novellhall Chapter 89 A Delightful Encounter and a Romantic Meeting
Chapter 89 A Delightful Encounter and a Romantic Meeting
Chapter 90 A Delightful Encounter and a Romantic Meeting
Yanjing.
Inside the Second Ring Road.
Tian Erzhuang's courtyard house.
After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,
The conversation gradually shifted from the idea of a star-studded class at the Beijing Film Academy to Wei Yi's new drama.
"I've read the script for 'Detective Chinatown'."
Xie Xiaojin put down his chopsticks, picked up his teacup and rinsed his mouth. "Another commercial comedy. Xiao Wei, when are you going to make a real movie?"
Several people around nodded in agreement.
After all, in the eyes of these fifth-generation directors.
Commercial films are not for the elite, and comedies are even more for the common people.
Commercial comedy film —
If Wei Yi hadn't been the one preparing to film this, they probably wouldn't have even thought of mentioning it.
In their minds, this thing has absolutely no artistic merit!
"Let's wait until we finish filming Detective Chinatown."
Wei Yi had actually considered making art films, it's not that he's a literary youth.
He didn't want to win an award.
Wei Yi knew very well that in the hearts of his teachers, winning awards was the most important thing.
However, to everyone's surprise, Situ Zhaodun, the oldest, most experienced, and highest-ranking person present, spoke up: "Xiao Xie, what is a real movie? Tell me."
Xie Xiaojin paused, glanced at Situ Zhaodun, and cautiously asked, "For example, something with higher artistic merit, or an exploration of social phenomena, or something that could lead a trend of thought?"
Situ Zhaodun nodded expressionlessly, then shook his head. "What you said is both right and wrong."
"Teacher, I'd like to hear more details," Xie Xiaojin quickly said.
Situ Zhaodun glanced around at the crowd. Most of them were his students, and the rest were his grand-disciple Wei Yi and his grand-disciple's wife.
"Every era has its own art, and every era has its own film."
Szeto Chiu-tun: "But I've always felt that the attitudes of the two great men were the most correct."
Seeing that Tian Erzhuang and the others didn't seem inclined to speak after Old Situ finished, Wei Yi seized the opportunity and asked, "Master, what were the attitudes of those two great men?"
"One of them was a teacher. He once said at a literary and artistic symposium held in a cave dwelling that artists must first and foremost be cultured, and I think that's the truth!"
Everyone nodded quickly, and Wei Yi, a fan, nodded even more enthusiastically.
"Another one is from the Premier. Back then, when someone criticized Sichuan Opera, he said, 'If the people enjoy it, and you don't like it, who do you think you are? People from Sichuan like Sichuan Opera and face-changing, while people from Jiangnan love Pingtan, Huai Opera, and Yue Opera. What do you, a person from Beijing, need to approve?'"
"In my opinion," Situ Zhaodun began, "there's no such thing as a 'commercial film' or a 'comedy film.' A good film is one that has positive values and is popular with the public!"
"And those movies that are made but only a few people can understand and like are at best good movies for a minority."
Situ Zhaodun looked at Wei Yi, "Child, I hope you understand this."
I understand perfectly!
For a moment, Wei Yi felt that this grandmaster was really to his liking in this respect!
Movies are, first and foremost, consumer products that serve the general public.
Like novels, operas, and other literary works, it is not a necessity of life; rather, it is spiritual nourishment and a consumable that provides emotional value.
Therefore, great people are great people. They say things like, "Artists should be cultured," and "If the masses enjoy what they see and hear, who do you think you are?"
That's enough to explain everything.
After Situ Zhaodun spoke, no one mentioned having Wei Yi film the so-called "real movie" anymore.
Tian Erzhuang readily discussed the preparations for Detective Chinatown with Wei Yi.
"—As for the male lead, you've already chosen Bao Qiang."
Tian Erzhuang: "What about Qin Feng? Do you have anyone in mind?"
Wei Yi put down his chopsticks.
"I'd like to invite Pu Cunxi to play the role."
Xie Xiaojin was stunned.
Tian Erzhuang also put down his wine glass.
"I know Xiao Pu well."
Xie Xiaojin shook his head. "His acting is undeniable, and his image is suitable. But he doesn't really like commercial films. And since this is a comedy, the chances of him coming are slim."
Tian Erzhuang also chimed in, "Xiao Pu is too upright. He can't get past his own conscience when it comes to acting in comedies. Two years ago, someone invited him to act in a light comedy, and the script was even sent to his home, but he still turned it down in the end."
After listening, Wei Yi didn't insist.
He had just seen one of Pu Cunxi's plays a while ago.
