The only sun in Huayu

Changsha in July is sweltering with heat.

Having completed all the promotional tasks, Shen Shandeng flew back to Beijing from Changsha.

Outside the airplane window, the setting sun painted the clouds a magnificent golden-red hue.

BJ is filled with the atmosphere of the Olympics.

Shen Shandeng's flight landed smoothly at Beijing Capital International Airport, and he quickly got into his waiting car through the VIP channel.

Shen Shandeng declined Fan Bingbing's invitation and went home.

The personal assistant handed over a document listing work invitations and private meeting requests, including dating hints from several well-known female celebrities through various channels.

The words were subtle, yet the purpose was clear.

I understand everything I understand.

Shen Shandeng glanced at it casually, his eyes showing no emotion. His current problem was that he was too busy to be in two places at once.

"I canceled everything. I sent Mimi a message saying I'm back."

Ma Youde, who was standing next to him, said, "Boss, you've worked hard. The celebration banquet for 'Lost in Thailand' is tentatively scheduled for this Thursday night. The schedule is similar to last time. Please take a look later."

"Hmm, let's make it a bit more lively." Shen Shandeng asked, "What about tomorrow? I'm not taking a day off. Is there something going on?"

Ma Youde said, "Some important interviews are sought after by both CCTV and 'A Date with Luyu'?"

"Never mind," Shen Shandeng shook his head and said, "What about 'Jiajing' and 'The Embroidered Uniform Guard'?"

Ma Youde reported: "Post-production of 'Jiajing' is proceeding according to plan, with Wu Jing and Zhou Qifeng keeping a close eye on it. The third draft of the script for 'The Embroidered Uniform Guard' has also been completed, and the scriptwriting team is waiting for you to have a meeting to discuss it."

Shen Shandeng asked, "How is Lu Chuan doing over at 'Nanjing'? Is he still behaving himself?"

Ma Youde replied, "The editing work went relatively smoothly. There were a few minor tweaks occasionally, but they were harmless. We didn't dare to change the overall framework, and the master tape and all the original materials were under strict control by our people."

Shen Shandeng nodded, not surprised by the result.

Ma Youde then reported on another important task: "Boss, the producer training class, director training class, and screenwriter training class that you instructed us to prepare are almost done."

"We have initially selected a list of candidates, mainly from young people who have performed well, are quick to learn, and are willing to work hard in the projects of 'The Eunuch,' 'Lost in Thailand,' and 'Jiajing.'"

The current film market is not lacking in resources.

It is not lacking in either technology or talent.

Even due to the advantages of the system, various art colleges have an almost inexhaustible supply of talent.

The key issue is the lack of leadership.

The decline of cultural elites is the root cause of cultural weakness!

Shen Shandeng was very satisfied with this: "Very good. It's not about the quantity of people, but the quality. The key is that they must be of good character, have clear minds, and know where to direct their efforts."

"It would be best to skip those who have been contaminated by messy ideas from the outside world and cultivate them directly from our own industrialized processes."

"Understood!" Ma Youde replied knowingly, "We will prioritize stance and principles and ensure that we are in good condition."

Shen Shandeng glanced at the rough schedule that Ma Youde handed him.

In July, he had to go back to school to handle a series of trivial matters related to graduation, and then at the end of July, there was the official opening ceremony of the new China Film Group building. Han Sanping specifically instructed him to attend.

He briefly checked the time and gave a few instructions.

The car drove into the city and eventually entered a high-end residential community in Shunyi.

Originally, it was a two-unit building with one elevator, but Shen Shandeng bought the entire floor here. After opening it up, the space became extremely spacious while also ensuring privacy.

The elevator doors opened, and Da Mi Mi was already waiting prettily at the entrance.

"You're back! Have you eaten? I made soup and a few of your favorite dishes!"

Da Mimi's voice was very distinctive, filled with the joy of a young girl, and she naturally took the clothes that Shen Shandeng casually took off.

Upon entering the house, several exquisite home-style dishes were laid out on the dining table, still steaming hot.

Shen Shandeng took a few bites and joked, "Not bad, your skills in choosing restaurants have improved."

