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

Chapter 196: I'm so happy being with my senior! (Seeking monthly votes)

To be honest, Liu Yifei herself was quite confused.

She's been busy filming "Dying to Survive" and promoting "The Return of the Condor Heroes" all this time, she hasn't even had a moment to catch her breath, so how did she get involved with Lang Lang?
Even if that pianist is internationally famous, he has absolutely no connection to her.

But inexplicably, a rumor about a "Lang-Fei romance" appeared online, and it was spread in a very convincing way.

Even more outrageous, before she could clarify, Lang Lang's father jumped out and said that she did have feelings for Lang Lang, but Lang Lang was too busy with his career to agree. He added at the end, "Only a royal princess is worthy of my son."

As soon as these words were spoken, the topic of "Liu Yifei actively pursuing Lang Lang but being rejected" immediately became a hot topic online, and its popularity remained high.

When Liu Yifei saw the news, she almost laughed out of anger.

How can a person be so shameless?
A pianist, to put it nicely, is a performer; to put it bluntly, isn't he just someone who makes a living by his skill?

And you even said she actively pursued him? That's incredibly shameless!
"Yifei, do you have someone you like right now?"

At the press conference for "The Return of the Condor Heroes," reporters still didn't give up on the topic and were trying to dig up some juicy gossip.

She's already 19 years old, so it's not surprising that she was asked about her love life.

Liu Yifei tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said frankly, "I'm actually not quite sure what it means to like someone..."

As she said this, a familiar figure inexplicably flashed through her mind, but she couldn't tell whether it was admiration or liking.

"So what are your expectations for your future boyfriend?" the reporter then asked.

Liu Yifei had a clear answer to this question in her mind.

She smiled brightly at the camera and said in a clear voice, "I mainly look at his inner qualities. I like someone who is kind and compassionate, and preferably a bit cool and masculine... Also, someone with a thinner face would be better."

As soon as he said that, many reporters at the scene were trying not to laugh.

Everyone knows that the pianist is rather round-figured, and his face is shaped like a plate...

Liu Yifei's words were clearly another stab in the heart, and she responded to the rumors without giving anyone any grounds for criticism, striking the perfect balance.

Many fans call you "Fairy Sister," what are your thoughts on that?

"Thank you, but firstly, I'm not a goddess, and secondly, I'm not an older sister, so that term has nothing to do with me... And I want to emphasize that I'm really not a goddess; I can be a bit crazy sometimes..."

"What do you think of the title 'Jade Girl Leader'?"

"I don't quite agree, because I think the term 'pure girl' is too empty and goes against normal human nature..."

Faced with a barrage of questions from the media, Liu Yifei handled them with ease, each answer being both appropriate and respectful, and she remained relaxed and natural throughout.

She wouldn't force any label to bind herself to, something Lü Rui had specifically instructed her to do.

Because she no longer needs these labels to deepen the public's memory, she wants to become a "woman of a thousand faces".

Sitting to the side, Zhang Jizhong smiled particularly brightly.

The more popular Liu Yifei becomes, the more popular "The Return of the Condor Heroes" becomes.

Therefore, he was hoping that Liu Yifei could talk for a while longer at this media conference, so as to add another wave of popularity to the drama.

Huang Xiaoming, who was standing next to him, didn't seem to have any objections.

He's currently overwhelmed by the contract termination lawsuit, his mind is preoccupied with negotiating with Huayi, and he has no time to deal with these other topics. He just hopes the lawsuit can be settled as soon as possible.

Yang Mi, however, seemed a little restless, her fingers unconsciously clenching.

She couldn't understand why Liu Yifei, also an actress, could stand firmly in the center of the crowd and be surrounded by reporters asking questions, while she felt like she was invisible.
She was very unconvinced!
I just finished filming "Wang Zhaojun" and also had a significant role as Guo Xiang in "The Return of the Condor Heroes". Why is no one paying attention to me?
But no matter how dissatisfied she was, it was useless; she simply couldn't shake Liu Yifei's position as the center of attention.

