Chapter 365: All Under Heaven

Not long after the filming of "My Dear Love" began, "Avengers: Endgame" was released.

As the concluding film of Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Three and the "final chapter" of eleven years and twenty-two Marvel films, it became a global cultural phenomenon upon release.

Meanwhile, after its release in China, it set a series of box office records, such as highest ticket price, pre-sale box office, and midnight screening box office.

Pre-sale box office exceeded seven hundred million RMB, breaking China's film history pre-sale record; some IMAX showings were scalped to hundreds of yuan, leaving people stunned.

Even just the midnight screenings alone generated over one hundred million RMB in box office.

A single screening earned more than the total box office of many films after their entire runs.

This was likely because China was among the earliest regions to screen it, two days before North America, sparking a nationwide "midnight screening frenzy" among Marvel fans.

Did Hollywood really come to "uphold justice"?!!

All films released alongside "Avengers: Endgame" suffered massive losses; this one film accounted for nearly ninety-nine percent of the same period's total box office.

Forget it, let's first knock "The Wandering Earth."

After all, "The Wandering Earth," still in theaters at the time, had been squeezed to near-zero box office.

From screening slots to occupancy rates, it had basically collapsed entirely, its viewing potential fully drained.

That final surge to chase box office records had already been nothing but a last flicker after brutal exploitation.

The so-called extended release key had little effect; even if screened for another hundred days, the total might not match the box office of a single day in its early run.

Thus, some marketing accounts began wildly praising "Avengers: Endgame" for crushing "The Wandering Earth"—this was especially shameless, using a newly released film to "beat up" a film that only scraped up minor earnings via an extended release key.

Slightly more respectable marketing accounts compared the two films' opening-day box office.

After all, one was over seven hundred million, the other only five hundred million.

But as soon as this tactic was deployed, it revealed its weakness.

Seven hundred million was pre-sale; actual opening-day box office was only about five hundred forty million.

It failed to break "The Wandering Earth"'s opening-day box office record.

The difference wasn't huge—just a few million.

Yet this gap made many trolls furious: "Damn, it didn't even surpass it?!"

So Hollywood wasn't here to "uphold justice"—it was here to team up with "The Wandering Earth" and give everyone else a double-team beating?!

Marvel: If I can't beat Bai Liang and Guo Fan, can't I at least beat you guys?

For every other film, this was two movies taking turns "bullying" them.

The two big brothers engaged in an imperial palace duel across the distance, but all their moves landed on the bystanders.

And all were AoE skills!

Maoyan predicted "Avengers: Endgame"'s box office at 5.3 billion.

This forecast clearly drew heavy reference from "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth," directly benchmarking against them.

This prediction would be adjusted in real time according to subsequent box office trends.

Some films saw their forecasts climb higher, others peaked and then went silent—there were all kinds of competitors.

But the two films' release dates, roughly two months apart, undoubtedly pulled the entire box office market upward together; many media outlets predicted this year's film market would set a new all-time high!

Although the films released in the first half of this year were repeatedly "favored" by the two big brothers and suffered terribly, the booming domestic market gave capital greater confidence.

Chinese cinema seemed to have entered its best era.

The world's largest film market, with over a billion people, would soon make a tremendous noise, perhaps challenging in the future those records once deemed unattainable.

The era many filmmakers had long dreamed of seemed to be finally arriving.

But it might also be the worst era.

Because cultural workers don't necessarily possess real culture.

Those who are merely foolish are easy enough to spot; those who are both foolish and evil are obvious too—but the worst are those who aren't foolish but are deeply evil; these bastards might even pretend to be foolish.

——

In Shanghai, the "The Wandering Earth" victory banquet.

The banquet was held in Shanghai mainly so our Brother Bai could return to filming the next day without delaying the schedule of "My Dear Love."

He had to change clothes immediately after filming ended.

Bai Liang was fine, but Na Zha was truly racing against time.

As soon as she shed her costume, she practically had to put on her gown, apply makeup, and style her hair all at once.

