Chapter 301: Hearing Thunder in the Silence

Boss Lu had thought she was coming to him to ask for a role, to get into one of his films, or perhaps for a season-based drama on Travel Satellite TV.

He never expected that she wasn't here for a role, but for him, the person himself?

Boss Lu played dumb: "You're joking. It's fine if you want to learn directing from me, but asking me about acting is like asking a blind man for directions."

"Director Lu, you are being too modest." Lu Zheng chuckled.

"Who doesn't know that you and Director Zhang are the best directors in the mainland at coaching actors?"

"Director Zhang won Best Actor at the 1987 Tokyo International Film Festival and the 1988 Golden Rooster. Director Lu, you just won Best Actor in Berlin; the gold content is even higher."

Lu Zheng suddenly turned to Han Shanping, who was peeling a shrimp: "Chairman Han, say a fair word. How can this be called asking a blind man for directions?"

"Haha, you've done your homework well, Lu Zheng. You've left Director Lu with nowhere to hide."

Han Shanping laughed and egged them on, while Lu Zheng kept saying he wouldn't dare.

The young director's expression remained unchanged. That day at the Bazaar Charity Night, he felt he hadn't owed any favors, and he didn't want to get dragged into this troublesome affair.

He glanced at Ruan Jingtian, who was sitting quietly to the side, thinking to himself that this girl truly had no fate to become a star.

She was a year younger than Liu Yifei, and though she would toss the entertainment industry into a frenzy in the future, he never expected that she would eventually "achieve success late" through a web drama.

This wasn't a question of whether it was a big production or a big director.

In the future, capital would invite Zhang Yimou to direct the 1 billion investment *The Great Wall* to forcefully promote her, yet it would still flop in a way that shocked heaven and earth.

Not to mention her complicated background; he currently neither coveted her person nor her money, and he had even less motivation to create all favorable conditions to forcefully promote her.

Why had he locked in Fan Bingbing and Liu Yifei early in this life? Because these were the truths of the entertainment industry, strictly selected and proven by time and practice in the future!

They were both female stars who didn't require too much effort to cultivate and could be developed step-by-step; one only needed to guide them according to their own characteristics.

"My guidance for actors is limited to my own films."

Boss Lu still smiled and declined: "Whether it's the Central Academy of Drama, the Beijing Film Academy, the Beijing People's Art Theatre, or the National Theatre of China, there are many acting teachers with rich qualifications and experience."

"Ruan Jingtian, you haven't studied acting, have you?"

"Teacher Lu, I've studied dance for many years!" Ruan Jingtian finally managed to interject, hurriedly introducing herself.

The young director said solemnly: "Acting is a very systematic discipline. If you are determined to go further on the path of an actor, I suggest you go to a professional institution to study for four years and build a solid foundation."

As he said this, he stood up: "Ruan Jingtian, work hard. You are welcome to come and audition if there is an opportunity in the future."

Boss Lu stood up with a smile, encouraged Da Tiantian a few words, and then turned to Lu Zheng with an apologetic look: "I'm really sorry, I still have to go to Yanjiao Primary School with the crew for charity work this afternoon. Please excuse me."

"Chairman Han, I'm off?"

Han Shanping hadn't seen enough of the show yet, so he nodded with regret: "Let's gather another day."

Lu Zheng was unwilling to let go and was just about to speak up to keep him, when Old Han at the next seat gave him a wink.

Lu Zheng, who was sophisticated in the ways of the world, immediately fell silent.

"Tiantian, why don't you go and see Boss Lu off?"

Ruan Jingtian bit her lower lip, feeling a bit aggrieved.

She wasn't stupid; how could she not know she had just been ruthlessly rejected? But she still forced a smile: "Mm, okay!"

Boss Lu glanced at Ruan Jingtian and pushed the door open first to leave.

He was tall with long legs, striding through the corridor without any intention of waiting for Ruan Jingtian.

The well-trained waitresses at the Beijing Club bowed slightly to greet them while stealing glances at the scene before them—it was simply a perfect spot for gossip.

The legendary sixth-richest man in China and genius director was walking ahead, while the "human wealth and flower" who had been the talk of the town lately was chasing behind with small steps.

It seemed 15 million wasn't enough to catch his eye.

According to the net worth of Boss Lu calculated by some financial experts, this little beauty would probably need to bring 1.5 billion plus herself to have a chance!

Everyone couldn't help but think of Liu Yifei, who had asked that earth-shattering question at her birthday party two months ago.