The upright, handsome, and somewhat scholarly air he exuded on stage certainly suited his character Qin Feng in the modified version of Detective Chinatown.
But since both teachers have said so, let's change the person.
Commercial films don't need anyone.
"Then let's try someone else."
Wei Yi had a very long list of candidates in mind.
There are actually quite a few handsome and talented men in their thirties and forties in China.
Chen Daoming is one of them, although he doesn't really like him.
Of the Four Heavenly Kings on Hong Kong Island, Lau and Lai are both good.
The versatile actor Leung Ka-fai is also suitable. He can play both serious and comedic roles, portray major villains, and also carry the male lead in art films. Crucially, his salary is much lower than that of the Four Heavenly Kings.
And Leung Chiu-wai has already agreed to make a cameo appearance.
"I prefer Andy Lau and Leung Ka-fai."
Wei Yi voiced his thoughts: "Andy Lau's box office ability is undeniable; in Hong Kong, only Stephen Chow and Jackie Chan can surpass him. Tony Leung is cheaper, and his acting skills are sufficient."
After a moment's thought, Tian Erzhuang said, "Personally, I admire Liang Jiahui more."
Xie Xiaojin nodded in agreement: "Liang Jiahui is good. He has a wide range of roles and is very dedicated. I had dinner with him once two years ago; he's a down-to-earth actor."
Wei Yi immediately understood.
It was almost 10 o'clock when the show ended.
At the entrance of the courtyard house.
The April night breeze carried the fragrance of locust blossoms, and the faint sound of music from bars could be heard from Houhai in the distance.
Tian Erzhuang stood at the door, looking at Wei Yi with Mu Tingting standing to his left and Fan Binbin standing to his right.
He sighed and waved to Wei Yi.
Wei Yi walked over.
"When I was working in the countryside in northern Shaanxi, two girls were pursuing me at the same time."
Tian Erzhuang's voice wasn't loud, just loud enough for Wei Yi to hear, "But in the end, I married your teacher's wife."
Wei Yi looked at him: "So you mean, love is stronger than gold, one should choose only one to be with until the end, and of all the waters in the world, one should only take a sip?"
"no."
Tian Erzhuang remained expressionless. "What I mean is, I was poor back then and couldn't afford to raise two."
Wei Yi was stunned.
Tian Erzhuang patted him on the shoulder: "You're richer than me. But you also have more trouble. Figure it out yourself. Just don't ask the school to clean up your mess if something goes wrong."
After saying that, he turned and went inside.
Wei Yi stood in the alley, the evening breeze caressing his face.
Fan Binbin walked over and whispered beside him, "What did your teacher say to you?"
"It's nothing."
"Wei Yi, your teachers are so good to you."
Fan Binbin's tone was filled with genuine emotion.
Having been in the industry for so many years, she has seen too many so-called seniors mentoring juniors, which is nothing more than an exchange of interests and resources.
She had never seen anyone like these old guys from the Beijing Film Academy treat someone so sincerely.
Mu Tingting spoke softly from the side, "Only he gets this kind of treatment. The rest of us students don't—"
Wei Yi didn't take the bait.
He can't very well say it's because he cheated.
He looked to the left, then to the right: "Let's go. Get in the car."
Both women asked him at the same time, "Where are you going?"
"Back to the office. Overtime."
Fan Binbin:
'
Mu Tingting:
Li Hua followed from behind. Having drunk some wine, he grew bolder and muttered in a low voice, "Junior brother, are you planning to sleep with me tonight?"
"Senior brother, you're talking a lot today."
Li Hua shut up.
After three seconds, he spoke again: "You're awesome."
Wei Yi ignored him.
On the way back, Mu Tingting leaned on Wei Yi's left shoulder and fell asleep shortly afterward.
Fan Binbin looked out the window and suddenly whispered, "I'm really happy today."
"Um."
"I owe you more and more. What should I do?"
Wei Yi held her hand: "Pay it back slowly. No rush."
Fan Binbin smiled, leaned on his right shoulder, and closed her eyes.
Zhang Chuanmei, who was driving in front, saw this scene in the rearview mirror and sighed silently in her heart.
a few days later.
Monday, October 4.
8:00 AM, Terminal 2 of Beijing Capital International Airport.
Wei Yi was still dressed in his signature outfit: a white T-shirt with the words "Yanjing Film Academy" printed on it, straight-leg jeans, and sneakers.
Wang Xiao followed behind, dragging a huge suitcase, his forehead covered in sweat.
Wang Xiao, 23 years old, is a recent graduate of the Management Department of Beijing Film Academy. He wears black-rimmed glasses and has an honest and down-to-earth personality.
This is his first time going abroad; he just got his passport last week.
