Ch. 261A Royal Flush in Hand

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun shifts focus to TV dramas after confirming movie release schedule.
  • Drawing the Sword and The Sky of History, Li Xun's dramas, sell for 480 million yuan each, with episode prices reaching 18 million and 15 million yuan respectively.
  • The three major video streaming sites plan to restrict TV drama procurement costs to below 7 million yuan per episode and cap actor salaries.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun feels a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment towards his past self's success in the entertainment industry.
  • Dai Ying feels undervalued and upset about not being informed about the TV drama price restriction plan by Penguin Video's management.
  • Li Xun decides to start his own streaming platform, inspired by Netflix, to have more control over his works.

Significant Themes

  • The rapid growth and intense competition in the entertainment industry, leading to exorbitant celebrity salaries and TV drama procurement prices.
  • The impact of market forces and capital market pressures on business decisions.
  • The desire for independence and control over one's work.

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun discusses the TV drama price restriction plan with Dai Ying, expressing his disapproval of the 7 million yuan per episode cap.
  • Li Xun meets with directors Song Liang, Jin Feng, and Kong Teng, assigning them new scripts for upcoming projects.
  • Li Xun shares his plans for starting a new streaming platform with Dai Ying, expressing his excitement and determination.

Ch. 262The Release of the New Film

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun shares his vision for "Netflix" with Dai Ying, who initially dismisses it as unrealistic.
  • Li Xun and Dai Ying discuss the challenges and potential of Li Xun's plan, with Li Xun remaining optimistic despite Dai Ying's concerns.
  • The premiere of Li Xun's movie "Sheep Without a Shepherd" is held, attracting a large crowd of industry professionals and fans.
  • Chen Yue, a self-media creator, decides to watch "Sheep Without a Shepherd" despite not being paid to review it.

Character Developments

  • Dai Ying initially doubts Li Xun's vision but later shows admiration for his confidence and determination.
  • Li Xun remains steadfast in his belief in his plan, using humor and self-praise to reassure Dai Ying.
  • Chen Yue, a movie buff and reviewer, feels a connection with the protagonist of "Sheep Without a Shepherd" and decides to watch the movie despite not being paid.

Significant Themes

  • The power of belief and determination in pursuing one's vision, despite skepticism from others (Li Xun's Netflix plan).
  • The impact of personal connections and networks in the entertainment industry (the large turnout at the movie premiere).
  • The role of personal interests and passions in driving one's actions (Chen Yue's decision to watch "Sheep Without a Shepherd").

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun and Dai Ying engage in a playful yet serious discussion about Li Xun's Netflix plan, with Li Xun using humor and self-praise to reassure Dai Ying.
  • Chen Yue interacts with other moviegoers, overhearing their discussions about "Sheep Without a Shepherd" and deciding to watch the movie himself.

Ch. 263The Masterpiece

Plot Points and Events

  • The protagonist, Li Weijie, and his family are suspected of murdering a rich second-generation heir, Sucha.
  • Li Weijie manipulates everyone's memories to provide false testimony for his family.
  • The police, led by La Yun, Sucha's mother and the police chief, investigate the case.
  • Li Weijie's family is interrogated, and his youngest daughter, Ann Ann, is tortured into confessing.
  • The police find a sheep's body instead of Sucha's in the yard, leading to a dead end.
  • Li Weijie reveals that Sucha's body is buried under the new police station building.

Character Developments

  • Li Weijie demonstrates his intelligence and meticulous planning in manipulating memories and outsmarting the police.
  • La Yun, Sucha's mother and the police chief, shows her sharp deductive skills and determination in solving the case.
  • Ann Ann, Li Weijie's youngest daughter, displays resilience under torture but eventually confesses.

Significant Themes

  • The manipulation and fallibility of human memory.
  • The lengths people will go to protect their families.
  • The cat-and-mouse game between a clever criminal and the authorities.

