Huayu: This director is so eager to improve.

Chapter 54 Guo Fan's Past

Guo Fan looked at the documents Qi Yue pushed over, his fingers tracing the edges of the papers.

The terms of the co-production and the information about Tangren artists seemed to have become blurred, leaving only a set of cold, chilling numbers flashing repeatedly in my mind:

A 1500 million investment… less than 800 million in box office revenue… a third-third share… less than a fraction of the total…

As a director, Guo Fan once felt lucky.

A film school graduate, full of ambition, actually secured a 1500 million yuan investment—a huge sum for a newcomer—with his imaginative science fiction script.

He also independently directed his first feature film.

That was the moment his dream took flight; he felt the world was at his feet.

But behind every stroke of luck lies a deeper misfortune.

The movie has been released.

Then, it sank silently.

It was a box office flop and received lukewarm reviews.

Technical inexperience, an unbalanced narrative rhythm, perhaps inadequate marketing and promotion, or perhaps simply that the market and audience are not yet ready to accept his directorial style.

There are many reasons, but only one result: failure. A complete and utter commercial failure.

For a director, you can lack artistic pursuits, you can lack personality, and you can make any mistakes.

But box office revenue is absolutely essential.

The disastrous failure of his debut film nearly destroyed his confidence and career prospects.

During that time, he hid in his rented room, watching his failed work over and over again.

Pain, self-doubt, and even thoughts of completely changing careers.

If all else fails, I'll just go back and take the civil service exam!

The dream of becoming a director? It has become a luxurious and laughable joke.

Until Qi Yue appeared.

This junior, younger than him but exceptionally calm and with a clear goal, brought with him the script for "Yu Zui" and an undeniable drive, rekindling the almost extinguished flame in his heart.

At Tongfan, he found a place to utilize his technical skills, found comrade-in-arms trust, and also had the opportunity to step away from his role as a director and re-understand the market and creative process from a more practical perspective.

Becoming a top-notch director of photography and serving as Qi Yue's primary assistant could certainly be a way to realize one's value.

But deep down, the string that belonged to him as a "director" never truly broke.

Just like he shouted at the amusement park that day when he was drunk, he wanted to become the best science fiction film director in China.

But his past failures cast a shadow over him, preventing him from moving forward.

At this moment, Qi Yue presented him with a plan to co-produce and direct a new period drama.

The opportunity has come again.

Great temptation is accompanied by great fear.

He fears.

I'm afraid of messing things up again.

She was afraid of betraying Qi Yue's trust.

He was afraid that the reputation that "Tongfan" had worked so hard to build would be damaged because of him.

What I fear most is that I am simply not cut out to be someone who can stand on my own.

"I..." Guo Fan opened his mouth, his voice a little hoarse.

"Qi Yue, you know about my film. I'm worried... This time it's the 'Tongfan' project, and Tangren is involved..."

"Brother Fan!" Qi Yue interrupted him, "We've all seen your movie."

"There's no problem with the technique, it's just that you lack some control over the rhythm. What you lack has never been technique or talent, but an opportunity to unload your burdens and prove yourself again, and a solid enough platform that allows you to try and grow."

Qi Yue shoved the document back into Guo Fan's hand, his tone resolute.

"Forget about the past. That's not your end, just the most expensive lesson you've ever taken. Now, you've graduated. It's time to use what you've learned to do something big. You can do it. You absolutely must do it. Because I believe in you, and because 'Tongfan' needs you in that position."

Guo Fan held the document that had suddenly become heavy, and looking at the unreserved trust in Qi Yue's eyes, his nose suddenly stung with tears.

The shadows of failure seemed to be somewhat dispelled by the powerful impact of these resolute words.

"Damn it," Guo Fan cursed under his breath.

"Fine! I'll do it! This time... I'll risk my life to make it happen!"

"Wow! Look! What beautiful fireworks!"