These girls were truly like moths to a flame.

Boss Lu walked for a while, his peripheral vision catching Ruan Jingtian in high heels following closely behind, *da-da-da*. He didn't know if she was truly stupid or just pretending.

It was possible she was truly stupid, having been too well-protected since childhood.

If she were pretending, her level was quite high; even he hadn't seen through it.

He suddenly turned around, and Ruan Jingtian slammed on the brakes, her fair forehead bumping into the young director's chest, and two red clouds quickly rising on her face.

"Teacher Lu, I... I'm sorry."

"Go back. I know this place better than you do; you're going to see me off?"

Ruan Jingtian watched him turn to leave without a hint of attachment, and she couldn't help but reach out to grab the young director's arm.

"Hm?"

"I... Teacher Lu, can you really not teach me?"

The direct rejection she had anticipated didn't come. Ruan Jingtian looked up at him, her fair, pretty face full of expectation.

Boss Lu pondered: "Why do you want to be an actor?"

"Ah?"

"Clearly, you haven't considered this question, and you probably haven't even figured out whether you want to be a star or an actor."

"These are two different concepts."

Three years ago, on the balcony of Anita Mui's residence in Hong Kong's Heng On Court, Lu Kuan had asked Liu Yifei, who was as naive as a daisy at the time, the same question. (Chapter 87)

She hadn't answered it either, but later she proved everything with her actions.

They say one should teach according to aptitude; Liu Yifei's talent for acting was mediocre, and she could only be considered a flawed piece of raw jade.

In her previous life, this flaw was an extreme lack of life experience, unable to feel the ups and downs of an ordinary person's life or emotional fluctuations.

But she could endure loneliness and polishing; once she set her mind on something, she was willing to put in the painstaking effort to carve it.

Honestly speaking, Ruan Jingtian, whose conditions and environment were better than Liu Yifei's, probably didn't have that kind of spirit.

The young director didn't bother with her anymore: "Alright, you go back."

Ruan Jingtian stared blankly as he walked into the elevator, which was like a black hole. His ruthless back was like a hard barrier, cutting off all her expectations.

Was she really that unappealing to him?

From August to November, the mainland entertainment industry had been full of explosive news.

Two months ago, Wang Jinhua left, the entertainment industry had a massive earthquake, and the entertainment companies underwent a major reshuffle.

Immediately after, the 825 Yifei Incident occurred, shocking the world; the mainland's top young star sealed her heart and went to North America.

Then came the bidding for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games, which had the unanimous attention of domestic audiences.

Just as the storm was subsiding, the mainland entertainment industry's topic-manufacturing machine, Boss Lu, was out of the circle again.

An oil painting, whose quality was indistinguishable to laymen, sold for a sky-high price of 15 million at a charity gala, and it even involved a top beauty who had never appeared in public.

Boss Lu himself was also ranked sixth on this year's Hu Run Rich List.

The young director truly didn't want to be so high-profile; one only needed to look at the final outcome of Boss Huang, who had topped the rich list for years, to know.

It was just that some things had to come knocking at his door.

Therefore, starting from October, Boss Lu had already adopted a "no charity, no going out" policy.

Besides following the *Aftershock* crew to run charity activities around Beijing, he put all his energy into perfecting the script for the massacre film.

In 2003, he had once submitted a script outline for project approval in advance.

At that time, the filming date hadn't been determined, so he submitted a first draft to act according to circumstances.

This was also because the state had issued new regulations in 2003.

All film production units and film and television cultural units holding a "Film Production Permit" (including single-film permits) no longer needed to use a completed script; they only needed to submit a film plot outline of no less than 1,000 words for review.

But in the subsequent supplementary clauses, it was further stipulated that films with major revolutionary and historical themes, major theoretical literature films, and four other types of themes still had to pass a preliminary review by provincial departments before being submitted to the General Administration.

With the film project approval imminent, Boss Lu had repeatedly revised the script several times before barely submitting it for review.

Such a film carried too much emotion and hope; it was impossible to ever be satisfied with the revisions.

Time entered November, the end of the year was approaching, and the film promotion war for the mainland film industry's highly anticipated New Year and Spring Festival slots had also begun.

*Aftershock* began to appear in building advertisements, print media, billboard advertisements, internet portals, and other online and offline communities.

Following Boss Lu's supreme instructions, the propaganda tools of the Wenjie system pulled out all the stops, announcing to the world in a simple and crude way:

*Aftershock* is coming!