Character Interactions

  • Li Weijie's interactions with his family show his love and protectiveness towards them.
  • The tense standoff between Li Weijie and La Yun highlights their intelligence and determination.
  • Ann Ann's interaction with the police shows her vulnerability and eventual breaking point under torture.

Ch. 264Fermenting

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Yue's wife, Zhou Nianyun, contacts the publicity and marketing department of Li Xun's film without Chen Yue's knowledge, causing him to scold her for potentially damaging his professional reputation.
  • Chen Yue receives a private message from the film's staff, indicating they had seen his review.
  • Director Xiong Lin and his team discuss Li Xun's film and the current box office situation, expressing mixed feelings about Li Xun's work and the market's reception.
  • Li Xun and Dai Ying watch an unexpected, low-budget film called "Robbing the Bride" and are pleasantly surprised by its quality.

Character Developments

  • Zhou Nianyun: Shows initiative in promoting her husband's work but lacks understanding of industry norms and potential consequences.
  • Chen Yue: Displays professionalism and concern for his reputation, scolding his wife for her actions.
  • Director Xiong Lin: Struggles with comparisons to Li Xun and the changing film landscape, expressing both frustration and admiration for Li Xun's choices.
  • Li Xun: Maintains confidence in his film's quality despite its box office ranking, showing curiosity and appreciation for unexpected films.

Significant Themes

  • The impact of paid reviews and online hype on a film's reception and box office success.
  • The comparison and competition between domestic and international films, particularly during the Spring Festival period.
  • The importance of staying true to one's artistic vision and not being swayed by market pressures or expectations.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Yue and Zhou Nianyun: Their interaction highlights the tension between personal initiative and professional norms, with Chen Yue expressing his disapproval of Zhou Nianyun's actions.
  • Director Xiong Lin and his team: Their conversation reveals their mixed feelings about Li Xun's film and the current market trends, as well as their respect for Li Xun's choices.
  • Li Xun and Dai Ying: Their interaction shows their shared appreciation for unexpected films and their ability to find enjoyment in movies beyond their own production.

Ch. 265Black-Horse Potential

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun, impressed by "Robbing the Bride," calls Wang Xiaoyu, the son of BoDa Group's CEO, to recommend the film.
  • Wang Xiaoyu increases the film's screenings from 1% to 4% and promotes it on Weibo.
  • Director Wei Zhe receives news that the film is not being taken off the screens but is instead getting more screenings.
  • "Sheep Without a Shepherd" gains traction due to its word-of-mouth, reaching 730 million in box office revenue by the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.
  • "Robbing the Bride" shows signs of being a dark horse, with increased screenings and box office revenue.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun: Shows his influence and goodwill by recommending "Robbing the Bride" to Wang Xiaoyu.
  • Wang Xiaoyu: Demonstrates his power and willingness to support a film based on Li Xun's recommendation.
  • Director Wei Zhe: Struggles with the initial failure of "Robbing the Bride" but finds hope when the film's prospects improve.
  • Song Xin (Wei Zhe's wife): Stands by her husband, encouraging him and supporting him throughout the film's journey.

Significant Themes

  • The power of word-of-mouth and organic promotion in film success.
  • The influence of industry connections and recommendations on a film's fate.
  • The struggle and perseverance of filmmakers in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun and Wang Xiaoyu: Li Xun's recommendation leads Wang Xiaoyu to support "Robbing the Bride."
  • Wei Zhe and Song Xin: The couple supports each other through the film's ups and downs.
  • Wei Zhe and Wang Xiaoyu (indirectly): Wei Zhe tries to express gratitude to Wang Xiaoyu but is told it's unnecessary, as Wang Xiaoyu was influenced by Li Xun's recommendation.

