Chapter 108

"President Wu."

Arriving in front of the group, Li Luo stopped.

He cast his gaze onto the other person. The other smiled like a little old man; he was unremarkable, but he was indeed a world-renowned big director.

"Let me introduce."

Wu Dun always had that "old fox" smile. He gestured to the side: "This is Director Li An. You should have seen the movies he directed. He happens to be in Beijing now, so I invited him over to sit for a while."

Taiwan is a small place.

Relevant personnel can always find connections after going around in circles.

Knowing Li An was in Beijing, Wu Dun immediately paid a visit and invited him over. Not to mention anything else, just by showing his face at the *Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre* press conference, it would increase a lot of attention.

Without introduction, Li Luo also knew this big director who shared his surname.

His ability and status were extraordinary.

*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, *Brokeback Mountain*, *Life of Pi*—he won awards for movie after movie until his hands were soft.

"Director Li An, hello."

Li Luo shook the hand the other extended and couldn't help but compliment: "I'm actor Li Luo. I really like your movies, especially *Eat Drink Man Woman*, although the opening part shouldn't be watched too closely."

"Why?"

A look of inquiry appeared in Li An's eyes.

It's rare for someone to say their own movie shouldn't be watched closely; he wanted to know the reason.

Wu Dun gave Li Luo a look, signaling him not to talk nonsense; how could he pick faults with someone the first time they met?

"As long as you watch closely."

Li Luo patted his stomach and shook his head, saying: "You can't help but go find something to eat. Who can stand that!"

Movie analysis and the like.

He was too lazy to talk about it.

These few sentences were the truth. In the opening of *Eat Drink Man Woman*, the old man skillfully handled all kinds of complex ingredients. The shots seemed ordinary, but they gave people an exceptionally comfortable viewing experience.

It also greatly whetted the appetite.

"Hahaha."

Li An immediately burst into loud laughter.

Isn't that exactly what he wanted—to influence real life through lens language? A simple "it made my stomach hungry" made him feel happier than analyzing the deep meaning from various angles.

While happy, he couldn't help but share interesting stories from the filming with Li Luo.

At that time, in order to present all kinds of delicacies.

He specially invited two famous Taiwanese chefs to help, which led to those mouth-watering scenes in the movie.

After chatting for a while.

Under Wu Dun's greeting, they walked to the side together.

Having a big director visit.

Naturally caused a small sensation.

Li An's popularity at this time was extraordinary, starting with the box office and critical success of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, which turned Zhang Ziyi into "International Zhang," and now he was directing a commercial blockbuster with an investment of over 100 million USD.

Just leaking a role would make people happy enough to lose their teeth.

Naturally, he was flattered by all parties.

Li Luo stood in the corner with a smile, looking at the high-spirited Li An in the crowd.

Who could have guessed.

This director, who was at the height of his popularity, would face a huge blow that almost ended his career in just three short months.

The *Hulk* movie Li An was directing now had a production cost of over 100 million. After its release, it started high and ended low, with a final global box office of only over 200 million USD, which seemed much higher than the production cost.

It looked like it could make money.

But that's not how the accounts are calculated.

Simply put, the theater chains alone would take away about half of the box office revenue.

This movie didn't even earn back its principal.

The box office was a crushing defeat.

Even Li An's consistent good reputation couldn't be maintained.

He was blasted by many film critics.

Compared to *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, Li An really rode a roller coaster, truly experiencing what it means to have great ups and downs.

Fortunately, he really had the ability.

Later, he made a comeback with *Brokeback Mountain*.

But that's a story for later; now was the time when the other was at his most glorious.

Li An in the crowd turned his head inadvertently and noticed Li Luo standing by the window again. The image of him walking out of the Republican era in a suit appeared in his mind once more.

Everything was ready at the scene, and the event could finally begin.

Led by staff.

One man and two women, the three leads, were the first to enter.

"Li Luo, look here."

"Jingwen."

"Smile this way, thank you!"

The moment he walked into the banquet hall, the flashing lights turned everything in front of Li Luo into a white blur, and chaotic shouts were endless.

He slowly turned his neck, maintaining a standard smile on his face, trying not to let his posture make a single mistake.

Only when he could see things in front of him did he start to move.

First, he came to the huge signature wall.

It was full of characters from the drama; the main participating roles of *Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre* were all among them.

