The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 116 Standing Up to Toast (14)

“Mr. Muller really enlightened me.”

Shen Shandeng was completely immersed in the passion of creation and ignored Marco Müller's expression.

"The essence of this subject matter lies in exploring the artistic space between the grand narratives of the nation and its people and the intimate emotions of the individual. The struggles of humanity, the loss of identity, the intertwining of love, desire, and destruction—this is the kind of high art that can touch the depths of the soul, right?"

"We especially need to explore the boundary between performance and reality. To what extent can a person play another version of themselves for the sake of faith or survival? What is the ultimate meaning of this sacrifice? Ambiguity is precisely what we want—ambiguity and uncertainty!"

Tian Lili's eyes lit up as she listened.

Shen Shandeng is not beyond redemption; he still yearns for art.

He quickly picked up the conversation, trying to steer Shen Shandeng towards a deeper level: "Shen, your idea is excellent! It has a very international perspective! I suggest that we go even deeper and incorporate the sense of powerlessness and helplessness of individuals within a vast system and the torrent of history. That's the key to resonating with Western judges and intellectuals!"

Shen Shandeng clapped his hands in praise and readily agreed: "The helplessness of individuals within the system, that's absolutely right! Director Tian truly lives up to his reputation as a friend of Mr. Mark Müller, his words hit the nail on the head!"

After a moment's thought, he decided on the setting: "Let's set the time in 1943, during World War II, in Paris, France, under German occupation. The stage is big enough, the conflict is intense enough, and it's 'international' enough."

Next, he turned to character design.

"The female lead is set as Irab Rum, about 23 years old, an Isaac-origin female college student."

Shen Shandeng recounted the details with ease: "Intelligent, sensitive, and possessing outstanding language and acting talent, these were her assets for lurking. Her family was driven out and even killed by the German army, and her heart was filled with grief and the flames of revenge. In the end, she was recruited by the resistance organization and forced to use her most primitive assets, her beauty and intelligence, as weapons."

At this time.

Tang Wei, who had been huddled in the corner, couldn't help but timidly interject in a low voice as the atmosphere eased and the topic revolved around the erotic scenes of undercover agents that she was familiar with.

"Director Shen, I think it would be nice to give the female lead a hobby that's more relatable and shows another side of her? Like Wang Jiazhi, who might enjoy playing cards or listening to music?"

She lowered her head immediately after speaking, her cheeks slightly flushed, having exhausted all her courage.

Shen Shandeng praised, "Miss Tang Wei's suggestion is excellent! Details determine success or failure. A seemingly insignificant hobby can actually increase the realism and complexity of a character, and also create more natural scenarios for her encounter and interaction with the officer. Very good!"

This praise flattered Tang Wei, instantly igniting a spark of hope within her.

Shen Shandeng continued to build his masterpiece.

"The male lead, Max von Hoffmann, is a major in the intelligence department of the German Armed Forces, about 40 years old."

"Handsome in appearance, elegant in demeanor, and knowledgeable, he is a typical old aristocratic military officer. He loves literature and art, especially music, and can talk about Bach and Goethe."

"The key point is that he wasn't a fanatic, but more like an opportunist and a professional soldier."

"He was fully aware of the atrocities within the system, but chose a cold compromise, perhaps even harboring a hint of disdain and loneliness deep down. This makes the emotional tug-of-war between him and the female lead more intense and more human."

Yes, human nature!

Shen Shandeng suddenly realized that human nature isn't so bad; it all depends on how it's used.

As Tian Lili listened, the color returned to her face.

Shen Shandeng ultimately did not completely deviate from the right path of art; he still had aspirations in his heart.

They were just blinded by their previous commercial success.

Shen Shandeng became even more interested and then introduced two more supporting roles.

"We also need a character from the resistance side, Jacques, and another female character, Helena, a member of the resistance, Ella's contact and friend. She'll be responsible for training her, helping her integrate into the German officers' social circle, being her support in times of vulnerability, and constantly reminding her of her mission."

