The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 144 Big Trouble

The cold winter winds could not dispel the restlessness at the Beijing Film Academy.

The names "Shen Shandeng" and "Paperclip" have stirred up huge ripples in every corner of the Beijing Film Academy.

This prestigious institution for Chinese film talent was in an uproar.

From under the red flagpole at the school gate to outside the rehearsal room of the performance building, from the greasy tables in the cafeteria to the quiet bookshelves in the library.
Almost everyone was whispering to each other.

The core of the discussion invariably pointed to the "dialogue with masters" that was about to be held at the school.

"Have you heard? It's happening right here at our school!"

"My goodness, Senior Brother Shen Shandeng is amazing! It's only been a short time! He hasn't even graduated yet, and he's already discussing philosophy with Paperclip?"

"'From period drama to historical epic', that's incredibly powerful! Doesn't this clearly mean that 'The Eunuch' surpasses 'The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger'?"

"Why would Paperclip agree? What methods did Senior Brother Shen use?"

"What other means could we use? With over 400 million yuan in box office revenue from 'The Eunuch,' even the most renowned masters would have to think twice. That's called market power!"

"It's not just the market, is it? I heard there's a lot going on behind the scenes, and it seems to be related to the banning of 'The Sin'."

"Shh, keep your voice down. But seriously, this is the first time Beijing Film Academy has ever had such a grand display since its founding, right?"

The students discussed it excitedly, their eyes shining.

Da Mimi became the focus of attention for the entire class and even the entire department.

Zhang Xiaofei linked arms with her, her eyes sparkling, and said enviously, "Mimi, you're so lucky! Senior Brother Shen has truly become a god! You'll definitely have to go to this event, right?"

Yuan Shanshan, who was standing next to her, chimed in with a hint of flattery: "Yeah, Mimi, could you take us to see it then? Even just a glimpse backstage would be great!"

Other classmates also cast eager glances, wanting to take advantage of the opportunity, but too embarrassed to do so.

Yang Mi was wearing a simple down jacket and had no makeup on, but her youth was her greatest asset; she looked incredibly fresh and youthful.

"Please don't say that. He's just going for an exchange; I don't even know the specific arrangements yet."

Da Mimi cleverly changed the subject: "But I heard there will be a lot of people signing up to attend the lectures. The school should organize it, right? Let's wait for the notification."

His words both reassured his classmate and subtly maintained his composure.

Da Mimi knew very well that her every word and action represented Shen Shandeng's reputation, and she absolutely could not embarrass him.

In the teachers' lounge.

The atmosphere was more subtle.

Teacher Huang Li has now become the most active supporter of the "Shen School".

They not only enthusiastically signed up to host events, but even took the initiative to organize people to volunteer.

We must make this event a success and showcase the Beijing Film Academy's standards!
Holding a thermos, he sat among several young teachers and said, "If you ask me, I knew from the beginning that Shan Deng was no ordinary person."

"Think about it, back in school, his dedication and market awareness were things that most students couldn't have."

Huang Li took a sip of tea and continued, "I know some people used to think he was too opportunistic. But now, facts speak louder than words!"

"The success of 'The Eunuch' proves that Chinese filmmakers can absolutely follow their own path and establish their own standards."

Huang Li "inadvertently" showcased his network of connections.

"You guys don't know, do you? I was the one who helped him buy the house and found him a connection."

"His mentor, at the donation ceremony held not long ago, was represented by his father. This kid is sentimental and loyal; even after achieving success, he hasn't forgotten his teachers."

The entire Beijing Film Academy, from students to teachers, from dormitories to offices.

They were all excited because of Shen Shandeng.

Before the conversation even began, Shen Shandeng was already high above the campus, visible to anyone who looked up.

One p.m.

The sun hid behind the clouds because the sun on the ground had appeared.

An hour before the event, the auditorium at Beijing Film Academy was already packed.

