[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr":3,"chapter-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-370":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Academic Director: Reborn in the Film Industry",{"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},2297370,4493,"Chapter 370: Unwilling to Give Up","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-370",370,"\u003Cp>Cao Yang stayed in his office until nearly the end of the school day, and only when Old Tian came to knock on his door in a leisurely manner did he prepare to get up and go eat with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't rush, wait a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian reached out with a mysterious smile to stop Cao Yang, blinked, and said, \"There’s another old guy coming, let’s wait a bit longer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang was stunned; he had to wait for another old guy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't react for a moment, but upon seeing Old Tian’s \"sly\" expression, he suddenly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is the teacher coming?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't that Cao Yang was slow to react, but the key was that Old Situ almost never came to the school nowadays; even after retiring and being rehired, he only mentored Cao Yang as his sole graduate student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of talk is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian glared, struggling to hold back a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean 'is the teacher coming'? Our school has produced another Venice Film Festival Golden Lion-winning director; among those retired or rehired old guys, as long as they’re still in Jingcheng, who wouldn't come back to take a look?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heh, look at how full of yourself you are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang asked with some confusion: \"Since the teacher is at school, why haven't I seen him call me or come to my place? I didn't even know he had arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why would he come to you? What sense of accomplishment is there in talking to you? How could he show off?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian sat down on his own and said with a chuckle: \"In his eyes right now, there are only those old guys like Zheng Dongtian, Jiang Shixiong, and Xie Fei, and he keeps asking them whether the three major European film festivals have become particularly easy to win lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He says his student Chen Kun won the Cannes Golden Palm, that kid Cao Yang not only won the Cannes Golden Palm but also two Venice Golden Lions, and now even that rebellious disciple Tian Zhuangzhuang has won a Venice Golden Lion...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he deliberately asks those few if the students they taught have also won the top awards at the three major European festivals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they weren't all old men and women now, I tell you, even if they were ten years younger, those old guys would definitely have ambushed him at night and given him a good beating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beat who?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Old Tian was speaking, Old Situ pushed the door open and walked in, asking casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang stood up and explained with a smile: \"Senior brother was saying that Teacher Xie, Teacher Jiang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Xie and Old Jiang must be incredibly envious; I was saying that if their disappointing students were in front of them, they might get beaten.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian glared at Cao Yang and hurriedly took over the conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Situ might be old, but his laugh was full of vigor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They aren't capable; they only know how to teach by the book. When will they ever teach... sigh, never mind, let's not gossip behind people's backs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian nodded, agreeing heartily: \"That's true, we are people of quality, we don't disparage others behind their backs, even though those few really haven't taught students as outstanding as me and Cao Yang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright, stop bragging. If Cao Yang hadn't written you a good script, and if you hadn't managed to keep your head straight and film exactly according to the script, as for your ability, heh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Old Situ was happy, he still had a very clear understanding of Old Tian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian opened his mouth, wanting to retort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s wrong with my ability?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old man, what do you mean by that \"heh\"?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don't think that just because you're my teacher, I wouldn't dare to snap back at you, I...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Situ glared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian gave a fawning smile; on such a joyous day, there was no point in picking a fight with the old man, it wasn't worth it, so he would forgive him this one time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian turned to look at Cao Yang and proactively changed the subject: \"Cao Yang, do you have plans for your next film?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Old Tian's words, Old Situ also looked over at Cao Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it's a film in cooperation with Warner Bros. It mainly depends on the progress of my current other film to decide when it's appropriate to shoot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, Cao Yang continued: \"It will most likely be after March of next year. The release of this film of mine requires a suitable opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for what a suitable opportunity was, he didn't say much more, and neither Old Situ nor Old Tian asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian nodded and said offhandedly: \"There’s almost half a year in between, so you should take a good rest for a while. Don't spend every day doing nothing but filming or preparing for films; you don't have any time to enjoy yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, he raised his eyebrows at Cao Yang with an expression that every man would understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it happened, Old Tian's eyebrow-raising gesture was seen by Old Situ.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of expression is that? I’m warning you, Tian Zhuangzhuang, stop trying to instill your indecent stuff into Cao Yang. If you dare to corrupt such a pure Cao Yang, I won't spare you; believe it or not, I’ll break your legs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Situ glared and warned Old Tian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I corrupt him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian looked at Old Situ in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at what you're saying! Does Cao Yang’s \"badness\" need me to teach it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old man, have you been drinking the soul-stealing soup Cao Yang gave you? How did this kid Cao Yang become the \"pure little white flower\" in your mouth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course it's you corrupting him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Situ glared at Old Tian and lowered his voice: \"Don't think I don't know about all your messy business; I’m too embarrassed to even mention your little indecent hobbies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... he... sigh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian didn't know what to say for a moment. He couldn't help but think sadly that there really is a mountain called \"prejudice\" in people's hearts...