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

Chapter 87 Award Ceremony, Conferring of Godhood, The Time Has Come [Please Subscribe]

James had been standing in the hotel on Lido Island for a long time.

Zhang Yimou's retirement due to illness was an unexpected event, but it precisely hit the pain point in their narrative creation process!
Regarding the 70th anniversary of the War of Resistance against Japan, they can exploit the betrayal of rare patriots to disgust the fighting spirit of Chinese civilization.
However, Zhang Yimou and the Olympics, the main goals they wanted to achieve, have actually withdrawn from the picture.

James knew the bonus was gone.

That was a huge bonus.

He also knew he would be punished; he had messed things up.

So much money was spent, and predetermined judges and targets were selected.

In the end, the chairman of the jury ran away. What the hell happened?
I'm numb, I'm completely numb!

The ringtone sounded, the sharp ringtone like a prelude to death; Mr. Smith's call came unexpectedly.

James answered the phone, his voice heavy with distress, his heart filled with even more anguish.

"James, I need an explanation."

The voice on the other end was sharp and even carried a hint of murderous intent.

You want to explain? I fucking need to explain!
James took a deep breath and said softly:

“Mr. Smith, I have spoken with the person who made the arrangements and clarified all the details.”
Zhang, full of energy, argued with everyone at the judging table for five hours, insisting on awarding the Golden Lion to "The Sun Also Rises." Five hours later, he went out to wash his face.

He never came back.

It was half an hour later when the hotel staff and the directors discovered the problem.

Even the people we arranged thought Zhang had gone to take a huge dump.

They started searching and reported it to Mark. The whole of Venice was in chaos for an hour, all due to internal turmoil. Mark contacted me soon after.

I was also involved in the search at the time, and we even wondered if the Mafia had kidnapped him.

We cut off all media coverage until an hour later, when we realized that Zhang had left on his own.
No one saw medical staff take him away, nor did anyone else come to take him away. We checked the nearest hospitals and found that Zhang did not go to any hospitals.

After we confirmed everything, we received the news that Zhang had already boarded the special plane back to China.

James's explanation was tinged with a tremor and disbelief, because he found it difficult to understand what had happened based on Zhang Yimou's behavior.

It's outrageous!
"So, did he retire due to illness?" Commissioner Smith asked in a deep voice.

This question is very important to him!

“To be honest, I don’t know where the medical staff mentioned by New Vision came from. We have no idea. Maybe it was some small local clinic that made the call for him. It’s not impossible. I really have a hard time answering your question, Commissioner,” James said. “I’m at a loss right now.”

"James, what use are you to me!"

Commissioner Smith's voice turned stern.

"It's ruined! My vacation is ruined! You know what? If he had just stayed in Venice for another four hours until the awards were presented, our mission would have been complete, and I could have enjoyed at least three months of vacation. And now, you've ruined everything!"

James apologized nervously, "I'm sorry, sir. Please forgive my oversight."

He felt somewhat wronged: "But sir, we have always emphasized civilization and freedom, and I have no reason to affect Zhang's freedom of action."

Smith was furious at James' response and angrily rebuked James:
"What is freedom? You should understand it properly. It's about external propaganda and emphasis. It's not an excuse for your current dissatisfaction with me."

After the angry rebuke ended,

James's words calmed Smith down.

He realized he had lost his composure.

This is not how a gentleman should behave.

He asked in a deep voice, "Has the award been finalized?"

"After Zhang Yimou left, the awards were decided very smoothly. Because of the three very strong ones we arranged, 'Ailing' won the Golden Lion Award, which should be the best news."

Smith let out a long sigh.

"Regardless, the name of the jury chairman will still be on his head; history will not remember the details."

Smith was like an employee who had messed up his job, but knowing that the boss only wanted to see the PowerPoint presentation, his earlier agitation gradually subsided.

He just retired due to illness!

As long as my massive media conglomerate works together, even if you're not already in it, you'll still be in it, because you've already been tainted.

When the time comes, we'll arrange for all the Chinese media to join in, and who will care whether you're on medical leave or not?

"But,"

James reminded him, "Commissioner Smith, New Pictures Films, which is Zhang's company in China, has already held a press conference before us, stating that due to his retirement due to illness, the awarding of this year's Venice Awards has nothing to do with Zhang."