A miraculous scene unfolded.

The atmosphere inside the private room became more relaxed, and the tense atmosphere seemed to be temporarily put aside, resembling a lively film creation seminar.

Tian Lili was secretly delighted and pleased with herself. She was sure that she had enough influence to keep the situation under control.

Tang Wei's heart was pounding, wondering if she could get a role and return to her peak with this internationally acclaimed masterpiece, or even step onto the international film scene.

Jiang Zhiqiang's expression was the most complicated; he understood somewhat.

Looking at Marco Müller, the artistic director, who began to speak eloquently from Shen Shandeng onwards, one feels as if he has transformed into a wooden sculpture.

Jiang Zhiqiang felt a mixture of fear, excitement, and a hint of schadenfreude.

Looking at Shen Shandeng again, all he could see was admiration.

As expected, Shen Shandeng still held back against his compatriots.

thanksgiving!

In the scene of "The Creation," only Marco Müller kept his head down, staring at the exquisite plate in front of him.

If you look closely, you can see the barely suppressed fear and panic deep in his eyes.

On Shen Shandeng's side.

Fan Bingbing linked arms with him, her beautiful face filled with strangeness and doubt.

She had absolutely no idea what the man beside her was up to.

Zhou Qifeng frowned slightly. Although he believed that his senior brother must have a deeper meaning, he couldn't figure out the purpose of this impromptu creation for the time being.

However, Ma Youde, who had been observing Marco Müller closely, seemed to have figured something out.

He noticed the barely concealed fear beneath the art director's feigned composure, and his eyes darted around.

He deliberately asked loudly, "Boss, this script idea is brilliant! We need to give it a catchy name, right? What should we call it?"

Shen Shandeng laughed loudly: "How about we tentatively call it 'Undercurrent'? It's like an undercurrent, just like the times and people's hearts."

"At that time, I will solemnly declare in the opening credits of the film that the inspiration for this film came from in-depth exchanges with Mr. Mark Müller, the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, and I would like to express my special thanks to him for his inspiration and guidance."

"Mr. Muller, you deserve a lot of credit!!"

Clatter! Marco Müller's fork fell into the plate.

He lowered his head, his face as pale as paper, his lips trembling.

The look in his eyes was as if he had seen something extremely terrifying.

Tian Lili then realized her old friend's lapse in composure and was greatly displeased.

He had put together this arrangement despite his own shamelessness, and now Shen Shandeng had clearly given him a huge way out.

Not only did they acknowledge their artistic vision, but they also attributed this honor to you—it's like a windfall!

How come your European art director failed you at this crucial moment, showing absolutely no reaction?

With a hint of urging and reproach, he nudged Marco Müller with his elbow: "Mr. Müller? Director Shen is talking to you! Such an artistically valuable project, you should give us your opinion!"

He no longer calls him Xiao Shen; he finds Shen Shandeng more and more pleasing to the eye.

This touch seemed to ignite Mark Müller's long-suppressed anger and fear.

An almost ferocious hatred!

This resentment was not directed at Shen Shandeng, but rather at Tian Lili, who looked completely innocent and confused!

This idiot!

A complete fool living in his own fantasy and past glories!
They don't understand anything at all!

As the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival and a veteran who has navigated the cultural battlefields of East and West for many years, Mark Müller is all too familiar with the seemingly free but actually heavily guarded rules of political correctness in the West!
Shen Shandeng's work contains absolutely forbidden elements in its core narrative and character settings!
Yes, from the perspective of pure dramatic structure and human nature analysis, Shen Shandeng's analogy is incredibly accurate!
The story of Mr. Yi and Wang Jiazhi can be perfectly applied to this framework.

Furthermore, the history of China's aggression against fascism during World War II was far more tragic and complex than many stories from the European theater.

But you can't film it like that!