Among them, Focus Media, a subsidiary of Wenjie Holdings that rang the bell on NASDAQ in the middle of the year, played a more important role than ever before.

This was mainly due to the further erosion of market share and expansion of territory brought about by listing and financing.

In August, Focus Media fought its first battle after listing, acquiring China's largest apartment elevator poster company—Frame Media—for 143 million USD.

Frame Media had a total of 420,000 media units, with a market share of over 95%, covering 56 key cities and 45 million middle-to-high-end household consumers.

Focus Media combined Frame's elevator poster resources with its own building video media resources, realizing the integration and complementarity of outdoor advertising resources and forming a wider media network.

Since then, Focus had controlled more than 90% of the elevator poster frame share in Chinese residential areas.

According to a well-known domestic financial reporter's gossip:

Focus Media's Jiang Beichun had officially submitted a merger plan to the parent company, Wenjie Holdings, and the domestic sixth-richest man, Lu Kuan, preparing to open its bloody mouth to Juyong, which had been forced into a corner, to completely unify the world.

In January 2006, Focus completed this acquisition for 325 million USD.

In this life, with Wenjie Holdings as a strong backing, the progress would surely be even faster.

The comprehensive coverage of offline advertising allowed urban white-collar workers and users of high-end residential communities who had the ability to consume 40-80 yuan per movie ticket in this era to be bombarded with advertisements every day.

On the homepage of Wenjie Video, clips of the film's shooting were played in rotation.

The process of screenwriter Liu Heng visiting survivors in depth, consulting a large amount of historical data, and collecting true stories and details;

How the crew restored the city's style before and after the Tangshan earthquake, from building a realistic Tangshan Old Street to setting up the ruins after the earthquake, showcasing the staff's meticulous design and hard work;

Zhou Xun, Song Jia, and other beautiful actresses acting silly, Boss Lu explaining scenes to Song Jia, and Hu Jun, Wang Baoqiang, and director Lu Kuan rehearsing.

Whether it was positive energy, sentimental, or satisfying the audience's voyeuristic desire for star celebrities, or even the currently hot star director.

In short, the short-video promotion effect basically met expectations, and the carefully selected and edited materials had fully aroused the curiosity of fans.

Coupled with the round-robin bombardment of Travel Satellite TV's *A Date with Luyu*, blog topic marketing, Douban, and other Wenjie-affiliated websites, a host of New Year films, including *Zhang Wuji* and *Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles*, felt unprecedented pressure.

Playing so big this time?

Not only putting a disaster film in the New Year slot but also fighting regardless of cost—this didn't fit your persona as the best businessman among directors, Boss Lu?

Xiaoxitian, China Film Group, Han Shanping's office.

Chen Hong's tone was depressed: "Chairman Han, it's best if you come forward and talk to him about this?"

"*Aftershock* and *Zhang Wuji* both have China Film's investment; these promotional resources can't be completely leaked, right?"

She was an actress in *Zhang Wuji* and also a producer; there were some things Chen Kaige found inconvenient to say, and her status as a female comrade made it easier to communicate.

For example, complaining to Han Shanping now, asking him to come forward and mediate, and asking Focus Media to give up some elevator advertising promotional shares.

"Chen Hong, this is a normal corporate behavior. You're asking me to open my mouth to Lu Kuan; how do I say it?"

The small flat-top was a bit annoyed by her nagging: "To tell you the truth, Wenjie originally wanted to put *Aftershock* before or after *Zhang Wuji*. It was me who persuaded them otherwise after much talking."

"Market capacity is limited; why be so bloody?"

"China Film's investment in *Zhang Wuji* is much higher than in *Aftershock*, right? Are you afraid I'm biased?"

Han Shanping was also an old fox who offended no one, describing Boss Lu's meticulous arrangement as the result of his own persuasion.

"Alright, Chen Hong, don't say anymore."

Chen Kaige, who was smoking on the sofa, had a gloomy face, but he soon put on an air of a scholar's indifference.

"Some people just like to monopolize social resources; let them be."

"We must believe in the audience's vision and believe in the quality of the film; their word-of-mouth is the most important."

The superior man understands righteousness; the inferior man understands profit.

He was too lazy to talk to Han Shanping about these things; Chen Hong had previously persuaded him to invite Lu Kuan to dinner in advance, but Chen Kaige had declined.

How could I go and make small talk and bow to a junior?

If you want to go, you go.

