Chapter 72: Chen Ling in Self-Doubt

“Director Kaige is coming over,” Chen Ling said, still wanting to continue the conversation, but as he looked up, he saw Chen Kaige approaching, arm in arm with his wife, Chen Hong, walking straight toward them. The two of them took a couple of steps forward to greet them.

“Hello, Director Kaige. Hello, Sister Hong.” Both of them greeted the renowned director with great respect.

“Xiao Chen and Yifei, you’ve come. I wanted to meet you both during the school anniversary, but you were busy filming and couldn’t make it. For today’s movie premiere, I specifically invited all those from our alma mater who have made their mark outside, just to bring everyone together,” Chen Kaige said.

No wonder he’s such an esteemed director; his words carried a sense of grandeur that seemed quite different from the rumored image of someone who liked to lecture others. Could it be that those rumors were wrong? Or perhaps it was simply because he was in a good mood for the premiere today?

While pondering this, Chen Ling kept his tone cordial and replied with a smile, “We really were tied up with filming those days, and to be honest, I prefer watching Director Kaige’s films to attending events.”

To prevent others nearby from overhearing and spreading rumors, Chen Ling deliberately used the word “event” instead of “school anniversary.”

Clearly, Chen Ling’s flattery left Chen Kaige in a good mood. “You’re still young, Xiao Chen. Take the opportunity to learn and watch more; it will do you much good in the future.”

“I heard your film is coming out during the Spring Festival?” Chen Hong, still holding Chen Kaige’s arm, smiled at the two of them. “If you need any help when it’s released, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Sister Hong. If we do need help from you or Director Kaige, let me thank you in advance.” Regardless of whether others were sincere or just being polite, Chen Ling couldn’t let the conversation drop.

After a few more pleasantries, Chen Kaige and his wife moved on to greet others. As the hosts of the evening, it was already a great honor that they spent a few moments chatting with them.

“Director Kaige seems different from what the rumors say, doesn’t he?” As the couple walked away, Chen Ling whispered his doubts to Liu Yifei.

Liu Yifei furrowed her brow slightly. “I don’t know either. I’ve never really interacted with them before.”

Fair enough. Although she debuted before him, her mother always handled all external affairs. This young lady was even more reclusive than he was!

Soon, the premiere began. Chen Kaige, Chen Hong, Fan Tian, Wang Xueqi, and several key cast members took their seats on stage, while everyone else sat according to their assigned places. Chen Ling and Liu Yifei weren’t seated together; her seat was farther back.

Chen Ling didn’t recognize the people sitting to his left and right, nor did he have any desire to introduce himself. From what he remembered, there was no impression of these people in later years—likely just nobodies, so it wasn’t worth wasting time getting acquainted.

On stage, the main cast was being interviewed by the host, while the media below kept snapping photos.

At events like this, both the host’s questions and the cast’s answers followed a script. Even if there wasn’t a script, no one would dare ask anything that would upset Director Kaige.

Watching this unfold, Chen Ling remembered an interview video he’d seen online from his previous life, recorded before the release of Chen Kaige’s film “The Promise.” Thinking of this, he took out his phone, snapped a picture of the stage, and sent it to Liu Yan with the message:

“Sister Liu Yan, if Director Kaige invited you to host the premiere, the box office would conservatively increase by twenty million.”

“…” Liu Yan must not have been busy; she replied instantly with a string of ellipses, clearly recalling that infamous interview with Chen Kaige.

Back then, Liu Yan was just a rookie host, while Chen Kaige was already a household name, a Palm d’Or winner. Facing the director’s outburst, it was probably the closest Liu Yan ever came to being blacklisted.

“So you’re hoping I get blacklisted soon, huh!!” Three exclamation marks hardly conveyed Liu Yan’s current mood.

“I don’t think so. I chatted with Director Kaige today, and he seemed quite pleasant.”

This time, it took Liu Yan two minutes to reply: “Say that again after his movie’s box office and reviews come out.”

“Alright, the film’s about to start. Time for me to enjoy it.”

The main cast had already finished their stage interaction, and the staff were now clearing the chairs.

The movie began. As the plot unfolded, the characters appeared one after another.

Fan Tian looked stunning, her performance flawless—no wonder she’d just won Best Actress in Tokyo. The veteran actors were equally strong; no one’s acting let the film down.

As for the story, the narrative was clear, the plot flowed smoothly, and the dialogue was polished. You could tell this was the handiwork of a director at the top of his craft.

But this only applied to the first half of the film!

By the second half, things clearly fell apart. To Chen Ling, it felt as though the first and second halves had been made by different people. The more he enjoyed the first half, the more he frowned at the second.

The unknowns sitting beside him kept chiming in with praise, making Chen Ling question his own judgment.

“Nicely done!”

“This part is really interesting.”

“Mm, such seamless transitions—Director Kaige truly is a master.”

Chen Ling started to feel uneasy. Was there something wrong with his taste? He’d only missed a semester’s worth of classes—was that enough to make him unable to appreciate a movie?

If this counted as a good film, then “Breakup Buddies” would pale in comparison!

While Chen Ling was doubting himself, the film ended and the main cast returned to the stage.

He pulled out his phone to check the time, just in time to see another message from Liu Yan: “Finished watching? How did it feel?”

“The first half was enlightening, but the second half was beyond me. Maybe it’s because I haven’t finished reading my sophomore textbooks yet—my education is limited.”

Sadly, phones back then couldn’t send emojis, and words alone couldn’t convey all Chen Ling’s feelings.

“Will you have time after the premiere? I’d like to treat you to dinner to thank you for looking after me on set.”

Seeing Liu Yan’s message, Chen Ling hesitated. The premiere would end quite late—was it appropriate to go out at night? The media had been watching him closely these days, thanks to the whole mess with Yang Mi and Cai Yinong. Was it really a good idea to meet up at night? Besides, this invitation felt a bit abrupt, not quite like the Liu Yan he knew.

As he mulled it over, his phone vibrated again: “If you’re busy, we can do it another day.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Chen Ling replied, “I have time.” If a beautiful woman invites you out, why not go? It’s not like he’d lose out.

“I’ll pick the place, then. Near the China Film Auditorium, right? I know a great Xin Yang restaurant nearby.”

“Alright, I’ll slip away after this.”

“Do you like sauce-flavored liquor? I have a bottle of Maotai that’s been aging for over a decade.”

“Sure, I have a driver with me.” A decade-old Maotai—definitely worth a try.

After Director Chen Kaige finished his rousing speech on stage, the premiere officially entered its second half—socializing!

Every company boss had their own circle, every director had theirs, the leading ladies had theirs, and the A-listers had theirs. Chen Ling took a moment to greet Mr. Han and Wang Changtian, then slipped away quietly while no one was paying attention.

Unbeknownst to him, although he had left the venue, Liu Yifei remained inside, still searching for him.