Li Luo took the marker pen handed by the staff. He first posed for the cameras, then waved his hand to sign his stylized signature on his own portrait.

Jia Jingwen and Gao Yuanyuan also followed one after another.

The entire banquet hall was decorated in a flashy way, with various *wuxia* elements dotted throughout.

Zhang Long was very creative.

Every table was labeled with the names of the major sects from the novel.

Surrounded by a dozen media reporters, the trio of leads sat down at the table with the "Ice Fire Island" nameplate, and the first wave of interviews followed.

"First of all, congratulations on the upcoming airing of the new drama."

The first reporter asked first: "Do you have anything you want to say to the audience?"

"Hello, audience friends."

Looking at each other, at Jia Jingwen's signal, Li Luo responded: "*Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre* is about to air. Many front-of-house and behind-the-scenes staff across the strait and three regions have put in months of effort for this, hoping to bring everyone a wonderful drama."

"Please support us, thank you very much."

"Jia Jingwen."

Another reporter called her out: "Are there any interesting stories during filming that you can share with us?"

"Sure~"

Jia Jingwen, who had short hair and was wearing a pink long-sleeved top, looked left and right, her face filled with a playful smile: "I don't know whose interesting stories you want to know? I have as many as you want here."

"Ahem~"

Li Luo bumped her shoulder and quietly pointed to Gao Yuanyuan on the other side.

Of course.

This so-called "quietly."

Was actually conducted under the gaze of all the reporters.

"Very good."

Jia Jingwen nodded and said solemnly: "Then let's tell some interesting stories about Li Luo?"

"Hey~"

Li Luo spread his hands at the right time.

Expressing strong dissatisfaction.

The two sang in harmony, making the media reporters burst into laughter.

Without rehearsal, they relied entirely on their mutual understanding to liven up the atmosphere.

This laughter made Gao Yuanyuan relax. She had been a bit nervous since entering the door; after all, this was her first time experiencing such a big scene, unlike Li Luo, who had been baptized in Taiwan.

The media there was much more fierce!

"Zhou Zhiruo and Zhao Min, Li Luo, who do you like more?" After a while, the old cliché came again.

He naturally went in circles with his words.

Offending no one.

"Yuanyuan."

Another reporter locked onto the Beijing girl: "According to what I've learned, you don't have much acting experience, and playing Zhou Zhiruo this time is a rare experience."

"Have you encountered any difficulties or challenges?"

Li Luo handed over the microphone he was holding, looking like he was listening carefully.

"Thank you."

Gao Yuanyuan nodded in thanks and said softly: "The experience of filming this time is indeed rare. Actually, at first, I wanted to quit, fearing I would ruin the character!"

"Fortunately, with the director's encouragement, I persisted."

"Jingwen and Li Luo also gave a lot of help. They tirelessly practiced scenes with me, hoping the effect won't disappoint everyone."

"Actually, Yuanyuan is very talented."

Big Sister Jia Jingwen took over the conversation and praised her fiercely: "She is particularly spirited when acting, not at all like an actor who just came into contact with costume dramas, and her look is also quite stunning."

Now everyone is in the same boat; if one prospers, all prosper; if one suffers, all suffer.

Li Luo also didn't skimp on praise.

"Li Luo."

Another reporter looked at him and asked quickly: "Regarding last month"

"You're right."

Li Luo smiled and interrupted him, waving his hand: "Last month I was filming *Ping Zong Xia Ying* in Zhuozhou, but let's talk about the news of that drama another day, okay? Thank you very much."

Following the other's momentum, he took the topic away.

Giving no chance to ask.

Before that reporter could speak again, other reporters tactfully focused their questions on *Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre*.

The media invited this time were all eating and taking gifts; most people still had integrity and knew what they should do.

The reporter who wanted to ask about *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* was also looked at with disdain by others.

Being so unprofessional.

Who would invite you to this kind of press conference in the future!

Amidst the reporters' questions and answers, other actors entered one after another according to their status.

The atmosphere of the entire press conference was very harmonious. There was no Q&A session; it was equivalent to a big interview for the entire crew. You could go up and talk to whoever you wanted.

Chatting and taking photos, they were busy and happy.

However, in this situation, some actors without popularity.

Would appear much more awkward.

Seeing Chen Zihan sitting in the corner ignored, Li Luo remembered his previous situation and beckoned to her:

"Senior, come over and chat. What are you doing over there by yourself?"

