It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 59 One Week! Across the three locations, the total has successfully surpassed 100 million!
"I can calmly tell everyone that I am sick, it's cancer, cervical cancer..."

At the premiere of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," what was supposed to be a routine media interview session was turned into a press conference by Mei Yanfang.

Facing the stunned faces below the stage, she spoke calmly, as if recounting an ordinary event:

"The test results showed that the tumor was benign and not in its late stage. However, my acting career cannot continue. This film will be my last work. Next, I will go to the United States for surgery to try to survive."

After she finished speaking, she handed the microphone to Leslie Cheung, who was sitting next to her.

Perhaps due to genetic factors, her older sister also suffered from the same disease and eventually died.

When she was first diagnosed with her illness, she was actually very pessimistic and even thought about giving up treatment, going to hold a few charity concerts, and eventually dying on stage.

Born on the stage, and dying on the stage, she believed this was her destiny.

But after filming "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", she suddenly felt somewhat unwilling.

The world is so big, and there are so many places she hasn't been to yet; she doesn't want to leave just like that.

After filming wrapped, Leslie Cheung stayed by her side, encouraging and persuading her, which eventually helped her make up her mind.

She wanted to live, and she wanted to continue pursuing more of her dreams, such as traveling the world and continuing her charitable work…

As her close friend, Leslie Cheung decided to accompany her in fulfilling these dreams.

"This film is also my last work. Next, I will accompany her to the United States... I also have good news to share with everyone: my depression has improved a lot. Thank you all for your continued concern."

Both of them spoke in a very calm tone.

In particular, Leslie Cheung, after breaking up with Kang Hede over the phone on April Fool's Day, suddenly found that the pressure that had plagued him for many years was gradually dissipating.

The other party has chosen to find a new love and is going to settle in Canada.

At that time, he was utterly despondent and even thought about giving up his life and ending it all!
Fortunately, the movie was being filmed at that time, and Lü Rui kept him busy honing his acting skills and focusing on details, keeping him too busy to overthink things.

In addition, Mei Yanfang comforted him every day, which gradually made him give up his suicidal thoughts.

But what truly made him decide to change was the scene in the movie where he was speeding down the mountain on a skateboard.

At that moment, facing the wind, he suddenly understood!

There are so many things to look forward to in life, why linger and be sad because of someone who isn't worth it?

So, after years of struggling in the entertainment industry and experiencing all its ups and downs, the two decided to put everything aside and live for themselves for once.

The reason I chose to announce my retirement from the entertainment industry on the day of the premiere of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" was to thank Lü Rui and repay his favor.

If it weren't for making this movie, they probably wouldn't have been able to survive.

At that moment, upon hearing what the two said, the reporters and fans in the audience immediately went wild!
Two top-tier celebrities announced their retirement from the entertainment industry at the same time?
This news is absolutely earth-shattering!
Several reporters tried to rush onto the stage to ask questions, but were stopped by security guards.

"This press conference has now concluded. Thank you for your support..."

Lu Rui took the microphone, briefly finished speaking, and then quickly left through the back door with Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui.

……

The minivan sped along the road.

Lu Rui drove himself, taking Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui straight to the airport.

The scheduled surgery date is in two weeks, and they need to get there as soon as possible.

There's no need to participate in any further promotions for the film.

These words alone are enough to cause the popularity of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" to skyrocket!
"Godmother, your illness can definitely be cured, right?" Liu Yifei sat curled up next to Mei Yanfang, tightly holding her hand, her almond-shaped eyes filled with tears.

The word "cancer" was too terrifying for her to even think about the possible consequences.

Upon hearing this, Mei Yanfang's lips curved into a gentle smile.

Although she wasn't very confident herself, she still gently coaxed, "Of course, the success rate of the surgery is very high."

In the front row, while waiting at a red light, Lü Rui turned to look at Zhang Guorong in the passenger seat and said earnestly, "If you need any help, just ask."

"Okay." Leslie Cheung nodded and smiled.

He is already looking forward to the life ahead.

Leaving this circle, leaving the public eye, and escaping all the gossip and rumors—that kind of life must be wonderful.

"If everything goes well, I plan to settle in Iceland. Remember to come visit when you do."

"Row."

At the airport gate, Lü Rui watched the two walk side by side into the security checkpoint until their figures completely disappeared into the crowd.

"Senior..."

On the way back, Liu Yifei, her eyes red, was about to speak when Lü Rui rubbed her head and comforted her, "Don't worry, good people are always protected by heaven, she'll be alright."

Meanwhile, major portal websites and print media outlets have already disseminated all the events that took place at the premiere of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty".

A media storm suddenly swept through the entire Chinese-language entertainment industry!
"Anita Mui is diagnosed with cancer and will retire from the entertainment industry to undergo surgery in the United States!"

"Leslie Cheung officially announces his retirement from acting, moving to the United States to be with his family..."

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" becomes the swan song of a superstar!

The entertainment industry in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan was instantly in an uproar, with countless fans leaving heartbroken messages. In contrast, the movie's popularity skyrocketed!

……

On December 26, a light drizzle fell over Shanghai.

Lü Rui and Liu Yifei boarded a plane and landed discreetly at Hongqiao Airport.

Filming for "Hitch" is nearing completion. Lu Rui, as the producer, is here primarily to oversee the final quality of the film.

If problems with certain shots require reshoots, that would be a huge hassle.

As for Liu Yifei, she is going to find her mother.

The tug-of-war between Liu Xiaoli and Cai Yinong over the role of "Zhao Ling'er" has finally entered the final negotiation stage, with only some details of the cooperation yet to be finalized.

