It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 186 A furious confrontation with Wu Yu! What kind of young person wouldn't be so fiery? (Seeking monthly votes)
Warner Bros. has released a new film project announcement: it has been confirmed that it will co-produce "300" with Ruixing Pictures.

The project, with a budget of $1.5 million, will be directed by Zack Snyder, with Lu Rui serving as screenwriter/executive producer/producer, responsible for overseeing the film's quality.

20th Century Fox has announced a new project: it will co-produce "Life of Pi" with Ruixing Pictures.

The project has a budget of $2 million! Directed by James Wan, with Rui Lu serving as screenwriter/executive producer/producer…

"The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially announced its new members today, and director Lu Rui is among them!"

...

Many people in the Chinese entertainment industry know that Lü Rui recently went to Hollywood again.

The main reason is that after the casting requirements for "Dying to Survive" were announced, he did not appear for a long time, and everyone was curious about what he was busy with.
Secrets are hard to keep in the industry, let alone the movements of a living person.

But no one expected that his trip to Hollywood would cause such a huge stir!
Warner Bros. had previously announced the "300" project, so its official launch was not surprising.

After all, the huge success of "I Am Legend" made it only natural for the two parties to collaborate again.

But Life of Pi was kept completely secret beforehand!

The sudden official announcement, along with the slogan of a $2 million investment, has left the entire Chinese entertainment industry completely bewildered!

Wu Yu, who was preparing for "Red Cliff", was completely dumbfounded!

He had previously been proud of being able to make films like "Face/Off" and "Mission: Impossible 2" in Hollywood.

He especially thought that the $5.45 million box office of Mission: Impossible 2 was enough to brag about for a lifetime.

Even when facing Li An, he was not intimidated at all. After all, Li An had botched "Hulk," just like Li An had botched "Windtalkers," making them "brothers in misfortune."

If we're going to rot, we'll all rot together...

This is why he has always been skeptical of Lu Rui's foray into Hollywood and has many opinions about it.

Until "I Am Legend" came out, he couldn't help but start frowning.

Because this movie is about to break $6 million in global box office, which, strictly speaking, has already surpassed Mission: Impossible 2.

He could still stubbornly insist that "it wasn't Lü Rui who personally directed it," but deep down he was already feeling uneasy.

Those who are involved know their own situation best. His "Mission: Impossible 2" is a sequel, while "I Am Legend," produced by Lu Rui, is an original work, and their quality is inherently different.

Now, with "300" and "Life of Pi" being approved for projects one after another, he was completely dumbfounded.

"Warner Bros. and Fox really believe him that much???"

At that moment, he recalled his embarrassing situation of being "rejected" by Hollywood for botching "Windtalkers," and compared it with the treatment that Lü Rui was now being pampered by two big names. He suddenly couldn't hold back his emotions.

He's a very vain person, and when someone he didn't think highly of surpassed him, he naturally refused to admit it.

So when the media swarmed him asking if he was optimistic about Lü Rui's future in Hollywood, he forced a smile and replied with a hint of disdain:
“It’s good that young people are ambitious, but Hollywood is not an easy place to make a living. Projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars are not something that can be made casually.”

When I was filming Mission: Impossible 2, Tom Cruise was there to support it, and the script and team were all ready-made and mature.

His two projects, one directed by a newcomer (Zack Snyder) and the other by someone with a background in horror films (James Wan), seem very risky to me. I hope they don't end up wasting money and failing both critically and commercially, ultimately damaging his own reputation.

The media immediately pressed further (stirring things up): "But James Wan's 'I Am Legend' has already grossed nearly $6 million, tens of millions more than 'Mission: Impossible 2.' Doesn't that prove his directing ability?"

Wu Yu was hit where it hurt, and he couldn't stop talking:

"Luck is not the same as ability! A movie becoming a hit doesn't mean it will stay a hit. Hollywood is full of examples of short-lived successes. The real skill is being able to maintain that success..."

The interview quickly spread from Hong Kong to the mainland, and major websites rushed to publish it, with headlines that were direct and eye-catching:

Wu Yu frankly admits he's not optimistic about Lü Rui: Hollywood is not a playground for young people.

Wu Yu's commentary on "I Am Legend": Luck is not the same as true ability

John Woo warns younger generations: A $2 million project is not something you can easily handle; be careful not to ruin your reputation.