Because of his excellent English, Li Hua arranged for him to accompany Wei Yi on a business trip.
Wei Yi turned to look at him: "What did you bring so much of?"
Wang Xiao counted on his fingers: "Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, stomach medicine, cold medicine, band-aids, disposable bed sheets, compressed towels, two bottles of Lao Gan Ma chili sauce. General Manager Li said Thai food is too spicy and he's worried you won't be able to handle it, and also—"
"Stop. Keep Lao Gan Ma (the brand of chili sauce). You can handle the rest."
Before I went to the boarding gate, Fan Binbin called: "Have you boarded the plane yet?"
"Soon."
"Remember to wear sunscreen. The Thai sun is strong. Also, don't eat random things. And, if you see a pretty girl, don't—"
"Bad signal. Hung up."
"You dare hang up!"
It's over.
Wang Xiao silently took notes: The boss's girlfriend is Fan Binbin. Another girlfriend seems to be surnamed Mu. There's also a female classmate who often comes to the company to play games, surnamed Yang. Getting them mixed up will kill me. I have to remember them.
An airport announcement came over the loudspeaker: "Passengers traveling to Bangkok on flight CA979, please note that boarding is now beginning—"
While waiting in line, Wei Yi looked down at his phone, looking at the site survey information sent by Chen Acai.
His trip to Thailand was to scout locations and sign some agreements and contracts on behalf of the production team.
It mainly involves local production companies and the local government.
The Nokia N70 from 2006 had a pitifully small screen; a text message could only display a few lines of text.
Wang Xiao suddenly nudged Wei Yi's waist lightly: "Boss, boss, boss—"
"what?"
"Look over there—isn't that Gao Yuanyuan?"
Wei Yi looked up.
Gao Yuanyuan was coming out of the VIP channel with only a female assistant by her side, who was making a phone call with her head down.
She was wearing a simple white linen shirt, khaki wide-leg pants, and flat sandals.
Sunglasses pushed up to her forehead, revealing her entire face. No makeup. Her skin was glowing white. Long hair was casually draped over her shoulders, the ends slightly wavy.
Holding a Starbucks cup in his hand, he was looking down at his boarding pass.
In 2006, Starbucks had only opened fewer than thirty stores in Beijing, so it was still a relatively new concept.
Some passengers in the VIP lane recognized her and whispered among themselves, but no one went up to greet her.
These days, there's no concept of "fans greeting celebrities at the airport," and mobile phone photography isn't common. People who can afford VIP access don't necessarily chase after celebrities that much.
Wei Yi's first reaction: It's even better than what I saw on TV in my previous life.
His second reaction: In his past life, when he was a civil servant in a county town, he watched "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" on TV and thought Gao Yuanyuan was the most beautiful female star in the world.
Third reaction: Now this "most beautiful female celebrity in the world" is standing ten meters away from him, holding a Starbucks, looking down at her boarding pass with a confused expression. It seems she has gone to the wrong gate.
The system is shaking violently.
Red text with a flashing effect.
[Warning: A female cultivator with exceptional potential!]
Name: Gao Yuanyuan
[Sect: None (Rogue Cultivator)]
[Cultivation Level: Late Nascent Soul Stage (Top-tier actress, art-house film goddess, experience at three major film festivals)]
[Physique: A Yin-based rogue cultivator's physique, untrained by any sect's rules and uncorrupted by any demonic sect, making him one of the most suitable candidates to be recruited into our sect]
[Overall Evaluation: Ranked third among all female cultivators tested (Near Immortal Grade), only behind Gong Li (Immortal Grade) and Fan Binbin (Immortal Grade)]
[Initial favorability rating: 0 (passerby)]
[Status: Single, on vacation, relaxed; Difficulty: Low to Medium. A golden opportunity awaits, host, please seize it!]
Wei Yi closed the control panel.
You idiot, could you at least wait until I'm on the plane before you start acting crazy?
Gao Yuanyuan did indeed go to the wrong gate.
After her assistant hung up the phone, she said something to her, and her face showed a "I knew it" expression. Then she headed towards CA979.
They walked towards the boarding gate.
He happened to pass right in front of Wei Yi.
Wei Yi didn't look at her intentionally and continued to scroll through his phone.
But as she passed by, the strap of her handbag caught on Wei Yi's belt with a ripping sound.
Gao Yuanyuan looked down and quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry—"
Wei Yi looked up, and the two men's eyes met.
Gao Yuanyuan was stunned for a moment.
She had seen many handsome men, and many men obsessed with their own looks. But the man before her had such clear, innocent eyes.
Unlike the calculating look in the eyes of people in the industry.
But he's also very good-looking. Better-looking than many male celebrities.
"It's okay," Wei Yi said.
