Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Zhang Yu acted as if he didn't see him, and led Chen Chen straight into the main venue.

The press conference started promptly at 6:00 PM. The main creative team sat on the stage, while over 300 media outlets attended. Halfway through the proceedings, during the Q&A session, as expected, a reporter launched an attack.

"Director Zhang, there are rumors that several safety accidents occurred during the filming of 'The Longest Day in Chang'an,' and some staff members were seriously injured, but the production team concealed the incidents. Is this true?"

The entire room fell silent instantly. All cameras were focused on Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu picked up the microphone, his expression calm: "My friend from the news, may I ask your source?"

The reporter was speechless: "This... is just a rumor in the industry."

"Rumors?" Zhang Yu laughed. "Then I'll clarify those rumors today."

He stood up, walked to the side of the stage, and nodded to the staff. The large screen lit up and began playing a video—a documentary of the filming scene, with the date, time, and scene clearly displayed. In the video, before the explosion scene was filmed, the safety officer repeatedly checked the area; after the explosion, the medical team immediately rushed forward; several staff members had minor abrasions, which were disinfected and bandaged on site, and the entire process was recorded.

After the video finished playing, Zhang Yu said, "This is a record of one of the explosion scenes. We have records like this for every scene." He looked at the audience, "In addition, all the staff who participated in the explosion scenes of 'The Longest Day in Chang'an' are here today. Master Li, Master Wang, Dr. Zhao, please stand up and let everyone see."

More than twenty people stood up from below the stage, including pyrotechnicians, safety officers, and medical personnel. They were wearing uniform work clothes and had work badges pinned to their chests.

Zhang Yu continued, "These crew members have been with me for three years, from 'Autumn Day' to 'The Scholar's Family' and then to 'The Longest Day in Chang'an,' and there has never been a major safety incident. As for minor injuries—" He looked at the reporter, "When filming action scenes, scrapes and bumps are inevitable. But every time we get injured, we have complete medical records and insurance claims. Is that considered concealment?"

The reporter looked embarrassed and stammered as he sat down.

Wang Zhongjun sat in the audience, his face ashen. He hadn't expected Zhang Yu to be so well-prepared.

Zhang Yu surveyed the room, his voice turning cold: "I've always believed that film and television creation should speak for itself through its works, not through these underhanded tactics. Today, I'd also like to announce something—'Hua Yu' is officially establishing the industry's first 'Film Crew Safety Foundation,' with an initial fund of five million yuan, specifically for improving the working environment of film crews, training safety personnel, and purchasing high-value insurance for staff. We welcome all colleagues who genuinely want to make a difference to join us."

There was thunderous applause.

Wang Zhongjun left early. Zhang Yu watched his hasty departure, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips.

The celebratory banquet following the press conference was held in the revolving restaurant on the top floor of the conference center. Outside the windows was the dazzling night view of Beijing, while inside, elegant ladies swayed in their hair, and glasses clinked in lively conversation.

Chen Chen drank two glasses of champagne, her cheeks slightly flushed, and leaned against the balcony railing, enjoying the breeze. Zhang Yu walked over and handed her a glass of warm water: "Drink less, you have to fly to Shanghai tomorrow."

"Thank you for today." Chen Chen took the water glass, his eyes gentle. "Without you, I don't know how I would have handled that situation."

"You're mine, if I don't protect you, who will I protect?" Zhang Yu leaned against the railing beside her, the two of them side by side looking at the night view.

“Zhang Yu,” Chen Chen said softly, “sometimes I feel like you’re a god of war, always knowing how to defeat the enemy. But sometimes I’m also afraid…”

"afraid of what?"

“I’m afraid you’re too powerful, so powerful that you don’t need anyone else.” Chen Chen turned to look at him, “Including me.”

Zhang Yu reached out and put his arm around her shoulder: "Silly girl. Even the most powerful war god needs a place where he can take off his armor. You are my place."

Chen Chen leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes. The evening breeze blew by, carrying the warmth of the summer night and the distant hustle and bustle of the city.

At this moment, she felt at ease.

It's 11 p.m. on the set of "Awakening of Insects" in Hengdian.

Although most of the main cast and crew are in Beijing, filming for Group B is still ongoing. Today's shoot is Meng Ziyi's first film scene—she plays a female student working in a coffee shop, with only two lines and one shot.

"Don't be nervous," the assistant director reassured her. "Just do it like you're in training."

Meng Ziyi nodded, but her palms were sweating. She changed into a Republic-era student outfit—a blue top and a black skirt, two braids, and only a thin layer of foundation on her face, highlighting her girlish simplicity. The makeup artist applied some light pink lipstick to make her look healthier.

"All departments, prepare yourselves! Scene 37, one take, one shot, begin!"

Inside the café, a gramophone played Zhou Xuan's "Shanghai Nights." Meng Ziyi carefully placed a tray of coffee on a customer's table. Her hands trembled, and the coffee cup and saucer clinked softly.

"I'm sorry..." she said softly, her head down.

"Stop!" The assistant director frowned. "Meng Ziyi, you're too tense. Relax. You're just a student working, not a thief."

"I'm sorry, director, I'll do it again." Meng Ziyi took a deep breath.

After five takes, we finally got it right. Although her performance was a bit green, the girlish shyness and nervousness actually suited the character.

It was already 1 a.m. when they finished work. Meng Ziyi dragged her tired body back to the training camp dormitory, only to find that Zhang Yu's office light was still on.

She hesitated for a moment, then went over and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Zhang Yu was reading media reports following the Beijing press conference when he looked up and saw Meng Ziyi, somewhat surprised: "Still up so late?"

"Just finished work," Meng Ziyi said softly. "Director Zhang, why are you back? Weren't you in Beijing?"

"I took a flight back tonight." Zhang Yu closed his laptop. "How did the filming go today?"

“Not good…” Meng Ziyi lowered her head, “I was too nervous and had to do so many takes.”

“That’s normal,” Zhang Yu laughed. “It’s always like this when it’s your first time making a movie. Come and sit down.”

Meng Ziyi sat down opposite him. Zhang Yu poured her a glass of milk: "Drink some, it'll help you sleep."

"Thank you, Director Zhang." Meng Ziyi held the warm milk, feeling a warmth in her heart. "Director Zhang, am I... not very suitable for acting? I felt so stiff when I watched the playback today."

“Who said that?” Zhang Yu raised an eyebrow. “You have great talent, but you lack experience. Do you remember the dance you performed during your audition? That kind of vitality can’t be acted out; it’s innate.”

Meng Ziyi's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Why would I lie to you?" Zhang Yu leaned forward, looking at her. "Meng Ziyi, do you know what your greatest strength is?"

"What is it?"

“It’s about being real,” Zhang Yu said. “You don’t pretend, you’re not pretentious, you laugh when you’re happy, and you cry when you’re sad. This quality is very infectious in front of the camera. The audience will believe you because you are real.”

His eyes were so sincere that Meng Ziyi blushed: "Director Zhang, you're so good at complimenting people..."

“I’m just telling the truth,” Zhang Yu laughed. “But every strength has its weaknesses. Your weakness is that you don’t have enough self-control and you’re easily emotional. Acting requires the ability to control your emotions, and you need to know when to rein it in. You need to practice that more.”