That's definitely not how it should be interpreted!
Once filmed, it would be a challenge to the image of Isaac as a “sacred victim” that is absolutely correct and unquestionable in the mainstream Western narrative!
This is blurring the lines between justice and evil!
This is using their methods of deconstructing Eastern history and manipulating Eastern emotions to deconstruct Western narratives in turn.

What is this called?
This isn't just suspicion of being anti-Isabism! This is anti-Isabism!

This serious accusation could affect not only Marco Müller's position as artistic director, but the entire Venice Film Festival!

His decades of cultivation in the Western cultural sphere will be ruined in an instant!
Hey!
SB Tian Lili!
Damn it, those Chinese people have no sense of hierarchy or boundaries whatsoever!

Cultural garbage produced by socialism!

Loss of awareness of danger!
They have absolutely no idea what they can touch or what they absolutely cannot even think about!
Marco Müller was internally screaming, but his remaining rationality told him that he must not lose his composure!
You absolutely must not point it out!
He took a deep breath and forced out a smile that was more like a grimace, tinged with almost obsequious politeness.

"Director Shen, you're too modest! You're truly the most talented and imaginative director I've ever met! This idea is unparalleled! But it's entirely a burst of your personal genius! How could I possibly take credit for it?"

"I didn't say a word, how can you say it was inspiration or guidance? I don't deserve it, I absolutely don't deserve it! This, this is entirely your own achievement!"

Shen Shandeng pointed at Marco Müller and grinned, "Haha!"

He joked with Fan Bingbing and the others, "Look, this foreigner is quite savvy in social interactions."

Ma Youde suppressed a laugh and chimed in, "Yeah, when we came in, he didn't even get up. I thought he was ill-mannered."

Marco Müller immediately stood up, picked up his wine glass, and smoothed out the wrinkles in his suit, saying, "Director Shen, I'll punish myself with three drinks."

Tian Lili was dumbfounded. Wasn't this old friend someone who didn't drink? Why was he standing up to offer a toast?

Marco Müller had only one thought at that moment: to get himself out of the huge pit that Shen Shandeng had dug.

He's willing to do anything as long as he can distance himself from the "Dark Surge" project and sever all ties.

The atmosphere inside the private room became eerie.

"We've almost finished eating, Director Shen. Chinese food is so delicious! China is amazing! We'll travel a bit more tomorrow, then we need to go back and get some rest!"

Marco Müller grinned broadly: "As for 'The Sin,' you handle it as you see fit. Do whatever you want. If you have the chance to come to Italy in the future, I'll treat you."

The whole audience was stunned.

Fan Bingbing's eyes widened as she stared at Marco Müller, then at Shen Shandeng. This Venice artistic director was far too obsequious.

Isn't it true that foreigners don't talk about these things?
Shen Shandeng pointed at Marco Müller and laughed, "You, you."

“Call me Old Ma,” Marco Müller quickly replied.

Shen Shandeng leisurely sipped his tea and nodded.

The dinner party came to an end in an extremely strange atmosphere.

When the show ended.

Marco Müller took off running as if fleeing, with Tian Lili in pursuit.

Jiang Zhiqiang braced himself and approached Shen Shandeng. In front of Fan Bingbing, it was difficult to even send the girl away.

He almost pleaded for leniency, offering to invest in a historical drama project that Shen Shandeng was interested in in order to make amends.

Before Shen Shandeng could answer, Ma Youde rudely stepped in front of him and said, "Boss Jiang, go back and wait for the call!"

Shen Shandeng observed for a moment and found that Jiang Zhiqiang did indeed seem somewhat sincere.

It can only be said that Hong Kong compatriots reacted quickly after being beaten.

He patted Jiang Zhiqiang on the shoulder and said sincerely, "Mr. Jiang, when we accept investment, we don't just look at the money, but also whether you are qualified."

Jiang Zhiqiang asked urgently, "What qualifications?"

Shen Shandeng said, "Let's see if you have any national self-respect and pride. Go back and improve your level of understanding."

(End of this chapter)