This director is so innocent.

Chapter 134 Mom’s Baby Girl

The bright moon hangs high in the sky, and the cold wind is biting.

Su Jin was shivering from the cold, her hands tightly wrapped around her chest.

He walked out of the stadium, took out a Little Panda cigarette, lit it, and waited for Xiaoying to drive the car over.

Before anyone knew it, Liu Yifei came over again.

"It's freezing cold, why don't you go back to sleep? Why are you always crowding around me!"

"Don't be so narcissistic, I'm waiting for a bus." Liu Yifei returned Su Jin's earlier words to him.

Seeing that Su Jin was shivering from time to time, she took off the scarf around her neck and handed it to Su Jin, saying, "You really prioritize style over warmth."

"Thanks." Su Jin didn't stand on ceremony and took the scarf, putting it around her neck.

I don't know why, but this winter is unusually cold, at least seven or eight degrees colder than last year.

Wearing the scarf immediately made me feel much better and I wasn't cold anymore. It was a miracle, and it certainly wasn't because of the residual warmth and fragrance on the scarf.

"Have you completely broken up with Huayi?" Su Jin asked casually.

"More or less!" Liu Yifei raised her head, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, seemingly lost in thought.

"Then why did you come?" Su Jin asked, puzzled.

"My mom told me to come," Liu Yifei replied calmly.

"You really do listen to your mother!"

"Don't you listen to your mother?"

"Listen, I'm a mama's boy."

What does "mama's boy" mean?

"It means listening to your mother, being your precious son."

Liu Yifei gave a soft "Oh" and then fell silent.

She put her hands in her pockets, gazed quietly into the distance, and looked tired.

This is the consequence of offending Huayi. The little girl whose eyes were once full of innocence is now filled with sorrow.

After a while, Su Jin noticed that Xiao Ying hadn't arrived yet and was getting a little bored, so she casually started a conversation.

Do you have any projects planned for next year?

"Not at the moment."

"Are you acting in TV dramas?"

"No—let me think about it when I get back." Liu Yifei subconsciously wanted to say she wouldn't act, but considering her current situation, she changed her mind.

She has now experienced the consequences of offending a film and television giant; she has changed her mind and rejected all the projects that were previously agreed upon.

"Think it over carefully. Don't be so pretentious. There's nothing shameful about acting in TV dramas. I'll have a TV drama starting filming next spring," Su Jin earnestly advised.

Liu Yifei turned to look at Su Jin, frowning, and said, "You're already a director with hundreds of millions in revenue, and you're still acting in TV dramas?"

"Superficial. Movies and TV series are both arts that serve the public. There is no distinction between high and low. It's just that you actresses are always thinking about getting into the movie industry, and you end up making yourselves look bad."

Look at Zhang Guoli, and then look at Huang Xiaoming; aren't they both acting in TV dramas?

"That's different."

"It's different; you've even abandoned your core base."

A good investor never puts all their eggs in one basket, but rather prepares for both opportunities and takes a two-pronged approach.

That way, if you can't make it in the film industry, you can still get a foothold in the TV series industry.

Look at Chen Daoming and Chen Baoguo; television dramas are their core business, they've never given up on them, and they only dabble in the film industry occasionally.

After listening, Liu Yifei seemed to be deep in thought.

Just then, a black Grand Cherokee slowly drove up beside them.

After the car stopped, Su Jin took off the scarf around her neck and handed it to Liu Yifei, saying, "Thanks for the scarf. I'll treat you to dinner another day. Think carefully about the TV series and stop listening to your mother."

After saying that, he opened the car door and got in.

Liu Yifei stood there, quietly watching the car gradually drive away and eventually disappear from sight.

A moment later, she turned around and walked in the opposite direction. As she walked, she finally stopped in front of a white Alphard.

"Whoosh."

The back door opened, revealing a beautiful woman who still retained her charm.

This is Yahuazi's mother, Liu Xiaoli.

Although he will be fifty in a couple of years, judging from his appearance, he could easily look like he's in his thirties.

"Mother."

"Xixi, come up here quickly." Liu Xiaoli saw that her precious daughter's cheeks were red from the cold wind, so she quickly called her up.

After Liu Yifei got in and closed the car door, she couldn't wait to ask, "Qianqian, how did your chat with Su Jin go?"

