Directing on the Ark, Success if Not Banned

However, at this moment, Kal'tsit also offered her suggestion, saying to Chen Qi, who was at a loss: "Victoria has just declared its secession, public discontent is extremely high, and the eight dukes are all plotting their own schemes. War is about to break out."

"But most people in Victoria definitely do not want war, so why not use this to greatly reduce the morale of the Victorian people, making them less inclined to fight."

"...But this clearly can't be solved by simply making some anti-war films. The suggestions of the Victorian people often cannot influence the dukes' decisions. The real task is to prevent the eight dukes from having a legitimate reason to wage war."

"A reason for war..."

However, Chen Qi fell into deep thought upon hearing this... He couldn't come up with a good solution for the time being. But his serious thinking, when seen by Kal'tsit, Amiya, Vina, and others, gave them a different perspective.

So... someone as bold and daring as Director Chen Qi, who wrote such scripts, was actually not the kind of person who would act recklessly, relying on his mystery and abilities.

Kal'tsit had encountered many mysterious beings. Most of them possessed abilities beyond human comprehension. They might be colossal beasts, or entities that called themselves "gods." Their status and power naturally made them feel superior to other life forms, believing they could manipulate others' lives at will.

For example, the legendary "Troupe Leader" of the Scarlet Troupe, or some colossal beasts... And when Kal'tsit saw Chen Qi produce a potion that could cure Oripathy, she was convinced that Chen Qi was definitely a mysterious being.

But despite his mystery... he didn't place his own life above others. Instead, he was distressed by his own mistakes and carelessness... This was a good thing for Rhodes Island, which was about to cooperate with Chen Qi.

Especially Kal'tsit, who was relieved. She had feared that Chen Qi would be an unruly individual, someone who would resurrect no matter how many times he was killed, and thus would have no fear of death or threats. He might cause great upheaval simply for his own amusement because he "could do it."

Now, it seemed Chen Qi was not that terrifying. He was even so pure that he didn't seem like a being that could be nurtured by Terra... It was truly comforting.

However, at this moment, Vina, the Crown Prince of Victoria, shared similar thoughts with Kal'tsit. Although her emotions were barely stirred upon hearing about her country's disintegration, she felt a sense of melancholy.

Even though she had barely enjoyed the conveniences of royalty, she knew her lineage and the responsibilities she had to bear... Now, watching the country her ancestors had built crumble before her eyes, she naturally felt saddened.

However, Chen Qi, who was one of the "instigators," displayed a look of guilt, which quietly made Vina see a glimmer of hope...

Perhaps, like Theresis, she could rely on the abilities of this person who had facilitated Victoria's division?

After all, if he had the ability to tear Victoria apart with just a TV series, then he must also have a way to promote Victoria's reunification, right?

It was just that Vina felt a bit disheartened. With nothing to her name now, how could she hire Chen Qi? She was penniless and had no capital to speak of.

The "reward" she could offer... As Vina thought, she subconsciously seemed to recall something, her cheeks flushing slightly before she immediately shook her head.

"Impossible. That guy isn't lacking in beautiful women around him... Besides, doing that would make me exactly like the leader of the [Deep Pool], wouldn't it?"

Vina still remembered the leader of the [Deep Pool] whom she had met once in Londinium. The greedy expression she had seen on that person's face, as if wanting to devour Chen Qi alive, made Vina feel that she absolutely could not be like that.

But if not, then what? Vina fell into a long silence. She suddenly realized that, apart from her initial idea, she had nothing else that could impress Chen Qi...

...I should really think about it. Vina shook her head, ultimately unable to make up her mind. She decided to wait and see if Chen Qi, that genius, had any good ideas first. She wasn't in a hurry to make a decision.

Chapter 73: A New Film! Depicting Light in Victoria's Darkness?

"So, everyone, what are your thoughts on this matter concerning Victoria?"

Within Rhodes Island, ever since hearing the news of Victoria's secession, Chen Qi had been restless. He quickly convened everyone from the Art Troupe to discuss the issue.

"Although I'm reluctant to admit it, my script might have directly contributed to Victoria's secession... If, as a result, Victoria plunges into civil war because of me, I will honestly feel uneasy, everyone."

"Just for the sake of my conscience being a little more at peace, I ask for your support for this idea. This time, even if we lose money, we must find a way to stop it... Perhaps it's impossible, but at least, delaying the scale of Victoria's civil war would be good."

As soon as Chen Qi's idea was voiced, it received the support of everyone in the Art Troupe. They could all see that this matter was causing Chen Qi anxiety, and no one wanted to make things difficult for him. They all expressed their support for Chen Qi's idea.

