Chapter 152 Happy Birthday
This year's Venice Film Festival can be called a Chinese film festival.
Chairman Markel not only invited Jackie Chan's rob-b-hood and Li Chen's father's love is like a mountain 2, but also Feng Xiaogang's the banquet to participate in the exhibition.
In particular, Li Chen's father's love is like a mountain 2 will be the closing film to conclude this Venice Film Festival.
In addition, genius gunner and ip man will also hold promotional events in Venice.
The non-main competition section also includes The Court on Horseback directed by mainland director Liu Jie,
East directed by mainland director Jia Zhangke,
and A Year of the Beginning directed by Taiwan director Cheng Yu-Chieh.
As for the main competition section, it was even more of a Hundred Flowers blooming.
Jia Zhangke's still life,
Johnnie To's Exiled,
and Taiwan's Tsai Ming-liang's I Don't Want to Sleep Alone represented the Two Shores and Three Regions and were all nominated for the main competition section.
Even the media joked that Markel had a Chinese heart.
In late August, the filming progress of the thieves was already more than halfway through, thanks to Wen Ziren's co-direction.
At the same time, in China.
Fan Bingbing and Chen Shu arrived at Splendid Diamond one after another.
Before Chen Shu arrived, Fan Bingbing went to Yang Siwei's office.
Today, the two's red carpet dresses were freshly made, and Yang Siwei notified them to come for a fitting.
Fan Bingbing was also very much looking forward to what her red carpet dress would look like.
After all, Liu Yifei's several red carpet appearances had been spectacular.
Lawrence Xu of Rongchen Film and Television had long been famous both at home and abroad.
Since passing the audition for father's love is like a mountain 2, her and Chen Shu's measurements were immediately left at Rongchen Film and Television.
From shoplifters onwards, everyone in the industry knew.
For films directed by Director Li, the red carpet styling and jewelry for the lead actors were all provided by Rongchen Film and Television.
Especially for jewelry, sponsors were scrambling.
Unlike filming Wang Xiaoshuai's movies, for a red carpet event, jewelry and dresses had to be pieced together.
Entering Yang Siwei's office, Fan Bingbing didn't treat herself as an outsider.
She sat down on her own and said with a smile, "Chen Ge, how are you planning to dress me up? Let's agree first, if it's ugly, I won't wear it."
Yang Siwei poured Fan Bingbing a glass of water, sat opposite her, and scoffed.
"Put your heart at ease. You can afford to be embarrassed, but my boss still cares about his reputation."
"I'm just afraid you won't dare to wear it later!"
Fan Bingbing smoothed her hair at the temples, raised an eyebrow, "Don't dare to wear it? Is it very revealing?"
Yang Siwei held back a smile and spoke in riddles, "Not revealing, but very imperial!"
"Imperial?" Fan Bingbing was confused.
As the two were talking, an assistant knocked on the door and came in, "Manager Yang, Mr. Xu's side is ready, you can go over now."
Yang Siwei stood up and pulled Fan Bingbing, "Let's go, you'll know when we get there."
Fan Bingbing followed Yang Siwei to the fitting room with a sense of trepidation.
The fitting room was very spacious, with three changing rooms and three makeup rooms.
As soon as Fan Bingbing entered, her attention was drawn to four dresses.
Especially two of them.
One was indeed very imperial! Very dazzling!
"This, this, is this...? A dragon robe?" Fan Bingbing murmured to herself.
Yang Siwei was very pleased with Fan Bingbing's expression.
The first time she saw this dress, she was also amazed.
Lawrence Xu had already stepped forward, "Miss Fan, what do you think? Do you dare to wear it?"
"This series is the first in my Chinese style collection, aiming to create a sensation in Venice."
Fan Bingbing's heart was beating a little fast, and her fair, delicate face was slightly flushed, "Mr. Xu, won't this be a bit too bold?"
Lawrence Xu laughed heartily, "Director Li has a message for you: Is there anything Fan Bingbing wouldn't dare to wear?"
Yang Siwei couldn't help but laugh out loud, completely unconcerned that Lawrence Xu was right next to them.
"The backless dress you wore at the Golden Rooster Awards last time, your butt was almost showing. This dragon robe reveals nothing, yet you're afraid to wear it?"
Fan Bingbing was greatly embarrassed and punched Yang Siwei hard.
Actually, the moment she saw this dragon robe, she was captivated.
She knew that if she wore this dragon robe to Venice, she would definitely become the focus of media from all countries.
At that time, both curses and praises would probably come her way.
But so what? Since her debut, she had always become more popular the more she was criticized.
Now, there was truly nothing she wouldn't dare to wear.
She had even posed for nude charity oil paintings; what else was she afraid of?
Yang Siwei continued to tease her, "With a face like yours, unless you disfigure yourself!"
"Otherwise, even if you help an old lady cross the road, ill-intentioned people will slander you for putting on an act."
"My boss wasn't afraid to choose you as the lead, yet you're putting on airs!"
Fan Bingbing quickly begged for mercy, "I'll wear it, I'll wear it, alright? I only said one sentence, and you want to say ten!"