"It's alright," Liu Yifei replied casually, leaning back in her seat.

She went to see Su Jin just now because her mother instigated her; of course, she wanted to go herself too.

Did you ask him about the possibility of collaboration?

"no."

"Why didn't you say so, you silly child!"

"I'm too ashamed to mention it."

"Why are you too ashamed to mention it? We don't owe him anything, it's just normal business cooperation." Liu Xiaoli suddenly raised her voice several octaves, then sighed softly.

"If I had known Su Jin would be doing so well, I shouldn't have stopped you from contacting him in the first place."

Little girls all like to write diaries, and my daughter is no exception.

Then she accidentally read her daughter's diary and discovered that her daughter had a crush on Su Jin, which made her furious.

She had heard of Su Jin before; she was a bestselling author of youth novels. If that was all, she would just give her a serious critique.

However, Su Jin's private life has a terrible reputation. She's a womanizer who changes women more often than clothes.

Then she sternly stopped me.

Her own daughter even had a big argument with her because of this.

That was the first time my daughter had ever argued with me, and I ignored her for a while.

Liu Yifei glanced at her mother and saw some self-reproach on her face. She comforted her, "Mom, don't think too much about it. There's always a way out. At worst, I'll just take a break for a couple of years."

Liu Xiaoli sighed again, lamenting how difficult life was.

Huayi is an industry leader, and all they did was reject you! Why would they need to blacklist my daughter?

If Su Jin knew what she was thinking at that moment, she would definitely say, "Why don't you look for the reason within yourself?"

You ate the cake and then broke your verbal agreement; no wonder people blacklist you.

Ya Hua Zi also said that he felt lost during those two years when he didn't film.

Confused my foot.

A female star who is at the peak of her career doesn't film for two years because she's lost. Anyone who believes that is a complete idiot.

"Mom, how about I go and film a TV series?" Liu Yifei suddenly asked.

"No way." Liu Xiaoli refused without hesitation. Considering her daughter's feelings, she explained, "You've finally made it into the film industry; you can't go back now."

"But now I can't get any movie roles. Huayi Brothers has blocked my path. What am I going to do if I don't make TV dramas?" Liu Yifei frowned.

"I'll think of something about the movie later. Your godfather is helping you get in touch with WMA talent agency, right? Once that's settled, things will be much easier."

WMA, short for William Morris Agency, is one of the world's top five brokerage firms.

After his contract with CAA expires next April, Fang Shilong will also switch to this brokerage firm.

Liu Yifei signed her international actress contract with WMA, while her domestic actress contract remains with Red Star Wu Company.

WMA Agency did not shirk its responsibilities. Others offered Liu Yifei the role of Ada Wong in "Resident Evil 5," but she refused and chose "The Assassins" instead.

All I can say is, you've been cursed by some villain!

Even if Ada Wong is just a minor character, you should still choose her!

Looking at her mother's unquestionable expression, Liu Yifei sighed softly and silently apologized to Su Jin in her heart.

Su Jin's words made some sense, but not much. She didn't want to act in a TV series until the very last moment.

Thinking of this, he sighed again.

Seeing this, Liu Xiaoli sighed as well.

The driver thought to himself, "Since you and your daughter are both sighing, should I sigh too?"

The next day, at 9:50 a.m.

The press conference for the start of filming of "Painted Skin" was held in the Grand Ballroom of the China World Hotel.

The venue was packed with 300 audience members and representatives from over 100 magazines and media outlets.

The sponsor is Sina Entertainment, which holds the exclusive live streaming rights.

Media reporters are checking their equipment to prevent any accidents.

Suddenly, a reporter noticed that one of his colleagues looked familiar.

-

"Zhuo Wei? How did you get in here?"

"What do you mean by 'slut'? Can't you speak properly? Or I'll sue you for defamation."

"Okay, okay, I misspoke. How did you get in?"

"They came in with an invitation."

"Where did you, a paparazzo, get an invitation?"

"Hehe—paparazzi are old news now. I'm just like you, a regular soldier." Zhuo Wei picked up the name tag on his chest and held it in front of him: "See this? Polaris Media. Remember to let me know if you have any news in the future."

"—"

Soon, it was ten o'clock.

The press conference for the start of filming of "Painted Skin" has officially begun.

