Chapter 28: CH 030

TL: Moonlit

Netizens are the most demanding audience, but also the most forgiving audience.

«Wukong» is a first attempt, even if it is carefully crafted, there will still be some flaws and problems, but in the eyes of the audience, it is already good enough.

Even the most critical film critics have changed their previous sharp-tongued style and praised «Wukong» to the heavens and the earth.

“Before today, I never thought that we could create such a perfect special effects blockbuster! Whether it’s acting, plot, editing, or music, nothing falls short. What I want to praise the most is the special effects! This film lets us know that we can also create such realistic and stunning visual effects. Without a doubt, this film will propel our film history forward.”

On the first day of its release, the word-of-mouth for «Wukong» began to spread. Just five days later, the box office of «Wukong» soared, embarking on a soaring path.

“I have never seen an actor who suits red hair so well. Arrogant and wicked, free-spirited, with a touch of youthful vigor. Oh, I’m totally hooked!”

“The friendship among the five main characters is truly moving. Each of the five characters has their own motives… but through their interactions, they gradually become friends. That’s true brotherhood! It reminds me of my roommates from all over the country, a youth that cannot be returned.”

“The special effects alone justify the ticket price, not to mention that the whole movie has no dull moments. It’s great, highly recommended.”

“Because the main characters are well-known figures, it was a big challenge to make them fit people’s impressions while also bringing innovation, but «Wukong» did it.”

…

Before the release of the film, Ran Xing’s fans were still criticizing Starlight Entertainment and Lin Hanchuan. However, after the release, everyone was proven wrong, especially when Ran Xing’s art film was released halfway through the screening of «Wukong».

Guo Manjie’s art film, which had never performed well at the box office, was mostly made for awards. He himself didn’t have much hope.

Unexpectedly, this time the art film’s box office kept climbing and quickly surpassed ten million, showing a trend of breaking one billion.

Guo Manjie himself was a bit puzzled. He almost thought that the audience could finally understand his aesthetic sense. However, when he looked at the comments, they were all praising Ran Xing.

“Although I couldn’t understand the plot, Ran Xing is really handsome.”

“The movie is a bit ordinary, but Ran Xing’s performance is outstanding. His acting stands out, and I got immersed in the story.”

“This is a movie without many twists and turns, but it has a strong impact. As a newcomer, Ran Xing has delivered a perfect performance. He deserves to be the male lead selected by Director Guo Manjie.”

Guo Manjie couldn’t help but laugh and cry when he read the comments. Even though the box office had surpassed one billion, he couldn’t be truly happy.

During the screening period of «Wukong», Lin Hanchuan had never stopped secretly acquiring shares of Yanshi Film Industry. After spending some time, he finally gathered enough shares to become the largest shareholder of Yanshi Film Industry.

He once again took over Yanshi Film Industry and carried out a major reform within the company. Those who needed to be fired were fired, and those who deserved promotion were promoted. He worked tirelessly for a while, and by the time he finished with Yanshi Film Industry, «Wukong» was about to end its run, and the new Golden Deer Awards were approaching.

«Wukong» had already grossed over fifty billion at the box office, and Starlight Entertainment would receive a 48% share. Lin Hanchuan became the biggest winner.

As the first domestic popcorn blockbuster, «Wukong» was about to usher in a new era, and Lin Hanchuan’s name would be permanently engraved in the history of domestic film.

Even overseas, «Wukong» performed well at the box office and entered the top ten global box office rankings. The creators of «Wukong» would also be recorded in global film history.

Ran Xing was the star standing on the stage, and all the audience could see was his brilliance. But those who were a little more knowledgeable could see the real mastermind behind the scenes, Lin Hanchuan.

Ran Xing received double nominations for Best Actor for Guo Manjie’s art film and «Wukong», sparking lively discussions. Almost everyone was certain that Ran Xing would be the biggest dark horse of this year’s Golden Deer Awards and become the young film emperor at the age of twenty-one.

On the day of the Golden Deer Awards ceremony, Ran Xing and the «Wukong» crew walked the red carpet. After experiencing so much, he had already become a superstar with a box office of over fifty billion, and he was no longer as restrained as his first time attending an award ceremony.

