Entertainment News: I'm Not a Scumbag After Rebirth!

Chapter 162

"The competition during the Christmas season is fierce, and some people are trying to suppress us."

"How should we deal with this?"

"Respond normally."

Yuan Tao said.

"Post some genuine positive reviews to guide public opinion."

But don't engage in insults, and don't appear guilty. The film's quality is undeniable; the audience's eyes are discerning.

"Okay, you handle it."

After hanging up the phone, Li Jun went out onto the balcony.

The winter nights in BJ are cold, but the air is fresh.

The city lights in the distance resemble an inverted starry sky.

Zhang Liangying came over and draped her coat over him: "I heard there have been negative reviews?"

"Yeah. That's normal, what movie doesn't have that?"

Do you care?

"I care a little, but not much."

Li Jun said honestly.

"What I care about is whether these voices will influence the audience's choices and cause those who might otherwise like the movie to miss it."

"But as you said, the film's quality is there."

Zhang Liangying leaned on his shoulder.

"Good movies are like fine wine; they need time to mature."

"Mountains and Rivers in Dreams" wasn't understood by everyone at first, but time has proven its value. "Spring River Flows North" will too.

"I hope so."

The next day, December 21, "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" was released nationwide.

With a screening rate of only 8% and an occupancy rate of 65%, it's just average.

However, opinions began to diverge, with some people liking it very much and others disliking it very much.

It received a 7.5 rating on Douban, which isn't high, but the reviews are polarized.

One positive review said, "It's like a prose poem, quiet and moving."

"I saw the true face of a small town in China."

"The new director has a fresh perspective, great!" Negative reviews included: "Too slow, I fell asleep." "The story is too simple, boring." "Li Jun is the producer? Just a figurehead?"

It grossed eight million on its opening day, ranking sixth among films released during the Christmas season.

Seeing the data, Su Xiao was somewhat frustrated: "Was it because I didn't shoot well?"

"no."

Li Jun showed her some professional film reviews.

"Look, Movie World gave it four stars, saying it's a movie that breathes."

A film critic from Southern Weekly said:

In this noisy era, we need quiet films like this.

These reviews are more important than the Douban rating.

"But the audience isn't buying it—"

"The audience needs time."

Li Jun explained patiently.

"Su Xiao, do you know how much the box office for 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers' was on its first day?"

Later, it gradually gained popularity through word of mouth. "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" will too, as long as we have patience.

On the third day, things took a turn for the better.

A well-known cultural scholar posted a lengthy commentary on Weibo, providing a detailed analysis of the aesthetic value and cultural significance of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains".

He wrote: "In this film, I saw the long-lost literary spirit in Chinese cinema."

It's not a grand narrative, nor is it intense conflict; it's the poetry flowing through everyday life.

The Yangtze River is not only a river in a geographical sense, but also a metaphor for time and the flow of life.

Xiaoman's departure and return are not only personal choices, but also a microcosm of China's modernization process, representing departure and return, change and perseverance.

Producer Li Jun has a keen eye for talent, and director Su Xiao's talent is astounding.

This lengthy commentary was reprinted by many media outlets and sparked widespread discussion.

Many people have begun to re-examine this film, and the number of viewers watching it two or three times has increased.

Meanwhile, some ordinary viewers' reactions also spread on social media: "After watching 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains,' I miss home."

I also come from a small town, and every detail in the movie felt so real.

"I took my parents to see it, and they cried. They said it looked just like what they were like when they were young."

"This is the first time I've found a slow-motion film so enjoyable. It's like sitting by the river for an afternoon, watching the clouds drift by, and my heart calms down."

Word of mouth began to spread.

The occupancy rate rose from 65% to 75%, and then to 85%.

Cinemas began to increase the number of screenings, from 8% to 12%, and then to 15%.

One week after its release, the film grossed over 50 million yuan.

Although it still lags behind the big-budget commercial films released in the same period, it is already a very good result for a low-budget art film.

More importantly, the discussion sparked by the film goes beyond the film itself, concerning the life choices of young people in small towns.

The conflict between tradition and modernity, the value of "slow living," and the criteria for what constitutes a "good movie" —

These discussions have made "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" a cultural phenomenon.