In fact, while popularity and fame are one aspect, there are also rumors circulating in the industry that Liu Yifei will focus more on films and stop making television series.

No one knows who spread this rumor, but everyone thinks it's highly credible.

In other words, "The Return of the Condor Heroes" might be the last TV series she acts in, which is undoubtedly another hot topic...

No one knew that Zhang Jizhong had deliberately spread this rumor to attract viewers to "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

In her previous life, Liu Yifei did exactly that; she didn't touch any TV dramas for more than a decade after "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

But in this life, with Lü Rui as a shareholder, Red Star Dock's development path has undergone a complete transformation.

While movies are certainly a key focus for the future, Lü Rui believes that television dramas are equally important.

Because movies can elevate an actor's professional standing, while TV dramas can broaden their audience reach, combining the two is the key to long-term success.

As for releasing records and singing, Lü Rui had already ruled that out for her.

That road was really not suitable for her.

Instead of wasting energy on areas you're not good at, it's better to make your film and television career more solid.

However, Liu Yifei herself did make a good friend who can sing.

When she rushed back to the set of "Dying to Survive", the other party even came to visit her.

"Senior, let me introduce you. This is my friend Zhang Liangying. She sings incredibly well!"

Liu Yifei pulled Zhang Liangying to Lu Rui's side, her tone carrying a hint of pride.

"Hello."

Lu Rui smiled and nodded, automatically classifying Liu Yifei's friends as "one of his own".

As for Zhang Liangying's beautiful singing voice, he knows it without needing any introduction.

After all, she was the third runner-up in last year's Super Girl competition, a true powerhouse!
In terms of singing ability, he personally felt that Zhang Liangying was even better than Li Yuchun, but she lacked the popularity advantage when voting.

"Director Lü, hello! It's such an honor to meet you!"

Zhang Liangying was probably genuinely excited, and as she spoke, she bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, which surprised Lü Rui for a moment.

"I especially love the movie 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' that you directed. I heard from Yifei that you personally selected all the music for it? You're so amazing!"

So that's why I was so excited!
Lu Rui smiled knowingly: "You sing very well too. If there's a suitable opportunity in the future, you're welcome to sing the theme song for my movie."

Zhang Liangying nodded hurriedly, her voice filled with joy: "It's my honor! Just call me anytime you need me."

She is signed with Huayi Music, and Lü Rui is one of Huayi's shareholders, so strictly speaking, he is half her boss.

After a brief greeting, Liu Yifei took Zhang Liangying to the rest area and did not disturb the film crew any further.

Today's scene is quite important; we can't afford any mistakes.

A group of terminally ill patients and their families, holding banners and placards and wearing T-shirts printed with protest slogans, surrounded the entrance of a pharmaceutical company, shouting and expressing their despair and resentment.

Lu Rui watched the two leave, then turned to Zhang Yi and carefully instructed him: "In a moment, your shots should focus on facial expressions, demeanor, and mental state."

Especially the emotions conveyed through the eyes; they must be fully expressed, allowing the audience to see the struggle within your character.

“No problem, Director Lü!” Zhang Yi nodded seriously.

Although he was not formally trained, he was exceptionally hardworking and eager to learn.

Lü Rui often saw him and Wang Baoqiang together, working overtime every night to rehearse their lines.

The two would meticulously work out the scenes for the next two days beforehand until they were satisfied, and then come to the set to perform in the prepared state. They put in more effort than anyone else.

This absolutely deserves high praise!

"Chairman Ren, are you ready?" Lu Rui then looked at Ren Zhonglun.

His role as a pharmaceutical representative was small, but crucial.

"Don't worry, no problem." Ren Zhonglun gave an OK sign.

His character isn't really a traditional villain.

After all, the research and development cost of drugs for rare diseases is often as high as tens of billions of yuan. Even if the research and development goes smoothly, it still takes four or five years of clinical trials. The investment of human, material and financial resources is huge, so the high price of the drug is "justified".

