Whose man is this?

The path of music was Shen Shanden's eternal pain.

In this era, singers earned more than actors. Very, very early on, before enrolling in Beijing Film Academy in '05, Shen Shanden planned to first become a top singer, then, when fan-driven movies emerged, cross over to become a director.

It was a pity that he was defeated before he could even begin his campaign.

Upon his rebirth in '03, confident he had a massive hit song in hand, he believed defeating Jay Chou, Wang Leehom, and David Tao would be a piece of cake.

The reality was the exact opposite.

He was branded a "net singer" and "non-mainstream."

Fans who listened to his music were ridiculed.

Although he used the internet for music creation, which was more trendy than traditional channels, he was portrayed as low-class.

Despite his songs reaching tens of millions of listeners, he was still considered non-mainstream.

Thinking back now, it was all about vested interests.

The most terrifying thing about net singers was that they bypassed the channels of record companies; songs gained popularity through internet dissemination.

If net singers could achieve the same status, especially by earning money through commercial gigs, their income would rival that of record company singers, and the record companies would be finished.

And at this moment, when it came to popular singers, there were regional divisions. Before Super Girl, idol singers and popular singers who attracted young fans were dominated by the Hong Kong and Taiwan circles.

Only after being thoroughly beaten did Shen Shanden realize, belatedly, that he had been "anti-fan-bombed."

In later generations, fan circles engaged in "anti-fan-bombing," using malicious tactics to suppress competitors of their idols.

Industry competition and circle competition would also use various means to maintain their dominant positions and protective moats.

The mainland's three major directors were sidelined, ancient costume blockbusters became the exclusive domain of Hong Kong and Taiwan directors, and even commercial films were controlled by them.

Hong Kong and Taiwan, having urbanized earlier, had marketing methods far superior to the mainland's at the time.

The Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry held significant power, not just in popular music but also in film.

Having suffered a setback, Shen Shanden naturally had to learn his lesson: "This time, I absolutely cannot fall into the same trap. Shenden Culture's strength in traditional channels is unquestionable, but hype and marketing are not their forte. We need to improve in this area."

Ma Youde voiced his thoughts.

"Boss, what do you think about this: using the company as the backbone, mobilizing your fans to organize fan clubs, guide comments, and promote the movie. Your transition into directing will be a huge morale boost for your fans."

"Okay," Shen Shanden agreed, adding, "Things are different now. The Grand Director project is a key project for China Film, with Director Han's support. I'm also considered an outstanding student representative of Beijing Film Academy now, so the media here will give us some face, more or less."

While Shen Shanden was learning from his mistakes, he wouldn't be overly self-deprecating.

"We'll do this openly and honestly, centering our efforts on promoting the movie. We need to let people know that a film called Grand Director is being shot, to make them aware of our movie's existence. Everything else is secondary."

"We're not trying to defeat anyone; that would be meaningless. No need to rush for immediate victory, and no blind counterattacks in public opinion."

"We need to pace ourselves. We can even appear a bit weak, even self-deprecating, to lower the guard of the relevant parties."

"Only when the movie is released will it be our time to strike."

Shen Shanden's approach was: if he didn't move, he wouldn't; but when he did, it would be like thunder.

His target had always been Paperclip. By taking over the release slot after Paperclip's run, a successful box office would mark a crucial leap.

"Our boss truly has foresight!"

Swish, swish, swish!

Ma Youde scribbled furiously, enlightened. "Following the path of integrity, boss. After your guidance, my understanding has deepened significantly."

January 25th.

2:00 PM.

Beijing Film Academy.

The Standard Screening Hall Auditorium.

This was one of BFA's most iconic venues, a place where countless film dreams began and were reviewed.

Outside the auditorium, a banner hung: "A Practical Achievement by the Management Department of Beijing Film Academy."

And on the stage, a heavy, deep red curtain draped across the back.

Above the curtain was the familiar Beijing Film Academy emblem.

A simple backdrop stood in the center of the stage, bearing the words: "Grand Director Project Launch Ceremony."

