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

Chapter 79 Cows and horses need to eat grass, Liu Yifei needs to drink milk~ (Seeking monthly votes)
[Ding! Please hold a press conference to launch the film "The Prestige" and release a promotional poster.]

[Reward upon completion of the mission: A-level talent: "Christopher Nolan's subversive narrative and philosophical metaphor directing techniques."]

……

"Feng Xiaogang's new film 'A World Without Thieves' officially wrapped up filming today, aiming for the Lunar New Year film season!"

"The casting competition for 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' has entered a heated phase, with Huang Xiaoming, Nie Yuan, Li Yapeng, and Tong Dawei appearing at the audition venue to compete fiercely."

"Mango TV's 'Super Girl' competition is in full swing, and An Youqi and Zhang Hanyun are incredibly popular..."

"After contacting the Beijing Film Academy, the reporter learned that Director Lü Rui received an A+ grade for his undergraduate thesis and passed the defense smoothly. His thesis may be included in the CNKI platform."

"The application process for the 61st Venice Film Festival is now open, and Jia Zhangke and Hou Xiaoxian will be submitting their films 'The World' and 'Café Lumière' to the competition..."

Perhaps because summer vacation is approaching, the entertainment circle has been quite lively lately.

News about several films and television dramas has been frequently circulating, "Super Girl" is becoming increasingly popular, and there are also various film festivals...

This was the first time Lü Rui had known that outstanding undergraduate theses could be included in CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure).

When Jiang Wei called to inform him of the results, she specifically asked for his opinion: "If you don't want it to be made public, you don't have to."

"It's okay, I have no objection."

Lu Rui wasn't worried at all.

Let it be made public then~ Anyway, he didn't plagiarize; it's all his experience and accumulated knowledge.

Before hanging up, Jiang Wei specifically reminded him, "It will be officially announced next month, and everyone will be able to see it then. You need to be mentally prepared."

"it is good."

Lü Rui knew what he meant.

It's nothing more than the statement in the paper that "Chinese commercial films can break 1 billion or 3 billion in box office revenue in the future," which will inevitably be questioned by some people.

But he wasn't intimidated at all.

Since it's my paper, let me prove it with my work!
A billion, three billion... You don't believe me?
Then I'll take some pictures and show you all!

June 10th, Shanghai Film Park.

The entire cast and crew of "The Prestige" gathered here.

This film and television base, located in Chedun Town, SJ District, is also the filming location for Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle".

The traffic light booths, trams, and the classic scene of Feng Xiaogang being chased by the Axe Gang all originated here.

Lü Rui chose this location for filming because of a key scene in the movie:
Magic show venue!

The story is set in Shanghai, so using local material is the perfect choice.

Of course, this is nothing compared to Chen Kaige's grand gesture.

Besides being a film director, he is also a master architect!
To film "The Promise," they spent over 200 million yuan to build a Qin Dynasty palace!

I recently heard that they spent another 200 million yuan to build a "Begonia Retreat" in Shangri-La.

This extravagant spending is unmatched in the industry.

"Senior!"

The filming location for "The Prestige" was bustling with activity. Lu Rui was busy checking the schedule for the press conference when a clear voice suddenly called out from behind him.

Looking back, Liu Yifei stood gracefully before him.

It's been a while since I've seen her, and she's grown even more beautiful.

Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, and the white tank top she wore underneath made her skin look even whiter than snow. The sleeves of her black sun-protective shirt were rolled up halfway, revealing a section of her fair forearm.

The leather belt made of ox tendon around the waist perfectly accentuates the slender waistline, making the wearer appear graceful and elegant.

But what's with the shorts and black fishnet stockings on the lower body?

Can't she just wear a normal light blue pleated skirt?

"You're supposed to be a pure and innocent college girl now! You should be full of energy! Why do you always like this kind of mixed style?"

Lu Rui sighed inwardly.

