[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-40":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2286876,4473,"Chapter 40: A Trip to the Magic City","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-40",40,"\u003Cp>\"The Return of the Condor Heroes\" has already entered its final stages, and Zhang Da-huzi invited some media to visit the set; many stills have appeared online.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside the plot, just looking at the cinematography, every released still is beautiful, and paired with the cast of actresses, it is very capable of piquing the public's curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only shortcoming might be Huang Xiaoming's Yang Guo, which feels like it came out of a soy sauce bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most eye-catching event in the industry recently is Jiang Wen returning to the director's chair after being banned for five years; the former Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize winner is about to start filming a new movie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The film \"The Sun Also Rises,\" produced with the participation of Emperor Motion Pictures and directed and co-written by Jiang Wen, has already officially announced its cast list, half of whom are actors from Emperor Motion Pictures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Students from the Drama Academy have won many major awards, but they are mostly focused on acting; there are very few directors, but Jiang Wen is one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teachers and students from both schools were eagerly waiting for auditions, but the other side finalized the lineup without a sound, leaving a group of people disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, since the incident with Xiao Bai Long last year, everyone has had some opinions about Hong Kong actors, especially regarding their status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although others were the producers this time, many people still couldn't stand it; even the Dragon Prince was squeezed in—having connections really is powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Zhu Yawen, Wang Jinghua had ideas at the beginning, but Jiang Wen didn't agree, and many domestic film companies had probed, but they all returned empty-handed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There aren't many famous directors with a name, and every one of them is watched by many people. To borrow Wang Jinghua's words from Zhu Yawen: Lin Nan is a piece of fat meat, easier to cooperate with than Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, or Feng Xiaogang, because he has no community of interests and works alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan didn't know whether to be happy or reflect on this after hearing it; he was afraid there wasn't a second person like him who worked alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are disadvantages, namely that he cannot handle big productions on his own, but the advantage is that no one treats him as a rival, and when necessary, they are all Lin Nan's potential partners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking of big productions, Lin Nan felt it was time to give it a try. Now that he has both box office success and awards, it shouldn't be difficult to organize a project, but at the very least, he must wait until \"Crazy Stone\" is released before making detailed plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the time to continue working on his own scripts; not just foreign ones, but domestic ones as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few days later, an invitation letter from France arrived at the Film Academy, and Lin Nan was called from the film screening room to the Directing Department office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your letter.\" Teacher Zhou pointed to the table, where a cross-border letter lay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\" Lin Nan picked it up and opened it right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\" Several teachers gathered around, with both speculation and anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An invitation to the Cannes Film Festival,\" Lin Nan said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a good thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lin Nan's indifferent attitude, several teachers asked in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a good thing, but I don't have any work, so what would I go for? I can't take 'Back to the Dust' there again, can I? I couldn't do such a thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, everyone understood. The unwritten rule is there; it is impossible for a film to win an award in Berlin and then be taken to Cannes—that would become a joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a convention of the film festival; they send invitation letters to many well-known filmmakers,\" Lin Nan said, though he hadn't expected it to be sent to the school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is one more thing to do; even if you don't go, you have to reply.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right, it should be replied to as a matter of etiquette.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the dormitory, Lin Nan opened his computer and wrote an email, sending it to the official email address on the invitation letter, thanking them and declining the invitation, citing that he was busy with work and studies and could only look forward to attending the next session.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life at school was very comfortable. Every day, besides attending necessary courses, Lin Nan spent his time writing scripts and occasionally asking about the company's situation, as event invitations were often sent to the company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Return to Youth\" had also finished its run in South Korea. China Film Group was responsible for the settlement, and this money could arrive at any time. Lin Nan also instructed people to keep an eye on it, and if there was news from China Film Group, they should coordinate immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding the scripts he had stockpiled, Lin Nan planned that even if he accepted investment in the future, he would retain 100% of the copyright for himself. He could not let go of this point, especially for some series scripts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The promotion for \"Crazy Stone\" was proceeding in an orderly manner, and Enlight Media began to exert its influence. Lin Nan arranged the company's affairs and prepared to set off early; documents like his passport were also prepared in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early April was the date for the exchange meeting at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. After it ended, Lin Nan planned to fly directly to the United States from there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were no classes at school recently, and everything that needed to be arranged for the company had been arranged. Lin Nan moved his schedule forward, preparing to go over and play for two days first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an international metropolis, Shanghai was another major hub for the domestic film and television entertainment industry. Everything was based on the economy, and resources in arts, fashion, and film and television were very abundant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without telling anyone else, Lin Nan arrived in Shanghai on the last two days of March.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some buildings with a Republic of China style had a strong sense of the era, and the commercial atmosphere was heavy; it truly lived up to its reputation as an economic bridgehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan couldn't understand some of the local accents, but it didn't hinder him from visiting some scenic spots; after all, outsiders were the mainstream group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shanghai Film Park was placed at the top of Lin Nan's sightseeing list. Shanghai Film Group had made it very distinctive, making it the preferred place for filming period dramas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Huangpu River had witnessed so many past events in Shanghai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The larger the economy, the richer the nightlife; the lights were bright, and the traffic on the road was more congested than during the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan returned to his hotel, took a hot bath, and then turned on the TV to browse the news; there were even foreign channels...