Chapter 33: Featured on the National News

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(Ah, my goodness, the film has been recommended on the Black Car site! Calling for votes and favorites, otherwise what can I do? Hehehe.)

The opening day box office for "The Great Flood" was 280,000 yuan, a decent result, and after three days of release, it broke through the one million mark. This was utterly unexpected for Wu Xiang and his friends—happiness had arrived almost too swiftly.

With momentum building, the next step was clear. Soon, "The Great Flood" began screening in major cities, with the scope of its release expanding rapidly. Before long, it could be called a nationwide, large-scale release.

Movie scheduling at that time was a fascinating process, organized city by city and closely tied to local interests. But "The Great Flood" broke tradition, because so many saw the business opportunity within. Everyone loves a profitable film.

The box office kept climbing, and Wu Xiang and his companions were elated. Now they could return home for the Spring Festival with peace of mind.

"...The film 'The Great Flood,' which promotes the spirit of flood resistance, has been showing widely in recent days and received the enthusiastic approval of the masses, with record numbers of viewers. The movie vividly portrays the unity of military and civilian, their courage to overcome the flood and defy the elements, sparking a strong response from both the public and the soldiers of the People's Liberation Army. It is reported that the film was self-written and directed by Wu Xiang, a student of Yanjing Film Academy, together with his classmates, and received significant support from the Film Academy and Bayi Film Studio during production... Here are some random interviews with viewers..."

A bespectacled lady said, "Very good, quite moving—I was moved to tears."

A middle-aged man remarked, "Very genuine, especially authentic, touching!"

A young male student commented, "Feels grounded, without empty slogans, but it makes your blood boil, especially the final sequence."

Even a white-haired old gentleman chimed in, "Our soldiers—they are truly the most lovable people. Today's soldiers are good soldiers too—they can fight!"

"Oh my goodness! My son is on the national news broadcast!" This exclamation encapsulated the spirit of Northeast mothers. Wu's mother, who had been doing household chores, dashed to the TV upon hearing her son's name.

"What are you yelling about? Can't you let people watch TV in peace?" Wu's father was watching his son's news segment. Even though his son didn't appear on screen, being featured on the national news was a tremendous achievement!

"Son! Tell me, is this news talking about you?" Wu's mother quickly sought him out.

Wu Xiang had come home. Of course, there was no need to hide his filmmaking, but he had never dreamed his movie would make it to CCTV, let alone the national news broadcast—it was simply incredible.

"I suppose so," Wu Xiang replied. He could hardly believe it himself; it was so unreal, appearing on the national news broadcast—it felt just like a dream!

That broadcast is the highest-rated program nationwide, a guiding show! Apart from the Spring Festival Gala, nothing compares. Once you're featured, unless you oppose the people or society, your reputation skyrockets. "The Great Flood" had just crossed twelve million at the box office, and now, having been featured on the national news, wouldn't the box office shoot up like a rocket?

Wu Xiang was beside himself with joy—like eating ice cream on a hot summer day, pure bliss!

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"My son has made it! My son is amazing..." Wu's mother wasn't speaking to Wu Xiang; she was dancing and exclaiming, her face radiating happiness as if the news broadcast had been about her.

"Hey! Calm down, old woman, you're acting crazy!" Wu's father was more composed. Actually, his joy was no less than his wife's, but as the head of the family, he had to keep his composure.

"I'm happy, I want to! Ahahaha... Right, son, we're not cooking tonight, let's go out and have a proper meal. I'll pay!" Wu's mother felt as if she had become decades younger.

"Sure!" Wu Xiang was happy too. Such good news deserved to be celebrated. "But this meal is on me."

Hearing that, his mother was even more delighted. "Yes! I've raised you for more than twenty years, I should get some benefit now."

Seeing the mood, Wu's father wouldn't spoil it, but still tried to maintain his dignity. "You two really are a mother-and-son pair!"

Since it was a celebration, they couldn't go somewhere ordinary. Wu Xiang deliberately chose a famous restaurant in Shencheng—Spoon Circle Restaurant, an old establishment specializing in authentic Shandong cuisine. In truth, Northeast cuisine is heavily influenced by Shandong cuisine, with many dishes derived from it. One of its most representative dishes is braised sea cucumber with green onion.

Wu Xiang was in high spirits, and the expensive braised sea cucumber was naturally indispensable. He chose the restaurant mainly for this dish, wishing to honor his parents. He was studying away from home, and would probably become even busier in the future, so he wanted his parents to eat well.

One dish wasn't enough, so he ordered several signature dishes, and didn't forget to request a bottle of Moutai.

Seeing the way he ordered, Wu's father grew concerned. "Son, I know you're filial, but you don't need to order so much. The food's enough, and the wine's a bit much, really not necessary."

"Oh, you stubborn old man! Our child is a big director now; what's wrong with splurging on a meal? Son, go ahead and order! If we can't finish, we'll pack it up and take it home. If we can't drink the wine, we can bring it back too!" His mother had a more relaxed attitude, but had already planned for leftovers.

"Hehe..." Wu Xiang was delighted, but restrained himself. Five dishes were plenty—after all, portions in the Northeast are generous.

Seeing his son was sensible, Wu's father suddenly recalled something and asked, "Son, your movie was made so suddenly—where did you get the money?"

A good question. Wu Xiang hadn't told his parents about his writing career, because he hadn't been sure it would succeed. But now, he could explain. "Dad, I wrote a novel and published it online—it became popular, so I earned some money."

"Oh, I see." His father was relieved, as long as the source of the money was legitimate.

"Published a book? My son is incredible! Oh, you're really my good son, hahaha..." His mother was much more dramatic, immediately asking, "Son, you've really made it this time. Tell me, how much can you earn from this?"

That question was a bit awkward for Wu Xiang, since he'd already made up his mind, but his parents should be able to understand.

After thinking for a moment, Wu Xiang said, "For this film, I won't earn a single cent."

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"What?!" His parents were stunned—no earnings at all? Working for free?

"Aren't you the director? Can't you decide? Even if you can't, you shouldn't be working for nothing!" His mother was instantly anxious, convinced her son had been cheated.

Wu Xiang could only smile and explain, "Mom, don't worry. Not only am I the director, I'm also the producer—all the money was invested by me. But before shooting, I decided that every cent this film earns would be donated to the disaster area. That's why I don't get any money."

His parents fell silent.

But his mother still cared about her son's wellbeing, "Son, you didn't lose money, did you?"

"No, haha, Mom, relax. Your son has money—let's enjoy this meal to the fullest!" Wu Xiang laughed, not wanting his parents to be upset over this.

"Son! Good son!" His father spoke up, "You've grown up. Do what you think is right. Donating money—we both support it, no question. As long as you're doing good, your mother and I are behind you! Our Shencheng is lucky, no disasters here, but we should still help others. Good deed! This is a good deed!"

"Yes, yes, a good deed! Our son has grown up," his mother said, deeply gratified.

Their understanding was Wu Xiang's greatest joy. He immediately stood, raised his glass, "Dad, Mom! Thank you for your support, thank you for raising me. Rest assured, I'll live well and make sure you live wonderfully!"

With that, Wu Xiang drained his glass.

"Son, your mother and I don't care about wonderful lives—what matters is you achieving something. If you succeed, that's better than anything."

"Old man, enough talking. Come on, let's drink!"

"Yes, cheers!"

With the wine flowing, the atmosphere was naturally harmonious and warm...