Chapter 179

As the credits appeared on the big screen, the theater lights turned on.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

Loud applause erupted in the theater—first from professionals like film critics and media commentators.

Then came celebrities and artists, and finally the audience.

This movie had no deeper meaning—it was simply satisfying to watch.

But that was enough: a good film tells a clear story, draws you in, and leaves you feeling refreshed.

The enthusiastic applause proved the film worked—it wasn't an art film meant to make you think, just pure enjoyment.

The film blended the essence of both Chinese and Korean versions—for example, the Korean version lacked the famous line: "Tonight's bill is on Young Master Zhao."

The Chinese version didn't portray the masses.

That lack of participation and immersion was precisely what this version captured.

Fang Hong, Zhang Songwen, Liu Tianxian, and other main creators walked to the front and bowed to the audience.

A middle-aged man stood up: "I'm a Weibo film critic. I'd like to ask Principal, what mindset did you use to shape this character?"

"Actually, shaping such a character isn't hard—everyone has a demon inside, everyone envies the life of a rich second-generation. I simply released what I envied and the demon within me."

Fang Hong took the microphone and added: "Don't misunderstand—I'm not actually like that."

"Hahaha!"

Laughter broke out in the room.

Liu Tianxian glanced at the man beside her—without restraint, she wondered if he'd unleash his own demon.

In the past, this man's methods were cruel; for all his kindness to others, he never cared what they thought.

"So you mean you didn't hit anyone," the man probed.

"I hit people only when Ceng Aizi deserved it—there's another truth to this matter."

Fang Hong stopped there: "Today we're only talking about the movie. Next question."

He didn't want public opinion to veer off—this part would be cut.

A middle-aged woman stood up: "Liu Tianxian, why did you take on such a role? It clashes severely with your image and persona."

"First, I don't have a persona—I just felt this role challenged me, let me break through myself. Every role is meaningful to me, an experience—I don't care about guest appearances."

Liu Tianxian took the microphone from Fang Hong.

Her answer was spot-on—it avoided controversy over status and clearly stated her ideal: to break her image and become a better actress.

The audience then asked Zhang Songwen questions—all about the characters.

"."

"This movie opens tomorrow, December 15. Please support it," Chen Zhixi said into the microphone.

The premiere event ended, and the crowd dispersed.

As for box office results—he'd done his part; the rest was fate. Fang Hong had no idea.

In a hotel suite, Fang Hong, Mao Yu, Li Meijing, Liu Tianxian, and Chen Zhixhi sat together at a round table for dinner.

They'd come all this way—they had to eat.

Liu Tianxian was mainly here to keep Fang Hong company, not because she had to attend this banquet.

"Principal Fang, this film is excellent—it has the feel of old Hong Kong movies," Mao Yu put down his chopsticks.

The film captured the essence of Hong Kong cinema, yet added its own elements—it wasn't the classic Hong Kong hero-versus-a-crowd style.

Instead, it portrayed the realities of three social strata: the rich second-generation elite, the middle-class police, and the working-class migrant laborers.

Every character had meaning!

"Then please help promote it widely when you return," Fang Hong said.

"Of course."

Mao Yu nodded, then asked: "When will you start the Cold War project?"

Previously agreed: Cold War would be co-produced with Yindu, with Yindu securing distribution rights in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

"You and General Manager Chen can discuss that—I'm not handling the details," Fang Hong said.

Chen Zhixi extended her hand to Mao Yu: "Hello, General Manager Mao. I'm President of Yutu—I'm in charge of this project."

"Hello!"

They shook hands, officially introduced.

Future coordination would follow—so far, it was only an intention, no detailed plan yet.

Fang Hong raised his glass to Liu Tianxian: "Come, have a drink."

"Aren't you not drinking?"

Liu Tianxian raised her glass and clinked it with his.

"I like drinking with you," Fang Hong said.

"Are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage? Let me tell you—you can't get me drunk," Liu Tianxian said playfully, as if seeing through him. "Then how did you get drunk last time?" Fang Hong asked.

That was after the meeting with Wang Zhangtian—Liu Tianxian had gotten drunk then, and Fang Hong had taken her home.

"That time?" Liu Tianxian thought, then found an excuse: "I was just in bad condition."

"You need to be in good condition to drink?" Fang Hong didn't understand.

