Chapter 36

The soundtrack of "Those Years" echoed through the theater, the screen showing a beautiful scene of the male and female leads kissing.

This moment touched many hearts; the audience could no longer hold back their emotions—they were crying!

Some stared silently at the big screen as tears streamed down their faces; others wiped their eyes; some struggled to hold back their tears.

Bao Jinjin kept wiping her tears with tissues, muttering over and over, "So moving."

Her boyfriend, Wang Ran, pulled her into his arms and gently patted her back.

"If I ever yell at you one day, you must turn around—if you don't turn around, I'll hit you."

Bao Jinjin whispered the threat, her tone brimming with affection.

Wang Ran nodded vigorously!

These weren't plants; Fang Hong didn't even need to hire any, but he was cautious—after all, who knew how things would turn out after the screening?

The audience in the theater displayed varied emotions, all moved to some degree, the atmosphere heavy with melancholy.

Unless they'd never been to school, never experienced love, never experienced lost love!

Otherwise, they'd resonate!

Yu Xian operated the camera, recording every facet of the theater—perhaps useful for future propaganda, even for the one after that.

Caiwenjing, sitting in the front row, was overly sentimental; she covered her mouth, eyes red, having felt nothing while filming, but now deeply immersed in the movie.

She never expected this random role to be so good!

"Huh!"

Liu Tianxian exhaled deeply; her throat had felt choked moments ago, and after breathing out, she felt much better.

She glanced again at the man beside her—he wore a calm expression, revealing no emotion.

Watching it again, Fang Hong was still moved, but the feeling had faded considerably.

Long after, the film ended with rolling credits, yet many in the theater remained unable to shake off their emotions.

The theater remained quiet—no one spoke, no one moved to leave, only faint sobs and sniffles filled the air.

Those were people who had cried, or were still crying.

Only when the theater lights came on did Fang Hong, Liu Tianxian, and the main cast step forward in a single line.

Then, loud applause erupted—"Clap, clap, clap!"—some even rose from their seats.

One stood, then another, soon entire rows rose in a wave—quite a spectacle.

Of course, there were plants involved!

The applause continued; students who had participated in filming felt immense pride witnessing this scene.

Some classmates in adjacent seats embraced each other—just because they had succeeded, because of the applause; for them, at this stage, it was the greatest affirmation.

Besides, the applause lasted so long—this encouragement was worth more than money!

Li Xian and Caiwenjing had never seen such a scene before; their bodies felt warm.

Liu Tianxian was fine—she'd experienced too many cheers to be moved anymore, but this affirmation of her work still stirred her deeply.

Making a good work is hard; she never imagined this man had helped her achieve it.

She wasn't incapable of recognizing a good script—she simply had no choice.

Who wouldn't want to make a good movie if they had the choice?

Fang Hong still wore his blank expression—actually, it was when he showed no expression that his heart stirred most, simply because he didn't want anyone to see his inner feelings.

This was his way of protecting himself!

He tilted his head slightly, gazing at the faces of thousands in the crowd, feeling dazed—as if all his labor, all the scorn, had been worth it, because success lay right before him.

Chen Zhixi was also delighted; when the applause subsided, she picked up the microphone.

"Thank you all for taking the time to watch the entire film—this is a tremendous encouragement to us filmmakers. Now, please welcome the director—"

As she spoke these words, Fang Hong shot her a glance—wasn't the plan to stay anonymous?

Chen Zhixi instantly realized her slip and corrected herself: "Please let the lead actors say a few words."

She then handed the microphone to Fang Hong.

"First, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to watch this film. It truly is an excellent work, and I'm honored to be its lead."

"I hope media friends and critics will say something nice when you return—if you absolutely can't resist criticizing, direct it all at me; the director and screenwriter are innocent."

Fang Hong bowed deeply in thanks.

"Hehehe!"

Aside from those involved in production, audience members unfamiliar with the truth laughed—he was quite the joker. What did the movie's quality have to do with him?

He didn't direct it! He didn't write it!

Liu Tianxian and the others stared at the man beside them in confusion—you're the director, aren't you?

What's the difference between blaming you and blaming the director?

The film's credits listed the screenwriter and director as "Principal," so those familiar with Fang Hong weren't surprised—they assumed he was right there in front of them.

But those unfamiliar with Fang Hong didn't know who "Principal" was—they wouldn't recognize him even if he stood right before them.

Fang Hong had played an information gap!

Only Chen Zhixi knew Fang Hong's true role—and she said nothing.

Next came Liu Tianxian's turn to speak; she took the microphone from Fang Hong and said:

"The production team for this film is very young—many are still college students who haven't graduated. Working with them feels like I've returned to my own school days."

"Thank you to the creative team for giving me such a wonderful female lead—she's beautiful, and her personality is so lovely."

"Are you complimenting yourself?" Fang Hong interjected from beside her.

"No, I'm actually lazy—I'm nothing like the female lead in the movie," Liu Tianxian laughed.

Chen Zhixi asked: "Then would you like the male lead in the movie?"

Liu Tianxian tilted her head and thought for a moment: "It's hard to say—I like someone who can care for me emotionally. The male leads in movies are still too childish; they don't know how to care for others, but it still comes down to feeling."

The live audience stirred slightly—they loved hearing this girl's gossip, which was precisely why Fang Hong and Chen Zhixi engaged with her.

It stirs her fans' longing and satisfies their small quirks; otherwise, there's no propaganda material.

Next, Li Xian and Caiwenjing spoke—nothing but flattery and praise for the film.

Who cares what the little chicken chefs said!

"Alright, please help spread the word—we'll see you on August 12th tomorrow!"

With Chen Zhixi's words, the premiere officially ended; no other events followed.

The creative team and actors didn't even get to eat!

There's nothing to be done—we're broke. Go home, each to your own mother, and beg for food.

"Let me take you home!"

To avoid being surrounded by reporters and fans, Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian exited through a side door.

Fang Hong handed her the script of "33 Days of Losing You," asking her to familiarize herself with it in advance.

Liu Tianxian took it and said shrewdly: "So kind-hearted—you want money, don't you?"

"Sigh, in front of you, I have no secrets left at all," Fang Hong said.

"Don't give me that!"

Liu Tianxian tapped his shoulder with the script: "You've got all sorts of scheming in your belly."

"All that scheming is for others—toward you, I'm sincere," Fang Hong said.

"Oh? Then should I feel honored?" Liu Tianxian said.

(End of Chapter)