Too impatient!
When Chen Jianhao heard Lu Chen claim he had a piece that met Zhang Wentian's requirements, he secretly thought it was a bad idea.
Lu Chen had clearly lost his usual composure in front of this esteemed director, and he had become too eager to show off.
A professor from the Composition Department at the Beijing Conservatory of Music, a professor from the Chinese Department of Peking University— two mentor-level figures working together— neither had the confidence to produce a work that would satisfy Zhang Wentian, yet Lu Chen dared to boast here.
Chen Jianhao felt a bit embarrassed.
He had called Lu Chen over today mainly to help him obtain an auditor's certificate. He and Gao Yue were distant relatives, so he called him "uncle," but their relationship wasn't particularly deep. Helping to secure an auditor's certificate wasn't a big problem.
Zhang Wentian's presence was purely coincidental.
For Lu Chen to get acquainted with this great director would be very beneficial for his foothold in the entertainment industry, and even for his future entry into film and television.
But Chen Jianhao never imagined Lu Chen would be so eager for quick success!
Of course, he thought he could understand Lu Chen's mindset.
In the entertainment industry, an artist's status and rank are closely tied to their profession.
Generally speaking, movie actors hold the highest prestige. Achieving the status of a respected Best Actor or Best Actress makes one a significant figure in the industry, earning the respect of everyone.
While a popular singer might have more fans than many actors, in terms of prestige, they often fall short.
Many singers, after gaining fame, desperately try to break into film and television, becoming so-called triple-threat stars!
Like those new-generation idols, who, after debuting, eagerly take on roles in TV dramas, no matter how clichéd the plot, fighting fiercely for supporting roles that appear in just a few episodes, generating endless gossip.
Thus, no newcomer can maintain a normal mindset in front of Zhang Wentian.
If they can gain the favor of this great director, even a cameo in his blockbuster is worth a lot of hype!
But understanding aside, Chen Jianhao couldn't help but feel disappointed.
Gao Yue's favor toward Lu Chen also instantly dropped from three points to one.
To say that Lu Chen is a "newborn calf not afraid of tigers" is being polite; saying he doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth is more accurate.
Zhang Wentian, after all, is a seasoned veteran in the industry. After the initial surprise, he quickly regained his composure, nodded, and picked up his teacup.
In truth, he was unimpressed.
He didn't ask about Lu Chen's work, clearly indicating his attitude.
Chen Pu wore a half-smile and said, "Really? Then sing it for us old folks to hear."
He was the only one willing to give Lu Chen a chance, even though his tone was laced with sarcasm.
Lu Chen knew very well that his words had displeased the seniors.
But since he dared to say it, he certainly had the confidence!
After a moment's thought, Lu Chen picked up a pair of sterilized chopsticks from the tea table, taking a bamboo chopstick from the paper sleeve.
He held the tip of the chopstick with his right thumb and index finger, neither humble nor pushy, and said, "I'll make a fool of myself."
As soon as he finished speaking, the chopstick tapped on the table.
He used the chopstick as a drumstick and the table as a drum, tapping out a prelude, and began to sing along with the rhythm.
"Arrogance facing ten thousand waves,
Hot blood like the red sun!
Guts of iron,
Bones of steel,
A chest as vast as a thousand feet,
Eyes seeing ten thousand miles,
I strive to be strong,
To be a true man!..."
Lu Chen had only sung a few lines when the expressions of the two professors and Zhang Wentian changed.
Chen Pu was stunned.
Gao Yue was shocked!
And Director Zhang suddenly widened his eyes, staring at Lu Chen as if he had discovered a treasure!
Zhang Wentian is a very stubborn person, to the point of obsession.
He has very strict requirements for his profession; whether it's shooting TV dramas or movies, he never cuts corners. If a job can be done to ten points, he will never settle for nine.
In 1991, Zhang Wentian began shooting "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms," and it wasn't until 1994 that he finished.
A crew of hundreds spent three years traveling across most of China, with countless locations and sets. All the costumes, props, and buildings in the drama strictly adhered to historical facts, causing the budget to soar and making investors anxious, nearly declaring the project a failure.
But when the shooting finally ended, it aired in prime time on CCTV's first channel, achieving a record rating of 89.35%. Even though there were no other TV stations at that time, it was still a miracle.
Shooting TV dramas like this, let alone movies, Zhang Wentian's seriousness and persistence often made investors want to cry. After 2000, several movies he directed lost money, and he gradually faded from the scene.
But a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. In the film and television industry, Zhang Wentian remains a heavyweight. This time, after a decade of hibernation, he is full of ambition, wanting to achieve both critical acclaim and box office success.
The stubborn side of this great director was exposed again. With the script already completed, and the crew and cast all in place, he still hadn't started shooting because he couldn't decide on the theme song, which was quite something to say.