There were no media outlets with their cameras and microphones, only teachers and students from the Beijing Film Academy and a few industry insiders with special connections.

The words "Dialogue with Masters" on the poster seemed to weigh a ton on the hearts of everyone present.

One is Paperclip, an art master who has won numerous honors in the international film industry and is known for his refined and profound style;

The other is Shen Shandeng, a business tycoon who has just risen to the top of Chinese film history with lightning speed, stirring up a huge wave in the industry and culture.

These two are actually going to have an equal dialogue here.

Front row of the audience.

One figure stood out.

Yang Mi was wearing a simple white turtleneck sweater, jeans, with her long hair down and light makeup, deliberately keeping a low profile.

However, her status as Shen Shandeng's girlfriend destined her to become the center of attention.

Countless eyes, especially those of girls, frequently glanced at her, filled with indescribable envy and curiosity.

"Has Brother Shen forgotten me?"

Da Tian Tian, ​​sitting in the back row, felt disappointed.

I used to chat with her a lot, but lately she hasn't been replying to my texts much.

Zhang Xiaofei, Yuan Shanshan, and another classmate also got in through their connection with Yang Mi, but their seats were towards the back.

Zhang Xiaofei lowered her voice, exclaiming with genuine amazement, "My God, Mimi's life is just too good!"

Only now did they realize the true power of Shen Shandeng.

And he is a box office legend, a director whose status is on par with Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige.

Yuan Shanshan's eyes were filled with longing: "Who says otherwise? Look at Mimi sitting there, she's not dressed up much, but she seems to be glowing."

Backstage lounge.

The atmosphere was subtle and polite.

Shen Shandeng arrived ahead of time with Ma Youde and Zhou Qifeng, and took the initiative to greet Paperclip and its team.

The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

They all wore perfectly measured smiles, as if all the previous verbal clashes and public opinion battles had never happened.

Paperclip wore his signature gentle smile, even jokingly saying, "Director Shen, it's an honor to meet you. Today, everyone on stage is an old friend of mine, Marco and Director Tian. Looks like I'm in luck."

With a single, simple sentence, he retaliated against the embarrassment that Shen Shandeng had previously caused him.

It silently drew a line between "our own people" and "outsiders," serving as a warning.

Standing behind Shen Shandeng, Ma Youde felt his blood rush to his head when he heard Paperclip's seemingly gentle but actually barbed words.

His fist clenched instantly, and he stepped forward.

Upon seeing this, Marco Müller instinctively shrank his neck.

Shen Shandeng patted Ma Youde on the shoulder, his smile unchanged, and said, "I'm still a student at the Beijing Film Academy. Director Li, you must be careful playing away from home."

Paperclip wanted to laugh, and was very confident.

You, Shen Shandeng, are the one who came here!
Not only are Tian Lili and Marco Müller his people, but even looking at the directing department of Beijing Film Academy, Shen Shandeng is the real newcomer!

Seeing this, Tian Lili patted Shen Shandeng on the shoulder and reminded him, "Little Shen! The greater your achievements, the more humble you should be. That's what makes you a good role model for us students at Beijing Film Academy!"

Tian Lili adopted the demeanor of an elder, acting like she was old and condescending.

Marco Müller was relieved to see what was happening.

On the four-person stage, he was an undercover agent planted by Shen Shandeng, who knew the whole situation.
Paperclip was completely unaware of the situation and thought he had found an opportunity to retaliate.

Originally, Tian Lili was the biggest unexpected variable, but this person was completely out of the loop.

Perhaps, he doesn't need to make it too obvious later; he can just let Tian Lili exert herself.

His ability to deliver a devastating blow to his teammates is beyond question.

Marco Müller glanced at Shen Shandeng, whose face was calm, and when he saw Shen turn around and nod slightly to him, his eyes felt like they were being pricked by needles, and he quickly looked away.

He was afraid of Ma Youde, but he was even more afraid of Shen Shandeng.

