I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

[I've heard that Andy Lau's starring role in "Zheng He's Voyages to the West" has already caused quite a stir in Hong Kong.]

[Liu Dehua is really unlucky; he's gotten himself into this fanboy scandal, and now the person involved is even suing him.]

[Fans are really crazy about celebrities these days. I'm going to warn my daughter when I get home that if she shows any signs of doing that, I'll give her a piece of my mind.]

Yes! This unhealthy trend is unacceptable.

The other side is the launch event venue.

At the invitation of several production companies, including Victory Film & Television and China Film Group, dozens of news media outlets attended the event.

Cheng Sheng and Da Tiantian, dressed in simple sportswear, attracted a lot of attention when they entered the venue.

The main cast and crew arrived early and held a simple opening ceremony before starting the interview session. The media's cameras began to flash, and microphones and long lenses surrounded them.

"Director Cheng, what are your box office predictions for 'Zheng He's Voyages to the West'? Will it surpass your previous film box office records?"

The reporter's question made the crew members all look at Cheng Sheng, and everyone present perked up their ears.

Cheng Sheng directed a total of four films: "The Great Tang Dynasty 1", "Three Kingdoms" (Parts 1 & 2) and "Ten Red Army Soldiers".

Each of their films achieved box office success that was beyond the reach of others.

The domestic box office charts have been breaking records one after another, with both "Three Kingdoms" and "Ten Red Army Soldiers" entering the billion-yuan club.

It's worth noting that Cheng Sheng is the only person whose film has grossed over one billion yuan in the country.

Such results are enough to make domestic directors feel hopeless.

In another world, the first domestic film to achieve box office success was "Lost in Thailand," and that was in 2012.

It's only 2007 now, a difference of five years.

Although Cheng Sheng's films did not break international box office records, they still managed to enter the top ten of the box office charts.

In particular, the film "Ten Red Army Soldiers" grossed $9 million worldwide, just making it the ninth highest-grossing film worldwide.

The top eight are Titanic, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Shrek 2, Pirates of the Caribbean 2, Jurassic Park, The Lion King, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

It's a bit of a pity that the two movies, "Three Kingdoms" and "Tang Dynasty 1", didn't make it into the top ten, but they did make it into the top twenty.

The global box office charts are mostly dominated by Hollywood movies, but Cheng Sheng is the only one to break into the top, which makes him even more popular with movie fans around the world.

"Predictions are a bit unreliable, so I won't discuss them here. As for whether it can surpass the record, I wonder if this reporter is asking about domestic or international records?" Cheng Sheng said with a smile.

Before the reporter could answer, Cheng Sheng continued, "The first 'Tang Dynasty' grossed 850 million yuan in China, the 'Three Kingdoms' series grossed over 13 billion and 14 billion yuan respectively, and 'Ten Red Army Soldiers' grossed over 15 billion yuan. I can't guarantee whether 'Zheng He's Voyages to the West' can break this record, but records are meant to be broken, and I won't stay where I am."

Hearing Cheng Sheng's powerful words, the reporters present fell silent.

This achievement is truly impressive, especially considering that Cheng Sheng is only 25 years old and will be able to make many more movies in the future.

It's really hard to say how many records he'll break in the future.

"Director Cheng, why did you choose Mr. Liu Dehua as the lead actor? Don't you know he's been embroiled in scandals?"

After processing Cheng Sheng's words, a Hong Kong reporter turned his attention to Liu Dehua, who was standing next to Cheng Sheng. Hearing the reporter speak with a strong Hong Kong accent, Liu Dehua instantly knew the reporter was from Hong Kong.

"Sir reporter, I will answer your question on behalf of Director Cheng."

Lau Tak-wah stepped forward and replied seriously, "I am very sorry for what happened. The Hong Kong Island Police also intervened in this matter, and you should know the results of their investigation. I am innocent."

"As for the rumors you mentioned, I will handle them properly and they will not affect the filming of the movie."

"Also, today is the press conference for 'Zheng He's Voyages to the West,' so please refrain from asking irrelevant questions later, thank you."

After Liu Dehua finished speaking, he bowed and returned to the group.

Several reporters standing near the Hong Kong Island reporters looked disgusted. Those Hong Kong Island reporters were really disgusting, asking such questions in this kind of situation.

For a moment, several reporters nearby moved a few steps away, as if this Hong Kong Island reporter had a contagious disease.

"Hello, Director Cheng, I'm from Jiangnan Newspaper. This film has an investment of over one billion yuan, making it the most expensive film ever made in China. I wonder if you feel any pressure?"

Cheng Sheng, holding the microphone, said, "There is definitely pressure. After all, I've invested so much money. If I can't break even, I'll be letting down the investors. If I lose a lot, no one will invest in me in the future."

"Haha, Director Cheng, you're joking. If your movie loses money, then there are no movies in the world that make money," the reporter said with a smile, offering a compliment.

"Is Director Cheng planning to follow in Zheng He's footsteps and finish filming 'Zheng He's Voyages to the West'?" a reporter asked, raising his hand.

"That's right. I will film according to the historical records of Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean. I will not distort any historical facts. I will let everyone see the true history and let everyone know the charm of Chinese history," Cheng Sheng said solemnly.

"it is good."

Upon hearing Cheng Sheng's words, everyone present applauded.

Having watched too many films and television dramas that drastically alter history, people in China are almost forgetting the true history.

"Director Cheng, how is your replica of the Ming Dynasty Fujian ship different from the historical Fujian ship?" someone suddenly asked.

Cheng Sheng glanced at the reporter in the crowd and said with a smile, "I'll have someone else answer this question for you all."

After saying that, Cheng Sheng extended his hand, took a step back, and called out, "Please welcome Professor Zhang from the History Department of Huaxia University."

Backstage, an elderly man in his sixties, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, came out, walked up to Cheng Sheng, shook his hand excitedly, and said, "Young Cheng, thank you for your contributions to the country."

"Professor Zhang, you're welcome. This is what I should do as a Chinese person," Cheng Sheng said modestly.

Everyone except those in the know looked confused as they watched Cheng Sheng interact with Professor Zhang.

What contributions has Cheng Sheng made to the country?
Professor Zhang took the microphone from Cheng Sheng and addressed the reporters below: "I am a professor in the History Department of Huaxia University. Just now, someone asked what the difference is between the Fujian ships docked at the pier and the Fujian ships of the Ming Dynasty. My answer to you is that there is no difference; they are exactly the same."

It's exactly the same!
With a loud bang.

Everyone's head was buzzing.

how can that be possible!
Didn't history books record that the blueprints for the Fujian ship were burned?
Are there no complete blueprints for Fujian ships left in modern times?

How could they possibly be exactly the same?! (End of Chapter)