Chapter 274: Different Questions at the Premiere

Outside the National Grand Theatre in Beijing, a red carpet was laid out, with flashlights flickering like stars.

The premiere of "Avatar" attracted the attention of the entire Chinese film circle. Xiang Fei, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, walked gracefully with Zhou Huimin, instantly becoming the focus of the media.

"Director Xiang! Look over here!"

"Young Lady Zhou, what is your evaluation of your husband's new work?"

Zhou Huimin smiled without speaking, simply gently holding her husband's arm. Xiang Fei nodded to the camera, his aura steady and powerful.

Subsequently, heavyweight film figures such as Chen Kaige, Cheng Long, Anita Mui, Lin Qingxia, Liu Xiaoqing, and Li Xuejian appeared one after another, triggering wave after wave of cheers.

"This lineup is simply inviting half the Chinese film industry." A reporter murmured in low tones.

Inside the screening hall, the lights were soft.

Xiang Fei was speaking in low tones with Zhang Weiping, both men wearing smiles that were unfathomable.

"Ah Fei, this time can we break your 'Titanic'?" Zhang Weiping swirled his champagne glass.

Xiang Fei chuckled lightly: "How can we know without trying?"

At this moment, Yu Dong of Bona Film Group leaned over: "President Xiang, if this film succeeds, Hollywood will have to look to our favor in the future!"

His words drew agreement from several capital tycoons nearby.

Down in the audience, the artists of Feimin Entertainment whispered among themselves:

"The boss's grandeur..."

"I heard this film can change the entire industry landscape."

Han Shanping coughed lightly, and the scene immediately fell silent: "Time is about up, let's begin."

The lights went out, and the screen lit up.

When the first shot of the planet Pandora appeared, the entire audience involuntarily drew in a sharp breath.

"This... is this a domestic film?" A senior film critic adjusted his glasses, incredulous.

As the plot progressed, the reactions in the audience grew stronger:

When Cheng Long rode the Banshee soaring through the sky, several female stars unconsciously covered their mouths; the scene of the Na'vi and humans fighting made the capital tycoons in the front row lean forward, eyes fixed.

During the more than two hours of screening, no one left early, and very few even went to the restroom. When the end credits rose, the entire hall remained silent for three seconds, then erupted into thunderous applause.

The lights came back on, and Xiang Fei led Cheng Long, Anita Mui, and others onto the stage; immediately, a sea of arms rose from the audience below.

"Director Xiang," a boy with glasses grabbed the microphone, "The special effects of this film completely overturned my understanding; may I ask how the technical team achieved this?"

Xiang Fei took the microphone: "Feimin Entertainment has Minyang Special Effects supporting us." He paused, "But the most crucial thing is that everyone believes we can create miracles."

A female reporter asked: "Does the conflict between humans and Na'vi in the film metaphorically represent cultural clashes in reality?"

Chen Kaige took up the topic: "This is precisely the greatness of 'Avatar'—it is both a visual feast and provokes profound thought."

After the screening, the media area was instantly packed tight with reporters.

"President Xiang! Will this film open a new era of Chinese science fiction?"

Facing the camera, Xiang Fei's gaze was firm: "'Avatar' has only opened the door to domestic science fiction; the road ahead still needs more directors to smooth it out."

On the other side, Cheng Long was surrounded: "Big Brother, may I ask, what are your feelings about the protagonist you portrayed?"

Cheng Long gave a thumbs up: "Director Xiang Fei's third science fiction film, Avatar, I am very honored to have participated in all of them!"

Anita Mui sighed to a fashion magazine reporter: "The Na'vi, this is the largest production I have participated in under Director Xiang; I will always remember it."

Inside the VIP lounge, several tycoons were in secret conversation.

Han Shanping patted Xiang Fei's shoulder: "China Film will fully support all of Ah Fei's projects in the future."

Wang Zhonglei of Huayi immediately followed with a statement: "We will also continue to support."

Yu Dong was even more direct: "President Xiang, for the next film, however much investment is needed, just speak."

Xiang Fei raised his glass in a toast: "With everyone's support, Chinese cinema will surely go further."

Amidst the crisp sound of glasses clinking, a new era was opening.

Late at night, Xiang Fei returned home.

Zhou Huimin handed him a cup of hot tea: "Tired?"

Xiang Fei shook his head, excitement still in his eyes: "Do you know what made me happiest today?"

"The box office pre-sales broke records?"

"No," Xiang Fei looked at the starry sky outside the window, "After the screening ended, I saw several children pulling their parents and saying that when they grow up, they want to be scientists, astronauts."

Zhou Huimin leaned gently against his shoulder: "You have changed many people's understanding of film."