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before *Pieta*, how many years had it been since I properly directed a film? What little hobbies could I possibly have?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the filming of *Pieta*, even though that Xiangjiang... I held back, didn't I?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Old Tian felt more wronged than Dou E.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cao Yang, you must never learn from people like Tian Zhuangzhuang. The feng shui of the Directing Department was already bad, but with you here, it has finally changed. I believe this is the yin turning into yang; you must not follow in their footsteps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Situ advised earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused and then added: \"You are still young and in the peak period of your creativity. If you have good ideas, film them; now is not the time to enjoy yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, that place, Hollywood, is not a place to stay for long. Everything is geared toward money, and there is no human touch. Once your creativity dries up, they will abandon you without mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While you are young and have inspiration, you can also film some Chinese-language movies to solidify our foundation here. Once your achievements are stabilized, even if your peak creative period passes and your inspiration withers, it won't be a big deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, you now have the Cannes Golden Palm and the Venice Golden Lion in your hands; if you win the Golden Bear, you will be a living fossil of Chinese-language cinema, and you could even become the first person to be remembered in domestic film history.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, yes, Teacher, you are right, I have remembered it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang hurriedly nodded in agreement; after all, these were the heartfelt words of an elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian let out a long breath; the old man was chanting scriptures again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Old Situ finished speaking, he hurriedly said: \"Let's go, let's go eat; if we're any later, the cafeteria will be out of food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Situ turned his head, glared, and said while standing up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eat, eat, eat, all you know is eating. You are a Golden Lion director now, don't just think about eating and those little messy things all day long. You must encourage yourself and plan your future carefully...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian nodded listlessly, \"Yes, yes, yes, everything you say is correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That evening, Cao Yang went to Yu Feihong's place as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feihong cooked in person, and after the meal, she leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching Cao Yang wash the dishes with great interest. At this moment, she always felt very satisfied, feeling that life was complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the meal, Cao Yang sat by the computer and created a new document, but for a moment, he didn't know what to write.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He actually understood the implication behind Old Situ's words today. Old Situ wanted him to take advantage of this half-year of leisure to film an art-house movie and try to make a run for the Berlin Film Festival. There hadn't been any major events in Europe in the last two years, nor were there any of those overly politically correct films to shoot—the kind that, as long as they were above a certain standard, had to be awarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, the Berlin Golden Bear was very difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if he didn't try, that wouldn't do either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of the friendly relationship he had just established with Dieter Kosslick, the \"dictatorial\" chairman of the Berlin Film Festival, he should participate once or twice, and with a good film, make Dieter Kosslick feel \"guilty\" for not giving him the Golden Bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, as long as there was another film that surpassed the others, Dieter Kosslick would definitely take the previous \"debt\" into account, which would be favorable for winning the Golden Bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the strategy Cao Yang had set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what to film?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang hesitated. He had quite a few choices, but for a moment, he didn't know which one was appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feihong came to the study with a cup of hot milk and handed it to Cao Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to write something, but I have no passion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang turned around, took the milk, placed it on the desk, and patted her bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feihong smiled, leaned on Cao Yang's back, blew into his ear, and said lazily: \"Do you want me to provide you with some passion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang's eyes lit up; the study seemed like a pretty good choice too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feihong was the same as always, at first a majestic and peerless female knight. Although Cao Yang sitting in the computer chair wasn't conducive to her performance, her riding was still quite brisk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alas, she was only able to muster her courage once, then it waned, and by the third time, it was exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest was Cao Yang's time to perform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The study was sometimes more than just a place for study and work; special work was also very convenient and passionate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, the captured female knight kept moaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Cao Yang arrived at school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing to do in the morning, so Cao Yang attended a high-level school meeting. He now held the position of assistant to the dean, and as long as he was at school, he would be notified of many high-level meetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the afternoon, Old Hou came to Cao Yang's office once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang was stunned; whenever Old Hou came over stealthily, there was definitely something up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it still about the Golden Rooster?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang couldn't help but ask first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Hou was also stunned; he first nodded, then shook his head, which left Cao Yang confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, although it’s still about the Golden Rooster, this time it’s not about Gusu, but rather internal to the Golden Rooster, or more accurately, internal to the Film Association.