"That's more like it. You guys, get Xiao Fan ready." Yang Siwei pointed at several stylists.
Several stylists came up and pulled Fan Bingbing to change her clothes.
One of them was Zhang Jiao (Zhang Tian'ai), who looked at Fan Bingbing's bright eyes, perky nose, delicate chin, and makeup.
Zhang Jiao was extremely envious, comparing herself to her, she felt more like an ugly duckling.
Fan Bingbing went in to get dressed, and Chen Shu also arrived.
Chen Shu's dress was a black gown paired with an emerald necklace, noble, dignified, and grand.
It perfectly matched her temperament, and Chen Shu was very satisfied.
After nearly half an hour, Fan Bingbing emerged, gleaming in gold.
The staff in the fitting room couldn't help but gasp in admiration.
Lawrence Xu stroked his chin and nodded, a smile on his face.
He thought to himself, "This Fan Bingbing is indeed a good clothes hanger. This Chinese style series has found its owner."
Fan Bingbing at this moment looked as if she had had a little too much to drink, slightly tipsy.
Her fair skin was faintly flushed.
For the past ten years, she had tried her best to shake off the initial impression of being the maid Jin Suo.
It could be said that she had been very successful in these ten years.
First, she deliberately took on a large number of roles as princesses and county princesses.
Then, she won the Hundred Flowers Best Actress award for her role as Wu Yue.
She was already a well-deserved member of the 'Three Beauties of Huanzhu', no longer just the maid of Ziwei or a foil for that swallow.
But if she wore this dragon robe today, as long as she walked the red carpet in Venice, she might even become a queen overnight.
Yang Siwei, watching from the side, nodded repeatedly and walked over to Fan Bingbing, whispering.
"When your contract expires next year, don't be an ungrateful person! This dress and jewelry of yours are enough to buy a house in Beijing!"
Fan Bingbing's mouth was slightly agape, in disbelief.
Was this the huge investment Li Chen had made in her? Fan Bingbing couldn't help but wonder.
After leaving Splendid Diamond, Fan Bingbing sent a text message to Li Chen: "Chen Ge, after Venice, I'm going to be cursed to death, you have to catch me!"
"But, the dragon robe, I really like it, I understand your intentions!"
This dragon robe gave Fan Bingbing courage and removed her inhibitions.
Good things must be fought for, and good men must be snatched!
Li Chen only saw Fan Bingbing's text message the next day after waking up.
After thinking for a moment, he still replied with one: "I'm worried about your aesthetic taste, just like my Yifei, it's an eyesore!"
Unexpectedly, Fan Bingbing seemed to have her phone in hand.
She immediately replied with one: "Then do you like me as much as you like Yifei!"
Li Chen didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Fortunately, Miss Liu was still dreaming, otherwise, if she saw this message, he really wouldn't be able to clear his name even if he jumped into the Yellow River.
Li Chen didn't want to play ambiguous games with her and quickly replied with one: "The person I like has always been only her."
This time, Fan Bingbing didn't reply immediately, but after several hours, she sent back one: "I was joking with you last night, Chen Ge, please don't take it seriously."
On the set of the thieves, today's scene was Charlize Theron's highlight moment.
The diamond accidentally fell into Charlize Theron's hands.
However, the entire building was already surrounded by police.
Charlize Theron had to pretend to be a woman taking a bath at home and not hear the sirens.
Charlize Theron nodded to Li Chen, indicating she was ready.
"Action!"
Charlize Theron, in a one-piece jumpsuit, took off her jumpsuit as she went up the stairs.
Her black tight-fitting camisole revealed Charlize Theron's graceful and exquisite figure.
The bursting water pipes nearby and the increasingly close conversations between the police downstairs.
Gave her instant inspiration.
"Cut!"
Charlize Theron didn't know what went wrong and looked at Li Chen with a puzzled expression.
Over the past two months, everyone had gained a deep understanding of this Eastern director, who was almost harsh in his demands for detail.
Even Charlize Theron had to admit that the meticulousness and sensibility of Easterners were fully displayed in this young director.
"Charlize, those steps going up the stairs were all fine, the movements were fluid and cool, but after you came up, those few kicks to get rid of your pants were just too fast, lacking in aesthetic appeal."
A translator on set quickly translated Li Chen's words to Charlize Theron.
"Come here." Li Chen waved to Charlize Theron.
Charlize Theron walked to Li Chen's side and bent down, a scent of Chanel perfume wafting into Li Chen's nostrils.
Li Chen replayed the footage from earlier.
Pointing at the camera, "Look, this splaying out of the feet when kicking is too ugly."
Charlize Theron nodded repeatedly. It was indeed very unattractive, and Charlize Theron also noticed, "I'll do it again, Director! (English)"
Liu Yifei and several other lead actors also gathered around to watch.
Several people couldn't help but marvel at Li Chen's high demands for detail.
Charlize Theron returned to the middle of the stairs.
"Action!"
