Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 44 What if?
In the morning, Cao Zhong did not wake Yang Mi, left a note, and then left.

Yesterday, Mimi acted automatically, while Cao Zhong was considering the announcement and the plot, and had already figured it out.

First, they searched the town for places that sold electric blankets to bring warmth to their crew.

Cao Zhong then returned to the film crew.

Work diligently.

Cao Zhong was too lazy to go online and pay attention to public opinion. What could he do?
He was completely focused, with no distractions, and his mind was entirely on the movie.

What he needed to ensure was that the filming of "Nanjing Photo Studio" was efficient, economical, and met the best lens standards; nothing else mattered.

However, what he said at the opening ceremony did indeed sweep through the entire entertainment industry, and many people were alarmed by Cao Zhong's remarks.

……

"Bombard me?"

"Who do you think you are?"

"A nobody acting student who dreams of becoming a director, does he really think he has any advantage over me, a Golden Lion Award-winning director?"

Jia Zhangke saw Cao Zhong's interpretation of "Still Life" at the opening ceremony and saw his vulgar remarks.

"Subservient mentality, coquettish poses?"

"Ignoring domestic audiences while prioritizing international ones, valuing art over the audience?"

"I didn't mention my senior from the literature department!"

Do you need to explain it more clearly?

Jia Zhangke felt like his throat was blocked when he woke up in the morning.

It made him extremely uncomfortable!

He was furious.

Jia Zhangke looked embarrassed; he had been outmaneuvered by a junior, which made him lose face.

If Cao Zhong says he doesn't film about family, country, or national righteousness, I agree.

However, to say that he is a subservient follower or leans towards Western narratives is pure nonsense. If you want to find fault, you can always find a reason!
He is wronged!
"I was just digging into the realities of the underprivileged in society, so why did it become my fault in front of this attention-seeking clown?"
I am simply passionate about filming the real lives of the majority of ordinary people and the lives of those who do not hold power. Why has that become ironclad evidence of my bowing to the West in your mouth?
As times change and the train rumbles forward, do those who are sacrificed, rendered speechless, lost, or left behind not deserve to appear in a film?

Jia Zhangke was very confused, "I don't understand!"

"Those who don't understand art might use these words to criticize me."

But you're a performing arts student, a student at the Beijing Film Academy! How dare you say such things! How can you say such things? What gives you the right to defy art!

Jia Zhangke felt wronged.

I am also very disappointed by this.

He contacted the media again, wanting to be interviewed.

We must criticize Cao Zhong's clownish behavior of using any means necessary to gain traffic!
The movie "Still Life" has not yet been released, but it is scheduled for release on December 14th, aiming to compete head-on with "Golden Age".

He had previously clashed with Zhang Weiping during an interview.

They started arguing.
Now,
Jia Zhangke also wanted to take advantage of Cao Zhong's words to promote himself and seize this opportunity to generate buzz!

Although his art appreciation skills are lacking, Cao Zhong still has a lot of online traffic.

Selfishness is the only goal!
……

When Gu Changwei received the message, his head was buzzing.

Gu Changwei was completely bewildered after learning that Cao Zhong had criticized his movie.

"Cao Zhong, you're the one who criticized Ozu last time, right? What does that have to do with me? Why should I react?"

"Criticizing my movie? Go ahead and criticize, I'm busy! I can't be bothered!"

"It's so noisy, don't even mention it, I don't care."

He is not in the mood.

Beside her, Jiang Wenli was still anxiously saying, "You give it a try, let Zhang Jingchu play the role in 'Li Chun,' you give it a try!"

"If I could slap her back then, I can slap her again now."

"Do you really think I'm made of clay?"

"Hey Gu, don't push your luck."

Gu Changwei gritted his teeth and said, "I've already decided on the role, and it has to be her."

"Okay, then let me play a cameo role."

Jiang Wenli smiled and said, "This is the only solution I agree to."

At this moment, Gu Changwei was only focused on resolving the immediate predicament. "Deal."