As a stirring piece of background music began, a Sichuan opera face-changing artist took small, quick steps to the center of the stage.

"Swish, swish, swish."

He started by changing his face three times, which drew applause and cheers from the audience. Then he performed fire-breathing and ended with a long scroll.

The sign read: Congratulations on the successful launch of Painted Skin.

The host, Jingwei, walked to the center of the stage with a microphone in hand.

"Thank you for your wonderful performance! Thank you."

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, friends from the media, good afternoon! I am your host for today, Jingwei."

"The spectacular face-changing performance just now opened the curtain for 'Painted Skin,' China's first new magical art masterpiece of the East."

She then introduced the major investors of "Painted Skin", the production cost, and the guests present.

The guests are the heads of major film and television companies, such as Han Sanping from China Film Group, Wang Xiaowang from Huayi Brothers Media, Yang Tou from Emperor Entertainment Group, Zhang Zhao from Enlight Media, and Zhong Li from Dama Film & Television.

After that, producer Han Sanping took the stage to speak, followed by producer Huang Jiaqiang.

"Now let's give a warm round of applause to welcome the creators of 'Painted Skin' to the stage."

Splash—

Amidst applause, the six main actors of "Painted Skin" took the stage.

Ok?

Fuck it!

The media reporters cursed inwardly as they looked at the six lead actors on stage, because each of them was wearing a mask to cover their face.

Damn it, we've already held a press conference to announce the start of filming, can't you guys just hurry up and say it? Stop keeping us in suspense.

Apart from Fan Bingbing, whose scandal was made public, the other members of the "Painted Skin" cast have remained a mystery.

"Shall we play a game? Everyone, guess who the six actors on stage are."

"Here's a hint: A top-tier celebrity, who has starred in Jin Yong's TV series and is also a singer."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone started making wild guesses, mentioning the "Four Dan Actresses and Two Bing Actresses," the "Four Heavenly Kings," and the "Five Tigers of TVB"—even Milk Tea Zhou was mentioned.

Okay! That was all nonsense.

Since the audience below is basically the fans of the six people above, it's necessary to liven up the atmosphere.

What if someone refuses to cooperate when randomly asked to join a group?

"Now comes the most exciting moment. Let's give them a round of applause as they unveil the mystery."

As the six actors removed their masks, gasps of disbelief erupted from the audience, mostly from media reporters.

Four top celebrities on the same stage?

Among them are two popular actresses.

The cast is comparable to that of last year's "The Banquet".

After the initial shock, a question suddenly arose in their minds: why weren't there any Hong Kong actors who could carry the box office?

Is the investment of over 100 million just hype?

"Welcome Zhou Xun, Fan Bingbing, Chen Kun, Huang Xiaoming, Cai Zhuoyan, and Yang Mi."

"Next, let's give a warm round of applause to invite our producer and director Su Jin, and director Wu Ershan to the stage."

After all the main creators appeared, the six lead actors introduced their respective roles, and then the Q&A session with reporters began.

The first question was posed to Zhuo Wei of Polaris Media regarding the alleged behind-the-scenes manipulation.

He asked Wuershan, "Director Wu, what genre is 'Painted Skin'? Is it a horror film or an art film?"

This was the first time Wuershan had faced such a grand occasion, and he was a little nervous, but luckily he knew the answer in advance, so he answered calmly: "You may not have listened carefully to the first question. The host just mentioned that it is an Eastern fantasy theme, a theme that we pioneered."

The second question is that "Painted Skin" is neither a horror film nor an art film. We made a lot of adaptations based on the original work. After all, it involves an investment of more than 100 million yuan, and we have to be responsible to the investors.

If I had to categorize it by genre, it's a commercial film.

"I heard you were a director before, so 'Painted Skin' was your first film, right?"

"No, I made an independent film called 'Soap Opera' three years ago, which won the International Critics' Award at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea and the Best Director Award at the Geneva International Film Festival in Switzerland."

"What made the production company choose you to direct this blockbuster film that grossed over 100 million?"

Wuershan turned slightly to look at Su Jin. Boss, there's no answer to this question!

Su Jin glared at Zhuo Wei, picked up the microphone and said, "Compared to Wuershan, I am more suitable to answer this question."

