Chapter 587: Respect Life, Accelerate Self-Destruction

Inside the spacious, bright auditorium, the dome rose high, and a large crystal chandelier hung from it, casting a soft glow.

The entire auditorium used red as its main color scheme; the walls, carpet, and drapes carried a kind of fervent, solemn red.

Below, rows of seats were arranged in neat order, every row filled with people in uniform, backs ramrod-straight, full of spirit and vigor.

They were orderly, they were solemn, they were focused, as if touched with a kind of sacredness.

These people were all young men and women about to join the Party!

Up ahead was a large screen, so big it covered the entire front of the auditorium, and on it the movie "Gravity" was playing.

After the film finished, neat applause rang out across the venue, and the screen slowly rose to reveal a stage a few dozen centimeters high.

The stage was covered with a red carpet, and at the edge of the stage stood a podium.

Zhang Hongsen walked up to the podium and stood still, facing the many young faces in the venue, and began to speak:

"The film 'Gravity,' through an artistic form of expression, showcases a spirit of China reaching for space and steadfastly following the path of peaceful development, of participating in international affairs and demonstrating the great-nation responsibility of humanism;

it highlights the precious craftsmanship spirit of Chinese filmmakers during the creative production process; it shows the spirit of the times of China's film industry actively exploring, meeting challenges, and daring to surpass.

Since its release, the film has been welcomed by the broad audience, achieved good social benefits, and realized the unity of social and economic benefits."

While he was speaking, Liu Tianxian was backstage earnestly memorizing the script in her hands.

The script had been written by someone else and then given to her; it wasn't too long, but she was still afraid of mis-speaking a single word, so she was very rigorous.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhang Hongsen came to her and said: "It's your turn."

"Director Zhang!" Liu Tianxian stood up and softly "huffed" out a breath.

"No need to be so nervous, you don't have to stick rigidly to the script either. You can speak in your own words too—as long as you speak well, speak with ideas, it's all fine." Zhang Hongsen gestured for her to relax.

"I'm just afraid of saying something wrong," Liu Tianxian said.

"What could you possibly say wrong talking about a film? It's not like you're discussing right and wrong. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Speak generously. From what I've seen, aren't you usually quite generous?" Zhang Hongsen encouraged.

"Thank you, Director Zhang!" Though she said so, Liu Tianxian still couldn't relax.

"It's fine, the script is just to give you a direction. Just go about it your own way." Zhang Hongsen gestured that she could go on stage.

He had known Liu Tianxian for a long time, and he quite liked this girl's personality—generous, modest, and polite, at least giving a better impression than the Principal.

The Principal simply didn't know what modesty or courtesy was!

In that person's eyes, it seemed all people were the same, with no distinction of high or low, noble or humble.

Liu Tianxian tucked her hair behind her ears, stepped out from backstage to the front, and immediately drew the gaze of countless eyes, which made her heart leap into her throat.

Mainly, these people were too quiet—unlike the entertainment circle, where she went there was always noise and commotion and countless camera flashes; here it was quiet and solemn.

Those watching gazes gave one a kind of pressure.

She steadied her heart, walked to the podium and stood still, facing forward. The white shirt and loose black straight-leg trousers she wore gave off a simple, clean, elegant feeling.

"People who like 'Gravity' may not necessarily understand science, but those who don't like it definitely don't understand film. This movie cannot be interpreted as science.

Nor can it be viewed simply as a film; it tells of respect for life. Many segments in the film metaphorically show how life is born."

Liu Tianxian's soft, girlish voice carried a gentle quality:

"For example, when the female lead pilots the space capsule and flies toward Earth along with countless debris, she is the fastest among those burning, long-tailed bright points, like a sperm rushing toward Earth, the mother body.

The female lead returning to the space capsule is like a baby curled up in the womb; toward the end, the film simulates the process of life's conception, birth, and evolution.