Ultimately, exorbitantly priced drugs are legal and reasonable; they simply don't meet the basic survival needs of ordinary people.

"3, 2, 1, Action!"

As the clapperboard fell, filming officially began.

Today's filming includes more than just daytime scenes.

As evening approached, Han Sanping also arrived.

He plays a fake drug dealer, and tonight he'll be filming his arrest scene, where he'll also deliver the most powerful line in the entire film:
"There is only one disease in this world, and that is poverty!"

When this line was uttered, the entire crew fell silent instantly, as if even the air itself had become heavy and stagnant...

……

After filming several scenes, it was already dark.

Han Sanping has been so busy lately that he didn't even have time to eat the dinner prepared by the crew before he had to get up and say goodbye.

However, before leaving, his gaze swept over Liu Yifei, who was resting nearby, and he suddenly spoke: "China Film Group recently started a new project, directed by Hu Mei, with Yifei..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lü Rui interrupted, "The Dream of the Red Chamber?"

This project has been quite popular online recently, and Lü Rui has naturally been paying attention to it.

“Yes.” Han Sanping nodded, then continued, “The talent show ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ will probably start in the second half of the year. If Yifei is interested, I can help arrange for her to play the female lead…”

Liu Yifei's eyes lit up instantly.

Xue Baochai? Lin Daiyu? These are all well-known classic characters, and just hearing their names makes one's heart flutter.

Before she could even speak, Lü Rui interrupted, directly refusing on her behalf: "Forget it, I plan to have her join the cast of 'Pacific Rim' in the second half of the year, and her schedule is too tight."

Although "Dream of the Red Chamber" is a top-tier IP, Lü Rui is not optimistic about the direction of this version's preparation.

Besides, in his previous life he had heard many negative rumors about the film crew, such as the selection of concubines...

Even if he could guarantee that Rong Xinda wouldn't dare to have any ulterior motives towards Liu Yifei, this kind of project was actually dispensable for her, who already had "The Return of the Condor Heroes" as a foundation and was about to break into the film industry. There was no need to waste her energy on it.

"Okay, then forget it."

Upon hearing about "Pacific Rim," Han Sanping immediately abandoned his idea of ​​persuading others.

This $2 million sci-fi mega-project is clearly more important than a period drama.

Actually, he just happened to see Liu Yifei and mentioned her casually. The casting for "Dream of the Red Chamber" was handled by a specialist; he was just a nominal executive producer, so there was no need for him to waste his breath.

As soon as Han Sanping left, Liu Yifei immediately sidled up to Lü Rui, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Senior, is there a role that would suit me in Pacific Rim?"

That's a $2 million production; it's impossible not to be tempted.

Lu Rui smiled but didn't answer directly: "We'll talk about this later. Come on, I'll take you to relax. Let's invite your friends too."

"Where are we going?" Liu Yifei asked curiously.

Nightclubs.

"what???"

She was stunned. Even Zhang Liangying, who had just walked over, stopped in her tracks, clearly not expecting Lü Rui to suggest going to such a place.

However, the two quickly realized what was happening.

The "nightclub" that Lü Rui mentioned is not the kind of place for private entertainment, but a large nightclub that the film crew specially booked for filming night scenes.

There weren't any random people inside; most of them were extras, and there were also quite a few students from Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, and Beijing Dance Academy.

You can earn some pocket money, get up close to the film crew, and have some fun on the side...

As soon as these conditions were announced, the nightclub quickly filled up with people, becoming as lively as a real business venue.

As Lü Rui shouted "Action!", the camera slowly panned across the scene.

Many female college students wore sexy clothes, their white thighs and graceful figures particularly eye-catching under the lights, swaying to the rhythm of the music, instantly filling the nightclub with atmosphere.

Behind the monitor, even if Lü Rui tried to restrain himself, he couldn't help but get a good look.

It has to be said that college students are energetic, youthful, and have a fiery spirit that makes people feel excited just watching them.