Before Lü Rui could even respond, the news had barely spread when fans erupted in anger, immediately launching a counterattack:

"Hilarious! They botched 'Windtalkers' and got kicked out of Hollywood, and they still have the nerve to criticize others? Isn't that just sour grapes?"

"Mission: Impossible 2 is a sequel that picked up what was already made, while I Am Legend, produced by Director Lui, is an original work. It's obvious which one has higher quality."

"You? Giving advice to the younger generation? You should think about what you're going to do next, or you'll get humiliated by the younger generation!"

"So what if James Wan started out making horror movies? He made 'I Am Legend' gross $6 million at the box office, can you do that?"

"They only dare to talk tough in China. If they're so capable, why don't they go to Hollywood and make another action movie? All talk and no action is useless!"

Just as the buzz in the industry was reaching its peak, Lü Rui got off the plane and was immediately surrounded by reporters waiting at the airport.

At first, he looked completely bewildered, but after hearing the reporters relay Wu Yu's comments all at once, he burst out laughing and retorted without hesitation:
"Some people stumbled in Hollywood themselves, so they can't stand seeing others succeed? After being sent back, they've learned to boss around the younger generation?"
If you're really capable, don't rely on your 'senior' status to gain recognition in China. Go back to Hollywood and prove yourself again!

Oh, I almost forgot, it seems someone can't even get any investment. Poor thing~ (￣▽￣～)~”

He has never been afraid of a direct confrontation.

Before he gained power, he dared to go all out against Feng Xiaogang at close range.

Now, facing a "defeated one" like Wu Yu, they are not intimidated at all.

The media, always eager for drama, immediately shared these words online, sparking another wave of heated discussion.

"Director Lü's rebuttal was spot on!"

"Haha, that's awesome! We should really give him a good beating!"

"What's there to brag about when someone has benefited from the times?"

Not long after, Wu Yu's response came from Hong Kong, consisting of just one sentence: "Young people shouldn't be so arrogant!"

Upon seeing this, Lü Rui directly retorted on his personal blog: "If you're not hot-blooded, are you even a young person?"

Sun Honglei: Isn't this my lyrics?
Meanwhile, at Huayi Company, Feng Xiaogang was watching the commotion on his phone, laughing as he watched: "Good! Well said! It would be even more interesting if they started arguing and fighting!"

But before he could even enjoy his smile for a few seconds, he suddenly saw several comments from netizens, and his smile instantly froze on his face.

"I just don't understand why so many people like to use the title of 'senior' to lecture young people. Don't they even know if they're qualified? Before, Feng Xiaogang tried to put pressure on Director Lü, but he lost all face. Now Wu Yu is rushing to do the same. How dare he?"

"Exactly! Feng Xiaogang's fate is a true reflection of what will happen to Wu Yu next."

"Hahaha, didn't you see that Feng Kuzi doesn't dare to jump now? Wu Yu is just asking for trouble."

A bunch of replies echoed this sentiment, with the screen filled with phrases like "Feng Xiaogang is finished" and "The next Wu Yu."

Feng Xiaogang stared at the screen, his face full of question marks: "???"

No way! Damn it!

I was just watching the show, how did this get dragged into this? What does this have to do with me!
He was so angry he almost threw his phone away. He was just watching the drama unfold, how did he end up being dragged into this for no reason?

……

……

"Calm down, what's there to argue about with him?"

Lu Rui had just returned to the company when the phone rang.

Unsurprisingly, it was Han Sanping who called to mediate.

He's really in a bind right now!
The official announcement for "Red Cliff," invested by China Film Group and directed by Wu Yu, is imminent, while "Dying to Survive," a collaboration between China Film Group and Ruishijie, is still in preparation.

Now that Lü Rui and Wu Yu are at odds, isn't this just causing trouble for both projects?

"It has nothing to do with me!" Lu Rui curled his lip, his tone somewhat indifferent. "You should talk to him. He started this trouble first. What I do or what I film is none of his business."

"I know, I understand what you mean," Han Sanping quickly reassured him. "I've already called him and scolded him. He promised not to respond anymore, so let's leave it at that, okay?"

"I'm fine with it," Lü Rui said casually. "If he wants to cause trouble, I'll play along to the end. Whether he tries to reason with me or resort to force, I'll be waiting."

Isn't Hong Kong known for its street brawls? If that doesn't work, let him draw up a line, and I'll have a showdown with him face-to-face.