Ch. 266Final Box Office

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Box office battle between "Little Ghost Big Trouble 2" and "Sheep Without a Shepherd" during the Spring Festival.
  • "Sheep Without a Shepherd" gains momentum through word-of-mouth marketing and increases its screenings, eventually topping the box office charts.
  • "Robbing the Bride" exceeds expectations, earning over 200 million yuan.
  • Li Xun's company projects for 2016: Terminator, The Legend of Zhen Huan, Sin, and I Am Yu Huanshui.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun: Recognized as a box office powerhouse; his name attracts audiences to his films.
  • Wei Zhe: Expresses gratitude to Li Xun and joins Flower-Fruit Mountain Pictures.

Significant Themes

  • The power of word-of-mouth marketing and audience loyalty in determining a film's success.
  • The influence of a director's reputation on a film's box office performance.

Character Interactions

  • Netizens argue online about the quality and box office performance of both films.
  • Wei Zhe visits Li Xun to express gratitude and joins his company.
  • Li Xun meets with Yang Bin to discuss Terminator's preparations.

Ch. 267Adjusting Half the Entertainment Industry

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The auditions for 'The Legend of Zhen Huan' are held at the Liu Family Class Opera Culture Center.
  • The auditions attract a large number of celebrities, including top-tier actresses, due to the potential for the role to launch or boost their careers.
  • Li Xun, the director, arrives and begins the auditions, focusing on the actresses' demeanor and ability to portray palace women.
  • Han Yingxue, one of the candidates for the lead role of Zhen Huan, delivers a powerful performance in the miscarriage scene, moving both the director and the other actors.
  • Zhang Jia and Su Anna, the other candidates for Zhen Huan, decide not to compete further after seeing Han Yingxue's performance, with Zhang Jia asking for another role and Su Anna deciding to perform a different, equally challenging scene.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun: The director shows his emotional nature, being moved by Han Yingxue's performance.
  • Han Yingxue: Demonstrates her exceptional acting skills, particularly in the miscarriage scene, which impresses the directors and actors.
  • Zhang Jia and Su Anna: Both actresses show professionalism and sportsmanship by not continuing to compete for the role of Zhen Huan after seeing Han Yingxue's performance, instead asking for other roles or choosing to perform different scenes.

Significant Themes

  • Ambition and Competition: The actresses' desire to secure the lead role and the potential career boost it offers drives the competition among them.
  • Professionalism and Sportsmanship: Zhang Jia and Su Anna exhibit these qualities by gracefully accepting Han Yingxue's superior performance and asking for other roles or performing different scenes.
  • Emotional Depth: The scene of Zhen Huan's miscarriage highlights the emotional richness of the script and the characters, which the actresses must convey to secure the role.

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun and the Actresses: The director interacts with the actresses, observing their performances and making notes for his final decision.
  • Actresses Among Themselves: The actresses exchange glances and communicate non-verbally, showing their awareness of each other's performances and the competition for the role.
  • Han Yingxue and Director Kong Teng: Their scene together showcases Han Yingxue's ability to draw her co-actor into her performance, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene.

Ch. 268Scheming and Strife

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhen Huan's rise in the palace leads to schemes against her, resulting in a miscarriage.
  • Consort Hua, the mastermind behind the scheme, is demoted but not severely punished, fueling Zhen Huan's resentment towards the Emperor.
  • Shen Meizhuang, Zhen Huan's confidante, takes her to the Cold Palace, inspiring Zhen Huan to fight back.
  • Together, they orchestrate Yu's Scheme, deal with Imperial Concubine Li, and bring down Consort Hua.
  • Zhen Huan persuades the Emperor to reinstate Consort Hua's title, leading to the Nian family's execution and Consort Hua's fall.
  • Shen Meizhuang has a daughter with an Imperial Physician and entrusts this secret to Zhen Huan.
  • Shen Meizhuang's death scene is a significant moment in the story.

Character Developments

  • Zhen Huan: Becomes more determined and strategic in her fight against Consort Hua and the Emperor.
  • Shen Meizhuang: Shows unwavering loyalty and support to Zhen Huan, even after learning about her plan to reinstate Consort Hua.
  • Emperor: Reveals his lack of personal affection in prioritizing political matters over Zhen Huan's feelings.

