OBS Chapter 66 This director is too eager to improve.
Chapter 66 This director is too eager to improve.
The next day, the sky over SH was somewhat gloomy, with a light drizzle falling.
Qi Yue did not accompany Nazha shopping as Cai Yinong had expected, nor did he stay at the hotel to handle business.
Instead, he took a taxi alone to Zhang Li's home in the old villa area.
Seeing Qi Yue standing alone outside the door with an umbrella, a clear look of surprise flashed in her eyes.
"Brother Qi? Please come in!"
Sister Chen quickly stepped aside, her face breaking into an even warmer and more sincere smile than before.
"It's raining outside, be careful not to get wet. Why are you alone today? Didn't that particularly lively and cute girl from last time come with you?" She was referring to Bai Mengyan, whom she had met last time.
Qi Yue folded his umbrella, gently shook off the water droplets on the porch, and smiled politely.
"Oh, Aunt Chen, Xiaobai went shopping with a friend today, so I came by myself. I hope I didn't disturb you and Teacher Zhang?"
"No problem at all! Zhang Li is reading in the study. He'll be happy to know you're here."
Sister Chen led him into the house, and as they walked, she couldn't help but glance at Qi Yue again.
The young man before me, dressed in a simple casual jacket and trousers, stood tall and straight, his expression calm and composed, completely lacking the arrogance or haughtiness of some up-and-coming directors. My admiration for him grew even stronger.
"Brother Qi, to be honest," Sister Chen said with a sigh as she made him tea.
"I've seen on TV that many celebrities and directors, who aren't even that famous, are surrounded by a large entourage, with four or five assistants. I never imagined that a big director like you, who just won a gold medal, would only have one assistant by your side."
Qi Yue accepted the teacup, thanked him, and
"I hate trouble, and I prefer to handle things myself. If it weren't for the occasional errands I need when I'm traveling, I'd even consider having an assistant too much."
"Well said!" Sister Chen nodded repeatedly, beaming. "That's exactly how it should be! Down-to-earth, not flashy! Good, good, that's the way it should be!"
Just then, the study door opened, and Zhang Li came out.
He was dressed in comfortable cotton and linen loungewear today, and was holding a book in his hand. When he saw Qi Yue, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
Qi Yue immediately put down his teacup, stood up, and said, "Teacher, I'm bothering you again."
Zhang Li walked to the sofa and sat down, gesturing for him to sit as well, his gaze lingering on him for a moment.
"Oh? Why don't you call me 'senior brother' like last time, but 'teacher' instead?"
Upon hearing this, Qi Yue's face showed a perfectly appropriate hint of embarrassment.
"I was presumptuous last time. You and Teacher Wang Hongwei are of equal age. If I were to call you 'senior brother' again, Teacher Wang would surely say I lack manners when he gets back. After much thought, I think it's more appropriate to call you 'teacher'."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Li burst into laughter and waved his hand dismissively.
"Alright, alright, whatever you want. Call me senior brother or teacher, it's just a form of address."
Despite saying that, the relaxed look on his face showed that he clearly preferred the title of "teacher".
He scrutinized Qi Yue carefully, his smile fading, and his tone became more serious:
"Little Qi."
"Yes!" Qi Yue responded immediately, his posture upright.
Zhang Li was slightly taken aback by the crisp and decisive reply. Then the two looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh again.
A simple "Xiao Qi" and an "Ai" subtly bridged the distance between them.
Zhang Li picked up his teacup, blew on the floating leaves, and slowly said:
"Xiao Qi, there was actually some pressure within the judging panel when the Magnolia Awards gave Best TV Series to 'Day and Night.' After all, it originated as a web series, and the subject matter was relatively 'hard,' which broke some of the established perceptions and balances."
"That's precisely why," Qi Yue continued, his expression sincere.
"I feel even more strongly that I must come back in person to thank you for your appreciation and support. Without your persistence and vision, 'White Night' might not have reached this point. I will always remember this kindness."
Zhang Li waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to say anything more, but his eyes showed relief.
Over tea, the two naturally began chatting about "White Night," discussing the current state of film and television creation, genre breakthroughs, and changes in audience aesthetics.
When Qi Yue mentioned a phenomenon he had observed, that "male viewers are being gradually 'squeezed out' of the mainstream audience market by certain types of film and television dramas, and many works are too biased towards female emotional perspectives, leading to an imbalance in the audience structure of TV dramas," Zhang Li clearly showed a listening and thoughtful expression.
Qi Yue further elaborated:
"Teacher, as one of the most influential public media in modern society, if film and television exclude a certain gender from the core audience for a long time, the impact in the future will not only be the overall number of viewers and the homogenization of film and television creation, but may also have a subtle and undeniable influence on the cultural atmosphere, gender perception and even value orientation of the whole society."
These words clearly touched Zhang Li.