"Of course—you know the saying: 'It's not the wine that intoxicates, it's the person.'" Liu Tianxian spoke as if it were obvious.

Fang Hong stared at her intently; Liu Tianxian met his gaze.

Just as their eyes sparked "crackling" electricity, Li Meijing interrupted: "Principal Fang, do you need talent agency services?"

"What do you mean?" Fang Hong looked at her.

"I want to bring two Korean artists to China to develop here—their contracts would be under your company, and we'd share profits," Li Meijing said bluntly.

She believed this was a way to make money; South Korean artists coming to China to develop their careers was a trend, and it would benefit Yutu too.

It was originally a star with strong business capabilities who was pushed over.

"Oh, I probably can't help with that. You might not know, but my company is blacklisted by all major companies; even managing my own artists is a struggle." Fang Hong said.

He had no interest in helping South Korean entertainment companies expand into this market. Even if it made money, even if others would do it, he wouldn't.

He simply refused to be the one who let the wolf into the house. He could earn that money back easily—why bother? "I see."

Li Meijing truly hadn't known about this; she thought Yutu was doing quite well.

But no one would tell her about the blacklisting—it was an unspoken understanding within the industry.

"You can check this out—I'm not lying," Fang Hong added.

"I didn't say General Manager Fang was lying—I was just expressing regret," Li Meijing said.

"I'm regretful too," Fang Hong said.

Neither of them said anything more about it. Li Meijing merely asked for convenience; since he refused, there was nothing she could do.

You could also approach other entertainment companies!

Mao Yu listened without speaking, but gave Fang Hong a long, deep look—this young man was quite clear-headed.

In truth, the blacklisting wasn't that powerful; Yutu could still promote it if they wanted.

The meal ended like that. Afterward, Liu Tianxian went home by herself—she had a driver waiting for her.

These past few days, she'd been running errands to earn money, and it was still quite exhausting.

The fame and status gained after filming must be converted into profit—filming alone doesn't make money.

"'The Big Man' tells a crime story of an old cop battling a ruthless brat in a smooth, effortless way—a highly commercial film. The Principal played a born demon, so cruel it sent chills down the spine. Liu Tianxian also delivered a brilliant performance; her acting has returned."

This article by Wenzhang was long and fairly balanced, even noting that Liu Tianxian's acting fluctuated between high and low.

"It's a film very much like a Hong Kong movie; its sincerity lies in its strong storytelling. Audiences want to know how the male lead overcomes overwhelming obstacles while still upholding justice. The editing is clean and sharp, the action intense yet comedic. The actors' performances are full of personality, each fulfilling their role—no one drags the film down."

"This time, the target isn't the underworld—it's the landlord class. This film showed me the progress of Yutu's film production, Yutu's sincerity toward cinema, and its passion for the industry."

"If we could perfect just one shot, one framing, one staging, one scene, one film in every genre, and supplement it with every filmmaker's effort, I believe China could mass-produce 'The Big Man'—but we don't."

"."

That evening, professional reviews of 'The Big Man' appeared on Douban, Weibo, Tieba, and self-media platforms.

Of course, there were good and bad ones—the bad ones were all deleted. It was just that unreasonable! Bilibili also posted the film's trailer; major video platforms posted audience reactions and movie clip advertisements.

Viewers who saw the clipped videos still had their curiosity piqued.

On the 15th, Liu Tianxian arrived early at Yutu, which surprised Fang Hong: "Aren't you busy?"

"I am busy," Liu Tianxian laughed, "but I want to see how much box office your movie will make."

She had seen film critics affirm her acting, so she was eager to track the box office.

"It's still too early. The box office won't come out until tomorrow. Go earn money and support your family—don't slack off every day!"

Fang Hong finished speaking and hurried to leave. Just as he was about to close the door, Liu Tianxian kicked it open with a loud "Bang!"

"Let's see where you run now."

Liu Tianxian's knuckles cracked loudly as she advanced step by step.

Fang Hong retreated step by step until he was backed up against his desk.

Liu Tianxian seized the chance, lunged forward, and pinned him onto the desk: "Who's slacking off every day?"

"Calm down."

Fang Hong lay on the desk.

Looking down at him, Liu Tianxian made him swallow hard.

"I'm perfectly calm."

Liu Tianxian leaned low, her gaze sharp: "I haven't hit you in three days, and now you're acting like this? Talking to me like that?"

(End of Chapter)