Significant Themes

  • Power struggles and manipulations within the palace.
  • The importance of loyalty and friendship, as seen in Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang's bond.
  • The Emperor's detachment from personal affections and the consequences of his decisions.

Character Interactions

  • Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang: Their deep sisterly bond and mutual support drive the plot forward.
  • Zhen Huan and the Emperor: Their relationship becomes strained due to the Emperor's lack of action against Consort Hua.
  • Zhen Huan and Consort Hua: Their rivalry escalates, leading to Consort Hua's downfall.
  • Zhen Huan and the other consorts: Zhen Huan learns about their resentment towards the Emperor, fueling her determination to fight back.

Ch. 269None of Them Were Simple

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Su Anna and Han Yingxue audition for the role of Zhen Huan.
  • Su Anna's performance is exceptional, evoking strong emotions and impressing the directors and audience.
  • Han Yingxue requests and is granted the role of Consort Hua after losing the lead role to Su Anna.
  • Many supporting roles are cast during the concentrated auditions.

Character Developments

  • Su Anna: Proves her acting prowess and secures the lead role of Zhen Huan.
  • Han Yingxue: Accepts the role of Consort Hua after losing the lead role, demonstrating professionalism.
  • Li Xun: Shows diplomatic skills in handling the situation between Su Anna and Han Yingxue.
  • Kong Teng: Reveals his preference for Su Anna but maintains neutrality due to Li Xun's intervention.

Significant Themes

  • Acting and performance: The chapter highlights the power of acting to evoke emotions and immerse the audience.
  • Professionalism: Both Su Anna and Han Yingxue display professionalism in accepting their roles and handling the situation.
  • Diplomacy: Li Xun demonstrates his diplomatic skills in managing the rivalry between the two actresses.

Character Interactions

  • Su Anna and Han Yingxue: Their rivalry is evident, but they maintain respect and professionalism towards each other.
  • Li Xun and Kong Teng: They work together, with Li Xun playing the role of peacemaker and Kong Teng revealing his preference for Su Anna.
  • Su Anna and Zhu Yao: Zhu Yao supports Su Anna both on and off-screen, showing their close friendship.

Ch. 270Sci-Fi Strikes Back

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun's new film, Terminator, begins production with a press conference.
  • The film's plot revolves around a future nuclear war, humanity's near-extinction, and a resistance led by a hero against machine-controlled robots.
  • The crew starts filming the first scene with the female lead, Panna, working as a waitress.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun shows confidence in his work, refusing to acknowledge Machine Heart as an influence, despite industry norms.
  • Yang Bin and Peng Yan, the male leads, express discomfort with their upcoming nude scenes but ultimately decide to act them out themselves.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle for humanity's survival and dignity against oppressive machines.
  • The potential of Huaxia's film industry to produce excellent sci-fi works, mirroring the country's economic rise.

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun clashes with reporters and his own crew by refusing to acknowledge Machine Heart as an influence.
  • Yang Bin and Peng Yan discuss their discomfort with nude scenes, showing camaraderie.
  • Li Xun and Su Jiangbo have a tense exchange about Li Xun's behavior at the press conference.

Ch. 271Shooting

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun changes the names of the main characters to fit the Chinese context.
  • The crew films Kanna's reaction to hearing about a woman with the same name being killed on the news.
  • Li Xun struggles to film Yang Bin's Terminator scene, taking two nights to complete it.
  • The crew films Peng Yan's nude scene, encountering background noise from a nearby couple kissing.
  • The Terminator hunts down potential mothers of the human resistance leader, planning to kill them all.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun shows his meticulousness and high standards as a director, pushing the crew to strive for perfection.
  • Yang Bin and Peng Yan face challenges in their respective scenes, with Yang Bin's Terminator scene being particularly difficult to film.
  • Kanna, the main character, is introduced in a scene where she learns about a woman with the same name being killed.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle and tedium of filmmaking, with a single shot requiring numerous takes.
  • The importance of attention to detail and striving for perfection in art and craftsmanship.
  • The challenges and pressures faced by actors in demanding roles.