Of course, for this big work that cost a lot, Chen Kaige spared no effort in other accessible promotional offensives.

Starting from this year's Venice Film Festival, *Zhang Wuji* began a large-scale promotional offensive.

Appearing in full dress, but only making a fleeting appearance in the end, it was quite mysterious and also whetted the audience's appetite.

But as the release date approached, the pressured Chen Kaige and his wife began to exert their full strength, frequently attending various activities and programs to build momentum.

The poet-like temperament he had shown before and the image that was somewhat too vulgar in promotional posture also gave many film critics a chance to show off their pens.

Gu Xiaobai: 【From the clips, we all see that Jang Dong-gun has a line in *Zhang Wuji* called 'Follow me, and there will be meat to eat.' Apart from Director Lu's 2003 Hollywood co-production *The Foreign Land*, the highest box office for a domestic blockbuster before this was only 250 million for Zhang Yimou's *Hero*. For investors, is there really meat to eat by following Director Kaige? I'll wait and see with blessings.】

Wei Junzi: 【Investors have placed a huge bet on Director Chen Kaige; if they can't eat meat, it's simply unimaginable. Therefore, I don't find it hard to understand Director Kaige frequently promoting his *Zhang Wuji* like a newcomer, even at the cost of losing the image he is quite proud of and elegant in front of the public, turning to entertain the masses. Best of luck.】

Even Zhu Dake couldn't stand it anymore; Chen Kaige's posture made him feel uncomfortable. This serious critic in the cultural circles felt it wasn't impossible to take a small shot, and by the way, continue to rub against the washing machine.

【Opening the TV these past two days, one can almost always see Director Chen Kaige and his producer-wife Chen Hong talking about how good their film is. Some of the boasting even reached the point where others felt embarrassed. Of course, these interviews also couldn't lack the director talking about his private life.】

【This is quite puzzling. In my impression, Director Kaige was always serious, and when talking about his works, he was also restrained in his praise. Why is he so high-profile this time, attending various entertainment programs while selling his *Zhang Wuji* so hard, even at the cost of taking his life with his wife to create topics?】

【I attribute all the reasons for this to the vulgarization of themes and expression techniques in the mainland film industry, the concentration of the film industry chain at the top, and the ongoing monopolization, which forces Director Chen Kaige to lower his status.】

【On this road of no return, Director Lu Kuan is the well-deserved executioner and death shouter. If this continues, does Chinese cinema have a future? That's all I have to say.】

Chen Kaige had been forced to this point by Wenjie's crazy offensive, so Zhang Weiping of New Pictures was naturally eager to try.

For *Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles*, compared to the fantasy blockbuster *Zhang Wuji* and the disaster masterpiece *Aftershock*, the promotional gimmicks he could bring out, such as Ken Takakura's swan song at over 70 years old and the ink-wash painting scroll of Eastern father-son love, were too weak.

Even with the name of Zhang Yimou, it was inevitable to survive in the cracks between the two blockbusters *Promise* and *Aftershock*.

He was waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to hype crazily.

Soon, the first opportunity arrived.

In early November, the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee officially announced the results of the selection of the opening and closing ceremony plans for October through official media such as *Xinwen Lianbo*.

After preliminary screening, the Organizing Committee selected 14 plans from over 400 global plans to participate in the first round of bidding.

In the October bidding, 5 teams were shortlisted, including Zhang Yimou, Lu Kuan, France's eca2, the General Political Department Song and Dance Troupe, and the joint team of CCTV and Beijing Olympics.

As a major event that had poured heart and attention from the temple to the rivers and lakes in recent years, Olympic news was undoubtedly hotly debated.

Some were amazed that Zhang Yimou could still be shortlisted after his terrible performance in the Athens eight minutes;

Some were surprised that Boss Lu could still produce a flat-replacement level work after such a stunning plan leak;

Of course, there were also those who went to his blog account and on-site interviews to find fault and say strange things because of Director Chen Kaige's "vulgarity" during this period.

On the 13th, at a fan meeting in Tianjin, a reporter's question made the poet look displeased.

*Tianjin Daily*: "Director Chen, among the top three most anticipated New Year films this year, Director Lu and Director Zhang have both successfully entered the second round of Olympic bidding."

"As a famous director with much greater seniority and age than Director Lu, where do you think the reason for missing this honor lies?"

"Will it make you feel guilty about competing with these two in the New Year slot with *Zhang Wuji*?"