James said these words through gritted teeth.

Because he already had a feeling that Zhang Yimou's departure might not be accidental.

But James couldn't say it; at least he would suffer Smith's wrath later.

He was chosen by Smith to work alongside Wang An and mentor him for over a decade. His interests were already intertwined with Wang An's.

When he was broke, he would do anything for Smith.

But now, he has to think about himself.

"Holy shit! Fuck!"

Smith erupted in rare rage after hearing what James had said!
He is white and a natural embodiment of civilization. He usually pretends to be a gentleman, but when he gets angry, he becomes ungentlemanly. However, this time he restrained himself and did not turn on James.

"James, you know how to speak for our prize money. Now that Zhang Yimou is gone, you need to help him organize Wang An's interview remarks from today."

If the bonus is gone, Commissioner Smith isn't in a bad position; he has plenty of money. As long as he skims a corner when bribing people, who knows how much he has?

However, the goal must be achieved. Since Zhang Yimou isn't the one presenting the award today, let Wang An express his deepest gratitude and best wishes to Zhang Yimou, thus building a closer relationship and demonstrating his stance.

Following this media narrative, next year, all that's needed is to continue filling the pages with logical information, and Zhang Yimou and Wang An will still be portrayed as having a close relationship.

Although Zhang Yimou retired due to illness and left Venice, he remains Wang An's mentor.

This is also a way of explaining things to the boss.

He has to give an explanation.

At least get the vacation time.

He can't let his superiors think he's completely messed things up!

“I understand.” James nodded. “I will write my acceptance speech myself.”

“Well, thank you for your work.” Smith became polite again.

After hanging up the phone, James's face was ashen.

He didn't dare mention Cao Zhong just now because Commissioner Smith had already messed everything up.

The deeper his advice went, the more he would gain, only incurring Smith's wrath.

If Zhang Yimou leaves and doesn't allow "Ailing" to win an award, all the behind-the-scenes manipulation will be meaningless.

The awarding of "Ailing" would lead to the narrative rhythm of the interview with Cao Zhong, the latest top-grossing director in China, which shows the moral contempt and aesthetic domestication of the target country by the three major European countries.

It's stuck, completely stuck!
But Smith forgot,
James hasn't forgotten.

At this moment, he was even angrier than Smith. Would the other side react or notice if this award was given out?
Will this have an impact on Wang An?

Will it affect his wallet?

Originally, they had a natural protector: Zhang Yimou.

Now, the umbrella has run away.

Will they be exposed because of this?
But what could James do?
Commissioner Smith, having been consumed by ambition since the collapse of the Soviet Union, loves taking vacations and his mind is clearly not functioning as well.
Yet he still takes responsibility for embedding these cultural cognitive wedges, manipulating his own glamorous narrative power, demonstrating the superiority of his own values, and even trying to undermine the local cultural identity of the target country, even though he himself is already corrupt and depraved.

James couldn't help but let out low growls; he suddenly felt uneasy.

They had been building momentum for more than three years in response to the opening ceremony director's punch aimed at boosting national confidence. From receiving funding from France two years ago to film the Three Gorges Dam incident, to "Ailing" and winning consecutive Golden Lions, all of this was to prepare for this punch.

If you spread it, it will only bring shame!

During World War II, a famous quote from Elmer Davis, the head of the U.S. Office of War Information, echoed in James's ears:

The simplest way to spread propaganda ideas is to put them into the minds of most people, using entertainment films as a medium to achieve propaganda goals before people even realize they have become the object of propaganda.

But he hasn't promoted it yet.

The other person got off the bus! He actually got off the bus!

This shot didn't hit the cotton, it hit the air.

James' mentality collapsed.

He wasn't upset about not being able to complete the mission; Commissioner Smith had many missions he couldn't finish. But he was worried about Wang An.

I'm more worried about myself.

……

Venice International Film Festival

The flashbulbs were dazzling as countless media outlets gathered, awaiting tonight's awards ceremony.

But clearly, the news of Zhang Yimou's retirement due to illness was bigger than all the news of his awards.

In this day and age, in this place, Zhang Yimou is a world-renowned film master.

His retirement due to illness was the biggest news at the entire Venice International Film Festival.

