Chapter 53: *Whiplash* Project Launch

"Old Man Niu, I'm off!"

"Alright, see you tomorrow!"

He had drunk too much alcohol yesterday, so he drank two bowls of tofu brain in one breath this morning, breaking out in a hot sweat, which finally made his stomach feel better.

After Cheng Jingfei and Zhang Jizhong came to discuss the investment matters a few days ago, the bearded man lingered for a few more days, communicating with Lu Kuan about some casting matters for *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*.

On one hand, it was to listen to his suggestions; on the other, it was to see Lu Kuan's role requirements.

Boss Lu didn't have much obsession with this. Among the leads, the status of Xiao Feng would likely be unshakable. Due to the relationship with the investors from the Bay side, it was estimated that Jimmy Lin would also remain the same.

That left only Xuzhu and other supporting roles, which didn't mean much.

He checked his watch and walked to Li Dawei's side, estimating that Nicholas Tse and the others should be arriving soon.

Today was the day agreed upon to meet and sign contracts with the three Hong Kong young actors. Nicholas Tse, Edison Chen, Shawn Yue, and others would all be present.

Due to the needs of filming the movie, on one hand, they would participate in jazz drum training before the movie started; on the other, it was also to return the favor and give Liu Guoquan and Li Dawei a chance for publicity.

It was called "Hong Kong stars visiting the set," after all.

"Dawei, don't say brother isn't taking care of you. It was hard to persuade them to come to Tianjin."

Li Dawei smiled: "I appreciate it! But you kid only pick the good things to say. You'll benefit if this drama becomes a hit, won't you!"

Seeing that his old mother wasn't around, he secretly signaled Lu Kuan to lean in: "Little Lu, why don't you invite your Sister Jiang to visit the set?"

Lu Kuan laughed dumbly. This Director Li still hadn't figured out his relationship with Jiang Qinqin, and he actually wanted to see his old flame through him.

Thinking about the scene, it would also be very awkward...

"This, Sister Jiang is busy recently. Isn't the crew of *Half-Life Fate* looking for her? Hehe..."

Li Dawei sighed gloomily: "Brother, I'm not afraid of you laughing at your brother, but your Sister Jiang was my first love, and in my heart, I've always..."

"Hey!"

Lu Kuan had an impulse to tell the truth but couldn't, and could only roar at the sky.

His phone suddenly vibrated; it was Mani Fok's call.

"Director Lu, we are outside the studio. There are many reporters here. Look..."

"Wait a moment, I'll send someone to pick you up."

He didn't need to worry; Li Dawei had already arranged everything, including the press conference venue in the studio.

Because Nicholas Tse was still a "guilty person," out of mutual agreement, they didn't hold a big opening ceremony.

The film's cost was also limited, so Lu Kuan simply "freeloaded" on Li Dawei's venue and staff, inviting more than a dozen reporters from inside and outside the industry for publicity and reporting.

Tianjin Foreign Studies University was also a beautiful campus with a strong Republic of China style. Holding a press conference here was no worse than at a big hotel.

It wouldn't be too late to launch another wave of publicity after the film returned to the country with the momentum of winning an award at the Venice Film Festival, or before the film was officially released.

Liu Guoquan had also arrived at the scene. She was very satisfied with her son's decision to support Lu Kuan's entry into the crew at the beginning; it was too wise.

Excellent acting skills, contributed the theme song, and tried every possible way to increase the crew's exposure.

Because the "travel expenses" had been well taken care of before, although major newspapers and magazines were very puzzled about where this 20-year-old young man Lu Kuan had popped out from, they still picked good things to say.

Flattering the film's cast, complimenting Emperor Entertainment for its abundance of talent, Nicholas Tse remaining calm in the face of major events, and still working professionally after problems, etc.

There were also hundreds of fans who heard the news and arrived, 80% of whom were Nicholas Tse's die-hard fans, and the atmosphere was enthusiastic.

The only mainland actor on stage was Feng Yuanzheng. Last year, his *Don't Talk to Strangers* was a hit, to the point that he was sprayed as a "domestic abuser" by young women on the street.

This time, it was Lu Kuan who visited him three times after returning from Hong Kong before he could invite him to interpret this dark-style jazz drum teacher.

Nicholas Tse and others were responsible for traffic, and he was responsible for strength. If they were all vases, the quality of the film couldn't be guaranteed.

The on-site activities proceeded in an orderly manner. Lu Kuan, Nicholas Tse, and Feng Yuanzheng all interacted with fans on site after speaking, and the atmosphere was enthusiastic and orderly.

Of course, there were also uncooperative media outlets making trouble.

*Southern Metropolis Daily* reporter: "May I ask what works or industry experience Director Lu has had before?"

Lu Kuan: "None, I'm a novice!"

*Southern Metropolis Daily* reporter: "Then may I ask why the investors are willing to safely hand over funds to a novice like you?"

Lu Kuan: "I am the investor, responsible for my own profits and losses!"

*Apple Daily*: "Director Lu is now somewhat famous in Hong Kong. Many people call you the 'little immortal of Daoism.' What is the reason?"

Lu Kuan: "Religious belief has nothing to do with profession. Please respect everyone's religious belief."

*Apple Daily*: "I heard you have a close relationship with Ms. Anita Mui from Hong Kong. Can you talk about it specifically?"

Lu Kuan: "Sister Mui is a female artist with both virtue and art. She is like a big sister who mentors juniors. I am fortunate to have her care, and she will also make a cameo appearance in the film."

*Apple Daily* had always been a media outlet unfriendly to the mainland. The reporter saw that several traps had no effect and cursed inwardly that this young man was an old fox.

Comparatively, the questions from domestic media were more normal.

*China Movie News*: "May I ask who Director Lu intends to choose for the female lead in the play? What are the requirements?"

Lu Kuan: "The film needs a period of preparation, and the three leads also need half a month of jazz drum training. The female lead is still being considered."

Because the female lead's scenes aren't many, generally speaking, she should be around 20 years old, beautiful, easy on the eyes, and have passable acting skills, hehe.

Out of protection for Liu Yifei, she hadn't been notified of the news of playing the role yet, and Lu Kuan had already started taking her out for morning practice to polish her basic skills.

But a cooperation that could work with domestic powerful male actors and several Hong Kong young actors was a good opportunity to raise her status no matter how you looked at it.

Lu Kuan didn't think too much about it. Such a low-cost, short-cycle production didn't need much hype. He was taking the path of exporting to win awards and then turning to domestic sales.

The welcome dinner was held at the nearby Hilton. At the main table were Lu Kuan, Feng Yuanzheng, Mani Fok, and the three male actors from Hong Kong.

Another group was the creators of *The Story of a Noble Family*, with Director Li Dawei bringing Dong Jie, Chen Kun, Su Chang, and Liu Yifei and her mother.

Although there were differences in customs and human feelings between the two sides, people lifted each other up in the wine table, and the atmosphere was very enthusiastic.

Mani Fok was a person who knew how to handle scenes. Although her Mandarin wasn't very good, she was used to welcoming and sending off, and all parties were well taken care of.

Nicholas Tse was still depressed because of the verdict of the substitute driver case, so he wasn't very lively during the meal. Shawn Yue had an introverted personality and only drank and toasted out of courtesy.

The most active was Edison Chen, especially when he saw the two young and beautiful sisters, Liu Yifei and Su Chang, sitting next to him. He almost felt like he had returned to the glittering world of Hong Kong, and he became excited instantly!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 54 =====