Huayu started from the Three Kingdoms period

Chapter 55 Xu Ying: A Handsome and Upright Man

Soon, only Guo Fan, who was doodling, and Xu Ying, who was observing him, remained in the lecture hall.

More than ten minutes passed before Guo Fan finally put down his pen.

He then noticed that there was someone sitting next to him, and thinking that he was blocking the other person's way, he hurriedly stood up and said, "Excuse me, classmate."

When Guo Fan stood up and saw the empty classroom, although he was puzzled, he still made way for her.

"Senior brother, no need to trouble yourself. I was just waiting for you, but I didn't want to disturb you because you were so focused." Xu Ying smiled gently.

"Wait for me?" Guo Fan pointed to himself. "Are you a directing student?"

Xu Ying revealed his identity and then planned to start by talking about science fiction, Guo Fan's favorite subject, to get closer to him.

"I'm Xu Ying, a senior in the Performing Arts Department. I just heard my senior talking about Chinese science fiction films, and I'd really like to chat with him about it."

"Oh, I'm Guo Fan, from the Production Department of the School of Management. As for my undergraduate major, I'm not afraid to tell you, I studied law."

"How can you laugh? This is amazing!"

Guo Fan was a little embarrassed when he revealed his major, as he felt that the field of study was too far removed from his own.

However, this was the first time Guo Fan had heard someone willing to talk to him about Chinese science fiction films; everyone preferred foreign science fiction, and even himself.

There's no way around it, the gap is just too big. Whether it's the story, the special effects, or anything else, they're all far inferior.

After Guo Fan sat down, Xu Ying asked, "Why do you want to make science fiction movies, senior brother? As far as I know, this path doesn't seem easy."

"Why do you want to make...?" Guo Fan was stunned, not expecting Xu Ying to ask this question. Without thinking, he replied, "Because China doesn't have its own sci-fi blockbusters."

Looking at the pure-looking senior brother in front of him, Xu Ying couldn't help but feel a little touched.

Contrary to his expectations, Guo Fan's answer was too simple and too direct.

Is it just because there isn't one, that you want to create one...? Xu Ying thought to himself, and suddenly felt that Guo Fan had a kind of almost naive courage.

Indeed, without this courage, Guo Fan would not have been able to make the "Wandering Earth" film series.

When Guo Fan talks about science fiction, his eyes light up.

Seeing that Xu Ying didn't respond, Guo Fan pushed up his glasses a little embarrassedly.

Her tone was still very serious. "I know it's like dreaming to say these things now, and I'm not a professionally trained director. I still have a long way to go."

"Can I see your notebook, senior?" Xu Ying pointed to the notebook on the table, which was covered with writing.

"Sure, feel free to look around."

Guo Fan made no attempt to hide anything and readily took the notebook.

Xu Ying opened his notebook, which contained his ideas for the plot and numerous storyboard sketches.

"This is a script I adapted from an animated film this year. It was also an attempt to localize a science fiction narrative, but it was really too difficult."

"However, I wanted to be a director, which is why I came to the Beijing Film Academy."

"Science fiction is my dream."

After graduating from university, Guo Fan has been self-studying filmmaking, and he also talked about the two short films he made.

He faced setbacks everywhere and realized that it would be difficult to become a director by self-study alone. However, since the Beijing Film Academy did not recruit directing students from Shandong Province this year, he applied for the management department and chose the production major.

Over two hours, the two talked about everything from the development of Chinese cinema to their vision for the future of film.

After this conversation, Xu Ying finally understood why Guo Fan was able to make "The Wandering Earth"—his pursuits were different from those of some other directors.

"Junior brother, it's our first time meeting today, and I have a very pleasant chat with you."

Guo Fan was surprised that Xu Ying, an actor majoring in acting, knew so much about movies.

Xu Ying smiled without saying a word; he was simply standing on the shoulders of giants.

The two walked out of the classroom.

"Senior, would you like to try making movies?" Xu Ying looked at Guo Fan. "I happen to have a script."

"A real movie."

That's right, Xu Ying decided to invite Guo Fan to join his team.

It was somewhat of a spur-of-the-moment decision. Although Guo Fan directed a sci-fi blockbuster like "The Wandering Earth," he had also directed a campus film called "My Old Classmate" before that.

Guo Fan was stunned. Making a movie?

Do you have a script?

Of course I want to, but it's strange that Xu Ying said it.

It's like a child running up to you with a martial arts manual and saying, "Do you want to become a martial arts master?"

Although he approved of Xu Ying, he still found it hard to believe.

"Is my junior brother kidding me?"

Xu Ying shook his head. "Of course not, I'm serious. Senior, you can consider it. You be the director, and I'll be the assistant director and lead actor. Let's make it big together!"

Guo Fan stood still, blinking his eyes behind his glasses, seemingly still processing Xu Ying's words.

A few seconds later, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice held a hesitant, uncertain tone: "Junior brother... are you serious? What kind of script is it?"

"A lighthearted urban romantic comedy, adapted from the novel 'Love is Not Blind'."

Xu Ying took out a copy of the script he always carried with him from his backpack and handed it over. "I've already bought the film and television adaptation rights. The story is about a girl's 33 days of self-healing after a breakup. I asked the original author to adjust the script and also gave some suggestions for revision."

Guo Fan took the script, flipped through a few pages, his eyes quickly scanning several lines of dialogue and scene cues. His brows furrowed slightly, then slowly relaxed. "This... has absolutely nothing to do with science fiction."

"But it's a good story, and it's very suitable as a director's feature film debut." Xu Ying said sincerely, "Senior, I know you have the stars and the sea in your heart."

"But you have to take it one step at a time. This film has a controllable budget, solid emotions, and vivid characters. If it's well-made, it will not only be a good learning experience but also allow the market to see your abilities."

"With this as a foundation, if you want to make science fiction films in the future, you will have a different say in finding investment and assembling a team."

Guo Fan remained silent, then lowered his head and flipped through a few more pages of the script.

"Why...why are you looking for me? I'm just a graduate student in management; I've never actually directed a feature film."

"Because of the question you asked in class today," Xu Ying smiled. "And I've seen the storyboard sketches in your notebook. Although they're immature, they have ideas and emotions. The most important thing for a director isn't technique, but the desire to express and aesthetic intuition, and I think you have those."

"Could I take the script back and take a closer look? If... if I think it's suitable, I'd like to try writing a director's statement first, and then we can talk again."

"Of course." Xu Ying nodded. "No rush. I'm preparing for another TV series audition. I should have more time after next week. Take your time, senior. If you have any ideas, we can discuss them anytime."

"Junior brother, you're not just teasing me, are you?"

"Don't worry, I'm not making this guarantee as an actor," Xu Ying patted his chest.

"And in what capacity?"

"A handsome and upright person."

Xu Ying turned and left, leaving Guo Fan with a handsome back view.

Guo Fan muttered, "A handsome and upright person..."

This junior brother is really interesting.

He glanced at the script in his hand, surprised that Xu Ying trusted him so much.

Guo Fan's eyes gradually brightened.