This sudden and shocking news not only surprised the world film industry and news departments, but also threw this year's Venice International Film Festival into chaos.

The red carpet event was already a bit late, and then Hollywood stars from various countries began to walk the red carpet one by one.

However, compared to these people, the directors and actors from China had mixed feelings.

After a period of confusion, Jiang Wen and Zhou Yun ran into Johnnie To outside.

"Director Jiang, is Director Zhang alright?"

"I do not know!"

Kelly Lin also joined the "Detective" crew, dressed in sexy and fashionable attire, looking radiant.
"I do not know either!"

Tang Wei also appeared on the red carpet, following closely behind Wang An. She wore a white dress, which was delicate and elegant. The strapless V-neck showed off her slightly classical shoulder and neck lines, and the high-waisted design made her look even more slender. It matched her casual and scholarly temperament perfectly and made her look stunning.

"I do not know either!"

Wang An also wore a wry smile; he didn't know either.

Neither Jia Zhangke nor Zhao Tao knew.

Nobody knows.

Even the Chinese media were unaware of this, and many people were completely baffled.

Many people at the scene began to have doubts; it was so sudden, without any prior notice.

...I hope he's not dead.

Thinking about it, fate is truly frightening.

What's going on with such a great director?

What about the Olympics?

They care about winning awards, but they care even more about Zhang Yimou. It's terrifying.

……

Beijing,

In the residential complex where Cao Zhong and Yang Mi live, a car was parked downstairs.

This is a place Yang Mi rented outside so she could meet with Cao Zhong regularly.

Yang Mi had already gone home, so Cao Zhong was the only one in the house.

Han Sanpin got out of the car and ran into the building in a few quick steps.

Zhao Haicheng initially wanted to follow, but after thinking about it, he decided not to.

Upon entering the room, Han Sanpin looked her up and down, noticing the lingering presence of a woman, but didn't ask. "What did you and Zhang Yimou talk about?"

He hit the nail on the head.

"We just talked about why I thought 'Ailing' would win the award."

“I think only ‘Ailing’ will win the award; no one else is qualified,” Cao Zhong said. “This was a structure that was decided long ago.”

"Seven judges, how do you decide? The countries are all different," Han Sanpin asked.

“Let me give you an example. The Beijing Film Academy has start-up funds for film projects. I applied for it before I criticized Ozu, but I didn’t get it. But I had already raised all my funds, and now I have these funds again…” Cao Zhong explained.

Before Cao Zhong could finish speaking, Han Sanpin understood and stopped Cao Zhong from continuing.

"So, Zhang Yimou is alright? He ran away on his own?"

"I think so," Cao Zhong said with admiration. "That was a brilliant move! I certainly didn't think of that at first. It was absolutely brilliant!"

Zhang Yimou is really amazing; this is the purest example of a clever escape!
"So what exactly did you say?"

"Actually, I didn't say much. I just deconstructed the essence of the original novel 'Ailing' and pointed out Zhang Yimou's identity."

Cao Zhong looked at Han Sanpin and said, "He is the director of the Olympics. As long as he doesn't have any major political loopholes or commit any crimes, he will always be a god in the Chinese film directing industry."

Han Sanpin took a deep breath. "Therefore, he doesn't want to get any stain on his reputation."

"Actually, the issue of stains depends on how people view them. But with the box office success of 'Nanjing Photo Studio,' as long as his perception hasn't been completely tarnished, he naturally wouldn't dare to associate himself with the film 'Ailing.'"

Cao Zhongdao:
"The original novel of 'Ailing' is terrifying."

For years, people have said this is a clearly rare work of literature. After thirty years of discussion, it has even been made into a movie.

In the original novel, there is a character named Kuang Yumin, the leader of a student organization, with a heart full of sincerity. When he revealed the assassination plan, the students recited a poem with great passion and fervor.
He sang magnanimously in the marketplace of Yan, and calmly became a prisoner of Chu. He drew his sword and met a swift end, worthy of his youthful spirit.

What a fine poem! The author is the famous Wang Jingwei.

Isn't it ridiculous that a group of patriotic students who want to oppose Wang Jingwei are using Wang Jingwei's poems to oppose him?

The only character with revolutionary ideals is portrayed in the book as a narrow-minded moth, possessing heroic sentiments but lacking understanding of humanity.