As for Cao Zhong, forget about him.

He didn't care about the casualty figures; he only cared about Jingchu.

To enter and exit Jingchu.

……

"This time, you've gone a bit too far."

Cui Xinqin called, "Don't name names! Especially don't name the directors of Beijing Film Academy. No matter how different your opinions are, don't say it in front of the media and make Beijing Film Academy a laughing stock for other schools."

"Teacher, I understand. I will make good movies and I will never criticize people again."

"Do you really understand?"

“That’s good. Jia Zhangke is a director who is used to thinking. Your interpretation is too extreme,” Cui Xinqin said. “Don’t focus on the bad things. Learn from the strengths and make up for the weaknesses.”

Cao Zhong fell silent.

"Why don't you speak?"

"Actually, if it weren't for 'Still Life,' I might still have a little bit of respect for director Jia Zhangke."

Cao Zhong solemnly said,
"Teacher Cui, a director who can expose the true nature of society deserves respect, but as for a director who always tries to expose the true nature of society, I don't want to think too much about it."

The biggest question is, who is actually supporting this?

While it's necessary to pay attention to life, we can't simply emphasize that society consists only of marginalized people. In my opinion, the life depicted in Jia's films is that of people in rural areas and small towns, and I am one of those people.

But there are still migrants in big cities, vibrant and optimistic, closer to life, and they are the silent majority.

I really dislike some of the prevailing attitudes at the Beijing Film Academy, as if watching a certain director's film is some kind of enlightenment for a moviegoer.

What the film and television industry lacks today, whether it's entertainment, art, or marginalization, is not our own life; it's all about extreme portrayals.

Unless viewers can find a reflection of themselves in the film, such films are essentially either wishful thinking or voyeurism.

The Three Gorges Project began in 94 with a wave of relocation, followed by the Fengjie relocation wave in 02. The project was completed in ten months with blasting, and the people had already been relocated.

In the meantime, countless social surveys, news events, and documentaries have generated opinions from everyone.

The dam was officially completed on May 20, 2006.

In early September, the Golden Lion Award was presented.

What is the underlying message of his film, which represents a great thing that benefits the country and its people?

Behind the grand project depicted in "Still Life" lies the cruel scars and precarious plight of the people at the bottom of society.

He presents one of the greatest paradoxes in modern society and the process of modernization.

What is this paradox? It's being both a builder and a destroyer! Both a destroyer and a creator! Both a dead and a living being!
A grand and spectacular process of writing history is also a process of burying and erasing history.

The sands of time, grinding down on everyone's head, become a mountain.

The destructive power of this artistic and humanistic effect is something everyone understands.
But I don't need to watch his movies; their emotional tone must be cold and pessimistic.

It's as if the Three Gorges Project has harmed the interests of the migrants and destroyed their homes.

This idea perfectly catered to the slander and prejudice of international political forces against the Three Gorges Project, so it is not surprising that it won an award.

Teacher, you are also a screenwriter. You know very well whether you include your own personal opinions when you write a script.

So, was it intentional or accidental?

Cui Xinqin was stunned.

Cao Zhong was still saying:
"Teacher, I think the depths of the film industry in the West are unimaginable."

Film is an important component of the ruling tool here, possessing a sophisticated control system that is completely unimaginable to the Chinese people.
From producers to distributors, from film festival selectors to film critics, the nepotism and close ties to the core of power surpassed even those of the blood-related aristocracy of the old era.

This is one of the two ultimate guard dogs kept by the Imperial Heart; the other is the media.

Film serves as a vanguard in guiding public opinion, preceding the media, and acts as an international moral "court" built to serve Western interests.
He was the most romantic missionary, and for the past century, a key weapon in ensuring that historical perspectives did not deviate from mainstream Western ideology.

It is the primary weapon for arbitrarily altering reality and history, culturally plundering other civilizations, ideologically defining them, and even culturally encroaching upon them.

So, it wasn't intentional or accidental; someone figured out their weaknesses and they surrendered.

