Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 372: Witnessing History

In the last few days of the National Day Golden Week, the popularity of "The Legend of Zu" did not decline despite Wang Sheng's "giant screen theater-oriented" film review and the subsequent all-round publicity bombardment. Instead, it took advantage of the end of the holiday to create another small peak in movie viewing.

Reports from China Film Group's Shengshi Cinema Data Center clearly demonstrate the strong momentum of this visual spectacle.

From its official release on October 1st to October 6th, for six consecutive days, the daily box office of "The Legend of Zu" remained steadily above 1.8 million yuan in just dozens of modern multiplex cinemas under China Film Group Corporation across the country, with the highest single-day box office even breaking the 2 million yuan mark.

This number, placed before "Shaolin Soccer" swept everything, is enough to make any domestic film industry grin from ear to ear.

However, those in the know inevitably compare it to that unrepeatable miracle.

In its early days of release, especially during the peak of the "ticket lottery" campaign, the daily box office of "Shaolin Soccer" once soared to nearly 300 million yuan, a near-frenzied market phenomenon.

Many viewers, especially young people and families ignited by their World Cup dreams, don't care how many times they've seen the movie. They buy tickets for morning, midday, or even off-peak screenings, just to get that possible lucky number on the ticket stub and participate in that "suffocating dream" lottery.

The movie itself became secondary, and the act of watching it was distorted into a nationwide gambling and support activity, but all the necessary procedures were followed, so it wasn't illegal.

The Legend of Shushan obviously cannot replicate this model.

Its success is closer to the traditional meaning of "high-quality content + precise marketing + channel guarantee".

Wang Sheng's "visual spectacle" tone precisely captured the core audience who are interested in special effects and pursue a big-screen experience, while China Film Grand Cinema's high-quality giant screen hall and sound equipment perfectly met and amplified this demand.

With an average daily box office of over 180 million, roughly two-thirds of the peak daily box office of "Shaolin Soccer," this is a remarkable achievement. It proves that this type of genre-driven, industrially produced fantasy blockbuster has a solid audience base in the mainland market and also gives Shengying Media a strong boost in integrating Hong Kong directors' resources and leading similar projects.

But everyone understands that "Shaolin Soccer" is a phenomenon, a rare combination of "right time, right place, and right people"; while the success of "The Legend of Zu" is a more universal and replicable business path.

……

Time flies, and before we knew it, it was October 7th, the last day of the National Day holiday.

For the vast majority of Chinese people, this is the last relaxation before the holiday ends.

But this day is forever etched in the history of Chinese football.

at dusk.

Shenyang, Liaoning Province, Wulihe Stadium.

The stadium, which can hold nearly 60,000 people, was already completely packed with people.

Red flags fluttered, drums resounded, and loud shouts intertwined with the melody of "Singing for the Motherland," forming a surging wave of sound that soared into the sky.

The air was thick with a burning anticipation and tension.

Today, in the Group B round of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Chinese national team will host Oman.

If the Chinese team wins this match, they will secure the top spot in Group B two rounds in advance and qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in history!
This is a moment that generations of Chinese footballers and countless fans have been waiting for and longing for!

The area of ​​the stadium's main stand had already been meticulously decorated.

Accompanied by Mayor Xu, the top official of Shenyang, officials from relevant provincial departments, the chairman of the Football Association, and Zhao Benshan, a representative of local cultural figures, Wang Sheng and his entourage appeared here.

Wang Sheng was dressed in a simple dark casual suit, and his figure was upright.

Beside him were two of Shengying Media's leading actresses—Li Xiaoran and Gao Yuanyuan.

Li Xiaoran wore a beige cashmere long dress with a light brown trench coat on top. Her long hair was draped over her shoulders, and her temperament was gentle and quiet, like a warm ray of sunshine in autumn.

Gao Yuanyuan chose a light pink knitted dress, paired with a beret in the same color scheme, exuding a fresh and sweet charm with a touch of artistic flair. She curiously surveyed the bustling scene around her, her big eyes sparkling with excitement.

The appearance of the two stunning beauties was extremely eye-catching in itself. They followed Wang Sheng on the left and right sides. Although they did not make any overly intimate gestures, this "accompanying beauties" treatment still caused a stir in the surrounding area and attracted countless cameras.

Besides them, another key figure is Stephen Chow, who just created a box office miracle.

He was wearing a red sports jacket with the word "China" printed on it and a baseball cap. He looked a little reserved, but his eyes were full of curiosity and awe at the grand scene.

His appearance also drew cheers from fans and reporters, with shouts of "Stephen Chow" echoing throughout the venue.

The arrival of Wang Sheng and his entourage was naturally the result of careful arrangements made by the Shencheng authorities.

The deep connection between "Kung Fu Soccer" and the Chinese national football team's bid for the World Cup has made Wang Sheng and Stephen Chow, to some extent, "football lucky charms" and "dream representatives".

Inviting them to the game at this historic juncture is not only a gesture of hospitality from the local government and the football association, but also implies leveraging their influence to further ignite this match that is destined to go down in history.

……

The atmosphere was already incredibly heated even before the competition started.

