually beaming with smiles.

"Congratulations! Of course, congratulations!" He looked smug at the camera. "The success of Interstellar also proves that our great Chinese directors are fully capable of making world-class masterpieces!"

He abruptly changed the subject, naturally steering the conversation towards himself.

"Our film, *The Flowers of War*, directed by Zhang Yimou, is a work that represents the spirit of Chinese cinema."

Zhang Weiping clearly couldn't stop mentioning his film "The Flowers of War" in his speeches, aiming for a loud and impactful publicity campaign.

Yu Dong, who followed closely behind, seemed to be much more magnanimous than Zhang Weiping in terms of external relations.

"Director Wu Chen has opened a new door for all of us. He has proven that as long as we dare to dream and dare to act, Chinese directors can stand at the center of world cinema!"

……

Wu Chen didn't seem to feel anything about the box office breakthrough.

Although congratulatory messages and phone calls continued to pour in.

Universal Pictures, meanwhile, is already eagerly preparing for a global celebration.

“One billion? I think we should just release 1.5 billion, and then release it for two weeks,” Wu Chen suggested directly during his call with David Lyndon.

Given the current trend, it's hard to say about other things, but it's definitely possible to reach 1.5 billion.

“Oh, of course, that’s no problem.” David Lyndon nodded immediately. “However, I have one question: why two weeks later? I actually think we could do it a little earlier, taking advantage of this momentum.”

"Uh! The main problem is I'm too busy!"

Wu Chen smiled awkwardly and then offered an explanation.

“Wow! Wu! You should have said so sooner! Congratulations! Congratulations to you both! This is truly a happy thing!” David’s tone changed instantly.

"What do you need? I think it's absolutely necessary for Universal Pictures to prepare a gift for you!"

"Hmm?" Wu Chen raised an eyebrow. "Let's save it for when we get married."

Wu Chen didn't want to make too much of a fuss, and he and Liu Yifei didn't lack anything.

"Of course, I should continue to serve as co-chair for the next few years."

David Lyndon is very confident.

With such great success as "Interstellar," this performance is undoubtedly perfect, and its position in the rankings should remain secure for several more years.

……

Meanwhile, Liu Yifei was nestled on a sun-drenched sofa, talking on the phone with Zhang Liangying.

"Liangying, I checked your schedule. It seems you have a concert in Guangzhou next week?"

"Yes, it's mine. It's the last stop of the 'China Music Chart' concert. After the performance, I can attend your engagement party with Wu Chen." Zhang Liangying's clear voice came from the other end of the phone.

At that moment, she was rehearsing in the gymnasium of Shenzhen University.

She gestured to Xue Zhiqian, Xu Fei, Wang Zhengliang, and the others beside her, indicating that they should wait a moment. Undoubtedly, of these people, she was currently the most famous.

"Perfect! Hehe, Wu Chen and I will come over and cheer you on!" Liu Yifei's words surprised Zhang Liangying slightly.

"You two busy people have some free time?"

"Oh, we don't have to do any work." Liu Yifei chuckled, turning "Dongdong" over in her arms and continuing to stroke its soft belly.

“My mom and aunt did all the work. They said that we only need to bring one person to the event. And even if we’re busy, we can still find time to go to a concert.”

The warm winter sun shone through the French windows, casting a soft glow on her off-white cashmere sweater and enveloping her in a gentle halo.

"XiXi" next to her was lazily yawning.

There is nothing better than a peaceful and quiet life like this.

“You need to change how you address me,” Zhang Liangying joked on the other end of the phone.

Liu Yifei's face flushed slightly.

"Alright, then I'll await your arrival. I still have to rehearse, so I'll have to go now." Zhang Liangying muttered a couple of words and hung up the phone.

"Senior sister, who is it? You seem to be in a good mood." Wang Zhengliang, a fellow disciple, spoke casually.

“Two big names.” Zhang Liangying walked onto the stage and said with a smile, “They said they’d come to cheer me on for the Guangzhou show later.”

"A big shot? A very big shot?"

“That’s really big. In the film and television industry, one of the top ones.” Zhang Liangying gave him a meaningful look. “So, you’d better put in a lot of effort for the duet with me in Guangzhou. Maybe they’ll take a liking to your singing skills and you won’t lack resources for film and television songs in the future.”

As her senior, she took good care of her junior.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhengliang's eyes lit up instantly.

For Zhang Liangying to say that, then...

He couldn't help but gasp.

Even Xue Zhiqian and others who overheard the conversation nearby looked at Wang Zhengliang and Zhang Liangying on stage with envy.

Everyone knows that this person has a close relationship with those two in the film and television industry.

Song resources in the film and television industry are not so easy to obtain.

Especially top-tier blockbuster movies are extremely rare.

Within the industry, there is still heated discussion about whether Interstellar surpasses Avatar.

Wu Chen's appointment as chief expert has been questioned by some professors and experts, which has given netizens another opportunity to criticize him.

Some people kept leaving comments below.

At that moment, the official Weibo account of the 3D Stereoscopic Film and Television Industry Alliance released a special statement.

[Explanation Regarding the Appointment of Director Wu Chen as Chief Expert of the "New Energy Project for the Creation of Chinese 3D Stereoscopic Films"]

After joint research by multiple departments, it was decided to appoint Director Wu Chen as the chief expert, based on his outstanding achievements and internationally leading practical experience in the field of 3D stereoscopic imaging technology.

Director Wu Chen has proven his absolute authority in the field through his works. We believe that in driving industry development, ability and vision are far more important than age and seniority. Young and promising, he truly deserves his recognition.
The meaning is already very clear.

Another resounding slap landed hard across her face.

"This is outrageous! Have we no shame?! What does this mean?!"

"The sky is going to change..."

"I have a few more years before I retire..."

Many people are whispering about it, but no one dares to speak out openly; playing dumb is their usual practice.

At this moment, Lu Xun, who had finally wrapped up filming "The Last Supper" after more than eight months of shooting, appeared in front of the media.

He faced the camera, tears welling in his eyes, and poured out his grievances, recounting the hardships and difficulties of the filming process. Finally, he expressed his gratitude to the production team.
"I believe that 'The Last Supper' will be a stunning work! It will be released to audiences next year!"

Lu Xun was very confident.

He will surely get back what he lost in this film.

(End of this chapter)