The space capsule plunges into the ocean—the ocean is precisely the origin of life on Earth. The female lead is born with difficulty, swims toward land, just as the initial evolution of life went from ocean to land, from crawling on four limbs to walking upright, all proclaiming the greatness of human life and that it deserves respect.

We should cherish life, respect every single person's life, just as our country has always advocated putting the lives of the people first.

Each person's life comes only once, but a human life is inevitably subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death, and faces many challenges. Even so, we should not give up on life. Just like the female lead in the film, even at her most desperate moment, she did not give up her yearning for life.

Just like our Chinese nation, with its enterprising spirit, never fearing hardship or danger, daring to overcome any challenge, blooming with new life in desperate situations."

Everyone in the audience silently watched the person on stage; some had resolute gazes that gradually softened, as if when the person on stage spoke these words, she radiated a maternal brilliance.

It gave one a warm, comfortable feeling. Whether listening to her speak or looking at her bearing, the feeling she gave was very pleasant.

Throughout, Liu Tianxian spoke on the theme of respecting life—respecting every single person's life.

This was precisely what the country had always advocated: putting the lives of the people first, always.

And the Chinese nation, facing the challenge of survival yet being able to be reborn from the ashes in collapse—that too is a kind of new birth.

"Astronaut is a respected profession; every time they go to space, it is a journey of life."

"Thank you all! I am the commentator, Liu Yifei!" Liu Tianxian finished speaking, gave a slight bow to those present to express her thanks!

"Clap clap clap"—warm applause rang out across the venue, sustained and unending.

After the applause subsided a little, Liu Tianxian walked toward the backstage. The moment she reached backstage, she let out a long sigh of relief.

Just now she had been forcing herself to stay calm, her whole heart had been suspended, but fortunately she had gotten through the whole thing without any slips.

"Not bad, very good, you spoke excellently." Zhang Hongsen walked over to praise her.

He had been waiting backstage the whole time, hadn't gone anywhere else, and had listened to her entire speech.

The content of the speech was secondary; mainly, her bearing was too good.

"It's all thanks to Director Zhang's guidance. Actually, I forgot my lines; a lot of it I made up on the spot." Liu Tianxian looked a bit embarrassed—she had been too nervous.

"It's fine, as long as the meaning got across, that's enough." Zhang Hongsen waved his hand, looking very relaxed.

This wasn't anything major, just giving people an interpretation of the film's theme; the identity of the speaker wasn't that important.

It was just borrowing her mouth to say it—after all, she's the commentator!

"Then that's fine. Thank you for your care, Director Zhang." Liu Tianxian was grateful—she had, after all, completed her task.

"Don't be so polite. We've met several times now, you could say we're acquainted."

Zhang Hongsen extended his hand in a gesture and said: "Let's have a chat!"

"Huh? Chat with me?" Liu Tianxian's eyes widened in surprise—what was there to chat about with her? She was just an actress.

"Yes, what film are you going to shoot next?" Zhang Hongsen chatted with her as they walked, looking very affable.

The staff here saw this and didn't interrupt.

"'Lucy 2!'" Liu Tianxian didn't know what Zhang Ju wanted to do, so she had no choice but to go along.

Mainly because Fang Hong wasn't here, she had no one to consult or analyze things with, so she felt lost—usually Fang Hong would analyze things with her.

Like before, with the bodyguard matter, and Zeng's affair.

"A sequel to 'Lucy'?" Zhang Hongsen knew that movie—it did well at overseas box offices too.

"Not exactly—it tells a different story, but they took that name just for better promotion, since the first one already had some recognition."

Liu Tianxian explained again: "We've hired an American to play the villain, and it'll be released overseas too."

"A co-production?" Zhang Hongsen was quite interested.

"Fang Hong said he wants to make it a co-production—he's afraid that if it's exported to the United States, the Americans won't approve the villain. It hasn't been decided yet; we'll wait until filming's done and see how the export review goes. If it fails, we'll go co-production." Liu Tianxian's sources were truly excellent.