Amidst the other's surprised expression, he introduced her to the surrounding reporters: "Senior Chen Zihan plays Yin Li in the drama, that is, Zhu'er. There was a scene where she dragged me back and forth more than a dozen times."

"She was almost exhausted at the time."

Chen Zihan pinched her palm hard, then walked over quickly and sat carefully beside Li Luo.

Ever since she played a supporting role in *A Chinese Ghost Story* before the New Year.

She had been completely idle.

She hadn't received any film offers for two full months. The situation of "sitting on the mountain and eating the sky" made Chen Zihan feel panicked and flustered, and she urgently needed *Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre* to air to increase her popularity.

She was even more desperate for this kind of opportunity to show her face in front of the media.

So today, she ignored the cold.

And specially wore a sexy little black dress, generously showing off her figure.

Bee waist, fat hips.

Big "thunderbolts"!

Although she had done this much, it was a pity that no one asked. Just when she was feeling depressed, she didn't expect an unexpected surprise.

With the male lead's reminder.

The media cooperated and asked Chen Zihan all kinds of questions.

Anyway, they all had to provide space.

One more or one less was no big deal.

Driven by Li Luo, Chen Zihan answered several questions and took a group photo with the three leads, only then returning to her seat with satisfaction.

Looking at Li Luo's profile.

She took a deep breath, feeling inexplicably grateful.

In the circle, there is more "kicking someone when they are down" than "sending charcoal in the snow"!

Different from just now.

Having only accepted one interview, Chen Zihan became much more radiant; perhaps this is the magic brought by the spotlight.

The preliminary interview ended.

The male and female leads walked onto the temporarily built stage at the host's greeting.

Cooperating to play some small games.

The entire stage had a great atmosphere; not only were there large posters of them in the back, but rockeries were also built on the side, and the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre were placed on top for guests to admire.

Li Luo couldn't sing; he wouldn't sing even if he were beaten to death.

He decisively drew the Heavenly Sword and performed a complete set of Seven Stars Sword Technique for the reporters on the scene.

Whether it could be used in actual combat, that didn't matter.

As long as it was handsome.

Performing sword techniques in a suit, yet there was no sense of discord.

In every move and style.

The flash almost never stopped.

Seeing this, Wu Dun and Zhang Long in the corner applauded repeatedly; no matter the result, at least this little brother was working hard enough on promotion.

Following the performance segment, there was a live lucky draw.

This segment was conducted by Wu Dun and Li An together. Seeing the latter walk onto the stage, the flashes could almost blind people; the media didn't expect that they could actually invite Li An to help stand on the stage.

A full ten of the latest MP3 players were given away, making the guests on the scene satisfied.

The main point was to do whatever made people happy.

The crew members took a group photo together, and the press conference finally came to an end. Various exquisite dishes were served like water, and Li Luo, who had been busy for half a day, could finally rest for a while.

With a large number of media present, he naturally had to pay attention to decency.

No one would force him to drink.

But having a glass of beer from everyone here still made him feel quite bloated.

"I'm going to wash my hands."

Greeting those on the same stage, he exhaled a breath of alcohol and stood up to leave the table.

Walking out of the restroom, a beautiful figure came into view.

"Senior."

Li Luo glanced at the other and happily turned on the faucet: "Even if you're happy today, you don't need to drink so much; watch your intake."

Because of the alcohol.

Chen Zihan, from her slender neck to her collarbone, and that deep V-neck.

All became as pink as peach blossoms in early bloom.

"It's okay, just some beer." Chen Zihan was in a very good mood at this time. She took the towel handed by the waiter nearby and wiped her hands: "I can drink more than you imagine."

"I know~"

Li Luo raised his eyebrows at the other: "Sichuan-Chongqing women never back down."

"Indeed~"

This clumsy Sichuan accent made Chen Zihan laugh until her chest shook.

After Li Luo wiped his hands clean, the two returned to the banquet hall together. Their high heels made no sound on the carpet in the corridor. Chen Zihan slowed her pace a bit: "Thanks for what happened just now."

"You're my senior, no need to say these things."

Li Luo waved his hand and said indifferently: "This situation is temporary; sooner or later, you will carve out a world of your own."

"Really?"

Chen Zihan stopped completely, her tone filled with self-doubt.