Chapter 297: Completely Hooked by Wu Dao!

As for Guo Fan, the man who directed The Wandering Earth and opened the path for Chinese sci-fi cinema—Wu Yuchen naturally wanted to nurture him.

But Guo Fan wasn’t even a film student! He majored in law as an undergraduate and only entered this circle after joining a TV program team post-graduation. By the time he even considered applying for a graduate program at Beijing Film Academy, it would still be far off!

Could Wu Yuchen really approach a complete outsider—a law student—and say, “I want to train you as a director, follow me”? Not only would outsiders find it strange, Guo Fan himself would probably be utterly baffled.

And to be honest, while nurturing talent works best when targeting newcomers, you absolutely can’t send someone with zero practical experience in China straight to Hollywood.

Otherwise, before he even experiences China’s filming environment, he’d be thrown into Hollywood’s system—highly likely to have his existing knowledge base shattered by Hollywood’s industrial framework, returning home completely out of sync with domestic norms, and inevitably complaining that everything here is wrong.

So selecting talent for cultivation requires careful consideration: you need young directors whose thinking isn’t yet rigid, who already have some shooting experience and their own ideas—so even after studying in Hollywood, they can adapt what they learn to China’s actual conditions.

Hollywood’s industrial system can be learned and imitated, but never copied wholesale—after all, the two countries’ circumstances are entirely different.

Since Wu Yuchen made this promise to Han Sanping, he would certainly think it through carefully and never treat it lightly.

In fact, over these past few years Wu Yuchen has already helped many people—he’s invested in numerous scripts, earning himself a solid reputation within the industry.

Now this matter could be formalized further: Miraculous Pictures could launch a Youth Director Cultivation Program under his name, offering support to all selected projects. He doesn’t lack money at all—he genuinely hopes this initiative will uncover and cultivate more promising new talent.

…

“Have you eaten? Should I make you something?”

“Hey, why do you smell like alcohol? Who did you drink with?”

After opening the door, Ceng Li welcomed Wu Yuchen in and immediately caught the scent of alcohol on him, asking with slight surprise.

She knew Wu Yuchen rarely drank; even in public settings, he always avoided it when possible, and nowadays few dared pressure him into drinking.

Wu Yuchen laughed heartily, rubbing his stomach: “I just spent half the day at General Han’s place, chatting with him, and had a couple of drinks. No need to cook—I haven’t even digested it yet!”

Ceng Li came over to help him sit down. She was well aware of how close Wu Yuchen and Han Sanping were.

In truth, Wu Yuchen hadn’t drunk much—he wasn’t drunk at all; in fact, the alcohol had slightly stimulated his mind into a pleasant buzz.

But how could he refuse when a beauty offered support? He immediately wrapped his arm around her, leaning half his body against her. After guiding him to the sofa, Ceng Li made as if to rise and said, “I’ll make you a sobering soup~”

Wu Yuchen smiled and asked, “You know how to make that?”

Ceng Li smiled faintly: “Just fiddled around when I had nothing else to do.”

She had barely stood up when Wu Yuchen wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her into his lap, and pecked her cheek: “Li Zi, you’re so good~”

Ceng Li beamed: “Who else would I be good to? You’re my lab rat—I’ll test if this sobering soup works~”

Wu Yuchen held Ceng Li close, resting his chin on her shoulder and gently brushing her cheek: “Lab rats need comfort before taking medicine~”

Ceng Li’s neck tickled by his stubble, she giggled and pulled back slightly. She understood his meaning, so she pecked his cheek in return.

But Wu Yuchen still didn’t let go, grinning: “That’s not enough~”

Ceng Li pouted, pressed her lips to his, then asked, “Better now?”

Wu Yuchen shook his head and leaned in, kissing her fully.

After a long moment, they parted, Ceng Li breathing lightly: “Now I’m your lab rat too~”

She slapped his arm playfully, and only then did he laugh and release her so she could stand.

