Huayu: This director is so eager to improve.

Chapter 60 Press Conference

Inside the press conference hall of the SH TV Festival main venue, the lights were dazzling and there was a forest of cameras and microphones.

Zhang Li, the chairperson of the jury for this year's Magnolia Lan Awards and a renowned director, is leading several jury members in a group interview with domestic and international media.

The press conference is now halfway through.

This director, over fifty years old, possesses a refined and authoritative demeanor, exuding composure and authority. He is currently answering questions from reporters regarding the theme of this year's television festival.

"...The so-called 'image of the times' not only means that the work should reflect the vibrant life of the present, but also requires the creator to have the vision and insight of the times, to be able to capture the subtle and moving pulse of social change, and to record the spiritual map of this era..."

The sound was clearly transmitted through the microphone throughout the venue. The previous interview sessions went smoothly overall, and Zhang Li and the judges' answers were mostly standard and in line with expectations for such official occasions.

Until a reporter steered the conversation toward the most unique nominee in this year's competition.

"Hello Chairman Zhang Li, I am a reporter from Film and Television Observation. We have noticed that 'Day and Night,' which received five nominations, was originally produced and broadcast as a web series. Although it was also broadcast on satellite TV, its core production model and team background are more inclined towards the emerging web series system."

"Does this high-level nomination for such a work at this year's Magnolia Awards signify that the judging panel is consciously opening its evaluation criteria to a broader range of content production fields, or does it represent a formal 'recognition' of web dramas by mainstream awards?"

The question was quite direct and representative. The atmosphere in the room became slightly tense.

Zhang Li slightly adjusted his posture, still wearing a gentle smile on his face, and did not avoid the question.

"Thank you for this reporter's keen observation. First and foremost, it needs to be clear that the core of the Magnolia Award selection process has always been the quality of the work itself. We focus on whether the story is well-told, whether the characters are believable, whether it conveys the right values, and whether it can move people's hearts. As for whether it was initially presented to the audience through a television screen or a computer or mobile phone screen, that is not the first hurdle we set."

He paused, then continued:

"Undeniably, the rise of online platforms has brought new possibilities to film and television creation. It has fostered a group of dynamic, imaginative, and innovative creative teams, and has also produced some refreshing works in terms of narrative techniques and visual style. The reason why we noticed and nominated 'Day and Night' is primarily because of its breakthrough in suspense narrative, its depth in character development, and its pursuit of excellence in production. These 'hard strengths' are the fundamental reason for its nomination."

"So rather than calling this a 'shift' or a 'rectification,' it's more accurate to say that it reflects our open attitude and keen awareness of all excellent creative works as an industry award."

The answer affirmed the quality of "White Nights" while cleverly avoiding controversial characterizations such as "signal" or "transformation," emphasizing the award's quality orientation and inclusive attitude, making it impeccable.

The reporter sat down, seemingly having anticipated this answer.

However, the next reporter to stand up asked a more pointed and gossipy question:

"Chairman Zhang Li, hello. I'm a reporter from Entertainment Express. We noticed an interesting incident at yesterday's charity auction: a camera you personally donated was auctioned off for one million yuan by Mr. Qi Yue, the director of 'Day and Night.' Director Qi Yue's film is currently competing for a major award judged by you. What are your thoughts on this? Could this be interpreted as Director Qi paying special 'homage' to you personally, or to the judging panel?"

The question was met with a burst of laughter from the audience.

This is clearly a slightly gossipy question, but it does touch on a sensitive topic:

The fact that a nominated director paid a high price for a donation from the jury chairman inevitably raises questions.

The other judges on stage also showed subtle expressions. Zhang Li remained calm and composed; he even smiled slightly.

"First of all, I would like to thank Director Qi Yue for his enthusiastic support of charity."

Zhang Li spoke first, defining the nature of the matter.