"I made this scrambled eggs." Da Mimi sat opposite him, resting her chin on her hands, looking at him with bright, admiring eyes.

Shen Shandeng took a big bite and exclaimed, "That's amazing!"

"I learned it all from you. You're so amazing, I can't be too bad."

She complained a little, "It's just that a lot of people have been coming to see me lately, asking me out for meals and tea, it's a bit annoying."

Shen Shandeng quietly put down the scrambled eggs and said while eating, "Have Ma Youde assign you two personal assistants. Try to take them with you when you go out. People in this industry are complicated, so be careful and don't fall into their trap."

Da Mimi felt a sweet warmth in her heart and nodded vigorously: "Yes! I understand!"

After Shen Shandeng finished eating, she quickly and efficiently cleared away the dishes.

She snuggled into Shen Shandeng's arms like a kitten, her voice becoming somewhat muffled.

“You fly too fast. Sometimes, I’m a little scared. I’m afraid I can’t keep up with you, afraid I’m too useless.”

Shen Shandeng put his arm around her, gently twirling the ends of her hair with his fingers, and said softly, "Aren't you silly? No matter how high or far I fly, I'll always have my own people by my side. Just focus on being a good soldier, and you'll always have your place."

Da Mimi raised her head and said coquettishly, "Weren't you a corporal? How come you've turned back into a private?"

Shen Shandeng raised an eyebrow and deliberately put on a stern face, saying, "That's because someone didn't trust me and undermined morale, so he was demoted. We'll see how you perform in the future."

Da Mi Mi was amused by him, and her slight unease vanished. She snuggled against him affectionately.

Shen Shandeng's attitude is that he can have fun outside, but there must be peace and quiet at home!

Honey graduated, so we're rewarding her with a baby.

the next day.

Shen Shandeng appeared in the office looking refreshed and energetic.

After handling several urgent matters, he had his driver take him to Huairou.

Although the entire China Film Digital Production Base has not yet been fully completed, some core studios and post-production areas have already been put into use and are beginning to take shape.

Accompanied by relevant personnel, Shen Shandeng gave a brief tour of the project's progress.

Looking at the large-scale, state-of-the-art park in front of me.

Even someone as used to grand occasions as him couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

The nation's determination and efforts in promoting the construction of cultural industry infrastructure are nothing short of aggressive. Once fully completed, this area will become a veritable premier film and television production hub in Asia.

He first went to the editing room of "Jiajing".

Wu Jing and Zhou Qifeng had already received the news and were waiting there.

The two gave a detailed report on the current editing progress, the problems encountered, and the next steps.

Shen Shandeng carefully reviewed several key segments of the sample footage and nodded: "The overall pacing is good, the momentum is there, and the dramatic tension is sufficient. There's no need to rush post-production; just polish it meticulously. The Lunar New Year release is our target, and we have plenty of time."

"We can start the publicity and pre-launch campaign now, and we should come up with a plan to discuss it as soon as possible."

Zhou Qifeng said, "Understood, Director Shen. The publicity team is already doing preliminary planning and will report back to you soon."

After leaving the editing room of "Jiajing", Shen Shandeng went into the post-production room of "Nanjing" next door.

Lu Chuan had obviously been notified in advance and was waiting inside, her expression somewhat complicated.

There was a hint of reluctance mixed with a subtle sense of awe.

In fact.

With the box office and critical acclaim of "Lost in Thailand" exploding, Lu Chuan's feelings towards Shen Shandeng have changed.

This is not just a box office victory, but also a victory for Shen Shandeng's film philosophy and path.

The success of "Lost in Thailand" is significant beyond the film itself.

Shen Shandeng is not only a director, but also a visionary strategist.

At this time, Shen Shandeng already had the development plan for the Dugong Cinematic Universe, and in the long run, he was determined to create a "Chinese historical cinematic universe". In addition, "Lost in Thailand" pioneered the road comedy genre, and there were also Wu Jing and even himself.

All of this signifies that mainland directors, under the leadership of Shen Shandeng, are gradually taking over the discourse power from both commercial and artistic perspectives.