Chen Kaige's expression was unkind. Although it couldn't be called a public scolding, the rise and fall of his two thick, heavy eyebrows still showed his inner resentment.

"This question is too amateurish. Taking the Olympic plan is the work of the entire team, and besides, this has nothing to do with every director's film."

"Can I take your daily diary and grade it as your college entrance exam essay?"

"*Zhang Wuji* is not afraid of anyone. Look at the youthful faces of Cecilia Cheung and Nicholas Tse on our scene; who isn't full of confidence?"

The poet's words avoided the important and dwelt on the trivial, with a suspicion of changing the subject.

But that indifferent posture seemed to be full of the elegance of a scholar.

But Zhang Weiping wouldn't miss this good opportunity!

He immediately spread soft articles, hyping it up with the gimmick of "Beijing Film Academy brothers, duel between two Olympic director films in the New Year slot"!

Rubbing against your disaster blockbuster of over 200 million, and then rubbing against the Olympic cause that the public couldn't help but discuss hotly in recent years.

And the duel between Beijing Film Academy alumni spanning thirty years of history seemed to sound quite attractive.

When asked by reporters about Chen Kaige's *Zhang Wuji* film, Zhang Weiping sneered with a big mouth: "Today, we only discuss excellent directors who are qualified to be selected as Olympic chief directors."

This harsh remark deliberately thrown out instantly offended Director Chen. He naturally wouldn't come forward; Chen Hong came out to fight a war of words as a producer, and coupled with the connections and volume Chen Kaige had accumulated in the Beijing circle for so many years, the blog network was full of swords and shadows.

At this point, Zhang Weiping had finished rubbing against Boss Lu and then rubbed against Chen Kaige, blowing up the heat of *Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles* without spending a penny.

It was no exaggeration to call him a marketing genius.

On November 20th, the national roadshow of the *Aftershock* crew officially began.

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen were naturally the top priorities, followed by the Yangtze River Delta, Central China, and the Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an areas in the central and western regions.

Under the leadership of Boss Lu, the *Aftershock* crew visited one city every two days, attacking cities and seizing land like cutting melons and vegetables.

Everywhere they went, press conferences, fan meetings, thematic symposiums, and standard charity activities were constant, with extremely high work intensity, but they also achieved excellent results.

On December 12, 2005, the crew arrived in Jin Ling, Jiangsu Province, and stayed overnight.

Early the next morning, all the crew members were dressed in dark colors, and a bus carried them from the Jin Ling Hotel to the Memorial Hall for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders on Shuiximen Street, Jianye District.

Song Jia, Zhou Xun, Hu Jun, Wang Baoqiang, and others all had solemn expressions, getting off the bus with director Lu Kuan; everyone had already been informed of the purpose of this trip in advance.

December 13th had not yet been designated as a National Memorial Day at the time.

But every year around this time, there were countless people and people from all walks of life who came spontaneously to mourn painfully.

Citizens holding various yellow and white flower bouquets were surprised to find the figures of these stars on TV and the silver screen.

Due to the special occasion, seeing the crew members led by the young director all with solemn expressions, everyone didn't have too noisy star-chasing behavior.

It was just confusing why the *Aftershock* crew, who were running the roadshow, would suddenly appear here?

At nine o'clock in the morning, two simple and plain long tables were set up at the scene.

Leader Jiang of Jin Ling arrived, shook hands cordially with Boss Lu, and then accepted media interviews and delivered a short speech.

"Comrades, today, 3,000 people from all walks of life in Jin Ling and peace-loving friends from home and abroad are holding an international peace rally at the Memorial Hall for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to painfully mourn our compatriots who were killed 68 years ago."

"At the same time, we are also very honored to have invited the internationally renowned director and President of Wenjie Holdings, Mr. Lu Kuan, to announce a major event together."

"Following the mainstream film *Aftershock*, which fully demonstrates the people's faith and national strength."

"The Jin Ling Municipal Government will provide all necessary support to help Director Lu's next massacre-themed film. Below, we invite Director Lu to announce the specific situation."

A burst of heated discussion suddenly erupted on the sidelines, and official media reporters collected materials in an orderly manner.

Today's occasion was special; after communication between the two sides, only official media reporters were allowed to enter for interviews and photography, and the process was also very short, so as not to overshadow the host or disturb the spirits.

Boss Lu took the microphone: "The weather today is gloomy. Just now, I walked into the memorial hall with a painful mood, standing quietly in this murderous world, and suddenly thought of three years ago."

