Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

In the VIP box of Haidian Wanda Cinema, which is rarely open to the public, the movie "Mei Lanfang" is playing on the big screen.

Jing Tian had booked the private room. When she learned that Wang Xuan was really just watching a movie, she was incredibly embarrassed and almost wronged this upright man again.

At the same time, she felt a little pleased and a faint smile appeared on her lips. This was their first date.

Although choosing a movie theater isn't very romantic, it's a time that's just the two of you alone.

He didn't get this kind of treatment at school; Wang Xuan was too dazzling, and people greeted him wherever he went.

Jing Tian sat in the leather-wrapped seat, sinking into it completely, with popcorn and snacks placed in the middle.

Wang Xuan lay back in his chair, staring at the images playing on the large screen in front of him, occasionally popping popcorn into his mouth.

The light from the screen cast shadows on their faces, and they could almost hear each other's heartbeats.

Wang Xuan went to get the popcorn from the bucket, and Jing Tian just happened to reach out her hand. Their fingertips touched, and after a pause, she hurriedly withdrew her hand. Her ears were already red, and her heart was beating very fast.

A bright scene flashed across the screen, catching the smile on Wang Xuan's lips. Jing Tian instantly realized that this man was doing it on purpose.

"Here you go first."

Wang Xuan smiled and handed over the popcorn bucket. His hand had felt soft, like touching a cloud, yet also slightly cold.

"Eating too much will cause me to feel hot and bothered, so I'll just drink fruit juice."

Jing Tian lowered her head, drinking orange juice to hide her shyness.

It wasn't that a mere touch caused such a strong reaction; it was the dim lighting in the theater, the two of them sitting close together, that created a very ambiguous atmosphere.

Wang Xuan smiled and turned to look at the big screen.

Since "Farewell My Concubine," director Chen's films have always started strong but ended weakly, like the later flops "Monk Comes Down the Mountain" and "Legend of the Demon Cat"...

The first half is a masterpiece, but the second half is confusing and starts to preach profound truths.

The same problem exists with this film, "Mei Lanfang." The portrayal of the characters during their teenage years is excellent, and the supporting actors are also outstanding. Director Chen's aesthetic achievements are beyond reproach.

When it comes to aesthetic attainments, Director Chen is undoubtedly the number one in China.

As Mei Lanfang came of age, the plot began to go astray, with the characters becoming hollow and dull, and the narrative consisting of lengthy didacticism.

Li Min's portrayal of the adult Mei Lanfang is not as good as the two young actors who played him in his childhood and adolescence, let alone compared to Leslie Cheung in "Farewell My Concubine".

···

Wang Xuan stretched. The second half of the nearly two-and-a-half-hour movie was truly agonizing. Thankfully, it was a genuine leather sofa seat, otherwise his butt would have suffered.

He looked at the girl next to him and asked:

"Let's go downstairs and get something to eat. Is there anything you'd like to eat?"

"Hot pot, that's what you should eat in winter."

When it comes to food, Jing Tian's eyes sparkle.

The next moment, seeing the outstretched hand, she hesitated for a moment before placing her hand on it.

The two held hands tightly, their fingers intertwined, for the first time.

Knowing that Wang Xuan was from Sichuan, Jing Tian thoughtfully chose Sichuan-style hot pot.

After eating, we strolled around the mall.

With the domestic economy on an upward trend and e-commerce in its early stages, and it being Sunday, major shopping malls were packed with people.

Wang Xuan and Jing Tian held hands, like an ordinary couple, and even went into some shops that interested them to try them out.

Although neither of them had much public recognition, Wang Xuan was probably more well-known in the entertainment industry, while Jing Tian was a relatively unknown celebrity at the time. However, they both wore masks to avoid being recognized.

"This doll is so cute! It's so adorable, just like you, Xuanxuan."

Jing Tian held up a funny Monchhichi doll and waved it in front of Wang Xuan, her eyes curving like crescent moons.

"What the hell?"

Wang Xuan shook his head and refused; the pink and delicate color didn't match his tall and upright figure at all.

"Tian Tian, ​​look at this, isn't it cute?"

Wang Xuan picked up a funny version of the In the Night Garden doll from the shelf. It had a round face and big eyes, and it looked somewhat like Jing Tian.

"Wow, this is cute, you can give it to me."

The young lady spoke with an air of self-righteousness, handing over the Monchhichi doll: "I'll give you this."

"Let's choose another one." Wang Xuan shook his head in refusal: "Even Pleasant Goat will do."

"No, this is really cute."

···

After getting tired of shopping, the two found a dessert shop and began to enjoy some delicious food.

On the table were their purchases, large and small bags, quite a lot of things they had bought.

"Mmm, this is delicious, Xuanxuan, you should try it."

Jing Tian tore the pastry in half and gave her a piece.

Seeing the outstretched hand, Wang Xuan took it with his mouth, which startled the young lady. Her cheeks instantly flushed red, and she glared at Wang Xuan reproachfully before feeding him the food anyway.

Inevitably, her fingers touched Wang Xuan's lips, and she hurriedly withdrew them as if she had been electrocuted.

Wang Xuan smiled as he chewed his food, making sounds of enjoyment.

"It tastes really good, I'll have another piece."

Judging from Wang Xuan's expression, Jing Tian knew exactly what she was up to. She cut a piece with her knife and fork and placed it on Wang Xuan's plate.

She said haughtily, "You want me to feed you? Dream on."

Wang Xuan wasn't embarrassed at all that his little scheme had been seen through; he smoothly changed the subject.

The two ate and drank and spent the whole day outside.

As night fell, Jing Tian seemed off, always slow to respond, clearly preoccupied with something.

Wang Xuan glanced at the time and said, "It's getting late, let's go back to school."

···

According to outside sources, "Mei Lanfang" grossed 42 million yuan in its opening weekend over four days.

This achievement surpasses that of most commercial films.

However, compared to an investment of 100 million, this figure is not impressive.

Considering Director Chen's status as a Palme d'Or winner and the fact that the film was a favorite at Berlin, there is no shortage of overseas copyright holders.

All things considered, this movie is likely to be profitable.

The movie "Wolf Warrior," which was released on the 10th, cost 23 million yuan to produce, but only grossed 169 million yuan on its opening day, making it a sure thing that it will lose money.

Wu Jing's four million dollars out of his own pocket was essentially wasted, and because of this film, he also owed a lot of favors to people in Hong Kong.

The premiere of "Ip Man" was held in the capital, attended by many big names from Hong Kong and a number of actors from the mainland.

When the cast and crew were asked about box office targets by the media, Donnie Yen inexplicably made a dig at "Back to Youth".

"I'm increasingly confused about the mainland film market. Even romance films can break 100 million yuan at the box office. I'm confident that our action-packed film will take in at least 200 million yuan."

The other main creators didn't expect him to be so brave, and it was too late to stop him.

The next day, upon seeing the report, Wang Xuan scoffed at this method of creating buzz by comparing and contrasting others.

I can't be bothered with these people.

If they really respond, they might just create this kind of hype.

However, he quietly noted down Zhen Zidan's name in his notebook.