Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 127 Invitation

After filming wrapped, a wrap party was naturally in order.

After spending nearly three months on the mainland, Wu Yanzu, who had been practicing diligently, could now communicate with people in Mandarin. Due to their similar ages, he also became familiar with Liu Ye and Chen Minghao.

Liu Ye nudged Wu Yanzu and said, "Let's go toast together!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yanzu also picked up his cup and was about to get up when Chen Minghao pulled him back.

"Hey, Grandpa, we're going to offer a toast, why are you carrying tea?"

Wu Yanzu asked in surprise, "Isn't serving tea the right thing to do?"

"Of course that's wrong! When you're toasting, you should be holding the glass! If you're serving tea here, it's considered disrespectful! Haven't you ever toasted anyone in America?"

"In America, there is toasting, but it's just a simple 'cheek'. Isn't offering tea also a way to express respect and gratitude? Besides, didn't Director Wu just say that he doesn't drink alcohol, but he drinks tea?"

"Hey, Director Wu, you can have tea, but those of us who are toasting must serve wine. That's the rule!" Chen Minghao explained the Chinese drinking culture to Wu Yanzu.

Liu Ye interrupted him directly: "Auntie, don't listen to him. You're an international friend, you don't need to follow these rules..."

At this moment, Wu Yuchen asked, "What are you three whispering about?"

Liu Ye and Chen Minghao were trying to cover it up when Wu Yanzu honestly smiled and said, "I'm learning the etiquette of toasting from them!"

Wu Yuchen immediately guessed what they were doing and said irritably, "Auntie, don't follow their example. Just drink your tea."

Wu Yuchen has no fondness for the toasting culture at the dinner table; it's become increasingly disgusting as it develops. He also doesn't want to use the dinner table to force others to drink in order to demonstrate his power and status; it's quite boring.

He then asked, "Ah Zu, what are your plans after filming is over?"

"Director Wu, I want to visit other parts of China. I've only been to Beijing so far. Communication isn't a problem now, but I want to travel more and learn more about Chinese culture."

"Great idea! Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Have a pleasant journey!"

"Thank you, Director Wu!"

Seeing the envious looks on Liu Ye and Chen Minghao's faces as they gazed at Wu Yanzu, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but smile and say:
"Don't even think about it. School starts soon, so just focus on your studies."

Chen Minghao immediately flashed a fawning smile:

"Director Wu, do you have any more projects planned? We'd love to learn more from you!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and shook his head: "Don't say there isn't any, even if there were, it would require special approval from your teacher."

Although Liu Ye and Chen Minghao will be sophomores after the start of the semester, they still can't freely take on acting roles. The infamous Zhang Mo beating Tong Yao incident in their previous life was because Tong Yao, already a sophomore, needed permission to film, and it seems she had an unclear deal with a professor surnamed Huang. This shows that even in their sophomore year at the Central Academy of Drama, it's very difficult to get teacher approval for acting opportunities.

"Director Wu, our theater guarantees approval for any film of yours!"

Wu Yuchen simply smiled, ignoring Chen Minghao's flattery. He planned to take a few months off anyway, and he had to take make-up exams after school started in a couple of days.

……

That evening, Wu Yuchen caressed Jiang Qinqin's delicate waist: "Are you joining the crew the day after tomorrow?"

Jiang Qinqin nodded: "The filming for 'My Fair Princess' has already started, and they're just waiting for me."

"So, did I delay your photoshoot?"

"I don't care at all~"

Wu Yuchen smiled and then said, "I'll take you there tomorrow, and I'll treat your crew to a meal while I'm at it."

Jiang Qinqin's eyes lit up with delight, but she said, "Don't you still have post-production to do? Why don't you go ahead and do yours?"

"It's alright, I can find the time."

……

It's still late August, the height of summer, and the air feels thick and sticky. But the cast and crew of "My Fair Princess" are already filming under the scorching sun.

"Click! Little Swallow, be a little more mischievous, you're still not bright enough."

Director Sun Shuping shouted to Zhao Wei that he was now filming the scene where Xiao Yanzi was still in the tenement courtyard at the beginning.

