I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

Chapter 20 An Encounter with Scarlett

Both films showcased her mature charm and profound performance, earning her the title of 'the new generation of Marilyn Monroe'.

Of course, Cheng Sheng's most profound impression of her was still Scarlett from another memory. What truly made her known to the Chinese public was her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.

But why is she in Venice?

Shouldn't she be filming the crime comedy "The Black Dahlia" at this time?

Soon, Cheng Sheng realized that Xu Xiaozhong had told him about the film festival judges before he came to Venice.

The chairman of the jury this year is John Pullman, a British director.

The judges consisted of eight people: American director Spike Lee, German director Orfgang Beike, Chinese film producer Xu Feng, and Scarlett Johansson.

It's normal for her to be at the film festival.

But what's unusual is why she would ask herself if she is Chinese?

"Hello, Miss Johnson, what brings you here?" Cheng Sheng asked.

"That's amazing! It really is you guys!" Scarlett exclaimed excitedly.

Cheng Sheng, Zeng Li, and Qiao Shan were all dumbfounded by Scarlett's words.

What do you mean, "So it really was you guys"?

“You are Xiao Queen, you are Jin Yaocheng.”

Scarlett pointed at Zeng Li and Qiao Shandao.

What!
Xiao Queen.

Nobody understood this; it actually meant Empress Xiao.

What does "可金咬程" mean?
Qiao Shan thought for a moment and said, "Cheng Yaojin."

“Yes, yes, that’s what it is in the movie,” Scarlett said happily.

At this moment, Cheng Sheng realized that Scarlett was referring to a character in a movie.

Zeng Li plays Empress Xiao, and Qiao Shan plays Cheng Yaojin.

“God, that movie was absolutely fantastic! It was the best film I’ve ever seen at the Venice Film Festival,” Scarlett said, giving a thumbs up.

As a jury member at the Venice Film Festival, she was absolutely blown away when she saw the film submitted by China.

It was like watching an epic movie for her.

Both the character development and the war scenes are top-notch.

She felt as if she wasn't watching a movie, but rather experiencing the flames of war at the end of the Sui Dynasty and the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, following in the footsteps of history.

I also came to understand what Chinese history is and what the allure of war is.

She was completely captivated by the young Li Shimin.

I heard that this person would later become the greatest emperor in Chinese history.

As soon as the movie ended, she immediately cast her vote for this Chinese film.

I got tired of staying in the hotel today, so I decided to go out for a walk. Unexpectedly, I saw three people with yellow skin, and two of them looked like characters from a Chinese movie.

Overjoyed, she decided to come up and get to know them.

Upon hearing Scarlett's words, Zeng Li's eyes lit up and she said, "Miss Johnson, have you seen the film we submitted for the exhibition?"

“Yes, you played the Queen in the movie, and your acting was even better than mine,” Scarlett said with a smile.

"Thank you for the compliment. Your acting is also very impressive, especially in 'Lost in Translation,' which moved me to tears." Scarlett's words made Zeng Li very happy, considering that Scarlett had won the Best Actress award at Venice last year and was a jury member this year.

It's a pity I'm not the female lead. If I were, I might have a chance to win Best Actress.

Friendships between women can sometimes be quite incredible; a few words can be enough to become friends.

Zeng Li and Scarlett became acquainted quickly after exchanging words and started calling each other sisters.

"Scarlett, do we really have a chance to win an award?"

Zeng Li held Scarlett's hand and asked with expectant eyes.

“Sister Li, this is a secret. I won’t reveal it before the awards ceremony,” Scarlett said mysteriously.

Although Zeng Li was a little disappointed, she understood Scarlett's feelings.

Without pressing further about the awards, Zeng Li pointed to Cheng Sheng and said, "Let me introduce you. Cheng Sheng is the director of the movie you like, 'The Great Tang Dynasty - Origins'."

Scarlett was stunned upon hearing this, covering her mouth with one hand and exclaiming, "My God! You're really the director of 'The Great Tang Dynasty - Origins'?"

She simply couldn't believe it; the other person looked to be only in his early twenties, how could he possibly have made such a classic and magnificent film!
She had always thought the director of this film was an elderly man in his sixties or seventies.

“Hello, Ms. Scarlett. Let me formally introduce myself. I am Cheng Sheng, you can call me Cheng. I am the director of ‘The Great Tang Dynasty - Origins’.” Cheng Sheng extended his hand.

Scarlett excitedly shook hands with Cheng Sheng and said, "Cheng, you are so amazing, you know? I guarantee that you will become the world's greatest director, just like Spielberg."

"I dare not accept such praise. Spielberg is a world-renowned director, while I am just a directing student who has not yet graduated," Cheng Sheng said modestly.

“No, Cheng, your abilities are definitely not lacking. I believe you will succeed in the future,” Scarlett said solemnly.

"Then I thank you for your kind words," Cheng Sheng said with a smile.

“Cheng, can I ask you how the war scenes in the movie were filmed? When I watched it, I felt like I was on the battlefield. Good heavens, I was really startled.” Scarlett asked humbly.

Seeing Scarlett's humbly seeking advice, Cheng Sheng wanted to tell her the truth, but he was afraid that even if he told her, she wouldn't believe him, given her firsthand experience.

Looking into the other person's sincere eyes, Cheng Sheng thought for a moment and came up with an excuse to brush it off.

"Cheng Sheng, your idea is truly imaginative! Using art-house film techniques to shoot a war scene, that's simply brilliant!" Scarlett said, her big, watery eyes sparkling.

"It was just a sudden inspiration of mine, nothing as brilliant as you make it out to be, Miss Scarlett," Cheng Sheng said.

“Scarlett, Director Cheng is really amazing. If you were to film one of his movies, you’d definitely discover even more incredible things,” Zeng Li whispered to Scarlett.

"Really?" Scarlett's eyes lit up. Working with a director like Cheng Sheng was definitely worthwhile.

"Cheng, what do you think of me? Is there a chance for us to work together?"

Scarlett looked at Cheng Shengdao expectantly.

Cheng Sheng replied without hesitation, "Of course, you are my favorite actress, and working with you has always been my dream."

"That's great, Cheng! Don't forget me if you ever get a suitable role in the future," Scarlett said happily.

"Okay." Cheng Sheng nodded.

"Cheng, are you here for a walk today too?"

Scarlett suddenly said.

“No, I wanted to see if there was any opportunity to sell the film’s overseas distribution rights,” Cheng Sheng said.

Scarlett shook her head and said, "You'll suffer if you do that."

"What do you mean?" Cheng Sheng asked, taken aback.

(End of this chapter)