Han Sanping was both amused and exasperated: "Oh my, my dear Director Lü, why are you getting so worked up over him? We're all in the directing circle, we'll run into each other all the time."

How about this, I'll set up a table later and have him apologize to you in person, that should be fine, right?
You've already made him so angry he's about to have a heart attack. If you keep arguing, and he gets really upset, you'll end up with a bad reputation for 'bullying a senior.' It's not worth it, right?"

"Okay, then I'll give you face."

Lu Rui stopped being aggressive. He had already said what he needed to say and was satisfied.

Whether Wu Yu will have a heart attack from anger is none of his business.

If he really dies on the spot, he can just send a wreath; he can afford that.

"Don't even think about it anymore, that guy doesn't deserve it." Han Sanping finally breathed a sigh of relief, and quickly changed the subject, bringing up something else:
"I saw that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a notice saying that you've become a new member? Does that mean you're eligible to vote for Oscars?"

“Yes, there is.” Lü Rui nodded.

"What's the situation with 'The Promise'? Do you know anything about it?" Han Sanping's voice carried a hint of anticipation.

Previously, "The Promise" had officially lost its bid for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

He's still fantasizing that if he can achieve something at the Oscars, he can sell the copyright for a high price and recoup some of his losses.

Lu Rui paused for a moment, thought for a while, and then said carefully, "The Best Foreign Language Film award is handled by a special panel of judges, and I'm not too clear on the specific procedures."

He felt too embarrassed to continue attacking Han Sanping.

According to my memories from my previous life, "The Promise" didn't win any awards abroad except for a few insignificant nominations.

After all, even "Hero" failed to win an Oscar, let alone the even more controversial "The Promise".

Speaking of which, Chen Kai is quite cunning.

The mainland Chinese version of "The Promise" is 116 minutes long, but the foreign version added more than 10 minutes of passionate scenes and sensitive shots, just to cater to the Oscar judges.

This move was certainly outrageous, but it still couldn't change the fact that it was "a bloodbath caused by a steamed bun."

"alright."

Han Sanping sighed and didn't ask any further questions.

The two chatted for a few more minutes about the preparation progress of "Dying to Survive" and hung up the phone after confirming that everything was going smoothly.

"Boom boom boom!"

I had just put my phone down when there was a knock on the office door.

Lu Rui casually called out, "Come in."

The next second, Zhao Peng, Shen Ao, and Lu Yang pushed open the door and walked in.

"Brother Rui, what do you say? Should we give that old man with the receding hairline a beating?" Shen Ao shouted excitedly as soon as he entered the door.

He was still holding a grudge because he didn't get a chance to beat up Li An in Kinmen last time.

Now that John Woo has resurfaced, it has given him the idea to "make amends".

He wanted to see if all those Hong Kong and Taiwanese directors were really that brave.

Zhao Peng chimed in, "Brother Rui, I see those Hong Kong directors are all supporting Wu Yu, saying you don't respect your seniors. Should we make a scene and fight back? We can't let them throw mud at you."

Lu Yang blinked without saying a word, but the excitement in his eyes was impossible to hide, clearly waiting for Lü Rui to make the decision.

But Lu Rui waved his hand and said calmly, "Don't worry about Wu Yu for now, he'll 'commit suicide' on his own."

He was very certain of this.

If Windtalkers was Wu Yu's first stumble in Hollywood, then Red Cliff's release will completely expose his shortcomings!
Then there's "The Crossing," which will only bury him deep in the 'bad movie' pit, making it impossible for him to recover.

"Wu Yu...committed suicide?"

The three of them looked at each other, completely bewildered, and had no idea what Lü Rui meant.

"Lu Yang," Lü Rui suddenly called out.

"Brother Rui!" Upon hearing this, Lu Yang immediately stepped forward, his tone firm: "Just tell me what you need!"

Ever since joining Ruishijie, he has been waiting to "prove his loyalty".

The thought of becoming a representative figure among the seventh generation of directors, like Zhao Peng and Shen Ao, filled him with excitement.

Lu Rui smiled and reminded him, "You can watch more Hong Kong films during this time, especially the mainstream commercial films of recent years, and figure out their formulas and shortcomings."

"Watch Hong Kong movies?" Lu Yang scratched his head, somewhat confused.

This has nothing to do with "counterattack" or "pledge of allegiance".

"Go and see for yourself, you'll know in a while." Lü Rui didn't explain further.