Just then, the assistant director jogged over and shouted, "Director, Ziwei is here!"

Sun Shuping was delighted upon hearing this: "Great! With Ziwei here, our main cast is finally complete. Bring her over here!"

"Director Sun, Jiang Qinqin didn't come alone. Wu Yuchen also came with her, and he brought a car full of watermelons and drinks."

Upon hearing this, Sun Shuping's heart stirred. He naturally knew who Wu Yuchen was—the Berlin Best Director, after all. Wu Yuchen's prestige and status were far higher than his own as a TV drama director.

"Let everyone rest for a while." After saying that, Sun Shuping got up and walked out. Although he had no business relationship with Wu Yuchen, the other party had brought gifts, so he still had to go out and welcome him with a smile.

Upon hearing the news, Zhao Wei immediately wanted to go out as well, but Su Youpeng, who was standing nearby, asked:
"Weiwei, who is this director Wu Yuchen? Do you know him?"

Zhao Wei immediately smiled proudly: "Of course I know him! He's my senior, and he was even our counselor! Goodness Tiger, you're so out of touch! You don't even know who the Best Director at Berlin is?!"

Su Youpeng scratched his head. He had been living in Taiwan before, and this was his first time entering the film and television industry, so he hadn't really paid much attention to this kind of information. However, he knew that the title of Best Director in Berlin was quite impressive, so he followed along.

At this moment, Fan Bingbing, who played the maid Jin Suo, rolled her eyes and asked Zhao Wei, "Sister Weiwei, why did Director Wu Yuchen come to our crew?"

Zhao Wei glanced at the two people beside her and lowered her voice, saying, "Jiang Qinqin, who plays Ziwei, is our Teacher Wu's girlfriend. You two shouldn't offend her."

Upon hearing this, Su Youpeng immediately understood that Ziwei had a powerful background, and Fan Bingbing also immediately remembered it.

Soon, the three of them reached the door and saw the crew carrying watermelons and drinks, while director Sun Shuping was shaking hands with a handsome young man with a smile.

Su Youpeng looked around but didn't see anyone who looked like a famous director: "Weiwei, where is the director Wu Yuchen you mentioned?"

Zhao Wei glanced at Su Youpeng and said strangely, "Didn't you see him? The one shaking hands with Director Sun is him!"

Su Youpeng looked closely and asked incredulously, "Are you kidding me?! So young? Weiwei, are you joking with me?"

Zhao Wei said irritably, "Why would I lie to you! Our teacher Wu is hailed as the most talented director in China. Don't let his junior year fool you, he has already directed several award-winning films, and a few months ago he was even invited by Hollywood to make a movie!"

"Hollywood?!" Su Youpeng's eyes widened. This was something he was more familiar with and even more impactful. Looking at Sun Shuping's polite demeanor, he had no choice but to believe it.

Zhao Wei hurried over excitedly and bowed to Wu Yuchen, saying, "Hello, Teacher Wu!"

Upon seeing Zhao Wei, Wu Yuchen smiled and nodded at her: "Oh, it's Zhao Wei. Are you playing the role of Xiao Yanzi?" "Yes, Teacher Cui said I'm especially suitable for this role~"

"Yes, do your best. The role of Little Swallow is a rare type in the current market. If you play it well, you will be pleasantly surprised!"

Sun Shuping became interested upon hearing this: "Director Wu, you think so too?"

"Haha, Brother Sun, it seems we have the same idea!"

Wu Yuchen knew that the reason why "Princess Pearl" was able to create the beloved Xiao Yanzi was largely thanks to director Sun Shuping. In Qiong Yao's original script, Xiao Yanzi was just a little more lively than the average young lady from a wealthy family, but Sun Shuping had Zhao Wei play the role of Sun Wukong, which highlighted her characteristics and made her an instant star.

Su Youpeng and Fan Bingbing followed behind Zhao Wei and also politely greeted Wu Yuchen.

