The road of music had always been Shen Shanden's deepest pain.
In this era, singers earned more than actors. Back in the earliest days, before he enrolled at Beijing Film Academy in 2005, Shen Shanden had planned to become a top-tier singer first, then cross over into directing once fan-driven films took off.
Unfortunately, he had died before achieving his ambitions.
At the start of his rebirth in 2003, he had thought that with hit songs in hand, crushing Zhou, Wang, Lin, and Tao would be a piece of cake.
The truth was not merely different—it was the complete opposite.
The labels of "internet singer" and "non-mainstream" had been slapped onto him.
Even his listeners got mocked for listening to his songs.
Clearly, using the internet to create and distribute music was trendier than traditional channels, yet it had been branded as low-class.
Clearly, his songs had tens of millions of listeners, yet he was still considered non-mainstream.
Looking back now, it had all been about interests.
The most frightening thing about internet singers was that they bypassed record companies' distribution channels. Their songs became popular through online circulation.
If internet singers could attain equal status, especially if they could earn as much through commercial appearances as record-label singers, then record companies would be finished.
And at this point, even pop singers were divided by region. Before Super Girl, idol singers and pop singers who attracted young fans had been the domain of Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Only after Shen Shanden had been beaten senseless did he realize that he had been "suppressed."
In later years, fandoms had the practice of "suppression"—using malicious means to hold down the competitors of their own idols.
Industry competition and clique competition likewise used all sorts of methods to preserve their dominance and their moats.
The mainland's Big Three Directors had gone quiet, costume blockbusters had become food on Hong Kong and Taiwan directors' plates, and even commercial films were controlled by them.
Having urbanized earlier, Hong Kong and Taiwan were far ahead of the mainland in marketing methods.
Hong Kong and Taiwan currently wielded tremendous power in the entertainment industry. That was true for pop singers, and it was also true in film.
Having learned his lesson, Shen Shanden naturally needed to remember it. "This time, we absolutely cannot fall into the same trap again. There is no doubting China Film Group's strength in traditional channels, but hype and marketing are not China Film Group's strengths. We need to make up for that."
Ma Youde voiced his idea.
"Boss, how about this? We use the company as the backbone, then mobilize your fans and organize fan clubs to guide comments and promote the film. For your fans, your entry into directing is something that really lifts their spirits."
"Sure." Shen Shanden agreed, then added, "But times have changed. The Grand Director project is a key China Film Group project, and with Director Han backing it, I can now be considered an outstanding student representative of Beijing Film Academy. The media on our side will give us some face, more or less."
Shen Shanden had indeed learned from his mistakes, but he would not belittle himself either.
"Aboveboard and honest, with film promotion as the core. Let everyone know that a Grand Director film is being made. We need people to know this movie exists. Everything else is secondary."
"We are not trying to defeat anyone. That would be meaningless. We should not rush to fight over temporary gains, nor should we blindly counterattack in the court of public opinion."
"We need rhythm. Image-wise, we can even appear a little weak, even make fun of ourselves, and lower the guard of the relevant parties."
"We strike when the film is released."
Shen Shanden either did nothing at all, or moved with thunderous force.
From beginning to end, his target had been Paperclip. He wanted to take over the release slot after Paperclip left theaters, score a box-office success, and make the crucial leap.
"Boss, your foresight is truly extraordinary!"
Scratch, scratch, scratch!
Ma Youde took notes by hand, feeling enlightened. "Walking the path of integrity... Boss, after your guidance, my understanding has deepened all at once."
January 25.
2:00 p.m.
Beijing Film Academy.
Standard screening hall auditorium.
This was one of Beijing Film Academy's most iconic venues, as well as the place where countless cinematic dreams set sail and faced scrutiny.
Outside the auditorium hung a banner: Beijing Film Academy Management Department Practical Production.
On the stage, a heavy, deep-red curtain hung behind the platform.
Above the curtain was the familiar Beijing Film Academy emblem.
At the center of the stage stood a simple backdrop bearing the words: The Grand Director Project Launch Ceremony.