Mark Muller's gaze swept over Paperclip, who maintained his refined demeanor, and a sense of schadenfreude arose within him.

She herself had only suffered a mental breakdown in a private space, while this world-renowned director was about to defecate in public in front of everyone.

His professional career will likely be over.

The curtain rises.

2 p.m.

The auditorium at Beijing Film Academy was packed with people, even the aisles were full.

At the center of the stage, an unprecedented and significant dialogue among masters in the Chinese film industry, titled "From Costume Blockbusters to Historical Blockbusters," is about to unfold.

The event was hosted by Huang Li, who introduced the film: "Let's welcome director Shen Shandeng! The film has grossed over 400 million yuan in just four weeks!"

"He set a new record for Chinese film box office at the young age of 25, becoming the fourth domestic director to join the '100 million yuan club' after Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, and Feng Xiaogang."

After Huang Li finished his introduction, Shen Shandeng calmly walked out from the side of the stage.

He was still wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, with an upright posture and sharp yet calm eyes.

A tsunami of applause and cheers erupted from the audience, interspersed with excited screams from the students of Beijing Film Academy.

"Senior Brother Shen is awesome!"

"The Grand Eunuch is mighty!" "Four hundred million! Four hundred million!"

This outcry is dedicated to the local hero who, with his strength and courage, dared to challenge international directors.

"The Eunuch" was not only a box office success, but also brought an end to the "Creation of Sin" culture craze.

Huang Lidao: "Let's welcome the Oscar-winning director, the internationally renowned director who has won the Golden Lion and the Golden Bear twice, Director Paperclip."

Paperclip, who followed closely behind, greeted the audience with his signature gentle and refined smile.

His appearance also earned him respect and enthusiastic applause, but the applause was more complex, showing respect for his seniors while also carrying a subtle scrutiny.

The two directors took their seats on the mahogany chairs in the center of the stage.

Shen Shandeng appeared relaxed.

The president of the Beijing Film Academy personally delivered a speech, beaming with smiles, warmly welcoming Paperclip and expressing his deep respect for the internationally renowned director.

When Shen Shandeng was mentioned, his tone was more one of pride and admiration.

"We are incredibly proud that our Beijing Film Academy has produced such outstanding and historic students!"

auditorium.

Da Mimi, who was just a step away from the stage, looked at Shen Shandeng, who was calm on the stage, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Seemingly sensing the intense gaze behind her, Da Mimi slightly adjusted her posture, remaining confident.

On this night of glory for Shen Shandeng, her quiet sitting in the eye of the storm was a silent declaration in itself.

After the leader's speech.

The dialogue was co-hosted by Tian Lili, Director of the Directing Department of Beijing Film Academy, representing the host city, and Marco Müller, Artistic Director of the Venice Film Festival, an international guest.

The two sat between Shen Shandeng and Paperclip.

Huang Li introduced the identities of Tian Lili and Marco Müller, and especially gave a special introduction to Marco Müller, a cultural friend of China and Italy.

After greetings.

Marco Müller first steered the conversation towards Paperclip, asking about interesting anecdotes and creative experiences during the filming of "The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger".

Marco Müller smiled and said, "Paperclip, we all know that 'The Hidden Dragon' is a film that has achieved extraordinary success. It has not only conquered Western audiences, but also profoundly influenced the film aesthetics of Asia and even the world."

"Could you share some unforgettable experiences during filming? For example, how did you balance this martial arts world with its strong Eastern aesthetic with the tastes of a global audience? It must have been a challenging yet incredibly fun creative experience."

Paperclip smiled gently and said humbly, "Thank you, Marco. Speaking of which, filming 'The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger' was indeed a very special journey."

"Working with outstanding actors like Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Zhang Ziyi, 'flying around' in the bamboo forest, trying to capture the imagined lightness and chivalry."