He walked the red carpet calmly with Zhou Xishan and Ye Wenjun, his gaze steady, and he showed no signs of stage fright when facing the reporters’ questions.

Fans witnessed all of this and were already excited, screaming incessantly. The barrage in the live broadcast chat started flooding the screen.

“Radiance nourishes people, becoming more stylish.”

“I’ve reviewed the dramas where he used to be a supporting role. Clearly, he was younger and more handsome back then, but I always felt there was something lackluster about him, unlike his radiant self now.”

“How can his state be the same during his struggling and popular periods? And now, he’s not even old. Although he’s already the king of ratings, with a box office of over fifty billion, nominated for Best Actor, he’s only twenty-one years old.”

“This is the best version of Xing Xing. He has left behind all the obscurity of the past and only needs to stride forward.”

Lin Hanchuan stood in the distance, watching Ran Xing’s graceful movements, feeling a sense of contentment. He had completely let go of his worries.

[This malicious supporting character actually managed to defeat the protagonist.] System 001 exclaimed in his mind, [Host, you’re amazing! You’ve broken the stereotype that the antagonist must be defeated by the protagonist.]

A slight smile appeared on Lin Hanchuan’s face. [It’s his own effort.]

Every time Ran Xing had the opportunity, he would give his all, just like giving his life. When he filmed «Sword Immortal» he tirelessly memorized his lines day and night, practicing in front of the mirror; when he filmed «Wukong», in order to meet Director Zhou Xishan’s high expectations, he arrived at the set earliest and left the latest every day, personally performing all the fight scenes. He even almost had his face blown up during an explosion…

But these are things that no one knows except for the main creative team of the crew, not even the fans.

For Ran Xing, who worked so hard, it would be the greatest irony if he were to leave the stage just because of his pitiful “villain” identity.

Ran Xing finally finished dealing with the reporters’ interviews and hurriedly made his way into the venue. He looked around anxiously and unintentionally locked eyes with someone.

“Why is he here?” Ran Xing frowned and casually asked the person beside him.

Zhou Xishan took a closer look and didn’t recognize the young man with peach blossom-like eyes. However, judging by his seating position, he had a rough idea, “The place he’s sitting in is reserved for some people who accompany those without works. He’s probably the companion of some executive.”

The term “companion” was too euphemistic, and Ran Xing understood it instantly. The wariness in his eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of emotion. “He actually ended up like this…”

“Do you know him?” Zhou Xishan asked.

“I don’t know him,” Ran Xing replied.

From a distance, Qiu Hongguang couldn’t hear what Ran Xing was saying. He watched as Ran Xing casually averted his gaze, as if he hadn’t seen him at all. Instead, Ran Xing walked quickly in another direction, his steps urgent.

Following Ran Xing’s line of sight, Qiu Hongguang saw Lin Hanchuan.

Two equally outstanding men with exceptional charisma stood together—one dressed in a white suit, exquisitely handsome, and the other in a black suit, cold and handsome. Their temperaments were completely different, yet they complemented each other perfectly.

Qiu Hongguang gritted his teeth, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn’t quite describe.

He watched as Ran Xing became the “Emperor of Ratings,” playing the lead in a film with a box office of over fifty billion. From being stepped on by Ran Xing, he had turned into someone who couldn’t even reach his feet…

Countless times in his midnight dreams, Qiu Hongguang wondered what would have happened if he had chosen Yan Weilou instead of taking matters into his own hands and trying to salvage Qiu Hongguang’s family. Would everything be different? Would everything that belonged to Ran Xing now belong to him? He would be the “Emperor of Ratings,” the male lead with a box office of over fifty billion.

“What are you looking at?” a man draped his arm around Qiu Hongguang’s shoulder and said, “Don’t stare. That person isn’t ordinary. He’s the golden finger, even I have to go up and toast him.”

He was referring to Lin Hanchuan.

Within the industry, Lin Hanchuan was known as the “golden finger” or the “golden touch.” Every project he invested in turned profitable. In the entertainment industry, where it was hard to distinguish between gains and losses and everything relied on one’s judgment and gambling, this was the highest praise.