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Hou said with some helplessness: \"The association isn't a monolith either; there are still some... well, old stubborn ones, regarding our Beijing Film Academy taking the lead this time... cough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regarding the Golden Rooster judges this time, some people feel their seniority is high, so they rely on their age to act arrogantly, taking the opportunity of us rejecting the proposal from Gusu to report some issues to the higher-ups.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The higher-ups?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang looked at Old Hou and asked: \"The Publicity Department?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is currently the Vice Chairman of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles; his superior unit is neither the Ministry of Culture nor the Film Bureau, but the Publicity Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To report him, on the surface, only the Publicity Department would have any authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Hou couldn't help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A few old stubborns relying on their seniority, how could they reach the Publicity Department? They’re just whispering some small talk to the Film Bureau.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Saying I’m overbearing and monopolizing power?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it wasn't the Publicity Department, then it was nothing major.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all. You can rest assured about how I do things. We are upright; everything is done according to rules and regulations and is a collective decision. How can it be called overbearing or monopolizing power?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Hou explained. How could he have been a high-level leader for all these years for nothing? Many things he does are reasonable and well-founded, leaving no room for others to pick faults.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are just some petty, sneaky people. They wouldn't dare say it openly, let alone name names.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They just reported to the Film Bureau, saying that some young directors, after gaining fame, don't unite with those around them, especially by not respecting peers from Xiangjiang and Wanwan, and not casting actors from Xiangjiang and Wanwan. They say this is detrimental to unity...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang thought for a moment and couldn't help but smile. This is making a mountain out of a molehill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems there are still some forces behind the scenes pushing this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha, it’s nothing more than those people from Xiangjiang or Wanwan who moved north collectively, or the capital behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the Film Association, some people are old; if they retire, they should retire completely. Don't act like you're pointing out the direction of the country all day long. Don't they have any self-awareness of their own worth?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang looked at Old Hou and continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clear out those who should be cleared. Furthermore, leave professional matters to the professionals. From now on, all Golden Rooster judges must be experienced and have produced works. Don't let just any random person be a judge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Hou nodded. He had already been slowly pushing this forward. Perhaps some people noticed, panicked, and coupled with the instigation of some capital behind them, this incident occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, those people underestimate Cao Yang too much and don't understand Cao Yang's current weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Internationally, Cao Yang is one of the most influential directors globally, a top-tier director in Hollywood, and one of the core directors in the European art-house film circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Domestically, Cao Yang is the Vice Chairman of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Chief Consultant for the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, Chief Consultant for the Beijing Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Vice Chairman of the All-China Youth Federation, Vice President of the Directors Association, Assistant to the Dean of Beijing Film Academy, General Producer of the Youth Film Studio...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adding these identities together, let alone reporting to the Film Bureau, even if they reported to... how much effect could it have?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, although it was useless, Old Hou still voiced the concerns in his heart:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cao Yang, next year is the Olympics. You also know that those capital interests are used to hype things up in Xiangjiang and Wanwan. We don't need to worry about print media, but I'm afraid they will stir up trouble online. That would still have a significant impact on your reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang nodded thoughtfully; he agreed with this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the unhealthy trends online in later generations were started by these people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The best solution is to win over some and strike down some.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are there any worth winning over?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to those, there really are, such as Cheng Long, who later actively leaned toward the mainland, and the capital behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some Xiangjiang and Wanwan capital only wants to insert their own agendas into films, deliberately spreading some wrong culture and values.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Cao Yang said to Old Hou: \"As for those so-called remarks, I only need to make one film to completely resolve them. As for those behind the scenes...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Hou immediately said: \"Leave this to me. I will discuss and resolve this matter with Old Han from China Film Group.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Old Hou left, Cao Yang carefully considered the matter thoroughly to avoid any omissions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subsequently, he began to seriously consider the film project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it happens, Old Situ also intends for him to shoot more Chinese-language films. With over half a year, shooting an art-house film is more than enough, and he could even make a trip to the Berlin Film Festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, by casting a representative Xiangjiang actor, all rumors of disunity will collapse on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2892,"2026-06-20T05:36:33.260Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","8ddc5a67422523c5cdafd9f0cdb2c26e286f264eaf7333542709f7377432dc60","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-371","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-369",411,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-cover.jpg"]