Chen Zhixi and Xu Laoguai didn't know this, but she knew—and she hadn't even notified the Film Bureau. If it were a co-production, it would have to go through the Film Bureau's review.

So Zhang Hongsen still didn't know, but Liu Tianxian already knew.

It was normal—they shared a bed and talked about everything.

Movies could be filmed first and later converted into co-productions; many films had done this before—like 'Iron Man 3' had done it.

But Marvel treated us like fools and revoked its eligibility.

Because he made two versions: the domestic version had Chinese actors, but the overseas version didn't—they shut it down for playing games like that.

Originally, they wanted to use this movie's influence to let Chinese people shine internationally, but Disney played dirty.

Later, 'Operation Dragon' didn't do well at the box office, so they resubmitted it for approval and turned it into a co-production—luckily, overseas review and distribution were more lenient.

"I see!" Zhang Hongsen fell silent.

It seemed he still had to ask Liu Tianxian about the Principal's actions—he'd get no real answers from the Principal, and the Principal never gave any guarantees.

Always saying "we'll try." Previously, when he asked him to make more sci-fi films like 'Gravity,' he'd just say "we'll try," never committing fully.

He never revealed any shooting plans—just make you guess.

"So, what shooting plans does your husband have next?" he asked.

"Yes, 'The Martian!' This one's confirmed as a co-production," Liu Tianxian said with certainty.

According to Fang Hong, this film was meant to get her the Oscar—whether she wins depends on her. It's also a survival-challenge film.

Fang Hong had already bought the novel rights for this film long ago, but never shot it.

Swapping the male and female leads wouldn't affect the plot, and there's no romantic subplot—only romantic plots need male and female leads.

Zhang Hongsen knew just from the title it was another sci-fi film, one that could showcase their aerospace technology's strength.

Ask the Principal—he says nothing, his mouth is sealed tight.

Fang Hong didn't say anything because there was nothing to say—these things didn't matter anyway, so why talk about them? He could just chat with Liu Tianxian.

And Liu Tianxian didn't say everything either—she had her limits, just mentioning shooting plans.

She wouldn't say anything about investment amounts or anything involving secrets.

"Your performance internationally has been excellent, and you've gained some recognition. We hope that from now on, your words and actions will represent Chinese people—speak more about your country's strengths, like Fang Long and Gong Huang," Zhang Hongsen changed the subject, speaking directly without beating around the bush.

Our image has always been poor in the eyes of international public opinion, so we need representatives to showcase it.

Fang Long is old, always loud and boisterous, his personal life is messy, his son keeps getting into scandals, and over the years he's had no major overseas hit.

It's time for a new successor!

Li Lianjie always spouts that Western nonsense about "freedom, freedom"—it's annoying. Gong Huang, aside from her nationality, has nothing to criticize—her values are solid, she's never said anything bad about the country, and she always identifies as Chinese.

She just married a Frenchman and lives abroad most of the time.

But she's only well-known in Ouzhou and Asia, with great influence in the industry, yet low recognition among ordinary people.

It's normal—she always does art-house films.

Liu Tianxian has long stayed in China, her image and demeanor are excellent, she's generous and straightforward, more down-to-earth, with broad recognition—perfectly suited.

Mainly because she has the Principal and Yutu as powerful backing.

A boost in soft power requires making foreigners develop affection for us, to drive tourism.

Like how various regions' Ministry of Culture and Tourism later invited stars to visit their areas to boost local tourism, even directly calling out to stars to come play.

Internationally, Britney and Ayumi Hamasaki once had this kind of influence.

"I've always done this—I've always said I'm a child of China, never said a single bad word about my homeland," Liu Tianxian became serious.

"Good, you understand," Zhang Hongsen nodded.

He had nothing else on his mind.

"I'll remember," Liu Tianxian nodded.

Their conversation ended there. Zhang Hongsen now knew the Principal's upcoming plans and that Liu Tianxian would be further promoted internationally.