After all, their lives were given by Chen Qi. The Art Troupe would support Chen Qi's next step, regardless of whether the decision was good or bad.

"Director, why not choose an anti-war theme? A film can definitely change the situation," Patriot also suggested.

"But the problem is that ordinary anti-war themes are not enough to stop an impending war. These films that advocate for peace haven't truly achieved their anti-war effect."

Talulah had also done a lot of homework during this time. She didn't want to be a mere decoration next to Chen Qi. Although her current skill level was such that Chen Qi could confidently let her supervise filming, she still hoped to be someone who could share Chen Qi's burdens.

To this end, she had watched a large number of films produced locally on Terra, including those with anti-war themes. However, she found that no matter how many times these films were shown, they couldn't truly prevent the outbreak of war.

"The depiction and portrayal of war... some even turn into war films as they are being made, completely failing to serve their anti-war purpose."

"Moreover, anti-war themes are actually quite unpopular," Alina chimed in, nodding. As the third-in-command of the team, she also offered her suggestion:

"In fact, many countries have imposed restrictions on anti-war films in recent years... especially Ursus. Victoria doesn't have as many restrictions, but if it were produced by us..."

"...If it were produced by us, it would definitely be restricted."

Chen Qi was currently in a state of anxiety. However, it was useless to say things like "if only I hadn't filmed 'Yes, Minister' back then." What Chen Qi was most anxious about now was something else.

"Furthermore, even if we make an anti-war film, we don't have enough manpower. Although everyone in the Art Troupe can act as extras, these few people are clearly not enough for large-scale war scenes."

"And there are all sorts of props, explosions, battlefields..."

"More importantly, we don't have enough time. By the time we spend a year or two making an anti-war film, Victoria will likely have already suffered heavy casualties."

"We need to be prepared for both scenarios. First, we'll use themes that can delay the outbreak of war in Victoria and pique the interest of the Victorian people, and then we'll slowly plan the anti-war film."

Chen Qi had already made up his mind. He wasn't fixated on the idea of anti-war films for now. The priority was to create a TV series that could excite the Victorian people and capture their attention.

But the problem was, what theme could excite all Victorian viewers? Something that praised Victoria? But the issue was that Chen Qi couldn't think of anything to praise Victoria for on the spot... After all, Victoria's prototype wasn't particularly praiseworthy.

And it had to be a theme that would capture the attention of all Victorians, something that could momentarily prevent the outbreak of war.

For a moment, Chen Qi was at a complete loss. The meeting eventually adjourned without any further developments. Chen Qi was left alone, pondering the theme, until someone blocked his path.

"—Your Highness Vina?" Chen Qi reacted almost instantly upon seeing Vina before him, holding a large pole hammer and sucking on a lollipop.

However, his first reaction was to immediately retreat several steps. He hadn't forgotten that the person before him was the legitimate Crown Prince of Victoria. He had just caused her country to fall apart because of the drama he filmed. This person was probably here to beat him up!

And in this situation, Chen Qi wouldn't be able to fight back, nor would he have the right to. He quickly said:

"Your Highness Vina—if I said that when we filmed 'Yes, Minister,' we were isolated in Londinium and had no idea that the show would cause such a huge mess, would you believe me?"

"And these secret stories aren't even my idea. I met with some civil servants from Victoria's cabinet, and they spilled the beans to me at a cafe! So these scandals aren't my fault; you could say Victoria did them yourselves— no, no, no, that's not what I meant!"

"...Calm down, Director Chen Qi. I don't resent you at all."

However, seeing Chen Qi, such a genius screenwriter, show no arrogance at all made Vina quite surprised at the moment.

He even felt guilty about the consequences he had caused... Vina, who had initially thought that since Chen Qi wasn't from Victoria, she had lost her biggest leverage to criticize him, found that much of her resentment had dissipated.

"I've been wandering in Londinium since I was a child. If you talk about Victoria's darkness, I'm actually very aware of it... but I failed to see its essence."

"Perhaps this is Victoria's destiny. Victoria truly needs another reshuffle, through war... It's just that I, as the Crown Prince, lack the ability to prevent all of this from happening. This is my responsibility."

Vina also put down her polearm and walked over to Chen Qi, matching his pace. She then asked:

"As for you, Director Chen Qi, you're not from Victoria, yet you want to prevent Victoria's war... You are a person of great vision."