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For two consecutive days, he visited all the places he wanted to see. During this time, he encountered several television crews. Modern dramas had this advantage: they didn't need to go to a specific film studio; some office buildings would do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, it was April Fool's Day. Lin Nan contacted Hu Ge; since he had been here for two or three days, it was time to see old Hu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drove an off-road vehicle to the hotel to find Lin Nan. \"I heard the school booked hotels for everyone attending the exchange meeting. Do you want to move over?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need. I've been wandering around by myself for two days. Since there's still one day left before the exchange meeting, let you, a local, take me around some more.\" Lin Nan put on his sunglasses and went to the parking lot with Hu Ge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still underestimated your popularity; there are paparazzi following you.\" In the underground parking lot, Lin Nan mentioned this to Hu Ge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where?\" Hu Ge looked around and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That black SUV by the wall inside.\" As he spoke, Lin Nan waved in that direction; he had only caught a glimpse of it by chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ever since 'Chinese Paladin' aired, this problem has existed, haha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two got into the car, and Hu Ge prepared to treat him to a meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was that person just now Lin Nan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the black SUV, a person wearing glasses looked at the camera and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person next to him leaned over to look as well. \"It's him. Did you capture the waving gesture just now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Captured it. Are they friends?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seems like it. Lin Nan is in some of the stills for 'Chinese Paladin,' with Liu Yifei; they should have met at that time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've hit the jackpot this time,\" the person wearing glasses said happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's our good luck, haha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a Japanese restaurant, Hu Ge treated him to sashimi. \"Wait until the day I open one myself; when friends come over, they can come directly to my shop.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Ge said confidently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan gave a thumbs up: \"Good idea, I'm rooting for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This city had a strong petty-bourgeois sentiment; foreign cuisine always seemed a cut above, and everyone was willing to use this to show off their status, as if they weren't ordinary people this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss Cai wants to invite you to visit the company.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was eating the not-so-cheap raw fish and didn't answer this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After swallowing the fish, he spoke up, \"If I go, it's inevitable that we'll talk about other things, so I'd better not go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, who told you to be both a scriptwriter and a big director? Boss Cai just wants to lean towards the film side.\" Hu Ge did not deny Cai Yinong's thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don't go, you don't go. Anyway, you'll run into each other at the exchange meeting,\" Hu Ge added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a local film and television company, Tang Ren would certainly receive an invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meeting at the conference will be at most a few casual chats. Can they force me to talk about cooperation?\" Lin Nan said dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the two came out of the restaurant, two hours had already passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Ge received a call and glanced at Lin Nan. \"We're on the news.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan understood what he meant; those two people from earlier were quite efficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go. It's time for the host to play the guest. Take me to some good places that only locals know about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 8:30 on the morning of the 4th, Lin Nan took Hu Ge's car to the Shanghai Theatre Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After parking the car, the two walked on campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is it, compared to the Film Academy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are definitely differences; the architectural styles are different, okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are quite a lot of people coming to the exchange meeting today. I won't be able to get in then. Call me when you're done,\" Hu Ge said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are still two hours left, why are you in such a hurry to talk about this? Take me around your school first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's go, but don't get dazzled by the beauties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think there are fewer beauties at the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama than at your school?\" Lin Nan retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first place they visited was the Foxi Building, built to commemorate Xiong Foxi, one of the pioneers and founders of domestic drama, who was also the first president of this academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they arrived at the Dance Academy, Lin Nan learned something new, because Hu Ge took him to the rehearsal hall, and he enjoyed a piece of ballet through the glass wall; all he could say was that it was beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan couldn't understand the Opera Academy, but he was very shocked. On the stage, the students in makeup had flags stuck all over their backs...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking through several places in a row, Hu Ge finally brought Lin Nan to the Acting Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought about it, and I still brought you here.\" Hu Ge smiled craftily, with an expression of having succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the three major art colleges, the Acting Department is always the place with the highest quality of appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yuan Hong, you guys come down,\" Hu Ge shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan wanted to pounce on him and cover his mouth; was there any need to shout like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Ge had already become famous thanks to \"Chinese Paladin,\" and with this shout outside, five or six people came out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come, come, come, I've lured Director Lin here for you guys.\" Hu Ge laughed loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan had no choice but to greet them, \"Hello everyone, I'm here to attend the exchange meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically speaking, as seniors, it was impossible for so many to stay at school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that because of the exchange meeting, many film and television companies and production teams had come, so they all came back to try their luck and find opportunities?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader was Hu Ge's best friend, Yuan Hong, who was signed to the same company; he had no impression of the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just seniors who were attracted; there were also students from other grades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan spotted someone with a distinct look at a glance; among a group of handsome men and beautiful women, there was one who looked older: Lei Jiayin.\u003C\u002Fp>",2244,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","f8e929434c333c4b4912c94725f6404de38a2b5a31694cb8e06fef01a3d1120e","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-41","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-39",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]