A group of patriots were treated as a mob.

The character Kuang Yu-min, whom Wang Jia-zhi initially loved, ultimately fell in love with Shan Han.
He intended to kill her, but he was seduced and subdued.

Those who like Eileen Chang say that this novel incorporates personal feelings rather than depicts bizarre or exotic love affairs, and I completely agree.

A culture that is rare naturally hopes that its rare team will be victorious.

If one projects their own feelings onto another, becoming Wang Jiazhi, then Mr. Yi becomes Hu Lancheng.

What faith, what power, nothing beats the pleasure of making love.

"If even one person in the production process of this film were to be executed, I would be furious."

Cao Zhong looked at Han Sanpin: "Shouldn't Zhang Yimou have run away?"

Han Sanpin scratched his head, surprised, and asked, "Can your arm stretch that far?"

"You're truly all-pervasive, Mr. Han."

Cao Zhongdao said, "This is a system, a network, a subtle influence, a narrative and a stamp that are implanted into the mind."

"As long as Director Zhang presents this award today, this case will never be overturned."

Han Sanpin narrowed his eyes.

Cao Zhongdao said, "You're from within the system, so you understand it better than I do. It's easy to set the tone, but difficult to overturn a verdict. And if we want to correct the mistakes, who knows when that will be."

"Keep your mouth shut. There are some things you can say and some things you can't. You better watch your mouth next time."

And I understand what you mean. Don't worry, we have plenty of tricks up our sleeves.

But it seems you saved Zhang Yimou once?

Han Sanpin first gave Cao Zhong a few pointers, and then asked a question.

"I wouldn't say that. I know my own limitations. If he gives me this award, it will actually be detrimental to me. For his own benefit, Director Zhang, Wang An, and Jia Zhangke will all retaliate. How can my small frame withstand that?"

"Then why didn't you contact me first and let me talk to Zhang Yimou?"

"What's the use of contacting you? Even if it's officially approved, can you ban the movie? He has to figure it out himself. If he can't, nothing will help."

Cao Zhong scoffed.

Han Sanpin felt insulted.

This little eagle looks down on me.

He wanted to argue, but he kept quiet.

What he said seems to be true.

But now that Zhang Yimou has run away, things are definitely different.

For an American, things are too simple.

Han Sanpin glanced at the time and changed the subject, asking, "Is the awards ceremony about to begin?"

Cao Zhong quickly turned on the TV.

On television, the awards ceremony was just about to begin.

Even if Zhang Yimou retires due to illness,
The Venice awards ceremony remains a grand celebration.

The camera even frequently focused on Jiang Wen and Wang An, who are potential winners for this year's award-winning films.

Wang Anxian won the Best Technical Contribution Award.

Best Screenplay Award: "Free World," a slogan dream against exploitation.

The awards for Best Actress, Best Actor, Silver Lion for Best Director, and Special Jury Prize were presented in turn.

To this point, Wang An and Jiang Wen have still not won a major award.

At that moment, Jiang Wen and Zhou Yun held each other's arms and took deep breaths.

Wang An also looked tense.

Moments later, the Golden Lion Award was presented.
Ailing's feet are firmly planted in hope, firmly planted in the sunshine.

Through physical entanglement, through compassionate confessions, and through the complexities of human nature, they have earned the glory of the Golden Lion Award.

At the scene, Wang An's gaze was unfocused as he read a lengthy acceptance speech written by James.

He expressed gratitude for the jury chairman's choice. He conveyed his best wishes to the jury chairman. He remarked on the long-standing relationship between him and the jury chairman, and his hope that this relationship would continue through every changing season.

His words were sincere and his feelings were deep.

Jiang Wen, on the other hand, sat slumped in his chair, not uttering a word.

Jia Zhangke smiled; it was the first time he had ever smiled, and it was a genuine smile from the bottom of his heart.

He knew what Cao Zhong had said, and soon he wouldn't be the only one facing Cao Zhong head-on.

If you're so capable, try taking on two opponents at once.

He could even take on three opponents at once.

With Director Zhang Yimou awake, and Director Wang An so grateful, how could he not stand on our side?
Jia Zhangke actually laughed.

……

At this moment, people in the Chinese entertainment industry who were watching the awards ceremony went crazy.

