Chapter 171: Launch Event

Beijing International Convention Center, the stage laid with red carpet, was packed to capacity for the launch event of "Megacharshark."

Xiang Fei stood at the center, behind him a massive movie poster—deep ocean blue, the Megacharshark gaping its bloodied maw, with gilded characters below listing the lead cast: Wang Qianyuan, Jia Jingwen, Wang Zhiwen, Zhou Xun, Cheng Long (special appearance).

Flashbulbs flared like a downpour, reporters already poised with their long lenses and short cameras.

"Director Xiang! Why did you choose two newcomers to play the leads in this billion-yuan production?" asked the first reporter from Entertainment Weekly, raising his hand.

Xiang Fei smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping the audience: "Previously, my 'Titanic' launched then-unknown Qian Xiaohao and Cai Shaofen—what about now?"

The entire hall fell silent.

Wang Qianyuan stood at the edge of the stage, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the cuff of his suit. Jia Jingwen noticed his tension and slipped him a reassuring glance.

"Mr. Wang!" a reporter from Southern Express suddenly called out, "As a newcomer headlining a major production, are you under pressure?"

Wang Qianyuan took the microphone, his Adam's apple bobbing: "Of course there's pressure..." He glanced at Xiang Fei, "but Director Xiang says the best performance turns pressure into motivation."

A warm laugh rippled through the audience.

"Miss Jia!" another reporter raised his hand, "You've moved from TV dramas to the big screen, and in sci-fi—do you worry audiences won't adapt?"

Jia Jingwen smiled gracefully: "As Director Xiang said, Cai Shaofen once rose from modeling to the world. I believe good actors have no boundaries."

Wang Zhiwen cleared his throat and took the floor: "I'm quite envious of these young people." He winked playfully, "When I made my first film, I didn't have such opportunities."

Zhou Xun chimed in mischievously: "Master Wang, are you hinting that we're old?"

The audience erupted in laughter again.

"Zhou Xun!" a reporter from Beijing Daily called out loudly, "You're playing a scientist this time—very different from your past roles. Any special preparation?"

Zhou Xun tilted her head, thinking: "I spent a week at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Marine Institute—I can now tell apart the thirty-seven teeth of a shark." She suddenly grew serious, "Just kidding—it's actually twenty-eight."

As the atmosphere grew lively, a bespectacled reporter in the back rose suddenly: "Director Xiang! Rumor has it Brother Cheng Long is only doing a three-minute cameo, yet his fee is ten million—is that true?"

The entire hall fell instantly silent.

Xiang Fei remained unperturbed: "First, Brother Long's fee is a business secret." He paused, "Second, do you really think, given Brother Long's personality, he'd agree to just three minutes?"

At that moment, Cheng Long suddenly leapt out from backstage: "Who said I only did three minutes!" He gestured wildly, "I fought that shark for a full fifteen minutes!"

The hall burst into laughter.

"Director Xiang!" a female reporter from Film & TV Frontiers adjusted her glasses, "Of the 120 million investment, 80 million went to special effects—does that mean actor fees were cut?"

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow: "You're quite knowledgeable." He turned to the actors, "Do you feel your fees are low?"

Wang Qianyuan answered honestly: "Ten times higher than my previous films."

Jia Jingwen added: "And they cover meals and lodging."

Zhou Xun playfully raised her hand: "And free diving training!"

Wang Zhiwen concluded: "The key is having a good script—fee is secondary."

As the launch event neared its end, Xiang Fei delivered his final remarks:

"'Titanic' proved love knows no borders; 'Megacharshark' will prove fear does too." He scanned the room, "Three months from now, see you on the big screen."

Reporters still wanted to ask more, but staff were already clearing the venue. Wang Qianyuan exhaled deeply and whispered to Jia Jingwen: "Finally over."

Jia Jingwen smiled lightly: "This is just the beginning."