Gao Yuanyuan glanced down at his T-shirt, which had the words "Yanjing Film Academy" printed on it.
"Are you from Beijing Film Academy?"
"Yes."
Are you going to Thailand for tourism?
"No, it's more like a business trip, I'm going to film something."
Gao Yuanyuan glanced at him again: "You look very young. What year are you in college?"
"Freshman year".
Gao Yuanyuan laughed: "Going abroad to shoot something in your freshman year? That's impressive."
After she finished speaking, her assistant urged her to leave. Before leaving, she glanced back at Wei Yi, as if trying to recall something.
The name "Yanjing Film Academy" reminded her of something, but she couldn't quite place it.
Wang Xiao held his breath the whole time, and only whispered after Gao Yuanyuan had walked away: "Boss, Gao Yuanyuan is really beautiful."
"Um."
"Boss, did she recognize you?"
"Probably not."
"Then why has she been staring at you?"
"Because I'm good-looking."
Wang Xiao: "————"
I boarded the plane.
As luck would have it, Wei Yi's seat was right next to Gao Yuanyuan's.
Business class, 2A and 2B.
Gao Yuanyuan's female assistant, like Wang Xiao, was in economy class.
Gao Yuanyuan sat down first and was flipping through a magazine—the April 2006 issue of City Pictorial, with Gong Li on the cover.
Wei Yi put down his luggage, sat down, and glanced at the magazine cover.
Gao Yuanyuan noticed his gaze and took the initiative to speak: "What a coincidence, I didn't expect that we would be sitting next to each other."
"It's quite a coincidence."
Gao Yuanyuan noticed that Wei Yi's gaze kept falling on the magazine in her hand, and asked with a smile, "You want to read it too?"
"In no mood."
"You're lying. If you didn't want to, why were you staring at the cover?"
"This issue's cover photo is terrible."
Gao Yuanyuan was taken aback: "This is Gong Li. The photographer who took her picture is also a famous photographer. You're saying her picture is bad?"
"It's not that she's bad. It's that the photographer is bad. The light came from the left, which made Gong Li's cheekbones look high. Gong Li's cheekbones are already high, so the light should have come from slightly to the right of the front to soften the lines."
After listening to his analysis, Gao Yuanyuan looked him over again: "You studied photography?"
"Directing Department"
"Does the directing department also teach cinematography?"
"Taught by me. Eighty percent of the courses in the directing and cinematography departments are the same, but I learned cinematography on my own."
Gao Yuanyuan became interested.
She turned to another page, a preview of the April issue of VOGUE, four whole pages of photos of Wei Yi photographing Fan Binbin.
She turned the magazine over for Wei Yi to see: "Take a look at these photos and give your opinion."
Wei Yi glanced at it but didn't say anything.
Because it is his own work.
Gao Yuanyuan thought he didn't dare to comment: "This set of photos is for the VOGUE magazine spread featuring Fan Binbin. The photographer is that—what's his name again? He's the genius who got a perfect score on the college entrance exam last year and got into your Beijing Film Academy."
"Wei Yi".
"Yes! Wei Yi. Do you know him? You're both from Beijing Film Academy, you must have met him before, right?"
"I've seen him before. I see him often, I just saw him a moment ago."
He wasn't lying.
He just saw himself in the mirror in the airport restroom.
Gao Yuanyuan laughed: "So what does he look like in real life? Is he like the kind of person described online, where geniuses are all a bit eccentric? Quiet? Always taking pictures everywhere with a camera?"
"What do you think he should look like?"
Gao Yuanyuan tilted her head and thought for a moment: "Probably—not very talkative. A bit gloomy. Maybe wears glasses. Always wears all black."
"That might disappoint you."
Why?
"Because he's sitting right next to you."
Gao Yuanyuan was stunned and stared at his face for three seconds.
Then she suddenly realized.
"You—you just said Gong Li's cover photo was bad, you—you're Wei Yi?!"
"Didn't I just say that?"
"You just said 'not bad'! You didn't say you were Wei Yi!"
"You didn't ask."
Gao Yuanyuan opened her mouth, but for a moment she didn't know what to say.
Then she suddenly laughed.
That kind of laugh, made by realizing how stupid I was, was a mix of embarrassment and anger.
"Okay, okay, you really didn't say." She rolled her eyes cutely, then extended her slender, fair hand. "Then—shall we get to know each other again?"
Wei Yi reached out and grasped it.
It feels soft and cool, and it's very comfortable to hold.
"Hello, Gao Yuanyuan, I'm Wei Yi."
"Hello, Wei Yi."
Gao Yuanyuan smiled, her eyes narrowing: "I am Gao Yuanyuan."