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun interacts with the crew, providing guidance and encouragement, but also pushing them to improve.
  • The crew works together to overcome challenges, supporting each other through difficult scenes.
  • A young couple's kissing session near the filming location causes background noise, leading to an amusing interruption in the filming process.

Ch. 272A Release Date Is Set, and the Film Industry Is Developing a Fear of Li Xun

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The film crew finishes shooting Terminator and holds a wrap party.
  • Li Xun returns home and spends time with his family.
  • Terminator's release date is set for September 30th, causing another major film, Exorcism, to change its release date.

Character Developments

  • Kanna (Kang Xin) improves her acting skills under Li Xun's guidance, learning to convey fear and panic more realistically.
  • Li Xun's son, Xiao Siyuan, becomes more familiar with his father after they reunite.
  • Dai Ying commits to establishing Netflix and faces a heavy workload.
  • Li Xun manages Terminator's post-production and release preparations.

Significant Themes

  • Fear and panic in the face of danger (through Kanna's character).
  • The impact of technology and artificial intelligence on society (discussed by Dai Qingshan).
  • The influence of a film's release on the market (Terminator's effect on Exorcism's release date).

Character Interactions

  • Kanna and Li Xun work together to improve her acting, with Li Xun providing constructive feedback.
  • Li Xun and his family reunite, with Xiao Siyuan initially being unfamiliar with his father but warming up to him.
  • Dai Ying and Li Xun discuss their respective workloads and support each other.
  • Dai Qingshan and Li Xun discuss Terminator's plot and potential box office success.

Ch. 273The Premiere, the Undisputed Star

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Director Ma Dayong's film 'Strive, Ex!' and Wei Zhanhe's 'Exorcism' change their release dates to avoid Li Xun's 'Terminator'.
  • 'Terminator' premieres on September 30th, becoming the sole major release during the National Day slot.
  • Li Xun considers writing another book but is hesitant due to high expectations.

Character Developments

  • Ma Dayong: Confident in his film's success but feels threatened by Li Xun's 'Terminator'.
  • Tian Qiuer: Feels wronged and taken advantage of as Director Ma's Girl.
  • Li Xun: Reflects on his literary career and the expectations for his next book.

Significant Themes

  • Competition and rivalry in the film industry.
  • The pressure of living up to past achievements and high expectations.
  • The commercialization and politics of film releases.

Character Interactions

  • Ma Dayong interacts with his crew, displaying arrogance and entitlement.
  • Li Xun discusses his literary career with Dai Ying and Editor-in-Chief He.
  • Netizens and industry professionals discuss and anticipate 'Terminator's' release.

Ch. 274Terminator: So Powerful It Left You Breathless

In "Terminator," Director Ma Dayong, once arrogant and successful, is forced to reschedule his film to avoid Li Xun's "Terminator." He reflects on his past arrogance and decides to watch Li Xun's film to learn from the younger generation. Disguised, he attends a screening with an enthusiastic moviegoer who criticizes Ma's films and praises Li Xun's work. During the movie, Ma is initially dismissive but becomes increasingly engrossed in the intense, suffocating tension created by Li Xun's film. The chapter highlights the themes of humility, learning from the younger generation, and the evolving standards of audiences and filmmakers. Key plot points include Ma's decision to watch Li Xun's film, his encounter with the enthusiastic moviegoer, and his reaction to the movie. Character developments include Ma's realization of his past mistakes and his determination to learn from younger directors. Significant themes include the changing nature of the film industry, the importance of humility and learning, and the evolving standards of audiences. Character interactions include Ma's conversation with the enthusiastic moviegoer and his internal dialogue throughout the movie.