On the other side, Jiang Wu, Li Bingbing, Zhang Yi, and Wang Baoqiang were sitting in a booth.

The main camera is focused on the scene of them drinking and chatting.

At this moment, Zhao Peng, who was playing the nightclub manager, suddenly came around from the side, and with a hint of provocation, asked Li Bingbing to come on stage and dance.

Just as Li Bingbing was about to succumb to the pressure, Jiang Wu suddenly stopped her, slapped a wad of banknotes at her, and pointed at Zhao Peng:

"Here's the money, go jump!"

If it weren't for the script requirements, anyone else probably wouldn't have been able to withstand the first wad of cash thrown at them.

Faced with the temptation of several stacks of cash thrown at him, Zhao Peng finally couldn't resist and said fiercely, "You just wait!"

With the sudden surge of upbeat music, the atmosphere instantly reached its peak!

He jumped onto the stage next to the steel pipes, twisting his body as he unbuttoned his suit jacket, tie, and shirt one by one, his movements exaggerated and unrestrained...

Li Bingbing, sitting in the audience, led the crowd in cheering and shouting "Take it off!" The scene was both crazy and lively.

Shen Ao stood next to Lü Rui, laughing so hard he slapped his thigh: "Brother Peng has made a huge sacrifice this time."

Lu Rui crossed his arms and remarked, "I think he's having a lot of fun."

He was absolutely right.

At this moment, Zhao Peng, who was holding the steel pipe, was even more engrossed than the audience below the stage. His unrestrained manner showed no sign of being forced, and it was hard to tell where he had learned it.

"OK, Cut!"

After the scene was filmed perfectly, Lü Rui called "cut" into the walkie-talkie.

The actors gradually left the camera's view, but the excitement of the night was far from over.

The nightclub has been booked by the film crew for the whole night, it would be a shame to leave now, might as well have some fun.

Under Lü Rui's instructions, Niu Le, who was in charge of the event arrangements, picked up the microphone and shouted, "Friends! Tonight's expenses are on Lü Rui, let's all have a blast!"

The scene instantly became even more excited.

Zhang Liangying was also caught up in the atmosphere and went on stage to sing several songs in a row, winning applause from the audience with her clear voice.

The entertainment industry in mainland China is different from that in Hong Kong.

It's common for Hong Kong stars to go clubbing and have fun, and they're always caught on camera having scandals.

However, artists in the Chinese entertainment industry have many concerns, and opportunities to let loose and have fun like this are rare, so everyone cherishes this precious moment of relaxation.

"Senior! Nightclubs are so much fun!"

Liu Yifei moved closer to Lü Rui, her eyes shining like stars, her face flushed with excitement.

This was the first time she had ever been to a place like this in her entire life.

When I was a minor, my mother was very strict and wouldn't even allow me to come home late.

Now that I'm an adult and an actor, I'm afraid of getting photographed by the media and causing trouble, so I have even less opportunity to come.

Looking at the people jumping around in the dance floor and the flashing lights, she even speaks with a cheerful tone: "It turns out that having fun together is so much fun!"

Lu Rui sat down next to her and said with a smile, "If you like it, play a little longer."

No sooner had they finished speaking than the waiter brought over a dozen beers and placed them in front of the two of them.

Liu Yifei's gaze instantly fixed on the wine bottle, like a kitten hoping to be fed, staring longingly at Lü Rui, her lips unconsciously pursing slightly.

Clearly, she was craving it again.

Although she doesn't have a high alcohol tolerance, she quite enjoys drinking.

Lu Rui was amused by her appearance and reluctantly compromised: "You can only drink one bottle, no more, we have to film tomorrow."

"Great!" Liu Yifei immediately picked up the bottle and quickly unscrewed it. Then, as if remembering something, she looked up and added, "I already told my mom that I can go home a little later tonight, and she agreed."

"Oh?" Lu Rui raised an eyebrow and teased, "Your mom really trusts you to be out outside in the middle of the night?"