But Zhang Wentian didn't see it that way. He wanted a feeling.
When the feeling is right, shooting will naturally flow like water; otherwise, it lacks a soul, and he can't create what he truly envisions.
The theme song is the soul of this movie!
Zhang Wentian personally sought out four or five songwriters to craft the theme song.
To be fair, these works were of good quality, but none satisfied Zhang Wentian.
In desperation, he turned to two old friends, hoping to gain some insight.
What Zhang Wentian didn't expect was that a small newcomer in the industry would claim his work was suitable and even dare to sing it on the spot.
At first, Director Zhang thought it was a joke, treating Lu Chen as a source of amusement.
But then he was shocked!
Lu Chen's use of chopsticks as accompaniment was almost child's play; he sang in a low voice, not loud, but as soon as he started, the majestic and passionate aura contained in the lyrics and melody struck him, instantly stunning his soul.
Unlike Chen Pu and Gao Yue, who were merely surprised, Zhang Wentian was genuinely taken aback.
What he had been searching for was exactly this feeling, the charm contained in this song!
Bang!
The next moment, Zhang Wentian suddenly slammed the table and stood up, his eyes wide open: "Stop!"
He slapped the table hard, and if it weren't for the fact that the tea table in the private room was well-made and very heavy, the tea bowls on it would have toppled over.
Lu Chen was startled and immediately stopped singing.
Yes, this song needs to be "roared" with energy; otherwise, it just doesn't resonate.
"No, no."
Zhang Wentian thoughtfully lowered his head, pacing back and forth a few steps, as if trying hard to find something.
Chen Pu and Gao Yue exchanged glances, unsure of what was troubling this great director.
Lu Chen's work had sounded interesting at the beginning, but it shouldn't have made him lose his composure like this, right?
Gao Yue smiled and asked, "Young man, is this song using the tune of 'General's Order'?"
This professor from the Composition Department at the Beijing Conservatory of Music felt a bit guilty. He had thought Lu Chen was just trying to show off, but now he realized that the latter truly had talent.
Lu Chen quickly replied, "Yes, Professor Gao."
Gao Yue asked again, "Then what's the name of the song?"
"A Man Should Stand Strong!"
This song in Lu Chen's Dream World is a classic movie theme song. Its influence surpasses all similar works, created by a master.
In his memory, the one who liked this song the most wasn't Xu Bo or Mo Ran, but Fang Mingyi!
"A Man Should Stand Strong!"
Gao Yue repeated it and praised, "Good name, good tune!"
Chen Pu also nodded: "The lyrics are even better."
The lyrics of this song sound rough at first, full of the aura of the Jianghu, but under the accompaniment of the melody, they are greatly elevated, making people feel passionate and full of chivalry.
"All good!"
At this moment, Zhang Wentian finally came back to his senses and said loudly, "The only thing not good is the accompaniment. This song should be accompanied by a big drum to have the real taste!"
The great director stared at Lu Chen with eager eyes: "Sing it again, sing it completely, with drum accompaniment!"
Using chopsticks to tap is simply an insult to this work!
"Uh..."
Lu Chen was speechless. This is a quiet and elegant teahouse; where would they find a big drum?
But he really underestimated this teahouse called "Yuming Tea Garden." Chen Jianhao called a waiter and requested to borrow a drum. The waiter didn't show any surprise or difficulty and quickly went to fulfill the request.
After instructing the waiter, Chen Jianhao looked at Lu Chen with a strange expression that seemed to be saying— 'you really hid it deep'!
As the saying goes, not making a sound, but when you do, it's astonishing!
Lu Chen noticed Chen Jianhao's gaze and could only smile wryly.
He didn't expect things to escalate so quickly. Just now, after hearing Zhang Wentian talk about the movie script, the memory of the song "A Man Should Stand Strong" popped into his mind, and he just mentioned it without thinking too much.
This song fits the plot very well, and Director Zhang Wentian's masterpiece won't disgrace the classic!
Unexpectedly, Zhang Wentian's reaction was so intense.
Of course, at this point, Lu Chen remained calm. He didn't expect to land a role in Zhang Wentian's movie with just one song. Establishing a friendly cooperative relationship with this great director was already a significant benefit.
Moreover, creating a movie theme song can greatly enhance one's prestige!
Prestige in the entertainment industry represents rank and value. The higher Lu Chen's prestige, the more valuable his works become.
Such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he absolutely wouldn't miss it.
After about ten minutes, two waiters carried a drum into the private room.
Along with them came a beautiful woman in Hanfu.
(Traditionally, hanfu consists of a paofu robe, or a ru jacket worn as the upper garment with a qun skirt commonly worn as the lower garment. In addition to clothing, hanfu also includes several forms of accessories, such as headwear, footwear, belts, jewelry, yupei, and handheld fans.)
——
(End of Chapter)
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