Meanwhile, on the other side, "Cell Phone" has already surpassed 2800 million yuan at the box office, successfully overtaking "Infernal Affairs 3".

However, the aftermath of Zhang Mo's assault incident has not yet subsided.

Rumors circulated wildly within the industry that even with Zhang Guoli's extensive connections in Beijing's entertainment circle, he was powerless to prevent his son from being expelled from the Central Academy of Drama.

After all, the person his foolish son offended was even more powerful and influential!
"Brother Rui? What brings you here?"

In the crew of "Hitch," everyone was a little confused when Lü Rui suddenly arrived.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is being released today, but the director has gone to work on another film set. He's really got some nerve!

"You are busy with your business, don't worry about me."

Lu Rui waved his hand, signaling to continue filming, then took the footage and headed straight to the Shanghai Film Studio, where he borrowed a screening room to begin reviewing the film frame by frame.

Meanwhile, the release of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" has already sparked waves of heated discussions in the outside world.

Viewers who watched the finished film unanimously agreed that the movie was fantastic!

"These special effects shots...they're so imaginative!"

Inside the cinema, Feng Xiaogang stared at the fantastical special effects shots on the screen, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the armrest, his heart growing increasingly tense.

It seems "Cellphone" is going to lose this box office battle!
"Using daydreams as its core, it expands the story while also illustrating a people-centered philosophy? Interesting." Chen Kaige commented as he read, legs crossed.

Meanwhile, he was secretly wondering if he could also incorporate some "mysterious philosophical thoughts" into the upcoming Eastern fantasy film he was preparing.

"Profound and mysterious, is this the limitless?!"

Suddenly, his eyes lit up.

That should give you a movie title!

"Great, the visuals are beautiful. I should learn from their technique of using natural light."

Although Zhang Yimou was busy filming "House of Flying Daggers", he still took some time to go to the cinema.

At that moment, he secretly felt that the trip had been worthwhile.

He learned a lot of interesting techniques for using visuals, colors, and light from this movie, which gave him a sudden burst of inspiration.

The flood of positive feedback caused Lü Rui's phone to ring frequently, with both familiar and unfamiliar people sending him text messages and making phone calls.

Frustrated beyond measure, he simply shut down his computer and devoted himself entirely to reviewing the film.

The next morning, the projection room door was banged on loudly!

Lu Rui stepped forward and opened the door, where Ren Zhonglun appeared excitedly, shouting, "1063 million in box office on the first day! Damn it, we didn't make enough prints, but luckily the attendance rate was high enough to boost the daily box office..."

Lu Rui didn't hear what was said after that, because his ears were already filled with applause and cheers.

After snapping out of his daze, he immediately took out his phone, and as soon as he turned it on, calls and text messages flooded in like a tidal wave!

"China Film Group will find you the best venue to host a celebration banquet!"

"Congratulations in advance to Director Lü..."

"Box office figures for Hong Kong and Taiwan are being compiled. Please be patient; the results will definitely be impressive!"

"I will continue to increase promotion through television media channels to ensure that the film's popularity remains high during its theatrical run."

Han Sanping, Yu Dong, Dong Ping, Wang Changtian... even the Beijing Film Academy called, their words filled with barely concealed elation!

A first-day box office exceeding 10 million is absolutely seismic in the current film market!
It's worth noting that since its release, the highest single-day box office for "Cellphone" has never exceeded 400 million yuan.

Even the once sensational film "Hero" only grossed a maximum of 1800 million yuan in a single day.

In contrast, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" had an investment of only 50 million yuan, far less than the 200 million yuan cost of "Hero", yet it delivered a box office result of "more than 10 million yuan in a single day"!

This is undoubtedly a huge achievement for the production companies!

The outside world and major media outlets have already reported the figure of "1063 million".

Several reporters waited outside the Huayi Building, hoping to get Feng Xiaogang's thoughts, but they didn't see him for several days.

Meanwhile, with the urgent reprinting of copies, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" has officially entered a frenzy to climb the charts.

On its opening day, it crushed "New Police Story 2", "Infernal Affairs 2", and "Jade Goddess of Mercy"!
The following day, they successfully defeated "The Twins Effect," "Running on Karma," and "Cat and Mouse"!
On the third day, "The Medallion" was defeated!
By the fourth day, both "Infernal Affairs 3" and "Cell Phone" had been defeated!
On the fifth day, "Heroes of Heaven and Earth" was exploded!
A week later, as 2004 began, the film's box office was approaching 70 million!

Meanwhile, in the Hong Kong film market, the box office revenue soared to HK$2689 million, second only to "Infernal Affairs III" and "The Twins Effect".

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, surpassing the former two is only a matter of time.

The "last dance" between Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui brought a huge boost to the film's popularity in the Hong Kong market!

As for the Taiwanese market, the box office is currently NT$6936 million, successfully surpassing "Catch Me If You Can" and ranking only behind "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King", "The Matrix", "Hero" and "Finding Nemo".

The combined box office revenue from the three regions has successfully surpassed 100 million!
Meanwhile, having already recouped his costs through copyright fees, Lü Rui has earned nearly 3000 million yuan in revenue to date!
Even after deducting the initial investment and taxes, there is still a profit of nearly 2000 million!
And this is just the result of one week; this number will only get bigger and bigger! Higher and higher!
On January 3, filming for "Hitch" wrapped up.

Lu Rui, who had been missing for more than a week, was immediately surrounded by reporters when he reappeared on set, and cameras and microphones instantly overwhelmed him.

Everyone knows perfectly well that the box office battle between "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "Cell Phone" has already been decided.

Next, naturally, it's time for the winner to give their acceptance speech...

(End of this chapter)