CDJMM – Volume 4 – Chapter 29 Filming in the Interstellar Era (29)

Qi Jiang Company was in the middle of an emergency meeting.

At the head seat sat President Xu Donghan, while Editor-in-Chief Xu Yan and several other department heads sat below.

The topic of today’s meeting was:

“Should our company help Republican-Era Literary Giants Chronicles with award publicity at the Capital Film Festival?” Xu Donghan looked at Xu Yan on his right. “Editor Xu, what do you think?”

Xu Yan organized her thoughts and replied seriously: “Our Qijiang Video Network may appear to be the number one original video site in Huaguo, but it has been many years since we produced a phenomenon-level work like Republican-Era Literary Giants Chronicles. The last time one of our productions won the Red Peony Award was ten years ago. At this rate, within two or three years, our position will be overtaken by emerging video platforms.”

Xu Donghan nodded and looked at the others. “What do you think? Speak freely. Today we’ll have an open discussion.”

The head of the marketing department frowned, disagreeing: “I admit Editor Xu’s concerns make sense, but precisely because of that, we should invest more funds to invite top domestic directors and actors to create films targeted for awards.”

The head of the copyright department nodded in agreement. “I agree. Although Republican-Era Literary Giants Chronicles has performed amazingly, it’s not our original production, nor do we own the rights. We only receive platform revenue. Publicizing it for awards brings extremely little benefit to us.”

Other department heads chimed in one after another, with the majority in disagreement.

Xu Yan let out a heavy sigh in her heart.

These idiots!

Just during this period, revenue share from Republican-Era Literary Giants Chronicles had brought them at least 800 million star coins! And how much does publicity for an award cost? At most a few tens of millions.

Spend a little now to buy goodwill from the Republican-Era production team — that’s how you secure future collaboration and make more money!

If the series fails to win awards, she could already imagine the conditions competitors would present when poaching them — “Come to our site. We’re not stingy like Qijiang Video. We’ll help you compete for awards!”

How could they lack even basic long-term vision? If Shi Jing and Li Jianye could create Republican-Era Literary Giants Chronicles, they could absolutely create a second hit.

Had they not heard? Shi Jing already hinted that his next film was in preparation — and would use the same cast as Republican-Era Literary Giants.

With those veteran actors, the lower bound of the film was guaranteed. As for the upper bound — Xu Yan had absolute confidence in Shi Jing. With Republican-Era Literary Giants as its predecessor, the new film’s box office wouldn’t be weak. If Shi Jing released it on another platform, Qijiang would suffer huge losses!

Although the industry in general underestimated Shi Jing’s youth, and many attributed the success to Director Li Jianye, Xu Yan did not.

That day on Today’s Celebrity Show, Li Jianye told Shi Jing: “You are the greatest genius I’ve ever met. I have a feeling that Republican-Era Literary Giants may be the peak of my directing career, while you—are only just beginning.”

Many dismissed his words as flattery, but she felt he meant every word.

She had seen Ordinary People and The Young Marquis of Fenglang Juxu — she deeply understood how extraordinary the talent of that twenty-something young man was. If they didn’t invest while Shi Jing was still rising, once he soared, investors would line up to throw money at him. Why would he still look at Qijiang?

It is easy to add flowers to a brocade; difficult to send charcoal in the snow.

Xu Donghan glanced at the visibly angry Xu Yan. “Editor Xu, anything you want to add?”

Xu Yan took a deep breath and laid out her reasoning. Before she finished, the marketing head cut her off.

“Early investment?” he raised a brow mockingly.

“Editor Xu, are you dreaming? Republican-Era Literary Giants got lucky this time. But luck is the most unreliable thing. Do you think Shi Jing’s next film will magically repeat its success? And you want to throw billions at uncertain luck? That’s not rational.”

“If you had watched his past works, you wouldn’t say that!” Xu Yan said sternly. “Shi Jing is a brilliant young talent. He’s only twenty-four! His future is limitless! He was responsible for at least half of the success of Republican-Era Literary Giants! If we miss this investment window, the losses won’t be a mere one or two billion, but ten or even dozens!”

The copyright head curled his lips. “Editor Xu, you’re getting absurd now. Sure, Shi Jing may be talented — but there are plenty of talented directors. We run a company, not a charity! And I understand wanting to win over young talent. If it were tens or hundreds of thousands, fine. But do you know how much it costs to publicize an award? At least 50–60 million! We spend all this money just to buy goodwill?”

Xu Yan wanted to rebut, but Xu Donghan raised his hand. “Alright. Everyone has spoken. Your proposal is indeed inappropriate.” He checked the time. “It’s late. Meeting adjourned.”