Judging from his past works such as "Towards the Republic", "Ming Dynasty 1566" and "The Right Path of the World is Full of Vicissitudes", his grand narratives, historical depth and philosophical thinking are aimed at a core audience that tends to be middle-class people with a certain level of knowledge and social experience.
He may well have reservations about the current market trend of some works being overly "feminine" or "sweet and romantic."
Zhang Li pondered for a long time before slowly nodding.
"Very good, Xiao Qi. Your perspective is fresh and hits the nail on the head. Entertainment is important, but the social function and humanistic reflections that film and television works carry cannot be abandoned. Blindly catering to a particular group may indeed bring drawbacks in the long run. I will think carefully about what you have said."
...The two chatted about other topics, and the atmosphere remained harmonious throughout.
Seeing that the time was ripe, Qi Yue casually brought it up.
"Teacher, I recently heard some news, but I don't know if it's true. It's said that the Magnolia Awards organizing committee is planning to establish a 'Hall of Fame for Chinese Film and Television Workers,' something like a lifetime achievement award. You must have heard about this too, right?"
Zhang Li looked up at him, her gaze calm, and nodded. "Yes, I've heard some rumors. Are you interested too?"
Qi Yue sat up straight, his tone becoming more solemn: "I've had private conversations with several young directors and producers in the industry whom I get along with, and we all feel that if this 'Hall of Fame' is really established, then the first class should, no matter what, have your name on it."
Zhang Li listened, his face still expressionless, but the rhythm of his fingers tapping lightly on his knee seemed to slow down a little.
He paused for a few seconds before slowly saying, "Nominate me? That's not appropriate. The Chinese film and television industry is full of hidden talents, and there are many respected senior figures, such as Director Lu Xiaowei and Director Wu Yigong... If anyone should be nominated, they should be nominated first."
"Teacher, please don't say that," Qi Yue immediately interjected, his tone earnest.
"Directors Lu and Wu are undoubtedly towering figures, deserving the highest respect. But in terms of the depth of their artistic achievements, the social impact of their works, and their leadership and contributions to the industry, I think no one in the Chinese television industry today has greater prestige or is more deserving of this honor. Your artistic vitality and industry influence are precisely the exemplary models that the 'Hall of Fame' should highlight. We, the younger generation, all hope to see such a benchmark figure as you be the first to receive this well-deserved historical honor."
These words were perfectly measured. They were neither nauseatingly flattering nor lacking in genuine admiration.
A flicker of emotion crossed Zhang Li's eyes, but his tone remained calm: "Let's talk about the nominations after the Hall of Fame announcement."
While that's the case, the deeper meaning behind it is worth pondering.
Sister Chen, who had been sitting quietly listening to their conversation, suddenly interjected with a smile:
"Are you two still chatting about this? It's already noon! Xiao Qi, you absolutely have to stay for lunch today! Try your Aunt Chen's cooking! You ran away last time, you can't refuse again this time!"
This time, Qi Yue did not refuse and agreed with a smile:
"Okay! Aunt Chen, I'm in for a treat today! I'll definitely enjoy your cooking!"
Seeing Qi Yue readily agree, Zhang Li's facial features softened even more. Looking at the composed yet sharp young man before him, his sense of kinship grew stronger.
"Xiao Qi, are you going back to Beijing tomorrow?" Zhang Li asked.
"Yes, the high-speed train is tomorrow morning. There's still a ton of stuff going on at the studio, and we need to push the new project forward as well."
"Young people have so much energy," Zhang Li remarked. "Going back or continuing to film TV dramas?"
Qi Yue pondered for a moment, "Of course we'll continue making TV series. However... if the opportunity arises, I'd like to take it a step further. Let's try a different direction, like making movies or something."
"Movie?"
Zhang Li looked at him, her gaze now filled with scrutiny and interest. After a slight pause, she said...
"Movies and TV series may both appear to be filming, but there are many differences in the intricacies involved."
He paused, his tone softening, "However, wanting to improve is a good thing. Young people should try more things. If you have any questions or need help in this area in the future, feel free to ask me anytime. I can't speak for other things, but after so many years in the film and television industry, my experience and connections can still be of some help."
Qi Yue's mind made up, and he immediately bowed respectfully: "Thank you, teacher! With your words of encouragement, I feel even more confident. I will certainly come to trouble you for guidance in the future!"
The simple home-cooked meal was enjoyed by both host and guest. When Qi Yue left Zhang Li's house, he had a jar of homemade pickles that Sister Chen had insisted on giving him, but his heart was filled with something more important.
On the way back to the hotel, Qi Yue gazed at the street scene outside the car window. This trip to Shanghai had yielded far more rewards than he had expected.
(8,000 words in one go, too lazy to divide into chapters, so I'm posting it all here. Brothers who still have votes can give it a try.)