The wooden floor and tiered seating showed signs of age. The tall windows let in the grayish-white light of a Beijing winter afternoon, intertwining with the not-so-bright warm yellow overhead lights, illuminating the poster for Grand Director.

Two figures, one in front of the other, stood in a staggered position, their postures erect.

One stood in the sunlight, the other in the shadow.

Their gazes met, but their faces were both hidden in shadow.

The figure in the sunlight wore a Feiyu uniform with a Brotherhood of Blades, its base a profound ink color, adorned with gold and silver paintings. The Feiyu totem leaped to life, exuding imperial favor and majestic authority.

The Feiyu uniform fit snugly like armor, its folds moving like waves, every line speaking of power and combat.

The profound black rhinoceros leather scabbard of the Brotherhood of Blades hung diagonally at the side of the vermilion silk-and-gold Yisan sash, the scabbard itself featuring three sharp ridges running vertically.

Like the spine of a giant dragon, it was both an ceremonial instrument and a fierce weapon for punishing evil.

The gleam of the blade reflected imperial authority and heavenly might.

Another person, hidden in the shadows, wore a python-pattern uniform with the Hidden Scale Sword, a deep green robe tucked away, made of heavy silk brocade with a subtle cloud pattern sheen.

The upper body was tailored to fit, with sharp shoulder lines and a slightly cinched waist.

On the python-pattern uniform, a golden-scaled, four-clawed giant python coiled down from the left shoulder, its head held high over the chest.

The gold-embroidered scales shimmered in the light, the python's body snaked past the waist, disappearing into the folds of the hem.

Compared to the masculine and deadly Brotherhood of Blades, the Hidden Scale Sword was a true yin weapon, a sword that flickered in and out of sight between light and shadow. It was the "soul-snatching thorn" hidden in the deep palace's shadows, and the concealed claw that defended the principle that "dragons have scales, and touching them will incur wrath."

The bottom left of the poster.

The production credits listed The Grand Director, China Film Group, and Shenden Culture.

Backstage at the auditorium.

Shen Shanden greeted guests, discussing the steps for the upcoming launch ceremony.

At this moment, Shen Shanden recalled a few days prior, looking like he was facing a great enemy, which made him chuckle a little.

With a key project in hand and Han Sanping as his powerful backer, even his status as a Beijing Film Academy student suddenly felt different.

Everyone around him was good to him, as if he could ascend to the heavens by stepping on his left foot with his right, and everything he did felt divinely assisted.

Yu Jianhong looked at his disciple with great emotion, surprised that he was already gaining recognition: "Xiao Shen, you've brought me so much honor. The Dean personally mentioned you at the meeting, calling you an outstanding representative of our management department's practical teaching!"

"Don't feel pressured. No matter what difficulties you face, the school and your teachers will help you solve them."

Shen Shanden quickly expressed his gratitude: "I also have to thank the teachers and the school for their communication."

"That's because you've proven yourself." Yu Jianhong said with a smile.

Beijing Film Academy had not yet started its holiday break.

There was a spectacle to see, and the auditorium seats were packed, with no space even in the aisles.

The back rows and side areas were filled with students from the management, directing, literature, and even acting departments.

They held notebooks, their expressions focused yet tinged with excitement and scrutiny.

Some whispered amongst themselves, while others excitedly discussed, their attention and discussion focused on this project.

"The management department has produced an incredible figure."

"Look, that's Manager Wang from China Film entering! I heard he's in charge of many big films!"

"Senior Brother Shen is amazing! He's already independently producing! Even more impressive than the directing department!"

"Wu Jing! It's really Wu Jing! I saw him in Sha Po Lang, he was so fierce!"

"The Grand Director? This poster is interesting, it looks high-quality. I hope the movie is good."

Some students in the back rows were even taking photos with their low-pixel phones.

The atmosphere was lively.

"So many people."

Yuan Shanshan sat in a middle seat, exclaiming in surprise.

Da Mimi also looked at the crowd with astonishment.

What kind of event was this, to be so captivating?

Oh, it was the launch ceremony for her man's film project.