Chapter 68: Why Are You Always Thinking About Relationships?

Page 1 of 3

“Dear viewers, welcome our guests today, the main creators of ‘First Intimate Encounter’…”

“Hello, hello…” Wu Xiang, Brother Kun, Huang Haibo, and Zhang Jingchu all appeared on the television screen.

The host on TV was a woman, strikingly beautiful, with eyes so large and expressive. “Today, we finally get to meet Director Wu Xiang. He’s incredibly talented—I heard about him when I was still in school. I think he doesn’t just direct films, does he? He writes songs too?”

“That’s right, that’s right, but we have to talk about this guy.” Huang Haibo, ever the troublemaker, chimed in. “He can write songs, that’s true, but his greatest strength isn’t there…”

“Oh, that’s obvious! Director Wu, when we were filming, was constantly haggling with the lunchbox ladies. I even learned a few tricks from him.” This was Zhang Jingchu, her expression so innocent, so pure, so devoid of guile—yet her teasing struck Wu Xiang right where it hurt.

“Hahaha…” The host couldn’t help but laugh. She wasn’t particularly famous yet, but Wu Xiang had already recognized her. She should be called Zhao Ziqi; later she would change her name and leave CCTV, making a good name for herself in the entertainment industry.

Of course, you couldn’t keep roasting the director forever—the show wasn’t meant to be a criticism session for Wu Xiang.

“When I watched the film, I found the character Atai so odd. Why did you cast Haibo for that role…” Zhao Ziqi tried to change the subject, but realized her question was a bit sharp.

“I’ll answer for you.” Huang Haibo was quick to jump in. “It’s because I’m ugly, right? Yet somehow, I always win over women—isn’t that so?”

“That’s right, that’s right…”

“All thanks to Director Wu’s classic theory! Let him explain himself.”

Wu Xiang finally found an opening to speak after being the butt of their jokes. “There’s a story behind this. I wrote the book, and when it was adapted, I had to cast actors. Haibo and I are close—how could I not let him act?”

“Hey, that’s not what you said back then.” Huang Haibo suspected Wu Xiang was dodging. You couldn’t underestimate him; otherwise, he’d tie you up in knots.

“No, I’m just expounding on my theory.” As soon as Wu Xiang said this, the group burst into laughter. He continued, “We’re good friends—in Northeastern slang, we’re ‘iron brothers.’ How iron? On the first day of school, a teacher from the administration, Mr. Zhou, was giving a speech. He said, ‘Hey, you from the literature class…’” Wu Xiang pointed at Huang Haibo. “Don’t sit with the acting class—the literature class is over there.” Wu Xiang pointed at himself.

“Ha ha ha…” Everyone understood immediately—Wu Xiang was merciless.

“You’re getting back at me!” Huang Haibo laughed, knowing it was all in jest.

“No way,” Wu Xiang refused to admit it. “I had to cast you as Atai to show you that good looks aren’t everything when it comes to romance. He’s a good man, and as his friend, I couldn’t watch him grow old alone.” Wu Xiang was utterly serious, not joking in the least.

Page 2 of 3

“You’re something else—really…” Huang Haibo was exasperated. He had no way to retort; Wu Xiang was praising him after all. Now he understood—Wu Xiang’s wit was unbeatable.

“Hahaha…” The atmosphere was joyful, and Zhao Ziqi kept laughing…

“Hey, old partner, why do kids speak so directly these days? It wasn’t like this in our time.”

“You just watch your TV, stop worrying so much.”

In fact, this was happening in Shencheng, at Wu Xiang’s home. His mother and father were sitting in front of the television, watching the show—a movie channel interview promoting ‘First Intimate Encounter.’ It was part of the publicity, and Wu Xiang…

“Son! You’re a director now—why can’t you keep them in line? Why do they always make fun of you?” Wu Xiang’s mother felt that being a director was a prestigious position.

“Oh, come on!” Before Wu Xiang could reply, his father protested.

“Hehehe…” Wu Xiang heard them clearly. “Mom, we don’t do that. Actually, everyone’s words are positive—the jokes are unavoidable, haha…” Wu Xiang kept quiet about his frugality.