Ch. 275A Mind-Blowing Idea

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Terminator's unkillability and relentless pursuit of Kanna are revealed.
  • Li Kai, a time-traveling soldier from the future, reveals the truth about the Terminator and Kanna's importance in the future.
  • Kanna and Li Kai are separated, and the Terminator attacks the police station.
  • Kanna and Li Kai reunite, and they sleep together, hinting at a future pregnancy.
  • The Terminator is finally terminated, and Kanna drives towards an uncertain future.

Character Developments

  • Kanna evolves from a terrified, ordinary woman to a resilient survivor who trusts and loves Li Kai.
  • Li Kai remains steadfast in his mission to protect Kanna, ultimately sacrificing himself.
  • The Terminator's relentless pursuit highlights its single-minded, unstoppable nature.

Significant Themes

  • The cyclical nature of cause and effect, with the future influencing the past and vice versa.
  • The power of imagination and creativity in storytelling, as seen in Li Xun's work.
  • The horror of future technology and the potential dangers of unchecked AI development.

Character Interactions

  • Kanna and Li Kai's relationship deepens, from initial mistrust to love and mutual dependence.
  • The Terminator's interactions with its targets highlight its single-minded, unstoppable nature.
  • The audience's reaction to the film reflects their enthusiasm and appreciation for Li Xun's work.

Unanswered Questions and Future Implications

  • The identity of Kang Kunlun's father remains ambiguous, leaving room for potential sequels.
  • The fate of humanity in the future remains uncertain, as Kanna drives towards an unknown future.
  • The impact of the film on the domestic film market and the industry's perception of Li Xun's talent.

Ch. 276Box Office, a New Record

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Terminator, a Huaxia sci-fi film, receives widespread acclaim and breaks box office records.
  • On its opening day, Terminator's roadshow events are held in various cinemas, with the crew interacting with fans and checking the real-time box office.
  • Terminator's opening day box office surpasses 400 million, setting a new record.
  • Li Xun, the director, reveals at a roadshow that scripts for Terminator 2 and 3 are already completed.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun, the director, remains calm and composed despite the film's success, raising his actors' respect for him.
  • Actors Yang Bin, Peng Yan, and Kang Xin grow closer to Li Xun, feeling a mix of awe and reverence towards him.

Significant Themes

  • The power of collective effort and fandom in supporting a film's success (seen in the spontaneous movement to protect Terminator's rating).
  • The impact of a film's success on the director's reputation and the crew's emotions.

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun interacts with his actors, showing a mix of sternness and approachability, fostering a close-knit crew.
  • Actors Yang Bin, Peng Yan, and Kang Xin bond with each other and Li Xun, creating a supportive and lively atmosphere.
  • Li Xun and Dai Ying discuss malicious reviews and the film's box office success at home.

Ch. 277A Hilarious Hit: Li, the Soul Dancer

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun, the director, dances at a roadshow, captivating the audience with his unique and energetic style, dubbed the "Soul Dancer Li."
  • The dance, a mix of country and modern styles, goes viral on social media, boosting Terminator's box office success.
  • Terminator breaks records, including 500 million yuan in a single day and 4 billion yuan in total box office, unprecedented for a domestic film.
  • Li Xun promises to dance a new routine if Terminator reaches 4 billion yuan.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun: Gains fame as a "soul dancer," remains humble and focused on his work despite the attention.
  • Peng Yan: Initially embarrassed by Li Xun's dance, later becomes enthusiastic and learns the dance himself.
  • Kang Xin, Yuanfang, and other actors: Grow more confident and united as a team, celebrating their success together.

Significant Themes

  • The power of unexpected talent and creativity in captivating audiences.
  • The impact of social media on film promotion and box office success.
  • The importance of teamwork and unity in achieving extraordinary results.