This isn't the first time he's seen Liu Yifei's cringe-worthy outfits, but he still can't help but shake his head every time he sees them.

It's fortunate that she's naturally beautiful; her pure and lovely face and unique temperament helped her maintain the image. Otherwise, with just her styling and aesthetic sense, which clothing brand would dare to approach her for a spokesperson?

"Senior? What's wrong?"

Seeing that Lü Rui was staring at her, Liu Yifei tilted her head, her eyes full of confusion.

"It's nothing." Lu Rui waved his hand, unable to bear the sight any longer, and immediately called over the makeup artist, "Give her a new look, in the style of a returned overseas Chinese young lady, understand?"

"understand!"

The makeup artist nodded in agreement and led Liu Yifei, who looked completely bewildered, towards the dressing room.

"Bye-bye, senior, see you later~"

Liu Yifei waved her hand, completely unaware that her outfit was making Lü Rui quite annoyed.

"Your team doesn't even have a stylist?" Lu Rui finally couldn't hold back and turned to Liu Xiaoli, who had followed him, to ask her a profound question.

"Uh..." Liu Xiaoli laughed awkwardly, "Qianqian always says she wants to have her own style, and I was thinking of letting her try more fashion combinations. Maybe she's still a bit... unconventional right now?"

"..."

Lü Rui did not respond.

Fine, let this girl rely on her looks to make her way in the world.

So what if the clothes are ugly? At least they make the face stand out even more.

In truth, Liu Yifei's arrival was also a coincidence.

When she sent the message last night, she said that she was also in Shanghai, participating in an interview event organized by Tangren Media.

Lü Rui thought to himself, since she's in Shanghai, why not give her a cameo role? So he called her over.

She plays a young lady who has returned from studying abroad. Her character is someone who loves magic and often runs up to the stage to check the props when the magician asks audience members to come up and examine them.

To put it bluntly, she's just an eye-catching background figure; what Lu Rui is after is her face, which has an inherent aura.

There was no payment, of course, but Lü Rui prepared a case of AD calcium milk for her, so it definitely wasn't freeloading.

Cows and horses need to eat grass, but she needs to drink milk.
"Director Lü, the reporters are all here," Niu Le rushed over to report.

This production assistant, whom I met on the set of "Looking for a Gun," is now a capable member of Lü Rui's team, managing all matters, big and small, on the set with great efficiency.

"Okay, let's go."

Lu Rui nodded to Liu Xiaoli and quickly walked towards the press conference venue.

These reporters are not to be fooled; we must be careful with our words and actions!

Ten minutes later, Lü Rui appeared before the media with a cast and crew entirely composed of non-Beijing Film Academy members.

The flashes were so bright you couldn't open your eyes, and the microphones were practically shoved in your face!

"Director Lü, both 'Kung Fu Hustle' and 'A World Without Thieves' have been confirmed for the Lunar New Year film season. I wonder if 'The Prestige' will also be released during the Lunar New Year season and compete for box office revenue?"

The opening line is a sharp, explosive point!

Lu Rui shook his head: "It's uncertain. The release date will be discussed after filming wraps up."

Zhang Weiping, chairman of New Pictures, commented that the decision to release "The Pursuit of Happyness" in July is destined to make it a foil to "House of Flying Daggers". What do you think?

"I've already won the Best Director award at Cannes. The revenue from the distribution rights alone is seven times the cost. The box office is just a bonus. It doesn't matter whether it's more or less."

"It's widely said that directors at Beijing Film Academy prefer to use actors from the Central Academy of Drama. How do you explain that?"

Why bring up something you shouldn't be talking about?
If the school teachers see this, they'll start nagging in my ear.

Lu Rui raised an eyebrow: "How about we talk about the movie plot?"

Many people covered their mouths and laughed.

After all, the "Central Academy of Drama flavor" of "The Prestige" is just too authentic, and there isn't a single actor from the Beijing Film Academy among the main cast.