"Challenges were everywhere. How to tell an Eastern fable using cinematic language and make the core emotions—loyalty, desire, and regret—understandable to audiences from different cultural backgrounds required the efforts and trust of the entire team. I am very grateful for that time."

Tian Lili turned to Shen Shandeng: "Shandeng, your film 'The Eunuch' has also made history. The box office numbers are certainly amazing, but the creative process must have been full of stories as well. Tell us about it, what moments during filming left a particularly deep impression on you?"

Shen Shandeng said, "Thank you, Director Tian. The success of 'The Eunuch' is thanks to the team. I remember the last big battle was filmed in Anji, Zhejiang. The weather was humid and stuffy at that time, and people were wearing heavy costumes. They would be covered in sweat with the slightest movement."

"Of course, our biggest concern wasn't the weather, but the special effects. Our entire special effects team worked tirelessly to create the Grandmaster Battle scene."

“I specifically placed this scene at the beginning, a two-minute shot, which wasn’t completed until the very last moment. We didn’t have world-class computer technology or a sufficient budget, so we could only use miniature models and stop-motion animation to move the scene forward frame by frame.”

"There are only 24 hours a day, so we had to work in three shifts. Everyone was working their hardest to capture the feeling of the thrilling climax battle."

“My team and I are well aware that if we fail, this will be the end of historical epics, and people will say that Chinese people are not interested in history.”

"So, we just pushed ourselves to the limit. The movie was released in November, and we only finished the last shot in mid-October. When we finished, everyone applauded."

"That's how movies are. Many times, it's all about patience and obsession with those little shots."

His simple words instantly transported everyone back to the passionate and challenging creative process.

A round of applause erupted from the audience.

The conversation gradually got back on track.

Tian Lili asked, "Speaking of which, did you, director of Paperclip, foresee the phenomenal success that 'The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger' achieved in the West? It seems to have opened a completely new door for later Chinese period epics."

Paperclip shook his head sincerely and said, "I didn't expect it at all. The success of a film, especially cross-cultural success, has its own historical and temporal aspects."

"As for opening the door, I believe that this door has never been opened by a particular movie or a particular person."

"After 'The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger,' films like 'Hero' and 'House of Flying Daggers' achieved success one after another, creating a wave of success. Ultimately, this is because China carried out cinema reforms."

"It's because the creativity of Chinese filmmakers, like director Zhang Yimou, has exploded. This is the result of endogenous power, and it's a natural outcome."

A watertight answer.

Shen Shandeng nodded secretly as he listened; to someone who didn't know the situation, it really did sound true.

He humbly and skillfully attributed the credit to the overall development of Chinese cinema.

Shen Shandeng felt that Chai Jing's level was much lower than this person's.

Marco Müller praised, "Well said. But in any case, Director Paperclip, you and your work are undoubtedly shining stars, a very important bridge connecting the Eastern and Western film worlds. Your artistic achievements are evident to all."

A relaxed smile appeared on Paperclip's face. His gaze swept over Shen Shandeng beside him, becoming relaxed and even slightly superior.

"You flatter me, Marco. The film itself is a bridge."

The two hosts on stage were Tian Lili, his old friend, and Marco Müller, his mentor who had been promoting him. This was his home turf.

He seemed to have already foreseen the outcome of this conversation, reaffirming his status as a pioneer in Chinese-language cinema in a friendly atmosphere.

However, the teachers and students in the audience gradually realized that something was wrong.

"What's going on? Director Tian and that old foreign man have been circling around the paperclip the whole time?"

"Yes, Paperclip's side is all about flattery."

"That's so unfair! This is Beijing Film Academy, Senior Shen's home turf!"

Huang Li, who used to be a "Shenyang hater," is now a complete "Shenyang fan." He couldn't help but complain to his colleagues in a low voice.

"Director Tian's favoritism is too obvious! He's using school resources to promote his old friend. What does he take Director Shen for? A stepping stone?"

Da Mimi, sitting in the front row, had slightly sweaty palms.

