Chapter 285: Yearning for Love, Stepping on Others to Gain Clout

Time reached the 31st, and *Aftershock* ended its theatrical run, with the box office locked at 683 million, failing to break the 700 million mark.

Many in the media felt a bit regretful, but there was no helping it; the film's potential had been exhausted, with daily box office returns falling below 100,000.

Despite failing to reach the goal they had initially shouted, Huayi still held a high-profile celebration banquet, which also served as a media meet-and-greet for *If You Are The One 2*.

As an investor, Huayi had already sent an invitation, but unfortunately, Wei Jin had other important matters and could only politely decline.

Zhu Wei drove the car, steadily carrying Wei Jin and Jing Tian toward the Beijing Film Academy.

"Brother, now that I've graduated, I can finally stroll around the campus with you."

Jing Tian's face was beaming like a flower, though she felt a bit of regret that the Beijing Film Academy had no school uniforms.

As if he had read the girl's mind, Wei Jin held her hand and said gently:

"Tian Tian, next time we film, we'll find a school, put on uniforms, and have a proper stroll."

A movie surfaced in Wei Jin's mind that was quite suitable for the young lady.

"Mm, okay."

The smile on Jing Tian's face grew even brighter; she knew Wei Jin would not lie to her. — Zhang Yimou was truly the face of the Beijing Film Academy; his art-house film was being screened at the Beijing Film Academy's small auditorium, and the school gave it a very high-spec reception.

Banners were hung at the school gate, signs were visible everywhere on campus, and there were students guiding the way along the path; it was likely that even if leaders from the Film Bureau came down to inspect work, there wouldn't be such a grand display.

Lao Zhu parked the car in the public parking area, not daring to drive it inside for fear of not being able to leave later.

Wei Jin and Jing Tian strolled through the campus hand in hand, and people came over to greet them all along the way; most were current students at the Beijing Film Academy, even though the two of them didn't know them.

Perhaps because their fame was too great, Wei Jin noticed that several students had the intention of coming over to take photos, but they ultimately held back.

Just as they were about to reach the small auditorium, a girl rushed over.

"Senior Brother Wei, Senior Sister Jing Tian, I am Huang Mengying from the 2009 acting class. Can we take a photo?"

Looking at the girl with the goose-egg face before him, Wei Jin was dazed; wasn't this Su Jin?

"Ah, I remember you. You were quite flustered during the art exam, and you didn't even draw one of your eyebrows well."

Jing Tian recalled the scene from last year's art exam where Gao Ye put on airs and lectured the newcomers.

"Yes, yes, yes, Senior Sister, that's me. Can we take a photo?"

Huang Mengying was quite persistent, having come solely for the photo; she was a fan of Jing Tian.

In fact, since *Lucy*, many students at the Beijing Film Academy had taken Jing Tian as their idol, not asking to catch up to her, but even just to get a little closer? After all, the latter was already one of the Four Dan Actresses and a globally famous female star.

Watching the junior student show a look of adoration, Jing Tian felt as refreshed as if she had eaten ice cream in the dog days of summer.

"Of course you can. Brother, what do you think?"

"No problem, but be quick."

Huang Mengying was very pleasantly surprised; she took out her phone, found a passerby student to help take the photo, and then posed with Jing Tian.

Wei Jin stood behind them like a piece of wood, but paired with this 90-point face, he didn't look out of place in the frame.

"1, 2, 3, cheese." — "Sister Ziyi, Brother Honglei."

As soon as she entered the small auditorium, Jing Tian greeted her acquaintances; whether it was *The Martian* or *Lucy*, both of these people had gotten along well with the young lady.

These two were actors who had previously collaborated with Zhang Yimou, so it wasn't strange for them to come and show support today; there were many others like them, but it seemed quite strange that they were all actors from the Central Academy of Drama.

"Director Wei, Tian Tian, long time no see."

Just as the few of them exchanged a few pleasantries, Zhang Yimou walked over; with Wei Jin's status placed here, he needed to receive him personally.

"Director Wei, Miss Jing Tian, welcome for coming to show support. Please, inside."

Zhang Yimou was in high spirits, and one couldn't tell at all that he was already 60 years old.

"Director Zhang, you are too polite."

Wei Jin was not modest either, and he led Jing Tian into the small auditorium.

Limited by the space, there weren't many people in the auditorium, but they were all big names and acquaintances.

Tian Zhuangzhuang, Gu Changwei, Jiang Wen, Li Xuejian, Zhang Ziyi, Wang Jinsong, Sun Honglei, Huang Bai... they were all directors or actors famous in the industry, not a single minor role, but everyone sat in two distinct groups, fully revealing the status difference between directors and actors in the entertainment circle.

Wei Jin brought Jing Tian to the director's side, and no one found it strange.