"If I truly had great vision, at this moment, I would be finding ways to end this war as quickly as possible, to quickly have a strong man descend from the heavens and reclaim Victoria with minimal losses. That might then be considered great vision."

Chen Qi shook his head with a wry smile. He had never thought of saving the world with a TV show or a movie. He was essentially just a "normal person" who just wanted to live well with his crew, and he didn't care about anything else.

But now, Chen Qi's sense of right and wrong forced him onto the path of changing the situation... He had to prevent the outbreak of war, or at least delay it a bit, or reduce its cost. At the very least, he needed to stabilize the mad leader of the Deep Pool and stop her from doing things like killing civilians and desecrating bodies just to seize power.

"If only I could change all of this with my work, as you all say... but now I don't know what kind of subject matter I should film."

"Director Chen Qi, you're also facing a bottleneck?"

Vina was somewhat surprised. She had always felt that Chen Qi, who could understand Victoria's civil service system after spending just a few days in Londinium and write "Yes, Prime Minister," was almost a genius in politics and creation. She didn't believe the nonsense about Victoria's civil servants spilling secrets; she knew that officials in Londinium were either controlled or killed.

"It's mainly due to limitations in many aspects... Our current scale allows us to film most subjects without issue, but war... those large-scale scenes, even with our crew and Rhodes Island's personnel, probably wouldn't be enough."

"There are also many equipment issues. Even if they were resolved, there wouldn't be enough time— I must first film some subjects that the people of Victoria enjoy."

To film an anti-war film, the scale would have to be increased to the level of filming a war film first. Otherwise, it would just be a small skirmish, and the effect wouldn't be very good.

Chen Qi was at a loss at the moment, but as his gaze shifted to Vina, he seemed to have thought of something.

"...Miss Vina, may I ask if Victoria, during Aslan's reign, did not experience a situation like the current one?"

"The country is on the verge of disintegration... Although it is already like this now, during Aslan's reign, wasn't there a moment where someone could turn the tide?"

"This..."

Vina hadn't expected Chen Qi to suddenly ask about the history of Aslan's reign. However, she soon shifted her thoughts to Aslan's history. After some consideration, she quickly replied:

"...Indeed, there was such a period in history. It was the era of Victoria's Four Nations War. Victoria was at a disadvantage in its battles against Gaul, and opposition to the war grew louder within the country, with increasingly vocal calls for the Emperor's resignation."

"At that time, Columbia took advantage of Victoria's weakness and declared independence, further fanning the flames of Victoria's situation, with widespread domestic opposition."

"In the end, it was Emperor Frederick III who decided to continue fighting. In order to sweep away all of Victoria's shadows in one battle, he bore immense pressure, ultimately unified all voices, chose to persist in the war with Gaul, and achieved a glorious victory."

"From then on, Victoria stood at the pinnacle of the world."

Vina narrated that historical period, and Chen Qi's eyes grew brighter. She began to slowly realize that Chen Qi clearly had a good idea.

"Director Chen Qi, do you have an idea?"

"Ah, yes, I have an idea!" Chen Qi's entire demeanor instantly cleared, and he became spirited again. He said to Vina:

"War, history. When Victoria's Emperor was in the darkest period, he unified all voices, bringing Victoria to a glorious moment. So why can't we bring this history to the screen now?"

"Let the people of Victoria, and those ambitious dukes, see how the Emperor of Aslan led Victoria out of its darkest period, unified Victoria's voice, and persisted in the war against foreign powers."

"The continuation of a nation is not easy. It requires a heroic figure to stabilize the situation and the support of many people. All of this is the way to help Victoria overcome its difficulties."

"I've got it!"

Chen Qi patted his forehead, suddenly knowing what he needed to do. If these dukes wouldn't listen to the voices of the common people, then let them see what Victoria's true role models did!

But before Vina could ask, an excited voice came from not far away, with a distinct accent from the Shu region, which Vina found very familiar:

"What?! Filming! How can you not call me for filming!"

"I just went out to explain some things to some high-ranking officials from Yan, and you didn't even look for me for something like this! If I hadn't inquired, I wouldn't have known that Director Chen Qi was on Rhodes Island!"

Soon, with a surge of energy, Nian's excited figure quickly stopped in front of Chen Qi and Vina. Nian, not even having time to catch her breath, her eyes lit up, and she excitedly grabbed Chen Qi's hand, unable to hide her excitement as she said:

"Director Chen! Hello, hello! Nice to meet you for the first time! Do you know me? I'm also a rather well-known director! My name is Nian!"

"Regarding the topic you just mentioned, I think I can help! Don't worry! On the whole of Rhodes Island, besides you, no one understands filming better than I do!"