She was worried about the hidden injustices her boyfriend faced, but also incredibly proud that he could sit on equal footing with an internationally renowned director and speak eloquently in such a setting.

On the stage.

Tian Lili said, "Shandeng, 'The Eunuch' achieved phenomenal box office success, breaking records that had stood for many years. In your opinion, what is the core appeal of this work? Is it the visual spectacle, or the story itself?"

Shen Shandeng said, "Box office is just a result. I think the key to the audience's recognition of 'The Eunuch' lies in its attempt to find a path that combines Chinese core themes with Chinese visual effects."

"A film, first and foremost, tells a story that we ourselves believe in."

"Based on a narrative foundation of real history and values, it presents visuals and artistic conception that conform to Chinese aesthetics, ensuring a smooth and suspenseful plot, and ultimately returning to the most basic yet most solid sense of justice of fighting darkness and promoting light."

"Ultimately, it is the film's overall presentation of our nation's self-respect and self-confidence that truly resonated with the audience. This is not my personal achievement; it is a beacon of history and a choice of the times."

Shen Shandeng's voice was not loud, but amplified by the microphone, it resonated throughout the quiet auditorium.

The audience immediately erupted in even more enthusiastic and sincere applause.

Paperclip's expression became complicated.

At this point in the conversation, he had to get to his task.

He was on a mission this time, a mission from his master that he couldn't refuse.

He could only maintain his composure and say, "Perhaps 'The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger' has completed its historical mission. Congratulations to Director Shen on the amazing achievements of 'The Eunuch,' which has indeed created a different atmosphere."

As soon as these words were spoken, an uncontrollable buzzing sound immediately rose from the audience!
Despite having a numerical advantage and the host's favoritism, Paperclip subtly appeared to be at a disadvantage when facing Shen Shandeng!
The aura of those lofty art masters seems to be beginning to waver and collapse.

Everyone truly experienced the terrifying influence of a director who possesses absolute market power and a clear cultural stance.

Seeing this, Marco Müller felt the time was right: "Both directors spoke so well! This perfectly demonstrates the diverse charm of film art! The elegant and freehand style of 'The Hidden Dragon and the majestic and profound style of 'The Eunuch' are both treasures of film art, a perfect embodiment of beauty in harmony!"

He then changed the subject, expressing his indignation on behalf of "Zao Nie," which had been indirectly and severely damaged by "Du Gong."

"Of course, the world of film is incredibly vast. Just as some of the director's other works explore more complex dimensions of human nature, the diversity of art itself deserves our utmost respect and understanding. Every exploration has its value."

Tian Lili smiled inwardly as she looked at Shen Shandeng, whose expression had changed slightly.

Going a step further than Mark Müller, he posed an extremely pointed question that was outside the pre-set agenda.

"So, Shan Deng, what are your views on artistic freedom and creative restrictions? Or, to put it another way, do the current mechanisms affect the artistic merit of a work?"

This issue is extremely sensitive, and the previously friendly atmosphere of communication suddenly turned cold.

The entire room fell silent, and all eyes were on Shen Shandeng.

Shen Shandeng's expression hardened slightly, his eyes looked confused, and he subconsciously glanced around the audience, his brows furrowing as if searching for something.

Seemingly completely unprepared, Tian Lili, the head of the department at Beijing Film Academy, would pose such an advanced and potentially dangerous question in this setting.

He seemed to have been caught off guard.

On the stage, Paperclip couldn't suppress the slight curve of his lips, and a gleam of pleasure flashed in his eyes.

He had finally arrived at a familiar territory.

He reached the moral high ground he could occupy under the banner of "artistic freedom".

He looked at Shen Shandeng with a leisurely air, ready to watch how this native hero would crumble in the face of this problem.

offstage.

Da Mimi almost stood up; her heart was in her throat.

Everyone knew that Shen Shandeng was in big trouble.

(End of this chapter)