Wu Yuchen watched her walk toward the kitchen and smiled. Compared to the other women around him, Ceng Li had the weakest ambition in her career. She only took roles she liked, and otherwise stayed home, tinkering with hobbies like studying tea culture.

Over the past two years, she hadn’t taken many roles, and not always as the lead—but always in quality dramas.

For example, in The Great Dyeing Workshop, she played Jia Siya, the boss’s secretary and mistress—stylish, long-haired, beautiful and sensual, nicknamed “Big Western Horse.” With heavy makeup and elaborate styling, she was perfectly suited to the role; though a supporting character, she left a deep impression in this male-dominated drama.

Then there was The Conquest. The drama became a nationwide hit last year, with “Hua Qiang” the most famous—but Ceng Li’s portrayal of the female CEO of a real estate company was also unforgettable.

And there was Sai Xishi in The Divine Doctor Xi Laile. Fiery, emotional, bold in love and hate, beautiful and virtuous, she was the neighbor and confidante of the male lead, repeatedly helping him out, and finally became his partner. The character was strong to begin with, and Ceng Li portrayed her flawlessly, earning widespread praise.

Last year, she won the Feitian Award for Outstanding Actress for her performance in Qing Yi. After receiving the award, Ceng Li was especially happy, as if her ambitions had been fully satisfied, and her career pace slowed considerably.

But Wu Yuchen didn’t mind—he now had the means to provide her with the life she wanted. She could act if she wished, or rest if she didn’t. When she felt like acting again, he’d simply offer her resources—it was no problem at all.

Then Wu Yuchen picked up the remote, turned on the TV, and switched to CCTV-8, waiting. He had come to Ceng Li’s place specifically for this.

After a while, Ceng Li brought out a bowl of sobering soup. Wu Yuchen glanced at it—it looked decent: lotus seeds, green plums, red dates…

Meeting Ceng Li’s expectant gaze, Wu Yuchen scooped up a spoonful, blew on it, and tasted it—sweet and sour, surprisingly delicious!

“How is it?” Ceng Li asked immediately.

“Hmm, I can’t tell from the first bite—I need to savor it properly~” Wu Yuchen said, scooping another spoonful.

“How is it?” Ceng Li asked again.

“I need to taste more~” Wu Yuchen said, lifting the spoon again.

“No flavor? That can’t be right…” Ceng Li murmured, then snatched the spoon from his hand and tasted it herself.

Wu Yuchen said, “Hey hey, the lab rat hasn’t tested it yet—how can you eat it?”

Ceng Li, seeing his expression, knew he was teasing her, and laughed good-naturedly: “I think your lab rat’s tongue is numb from drinking!”

“Hahaha, that’s why I need to drink more!”

Wu Yuchen laughed and playfully wrestled with Ceng Li until they finished the entire bowl. He gave her a thumbs-up: “Li Zi, this sobering soup is amazing!”

“If you like it, I’ll make it for you often~” Ceng Li beamed.

“Are you encouraging me to drink more?” Wu Yuchen teased.

“Don’t be a sneak! You don’t need to be drunk to drink it!” Ceng Li retorted.

Wu Yuchen chuckled: “I’m just hooked on you~”

As they laughed and bantered, CCTV-8’s prime-time slot began airing the new drama—Bright Sword!

Seeing Bright Sword start, they exchanged glances and smiled. Ceng Li snuggled into Wu Yuchen’s arms, and they watched intently.

In Bright Sword, Ceng Li played the female lead Tian Yu, though her appearance came later in the series.

The drama had actually been filmed last year, but Wu Yuchen hadn’t rushed Miraculous Pictures to sell the broadcast rights—he waited until this year, precisely to let it shine during this SARS outbreak. With Miraculous Pictures’ current standing in the industry, CCTV would gladly accommodate their scheduling requests.

Besides, hadn’t many viewers, after watching The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, been filled with resentment and furious at the Japanese? This was the perfect moment to release Bright Sword—let them watch Li Yunlong crush the Japanese devils and vent their anger!

