The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 101 A Scene of Utter Devastation in Beijing

For Shen Shandeng, the situation was not just slightly good, but extremely good.

He is becoming the highest-grossing director of domestic films, and even the highest-grossing director in the Chinese film market.

If he's content with just hanging out with female celebrities and doesn't strive for anything more, that's enough.

The paperclip steps were still beneath his feet. Once Shen Shan climbed them, he would have the potential to enter the Hong Kong and Taiwan circles, and moreover, he would do so by infiltrating them.

Shen Shandeng also saw the predicament faced by Wu Yusen and Chen Kexin.

If he wanted to, he could easily resolve their predicament.

John Woo's inexplicable threat of a boycott, the negative predictions surrounding the release of "The Eunuch," the suppression of mainland China by Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the debate over the strategic direction of blockbuster films.
Ultimately, Han Sanping was his way of giving an explanation.

However, if Shen Shandeng mixes up with people from Hong Kong and Taiwan, then he will just be another Feng Xiaogang.

It's not necessarily bad, but since it's a rebirth, you naturally want to do something different.

The success of "The Eunuch" was not only unexpected by others, but also by Shen Shandeng himself.

He wasn't confident about getting investment from China Film Group, let alone the "Brotherhood of Blades" project, he wasn't even sure about "The Eunuch".

Shen Shandeng's main motivation was to use this opportunity to catch Han Sanping's eye.

After lifting the roof and opening the windows, there's still the need to open a crack in the door.

He had another low-budget comedy in the works at the time, but there was no need to bring it out later.

According to Shen Shandeng's plan, he would wait until after the Olympics, when national pride would rise and he would have the experience of successfully making low-budget comedy films before making a grand promise. At that time, he would then use historical themes to ascend to the position of a great director.

It just goes to show that reality doesn't follow logic.

Indeed, the timing was opportune, and Shen Shandeng seized the opportunity.

However, once Shen Shandeng starts doing something, things will become difficult.

"The Eunuch" is just the beginning. To let the sunlight shine in completely and dispel the fog, continuous construction is needed. And to do this is not simple, but extremely difficult.

It's no exaggeration to say that taking a step back feels great, but taking a step forward is very difficult.

The difficulties are intertwined, both internal and external.

Shen Shandeng isn't playing the game of piling up star-studded casts or building cities; he's playing the industrial film genre.

Looking at the hysterical smear campaigns that followed the success of films like "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth" a decade later, we see a stark contrast.

If this were 07, Shen Shandeng would have to prepare for the worst.

Moreover, some people might object to creating a Ming Dynasty cinematic universe.

At that point, with internal and external coordination, they can label someone and block the review process, and China Film Group might not be able to do anything about it.

Now that he understood the difficulties ahead, Shen Shandeng naturally wanted to make preparations early.

We need to win over all favorable forces.

Shen Shandeng studies the history of the Ming Dynasty. What is the most remarkable thing about Zhu Yuanzhang?
He didn't seem particularly impressive. Looking back on his life, after accumulating experience in the early stages, only his battle with Chen Youliang was truly thrilling; the rest of his life was unremarkable, and he simply swept through the battlefield.

He succeeded in conquering the north from the south. The army, which had always been a mix of soldiers and bandits, became disciplined under his command and could be driven without relying on plunder.

Zhu Yuanzhang was just a cowherd. If he hadn't won every battle, those subordinates from noble backgrounds wouldn't have been able to submit to him.

Shen Shandeng learned from history and made preparations in advance, with Wu Jing being a particularly important part of the plan.

Wu Jing was deeply involved in the creation of the "Supervisor" project and clearly understood Shen Shandeng's ideas.

Having worked his way up in film crews, with a little polishing, he can become a usable director, capable of handling things independently.

When it comes to taking charge on his own, Wu Jing is also a force well-suited to be brought to the forefront, capable of silencing certain people.

Shen Shandeng couldn't direct everything himself; he couldn't do it all by himself. He needed to train directors and producers.

Theoretically, we need to establish a path; in the market, we need to develop new investment logic; then, we need to cultivate a group of talents in the industry; and finally, we need to cultivate a group of viewers who have confidence in historical films.

Even if Shen Shandeng is defeated by then, there will be successors.

When Shen Shandeng called out to him, Wu Jing paused for a moment and immediately stopped.

