Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

The Condor Heroes crew returned to Beijing for rest and recuperation.

Zhuang Huai'an took Liu Yifei and her daughter to Hengdian.

Next year will be a year of formalization for the mainland film and television industry. Film and television companies such as Huayi Brothers, Enlight Media, Huace Film & TV, and Bona Film Group have integrated their resources and are going all out to make a name for themselves.

Huayi Brothers fired the first shot, not only reintegrating into the media system, but also signing a cooperation agreement with Hengdian World Studios. Zhuang Huai'an's trip was at the invitation of the King, who invited him to attend the unveiling ceremony.

Zhuang Huai'an had been pondering how to subtly reveal the Berlin ticket information to Da Wang and Xiao Wang. What a coincidence!

In the van, Zhuang Huai'an and Liu Yifei sat in the middle, while Aunt Liu sat alone in the back seat.

After telling Aunt Liu the character biography of the public relations spokesperson in "The Martian," he solemnly invited her to star in the film.

"But I've never acted before, so let's forget about it." Aunt Liu was a little embarrassed. Although she had performed in the Great Hall of the People, she had never actually appeared on the big screen.

Moreover, as everyone in the country knows, this film, "The Martian," cost $8000 million to make. Zhuang Huai'an said that the spokesperson's role is quite significant, and Aunt Liu is worried that she might ruin the future daughter's... cough, things.

Zhuang Huai'an wanted to say a few more words of advice, but the little girl next to him poked his waist, and he immediately shut up after receiving the signal.

Upon arriving at the Hengdian Hotel,

After giving him a look, Liu Yifei turned around and went with Aunt Liu to put away their luggage.

At night, Liu Yifei knocked on the door.

The little girl was wearing a bathrobe with a nightgown underneath. She looked like she had just taken a bath, her face was flushed, and her wet hair was naturally draped over her back.

"Mom is asleep, and I'm afraid the hairdryer will disturb her."

"Then sit down."

Zhuang Huai'an took the hairdryer from her and gently dried her hair. The two of them acted as naturally as an old married couple.

Zhang Lu, sitting on the sofa, looked at the two of them with a maternal smile.

After a while, Zhuang Huai'an touched his hair, which was half dry and half wet, before turning off the hairdryer.

"Blow-drying hair makes it dry, so it's good to let it air out."

"Brother, your movements are so skillful. Did you blow-dry my hair just for me, or did the other sisters do it too... Ouch, that hurts. You hit my head again."

Liu Yifei covered her head, looking very aggrieved.

Zhuang Huai'an withdrew his fingers and rubbed her skin, saying irritably, "You, a female warrior, are trying to imitate Lin Daiyu?"

The little girl glared at him angrily; she was clearly a delicate little girl herself!

"Are you hungry? Would you like to order something to eat?"

"No." Liu Yifei turned her head away, ignoring him, and walked to the sofa to sit down.

"Understood," Zhuang Huai'an nodded, then turned to Zhang Lu and said, "Go outside and see if there's any fruit, like apples, peaches, grapes, or cherry tomatoes. Also, heat up a cup of milk for her."

"I know what I'm doing." Having worked together for many years, Zhang Lu had long understood the young woman's eating habits, a testament to the self-cultivation of a senior assistant.

With only the two of them left in the room, Liu Yifei protested, "You can't keep hitting my head. It's really inappropriate, it'll make you stupid."

"Okay, okay, it's my fault. I'll be more careful next time."

"You promise!"

"I promise."

"Let's make a pinky promise."

Zhuang Huai'an found it somewhat amusing, but still solemnly beckoned to her with his finger, "So serious. What promise have I made to you that I haven't kept?"

Liu Yifei tilted her head and thought for a long time. It seemed that there really wasn't one. This bad guy had promised her two years ago that he would reply to her text messages at any time, and he had kept that promise ever since. Even if it was a message from overseas, he would reply very promptly.

Never mind, I forgive him.

The little girl comforted herself.

"Sissi, why did you stop me from talking in the car this afternoon?"

"That's why I came to talk to you about this."

Liu Yifei adjusted her posture and leaned against the cushion. "Mom rejected you because she didn't want to cause you any trouble. After all, this movie has such a large investment, and she would feel very guilty if her scenes affected the final result."

"It's not that serious..."

"Yes," the little girl interrupted him, her face tense and looking somewhat serious.

"Brother, I know what you're thinking, but have you considered that doing this would put a lot of pressure on Mom? So even if you're unhappy, I'll refuse on Mom's behalf. I don't want her to bear that kind of pressure."

These words were like a wake-up call, and Zhuang Huai'an was immediately stunned.

This was indeed a spur-of-the-moment decision on his part. He didn't consider his mother-in-law's feelings at all, thinking it was just a movie, and since it was a family business, he forgot that in this day and age, movies are considered a form of art.

If Aunt Liu's performance was indeed out of place during the filming of "The Martian", how should he have handled it?

This is like putting your mother-in-law on the fire!

Zhuang Huai'an remained silent for a long time, then let out a sigh and said seriously, "Qianqian, I'm sorry, I didn't think this through. I will apologize to Auntie tomorrow."

Seeing that he had figured it out, Liu Yifei smiled broadly, moved closer, patted his head, and said, shaking her head, "Hmm, you're teachable. I personally accept your apology."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled bitterly, and could only let her do as she pleased.

"In that case, I'll have to reconsider which actress to use. I need someone who can hold her own against Gong Li on stage, and who is also stunningly beautiful. That's a bit difficult."

Liu Yifei tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suggested, "We could use Liu Jialing. Didn't she work with you on 'Transcendence' before? She has the right presence."

Yup!

Zhuang Huai'an's eyes lit up. Although he didn't particularly like Tony Leung, Liu Jialing was no problem.

She has excellent acting skills, a strong presence, and most importantly, she is fluent in both languages ​​and was once a Young Pioneer!

The last point is the most important. As far as I remember, Liu Jialing once posted a Weibo in 2013 with Tiananmen Square in the background and the caption: "The East is Red, the sun in my heart!"

The online environment in 2013 was, as those who know, a cesspool. People who could express their feelings frankly during that time deserved respect!

"Sergeant Akane, you're a genius!"

Zhuang Huai'an pinched his chubby cheeks and praised, "You always manage to share this general's burdens at crucial moments. I'll immediately submit a promotion report for you!"

"Hmm..." Liu Yifei shook her head, breaking free from his grasp, and asked expectantly, "What comes after sergeant?"

"Second Lieutenant, congratulations! You've been promoted to the ranks of junior officers. Keep up the good work and keep striving for excellence."

"Yes, sir!"

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and looked at her with doting eyes.

One thing he really admires about Liu Yifei is that she "doesn't have an evil look."

She has some less flattering photos, but she rarely shows expressions of greed, anger, ignorance, pride, doubt, jealousy, contempt, or malice on her face.

Zhuang Huai'an believes that a very important part of "appearance" lies in expression.

A calm and composed demeanor, without arrogance or sleazy, without the smugness of someone who has done wrong, and without any unnecessary desire for revenge, will prevent the eye-rolling and jealous expressions that are often criticized.

While some people are certainly repulsive for their hatred and arrogance, others are full of flattery and fawning. Those who laugh at them are tired, and those who watch them are disgusted.

Always humble yet confident, always innocent and straightforward, and always daring to express one's inner thoughts.

That's great.