Liu Yifei blinked and said confidently, "I feel like she trusts you, right?"

"..."

Lu Rui was stunned and speechless.

grass?
Is this guy treating his buddy like a virtuous man who could remain unmoved even with a woman in his lap?
He shook his head, both amused and exasperated, and didn't say anything more. He just watched her sip her wine, swaying her body to the music from time to time, her two braids bobbing along, her eyes crinkling with a beautiful smile.

They played until 2 a.m., and only gradually dispersed when they realized they had to get up early to film the next day.

Lü Rui didn't drink tonight, so he personally escorted Liu Yifei back to her hotel, while he asked Shen Ao to help escort Zhang Liangying back.

The car drove smoothly through the night, the carriage was quiet, with only soft music playing.

He glanced at Liu Yifei, who was resting her chin on her hand and gazing at the stars outside the window in the passenger seat, and asked softly, "Are you happy tonight?"

"I'm so happy!" Liu Yifei nodded immediately, her voice full of joy. "I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time."

"Then I'll bring you here again next time we have the chance," Lu Rui said casually.

"Really? Okay, okay!" Liu Yifei sat up straight instantly, her eyes sparkling. "Being with you, senior, makes me especially happy."

The car stopped at a red light.

Lu Rui stepped on the brake, and after the car came to a complete stop, he turned his head to look at her.

The streetlights outside shone through the car window onto her face, revealing her earnest gaze.

He teased her on purpose, "What nonsense are you talking about? Are you drunk?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei stubbornly retorted, her neck stiff with indignation: "I'm not drunk! I'm telling the truth, I'm just very happy to be with you!"

Alcohol emboldens the timid, and she spoke much bolder than usual tonight.

The moment the words were spoken, the red light suddenly turned green.

Lu Rui withdrew his gaze, stepped on the gas, and the car slowly drove forward.

His profile was reflected in the rearview mirror, and the smile he couldn't hide was gently twitching at the corner of his mouth, lingering for a long time.

……

With the nightclub scenes finished filming, all the joyful moments in "Dying to Survive" have come to a complete end.

The scenes to be filmed next will all revolve around the bleakness and pain of reality, and the characters' struggles and helplessness.

The only "disease" in the world, namely poverty, will be fully revealed on camera, silently telling the story of the helplessness of the lower classes.

These heavy scenes make up more than two-thirds of the entire film, and each one is a major scene, allowing no room for carelessness.

Lü Rui dared not speed up the pace, and could only ask the crew to focus on filming, striving to make every shot resonate with the audience.

At this pace, he expects the film to be completely finished by May.

Meanwhile, on the other side, "The Return of the Condor Heroes" was airing with great popularity.

Although its competitor "Seven Swordsmen" aired on CCTV and had the platform's support, in terms of popularity and buzz, it was not even in the same league as "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

Liu Yifei's portrayal of Xiaolongnu has garnered her countless fans.

This surge in popularity even surpassed that of Zhao Ling'er from "Chinese Paladin" and Wang Yuyan from "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils".

Of course, it's not without its flaws.

For example, Huang Xiaoming's portrayal of Yang Guo was criticized by many viewers as "too greasy" due to his overly flamboyant acting style.

Interestingly, this "greasiness" actually serves as a foil.

In contrast, Liu Yifei's portrayal of Xiaolongnu appears more aloof, refined, and pure, which has led to a surge in her popularity and an incredible amount of audience appeal!
It's no exaggeration to say that the prototype of the "number one cash cow" in the Chinese entertainment industry has already appeared in her.

She is getting closer and closer to the top tier of "Four Dan, Two Bing, and One Fairy" (referring to four top actresses, two top actresses, and one top actress), just a few steps away.

As for how to proceed with these steps, she doesn't need to worry about it at all.

Because from film resources to maintaining public image, Lü Rui had already planned everything out for her.

When the time is right, we can help her steadily climb to a higher level!

(End of this chapter)