Wu Yuchen smiled at both of them, but he took a few more glances at Fan Bingbing. She hadn't fully grown up yet, and her temperament was still more cute, but you could still tell that she would definitely be an extremely beautiful woman in the future.

……

At noon, the main cast of Huanzhu gathered together for the first time at the lunch table, and Zhou Jie, who had no scenes in the morning, also rushed over.

Wu Yuchen and Sun Shuping were engrossed in their conversation at the two main seats. Meanwhile, Fan Bingbing, sitting beside her, was also trying to ingratiate herself with Jiang Qinqin:
"Sister Qinqin, I'm playing your maid Jin Suo in the drama. If there's anything wrong with it, please feel free to tell me."

Jiang Qinqin smiled, took Fan Bingbing's hand and said, "We'll be acting together from now on, so naturally we'll be learning from each other."

"Sister Qinqin, I'm nowhere near as good as you, a top student from Beijing Film Academy. Besides, you're so beautiful, like a fairy, you're bound to become a big star. I can even brag to people that I acted in a movie with you!"

Don't let Fan Bingbing's age fool you; she's not even 16 yet, but she's already been a struggling artist in Beijing for over half a year, working on several film sets. She's a clever girl. Jiang Qinqin has the backing of the famous director Wu Yuchen, and building a good relationship with her might just get her some opportunities in the future. Her role as Jin Suo was actually recommended by Liu Xuehua, whom she met on a previous film set.

Although she knew the girl in front of her was deliberately trying to please her, Jiang Qinqin was still quite pleased. Ever since Wu Yuchen arrived, Zhao Wei had been constantly trying to get close to him, which naturally displeased Jiang Qinqin. In contrast, Fan Bingbing, who looked cute and treated her respectfully, naturally won her favor.

……

"A fake kiss scene? I'm afraid I can't make that decision; I'd have to ask Ms. Qiong Yao for her opinion," Sun Shuping said.

Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "Brother Sun, the standards for TV dramas in mainland China are relatively low. If there are intimate kissing scenes, they are likely to be cut. As long as we can achieve this visual effect, it's fine. You can ask the people at Hunan TV if you don't believe me."

Furthermore, Qinqin doesn't want to film kissing scenes, so please be understanding, brother. If Qiong Yao really has any objections, just push the blame onto Qinqin; there won't be any problems.

There are actually many techniques for fake kissing scenes, and using camera angles is one of them. These techniques are still commonly used 20 years later. For example, in a blooper in Dilraba Dilmurat's kissing scene, you can see a card placed between her lips and the male actor's.

Upon hearing this, Sun Shupei understood. Wu Yuchen had personally brought Jiang Qinqin here today, probably for this very reason. He thought about it; if Jiang Qinqin truly didn't want to film, he couldn't force her.

"Alright, Brother Wu, I'll just keep filming like this for now. If Ms. Qiong Yao has any objections after watching it, there's nothing I can do."

"Okay, thanks a lot, bro!"

Zhou Jie, who was sitting next to director Sun Shuping, also heard their conversation and realized that his kissing scene with Jiang Qinqin would most likely be filmed using camera tricks.

In his previous life, Zhou Jie was falsely accused of forcibly sticking out his tongue because of a kissing scene with Ruby Lin. In addition, his relationship with several Taiwanese actors on set was not very good, which led to his career being ruined by rumors.

Now, the actress playing Ziwei has been replaced by Jiang Qinqin, who clearly has a close relationship with Wu Yuchen. Zhou Jie is a bit stubborn and inflexible, but he's not stupid. Even if the director forces him to do a real kiss, he will resolutely refuse.

To be honest, Wu Yuchen really appreciates Zhou Jie's acting skills; at least his performance in "Young Justice Bao" was really good.

After filming "My Fair Princess" this time, Wu Yuchen plans to ask Jiang Qinqin what she thinks of Zhou Jie. If possible, he will prepare "Young Justice Bao" for him to act in. This drama was very popular all over the country back then, and even ranked in the top ten in ratings in Hong Kong.

……

Inside a private room, several middle-aged men sat together, one of whom had just hung up the phone.

