Chapter 139: Press Conference

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Like the wind, Zhang Tan passed through the underground passage, then vanished without a trace, leaving only a beautiful aftertaste for those fortunate enough to hear his song.

The next day, many probably had already forgotten Zhang Tan.

It was like a film’s incidental music—pleasant to the ear, but once the show ends, you might not think to look it up.

Perhaps years later, when the melody plays again, you suddenly realize that on some day, in some month of some year, you once heard that song.

Having signed the contract, Zhang Quanshun and his son enjoyed a few good days in Beijing.

They climbed the Great Wall at Badaling, watched the flag-raising ceremony in the morning, and visited the Beijing Film Academy, which was still on summer break, so very few people were around. The school was small, not much larger than the vocational college Zhang Tan had attended in his past life.

“Get familiar with the place now. After the New Year, you’ll be taking the art entrance exam here,” Zhang Quanshun said.

Zhang Tan nodded but remained silent.

To be honest, if he had to take the exam, he wasn’t sure he could meet the art school’s standards. He was a music student, learning music from Zhu Yunfei, who wasn’t exactly a seasoned music teacher and whose teaching was rather poor. Besides, the Beijing Film Academy didn’t have a music department, only a recording department.

He had pursued music out of interest, to prepare for songwriting, and to find some freedom for himself.

He never truly intended to get into art school through music.

But this was not something he could say to Zhang Quanshun. Zhang Tan had his own plan—he had already spoken with Li Yan to contact the leadership at the Beijing Film Academy and see if they could pull some strings to get him into the directing department through a back door. Given his current fame, if the academy wasn’t too proud, they wouldn’t shut him out.

One must remember that the Beijing Film Academy competed with the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy; the competition came down to whose fame was greater, who produced more stars, and who was more attractive.

A master of martial arts attending the Beijing Film Academy would undoubtedly be a huge promotional gimmick.

“Dad, you go back first. I still need to discuss the script with Director Yu and the others. I’ll return in a few days.”

“All right. I’ll go back first. Take care of yourself here, don’t stay too long, and come home early.”

“Got it. I’ll definitely be back before August—I also have a book signing in Huainan.”

After seeing Zhang Quanshun off at the airport, Zhang Tan was completely free in Beijing.

Several well-known screenwriters in the industry were hired to write the script for The Legend of the Condor Heroes, so Zhang Tan didn’t have to worry too much. In fact, he couldn’t meddle even if he wanted to. These writers were all in their thirties or forties, and there was no way a minor like Zhang Tan could join their ranks. He felt no need to cause himself unnecessary trouble.

He only needed to review the script once a week.

This was clearly stated in the contract—Zhang Tan had script approval rights to prevent the adaptation from becoming a mess. Zhang Dahuzi was very optimistic about The Legend of the Condor Heroes and had a keen eye; he believed that filming it faithfully according to the original novel would make an excellent script, so he agreed to keep it as close to the source as possible.

Without having to constantly monitor the script, Zhang Tan naturally had a lot more free time.

For now, he stuck close to Zhang Dahuzi, watching how he prepared the crew and secretly learning under the pretense of giving suggestions.

But before assembling the crew, there was one more task to complete.

That was to announce externally that The Legend of the Condor Heroes was entering pre-production and hold a signing ceremony press conference, which Zhang Tan needed to attend.

On July 19th, the sun scorched the earth.

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Zhang Dahuzi’s studio held a press conference. Given Zhang Dahuzi’s notable reputation in the industry, many reporters came to support the event—about thirty or forty media outlets, including Xinlang Entertainment, Souhu Entertainment, China Entertainment Report, and Beijing Satellite TV.

Three seats were arranged on the stage for Zhang Dahuzi, Yu Min, and Zhang Tan. Zhang Dahuzi was the producer, Yu Min the main director, and Zhang Tan the original author, all facing the media’s flashing cameras.

There was also a host nearby to conduct the event.

“Thank you very much to the media friends for attending the press conference for Zhang Dahuzi Studio’s next project, The Legend of the Condor Heroes. Since its establishment, our studio has produced multiple martial arts TV dramas recognized by the market and has achieved excellent ratings. Building on this foundation, we will continue to produce popular martial arts dramas.”

The reporters had been informed beforehand about the signing of The Legend of the Condor Heroes adaptation, so they were not particularly surprised and quietly listened to the host’s introduction while occasionally clicking their cameras.

Zhang Tan sat upright behind the press table. He had been interviewed many times before and was experienced, but the large number of reporters today made him nervous about tomorrow’s potentially extensive coverage; he wanted to leave a good impression on the public.

“The Legend of the Condor Heroes has recently been the hottest martial arts work in China and even all of Asia. In just one year, nearly ten million copies have been sold, sparking a reading craze among Chinese communities worldwide. Therefore, our studio has decided to begin filming The Legend of the Condor Heroes.”

