Chapter 87: Don

Zhang Songwen now takes on private gigs and bit roles, reportedly appearing in over 300 film crews a year, which averages to one per day excluding holidays.

He also claimed he was rejected by directors 840 times in three years—terrible luck!

Whether true or not, he said this himself on a show later, but it still reflects the cruelty of the entertainment industry.

Even classically trained former teachers struggle like this in this era—others have it even harder.

"Don't be so pessimistic—I have a drama looking for a male lead, come find me for the script later," Fang Hong said.

Hearing this, Zhang Songwen turned toward Fang Hong and thanked him earnestly: "Good, thank you so much!"

He didn't ask what script it was—he had no right to be picky.

The cinema was dim; Fang Hong couldn't read his expression, but he could hear the tone.

"No need to thank me—I watched you, your professional skills are solid, you just lack opportunity."

"You're too kind—many people's skills are better than mine," Zhang Songwen replied humbly.

The two chatted casually; Liu Tianxian listened closely, catching fragments of their conversation but not the full details.

When they finished talking, she tapped Fang Hong's arm: "What did you just say to him?"

"I said you should keep asking him for acting guidance," Fang Hong lied.

"Bullshit!"

Liu Tianxian had heard nothing like that.

In truth, Fang Hong had pulled Zhang Songwen aside because he wanted to build his own actor team.

He needed professionals both on and off screen—at least so he could teach extras for free later.

The movie soon reached its end; credits rolled across the big screen.

The theme song "Chasing Light" began playing; the theater lights came on, but no audience member left—they were still lost in the film.

Female viewers were moved, satisfied, and healed; their blood still surged with emotion.

No wonder the creators invited these women to watch—it was tailor-made for them.

Fang Hong, Liu Tianxian, Zhang Songwen, Guo Jinfei, and others stepped onto the stage, bowing slightly to the audience.

There was no host—just a few actors taking turns holding the mic and introducing themselves.

Then came the audience Q&A session.

A poised middle-aged woman stood up and asked: "I'm a web literature streamer. Yifei, how did you come up with the line 'When women are independent, the whole world opens up'?"

"I don't know how I said such a classic line—maybe it just came from the heart," she replied.

Liu Tianxian smiled and glanced at the man beside her.

Earlier, Fang Hong had told her this line couldn't come from him—it had to come from her.

After all, if a man said it, it meant nothing!

Another woman stood up and asked: "I'm a Weibo female blogger. I'd like to ask—"

"This movie centers on female heartbreak healing. How do you understand the love perspective in this film?"

Liu Tianxian handed the mic to Fang Hong; he said: "The original intent of making this film was to help more female friends cherish their love through it—"

"Even if you get heartbroken, don't lose heart. Wait—maybe the next one will be better. Happiness is always ahead. How did that saying go? Don't settle!"

"Applause!"

As soon as Fang Hong finished, the little fairies spontaneously burst into excited clapping.

Just because "Don't settle" struck a chord—they felt enlightened!

Yes, love should be "Don't settle." If there's no good one, wait for the next. If no one's right, don't marry!

Fang Hong's words, if spoken ten years later, would be pure toxic chicken soup for the soul.

Wait too long, and you'll become an old spinster!

"Don't settle"? Do you really think some handsome Arab prince will show up with oil to marry you?

But right now, these little fairies heard it as gospel—and thought it was absolutely right.

Besides, Fang Hong wasn't wrong—he encouraged them to find better after heartbreak.

What's wrong with that? Nothing!

All Fang Hong was doing was tying his movie to "independent women" to ride their popularity and boost box office—anything to sell.

History has proven: any movie that caters to female audiences won't lack box office.

Like the phenomenon hit "The Disappeared Wife"!

The premiere ended quickly; Fang Hong had achieved his goal, so nothing more needed saying.

Liu Tianxian had shouted the slogan; Fang Hong had voiced his views on independent women at the premiere.

Now it was up to the female audience to respond!

December 22: the box office battle began.

"33 Days of Losing Love" and "If You Are the One 2" opened simultaneously.

Of course, Huayi hadn't taken "33 Days of Losing Love" seriously—a low-budget heartbreak film posed no threat to them.

So everything seemed calm.

But online, countless recommendations for "33 Days of Losing Love" appeared—on forums, QQ groups, WeChat Moments, Weibo, Tieba—everywhere, little fairies were promoting it.

"Highly recommend '33 Days of Losing Love' to sisters—it's amazing."

"I watched the premiere yesterday—it's so good, I cried."

"Yes, this is a movie made for women, about how women's love must be independent."

"Money must be independent—don't take money from those stinky men!"

"Everything must be independent—don't rely on men, rely on yourself—be your own queen."

"Strongly recommend '33 Days of Losing Love'—this movie is worth having for every sister."

"Sisters, whether you've gone through a breakup or not, whether you're married or not, you all have to go see it — it definitely won't disappoint you."

"."

They are sentimental, they are adorable, and they are spontaneous.

With the help of the female demographic, some media-oriented women also posted their views on the film on their respective blogs, Weibo, and other media outlets.

"'Love Is Not Blind' is not just a 'romance film' — it's a movie that is sharp-tongued yet warm, one that can calm me down and also move me to tears." — Feixian I Love Most

"Life is sometimes really damn bitter, it makes you want to curse — like a breakup, like losing a job. Liu Tianxian is so beautiful and still got dumped; we, with nothing to our name and flat-chested, what can we use to hold anyone's gaze? Only ambition, only independence." — NetEase Entertainment Special

"Heartache is always unavoidable. Seeing those familiar scenes, familiar lines, everything felt like my past self replaying. For a moment, I wished someone like the male lead would rush out and grab me, then give me a slap to wake me from that shattered dream." — Memories of Youth Have You Fei

"Every girl needs a male best friend like the one in this film. Recommend going to see 'Love Is Not Blind.'" — Tear Before Think After

Thanks to the spontaneous help of the "little fairies," the first-day box office of "Love Is Not Blind" reached 12.03 million.

Not a small amount — much stronger than the previous "Those Years"!

And this was achieved without Fang Hong spending much on publicity — he only invited the "little fairies" to a premiere screening, and Liu Tianxian appeared on one talk show.

But this level is definitely unworthy of this release window.

Of course, the little fairies haven't fully unleashed their power yet — that will take another two days; for now it's still in the fermentation stage.

(End of chapter)