Chinese entertainment industry has been booming since 2008.

November 26, 2009!

The grand launch press conference for "You Are the Apple of My Eye" was held at a hotel in Beijing.

Many of Zhang Yang and Liu Yifei's fans came to the scene, and when Zhang Yang and Liu Yifei appeared, the fans shouted wildly.

Zhang Yang wore a well-tailored dark blue suit, exuding composure and restraint; Liu Yifei beside him chose a simple lotus root-colored long dress, with light makeup and slightly curled long hair. She shed her ethereal "fairy sister" aura and gained a gentle and scholarly air, perfectly matching the image of "Shen Jiayi".

"Zhang Yang, I love you!"

"Zhang Yang, Xingchen will always love you."

"Sissi is the most beautiful!"

"Fairy Sister, I love you!"

Amidst the shouts of fans and the barrage of flashbulbs, Zhang Yang and Liu Yifei remained unfazed. This composure, this ability to remain calm, is an essential skill for becoming a big star.

The press conference proceeded smoothly, with the creators sharing their preparation experiences and the atmosphere was harmonious. However, when the press conference moved into the Q&A session, the peaceful atmosphere was instantly replaced by a hint of tension. All the reporters knew that the real "highlight" of the press conference was about to begin.

The reporter's first question was barbed, directly targeting Liu Yifei: "Xixi, hello. As we all know, you previously experienced a 'rest period' in your career. It is widely believed that there was some unpleasantness between you and Huayi Brothers. Is your performance in 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' a farewell to the past, or a way to prove yourself to certain people?"

The moment the question was asked, the entire room fell silent, and all the cameras were focused on Liu Yifei, capturing the most subtle changes in her expression.

Liu Yifei still had a faint smile on her face. She calmly adjusted the microphone, her eyes clear and firm, without the slightest hesitation.

"Thank you for the question."

Her voice was gentle, yet carried a powerful force: "I believe that an actor's best 'proof' is always his next work. That 'rest period' was a time for reflection and contemplation for me, allowing me to know more clearly what I want."

I am very grateful to Zhang Yang for giving me the role of 'Shen Jiayi' when I needed the opportunity most. This is not a farewell to the past, but a brand new beginning for the future. All my energy and attention will be focused on how to play this role well; everything else is not within my consideration."

The answer was watertight, addressing the question while subtly shifting the focus back to the artwork itself, demonstrating a dignified yet humble demeanor.

Immediately afterwards, the focus shifted to Zhang Yang, and the questions became even more pointed.

"Zhang Yang, hello. Did you anticipate facing some, well, 'external pressure'—for example, from Huayi Brothers—because you insisted on casting Ms. Liu Yifei? Aren't you afraid this pressure will affect the film's subsequent production and release?"

This question practically revealed Huayi's ban, and a low gasp rippled through the room.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yang showed no displeasure whatsoever. Instead, a faint smile appeared on his lips. He leaned forward slightly, closer to the microphone, and calmly swept his gaze across the entire room.

"This friend's question is very interesting."

Zhang Yang's tone was calm and steady, with an undeniable confidence: "I have only one criterion for choosing actors: whether they are the most suitable for the role. On this point, my team and I have never hesitated. Yi Fei is the only choice for 'Shen Jiayi'."

He paused, his eyes suddenly sharpening, and continued, "As for the so-called external pressure..."

At this point, he chuckled softly and continued, "I believe that the success of a film depends on the quality of the work itself and whether the audience approves of it. Making a good film is our job; everything else is other people's business. We respect every colleague in the industry, but we also firmly believe that the market and the audience will give the fairest judgment, and we are full of confidence in that."

Zhang Yang spoke the words "full of confidence" with absolute certainty, instantly transforming any potential pessimism or confrontation into a powerful confidence based on the strength of his work.

After a brief silence, enthusiastic applause broke out. Zhang Yang and Liu Yifei exchanged a smile, both seeing mutual appreciation in each other's eyes.

One final question, a reporter's last attempt: "So, if... I mean, if the film really does encounter difficulties for some reason in the future, do you have contingency plans?"

Zhang Yang took the lead and said calmly, "Then let's overcome the difficulties. Our plan is to make the movie the best it can be, so good that all the problems will no longer be problems."

After the press conference, Zhang Yang and Liu Yifei left the venue under the escort of security guards.

.......

Videos from the press conference for "You Are the Apple of My Eye" were uploaded to the internet by some busybodies, sparking another round of heated online discussions.

"My God! Zhang Yang is going head-to-head with Huayi!"

"Wasn't Liu Yifei supposed to be soft-banned? This is too bold!"

"Support! I love directors who protect their actors like this!"

The atmosphere was somber in the top-floor office of Huayi Building.

Wang Xiaoer slammed the tablet computer onto the desk. The screen showed Zhang Yang answering a reporter's question. He looked out the floor-to-ceiling window with a cold smile.

"Fine, very well. A blacklisted actress, an arrogant newcomer, dares to challenge me?"

The secretary stood nervously to the side: "Mr. Wang, should we...?"

A sinister glint flashed in Wang Xiaoer's eyes: "Notify all our partner media outlets to completely block all reports related to 'You Are the Apple of My Eye.' I want Zhang Yang to know who's in charge in this industry."

Meanwhile, Zhang Yang's Starry Sky Pictures was bustling with activity.

Qi Mingwei's voice was filled with anxiety: "Boss, three GG merchants have already called to request to terminate their contracts."

"Let them go. What we need are like-minded partners, not opportunists."

Zhang Yang's voice was eerily calm, and Liu Yifei, who had just entered the room, happened to hear it.

"I'm sorry, I've dragged everyone into this."

Zhang Yang looked at Liu Yifei, whose gaze was unusually firm, and smiled, saying, "Qianqian, are you scared?"

Looking at Zhang Yang, Liu Yifei's lips curled into a stubborn smile: "From the moment I decided to take on the role of Shen Jiayi, I was prepared. Besides, wasn't this day bound to come sooner or later?"

"Very good, I didn't expect you to be so prepared for the storm, Sisi."

Then, Zhang Yang's gaze swept over everyone present, and he said solemnly, "From today onwards, every step we take will be under the spotlight. But precisely because of this, we must walk with integrity and a clear conscience!"

Zhang Yang's words ignited a spark in everyone's eyes: who would rather stand up as a human than be a dog?