"In 2002, at the Berlin Film Festival, I met a Chinese-American female writer who went to visit the descendants of Rabe, the respected Ms. Iris Chang."

"In my conversation with her, I had the idea of making a massacre-themed film to face history squarely and comfort the spirits of our ancestors."

"At the same time, only by remembering history can we be vigilant against the dangers of war at all times and cherish peace."

"The theme of this film is special. If everything goes well, it is expected to be released the year after next. Today is just a coincidence, and I am making a notification to everyone."

"Specific information such as investment, filming, and casting will be announced at the official project launch conference. I will not take up time today to affect the solemn peace rally. Thank you."

Boss Lu stood in front of the monument, the lines of the building behind him cold and solemn, like the frowning eyebrows of the earth, engraved with endless pain and indignation.

The gray-black walls exuded a solemn atmosphere under the shroud of dark clouds, as if the wounds of history could never heal.

The collar of his long windbreaker was turned up. He took the white chrysanthemum handed over by Zhou Xun and bowed slightly to the shadow wall filled with the names of the victims, offering flowers.

Captured by the official media reporter's photo, the young director's eyes were deep and solemn, his brows locked into a deep ravine, as if telling of endless sorrow for that period of history.

This photo quickly made the headlines.

It should be said that Boss Lu, since August, had been making headlines since Liu Yifei's birthday party.

Media from all walks of life had both praise and criticism.

"Young director announces new work theme, expected to impact the Berlin Film Festival again."

"Mainland's sixth-richest director digs into history; is it for patriotism or for making a fortune?"

"Genius director touches historical masterpiece again after the earthquake; is it art or hype?"

Most official media and print media held a laudatory attitude toward this matter.

They affirmed that such a great director, who could fully shoot more commercial films to make money, was willing to spend effort on a heavy historical theme that was thankless.

But there was also a considerable part of the Southern media and original affiliated personnel who made different voices.

This faction of media, led by *Southern Weekly*, advocated neoliberalism and had praised Lu Kuan many times at the beginning of his rise.

They believed that from *Whiplash* to *Shoplifters*, they were all excellent propositions for reflecting on education, reflecting on society, and opposing capital.

But starting from Boss Lu himself gradually becoming capital, controlling online public opinion, starting from him becoming an Olympic-oriented solicitation unit, and starting from his *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* causing a patriotic discussion.

Some Southern media people gradually began to turn their guns.

Especially this time, the filming of *Aftershock*, Wenjie and the local government cooperated closely, singing praises for some objects they criticized, causing great dissatisfaction.

The project approval of the massacre film became the fuse, and for a time, criticism and heated discussion from different angles were rampant.

Titles such as "heartless capitalist," "cultural merchant making a fortune from national disaster," and "artistic hooligan skilled in hype" emerged one after another.

Of course, Boss Lu's fans and netizens with correct values also spoke up for him independently, criticizing these baseless framing and sewage.

Making a fortune from national disaster?

He has already donated all the net profits of *Aftershock*; can you do that?

At the Charity Bazaar Night, he was also the entrepreneur and director who spent the most on donations and auctions; this is also solid evidence.

Public opinion was constantly disturbed, and this photo and the news of the massacre film were like a stone thrown into a quiet lake, attracting attention from all sides.

For example, Iris Chang and Liu Yifei in North America both saw it.

Ms. Iris Chang solemnly printed out the photo, wrote the date on the back, and tucked it into her diary.

Three years, or rather, since she was determined to write a book in 1995, ten years.

With such a director who has a heart of innocence, willingness, and ability, the angel of justice can be comforted.

Liu Yifei's filming in Vancouver was also gradually improving. After nearly two years, not only was her kung fu as a little swordswoman at a higher level, but her literary drama was even more improved.

She still needed an experience and a role to complete the transformation from an ordinary actor to an excellent actor.

For Liu Yifei herself, she also had high hopes for the role of Iris Chang, which was why she didn't hesitate to spend nearly a year preparing.

Let's not talk about the private relationship with Boss Lu for now.

She didn't refuse to successfully shape such a great character image under the former's strict requirements, which was surely no small improvement for herself.

She was step-by-step practicing her original grand wish, walking with firm steps toward the path of a top actor.

Of course, the small hurricane stirred up by the butterfly's wings was not without movement. At the end of October, US time, a social software called Twitter was quietly launched.

The website logo was a North American blue robin, and it was officially put into trial operation after a week of internal testing.