Character Interactions

  • Li Xun and the audience: Connects with the audience through his dance, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.
  • Li Xun and his crew: United by their shared success, they celebrate together and support each other's growth.
  • Li Xun and Peng Yan: Li Xun involves Peng Yan in his dance, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility.

Ch. 278Cool, the Wonder of Chinese Cinema

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun's film, Terminator, becomes a massive success in the Huaxia film market, with a predicted box office of 4 billion.
  • The film's success stuns the domestic film industry and garners mixed reactions from netizens.
  • In the US, MIT students praise Terminator, with one student, Zuo Hongfei, planning to watch it.

Character Developments

  • Li Xun, a post-80s Director, gains recognition and success with Terminator.
  • Zuo Hongfei, a student studying abroad, becomes curious about Terminator after hearing his classmates' praises.

Significant Themes

  • The rise of Huaxia's film market and its potential to surpass Hollywood.
  • The impact of Terminator on both domestic and international audiences.
  • The cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between Huaxia and American movies.

Character Interactions

  • MIT students discuss and praise Terminator, inviting Zuo Hongfei to watch it with them.
  • Zuo Hongfei calls Xu Jiaying, and they both watch Terminator together with their classmates.

Ch. 279Michael Jackson Xun?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang Lei, a film critic, argues with a Li Xun fan about Terminator's quality and success, leading him to research and discover the film's global impact.
  • Terminator breaks box office records in North America and is set to become the highest-grossing Huaxia film there.
  • Li Xun promises a dance performance if Terminator's box office exceeds 4 billion, which it does. CCTV invites him to perform on their variety show, Shine and Show Off.
  • Li Xun and his team rehearse for the performance, with Li Xun planning to sing and dance to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean.

Character Developments

  • Yang Lei: Realizes his prejudice against domestic sci-fi films and acknowledges Terminator's global success.
  • Li Xun: Prepares for his dance performance, working with a professional dance coach and considering the appropriateness of his moves for CCTV.

Significant Themes

  • National pride and soft power: Terminator's global success is seen as a victory for Huaxia's film industry and a boost to the country's international image.
  • Prejudice and bias: Yang Lei's initial underestimation of Terminator and domestic sci-fi films highlights the importance of open-mindedness and objective evaluation.

Character Interactions

  • Yang Lei and the Li Xun fan: Their online argument leads Yang Lei to reassess his views on Terminator and domestic sci-fi films.
  • Li Xun and his team: They rehearse together for the dance performance, with Li Xun considering the input of the professional dance coach.
  • Li Xun and Director Zhang Changhe: Zhang invites Li Xun to perform on Shine and Show Off, leading to a discussion about the appropriateness of Li Xun's dance moves for CCTV.

Ch. 280Taking the Nation by Storm!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Xun performs an incredible dance at the CCTV training hall, leaving the art director, Ms. Wen Xin, stunned and speechless.
  • The latest season of CCTV's Shine and Show Off premieres, featuring Li Xun's dance performance.
  • Online discussions about Li Xun's dance range from skepticism to extreme praise, with many viewers expressing disbelief and curiosity.

Character Developments

  • Ms. Wen Xin, the art director, is shown to be highly critical and discerning, initially doubting Li Xun's dancing abilities but later being completely amazed by his performance.
  • Li Xun is portrayed as a talented and innovative dancer, capable of integrating multiple dance styles seamlessly and creating a unique and captivating performance.

Significant Themes

  • The power of art and performance to evoke strong emotions and inspire awe.
  • The impact of hype and promotion on public perception and reception of artistic works.
  • The tension between professionalism and amateurism in the arts, and the potential for outsiders to bring fresh perspectives and innovation.

Character Interactions

  • The interaction between Ms. Wen Xin and Li Xun highlights the contrast between a critical, professional eye and the raw talent and creativity of an amateur.
  • Online discussions among netizens showcase the diversity of opinions and reactions to Li Xun's dance, ranging from skepticism and criticism to extreme praise and admiration.
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