They stood ramrod straight, like soldiers awaiting orders.

He looked at Shen Shandeng with bright eyes.

Shen Shandeng didn't say much, but took out a thick kraft paper envelope from his briefcase and handed it over.

Wu Jing's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly held his breath.

The envelope was exactly the same as the letter Shen Shandeng wrote to him in those difficult circumstances before the "Du Gong" project was launched, inviting him to create a great undertaking together.

He took it with both hands. The letter felt heavier than the last one, as if it contained not just a few sheets of paper, but a tremendous burden, or a brighter future.

"I'll look at it when I get back."

Men don't need to say too much.

Shen Shandeng patted Wu Jing on the shoulder: "Have a good celebration banquet. Afterwards, you'll have your tiring time."

Wu Jing was at a disadvantage, clutching the envelope tightly in his hand until his knuckles turned slightly white.

He simply said solemnly, "I'll listen to you!"

Wu Jing held the letter as if it were a priceless treasure.

Back in my room, I closed the door and took several deep breaths to calm myself down.

Carefully open the envelope and take out the letter inside.

To Brother Wu:
See the word as the face.

The box office success of "The Eunuch" broke the single-day box office record of "Transformers" and is setting a new record for Chinese-language films, demonstrating the power of Chinese-language cinema and making it a force to be reckoned with!

This is not the achievement of one person alone, but the result of our collective efforts in holding the torch, burning the old and establishing the new.

And your portrayal of Lu Bing in the film, with his unyielding spirit and burning passion, has thrilled audiences and garnered attention from the industry. This is no accident, but rather the inevitable result of your years of honing your skills and finally achieving your full potential!

However, this is only the first step.

Our hearts extend far beyond a single city or a single battlefield.
Chinese cinema has long suffered from a lack of industry and a lack of system!
Hollywood may have a global presence, but China's five thousand years of history is full of heroes and passionate stories.

Now that "The Eunuch" has set a precedent, the next step should be to build our "Ming Dynasty Cinematic Universe" based on history and using martial arts as a weapon!
This universe needs heroes to lead the way, and you, brother, are the only choice!
During the filming of "The Eunuch", my brother often discussed the shots, designed the action sequences, and analyzed the characters with me. It would be a great pity for Chinese cinema if such talents were limited to a secondary role!
Therefore, I am writing to you today to invite you to join me in directing and expanding our horizons!
My plan is as follows:

"Jiajing": The Great Ritual. This film is the second installment in the universe. It is about the young emperor's political intrigue and passion. I would like to invite you to make your directorial debut, while I will serve as the producer. From the narrative pacing to the cinematic language, from the mise-en-scène to the control of the actors, we will work together to improve.

This marks the beginning of your directorial journey, and it is also a crucial step for us to build our own universe together!
"The Embroidered Uniform Guard": This is the third installment in the universe, a solo film by Lu Bing, full of hot-blooded action and exhilarating revenge. I will completely let go and let my brother direct and star in it!
Where the Embroidered Spring Blade points, the law prevails!

After this film, the whole world will know about it.

Wu Jing is not only a skilled fighter, but also a director, a master of control, and a true hero! Following this, there's the massive blockbuster "Brotherhood of Blades II: The Rebirth of the Sun," and even the vast and expansive Ming Dynasty universe, encompassing Qi Jiguang, Zheng He's voyages, and Emperor Wanli's aid to Korea. This grand history awaits our generation to recreate through film!

I wish to conspire with you, my brother.

I provide the blueprint, you provide the talent; I manage the overall situation, you manage the production.

We should use the precision of science and engineering to forge the spirit of martial arts; and use the system of industry to open a new chapter in history!

Today, Chinese audiences have awakened. What they want is not Western heroes, but Eastern heroes with backbone and patriotism. This is exactly what you are good at, and it is also the basis of our consensus!

I hope you will not doubt or worry.

We should work together to create a new chapter in history!
The blade's edge points beyond the silver screen. Our era awaits us to forge our own path; do you, brother, have no interest in this?

Sincerely,
Looking forward to hearing good news!
Shen Shandeng

On the night of November 19, 2007, at the film crew's hotel.

"Seeing this letter is like seeing the person in person. The film 'The Eunuch' has demonstrated the might of Chinese-language cinema, a feat that will resonate throughout history!"