Lü Rui has also been honored to join the director lineup of "Backstabbing Beijing Film Academy".

Fortunately, many of the media present were arranged by Shanghai Film Group and Enlight Media, so they helped him out of the awkward situation and started talking about the movie's plot.

But no matter how much they talked, they couldn't avoid gossip.

"Ms. Zhang Jingchu, was it related to the fact that Gu Changwei was the cinematographer of the film that you were able to get this role?" This question made the air freeze instantly.

Although the story of "the director's wife slapping her husband's mistress on set" didn't get out, the improper relationship between Gu Changwei and Zhang Jingchu inevitably spread within the industry.

Domestic paparazzi have learned from the experience of Hong Kong paparazzi and have a very keen sense of smell.

Zhang Jingchu was immediately stumped by the question.

She wanted to nod, but considering the potential consequences, she managed not to reveal any flaws.

Old Gu was standing next to the camera, his eyes fixed on the reporter who had asked the question, his gaze as cold as ice.

At the crucial moment, Lü Rui came to the rescue, saying, "Actor auditions are mainly related to acting skills. Those who know me know that I only choose the right ones, nothing else matters."

Also, today is the press conference for the start of filming, and I hope everyone can focus on the film itself, rather than on unfounded gossip.

Zhang Jingchu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and gave Lü Rui a grateful look.

Gu Changwei was deeply moved and silently remembered this favor.

"Sigh, I've incurred another favor. Oh well, I can't repay it all anyway. I can just make a few more movies for him in the future..."

The interview is still ongoing.

After being reminded by Lü Rui, the reporters became much more restrained.

After all, the incident of the "House of Flying Daggers" crew assaulting reporters is still fresh in people's minds. Who would dare to cause trouble on someone else's turf?
If Lü Rui were to "smash the cup as a signal," and three hundred axemen rushed out, no one would be able to escape!
Jiang Wen, Zhou Yun, Hu Jun, and Li Xuejian were interviewed one by one, and their answers were watertight, emphasizing the importance of being cautious in their words and actions.

However, when it came to Fan Bingbing, someone still made a careless remark about "Princess Pearl".

Fan Bingbing's expression suddenly froze.

Killing someone is one thing, but to try and destroy their spirit is another?

Qiong Yao's words, "She has no scholarly air, she's destined to play a maid," are a thorn in her heart that she can't get rid of.

"I will do my best to play this role well and live up to Director Lü's trust!"

Fan Bingbing clenched his fists, his tone laced with ruthlessness.

She secretly vowed to herself that she would do everything in her power to climb to the top in this lifetime!

Maid?

She was determined to prove that even a maid could rise to a high social status!

Zhao Yanzi? Lin Xinru?
The fake princess was ultimately just a mirage.

She will fight her way through time and hard work, and let everyone see that she is not "chicken blood" flowing in her veins!
With the final question answered, the press conference for the start of filming of "The Prestige" came to a successful close.

The reporters left with red envelopes in their pockets and beaming smiles.

Within half a day, the portal websites were flooded with related news.

"Filming begins for 'The Prestige,' aiming for the Lunar New Year box office!"

"Lu Rui responds to Zhang Weiping's comment: 'House of Flying Daggers' returned from Cannes disappointed, clearly inferior to 'The Pursuit of Happyness'?"

Zhang Jingchu stated that she has no connection with Gu Changwei and was chosen to star in the film because of her good acting skills.

In addition to these news items, some entertainment forums even launched a poll asking "Who has the best looks and temperament among Zhou Yun, Fan Bingbing, and Zhang Jingchu when they appear on the same stage?" This instantly sparked a lot of discussion and controversy.

Lu Rui paid no attention to the online uproar.

In the entertainment industry, red envelopes are often described by the media as a "lubricant."

If someone takes money and then maliciously slanders you, it's tantamount to ruining their own future. Being blacklisted in the industry will teach them a lesson in no time.