Finding an empty seat in the third row to sit down, Wei Jin stood up and went to the first row to greet his mentor.

"Teacher, long time no see. How is your health?"

Tian Zhuangzhuang was two years younger than Zhang Yimou, but he looked much older.

"Quite good. And you? How have you been lately? When do you plan to make a push for Venice?"

It was rare for Tian Zhuangzhuang to see his prize student, and he cared about his career.

"I have a plan in my mind; it will be either next year or the year after."

In fact, for Wei Jin, Venice was the most difficult of the European Big Three because it pursued the artistry and innovation of film, encouraging filmmakers to present works with unique perspectives and expressive techniques.

This characteristic destined that most of the award-winning films at the Venice Film Festival were niche films, meaning the probability of Wei Jin having seen such films in his past life was very small, and he had very little stock in his mind.

As of now, Wei Jin only had three scripts he was confident in, and he was already prepared to continue launching attempts after failure.

"Mm, as long as there is a plan, but don't be in a rush."

Seeing that this student hadn't forgotten about honorary awards because of the achievements he had made with commercial films, Tian Zhuangzhuang was deeply gratified, and then he remembered one more thing.

"By the way, I have taken on a new student; if you have the chance, you two should get to know each other."

"Oh? A junior brother? What is his name?"

"Wen Muye." — Bidding farewell to Tian Zhuangzhuang, Wei Jin returned to his seat and saw Jing Tian and Jiang Wen chatting.

"What are you talking about?"

"Brother, Director Jiang told me many interesting stories from when he was filming, and he even invited me to star in his next movie."

Before Jiang Wen could speak, Jing Tian held Wei Jin's arm and said with some excitement; it was her first time being invited to act by a big director.

"Yes, I already have a plan. What do you think, Director Wei?"

"Director Jiang, your films have too strong a personal style; it's not suitable for her, so let's forget it."

Jiang Wen has not directed many films himself; Wei Jin remembers very clearly that after *Let the Bullets Fly* reached its peak, there was *Gone with the Bullets*, but that film was so muddled and confusing, it was truly uninteresting.

Moreover, this guy often gets hot-headed when filming and isn't very friendly to actresses, so it's better not to get involved with his women.

"What kind of talk is that? There's no such thing as an unsuitable actor; it's all about coaching and grinding."

Seeing Wei Jin continue to shake his head, Jiang Wen still intended to say something more, but the feature film had already started playing on the screen, so he sullenly said no more.

Wei Jin had not seen *Hawthorn Tree Forever* in his past life, so he watched it very carefully this time. He had originally assumed it was an art film, fearing it would be dry, dull, pretentious, or perhaps mixed with personal agendas and flashy gimmicks.

But having watched the whole thing, he had to admit that Zhang Yimou is truly formidable.

This film had no flashy tricks; the overall color tone was somber, without bright colors or lighting, and there were no special effects; even the story was very simple.

Using the most plain cinematic language, it told a story of pure love that struck straight at the heart. — As the film ended, Jing Tian was already sobbing uncontrollably, soaking Wei Jin's shoulder.

The people around them all had heavy expressions, and most of the actresses at the scene were also wiping away tears; after all, it was a tragic film.

Wei Jin also felt deeply moved; that kind of pure love in the film is likely hard to see again in this current era of rampant materialism. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Zhang Yimou's ability to coach new actors, or rather his ability to cast them, is truly boundless; the two amateur actors performed quite brilliantly in the film.

Following Zhang Yimou's ascent to the stage, the applause at the scene was like thunder.

Clearly, this film had won everyone's approval; Zhang Yimou's art films are truly in a league of their own.

The reporter interview session at the scene was very harmonious because the big-mouth Zhang Weiping was not there today. Zhang Yimou focused on introducing the lead actor and actress to everyone, appearing as if he intended to sign them and planned to groom them a bit.

It is worth mentioning that in the entertainment industry, directors who sign actors like Zhang Yimou does are very rare, even though it is unclear between him and Zhang Weiping who is actually the boss of the artists.

Sure enough, Zhang Yimou walked among the guests with the two newcomers, and before long, he arrived at Wei Jin's side.

"President Wei, Tian Tian, how do you feel about this film?"

"Very good. The love of that era is truly something to yearn for. Director Zhang is impressive."

Wei Jin praised it without reservation; Jing Tian was still wiping her tears at this moment and couldn't speak, so she could only nod along.

"By the way, let me introduce you: Zhou Dongyu, Dou Xiao."

"Hello Director Wei, hello Sister Tian Tian." — On the way back, Jing Tian seemed to still be immersed in the plot from just now, her mood somewhat low.

"I cannot wait for you for one year and one month, nor can I wait for you until you are twenty-five, but I will wait for you for a lifetime."

Jing Tian muttered to herself, reciting the final subtitles from the film.