Bai Liang, ever cheeky, remarked: "Just wear something simple—it's not like there's a red carpet today."

"Shut up!"

Na Zha, usually soft and coquettish, suddenly radiated deadly intent.

But right after that, she instantly switched back to her sweet tone: "This occasion is so important~ Just wait for me a little bit, kiss me! Good boy~"

After pecking his cheek, she didn't wait for Bai Liang to embrace her—she spun away nimbly; there were still many steps left, no time for kissing.

Hmm. She gave him a fleeting kiss, then returned to tending her face.

Only then did Bai Liang realize: oh right, today's "guests" at this victory banquet were numerous.

Besides some industry friends who came to show support, there was another crucial group: all the Misses who had helped the film, except for Sister Xiao Zhao, would all be present.

Under these circumstances, Na Zha's fighting spirit soaring was entirely normal.

Of course, her main target was Dili Reba.

There was absolutely no chance she'd show up in casual clothes with no makeup.

When she met Dili Reba, she had to go all out—because Dili Reba would do the same.

Bai Liang couldn't say anything like, "Stop fighting already."

So he could only surrender his luxury van to Na Zha; she had already changed into her gown, and the makeup team waited outside.

But at this moment, Bai Liang received a call from Mencius.

"Hey~ little hedgehog!"

"So happy? Did you win the lottery?"

"No, I just want to make a small request—can I?"

"Sure."

On the other end of the phone, Meng Ziyi couldn't help but smile smugly—didn't even ask what her request was before saying yes?

He's just too nice!

"Let me finish first—Sister Qian Jie wants to come to the celebration party too. Can I bring her?" she asked cautiously.

"Sister Qian Jie?"

Bai Liang's tone held a hint of confusion, making Meng Ziyi's heart skip—a beat. She quickly added: "I know it's a bit awkward, I'm just asking casually, not trying to trouble you. Don't get mad."

"No, I'm not mad—I was just thinking of something important."

"What's that?"

Bai Liang pointed out he'd just noticed a blind spot: "You said you wanted to bring Sister Qian Jie?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Sister Qian Jie's the investor—of course she can come. I just didn't expect you'd come too," Bai Liang chuckled, instantly spotting the flaw in her wording.

May I ask, Meng Jie, what's your role here?

On the other end of the phone, Meng Ziyi's face turned red, her cheeks puffing up like a pufferfish—but inside, she was ecstatic.

"Oh! You're so mean!"

What's this? You already said yes, yet you still tease me like this.

You're terrible!

All the girls in the group are going today—if I don't go, it'll look like I'm being left out!

That won't do.

After saying hello to Bai Liang, Meng Ziyi hurried off to dress up Sister Qian Jie.

After all, this occasion couldn't afford any loss of face.

Night had fallen.

The city of Shanghai seemed draped in neon.

At the celebration venue, Guo Fan couldn't help loosening his shirt buttons, thinking inwardly: Brother Liang, I knew you were the real talent for sci-fi films.

He stole a glance at the group of lovely girls nearby, his admiration for Bai Liang flowing like an endless river.

To get money with just one sentence was already impressive—but to gather all these people together?!

Awesome!

And it seemed they actually got along well—even one brought her own mother.

Just now, Meng Ziyi had come with Sister Qian Jie to greet Guo Fan.

After the introduction, Guo Fan's eyes nearly popped out.

He knew Bai Liang's funding list included a Sister Qian Jie—but he never imagined she was a female artist's mother!

This is insane.

Mother-in-law?!

No wonder you're Brother Liang—my role model. Others pay to join; you pull money straight from the mother-in-law.

This made Guo Fan glance at Meng Jie again—previously, he'd thought this little sister had very little presence.

At least not as noticeable as Dili Reba or Guli Nazha.

But now, Guo Fan remembered her!

When we make *The Wandering Earth 2*, I'll definitely give this girl a role—how big the part is can wait, but she must be included.

Heroes flood the land like fish crossing a river—Brother Liang's romantic interests keep appearing!

As he sighed in awe, the girls gathered together, gossiping.