Qiu Hongguang was filled with bitterness but was about to withdraw his gaze when his eyes met Lin Hanchuan’s.

“Do you still remember your promise? If I won the Best Actor award, you would celebrate with me alone…” Ran Xing said, but he noticed that Lin Hanchuan wasn’t even listening to him, which made him a little angry. “What are you looking at?”

“Nothing,” Lin Hanchuan just felt a bit emotional. Even if he wasn’t the dominant protagonist, the relationship between the dominant protagonist and the cannon fodder protagonist was still involved. “I remember. If you win, I’ll celebrate with you alone.”

Only then did Ran Xing feel satisfied. With a touch of cunning, he pulled Lin Hanchuan along and walked to their seats, using the crowd to separate them from Qiu Hongguang. “I feel like I’m definitely going to win this time…”

This cannon fodder protagonist was a debauched and charming rich second-generation. In the original text, he had a deep affection for Qiu Hongguang. Even after Yan Weilou and Qiu Hongguang established their relationship, he still maintained the title of “good friend” with Qiu Hongguang, always itching to take action.

Lin Hanchuan was slightly surprised that they managed to get together. Upon careful consideration, it made sense.

However… Lin Hanchuan pondered. In the original text, this cannon fodder protagonist liked taking things from others, which was why he gradually developed feelings for Qiu Hongguang while competing with Yan Weilou. But now that there was no one competing with him, would he still genuinely care about Qiu Hongguang?

Lin Hanchuan disappeared into the crowd, leaving Qiu Hongguang feeling lost. However, the man hummed, “You’re my kept lover now. Don’t frown when you receive the money. You’re already acting like a wh***, so why bother pretending otherwise? Just smile for me.”

Qiu Hongguang’s face turned pale. After a moment of silence, a bitter smile appeared on his lips.

The Golden Deer Awards officially began, but Ran Xing had no interest in the previous awards. He anxiously waited for the Best Actor category. He was nominated for two awards, significantly increasing his chances of winning. However, his nervousness had nothing to do with the Best Actor award.

Finally, the Best Actor award was announced. Ran Xing held his breath and heard the deliberately slowed-down voice of the presenter.

His art film won the Best Actor award! In an instant, fireworks exploded in Ran Xing’s mind!

Sitting beside him, Zhou Xishan felt a bit dissatisfied. “Your performance in «Wukong» was more impressive…”

But Ran Xing didn’t hear Zhou Xishan’s words at all. He had a radiant smile on his face, full of confidence and excitement as he walked onto the stage, receiving the trophy from the presenter. The smile on his lips couldn’t be restrained.

Watching Ran Xing receive the award, Qiu Hongguang bit his lip until it bled. He felt a suffocating lump in his chest, unable to go up or down, making it difficult for him to breathe. It was as if something had been completely taken away from him.

At the same time, as he smiled and watched the stage, Lin Hanchuan heard an inorganic voice echoing in his mind.

[“Plot points have been collected, energy collection at 100%. Host can now leave this world.”]

Author’s Note:

Discussed the issue of Mother Yan with a friend.

I Hate Iron for Not Becoming Steel: As long as Mother Yan kneels and apologizes, and properly compensates her son, whether it’s Yan Weilou or Lin Hanchuan, she can continue living a comfortable life in less than a year.

Friend: But she is selfish and foolish. What’s even more lethal than selfishness is her foolishness. She knows that her influential husband has fallen, and now she can only rely on her son, yet she fails to recognize reality and still treats her son as her possession, completely unaware of her own mistakes…

Me: Yes, she was corrupted by her scumbag husband. Now she only gets twenty thousand a month, how pitiful.

Friend: It’s like going back to using an 8GB phone after getting used to one with 500 GB. Who wouldn’t feel miserable?

Me: Woe is me, I also want to feel that miserable.

Friend: Woe is me, she still has a downtown apartment. Who wouldn’t want to feel that miserable?

The author and his/her friend had an interesting conversation HAHAHAHHAHAHA