Next, Liu Tianxian's party class lecture in the auditorium was not fully released, nor was it promoted.

Instead, it was made into a propaganda video and spread across various Academies of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, hospitals, and other grassroots organizations serving the public.

It was just shown to them—nothing more.

But it still spread, because many patients, when visiting hospitals, saw TVs on the walls showing Liu Tianxian's lecture.

But it wasn't the full video—only selected highlights, accompanied by an off-screen voiceover: "Respect life; always place the people's health and well-being first."

This line appeared with large red text.

Also played were some thrilling clips from 'Gravity.'

The video could be seen on the Party's website and the General Administration's site—the hour-long speech was cut down to just four or five minutes. What a shame!

The video wasn't deliberately promoted, but netizens still found it—Sina and Sohu reported and reposted it.

It immediately sparked heated discussion among netizens.

The same things were discussed: how beautiful she was, how ethereal, how composed and dignified.

This time, Liu Tianxian spoke with real composure—not as casually and naturally as before, but with reverence, extremely careful.

Of course, some people brought up her nationality again, only to be rebutted by fans: "She didn't do anything, just explained the theme the film represents."

The argument got pretty heated — there's nothing left to criticize.

Anyway, Liu Tianxian was already used to it; the moment she agreed to give the talk, she had already prepared herself mentally, so she paid it no mind.

March 15, clear weather, at the gate of Yutu Film and Television Base in the outskirts of Huairou.

A large crowd had gathered on both sides — members of the "Lucy 1" crew, onlookers who came to watch the fun, and some media reporters taking photos.

In front of the statue stood a row of people, including Xu Laoguai, Liu Tianxian, Zhang Duo, Li Xuejian — the main creators and actors.

There were also Producer Shi Nansheng and quite a few behind-the-scenes staff.

They stood in several rows, holding red envelopes in their hands, with a "Lucy 2 Opening Ceremony" banner overhead, beaming smiles at the camera as they took a group photo.

The camera froze, capturing the large "Chang'e Holding Rabbit" statue as well.

The sounds of conversation filled the air. A staff member handed each person there three sticks of incense, which they then placed one by one into the incense burner at the feet of the "Chang'e Holding Rabbit."

In no time it was stuffed full, wisps of incense smoke curling upward!

This was something the Yutu employees had put there as a bit of fun; no one expected the "Lucy 2" crew to play along like this.

Mainly it was Xu Laoguai's mischievous taste — burning incense for others wouldn't work, so he wanted to see if burning incense for this statue could help them break into overseas markets again.

Xu Laoguai, wearing sunglasses, tilted his mouth and grinned: "What's it feel like, burning incense for yourself?"

"I generally don't treat this statue as myself — just as a symbol of Yutu Company, so I keep an ordinary mindset." Liu Tianxian, also in sunglasses, looked very cool.

But her outfit and styling were still very feminine.

"Hahaha, looks like the Principal had this Chang'e specially modeled after you — he has faith in you." Xu Laoguai laughed.

"Respecting your partner requires faith to begin with; only then can happiness last." Liu Tianxian's lips curved up in a faint smile, appearing quite talkative.

"Fair point — very profound." Xu Laoguai felt her thinking was quite ahead of its time.

"Director Xu, what about you — why burn incense for this statue?" Liu Tianxian asked.

"Me? I figured burning incense for others is useless, so I wanted to try burning incense for this statue and see if my film can go to the United States, Ouzhou for release — let me get a taste of being an international big-shot director." Xu Laoguai laughed.

"In our hearts, you already are." Liu Tianxian smiled.

"Hey, don't say that." Xu Laoguai was modest.

The two chatted, while the staff also gathered in small groups, talking among themselves.

The American actor playing the main villain hadn't arrived — he would join the set in a few days, as his scenes weren't being shot first.

First, some special-effects scenes would be filmed in the Virtual and Reality Studio, such as the female lead in Niuyue Shidai Guangchang, sliding forward and backward like a slideshow.