In the United States and Silicon Valley, hundreds of ideas sprouted every day, and hundreds of startups were registered every week.

Of course, a large number of ambitious entrepreneurs were eliminated and died every month, repeating the cycle.

Therefore, no one paid too much attention to this social software that looked ordinary.

Except for two people and their fans.

One was Stephanie, the author of *Twilight*. Liu Yifei exchanged resources with her as a top blogger on MyTube, letting the latter register and update her Twitter to attract fans to interact and leave messages.

The other was Leonardo from the crew. He didn't think much of this new product that couldn't be found in the website market.

He just thought Liu Yifei was promoting for a friend, so he enthusiastically registered an account, chatted a few words when he was free, and released his dynamics in the *Foreign Land 2* crew.

Liu Yifei, who was starting a business for the first time, had almost played all the cards in her hand.

Selecting seedlings, digging pits, filling soil, watering, and maintenance.

Everything below was left to time to see how effective her two axes could be, whether this seedling could successfully grow into a money tree or die miserably.

In the mainland, Chen Kaige, a competitor in the New Year film market, felt a bit uncomfortable seeing the photo.

*Zhang Wuji* film premieres in two days; what is your purpose in making a big news now, triggering a big discussion and big debate on the Internet?

What is the difference between you, Lu Kuan, and the real hooligan businessman Zhang Weiping?

Even worse!

You, Lu Kuan, are a hooligan with culture, a hooligan with capital!

For your own film, you really use every means possible; your heart is punishable!

Besides the related parties in North America and the mainland, the news of the international director establishing a massacre-themed film naturally entered the vision of some institutions.

On December 18, 2005, a week after Lu Kuan announced the news in Jin Ling, a thin Japanese man entered the country at the Capital International Airport and arrived at the Sakura Restaurant in Hotel New Otani on Liangmaqiao East Street.

He walked to the second floor, talked privately with the respectful manager for a few words, and sat alone in the private room.

The Japanese man's name was Katsunishi Yu, the younger brother of the notorious Japanese Tokai Company's Katsunishi Old Dog, the latter being a Japanese far-right businessman.

He took out his mobile phone, sighed, and dialed again.

"Hello?"

"Lu-san, I'm sorry, it's me again. Can we talk one more time?"

*Beep beep beep beep beep... *

Katsunishi Yu's expression didn't look discouraged, as if this was just an expected setback.

Indeed, after learning that this international-level director was going to film a massacre movie, he had already contacted him three times without success.

Whether it was private sponsorship, transnational business cooperation, or introducing him to the six major resources of Sony and Columbia, all were ruthlessly rejected.

"Knock knock knock!"

"Please come in!"

Katsunishi Yu smiled and stood up: "Ukebo, long time no see!"

The boss of Cheng Tian Entertainment, who had just sent Jiang Yiyan back to the villa, spoke fluent Japanese and shook hands with him familiarly.

Ukebo was the katakana transliteration of his name.

"Katsunishi-san! It's been four or five years! I'm so glad you could come to Beijing."

"Hehe, I'm also very happy, but this trip is actually to bother you with something."

Katsunishi Yu ordered the waiter to serve dishes; his private room was full of local Japanese waiters, so there was no fear of news leaking.

"If you have any instructions, please speak. When I went to NEC for an internship, it was thanks to your brother's care!"

Ge Ge Xi Xiong was in no rush to speak his mind; he discussed matters of friendship with this mainland businessman who had close ties to Japanese capital, and only then did he tactfully reveal his purpose.

"I saw a piece of news recently, saying that the internationally renowned Director Lu is going to film a historical-themed movie."

"This trip is to see if there is any way through Wu-san to..."

"To stop Director Lu Kuan of your country from filming such a movie."

He deliberately avoided the three words "massacre," but how could Wu Kebo not understand his intention?

The boss of Cheng Tian Entertainment Group stopped his cup and chopsticks, his tone cold.

"I can't do anything about this, and besides... Katsunishi-san, are you insulting me by saying this!"

"Whether this kind of film is filmed or not is a personal act; I have no right to interfere, and I will not interfere."

"Do you want me to do something detrimental to the country! How unreasonable!"

Katsunishi Yu sneered at the hypocritical Wu-san.

If you really had this kind of integrity, you wouldn't have accepted your brother's recommendation in the first place.

It's just that no matter how much he despised him in his heart, he couldn't ignore the purpose of his trip.