Of course, there are also stingy production crews who are unwilling to spend money to avoid trouble, and in those cases, the crew can only accept their bad luck.

That's the unspoken rule of the industry; everyone in this circle has to abide by it.

"Power on!"

On set, with Lü Rui's command, the clapperboard rang crisply, and "The Prestige" officially entered the filming stage.

The promotional posters required by the system task have been sent out.

Lü Rui deliberately chose an image with a dark style and a swirling background, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The visual impact alone was enough to successfully arouse the audience's curiosity.

The system was also very reliable; the reward arrived as promised the very next second after he shouted "start".

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have successfully held the launch press conference for the movie "The Prestige" and released the promotional poster.]

[A-level talent reward: "Christopher Nolan's subversive narrative and philosophical metaphor directing techniques" has been successfully issued.]

The first scene began filming, with Jiang Wen and Hu Jun appearing as magic apprentices.

Lu Ruixuan even incorporated the newly learned "subversive narrative techniques" into the filming process.

Jiang Wen concealed his identity as a twin, and the two brothers took turns performing on stage.

The steady older brother prioritizes safety in completing the magic trick, while the impulsive younger brother insists on adding more difficult techniques.

The different styles of knot tying foreshadowed the tragedy of the water tank assistant (Zhang Jingchu).

Am I supposed to sit right here?

After Liu Yifei finished her makeup and styling, she immediately went to Lu Rui.

The currently popular Western-style tutu skirt, paired with curly hair, red lips, and pearl hair accessories, makes her look exactly like a noble girl from a medieval oil painting.

Lü Rui nodded in satisfaction.

This makeup and styling is just right, much better than the previous fishnet stockings.

Beside her, Liu Xiaoli took out her phone and took several photos of her daughter.

Although my daughter is only seventeen years old this year, after putting on this dress, she instantly shed her childishness and exuded elegance.

“You’re sitting in the front row. When the camera pans across you, you need to give me a look,” Lü Rui said earnestly.

"Eye acting? How exactly do you do that?"

Liu Yifei tensed up instantly.

Although she feels that her acting skills have been improving, she is still far behind Gong Li and Zhang Manyu in terms of eye acting.

This made her somewhat worried.

What if Lü Rui makes very high demands that she can't meet?

However, the next second, Lu Rui's instructions came to her ears: "You don't need to perform anything. Just sit there obediently and show a clear and foolish expression, as if you are shocked by the magic performance on stage."

Liu Yifei: "???"

Clear yet foolish?
This is even harder than a crying scene!
She clutched her skirt, sat down obediently, and racked her brains to prepare her emotions...

"Click, okay, passed."

"what?????"

I haven't performed yet!

How did it pass?
Before she could react, Lü Rui had already turned to Gu Changwei, Jiang Wen, and Hu Jun to discuss the shooting requirements for the next scene.

“I need a mirror-symmetric composition, through mirrors and stage reflections, to reflect the core trick of creating an ‘identity puzzle’ when the twins played by Jiang Wen appear one after another in the same scene…”

Gu Changwei listened attentively and took notes, frequently asking questions about the details.

Hu Jun was completely confused and simply gave up trying to figure it out. He was afraid that he would develop a mental breakdown before he even got to the post-production stage.

Conversely, Jiang Wen tried to figure out the techniques, but the more he pondered, the more confused he became.

In the end, he had no choice but to give up.

Although he is a very good director and knows what kind of visuals he wants, his talent in cinematography is only average.

This is also why he asked Gu Changwei and Zhao Fei to be the cinematographers when he was making movies before, because there were some shots that he didn't know how to express properly.

"Wait a minute! How come he, a directing major, knows more about the camera than the cinematographer?"

Jiang Wen stared intently at Lü Rui's back, his eyes looking as if he were looking at a monster!

Shouldn't it be the discerning eye who rides the steed that makes the best horse?
How did the talented horse turn the tables and defeat the discerning eye?

Is this reasonable?

(End of this chapter)