"I chose Wuershan because he is professional and understands film aesthetics very well. He studied oil painting, was admitted to the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and then dropped out to study directing at the Beijing Film Academy. In that sense, he is my senior."

"—When I was chatting with him, he said something that I still remember vividly: 'Commercial films are never individual creations, but rather the transformation of individual ideas into collective wisdom.'"

"It's a very simple principle, but many of our big directors just don't understand it! We give you hundreds of millions in investment, just so you can showcase yourself."

"It's fine to showcase yourself, but please use your own money!"

Wuershan was dumbfounded. When did I say that? I don't remember it.

But that sounds really classy!

Never mind, since the boss said it was me who said it, then it was me who said it.

"Ms. Zhou Xun, what made you decide to take on the role in 'Painted Skin'?" a reporter from the Beijing News asked.

"Because Director Su is very sincere!"

Hahaha — just kidding, don't take it personally!

I previously worked with Director Su on "Sheep Without a Shepherd," where he served as the film's producer.

At that time, Director Su impressed me with his professionalism. He never forced you to do anything else. In his view, actors only needed to perform well and didn't need to worry about anything else.

"Painted Skin" was taken on under these considerations.

"Of course, the script for 'Painted Skin' is excellent, and I saw the concept design for Xiao Wei; it's very beautiful, and I like it very much."

After Zhou Xun's performance, it's Fan Xiaopang's turn, but the problem remains the same.

"Because I wanted to challenge myself, the role of Pei Rong is different from the roles I have played before, and it is very challenging."

She was brave, steady, virtuous, and understanding—a typical good wife and mother, capable of doing anything for her husband, Wang Sheng.

I won't say anything else, or I'll spoil the plot.

Afterwards, Chen Kun, Huang Xiaoming, Charlene Choi, and Yang Mi also shared their feelings.

After asking a few more questions, it quickly became past 11:30.

"Director Su, with a $2000 million investment and a cast mostly composed of mainland Chinese actors, aren't you worried about the market?"

"Why worry about the market? We have a great story, a professional team, and excellent actors. I don't think this movie has any reason to fail."

"But the actors you used don't have box office appeal."

"My friend, you're outdated. My last movie, 'The Coffin in the Mountain,' had a cast entirely of mainland actors, with Zhang Guoli being the only big star, and it still grossed over 100 million yuan."

How do you explain that?

The reporter opened his mouth to refute, but didn't know how.

After all, the facts are there, and we can't just act like a shrew and make a scene!

Seeing that he was speechless, Su Jin smiled slightly and continued, "In my opinion, box office appeal is nonsense. It may work in Hong Kong and Taiwan, but it won't work in the mainland."

Ultimately, movies are based on stories. Without a good story, even the best actors might temporarily lure audiences into the theater, but they won't achieve high box office returns.

They do have box office appeal.

Why do investors like to hire big stars? It's because their involvement guarantees a film's basic budget.

The same applies to Hong Kong celebrities; audiences are familiar with them!

Then why did he say that?

It's all about showing off! What else could it be for? Otherwise, just following the crowd would be so boring.

"Perhaps you will disagree with what I'm saying, thinking that I'm being pretentious and challenging popular perceptions. But I can tell you this seriously."

This time, I didn't invite any big names from Hong Kong or Taiwan. I just want you all, and the investors, to know that mainland actors can also carry a box office. Stop believing that Hong Kong and Taiwanese actors are invincible.

"it is good."

His words drew cheers from countless people.

Of the six main actors on stage, apart from Charlene Choi and Yang Mi, the other four, though long past the age of being excited, were deeply moved by Su Jin's words.

Hong Kong and Taiwanese actors are like a mountain weighing down on mainland actors. If "Painted Skin" is a success, the situation will be completely different.

Many investors will change their minds and try to give mainland actors leading roles instead of supporting roles to elevate their status.

After a few more questions, the main cast and crew took a group photo, and the press conference concluded.

After the meeting, several bigwigs approached Su Jin.

Han Sanping: "Su Jin, I told you to keep a low profile and not to say anything reckless, why don't you listen again?"

Xiao Wang: "President Su, those last words were truly thought-provoking!"

Old Yang: "Mr. Su, do you have some kind of problem with Hong Kong and Taiwanese actors?"

Zhong Li: "Su Jin, you're getting more and more audacious, daring to say anything."