Chapter 71: Opening Ceremony

After the roles were finalized, the subsequent procedures became much smoother.

The creative team met in advance for meetings, signed actor contracts, took character photos, assisted with costume and makeup tests, and participated in group rehearsals.

The drama "The Great Dye House" was adapted by Teacher Chen Jie from his grandfather's life story.

Therefore, the production did its utmost to recreate authentic scenes, and the filming location was set at Zhou Cun Gu Shang Cheng in Lu Sheng.

Director Wang Wenjie and Producer Ta Feng jointly decided to hold the opening ceremony on November 11 at Modu Film and Television Park.

With some time left before the opening, Cheng Chen had no intention of leaving Modu and checked into a hotel to study the script.

During this time, he received a call from the Dazongyan of the Singer Competition, who delicately suggested Cheng Chen withdraw from the talent show.

After the explosive success of his album "The Lone Brave," Cheng Chen had already been thrust into the ranks of top-tier singers.

Participating in the talent contest would be unfair to the other contestants, and Wang Tianxiao had already discussed this matter with Cheng Chen.

He originally entered the competition to gain exposure and sell albums, but now it was clear he was already wildly famous without any exposure from the Singer Competition.

Withdrawing wasn't out of the question.

Then, the Dazongyan of the Singer Competition solemnly added:

"Teacher Cheng, although you are withdrawing from the Singer Competition's audition, our production team would like to invite you to join the grand finale as a judge…"

Transitioning from contestant to judge was likely an unprecedented event in the music industry.

They clearly wanted to ride on Cheng Chen's current popularity—apparently, since partnering with China Yinyuehui, Jingtai had learned the art of chasing trends!

"Director Jiang, you don't think I'm unaware of the grudges between me and those old men at China Yinyuehui, do you?

When I released my new album, they made life miserable for me—now you Jingtai, having partnered with them, want me to join you? Do you know what this means?"

Hearing Cheng Chen's words, Jiang Shang hurriedly explained:

"Teacher Cheng, these are all misunderstandings. The seniors at China Yinyuehui never targeted you personally—they…"

"Raise the fee!"

Cheng Chen cut him off, speaking slowly and clearly.

Jiang Shang, director of Jingtai, paused, then burst into ecstatic delight:

"No problem."

Cheng Chen gave him Wang Tianxiao's contact information and told them to handle the matter directly.

With Wang Tianxiao's shrewdness, Director Jiang would likely have to bleed heavily.

Meanwhile, the goddess Chang'e, Yan Danchen, invited Cheng Chen out for a meal to thank him for his advice on filing police reports and sending legal notices.

After Yan Danchen took action, the tabloid quickly cowered.

Not only did it retract and delete its previous articles about Yan Danchen's plastic surgery, but it also published a formal apology in the newspaper.

Other media outlets, seeing Yan Danchen was serious, withdrew their reports and voluntarily sought to calm the situation.

Cheng Chen smiled and said:

"Those people only bully the weak and fear the strong—the more you yield, the more they think you're afraid.

But Yan, you're naturally gentle and have a good reputation in the industry, so they love picking on soft targets like you.

After this incident, those entertainment reporters will think twice before trying to smear you again."

This girl had always been low-key and never competed for attention, which was why, despite being over forty, her fame remained shockingly low.

Unexpectedly, Yan Danchen grinned slyly and said:

"Who says I'm gentle? Most men are all talk—they have nothing else to praise in a woman, so they say she's cute, obedient, or has good poise."

After this interaction, Cheng Chen and Yan Danchen's relationship deepened further.

Through conversation, Cheng Chen learned she was currently filming a drama called "Across the Door" in Modu and planned to stay for some time…

…

November 11 morning, Modu Film and Television Park.

Opening ceremony of "The Great Dye House."

The host, director, and producer took the stage to briefly introduce the attendees and project details.

The crew hung banners and set up an incense altar in the center.

The main creative team lined up from front to back: producer, producer, director.

Then came the lead actors: Hou Yong, Cheng Chen, Liu Yijun, and others.

Behind them were the crew members.

Everyone held incense sticks and began burning incense and bowing to the gods…

In fact, many industry insiders couldn't explain the origin of these rituals.

Some said it was a "backward custom" brought to the Mainland by Hong Kong film and television workers in the 1990s.

Others claimed burning incense and worshipping gods came from the old opera houses' traditions.

Because in the past, performers had to burn incense and kowtow to the ancestral master of the opera world backstage before performances.

But in truth, this practice was no different from a grand opening celebration.

The reason for "burning incense" could be understood as "paying respects to local powers."

When a crew arrived in a new place and used local resources, they honored the local deities and begged for protection—just seeking good fortune.

In later times, it became even more chaotic—people worshipped anything and everything.

One production even worshipped heaven and earth, spirits, ancestral masters like Tang Ming Huang, and Lu Mi Ai Er Xiong Di.

It was all rather absurd and laughable.

The opening ceremony of "The Great Dye House" drew over a hundred people, including crew and invited media, creating a grand spectacle.

Finally, Director Wang Wenjie and Producer Ta Feng unveiled the red cloth covering the camera and officially announced:

"'The Great Dye House' is now in production!"

Next came the press interview session.

Cheng Chen stood out conspicuously in the crowd, and most of the reporters swarmed over him, scrambling to interview him.

"As a singer, collaborating with so many big-name film and television stars for the first time—are you nervous?"

"The album is selling like crazy. Any thoughts on holding a concert?"

"Word outside is that the Spring Festival Gala program team has already sent you an invitation. Can your fans expect to see you on the Spring Festival Gala stage this year?"

The questions came wave after wave, and Cheng Chen gradually found himself unable to keep up.

Taking the chance to go backstage for some water, he slipped away quickly!

"The reporters outside have been going crazy looking for you—who would've thought you were back here enjoying yourself."

A rather resonant voice rang out. The one who came was indeed Hou Yong, Teacher Hou—upright in build, looking every bit the staunchly upright sort.

In 1989, after graduating, Hou Yong was recommended to work at the Nanjing Military Region Frontline Drama Troupe—an actor of the Nanjing Military Region Frontline Drama Troupe.

He served as Deputy Head of the Frontline Cultural Work Troupe, holding the post for a full 28 years until he was transferred to civilian work in 2017.

That is why he always carries an air of martial vigor about him, making him especially suited to playing the role of a strong male lead.

"It's you, Teacher Hou—you scared me half to death. I thought the reporters had chased me all the way backstage."

Cheng Chen opened his eyes and stood up from the chair.

The two had already become acquainted at an earlier meet-and-greet, so there was no awkwardness between them now.

Besides, the two had many scenes opposite each other, and they often talked and ate together and such—their relationship was decent.

After the two had chatted for a while, another person walked over toward them.

Oh, isn't that the lady who plays Shen Yuanyi in the drama!