Su Xiao went from initial anxiety to later calm, and now to joy.

She texted Li Jun: "Director Li, thank you. If it weren't for your constant encouragement, I probably would have given up long ago."

Li Jun replied, "You persevered on your own. Now, you're qualified to make another film. What do you want to make?"

Su Xiao quickly replied: "I want to film a story about strangers in the city."

They are not small-town youths, but ordinary people struggling in big cities.

Their loneliness, their perseverance, their glimmer of light.

"Okay. Write an outline, then we'll discuss it."

Putting down his phone, Li Jun stood by the window, looking at the winter sky over Beijing.

He thought that this was the charm of film: it not only records the times, but also influences them.

It not only expresses the creator's sentiments but also touches the audience;

It is not only an art, but also a power.

All he can do is keep making films and continue to support talented young people in making films.

Because the world of film needs different voices, different colors, and different possibilities.

The day before New Year's Day, Li Jun and Zhang Liangying made dumplings at home.

The dough was made by Zhang Liangying, and the filling was prepared by Li Jun. It was pork and cabbage, with a little dried shrimp added for extra flavor.

Neither of them knew how to wrap dumplings, but they were very interested in learning.

Zhang Liangying's dumplings were all plump and looked like gold ingots;

Li Jun's bag was crooked and could barely stand up.

"You need to squeeze this tightly, otherwise it will break when you cook it."

Zhang Liangying demonstrates.

"Understood, teacher."

Li Jun followed her example and carefully kneaded the dough.

A light snowflake was falling outside the window; it was Beijing's first snowfall of the year.

The room was very warm, and the windows were covered with a layer of condensation.

The TV was on, but the volume was turned down low; it was a prelude to the New Year's Eve gala.

While they were making dumplings, Zhang Liangying suddenly said, "Li Jun, let me sing 'Jianghu Night Rain' for you."

"Now?"

"Yes. Right now."

She washed her hands, dried them, and then began to hum softly.

There was no accompaniment, only her voice, flowing in the warm room: "Ten years of lamplight in the night rain of the Jianghu, writing a lifetime between light and shadow."

Having traveled thousands of miles, the warmest place is still the door to home.

The storm will pass, the clouds will disperse, but some light, piercing through all the darkness, will still shine—

Her voice was soft, but powerful.

The lyrics describe their journey, and also the journey of all those who persevere on the path of art.

Li Jun put down the dumpling wrapper in his hand and listened quietly.

The snow outside the window had gotten heavier, falling thick and fast, like fireflies dancing in the halo of the streetlights.

When he finished singing, his eyes were a little hot.

"very nice."

He said.

"This song is written for you, but also for myself."

Zhang Liangying said.

"Li Jun, we've been married for three months. In these three months, I've watched you busy with 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains,' new projects, and all sorts of other things. Sometimes I wonder, what are we doing all this busy?"

"for----"

Li Jun thought about it.

"To live up to this great era, to live up to our talents, and to live up to those who believe in us."

"That's true."

Zhang Liangying nodded.

"But sometimes, we also need to stop, listen to our own heartbeats, and look into each other's eyes."

She walked up to him and took his hand: "Li Jun, promise me, no matter how busy you are, don't forget why you started this journey."

Don't forget Li Jun who praised me on stage while I sang; don't forget Li Jun who praised me for starting filming in the pouring rain; don't forget Li Jun who praised me for not giving up in the face of all the doubts.

I promise you.

Li Jun pulled her into his arms.

"Promise me that no matter how busy you are, you will never forget to praise Zhang Liangying for singing on stage, never forget to praise Zhang Liangying for holding my hand tightly during the storm of public opinion, and never forget to praise Zhang Liangying for kissing me on a winter night in Berlin."

The two embraced, amidst the aroma of dumpling filling, by the snow-covered window, and as the New Year's bells were about to ring.

This moment is peaceful and blissful.

The dumplings were cooked, and the two sat down at the table to eat.

The dipping sauce was specially made by Li Jun, with vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili oil in just the right proportions.

Zhang Liangying took a bite, her eyes lighting up: "Delicious!"

"Eat more if it's delicious."

I was eating when the TV came on! A countdown: "Ten, nine, eight, seven—"

They put down their chopsticks and went to the window.

