Chapter 418 "Extreme Challenge"

The reversal of public opinion came faster than expected.

Zhang Jiake originally wanted to attract attention and generate buzz for his new film by criticizing "The Wandering Earth".

Unexpectedly, his attempt to steal a chicken backfired and he lost the rice instead.

Instead, netizens dug up all his secrets and he was met with a barrage of criticism.

His Weibo comment section was completely flooded with complaints and mockery from netizens.

He was so frightened that he immediately disabled comments and dared not speak again.

Those directors and screenwriters who followed suit immediately deleted their Weibo posts and began to play dead, fearing they would get burned.

Netizens couldn't help but joke: "They were all so righteous just now, why are they all mute now? Keep cursing, why did you stop?"

On the set of Avengers, Christine looked at the comments on her phone and said to Chen Xun with a smile, "You didn't even need to lift a finger; the netizens have already taken care of the criticism for you. The audience's eyes are indeed discerning."

"Of course!"

Chen Xun smiled and said, "Today's audiences are not fools like they used to be. They know very well who is making movies with heart and who is just trying to make money."

Chris Hemsworth chimed in, "These people are ridiculous. They can't do anything themselves, so they blame others."

Chen Xun shrugged: "Once 'The Wandering Earth' is released, its box office performance and critical acclaim will show them what a truly good movie is."

.

Just then!

Rob called, his voice brimming with excitement: "Bro, great news! The domestic cinemas just called me. Because 'The Wandering Earth' is so popular and pre-sales are booming, they've decided to increase its screening share again, from the initial 55% to 70%, setting a new record for screenings during the Chinese New Year film season!"

"Overseas pre-sales are also booming! First-day pre-sales in North America have already surpassed $2000 million, setting a new record for first-day pre-sales for a non-Hollywood film! Pre-sales in Europe, Japan, and South Korea have also broken overseas pre-sale records for Chinese films!"

Pinewood Studios in Atlanta.

The last Spider-Man scene has been filmed.

The Russo brothers, holding a megaphone, shouted, "Filming wrapped!"

The entire studio erupted in cheers.

Chen Xun took off the Spider-Man suit he had worn for three whole months.

He worked non-stop for four months straight, playing Peter Parker during the day and Star-Lord at night, even memorizing lines for both characters during mealtimes. Even with the system's support, he was exhausted.

"Congratulations on wrapping up filming, Chen!"

The Russo brothers stepped forward and gave him a tight hug: "You've created a miracle, playing two core protagonists so flawlessly. After this movie is released, you'll definitely be hailed as a legend once again."

Robert Downey Jr. joined in, handing him a bottle of champagne: "Finally free! Shouldn't you be heading back to China to promote your 'The Wandering Earth'? I've heard that you're practically the only ones dominating the Chinese New Year box office now."

"Yes, I'll fly back tomorrow."

Chen Xun smiled as he accepted the champagne and clinked glasses with everyone: "When the movie is released, I'll treat everyone to the IMAX version."

The next afternoon.

The VIP passage at Beijing Capital International Airport was already packed with people.

Hundreds of fans held up signs that read "Welcome home, Chen Xun" and "Take the Earth on a journey," crowding both sides of the passageway.

Airport security has been increased several times over.

The moment Chen Xun, wearing a black baseball cap and mask, pushed his suitcase out, cheers from fans instantly resounded throughout the entire terminal.

"Chen Xun! Welcome home!"

"Thanks for your hard work, Chen Xun! May 'The Wandering Earth' be a huge success!"

"Playing two roles is amazing! Avengers: Infinity War is a must-see!"

Chen Xun stopped, took off his mask, smiled and waved to his fans. He also accepted letters and small gifts from several fans, reminding them to be careful.

Even after Guo Fan pulled him into the car, the cheers of the fans still echoed behind him.

"Look at your popularity!"

Guo Fan, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around with a smile: "Let me tell you, everyone in China knows 'The Wandering Earth' now! Pre-sales have already exceeded 3 million yuan, setting a new pre-sale record for the Spring Festival film season!"

"Thank you for your hard work, Director Guo. We've been relying on you to keep an eye on things in China lately."

Chen Xun leaned back in his seat and rubbed his aching temples.

-

"What hardship? This is all I should do."

Guo Fan waved his hand, took out a stack of promotional schedules from his bag and handed them to him: "This is the promotional schedule for the next two weeks. I've arranged it all for you. Please check if there are any problems."

Chen Xun took the itinerary and started flipping through it.

The preceding events were all standard premieres, press conferences, and roadshows —

When he turned to the second page, his gaze froze, and he pointed to the name on it in surprise, exclaiming, "Go Fighting!, directed by Shen Man?"

"yes."

Guo Fan nodded: "Right now, the most popular variety show in China is 'Go Fighting!' It has a viewership rating of over 2 and is extremely popular. Going on this show is the best way to promote your work. Director Shen Man is a rising star in the variety show industry and is very capable. She specifically contacted us this time to invite you and Zhao Jinmai to be guest stars."

Chen Xun couldn't help but smile when he saw the name "Shen Man".

The last time I met Shen Man was a few years ago when Fast & Furious was being promoted in China.

At that time, she had just resigned and joined "Happy Camp" as an assistant.

I never expected that Shen Man would actually make "Go Fighting!" a success!

"I've already told Zhao Jinmai. She was overjoyed to hear that she could be on the show with you. She stayed up all night yesterday memorizing game strategies, just in case she was afraid of holding you back."

Guo Fan added a comment from the side.

Three days later, at the Shanghai "Go Fighting!" filming base.

As Chen Xun led Zhao Jinmai into the studio, a woman in a smart suit with a high ponytail strode over, a bright smile on her face: "Chen Xun, long time no see!"

It was Shen Man.

Compared to before, she is now confident and composed, with a professional gleam in her eyes. Holding a walkie-talkie, she is methodically directing the staff on site, looking every bit like a top director.

"Director Shen, it's been a long time. You're getting more and more amazing."

Chen Xun smiled and extended his hand: "I really didn't expect that you would become the chief director of 'Go Fighting!' in just two years."

"Stop making fun of me."

Shen Man smiled shyly and shook hands with him: "If it weren't for your help in coming up with ideas and building connections back then, I probably would have quit this industry a long time ago. I'm so happy to have you and Jinmai here this time. This episode's ratings are sure to be a hit."

The two met today and acted like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

The intimacy of the past seems to have been hidden away by her.

Compared to last time, Shen Man has really matured a lot.

Chen Xun couldn't help but sigh.

Time is indeed the best tool for healing wounds.

Shen Man turned to Zhao Jinmai beside her and said with a smile, "Hello Jinmai, I especially like the character Han Duoduo that you played. I cried several times while watching the radio scene in the trailer."

"Thank you, Director Shen!"

Zhao Jinmai blushed and bowed.

His hands clenched into fists in tension.

Chen Xun gently patted her back, signaling her not to be nervous.

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