This time, from the moment Charlize Theron started taking off her clothes while going up the stairs, every movement presented an aesthetic sense, while also not neglecting the rhythm.
She truly lived up to her reputation as the Diamond of South Africa!
Standing at 1.78 meters tall, with a flick of her hair and a toss of her head, every changing movement was simply perfect.
"Cut! OK!"
Charlize Theron, in her tight outfit, smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. Staff members quickly came up to wipe Charlize Theron's hair and body.
Zhang Hanyu, standing nearby, secretly marveled at how good this woman's figure was.
After filming a scene for the thieves, he truly understood the vast difference between Chinese actors and Hollywood actors.
Just the treatment of Charlize Theron, an Oscar-winning actress, dwarfed all major stars in China.
Besides her food, clothing, housing, and transportation being several notches above Chinese actors'.
He heard that this tall woman, known as the Diamond of South Africa, also participated in global box office splits.
However, thinking that even Zhang Ziyi had a trailer on Hollywood sets, he felt relieved.
You have to eat your food one bite at a time, and walk your path one step at a time. He wasn't in a hurry. He had waited so many years, he didn't mind waiting a few more.
August 25th was Liu Yifei's nineteenth birthday.
A day in advance, thousands of fans left messages on Liu Yifei's blog to send their blessings.
Many fans also asked how Liu Yifei would celebrate tomorrow.
Artists in the industry also didn't forget to tease Liu Yifei one by one.
"Yifei's birthday, the thieves crew will stop work for one day."
"Xiao Ming, I just called Yifei. Director Li didn't fall for the honey trap and is still sticking to his post."
"Brother Xiao Ming, Xun Ge'er, you two just focus on filming your the deer and the cauldron and painted skin. You worry too much!"
Fans were all curious how Li Chen would celebrate Liu Yifei's birthday. If he was perfunctory, they wouldn't approve.
The media were even more inquisitive.
On the morning of the twenty-sixth, it was still the twenty-fifth in Hollywood.
Several actors from the crew, upon learning it was Liu Yifei's birthday today, all sent their blessings.
Charlize Theron and Monica Bellucci both hugged Liu Yifei and said, "Happy birthday."
Liu Yifei thanked each one of them.
Leaving the set, getting into the car, Miss Liu and Li Chen sat in the back row.
Miss Liu crossed her arms, her face taut, not even looking at Li Chen sitting beside her: "Director Li, how do you plan to spend today?"
Li Chen couldn't help but chuckle inwardly; Miss Liu was getting impatient.
It was her birthday, yet she was asking him how to spend it. This was a test for him.
Li Chen also feigned a yawn, "I'm too tired today. Let's go back and have a casual meal with Auntie, then wash up and go to bed."
Miss Liu placed one hand on Li Chen's waist and raised her voice, "What did you say?"
But in her heart, she was secretly cursing Li Chen: "Hmph! Damn Li Chen! Stinky Li Chen! Where's the promised gift?"
She still clearly remembered when Li Chen had publicly said in front of their schoolmates that he would make up for the box office earnings with her birthday gift!
Although she could do without it, he couldn't not give it!
Li Chen looked exhausted, "Xixi, I'm too tired. Besides, it's already past the twenty-fifth in China. I'll make it up to you next year, okay?"
Miss Liu looked at the fatigue on Li Chen's face; it really didn't seem like an act.
Thinking about how he had been filming for over twelve hours every day these past few days, it was indeed very hard work.
Although she felt a little disappointed, she still thoughtfully expressed her concern, "Are you alright? Do you want to ask a doctor to take a look?"
Li Chen almost couldn't maintain his act; what a kind-hearted girl.
You also didn't think about why the crew finished filming early today.
Li Chen held her hand that was on his waist, his eyes gentle, "It's nothing, a night's rest will do."
Miss Liu truly believed him, "Mm, then go home, eat, and get some good rest."
"Mm," Li Chen closed his eyes and responded.
Miss Liu leaned her head on his shoulder.
The Rolls-Royce slowly moved forward. When they arrived at Crystal Wu, Miss Liu checked her watch, it was almost five-thirty.
It had taken a full hour to drive, and she was wondering why it was so slow today.
The gate of Crystal Wu Manor slowly opened.
Miss Liu gently shook Li Chen, "We're home, don't sleep anymore."
Entering the manor, with the setting sun, the scene on the wide green lawn left Miss Liu in the car dumbfounded.
She wondered if she was seeing things. She actually saw Yang Siwei, Tangtang, Changchang, and even Godfather.
As well as Tim and all the lead actors of the thieves.
And some foreigners and familiar faces she didn't recognize.
On the lawn, the conspicuous birthday party decorations were exceptionally eye-catching.
There were also more than a dozen sports cars of various types parked directly outside the lawn.
In an instant, she understood everything and immediately turned to glare at the man beside her who had been acting with her the whole way.
The young man's lips were curved upwards, and his dark eyes were full of laughter.
"Happy Birthday, Princess Xixi."
I guess I'm going to be called a simp by the book friends again. Let them curse, you are my bread and butter after all!