Qi Jiuzhou called Cao Zhong: "Brother Zhong, you're awesome! You predicted it correctly, you've become a god!"

Wang Renjun exclaimed excitedly from the side, "That's amazing, Brother Zhong! How did you guess that? And I have a question. Didn't they see your news over there? Why did they insist on awarding the film to 'Ailing' magazine?"

Cao Zhong smiled and said, "It's just a task from my master, nothing unusual."

We chatted for a few minutes and then hung up.

Han Sanpin stood up to leave, saying, "I have to go back to Zhongying. It's about to explode."

Cao Zhong called out to Han Sanpin, "Chairman Han, have you made up your mind? Are there any obstacles?"

"I am determined. Zhang Yimou's departure isn't a big problem. But there might be a little bit, just a tiny bit."

Cao Zhongdao said, "Alright, you won't have any obstacles going to work tomorrow, no, this morning."

Han Sanpin's expression was complex and difficult to understand: "You need to calm down!"

Cao Zhong smiled and said, "It's alright, having too many lice doesn't make you itch."

Han Sanpin wanted to say something, but he didn't, his eyes becoming even more determined.

At this point, the media went wild.

Some media outlets began to widely publicize the glorious narrative of Ailing winning the award.

Some, and even a few, media outlets were aware of Cao Zhong's earlier prediction.

The news of Cao Zhong's deification swept through the entire entertainment industry in an instant!
That night, in a corner where no one paid attention.

Cao Zhong published an article on social media: "On 'Ailing,' a metaphor for the vilification of revolutionary martyrs, and a weapon wielded against the audience's perception."

In his article, Cao Zhong revealed the real-life inspiration for Wang Jiazhi, the character in the original novel "Ailing".
Zheng Pingru is of mixed Chinese and Japanese descent.

However, he began resisting the Japanese at the age of fifteen, maneuvering among high-ranking Japanese officials, submitting to the enemy, and currying favor with them.
After the assassination attempt failed, he surrendered himself to the authorities to protect his family and faced death alone!
He died a heroic death.

Moreover, the entire family was filled with loyal and righteous men.

The father refused to serve as the Minister of Justice of the Wang Jingwei regime and secretly fought against the Japanese army. Upon learning of his daughter's death, he fell ill from grief and died soon after.

My eldest brother, a pilot, died a heroic death.

My younger brother, an anti-Japanese fighter, died a heroic death.

Her fiancé, a pilot captain, died a heroic death.

In 85, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait joined forces to posthumously recognize him as a martyr.

Cao Zhong did not offer extensive criticism of the original work, but simply sighed deeply.

Some people, beneath their outward appearance, harbor a heart dedicated to saving the country; they don fine robes yet willingly endure the scorn of thousands.

Some people, though yellow on the outside and white on the inside, are willing to be accomplices of evil, yet they are full of honors; they are all demons and monsters.

Cao Zhong also wrote two anecdotes about Zheng Pingru's life.

When she accepted the mission, she was told by her superiors to kill Ding Mocun at all costs, and she agreed.

Before she was killed, her last words were: "Help me, aim carefully, don't make a mess of me."

After finishing the article, Cao Zhong couldn't help but clench his fist.

Zhang Yimou's departure is definitely a good thing for him, allowing him to fully unleash his potential.

The box office success of "Nanjing Photo Studio" emphasizes the mainstream revolutionary narrative, which has just been defined.

Box office numbers are the key!
That's why she was willing to do anything to kill Ding Mocun back then.

Cao Zhong is also an option; he should eliminate Wang An at all costs.

The previous interview was the beginning.

The debates and awards in between are a continuation,
This article is a repost.
Go to sleep. After you wake up, it's time to close up.

Cao Zhong closed his eyes tightly, but he just couldn't fall asleep.

he was thinking,
To remove the weapons of the enemy's narrative, we must remove the cognitive wedges that the enemy has driven into their minds!
Shatter those people's illusions.

Cao Zhong can't control others, but in the film industry...

There were no middlemen; they either stood behind Cao Zhong and fought alongside him.

Or, it will simply be swept into the dustbin of history.

Captain Jia was the first, but he wasn't killed yet.

Wang An was the second, but... it's time.

(End of this chapter)