The media reporters, with their keen sense of smell, naturally wouldn't let go of this excellent interview opportunity, and soon surrounded him, aiming their cameras and microphones at Wang Sheng.

"Coach Wang, what are your expectations for tonight's game? Do you think the national football team can win?" A reporter eagerly held out the microphone.

Facing the camera, Wang Sheng wore a perfectly measured smile, his tone calm yet brimming with unwavering confidence: "This isn't just expectation, it's conviction. I believe in our players, I believe in Coach Milutinovic. Tonight, at Wulihe Stadium, with the support of all Chinese fans, we will definitely win!" His words, amplified by the reporter's microphone and camera, drew cheers from the surrounding crowd.

"Director Wang, the 'lottery ticket' event for 'Kung Fu Soccer' has greatly inspired fans. At this crucial moment, is there anything else you would like to say to fans across the country? Or, is there any new surprise?" Another reporter cleverly steered the conversation.

Wang Sheng seemed to have been prepared. His gaze swept over the countless expectant faces around him, and his voice rose slightly, clearly breaking through the noise: "The success of 'Kung Fu Soccer' is inseparable from the support of audiences across the country. The dreams of film and football are connected."

He paused, as if making a momentous decision, and continued, "Here, I solemnly promise you all—if tonight, our national team heroes successfully defeat Oman, break out of Asia, and go on to conquer the world!"

I, Wang Sheng, will personally fund an additional 100 tickets to the World Cup, on top of the original 200 tickets allocated for the 200 million yuan box office revenue of "Kung Fu Soccer"!

Similarly, the winners will be drawn from the ticket stubs of all fans who supported "Shaolin Soccer" in an open and fair manner!

"boom--!"

These words were like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the entire room!

Three hundred opportunities to attend the World Cup in person and cheer for the Chinese team!

This is not just a gift of money, but a sharing of dreams and a sense of pride in participation!
"Wang Sheng is awesome!"

"Master Sheng is a true righteous man!"

"For the World Cup! For 300 spots! Team China will win!"

Wang Sheng was overwhelmed by thunderous cheers and applause.

Mayor Xu and the Football Association president exchanged smiles, clearly very satisfied with Wang Sheng's statement.

Li Xiaoran and Gao Yuanyuan also smiled as they looked at Wang Sheng, who had become the focus of attention, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

Stephen Chow smiled shyly at the camera and gave a thumbs up.

……

Then, the reporters' cameras turned to Li Xiaoran, Gao Yuanyuan, and Zhou Xingxing.

"Xiaoran, is this your first time watching such an important football match live? How does it feel?" the reporter asked.

Li Xiaoran took the microphone with poise and gentle voice: "Yes, it's my first time. The atmosphere here is amazing, I feel my blood boiling. I hope I can bring this good luck to the national team." Her words drew good-natured laughter and applause.

Gao Yuanyuan seemed more lively: "I feel even more nervous than when I'm filming! Seeing so many people cheering for the same goal is really moving. I believe tonight will be a wonderful night!"

Her sweet smile and sincere words won her another wave of goodwill.

Stephen Chow's interview was characterized by his signature nonsensical style: "I don't actually know much about football. But I know I have to win! Because if we lose, there won't be any of the 300 spots left!"

His feigned serious expression and somewhat "utilitarian" reasons actually created a great comedic effect, diluting the pre-match tension and making everyone burst into laughter.

The interactions between the celebrities were like adding fuel to the already boiling oil, causing the temperature at Wulihe Stadium to rise even higher.

……

At 7:30 p.m., with the referee's whistle, the match that captivated the hearts of hundreds of millions of people officially began!
The entire stadium instantly transformed into a roaring ocean.

The shouts of "Go China!" were unified and resonated like war drums, striking the hearts of every player on the field and every spectator off the field.

Wang Sheng sat on the podium, his gaze fixed intently on the green field.

Even though he knew the outcome of the match, when he was actually in this historic scene and felt the overwhelming national sentiment and collective expectations that were almost tangible, he was still deeply shocked and moved.

This is a torrent of pure emotion that transcends business calculations and personal gains and losses.

Li Xiaoran and Gao Yuanyuan had long since abandoned their previous relaxed demeanor, their eyes glued to the arena. As the match progressed, they would sometimes clench their fists in tension, and sometimes sigh with regret, completely immersed in the game.

In the 36th minute of the first half, Yu Genwei received a pass from the front of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net!

"The ball went in!!!"

Wulihe Stadium went completely wild at this moment!

The cheers were so loud they shook the earth and seemed to lift the roof off!
Wang Sheng couldn't help but stand up and applaud along with the people around him.

He saw Mayor Xu excitedly embracing the provincial leaders beside him, saw Zhao Benshan waving his arms and shouting "Good!", and saw Li Xiaoran and Gao Yuanyuan jumping up excitedly, their faces beaming with pure joy.

The score remained 1-0 until the final whistle blew!
"We've qualified!"

"Long live Team China!"

In an instant, countless cities across China erupted in thunderous cheers!
Wulihe Stadium became a sea of ​​red with joy, fireworks burst brilliantly in the night sky, and tears and smiles intertwined on every face.

(End of this chapter)