The wooden floor and tiered seats carried the marks of time. Pale gray-white winter afternoon light streamed through the high windows, intertwining with the dim warm-yellow ceiling lights inside and falling across the Grand Director poster.
Two figures stood one before the other, their positions staggered and their postures erect.
One stood in the sunlight, while the other was shrouded in shadow.
Their gazes met, yet both of their faces were hidden in darkness.
The figure in the sunlight wore a Feiyu uniform with a Brotherhood of Blades sword. Black formed the base, while gold and silver painted its details, and the flying-fish totem seemed ready to leap from it, displaying imperial favor and imposing majesty.
The Feiyu uniform fit like armor, its folds moving like waves. Every line spoke of strength and slaughter.
The Brotherhood of Blades sword's jet-black rhinoceros-hide scabbard hung diagonally at the waist of a vermilion, gold-woven robe, with three sharp ridges pressed vertically along its length.
Like the spine of a colossal dragon, it was both a ceremonial weapon and a vicious blade for cutting down traitors and evil.
Wherever its blade-light reached, it reflected the heavenly might of imperial authority.
The other figure, hidden in shadow, wore a Python pattern uniform with the Hidden Scale Sword. His dark blue-green robe was made from heavy brocade satin that gleamed with shadowy cloud patterns.
The upper garment was closely tailored, with crisp shoulder lines and a slightly drawn-in waist.
On the Python pattern uniform, a four-clawed golden python coiled down from his left shoulder, its head raised proudly over his chest.
The scales embroidered in gold thread glittered beneath the light. The python's body wound past his waist and disappeared into the folds of the hem.
Compared with the masculine, grim killing intent of Brotherhood of Blades, the Hidden Scale Sword was a truly sinister weapon: a longsword that flickered between light and darkness, a "soul-piercing thorn" concealed within the shadows of the deep palace, and the hidden claw that defended the principle that "the dragon has reverse scales, and whoever touches them will incur its wrath."
At the lower left corner of the poster.
The producers of The Grand Director were listed: China Film Group and Shenden Culture.
Backstage in the auditorium.
Shen Shanden received the guests and coordinated the steps for the launch ceremony to follow.
Thinking back to how he had treated it like a looming enemy just days ago, Shen Shanden found it a little funny.
With a key project in hand, Han Sanping as a powerful backer, and even his status as a Beijing Film Academy student suddenly transformed, everything had changed.
Everyone around him was a good person. He was practically stepping on his own left foot to spiral into the sky, and everything he did seemed blessed by fate.
Yu Jianhong looked at his student with deep emotion. He had not expected to start benefiting from Shen Shanden's success so soon. "Xiao Shen, you have truly brought me great honor. The dean personally named you during the meeting as an outstanding representative of our Management Department's practical teaching!"
"Don't feel pressured. Whatever difficulties arise, the school and your teachers will resolve them with you."
Shen Shanden hurriedly thanked him. "I also have to thank you, Teacher, for communicating with the school."
"You earned it yourself." Yu Jianhong beamed.
Beijing Film Academy had not yet gone on break.
With such excitement to watch, the auditorium seats were packed, and there was not even empty space in the aisles.
The back rows and side sections were filled with students from the Management Department, Directing Department, Literature Department, and even the Acting Department.
They carried notebooks, their expressions focused but tinged with excitement and scrutiny.
Some whispered among themselves, while others watched eagerly. All of them were deeply interested in and discussing the project.
"The Management Department has produced someone incredible."
"Look, that's China Film Group's Manager Wang going in! I heard he oversees a lot of major productions!"
"Senior Brother Shen is amazing! He's already producing independently! He's even more impressive than the Directing Department!"
"Wu Jing! It really is Wu Jing! I've seen him in SPL: Kill Zone. He was brutal!"
"The Grand Director? This poster is interesting. It looks high-quality. I just hope the movie turns out good."
Some students in the back rows were even taking photos with low-resolution phones.
The atmosphere was electric.
"There are so many people."
Yuan Shanshan sat in the middle section, marveling at the sight.
Da Mimi also looked at the crowd in surprise.
What kind of event was this, to attract so many people?
Oh, so it was the launch ceremony for her man's film project.
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