Otherwise, why would he dare to release his film on the same day as "Curse of the Golden Flower"? Doesn't he want box office success and to make more money?

Why deliberately stir up public opinion?

Behind all this, there must be some kind of conspiracy.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System we studied has proven its greatness through history.

So why doesn't he make a film called "Good People of Dujiangyan"? Because everyone would criticize him.

But not with *The Three Gorges*, because there will be people who will follow him in the charge, waving the flag and shouting slogans of change, art, and humanity.

Cui Xinqin was numb, her whole body trembling slightly. Having lived most of her life, this was the first time she had been rendered speechless by a student. She wanted to say something, but couldn't utter a word.

Because she suddenly felt it was too much of a coincidence.

The Three Gorges Project was just completed, and immediately a movie was released here, telling the story of the sorrow brought about by the project, and it even won the Golden Lion Award?

Cui Xinqin was jolted awake; she suddenly realized she couldn't think about it too much, she couldn't think about it too much!

She's elderly and can't keep up anymore.

This young man, wow, this young man!

Cui Xinqin hung up the phone.

I was at a loss.

She clearly went to teach Cao Zhong a lesson, so what happened?

……

At Zhongying, Han Sanpin clenched his fists.

"This kid is as outspoken as ever."

After being rebuked by Cao Zhong, Han Sanpin began to reflect.

But after reflecting for a short while, Han Sanpin became unhappy. "I'm the boss of China Film Group, what am I supposed to reflect on?"
However, Han Sanpin did give Cao Zhong's words some thought.

In March, "The Three Gorges" had already passed censorship and was allowed to be sent to Venice.

Now, it seems we should take a closer look.

Han Sanpin hadn't seen the movie, but Cao Zhong's words gave him more to think about.

Could it be that it was really missed?
……

Crew.

"Thank you, Director Cao. Nanjing is really cold. These electric blankets are a huge help!"

"Director Cao, you've worked hard."

"It's just serving the crew. It's not hard work." Cao Zhong looked at everyone. "Get ready, we're shooting one of the most important scenes in the whole movie today."

The lighting and background are adjusted.

Inside the photo studio,

"Sister Mei, Brother Xu, have you memorized your lines?"

"Remember it."

"Don't feel pressured. Just get your emotions ready. We didn't film the two scenes before this one."
Both of you witnessed firsthand the scene during the filming of those false propaganda photos promoting "Sino-Japanese friendship," where an infant was thrown to its death because it was making noise.

The child's body was even placed in Lin Yuxiu's arms, serving as a symbol of friendship between the family of three, along with Su Liuchang.

Upon returning to the photo studio, Lin Yuxiu was deeply shocked.

Meanwhile, the alliance within the photo studio finally decided to use the method of changing the photos on the passes to send the women away first; Old Jin's wife and daughter were chosen.

At this moment, Wang Guanghai still thought Lin Yuxiu would leave with the pass and come to arrange a meeting.

Cao Zhong briefly recounted the plot, giving the two a few minutes to adjust their emotions.

Both being professional actors, the two took out the two diaries, read them for a short while, and their emotions instantly stirred.

At Cao Zhong's command, the stagehands struck the clapperboard.

Wang Guanghai came in from outside, looking travel-worn and with a sorrowful expression. He then put his arm around Mei Ting's waist.

He pulled out a crumpled route map.

"Just follow the map. Here's your pass, okay?"

Which one do you think looks better?

Mei Ting looked at her many cheongsams and asked in a calm voice.

"Don't bring the cheongsam; we'll be wearing kimonos after the war."

Xu Zheng's acting skills are indeed very good, and his tone is urgent.

"I don't want it. This was made for me by the best Hongbang tailor in Shanghai."

Mei Ting stared blankly at the cheongsam.

"What's the use of these material possessions? I've told you this so many times!"

Wang Guanghai suddenly went berserk, picked up all the cheongsams, and threw them all on the ground.

He looked at Lin Yuxiu, puzzled.