That kind of scene required set construction in the Virtual Reality Studio; here it was changed to face Tiananmen.

But they couldn't actually film at Tiananmen, so special effects were needed to create it.

There were also scenes of the female lead entering the consciousness space, all of which required special effects — and conveniently, Yutu Film and Television Base had just been completed and could be put into use.

"Lucy 2" is a pure feel-good film, and Liu Tianxian can totally handle it — like "Bad Genius," she just needs to perform with outward flair.

She had played this type of role before; this film was meant to solidify her international standing.

She couldn't keep taking on challenging roles — it would be exhausting, and if her condition was off and the film flopped, that would be a blow too.

With Shi Nansheng producing and Fang Hong keeping the plot from being altered, there was no problem — it wouldn't let Xu Laoguai run wild.

""Lucy 2" Opening Ceremony — Liu Tianxian & Xu Laoguai's First Collaboration!"

"Xu Laoguai's Confidence 'Through the Roof': I Believe My Creation Will Surprise the Audience!"

"Liu Tianxian on Xu Laoguai: A Genius Director!"

"Xu Laoguai on Liu Tianxian: Beautiful Without Knowing It — Her Beauty Is Natural, No Need for Deliberate Design or Packaging!"

Online, news of Liu Tianxian joining the set appeared. Xu Laoguai had high praise for Liu Tianxian, but that was normal — Xu Laoguai praises everyone; just the other day he was praising a toothpick.

That's how the circle works — everyone has a perfect grasp of social etiquette.

Anyway, when someone praises Liu Tianxian, her fans are happy, licking the screen in worship.

Those current young fresh idols and actresses watching Liu Tianxian collaborate with A-list directors feel the gap growing wider and wider, a sense of being left in the dust.

That's normal — the people Liu Tianxian is in contact with are no longer on the same level. Recently she's been interacting with people like Donna, Zhang Hongsen, Chen Zhixi.

Either they're CEOs or government officials above; she rarely interacts with regular stars and actors anymore.

It's only because Fang Hong is also in contact with these people that she naturally follows along — after all, Fang Hong always keeps her by his side.

This is the elevation in class that comes with the circle.

The more top-tier a person is, the fewer friends they have — it can't be like before with so many.

While Liu Tianxian was filming, Fang Hong was still busy with Chang'e Technology, thinking about how to make money and how to take down "All People Super God."

The two games were battling fiercely — every news outlet and social platform was trashing "Honor of Kings" from all angles, and streamers were also taking potshots.

As a result, "Honor of Kings" revenue showed a downward trend.

Damn, Tencent's strength is still formidable — I underestimated their capability.

At the time, Fang Hong had taken a conservative strategy — don't engage them, ignore them, wait for them to self-destruct. He didn't expect that what they wanted was exactly for him to ignore them, letting them nibble away step by step.

Waiting for them to self-destruct — who knows how long that would take; this was somewhat out of his control.

So he had to think of a way to accelerate "All People Super God" self-destructing, to make them kill themselves sooner — otherwise, if they didn't self-destruct, he'd be the one who died.

If his Chang'e Technology couldn't hold up, that would be a joke.

Fang Hong called Hua Wei over and told him: "Find the planners of 'All People Super God' and see what their next version update looks like."

"Buying internal information?" Hua Wei immediately understood what he meant.

"Yes, Tencent's internal corruption is severe — with a little effort, you can definitely buy this kind of information." Fang Hong said.

Tencent's internal corruption — he had seen in his past life that Tony Ma himself said this at an internal meeting, using the word "shocking."

"Alright, I'll try, but what exactly do we need to do? I'm afraid if I don't get the information you want, then the purchase would be wasted." Hua Wei said.

"I want to look at their version update situation, see if we can accelerate 'All People Super God' dying. Try to get as much of their version update data as possible." Fang Hong was worried the next version wouldn't have a self-destruct point, so he wanted to check the version after that as well.

Take some measures to make this game accelerate its self-destruction!

(End of chapter)