Wu Yu is temporarily untouchable, so we have to give China Film Group face and let him die on his own for now.

But those Hong Kong directors who spoke up for Wu Yu were just asking to be slapped!

They don't think Hong Kong movies are great, and they always like to use mainland actors as supporting actors to highlight Hong Kong actors.
Lü Rui decided to play along with them and show them what despair and frustration really meant!
Although Lu Yang didn't fully understand, he knew that Lü Rui had his own plan, so he immediately nodded: "Okay, Brother Rui, I'll go and collect Hong Kong films right away."

Zhao Peng then said goodbye and left to continue working on the post-production of "Sunny Sisters".

Shen Ao was the only one left in the office.

Lu Rui looked up at him and asked, "Have you collected all the actor resumes for 'Dying to Survive'?"

"Yes, everything's ready." Shen Ao nodded, then asked, "Shall I bring it over now?"

"No need, let me go back and adjust to the time difference first, we'll talk about it tomorrow."

"Shall I drive you there?"

"The driver is already waiting downstairs. You don't need to bother. First, sort out the audition resumes you've collected."

"OK, I see."

……

The verbal sparring with Wu Yu came to a temporary end, and Lü Rui went home to sleep.

He was satisfied, but Wu Yu felt very aggrieved.

He lost face big time being mocked by a junior.

But since Han Sanping personally intervened to mediate, even if he felt aggrieved, he had no choice but to keep quiet.

After all, he was still hoping to get investment from China Film Group to make "Red Cliff," so there was no need to ruin his own path just to save face.

However, he still vented his resentment on the casting, angrily instructing the casting director: "Prioritize casting actors from Hong Kong and Taiwan for the lead roles, and make those from the mainland play supporting roles."

He transferred all his dissatisfaction with Lü Rui onto the mainland film and television industry.

Meanwhile, the "Yahoo Search Star" campaign, which had previously been rejected by Lü Rui, finally confirmed its director lineup as Chen Kaige, Feng Xiaogang, and Zhang Jizhong.

A single announcement dominated the headlines of multiple portal websites.

Yahoo! Search Stars Event Officially Announced!

"Dear viewers, netizens, and friends with dreams of performing arts: The annual large-scale talent show 'Yahoo! Search Star,' jointly created by Yahoo! China, Zhejiang TV, and Huayi Brothers, will officially launch today!"

This event aims to discover the next generation of stars in the film and television industry, inject fresh blood into the Chinese film and television industry, and provide a top-notch stage for showcasing talent and pursuing dreams.

We are fortunate to have invited three highly influential directors in the Chinese film and television industry—Chen Kaige, Feng Xiaogang, and Zhang Jizhong—to personally oversee the project…

Whether you are a professionally trained performer or an amateur with dreams, as long as you have talent and aspirations, you can register through the Yahoo! official website or designated online platforms.

The three finalists will each become the lead actor in a short film directed by one of the three directors, acting alongside today's hottest stars... After the competition, they can directly sign with Huayi Brothers to launch their acting careers and gain access to film and television resources and professional training opportunities..."

The announcement immediately attracted widespread attention across the internet.

Zhao Liying, a sales assistant at a pipeline corrosion prevention company in Langfang, Hebei, was filling out forms in her office when she saw the announcement and immediately became interested. She then casually filled out an application that would change the course of her life.

She didn't think too much about it. Rather than scheming against her colleagues at the company, she thought it would be better to try her luck in the entertainment industry.

Maybe it will succeed?

The night passed, and it was December 23th.

Both "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles" and "A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella" have been taken off the screens.

The former grossed 3000 million at the box office, sold its copyrights, and received rave reviews.

The latter, with a box office of 5000 million, is undoubtedly a huge disappointment compared to its production cost of 1.2 million Hong Kong dollars and mixed reviews.

But Liu Zhenwei refused to admit defeat and declared that he would also make "A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella".

However, netizens had no interest in his activities; they were all watching the spectacle surrounding Zhang Yimou.

At this moment, even Lü Rui, who had already arrived at the company, started screening actors' resumes, and was preparing to launch the auditions for "Dying to Survive," turned his attention to Zhang Yimou.

This morning, the official cast of "Curse of the Golden Flower" was announced.

A scene that no one could believe has unfolded!

Eleven years later, Zhang Yimou has surprisingly been paired up with his ex-girlfriend Gong Li again!
(End of this chapter)