"That camera has been with me for many years and carries many memories. I'm donating it in the hope that it can still be used to help children in remote areas access the art of film. Director Qi Yue is willing to donate one million yuan to support this project, and as the donor, I am very gratified and grateful. This shows that our filmmakers not only have artistic pursuits but also a strong sense of social responsibility."

He skillfully shifted the topic from "personal" to "philanthropy" and "industry responsibility".

"As for the tribute you just mentioned..." Zhang Li smiled and shook his head, his tone relaxed and frank.

"I think it's more of a coincidence. Maybe Director Qi Yue and I are both nostalgic people who have feelings for the old partners that have accompanied creators through the years."

He looked at the reporter who asked the question, his gaze gentle yet carrying an undeniable certainty:

"But in any case, charity is charity, and awards are awards. These are two completely different things, and the boundaries are very clear in our judging committee. The selection process for the Magnolia Award has strict procedures and standards, and it will not be affected by any off-site factors."

"Director Qi Yue's good deed is commendable, but whether 'Day and Night' can win an award depends on its own weight in the judges' hearts. Please rest assured on this point, and please trust the professional ethics of all our judges."

The answer was flawless, and laughter and applause erupted again from the audience.

The press conference continued, but the topic of "White Night" and Qi Yue was steered in other directions.

.......

A hotel suite on Anfu Road.

Qi Yue turned off the live broadcast of the press conference.

Bai Mengyan was carefully wiping the Arriflex camera, which had just been delivered and was worth "millions".

"Boss,"

Bai Mengyan glanced at the black screen and muttered dejectedly.

"It seems your plan didn't work out. Did we waste that million?"

The more she thought about it, the more she felt cheated. One million! And she bought this piece of metal? Keep in mind that her monthly salary was less than four thousand yuan.

"You silly girl."

Qi Yue sat on the sofa, toying with a matchbox provided by the hotel. "You've always wanted to enter the entertainment industry, haven't you? Well, today I'll teach you the first lesson for surviving in this industry: Never believe what people say in front of the camera, especially when there are spotlights shining on you."

Bai Mengyan was stunned, and subconsciously pointed to the black screen of the TV: "But... he clearly said that..."

"So high and mighty?" Qi Yue finished speaking for her, then casually tossed the matchbox onto the coffee table.

"Xiaobai, what do you think is the greatest motivation for a person to live in this world?"

"what?"

Bai Mengyan was taken aback by this sudden question. She scratched her head, looking distressed.

"Well... Boss, I hadn't thought about such a big problem... As long as I'm alive, I'll just stay alive."

"Then why do you want to enter the entertainment industry so much? Tell the truth."

Bai Mengyan had a perfect answer to this question; her eyes lit up instantly.

"Because you can only become famous by entering the entertainment industry! And only by becoming famous can you make big money and live a good life!"

Qi Yue laughed, this time a genuine laugh.

"Look, very frank. Fame and fortune. There's nothing shameful about pursuing these. Those artists, directors, screenwriters, and even those well-dressed judges and celebrities on TV just now, are all just ordinary people at heart. Living in this world, we can't escape these two things. Either seek fame, or pursue fortune, or both."

"So when you see someone, especially someone in the center of this world of fame and fortune, acting particularly aloof and detached, as if they are not of this world... you should be careful."

"Either he's hiding his desires, or he's pursuing ambitions far greater than ordinary fame and fortune."

Bai Mengyan listened with a mixture of understanding and confusion, her mind a jumbled mess, yet it seemed as if something had been revealed to her.

She murmured, "So, boss, you belong to the latter type, with bigger ambitions, right?"

Qi Yue walked back and flicked her forehead:

"Don't you dare cricket your boss."

Bai Mengyan cried out "Ouch!" and covered her forehead, looking aggrieved.

"So, boss, are you sure Chairman Zhang will meet with you?"

She had barely finished speaking.

"bite--"

Qi Yue's phone, which was on the coffee table, lit up.

He glanced at it. Then, he turned the screen towards Bai Mengyan.

If it's convenient, you can come to my house at 9 AM tomorrow.