"—Three, two, one! Happy New Year!"

Outside the window, fireworks burst in the distant sky, their vibrant colors illuminating the snowy night.

Cheers, car horns, and the faint sound of bells echoed through the city.

The new year has arrived.

Happy New Year, Li Jun.

Happy New Year, Liangying.

The two kissed under the fireworks.

Then they returned to the table and continued eating dumplings.

Fireworks were still blooming outside the window, while the room was warm and cozy.

This is their first New Year after their marriage.

It is also the first of many celebrations for the New Year.

There are many years to come, many movies, many songs, and many stories.

But this bronze, they are here, together.

This is enough.

After New Year's Day, Li Junkai focused his efforts on preparing for "The Craftsman's Spirit Remains True to Its Original Aspiration".

The third draft of the script was completed, and Li Jun was very satisfied. The protagonist of the story is named Shen Mo, not Lin Shen from "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers," but the same surname was intentionally used to symbolize the continuation of a certain spirit. He is an old kintsugi craftsman in his sixties, living in a small courtyard in a Beijing hutong.

His son works as a designer abroad and doesn't understand why his father is sticking to this "outdated" craft.

The story begins with the son returning to China with his fiancée, highlighting the conflict between two generations, the dialogue between tradition and modernity, and the themes of restoration and new reflection.

Li Jun wanted to cast Nicholas Tse as his son, but Nicholas Tse's schedule was unavailable.

Zhou Yuan was ultimately chosen. His performance in "Spring River Warmth" was well-received, and he was given the opportunity to try more complex roles.

For the role of the old kintsugi master, Li Jun wanted to find a real veteran actor with that kind of mature and refined air.

He thought of the person Qin Hailu had recommended, her teacher, a senior figure in the drama world, who was seventy years old but still in good spirits and had that kind of "craftsman's" dedication.

Lin Mo has already begun the art design.

He visited elderly artisans in Beijing who were still practicing traditional handicrafts, drew pseudo-quantum sketches, and collected pseudo-quantum materials.

"I want to make the film's visuals look like a 'flowing traditional Chinese painting'," he said.

"Every shot is like a meticulously painted picture, yet it is dynamic and alive."

Suhe is searching for "the voice of craftsmanship".

He recorded the sounds of various handicrafts being made: the friction of ceramics, the planing of wood, the hammering of metal, the tearing of fabric—

"I want to use these sounds to build a universe of craftsmanship," he said, "so that audiences can not only see the craftsmanship, but also hear it."

Wang Bilei was in charge of the acting.

He contacted a master of kintsugi in Japan, hoping to invite him to be a consultant.

They also contacted domestic art museums and arts and crafts institutions, hoping to collaborate on exhibitions and link film and exhibitions.

Everything is proceeding smoothly.

But in mid-February, an unexpected business reversal disrupted all plans.

February 14th is Valentine's Day, and also the first anniversary of the release of "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers".

Li Jun and Zhang Liangying originally planned to see a re-release of a film and then have a fancy dinner.

But at seven o'clock in the morning, Li Jun was woken up by a phone call from Yuan Tao.

"Li Jun, something's happened."

Yuan Tao's voice was urgent, "Watch the news."

Li Jun opened his phone, and the top trending topic was: "Famous director Li Jun is suspected of tax evasion, and the tax authorities have launched an investigation."

He was stunned into giving birth.

Click on the news article; the content is very detailed:

It is alleged that Li Jun evaded more than 20 million yuan in taxes over the past three years by fabricating costs and concealing income through his studio.

The report also listed "evidence," including several blurry screenshots of financial statements and anonymous reports of huge losses by so-called "insiders."

The comments section is exploding: "His public image has collapsed!"

"As expected, there are no good people in the entertainment industry!"

"The Berlin Silver Bear? More like the tax-evading Silver Bear!"

"Disappointed, unfollowed."

Li Jun's mind went completely blank.

He never did these things; these accusations are completely fabricated.

"What happened?" Zhang Liangying also woke up and turned pale when she saw the news.

"I have no idea."

Li Jun's voice was hoarse.

"I did not do these things."

My phone is on and vibrating incessantly.

He received a barrage of calls from the media praising him, but he didn't answer a single one. Eventually, he turned off his phone.