He couldn’t help it; that was the reality—he wasn’t wealthy.

With the New Year approaching, Wu Xiang had naturally returned home. The TV program was recorded earlier, part of the film’s promotion. The movie channel belonged to China Film after all, and with a word from Han San, everything was arranged.

‘First Intimate Encounter’ had already surpassed sixty million before the Spring Festival!

It had been in theaters for over a month. Sixty million box office—ten years later, it might be seen as average, but in the year 2000, it was absolutely outstanding!

Director Feng and Ge Da’s film ‘Endless’ only managed a little over twenty-five million—a rather disappointing performance, not as good as last year’s ‘Sorry I Missed You.’ Director Feng had high hopes, telling the media from the start that his film would reach fifty million!

Actually, in terms of cast alone, his film was top-notch. Ge Da aside, there was Fu Biao—a great actor, Wu Qianlian, the not-yet-famous Zhang Hanyu, the already notable Sun Honglei, Xu Fan, Liu Bei—all popular actresses.

Yet, even so, Director Feng achieved only half his goal.

To be honest, the film market was tougher this year. Fewer films, no Hollywood blockbusters, which had a negative impact—but also a positive one: ‘First Intimate Encounter’ could be scheduled freely.

Almost every cinema screened it; wherever there was a theater, you could see the film. Still, as February arrived, near the Spring Festival, the box office growth slowed.

That was normal—there was almost no Spring Festival window; people were busy cramming onto trains. Otherwise, the film’s box office could have been even higher.

Page 3 of 3

But, all things considered, only two films did well in this New Year season, prompting the ever-curious media to compare them (if they didn’t, it would be odd). At first, most sided with Director Feng, but soon the situation became clear—everyone was now praising Wu Xiang, as if he were a savior of domestic cinema.

As for media ethics—if they had any, pigs would climb trees. Wu Xiang wouldn’t let their flattery go to his head. Comparing himself to Director Feng? Wu Xiang hadn’t thought much about it; he was just making his own film. Why fight to the death?

“Hey,” his mother suddenly remembered something as the TV program ended. She turned to Wu Xiang, “Son, did you direct a romance film this time? Was your novel also a romance?”

Hearing his mother ask this, Wu Xiang felt a bit uneasy but had to answer, “Yes.”

“So, did you have a girlfriend in high school?” His mother, ever sharp, zeroed in on the key point.

“No, really, no!” Wu Xiang couldn’t admit it. He was quite innocent back then.

“Then how could you write about it?” His mother’s reasoning was spot-on—based on the timing, Wu Xiang must have written the novel in high school.

“What does that matter? Writers don’t have to actually experience everything they write about. Hemingway wrote ‘The Old Man and the Sea’—he wasn’t a fisherman.” Wu Xiang was merely arguing.

“That makes sense.” His mother was persuaded, but then, “Son, why didn’t you have a girlfriend?”

“What?” Wu Xiang was stunned—what was his mother thinking?

“What’s that look?” His mother didn’t like his expression. “You’re famous now—don’t follow those messy types. Behave, find me a proper daughter-in-law. We’re decent people—don’t bring home any flirts or flighty women…”

“Oh, woman, what are you fussing about? Take it easy!” Wu Xiang’s father felt more overwhelmed than Wu Xiang himself.

Wu Xiang gave his dad a big thumbs-up—his father knew how to deflect attention.

“You old fool! I’m teaching the child—you know nothing!” His mother immediately redirected her focus.

At that moment, Wu Xiang almost wanted to confess he already had a girlfriend. But he feared his mother would insist on meeting Hai Qing or want to visit Yanjing herself—both difficult situations.

Hai Qing couldn’t meet his mother yet. Not only did they need to keep it a secret, but her shy nature wouldn’t let her face his mother. If his mother visited the film academy to see her future daughter-in-law, the place would be in an uproar. All his careful plans would be wasted.

Welcome to all readers—discover the latest, fastest, and hottest serialized works here!