Lin Yuxiu didn't stop him, she just watched him quietly.

Then, she turned her head, sat on the edge of the bed, and looked up again. Her eyes were filled with tears, but she didn't look at Wang Guanghai; she just stared straight ahead.

"Wang Guanghai, do we have a future?"

"I've told you this several times, haven't I? I've done so many good deeds, and the Japanese love to listen to opera... We'll have our chance in the future..."

“That’s not what I meant. I meant…”

Lin Yuxiu remained staring blankly ahead. She emphasized her words and finally looked into Wang Guanghai's eyes.

Those eyes, filled with sorrow and grief.

"us……"

Is there a future?

Wang Guanghai understood as well. Xu Zheng's performance was just right. He was silent for a moment and lowered his head slightly.

He knew very well that the question wasn't directed at the two of them, but he didn't want to face the real issue.

He squatted down, kneeling in front of Lin Yuxiu's knees, and said evasively, "Right now, the world is in a bad state. I can't even get a divorce if I want to. I'll wait until the war is over."

"What happens after the war? Will our future definitely be better?"

Wang Guanghai moved a stool over, sat down, and prepared to talk frankly.
"Lin Yuxiu, what do you mean by this?"

What if the Japanese lose?

Lin Yuxiu looked into Wang Guanghai's eyes.

Wang Guanghai propped himself up on his arms, and gave a wide, forced smile.
"How could the Japanese lose?"
They won the First Sino-Japanese War and occupied Taiwan.

In 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded the Forbidden City, and the indemnity payments have not yet been completed.

Six years ago they occupied the three northeastern provinces, and this year Beijing and Shanghai have been captured. So what about Nanjing? It was defended for so many days but still fell. Could they have stopped it?
They couldn't be stopped.

The Chinese are like a bunch of loose sand, not united, fighting amongst themselves, and they can't even understand each other's words. How can they fight?
How can you expect the Japanese to lose?

"What if?" Lin Yuxiu asked.

Camera B moves forward to film close-up shots of the two people.

Wang Guanghai stared wide-eyed, but remained silent.

The close-up shot turned to Lin Yuxiu's face, and she said firmly, "I mean, what if the Japanese really lose?"

Wang Guanghai sat up straight, leaned back, and tried to cross his legs, but then put them down. He looked at Lin Yuxiu and gave a bleak smile.

Lin Yuxiu continued, her tone heavy: "If the original man loses, then you will be a rare one, and I will be a rare wife. I've been studying opera since I was a child, and I sing the roles of Mu Guiying and Liang Hongyu. I understand that if I were to become Qin Hui's wife, my death would be far more tragic than it is now."

Wang Guanghai got impatient. He stood up and started throwing things. "Can't you stop living in the play? Open the door and take a look! Everyone's dead, so who's going to fight the actors? How can the actors lose? And you say I'm rare? Whoever survives to the end decides, whoever wins decides."

Mei Ting stood up, pinched Wang Guanghai's face, and pulled him close as he danced around excitedly.

Her voice trembled, and tears welled in her eyes.
"Japanese people are beasts."

Every word was trembling.

"Even if they win, will they treat us like human beings? And what about ourselves? Are we even human?"

Wang Guanghai removed Lin Yuxiu's arm and angrily rebuked her.

Lin Yuxiu,

You are crazy! "

He slammed the door shut and left.

Cao Zhong waved his hand, and the close-up shot focused on Mei Ting's face again.

Lin Yuxiu looked up at the sky, refusing to let a single tear fall.

She was desperate.

But she stubbornly refused to use her hands, instead closing her eyes tightly and then opening them again, forcefully forcing back the tears that were about to flow.

She remained steadfastly still.

And yet, it is steadily crumbling.

There was no howling, no gagging, not even a change in expression.

She didn't shed a tear, but her eyes swelled up during the short shoot.

Cao Zhong was so moved that he forgot to call a halt for a moment.

He only snapped out of his daze when Shen Ao patted him on the shoulder.

(End of this chapter)