“At present, our studio has reached an agreement with Mr. Zhang Tan, the author of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, for the rights to adapt the work into a film and television production. Today, in the presence of media friends, we officially sign the contract.”

Following the host’s lead, a hostess in a qipao, her figure alluring, carried a tray with the contract and pen.

The contract was just for show; it had been signed long ago.

Zhang Dahuzi and Zhang Tan stood simultaneously, smiling as they took the contract and pen from the tray. Under the reporters’ continuous camera clicks, they each signed their names on the show contract and then exchanged signatures.

The cameras clicked furiously once more.

A few minutes later, the show contract was signed.

Zhang Dahuzi and Zhang Tan clasped hands tightly, posed for the countless cameras below, and held the pose for a full thirty seconds before releasing.

Only after the contract was put away did the host move on to the next segment:

“Now is the Q&A session. If anyone has questions, you may ask Producer Zhang, Director Yu, or Mr. Zhang.”

...

“Director Zhang, why choose a newly published novel like The Legend of the Condor Heroes for your next project instead of continuing to remake classic Hong Kong and Taiwanese martial arts dramas?” a reporter asked first.

Zhang Dahuzi replied, “Because we have reason to believe The Legend of the Condor Heroes is more outstanding. Its sales speak for themselves, and it will surely become another classic.”

“Director Zhang, have you decided on the lead male and female actors for The Legend of the Condor Heroes?”

“Not yet, since we just signed the contract and the script is still being written. But we plan to complete pre-production and finalize the cast before the summer break ends.”

“Director Zhang, what is the scale of investment for The Legend of the Condor Heroes?”

“This time, the investment is substantial. Huayi Brothers and our studio both believe this drama deserves a major budget.”

After three questions to Zhang Dahuzi, a reporter finally turned to Zhang Tan.

“Zhang Tan, are you really only sixteen years old?”

Zhang Tan nearly sprayed water from his mouth at the absurdity of the question: “I turned sixteen last year. This year I’m seventeen.”

“How did you write a work like The Legend of the Condor Heroes? Have you ever been in love? The romantic story in the book is so dramatic and complex—someone without experience couldn’t possibly write that.”

Zhang Tan cleared his throat and said, “Well, although I’ve never eaten pork, I’ve seen pigs running around. Love is basically just that. Besides, love among martial arts heroes is easier to write. I’ve read many martial arts novels before and can fully understand how to portray love in the jianghu.”

“The Legend of the Condor Heroes has brought you enormous fame and wealth, and now it’s about to be adapted into a TV series—all this while you’re still in high school. Can you tell us how you feel? Do you think you’re the most successful post-80s generation in China?”

“I don’t think I’m the most successful post-80s. Success isn’t only measured by material wealth. I just feel successful for myself. As for how I feel now, there’s not much to say. Life goes on as usual—I still have to study.”

Zhang Dahuzi added, “Zhang Tan is a very mature young man with a great mindset—somewhat like Fan Zhongyan’s saying, ‘Not pleased by external gains, nor saddened by personal losses.’ Many young people would have been overwhelmed by such achievements, but he isn’t.”

A reporter followed up, “With such great success, Zhang Tan, will you continue your education?”

“Yes, I want to go to university.”

“What university do you plan to apply for?”

“My academic scores aren’t very high, so I won’t get into a top university. I plan to apply to an art school.”

“Are you aiming to enter the entertainment industry as an actor?”

Zhang Tan shook his head. “I don’t have the talent for acting. I’d rather pursue behind-the-scenes creative work.”

Zhang Dahuzi chuckled, “You could become a director.”

Director Yu, who rarely spoke, finally smiled and interjected, “Haha, looks like someone’s trying to steal my job.”

Zhang Tan avoided expanding on his directing plans and changed the subject: “No one can take Director Yu’s job.”

“Yu Min is indeed an excellent director. He contributed a lot to our previous productions,” Zhang Dahuzi affirmed Yu Min’s abilities.

However, the reporters showed little interest in Yu Min. The next question went back to Zhang Dahuzi:

“Director Zhang...”

Thus, the reporters focused mainly on Zhang Dahuzi and Zhang Tan. Yu Min was relegated to a supporting role. The two men fielded questions back and forth, and after an hour and a half, the press conference concluded.

“Little Zhang, how was it? Was handling the press tiring?” Zhang Dahuzi asked after they returned.

Zhang Tan shook his head. “It was okay. By the way, I hope I didn’t mess up any answers.”

“You did very well. From my perspective, I can’t find any major mistakes.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Let’s go. Xiao Wang from Huayi Brothers is treating us to lunch. He’s been eager to meet you.”

(To be continued.)

P.S.: This is today’s first update.

Also, I recommend my friend Wang Daoyi’s book, My Divine Space. It’s very good! Also, a new book by a newcomer called Endless Erosion—hope everyone checks it out when they have time.