"Aren't Guli Nazha and Dili Reba coming today? Great!" "They won't miss it—Nazha's filming with Da Xian right here in Shanghai; they'll probably come together. Dili Reba's uncertain—we only have a spy for Tang Ren, not for Jia Xing."

Chen Yao:?? Am I a spy now?!

"I know a girl from Jia Xing—Zhu Zhu Xudan. I met her at an event before—she's fun, but hard to get into the group."

"I know that name—she's Zhou Zhou Zhiruo from the new *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*, right? The lead Zhao Min is Chen Yuqi under Tang Ren 1 Jie, and didn't they recently stir up drama by pitting their bosses against each other?"

"The new *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*? Posing as Meng Jie?"

Meng Jie looked bewildered: "Me? How am I being posed as?"

Li Yitong tapped Jin Cheng, telling her to stop talking nonsense, then added: "The new *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber* is also directed by Jiang Jiajun—it's clearly meant to contrast our earlier *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*."

"Exactly! Comparing Tongtong with Chen Yuqi, Meng Jie with Zhu Zhu Xudan. Too bad no drama erupted," Jin Cheng said with regret.

"You just want to watch others fight."

"You idiots, drama creates buzz! Why do you think they're clinging to *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*? Is it really because of the director? No—it's because Yang Kang is played by Da Xian! Who wouldn't piggyback on that?"

"That makes sense! But I heard Chen Yuqi didn't win the role from our Yao Yao."

!

At these words, everyone's attention snapped to her!

Chen Yao waved her hands frantically: "I didn't! I didn't! Don't say that!"

"Come on, don't be modest! You're the future Tang Ren 1 Jie—stand up, Yao Yao!" Jin Cheng grinned encouragingly.

Chen Yao whispered: "Nazha still has over two years left on her contract. Don't say that."

"Two years fly by. Since we met Da Xian, it's already been over three years—almost four—and it still feels like yesterday."

"When people hit thirty, they start nostalgic for youth. Da Xi has reached that age."

"Nonsense! I'm forever eighteen!"

After teasing Jin Da Xi, everyone naturally became very interested in the showdown between Chen Yao and Chen Yuqi.

But this matter was a bit absurd.

Because the two were competing for a supporting role as the female second lead.

That role was Ai Qing from the drama "My Dear Love."

Originally, Tang Yan had come to Bai Liang seeking this role, wanting to push her own actress Chen Yuqi into it.

At first, Bai Liang didn't even understand why.

Although it was the female second lead, the role's screen time and ranking barely reached fifth place.

But Chen Yuqi had already played Zhao Min, the female lead in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," which had just premiered after the New Year.

Then Cai Yinong told Bai Liang that "Sweet Stewed Squid" had a sequel: "The Confined Fish in the Maze."

The female lead was Ai Qing.

Being the female lead of a single drama wasn't that precious—especially since Chen Yao, whom Cai Yinong had already decided to push as the next top female star, wasn't short of female lead roles.

Tang Ren, though increasingly lackluster, had seen a decline in the quality and reputation of his self-produced dramas.

But even a rotten boat still has three nails—his resources were still not lacking.

Still, this project was different.

Anything now linked to Bai Liang could suddenly become far more valuable.

That's why Cai Yinong had specifically come over to "remind" Bai Liang about this matter.

Bai Liang: Ah~ So that's how it is!

Cai Zong hadn't played any power plays—she'd merely hinted subtly: I won't say a word, you figure it out yourself.

At least give her a fair chance to compete, Xiao Bai—no, Boss Bai, don't you agree?

Bai Liang had always been quick to grasp things, so he immediately asked Chen Yao if she'd be willing to take the supporting role.

Chen Yao: I'm not stupid—why wouldn't I want it?

This was the real truth behind Chen Yao and Chen Yuqi "fighting over the role."

In her own telling to her girl friends, it was simply that her boss Cai Yinong had recommended her to the production team, and she got the role.

There was no intense, dramatic battle over the part—she'd be joining the set in a few days anyway.