Just as he finished, the door knocked.

“Come in.”

Qian He walked in excitedly.

“What is it?” Xu Donghan asked impatiently.

His voice shook with excitement: “Republican-Era Literary Giants Chronicles made it into the People’s Daily!”

Xu Donghan froze. “What did you say? Don’t joke around.”

“I’m not joking — it’s real. Today’s People’s Daily, page 02, published a review of the series!”

The room exploded into action as everyone grabbed their terminals. Qian He’s excited voice echoed:

“People’s Daily said the show is one of the few outstanding main-theme works this year, displaying various factions’ choices during national crisis with rigorous historical depth, showcasing the Party’s sacrifices during the Anti-Japanese War — an excellent patriotic work!”

Silence. Deathly silence.

Even Xu Yan, who had foreseen the show’s potential, never imagined an official endorsement!

Shi Jing was so young — and his first drama earned praise from People’s Daily. Such a start would undoubtedly attract envy.

Xu Yan suddenly laughed. At this point, they didn’t even need to publicize for awards. With official media backing it before the ceremony — if it didn’t win, wouldn’t that slap the official media in the face?

Xu Donghan finally broke the silence with a cough. “Since that’s the case, let’s follow the Party’s lead. Xiao Liu.”

The marketing head immediately bent forward. “Yes, President.”

“I’ll have finance wire your department some funds. Publicize Republican-Era Literary Giants for an award.”

“…Yes, sir.”

“Let’s aim for Best TV Series.”

“No problem, sir.”

He checked his watch. “Anything else? If not—”

Xu Yan hurriedly said, “Wait, President Xu, I have another report.”

“What is it?”

“Well… for our platform’s Youth-Themed Video Competition, Director Shi Jing’s film was also selected — and I just received news that the same film was also shortlisted for the Starry Sky Awards.”

“…”

After a moment, “Xiao Liu…”

“I—I’m here…” The marketing head was sweating.

President Xu forced a dry laugh. “Well, see if you can also publicize… Best Director.”

“…Yes.”

Meanwhile, at CCTV’s Documentary Channel, planner Song Minghan just received a call from his friend An Yun.

“Old friend, I heard you’re working on a traditional culture documentary?”

Song Minghan lit up. “You’re interested?”

“No, no, I’m busy making a movie. I want to recommend someone to you. I originally wanted him to be my executive director for my next film, but that would waste his talent. So I thought of you.”

Song Minghan became curious. “Who? Someone you praise this much?”

“His name is Shi Jing. He’s new, but incredibly talented. The hit drama Republican-Era Literary Giants was co-directed by him. And his AI film was shortlisted for the Starry Sky Awards.”

Song Minghan blinked. “Oh, him? You’re promoting him so hard — what benefits did he give you?”

“Nothing! I simply appreciate talent! I can’t bear to watch a gem go unpolished. Forget listening to me — see for yourself. Search Little Figures in the History of Ancient Earth on Qijiang Video. He made that documentary, too. You’ll understand after watching.”

Song Minghan chuckled. “Alright. Since you recommended so strongly, I’ll watch it.”

He immediately pulled up Little Figures. Ten episodes, ten minutes each — just over an hour.

As he watched, Song Minghan’s eyes grew brighter, scalp tingling, adrenaline rushing — by the end, he wanted to leap up.

This was exactly the kind of documentary he wanted to make!

No wonder even the sly old fox An Yun admired him. Shi Jing was the real deal — a genius.

He wanted to invite him immediately, but after calming down, he hesitated.

CCTV documentary directors were all award-winning veterans. Inviting a newcomer with zero awards would never pass leadership approval.

So, better to wait. If Shi Jing’s drama and film won awards, the obstacles would be much smaller.

September 15th.

The Red Peony Award ceremony of the Capital International Film Festival.

One week later would be the Starry Sky Awards.

Le Jing walked the red carpet alone, dressed in a fitted black suit.

The young man’s black suit accentuated his clear eyes and gentle smile. His calm, elegant aura made him seem like a tranquil figure walking through chaos.

In terms of looks, he rivaled any top idol. No wonder the red carpet erupted with screams.

A reporter shouted, “Director Shi! Why no female companion today?”

Le Jing calmly replied: “Li Jianye refused to wear a dress. What can I do?”

The reporters burst into laughter.

Watching from her terminal, Sister Zhang also laughed, her originally heavy heart easing slightly.

Sigh… even if he’s just accompanying this time, seeing him look this handsome makes it worthwhile.

Amid the spotlight and anticipation, the Capital International Film Festival slowly began.