The grand opening immediately gave Wu Jing a jolt and made his blood boil.

He read on word by word, and when he saw Shen Shandeng's affirmation of his portrayal of Lu Bing, and the line "This is no accident, but the inevitable result of your years of hard work and finally your blossoming," his nose suddenly tingled with emotion.

The hardships, struggles, and lack of recognition experienced during those years on Hong Kong Island seem to find ultimate solace and affirmation of value in this single sentence.

He continued reading, his heart pounding faster and faster.

"Chinese cinema has long suffered from a lack of industry and a lack of system! Let's build our 'Great Ming Cinematic Universe'!"

"This universe needs heroes to raise the banner, and you, brother, are the only choice!"

"It would be a great pity for Chinese cinema if such talent were limited to a deputy position!"

"Therefore, I am writing to you today to invite you, brother, to join me in directing and expanding our territory!"

Every word was like a heavy hammer blow, striking Wu Jing's heart.

Shen Shandeng saw clearly his ambition, his discontent, and the desire for creation and expression hidden beneath his identity as an action actor.

And it was presented to us with utmost solemnity and respect, in a grand and breathtaking manner.

"Jiajing", co-directed, with Shen Shandeng personally serving as producer and mentoring him!

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard" – let him direct and star in it all!
There's also "Brotherhood of Blades II: The Rebirth of the Sun and Moon" and an even grander cosmic blueprint to come.
This paved a direct path to success for him!

He was groomed to be a true partner and successor!

The last line of the letter struck him like a bolt of lightning:

The blade's edge points beyond the silver screen. Our era awaits us to forge our own path; do you, brother, have no interest in this?

"How could it be unintentional!"

Wu Jing murmured in a hoarse voice.

His whole body was trembling, and the letter paper rustled in his hands.

He recalled the resolute feeling he had when he invested that million dollars and went bankrupt, and the tireless efforts he had made day and night to design action sequences, coordinate with the crew, and study the characters.

At that time, he was thinking of helping Director Shen, but also gambling on a bleak future for himself.

He never dared to imagine that the reward would be so enormous and so generous!
The debt of gratitude was so great that it made him uneasy; he felt he could never repay such kindness in his lifetime!

Shen Shandeng not only gave him fame and fortune, but also the stage and dignity he longed for most.

An ultimate platform that can fully unleash his energy and talent.

The kindness of recognizing and supporting me, the generosity of giving me a second chance at life.
Director Shen's kindness can never be repaid!

All words seem pale in the face of reality.

This tough guy, who had been through thick and thin for over a decade, collapsed onto the bed.

Tears could no longer be held back and streamed down my face.

It wasn't a feeling of being wronged, but rather an overwhelming sense of gratitude and awe that overwhelmed him.

He remembered the first letter.

"By clarifying, defining, and making the martial arts system more realistic, and then using industrial capabilities, science and engineering technology, and re-enacting the spirit of traditional martial arts, we can create a new style of action."

"Amidst countless armies and the rise and fall of dynasties, the martial spirit of China awaits us brothers to take control of the world!"

I didn't lie to him!

It's all true!

Shen Shandeng then said, "Together we will create a new chapter in history," "Brother, you have shown your talent," and "Brother, you are in charge of the film set."

What kind of trust and entrustment is this?

"Director Shen."

Wu Jing whispered as if making a vow to the empty room.

"My life and my skills belong to you from this day forward!"

Devoted to the cause, even unto death.

A scholar dies for a confidant!

Wu Jing sat on the ground for a long time before he gradually calmed down.

I carefully folded the letter, put it back in the envelope, and then carefully kept it safe.

He stood up and wiped away his tears.

He took out his phone and sent a text message to Shen Shandeng. It was only a short sentence, but it weighed a ton.

"Director Shen, I have read your letter. I am willing to be a vanguard! To pave the way for you with the sharpest blade!"

"My great mission is accomplished!"

Upon receiving Wu Jing's letter, Shen Shandeng burst into laughter, letting Da Mimi fall onto the bed.

Da Mimi: "?"

the next morning.

With his old man (referring to Shen Shandeng) convinced and Wolf Warrior (another nickname for Shen Shandeng) in hand, Shen Shandeng calmly accepted an exclusive interview with CCTV.

(End of this chapter)