"Recommended by the production team? Really? I don't believe it." Jin Cheng still smirked, clearly determined to force Chen Yao to confess.

"I don't know—maybe Sister Na also spoke up for her."

"Hey hey hey, my mom's here—don't say things like that!" Meng Jie noticed Sister Qian Jie strolling back and quickly warned them.

Mainly because Jin Cheng was prone to blurting out something shocking.

But Meng Jie had overestimated the moral restraint of these girl friends.

These girls had picked up some bad habits from Capybara—they didn't call her "Auntie," they called her "Sister."

Even Chen Yao, who was the same age as Meng Jie and had been her classmate, called her "Sister" with a perfectly serious and innocent expression.

Huh. Sister, it's been over three years—why do you still have that Yue Qiluo vibe?

But now the generational hierarchy was truly messed up.

They called Meng Ziyi "Meng Jie," yet called her mother "Sister."

"No problem—we each call our own."

"Meng Jie, you're dumb—call her 'Auntie.' Look at how none of them dare answer."

Boys and girls were different—boys only felt joy at rising in generational rank, even hoping to become the other's father.

But girls? They were quite sensitive about age.

Especially here, there were three 1990s-born girls, all twenty-nine by lunar age, on the verge of thirty.

They were even more sensitive to the term "Auntie."

Except Jin Cheng.

She was always special—not only did she happily accept "Auntie," she'd even answer to "Grandma."

But just as she was about to take full advantage of Meng Jie, the room seemed to fall silent for a moment.

Because the main guest of tonight's celebration banquet had finally arrived.

But at first, Bai Liang claimed he was merely accompanying Na—she had dressed today as if walking a red carpet.

"That girl is truly beautiful." Sister Qian Jie couldn't help but sigh.

Meng Jie couldn't resist whispering: "Compared to me?"

"Of course you're the most beautiful to me."

This sounded nice, but Meng Jie felt it would've been better without the "to me."

Another day of being visually overshadowed by Gu Li Na Zha?

Damn it!

Na Zha: Hehe, overshadow you? You're not even worth it.

She'd rushed to dress up today not to compete with Meng Jie, some insignificant little thing.

Perhaps they truly shared a psychic connection—right after Na Zha and Bai Liang appeared, Di Li Re Ba and Yang Mi arrived together.

Yang Mi's outfit wasn't particularly outrageous—just a slight numerical advantage, yet her cleavage was enough to draw eyes.

But Re Ba had clearly synced wavelengths with Na Zha—both went all out simultaneously.

And the first thing she did upon arriving wasn't to find Bai Liang—she went straight for Gu Li Na Zha!

Within three seconds, their gazes had already collided.

Re Ba: Come on?

Na Zha: Come!

Without a shred of hesitation, after tying in styling and aura, the two immediately decided to find a secluded spot to have a good argument first.

Yang Mi watched this scene and could barely hold it together, thinking to herself, what kind of hobby is this?

No wonder Reba was muttering to herself on the way here—so she was "warming up her car"?

The new generation of young actresses tearing each other apart—truly creative, and truly direct.

"Young little girl, full of energy, aren't you, Sister Tian Tian?"

Hearing this, Miss Jing Tian cast a slightly wary glance at Yang Mi, feeling that although the other party was all smiles, she meant no good.

And leaning in that close—do we know each other that well?

Today's Miss Jing Tian was actually wearing an outfit that showed off her figure, mainly because her upper body was very perky.

The other side was Big Mi Mi, sure, but wasn't she herself Big Tian Tian too~

She had stats of her own!

But leaning in that close right now, the two were about to clash.

When Yang Mi felt something give, she realized something was off and quickly stepped back.

Ah, this is a little awkward.

Even Yang Mi froze for two seconds, seemingly not expecting Miss Jing Tian to have that much to offer.

At this, her eyes couldn't help narrowing.

Unlike the "friendliness" from before, her narrowed, elongated eyes seemed to carry a hint of danger.

Alright, alright, a one-on-one "deathmatch."

(End of chapter)