This celebrity is overly enthusiastic!

Chapter 87: Do you like being a villain?
When Assassin's Creed Shadow, featuring a black samurai as the protagonist, was released, Japanese gamers were outraged and ready to fight.

Cyberpunk 2077 also has a lot of Japanese elements, but I haven't heard any Japanese players say it's an insult to Japan!

Chen Yuan recalled that the story of "Showa America" ​​was popular among some Japanese people because of the premise of "Japan buying America," which they considered to be a source of national pride.
Chen Yuan gathered his thoughts and carefully chose his words before explaining:

"Mr. John, cyberpunk culture emerged in the 1980s, when Japan's economy was booming, its technology companies were developing rapidly, and there was even talk of 'buying up America' at one point."

Economic frictions between the two countries were also constant, and this Western anxiety about Japan as an economic threat naturally permeated the creation of cultural works at the time.

The original board game Cyberpunk 2020 was created in this context.

Based on my understanding of the Japanese, although corporations are the "villains," their image of being "powerful" and "efficient" can sometimes subtly satisfy the national pride of some people.

In the cyberpunk world, corporate power is sometimes equated with national power and elevated international standing.

John was somewhat skeptical, thinking to himself, "I've worked with those Japanese devils for five or six years, how could I not understand their petty nature?"

He directly summoned a Japanese executive to evaluate the film project "The Edge Walker," while he temporarily left to handle other matters.

Shinichi Hirano was originally a division manager at Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE).

Due to business restructuring, I was reassigned to Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) to handle liaison between them and headquarters.

He usually had no say in Sony Pictures Entertainment's investments and productions, so he didn't know why Chairman John would ask him to review a film project.

Shinichi Hirano flipped through Chen Yuan's design drafts and was immediately drawn to the manga image of the female protagonist, Lucy.

"Mr. Chen, is your design inspired by Fie Valentine from Cowboy Bebop?"

"Ha, that's right, Lucy's black-hat customer service did indeed take inspiration from Fei's outfit. I didn't expect you to recognize her at a glance, Mr. Hirano!"

Chen Yuan was pleasantly surprised, and at the same time, the power of the [Oxytocin Holy Body] increased.

Shinichi Hirano flipped through the other concept art and drafts, admiring them in his heart, feeling particularly pleased with the young Chinese director in front of him.

"I'm also an anime fan, Mr. Chen. The characters you create really have a unique charm. This Mann is also somewhat similar to Batou from Ghost in the Shell!"

"It does indeed have some reference and inspiration in terms of appearance."

Chen Yuan readily admitted that he had a lively discussion with Shinichi Hirano about design concepts.

When John returned to the small meeting room, he was surprised to see Chen Yuan and Shinichi Hirano discussing the story's setting with the enthusiasm of old friends.

Shinichi Hirano, who is almost forty, is usually quiet and reserved. Why is he so talkative now?

And it seems they don't mind Japanese companies playing the main villains!

John simply asked his question directly.

"Well, to be honest, I don't think there's anything wrong with the Arasaka Group being portrayed as the main villain. Our country has many similar stories."

Japanese audiences may have become accustomed to stripping away the "villain" storylines and simply appreciating the coolness of these cultural elements within a science fiction context.

And let's be happy about the enormous influence of Japanese culture on global popular culture!

John thought to himself, "Those Japanese are really weird. Why don't I feel any pride when I put myself in America's shoes? Have they gotten used to America being the villain?"

I spoke with Virgil again, but I couldn't persuade this proud and stubborn man to change his mind and adapt the clichéd story of "The Edge Walker."
John gave him a random excuse and refused, without even discussing it in a meeting.

Although the project proposal was rejected, Chen Yuan's trip to Colombia was not without its rewards.

He also met privately with several executives from Columbia Pictures Japan to discuss the "The Edge Walker" project. Some were indifferent, while others were quite optimistic. Chen Yuan realized that the key to "The Edge Walker's" support lay not with Columbia Pictures itself, but with its parent company, Sony.

The Japanese don't mind being the villainous boss; they even enjoy the feeling of riding on their American daddy's head and fantasizing about it.
Chen Yuan then let them indulge in the fantasy of how exhilarating it is to act like tyrants.

He also wanted to leverage his "advertising genius" to gain Sony's favor and secure investment!

Chen Yuan decided to go back and carefully refine the "Edge Walker" project proposal.

While "Kung Fu Panda" made him an instant star, his appearance at the Olympics is not enough to demonstrate his true ability.

After "Legend of Seven Swords" airs and Chen Yuan's strategy for promoting Changhong TV and Sichuan tourism succeeds, Chen Yuan plans to leverage this momentum to contact Sony headquarters directly to see if he can get Japanese investment.

If all else fails, we'll just have to wait until next May, when "The Matrix Reloaded" is all the rage, and then try to ride the wave of its popularity to attract investment.

Back in China, Chen Yuan was busy with the post-production of "Legend of Seven Swords" and the scriptwriting and pre-production of "Medical Girl". He had a very fulfilling day.

Of course, the girls made his life more fulfilling and exciting.

Binbin, whose work leans towards business, went to the snowy plateau to film "Dust Settles".
Chen Yuan could also go find Huang Shengyi, who is more athletic, and Chen Hong, who is more retro.

Chen Hong and Xu Qing went shopping together. Although she was wearing a mask, it couldn't hide the charm in her eyes.

Xu Qing is one year younger than Chen Hong. She and Chen Hong had a rumored romance while filming "Life on a String" in 1990.
Chen Hong and this "princess of Beijing's elite circle" didn't get along and rarely interacted.

But after she came to terms with romantic relationships, she realized that it was pointless to make herself upset and angry. Chen Yuan also suggested that she interact more with people in Beijing's social circle.

The two prominent women from Beijing's social circle began to interact and quickly became close friends.

Looking at the radiant Chen Hong, who seemed even younger than herself, Xu Qing earnestly asked again:
"Sis, just tell me what treatment you had done! Your skin looks amazing, almost as good as it did when you first got married!"

Chen Hong smiled gently, her blush barely concealed by her mask.

"I've told you so many times, there's no such thing as cosmetic surgery. Just exercise regularly, maintain a good mood and a positive attitude, and keep a youthful spirit, and your skin will naturally improve."

I'll give you the address of the gym I frequent, okay?

"Okay, okay, I believe you. I think you used to look old because you were too stressed and lived too hard."

Now that I've realized all men are heartless jerks, I've freed myself, and my former glory has returned!

"That's exactly the point you're making."

Chen Hong smiled and agreed, but she felt that the most important person was still that little rascal; the satisfaction he gave her was indescribable.

So much so that just being next to him now makes Chen Hong feel very secure and safe.

Of course, it's not just about men. Chen Hong also felt that continuous fitness has a very significant positive effect on a good mental state and delaying skin aging.

She now practices fitness and yoga regularly, and actively exercises at home or in the community gym.

Chen Yuan was surrounded by young women, except for one who was a full twelve years older than him.

In order to deepen their cooperation, it is essential to maintain their current level of performance.

She has now practically become a health ambassador, actively recommending the benefits of exercise to her friends in her circle.

(End of this chapter)