They were naturally inconvenient to intervene directly in this matter; the association could only achieve its purpose indirectly and secretly through certain grasp points in the mainland.

"Where! Where!" Katsunishi Yu stood up in horror, bowing hurriedly.

"Wu-san, I have always considered you a person who loves peace and is willing to promote China-Japan exchanges."

"My meaning is that such a film is not of much benefit to the peaceful development of both sides. Please think twice!"

Wu Kebo pondered for a few seconds, picked up his clothes with a cold face, and stood up: "It's useless to say more, goodbye!"

"Wu-san!"

Wu Kebo, who was in front of the sliding door, stopped and turned back to look at Katsunishi Yu, who had just been respectful and polite. The only bit of humility on that thin face had disappeared.

"Wu-san, NEC's money is not so easy to take, right?"

Wu Kebo said sternly: "What do you mean?"

"Wu-san is a smart person; I don't need to say too much. I propose three conditions, and I hope Wu-san can consider them seriously."

"For the distribution of *Red Cliff* in China, my brother will help you. You can choose from Toho, Toei, and Kadokawa Pictures, or joint distribution."

"The convenience of the artists of Wu-san's company and your family industry in developing at home and abroad will be greatly improved. For example, resources from Sony and Columbia, we can introduce them in the middle."

"Finally, I didn't want to be too blunt, but Wu-san, who has established a foothold in your country with NEC's capital, please don't refuse my request."

"Otherwise, everyone will have a very ugly time! Please!"

Katsunishi Yu gave another standard 90-degree bow. Even if the action was exaggerated, his meticulously groomed hair didn't have the slightest mess.

He used both kindness and power in his words, and his attitude gave Wu Kebo enough steps to step down.

He didn't have much choice.

As if the quarrel just now was a story that happened in a foreign space, the sound of cups and plates soon came from the izakaya.

Wu Kebo's mood couldn't be said to be very beautiful, but after taking this step back, he could only seek a landing first.

"Katsunishi-san, I have my position. Please don't make excessive demands. Like the matter you just mentioned, how can I stop it?"

"Hahahaha!"

Katsunishi Yu laughed: "Wu-san, don't misunderstand. I'm not a spy; we just want to stop some unreasonable things from appearing from the perspective of peace."

"I guarantee! Everything through the intervention of you and your company will be within a reasonable scope and will not make you difficult!"

Wu Kebo's expression cleared slightly upon hearing this: "That's good."

"Wu-san, I did a lot of homework before I came. The association also has many 'informed sources' here."

"Your company doesn't seem to be Wenjie Holdings' opponent yet, right? It's even far behind."

Katsunishi Yu looked at Wu Kebo with a smile, guiding him step by step.

"Hmph! In an age without heroes, even a scoundrel can make a name for himself; he just happened to catch a wave of good fortune." Wu Kebo set down his wine glass with a measured thud.

"If I could have returned to the country two years earlier, so many good resources wouldn't have been snatched up by him during his formative period."

For instance, the Golden Harvest cinema chain in Xiangjiang was, in his view, an excellent resource for entering the film industry; it was a great pity.

"Wu-san, your country often says that hasty actions yield no results and that one should build up strength; rest assured, with the future support of NEC and the association, surpassing him will not be difficult!"

Wu Kebo hadn't been out in the world for just one day; he knew the principle that one must bear the weight of the crown one wears.

He knew these Japanese capital funds were powerful and had resources connecting to the West, but such sitting back and enjoying the fruits of others' labor would certainly come at a considerable price.

Up until this moment, this boss of one of the mainland's "multi-strong" entertainment companies still had a shred of a bottom line.

"Speak plainly, Gexi-san, what do you want me to do?"

Ge Ge Xi Xiong smiled: "It's like this..."

In an izakaya less than a kilometer away from the Japanese embassy in China, lies and conspiracies of "this and that" were woven together.

Just as Zhang Chunru had once faced all sorts of obstruction and harassment from the right-wing devils for her writing, this Chinese director, who had already gained considerable fame internationally, had entered the sights of the dregs for the same reason.

Lu Xun wrote in a poem: My worries are as vast as the cosmos; I listen for the thunder in the silence.

This young director, burdened with vast worries, did not know what kind of situation would greet the unexpected thunder from the enemy side. (Note 1)

Note 1: The original meaning of "thunder" is the long-suppressed power of the masses in the old society erupting; in the original poem, it is a symbol of progressive power.

(End of this chapter)