"Tian Tian, a basic skill for an actor is to detach from the character in time. Look how long it's been, and you still can't soothe your mood; that's not up to standard, you know."

While speaking, Wei Jin pulled Jing Tian into his arms and teased her in a gentle voice.

"Brother, aren't you moved at all?"

Jing Tian asked with a heavy nasal tone, her voice still a bit hoarse.

"I am moved, which is why I cherish the present time even more."

Wei Jin lifted the girl's pretty face and stared into her eyes.

"That kind of pure love in the film, although beautiful, is a tragedy and not worth yearning for."

Seeing the confusion in the girl's eyes, Wei Jin continued to explain: "But we have met, come to know each other, fallen in love, stayed together, and accompanied one another; isn't it even more worth cherishing that we will spend the rest of our lives together in the future?"

Listening to the man's words, Jing Tian thought of the scenes from the five years since she and Wei Jin had met, and she couldn't help but smile.

Although the man is a playboy, being with him is truly happy, blissful, and sweet; isn't this what love is?

Thinking of this, Jing Tian finally walked out of the film's plot.

"Brother, we must be well. I don't want to wait for you for a lifetime; I want to accompany you for a lifetime."

"Mm, Tian Tian, we will never be separated." — The reviews for the preview screening of *Hawthorn Tree* soon appeared online.

Professional film critics all gave positive reviews, and combined with the achievements Zhang Yimou has attained in the field of art, *Hawthorn Tree* could be said to be a hit before it was even released.

The expectations of a large number of viewers had been maxed out, praying for the film to be released quickly.

At the same time, *Legend of the Fist* was also holding a press conference in Beijing.

This film had been quite high-profile since it started filming, claiming it would rake in 500 million at the box office.

Because the release schedule was close, only 9 days apart from *Passengers*, reporters at the scene asked if they had the confidence to snatch box office revenue from Wei Jin's hands.

"Of course. The *Hawthorn Tree* released before us is an art film and not on the same track; as for the *Reign of Assassins* after us, we are even more confident that it won't get any box office revenue. As for *Passengers*, we believe it will be no exception."

Once these words were out, the media at the scene were collectively speechless; this bad habit of Hong Kong directors bragging is truly damn miraculous.

Could bragging cover up the reality that Hong Kong films have already declined?

"I'm not joking. Our lead actor is Zhen Zidan; he can fight ten people at once, haha."

It wasn't just the director who was very confident; Zhen Zidan, as the lead actor, also made a bold statement:

"The fight scenes in this film are truly spectacular; I have the confidence to carry 500 million in box office revenue."

As of now, the conflict between the Hong Kong circle and the Mainland circle is still very deep; such a Hong Kong film making such harsh remarks made many Mainland filmmakers somewhat indignant.

Before Wei Jin could speak, the creative team of *Passengers* couldn't stand it anymore; Gao Yuanyuan took the lead and directly posted a Weibo.

"I believe that among the films in the National Day Slot, not a single one can beat *Passengers*!"

Immediately following, the usually gentle Qiao Zhenyu also spoke up on Weibo.

"Yuanyuan is right; in the National Day Slot, there isn't a single one that can fight!"

This immediately caused the internet to explode, and many netizens directly mocked: _Golden_Years: "If you're going to use others for clout, please pick a good opponent. To challenge Wei Jin, are you even worthy?"

0oLaughingAtLifeo0: "Director Wei's sci-fi film is not to be missed, just like *The Martian* back then!"

Even Ning Hao, who was in Shanghai, called: "Junior brother, don't let them off this time. Crush them hard and let them know that Mainland film is not what it was ten years ago."

"Don't worry. The louder they shout now, the more it will sting when they get slapped in the face later."

Actually, Wei Jin didn't care; it's all promotion, and that big-mouth Zhang Weiping is no better.

After chatting for a while, Wei Jin hung up the phone and looked up at Zhang Yi in front of him.

"Did Chen Xi tell you?"

"Producer Chen said so, telling me not to take any roles for these two months and to join the crew once *Pacific Rim* starts filming."

Zhang Yi was somewhat excited in his speech; after all, it was a Hollywood co-production blockbuster with an investment of 150 million, and his acting career was simply going smoothly to an incredible degree.

"You kid are lucky too; you weren't chosen for The Great Robbery, and your role in Sword Snow Stride isn't much either."

Wei Jin was also feeling emotional; this guy had appeared in The Martian, Thieves, and Pacific Rim back-to-back, and was damn near becoming a chosen son of heaven.

"Hehe."

Zhang Yi scratched his head, smiling with a somewhat simple and honest look, but Wei Jin knew this guy was very shrewd and also quite a goofball.

"Just keep this to yourself; it will be announced in a few days."

"Don't worry, Boss Wei, I won't reveal a single word."

Second update of the day (End of this chapter)