Bai Mengyan, who had been as quiet as a quail, suddenly let out a small cheer:

Qi Yue and Guo Fan turned their heads at the same time and looked out the window.

Under the deep blue night sky, clusters of dazzling fireworks soared into the distance, reaching towards the city skyline.

It burst open with a bang, transforming into streams of gold, red, and purple light, illuminating a corner of the night sky.

Then, more and denser fireworks rose in succession, dispelling the darkness and bringing a brief but intense burst of brilliance.

"What day is it today? Why are they setting off fireworks?"

Qi Yue was a little confused. He had been hospitalized, busy with post-treatment care, and dealing with various parties during this period, so he was a bit fuzzy about the dates.

Bai Mengyan excitedly pointed to the calendar on her phone screen:

"Boss, today is December 31st! Tonight is New Year's Eve! Tomorrow is New Year's Day! It must be fireworks being set off somewhere for a New Year's Eve celebration!"

2012 12 Month 31 Day.

Qi Yue was stunned.

Does time fly by so fast?

He was reborn, and it felt like it was just yesterday.

From persuading Guo Fan to mortgage the photo studio, to "finding" Li Qin at the police station, to the breakthrough and explosive popularity of "Yu Zui", and then to putting all efforts into polishing "Day and Night", experiencing hospitalization, broadcast, and various parties' games... scene after scene flashed before my eyes, so tightly packed that there was no gap.

A year has passed just like that.

Guo Fan also watched the fireworks, his eyes somewhat dazed, as if he too was recalling his disheartened year and this new year of fresh start. Bai Mengyan, on the other hand, was simply happy for the unexpected beauty and tried to take pictures with her phone.

"Let's go," Qi Yue said, picking up his coat and addressing Guo Fan and Bai Mengyan. "It's New Year's Eve, so the studio isn't working overtime. Let's go out for dinner; it's on me."

"Huh? Now?" Bai Mengyan checked the time, then looked out the window. "But I want to see the fireworks..."

"Let's see how things go." Qi Yue had already walked towards the door. "Brother Fan, call everyone together and find a decent restaurant. We won't talk about work today, just eat."

Guo Fan snapped out of his daze, rubbed his face vigorously, and grinned:

"Alright! We'll do as Boss Qi says! We'll rip off a big customer today! Xiao Bai, go get some reinforcements!"

"Okay!" Bai Mengyan excitedly ran to inform her colleagues in other rooms who were still busy with post-production.

Before long, a dozen people gathered at the studio entrance. They were all core members who had recently joined "Tongfan". Their faces showed the fatigue of working overtime, but the sudden dinner and the fireworks outside the window added a touch of festive joy.

Qi Yue looked at the group of employees who had followed him through thick and thin, some for a long time and some for a short time, and didn't say anything sentimental. He simply waved his hand:

"Let's go."

The group walked down the old stairs and onto the cold street.

Fireworks were still sporadically blooming in the distance, and the streets nearby were already filled with a festive atmosphere. Some shops were still lit up, and "Happy New Year" decorations were pasted on their windows.

They found a hot pot restaurant that was still open and sat down at a large table amidst the steaming heat.

The chili oil is bubbling, the ingredients are fresh, and the beer is bubbling.

At first, everyone was a little reserved, after all, Qi and Guo Fan were present, but after a few drinks, the atmosphere quickly became lively.

The conversation covered a wide range of topics, occasionally interspersed with excitement about the success of "White Night" and aspirations for the future, but mostly consisted of lighthearted banter and jokes among young people.

Qi Yue didn't talk much; he mostly listened, occasionally raising his glass to clink glasses with everyone.

He watched the steam rising from the pot, listened to the laughter and chatter around him, and saw the occasional, blurry traces of smoke on the windowpane.

That year, he hardly stopped moving forward.

At this moment, amidst the bustling atmosphere of the city, and among his fellow fighters, he finally allowed himself a rare moment to relax the tension that had been constantly taut.

2012 has passed.

He came, he saw, he is conquering.