The era in which Hong Kong and Taiwanese directors held sway was quietly coming to an end.

This perception unconsciously created a powerful aura around Shen Shandeng, causing Lu Chuan to subconsciously restrain her arrogance and begin to unconsciously cater to him.

Shen Shandeng didn't waste any words. He sat down and asked the editor to play the partially edited footage.

He observed very carefully, and hardly spoke at all during the process.

Lu Chuan felt extremely uneasy.

Even his father doesn't want to face Shen Shandeng now.

Especially when it's for his own good.

After watching a crucial 20-minute scene, Shen Shandeng looked somber, but still patted Lu Chuan on the shoulder.

"Great! Well done! Lu Chuan, I knew you were talented!"

Shen Shandeng put his arm around Lu Chuan, who was still somewhat dazed, and said sincerely, "Look at the use of these long takes, the sense of power that bursts out from the repression, and the historical solemnity brought by the black and white images. The commercial appeal and artistry are combined perfectly! This film is a success!"

"I'll push this to an international film festival so that more people can see this history."

Lu Chuan was caught off guard by the sudden praise. An international film festival?
I felt a little embarrassed.

He originally thought Shen Shandeng was there to find fault or put pressure on him, but he didn't expect it to be a confirmation.

Lu Chuan said, "International film festivals require introductions, right?"

"I'll introduce Jiang Zhiqiang to you, let him come." Shen Shandeng's attitude towards Lu Chuan was exceptionally tolerant and encouraging.

"Go for it! Don't have too many worries. I fully support artistic innovation."

"My job is to provide you with logistical support and eliminate all interference. Nanjing will always be your work, Lu Chuan's work, and that will never change."

In Shen Shandeng's mind, there was a clear understanding of Lu Chuan's role and how to utilize her.

In the short term, Lu Chuan and "Nanjing" have a similar effect to "731" in later generations.

Its core value lies not only in the film itself, but also in the fact that it serves as a catalyst and an opportunity.

Through a film that is destined to attract widespread attention and discussion, public opinion can be guided towards commemoration and reflection on specific historical memories.

Films, along with audiences and public opinion, work together to commemorate history.

Whether it's support, opposition, or heated debate, it's all part of the overall plan.

Even if some people are dissatisfied with the film itself, aside from those who are cross-dressing, this dissatisfaction is more about the film's creative aspects than a questioning of the historical suffering itself.

A director is a director, a film is a film, and historical suffering is historical suffering.

Later generations, judging from the rhythm and arrangement, could actually see that Honnoji Temple had a master.

The timing of the release of "731" is very reasonable. After "Nanjing Photo Studio" and the military parade, it sets the narrative tone from both the perspectives of soft power and hard power.

Of course, there's also the guidance from CCTV.

Lu Chuan's film "Nanjing" shares a similar starting point with "731," both attempting to occupy the moral and emotional high ground.

Lu Chuan was just better at this, always using the excuse of better reviewing history to make it difficult for critics to find a way to respond.

In contrast, "731" is much less respectable; they don't even bother with acting.

If it weren't for the relevant authorities forcing changes and re-establishing the tone of the propaganda, the scene would have been quite unsightly.

The film's producers are so outrageous that they're actively using the moral high ground for marketing and attacking others.

In terms of the buttocks, the director of "731" is a bit more upright.

But if it's not crooked, it might not be the director's fault; it could also be that someone higher up corrected it.

If it's a one-time use, Shen Shandeng could use Lu Chuan and then discard her.

Movies that blatantly exploit historical suffering to gain fame and fortune are bound to be criticized as part of the process.

However, 10 years ago at this point in time, coupled with Shen Shandeng's heavily modified version, Lu Chuan would have had a very tragic fate.

We'll be criticized both internally and externally, but this is part of the plan.

Fortunately, Shen Shandeng had a long-term plan for Lu Chuan, keeping him on one track.

In the long run, Lu Chuan's second role is more important.

Simply put, Lu Chuan is similar to Hu Chenfeng, who specializes in Apple products.

Lu Chuan was the weapon he had hoped to create specifically for targeting so-called art and cultural elites. (End of Chapter)