Rebirth of Chinese Entertainment, starting with the strategy of 95 flowers to counterattack

Chapter 259 "The Azure Orchid Manual" Press Conference
Hengdian World Studios, Huayue Hotel.

The crystal chandelier refracted a dazzling light, illuminating the entire banquet hall like a celestial palace from a fantasy drama.

A huge poster for "The Legend of Canglan" was hung in the center of the stage. Against the backdrop of swirling clouds and mist, the silhouettes of the main actors appeared and disappeared, creating a beautiful and mysterious scene.

Reporters in the media area had already set up their cameras and microphones, chatting quietly in small groups.

"I heard the investment this time exceeded 300 million, and the special effects were done by a Hollywood team," a young reporter wearing black-rimmed glasses said, flipping through some documents.

"The fantasy drama market is saturated now. Last year, three S+ rated dramas flopped. Gu Yang is going all out this time. Isn't he afraid of crashing and burning?"

The female reporter next to her with short hair curled her lip.

“That’s not necessarily true,” a veteran entertainment reporter interjected. “Gu Yang’s dramas are always reliable. Both ‘Go Go Squid!’ and ‘Qing Qing’s Daily Life’ were huge hits, and this time it’s another period drama, which he’s good at.”

"But the female lead is Tian Xiwei. She's only done sweet romance dramas before. Can she carry this big-budget fantasy production?" some people questioned.

"Wang Churan, the second female lead, is the real surprise. Filming for 'Kunlun Returns' has just stopped, how could Gu Yang dare to use her?"

A murmur of discussion arose until the director picked up the microphone and announced, "Dear media friends, please take your seats. The press conference for the start of filming of 'The Legend of Canglan' is about to begin."

The lights dimmed, and a spotlight shone on the stage entrance.

Gu Yang walked steadily onto the stage, his dark blue suit highlighting his tall figure, while the black turtleneck sweater underneath added a touch of composure.

His hair was combed back slightly, revealing his smooth forehead, and a faint smile played on his lips, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

"Thank you to all the media friends for attending the launch press conference for 'The Legend of Canglan'." His voice was not loud, but it carried a strong sense of control.

The sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air in an instant, and flashes went off like a storm.

Gu Yang raised his hand slightly to signal everyone to be quiet, and continued, "The Legend of Canglan is a fantasy epic that our team has spent two years polishing. It not only has a top-notch production team, but also the most outstanding cast."

He turned to the side and gestured "please" towards the stage entrance.

Tian Xiwei walked gracefully onto the stage in a light pink gauze dress. The embroidered petals on the hem trembled slightly with her steps, as if she were truly descending from the clouds.

Her hair was styled with exquisite care, gathered into a full peony bun on top of her head. Strands of hair falling from her temples were carefully braided into thin braids, intertwined with strings of lustrous white pearls, winding all the way to her neck. A hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers and rubies was tucked behind her ear, swaying gently with her movements. The shimmering light reflected off the crystal earrings beside her ear, making her neck, exposed outside her collar, appear even more white and jade-like.

The most ingenious part is the two strands of hair deliberately left out at the temples, which fall naturally beside the cheeks, balancing the complexity of the hairstyle and adding a touch of liveliness and gentleness.

"Hello everyone, I'm Tian Xiwei, and I play Xiao Lanhua in 'The Legend of Canglan'." Her voice is sweet but not cloying, with a youthful liveliness.

A reporter immediately raised their hand: "Teacher Tian, ​​you've always acted in sweet romance dramas before. Are you feeling any pressure transitioning to fantasy dramas this time?"

Tian Xi blinked and looked at Gu Yang. After receiving an encouraging look from him, she confidently replied, "There is indeed pressure, but more than that, I'm excited. The character Xiao Lan Hua is simple and kind but not naive. She has a growth arc and is fleshed out. Director Gu gave me a lot of guidance, and I believe I can portray her well."

Another reporter pressed further: "You were chosen for this role by Director Gu. Can you talk about your relationship?"

Are you two dating?

Is there any behind-the-scenes manipulation involved?

This question caught her off guard; usually, the media at press conferences are notified in advance. She had no idea where this guy came from…

Gu Yang took the microphone at the right time: "The casting was the result of comprehensive consideration. Xiao Tian's acting talent and the fit of the role are the best."

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

When Wang walked onto the stage, the audience fell silent for a moment.

She wore a dark green velvet dress that made her skin look as white as snow, and her long black hair was styled into a classic updo with a jade hairpin inserted diagonally in the middle.

Unlike Tian Xiwei's sweetness, Wang Churan has a cool and noble temperament, like a fairy who stepped out of an ancient painting.

To be honest, the second female lead is a bit too beautiful!
"I am Wang Churan, and I play the second female lead, Chidi Nuren, in the drama." Her voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

The audience immediately stirred.

The reporters whispered among themselves, clearly curious about the casting.

"Teacher Wang, you disappeared after filming for 'Kunlun Returns' was halted. How did you get this role?" a bespectacled male reporter asked bluntly.

Wang Churan's fingers tightened slightly, but her expression remained calm: "I am very grateful to Director Gu for giving me this opportunity..."

"Is it because you and Director Gu have a good personal relationship?" another reporter interjected with ill intent. "I heard you two meet often in private?"

The atmosphere at the scene suddenly became subtle.

Tian Xi glanced at Wang Cheran almost imperceptibly, her brows furrowing slightly.

Wang took a deep breath and was about to answer when Gu Yang picked up the microphone first.

“I’ll answer that question.” His voice turned a little colder. “Every actor in ‘The Legend of Canglan’ went through a rigorous audition process, and Chu Ran’s performance during the audition impressed all the judges.”

He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over the reporter who asked the question. "As for personal relationships, I think it's more meaningful to focus on the work itself than to delve into the actors' private lives."

The reporter awkwardly shut his mouth.

Gu Yang continued, "Chu Ran's performance in 'Kunlun Returns' was commendable, but the production was temporarily suspended due to objective reasons. I believe she will bring surprises to everyone in 'Canglan Jue'."

Wang looked at Gu Yang with gratitude, and the latter nodded almost imperceptibly.

The press conference moved into the Q&A session, and the atmosphere gradually became more lively.

"Director Gu, as a fantasy drama, what innovations does 'The Legend of Canglan' have made?" a female reporter asked.

Gu Yang calmly replied, "We've put a lot of effort into building the world-building. It's no longer a simple good-versus-evil dichotomy; each character has complex motivations and a growth trajectory. We've also used the latest technology in special effects to strive to present a beautiful yet realistic Xianxia world."

"Teacher Tian, ​​what is your relationship with Wang Churan, who plays the woman from the barren land, in the drama? Will you have any scenes together?"

Tian Xi smiled and turned to look at Wang Churan beside her, her tone natural: "The character I play and the woman from the Red Land are like seniors and juniors from different camps. She is an ancient war goddess with much more seniority. We have many scenes together, and the sense of conflict is very strong. Although our positions are opposite, the characters have their own obsessions and struggles, which makes the performance very intense."

(End of this chapter)