…

Many people were now sitting in front of their TVs waiting for Bright Sword. Some were fans of the original novel; most were drawn in by CCTV’s promotion—Zhang Yang was one of them.

A few days ago, he’d watched Wu Yuchen’s The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas on the Movie Channel and had been deeply upset by the ending. He marveled at how good Wu Yuchen was—after all, he’d won so many Oscars—and joined others in cursing the Japanese.

Without exaggeration, Wu Yuchen’s The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas had reignited a wave of fervent anti-Japanese sentiment across China.

At this moment, CCTV-8 announced that Wu Yuchen’s anti-Japanese drama Bright Sword would air nightly at 8 PM—immediately drawing massive attention. Wu Yuchen? Anti-Japanese? Perfect timing for public taste.

Zhang Yang had high expectations for Bright Sword—and it would soon show him what “exceeding expectations” truly meant.

The drama opened with a massive battle: on a battlefield littered with exploding shells, Li Yunlong roared with commanding authority:

“What the hell are elite troops? I don’t believe it—I’ll fight elite troops no matter what!”

Li Yunlong’s mix of bandit-like boldness and heroic spirit instantly captivated viewers—this unusual charisma was rarely seen! Audiences now wanted to see the protagonist lead his troops in a bloody, fiery battle against the Japanese devils!

His soldiers weren’t cowards either. Zhang Dabiao told Li Yunlong: “We may lack firepower, but in hand-to-hand combat, every Chinese man is their ancestor! Today we’ll teach the devils how to be human—how dare they disrespect their ancestors?!”

Zhang Yang cheered—this kind of blood and courage, these fearless soldiers—he adored them!

Li Yunlong and his men didn’t just talk big—they fought brilliantly. Surrounded by a large enemy force, they didn’t retreat; instead, they pierced straight into the enemy’s weak point and blew up their command center with a single cannon shot!

Watching the Japanese commander, General Sakata, die on the spot, Zhang Yang felt a surge of pure exhilaration, finally releasing the pent-up frustration from days ago.

Awesome! Thrilling! That’s how you fight the devils!

“Brokethrough? Unbelievable—how could the Eighth Route Army’s rusty guns manage that?!”

Not only did Li Yunlong fight well, but alongside the battle, Chu Yunfei provided commentary, constantly astonished—like a “shock party” beside the protagonist in a novel. Through Chu Yunfei’s reactions, viewers gained another layer of satisfaction!

Bright Sword’s opening was like the golden first three chapters of a web novel: fast-paced, gripping story, rich characterizations, and constant thrills.

A drama like this, with an anti-Japanese theme, hitting at just this moment—who could possibly not love it?

Zhang Yang wasn’t alone in his reaction—it was millions of viewers in front of their TVs, all utterly captivated by Li Yunlong!

After the first two episodes ended, many finally snapped out of their trance and began discussing it. Online film forums reacted fastest.

“Guys, Bright Sword is incredible! Watching Li Yunlong fight is pure joy!”

“It’s not just thrilling—Li Yunlong feels real, so lifelike, nothing like the heroic figures in past anti-Japanese dramas—no distance at all!”

“Exactly! Those old dramas made heroes too perfect. Li Yunlong is flesh and blood—I feel like he’s a real person!”

“The plot feels authentic too—Wu Dao must’ve done serious research to write this.”

“No wonder he’s Wu Dao—he just made me feel bad with a movie, now he gives me Bright Sword to fight the devils—he’s got me completely hooked!”

“Hahaha, our whole family is completely hooked by Wu Dao! Even my dad, who never watches TV, can’t look away!”

“Same here—I wish Wu Dao would make more works. I’d gladly be hooked by him for life!”

Wu Yuchen didn’t care about the online chaos—he wasn’t interested in “hooking” viewers. Right now, he was eating pear—after watching Bright Sword, he was now “brandishing his sword” at Ceng Li.