Impatient Wang Zhonglei asked, "Brother Xiaolong, what did he say?"

Zheng Xiaolong took out a cigarette, lit it, took a puff, and then blew out a smoke ring, saying, "He said he's busy with his make-up exams and doesn't have time."

"A makeup exam?! Are you kidding us?!" Ye Jing, who has a short temper, slammed her hand on the table.

"What are you trying to fool? They're students, isn't it their duty to take the exam?" Zheng Xiaolong glanced at him and said.

"The box office has already reached 70 million, and they still need to retake the exam?! If I were their principal, I would give him 100 points even if he handed in a blank paper!" Ye Jing said loudly.

At this moment, Feng Xiaogang picked up the teapot, poured a cup of tea for Zheng Xiaolong first, and then filled Ye Jing's cup as well, saying with a smile:

"Brother Jing, it's so hot and humid in this summer heat, have some tea to cool down. When I went to the Beijing Film Studio to raise investment, I heard from Master Han that the studio had already secured a place for this great director, Wu, in the graduate program, and wanted to promote him as an outstanding student representative. I reckon he'll really have to go through the formalities for the exam, isn't that what we value in terms of appearances?"

Wang Zhongjun smiled and said, "I think Xiaogang makes a good point."

Upon hearing this, his younger brother Wang Zhonglei asked, "Then shall we reschedule for another time?"

Wang Zhongjun nodded: "Let's do it another day. He's busy with his exams right now. Let's wait until he's done with that."

In fact, Wang Zhongjun knew perfectly well that the excuse of being too busy with make-up exams was just that—an excuse. If he really wanted to see you, wouldn't it take more than a meal?
But now it's not that people want to know them, but that they want to befriend them.

In the past two months, "My Brothers and Sisters" has grossed over 7000 million yuan. That's not just 7000 million, it's a whopping 7000 million!

A big-name director with 70 million in assets has the right to put on airs; if they want to make connections, then they have to put up with it.

Wang Zhongjun then smiled and asked Feng Xiaogang, "Xiaogang, how's your film investment going? If it's not too far behind, I'll make up the difference for you."

Feng Xiaogang grinned broadly, "Thank you, Boss Wang, for remembering me! I also have to thank this great director Wu. The Beijing Film Studio made a fortune with 'My Brothers and Sisters,' and Third Master paid me the full amount upfront!"

"Hey! That's great news! Xiao Gang, your movie is finally going to be a success! Come on, brothers, let's have a toast and wish Xiao Gang's movie great success!"

After saying that, the group clinked glasses with Feng Xiaogang.

But as soon as she put down her cup, Ye Jing asked, "Hey Xiao Gang, what are you planning to call this movie?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xiaogang paused for a moment, but still smiled and said, "A Good Dream for You."

Ye Jing pouted and said, "Why change the name? 'You're Not a Common Person' is a great name!"

Feng Xiaogang's smile froze upon hearing this, but Zheng Xiaolong said to Ye Jing, "Jingzi, what nonsense are you talking about? Do you want this movie to be rejected as well if we don't change the name?"

Then he comforted Feng Xiaogang, saying, "He didn't mean anything by it; he was just feeling sorry for Wang Shuo, not targeting you."

Feng Xiaogang immediately smiled ingratiatingly and said:
"I know, I feel really bad for Master Shuo. He's the most outspoken person in all of China, and I admire him the most. But he's been targeted by a bunch of petty people. This script of mine is adapted from Master Shuo's novel. If I hadn't had no other choice, I would never have wanted to change the name. Brother Jing, it was Master Shuo who asked me to change the name!"

Ye Jing nodded after hearing this and said nothing more. Wang Shuo was a key figure in their circle. Although he had fled to America to avoid trouble, his influence remained.

Feng Xiaogang maintained a humble smile on his face, but deep down he longed for and envied Wu Yuchen, whom he had just mentioned. Whether it was the Best Director award at Berlin or a box office of 70 million, if he could achieve just one of those things, he wouldn't have to keep acting like a grandson and sucking up to these big shots.

(End of this chapter)