"By the way, have you eaten? My treat this time. I'll treat you to super spicy hot pot, I guarantee you won't be able to stop eating!"

Seeing her idol, even Nian couldn't hide her excitement. She had even boasted, causing Vina and Chen Qi, who knew Nian's character well, to feel a bit awkward.

However, looking at Nian in front of him, Chen Qi thought of something... Perhaps, the people Nian knew could help Chen Qi solve the problems of filming the anti-war film, concerning the location and actors.

"This is a big spender... In that case, super spicy hot pot, perhaps, is acceptable?"

Chapter Seventy-Four: "Darkest Hour" and "Braveheart: World War"

"So that's it. You're having problems with scenes and manpower. After all, you're filming a war movie, and even an anti-war one won't be short on war scenes."

"However, for me, this isn't a big problem! I can find people to solve all these troubles!"

In Rhodes Island's cafeteria, Nian, after eating her fill, finally discussed the two upcoming films with Chen Qi. Upon hearing that Chen Qi had two films, Nian's spirits immediately lifted, and she expressed that she could contribute to the most difficult parts.

"However, I want to hear Director Chen's thoughts on these two films first! As a competitor like you, you've been quite the topic of conversation across the continent recently. I've always considered you a rival!"

"...Rival?" However, Vina, hearing these words, almost couldn't help but laugh.

Having been dragged by Nian to critique her films back in the day, Vina didn't want to be overly rude when evaluating Nian's latest work... All she could say was that many of the filming techniques were familiar, resembling those Chen Qi used when shooting similar genres. Beyond that, there wasn't much to praise.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Nian a third-rate director. However, Vina certainly wouldn't say such a thing now, only hoping that Chen Qi wouldn't fall for Nian's nonsense and entrust her with any important work.

Otherwise, Chen Qi's hard-earned good reputation as a director might be ruined by Nian... She still wanted to use Chen Qi's films to prevent Victoria's civil war!

Little did Vina know, when it came to understanding Nian, Chen Qi understood her far better. After all, "bad movie director" wasn't just a fan theory; Nian truly was a director who made bad movies!

However, Nian's biggest problem seemed to be her poor screenwriting. Her directing, casting, set design, and other aspects... actually looked quite good. It was just that when it came to the script, the most crucial element of a film, her ability was severely lacking.

Fortunately, Chen Qi could guarantee the script, so Nian's biggest issue would be resolved. Chen Qi could indeed rely on Nian to help him make movies.

Especially... once Nian joined, she could not only significantly reduce Chen Qi's workload but also help him recruit the best person to help him shoot his big-scale movies: her sister, Xi!

Honestly, from the very beginning, when Chen Qi learned that Xi could draw entities into reality with her art and even bring people into her paintings, he felt that Xi was a rare and valuable talent for filmmaking! She alone could solve the most difficult problems in shooting large-scale movies, such as set design and special effects—she could even draw a real "monster"!

It would be a shame not to recruit such a person to make movies! But Chen Qi couldn't talk to Xi right now, so he had to find a way to ask Nian to approach her sister and try to persuade her.

Now, since Nian wanted to see his plan, and for the smooth shooting of the next two films, Chen Qi didn't mind revealing his plan to Nian.

"I plan to make two movies first. The shooting speed needs to be fast, so they can quickly spread to Victoria and be accepted by the people of Victoria!"

As for the goal, honestly, Chen Qi didn't expect these films to stop the war; he didn't think that far.

He just hoped that the Deep Pool and a few dukes could gain some... uh, national identity from this matter? Chen Qi didn't know how to describe it, but he felt that presenting a heroic image worth emulating would help with internal unity and cohesion.

At least it could make the Deep Pool consider their own status and use fewer civilians to make people, if possible. After all, with heroes as role models, these dukes would have to save face, wouldn't they?

"The first movie is titled 'Darkest Hour,' and it will describe the darkest and most internally unstable period in Victoria's history."

"At that time, Victoria was in a state of internal and external turmoil. Because Victoria interfered in the Gallic War, and the initial setbacks in this war dealt Victoria repeated heavy blows."

"At this moment, Victoria's internal affairs were unstable, and external threats were endless. Several mobile cities within the territory were even captured and attacked, and even the capital, Londinium, did not escape."

"And at this time, Emperor Frederick III stepped forward. As the Emperor, he had to stabilize the hearts of everyone in the cabinet, making everyone stand with him to jointly resist internal and external threats, and resolutely refuse to bow to Gaul's coercion!"