After New Year's, work continued.
Starting from the 5th of Jan., for fifteen consecutive days, across twelve cities and thirty flash screenings and roadshows, the key creators and actors could only be described as "exhausted"; simultaneously, not forgetting the subtle criticism towards the backbone of Fu Qiao - capital has no conscience.
But everything was worth it.
Fans who attended the roadshows and internal media screenings (including book fans, fans of various key creatives, and movie enthusiasts), as well as media professionals, summarised their overall evaluation of the film "Same or Not" as follows:
1) it makes you play dual male leads without pulling characters out of books;
2) it lets you act in a sci-fi film without elevating the intention and special effects to such a degree;
3) actors who can't sing are not good actors.
During this period, the personal studio of Yu Cheng was officially established, and the studio posted its first article on social media, stating "The stars will always shine, and we are walking together forward, "
On the eve of the Southern Small New Year, the movie "Same or Not" held its premiere in City B. The stars shone brightly, with Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng both dressed in apricot white suits with classical pipa mouth designs. The two suits each had different images of roses embroidered with gold thread and Suzhou embroidery on different sides.
This was the new spring-summer catwalk collection from a high-end brand for the New Year.
Both of them pinned the heuzephyrus brooch on the other side, so when they stood side by side, the heuzephyrus merged into one. Not only that, both of them played a little trick - Zhong Shao hid the diamond side of the ring in his palm, while Yu Cheng switched the ring to his left hand.
With just these two people standing there, they saved all the expenses for promotion and trending searches.
Before the premiere in City B, all attending media reporters, staff, and the audience received New Year gift bags distributed by the production team.
Following the public event, a three-hour media interview centred around the two male leads took place backstage. The group interviews and exclusive interviews were overwhelming, with many journalists attempting to extract information about WAT from Zhong Shao, while others sought insider details about "Same or Not" from the director, only to be redirected by staff with a refusal to address questions unrelated to the film.
In the final interview, the host presented cue cards indicating the most sought-after questions from fans on both sides. "Zhong Yi(fancy)" (Zhong Shao's fans) were keen to ask Zhong Shao what prompted his decision to choose a sci-fi film this time and what his biggest takeaway was from filming a sci-fi movie for the first time.
Reflecting on Zhong Shao's fifteen-year career, whether in movies or mid-series television dramas, he has predominantly focused on realistic and historical themes. This characteristic has been widely recognised by media and fans as one of Zhong Shao's selection criteria. However, the unexpected choice of a sci-fi film adapted from online literature this time seemed to align with the "mysterious" label attached to him by the public.
This choice further piqued the curiosity of the public, including fans.
Zhong Shao was seen lowering his eyelids slightly before raising his gaze to the camera, stating, "There were many reasons for choosing this film, but the most important one was my curiosity about my cooperative actors at that time." After a pause, Zhong Shao subtly glanced at Yu Cheng and answered the second question, "The biggest takeaway from this filming experience was - it was very fulfilling."
He had mentioned to Yu Cheng that in recent years, his passion for acting had diminished, but this particular film with Yu Cheng reignited a sense of fulfilment. Not only did he find satisfaction in his scenes with Yu Cheng, but he also discovered new perspectives on acting, which he found fulfilling. Throughout this process, he found his boundless cosmic love, which was the most gratifying aspect. The host intended to ask more questions but noticed the director signalling the late hour, nearing 1 a.m.
The host on behalf of "Yutou (Taro)" (Yu Cheng's fans) presented the most intriguing question to Yucheng: In the movie, there are several scenes of Yu Cheng singing, and the promotional song is also sung by Yu Cheng. So, have you considered roughly when the next album will be released?
"There won't be a next album," Yu Cheng almost blurted out, "I'm not the type of person who can excel at both acting and singing simultaneously. I can only focus on one. I am fortunate because singing has made people recognise Yu Cheng, but I prefer to showcase the actor Yu Cheng to everyone."
As the interview here is coming to an end, social media on the other side has already gone viral. In addition to discussions about the movie, actors, and the original work, the most talked-about topic is the fashion and details of Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng at the premiere, especially the pair of heuzephyrus brooches and the shiny rings on their hands, summing it up in one sentence: the two of you have nailed it!
Of course, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng did not pay attention to the fervour online. Tan Ye and Miaomiao secretly watched as netizens went crazy in the online world, thinking that if one day they found out that these two were serious, in today's social context, would the frontline bystanders still be so enthusiastic?
"No albums, maybe a single," Zhong Shao, who was resting with his eyes closed in the nanny car, spoke up in the quiet space. Yu Cheng turned his head to face Zhong Shao, who was looking at him seriously, "Why did you suddenly think of asking about this?"
Zhong Shao had no intention of averting his gaze, "Although physical music sales are not doing well now, at least give me a chance to support you by buying songs on music platforms."
"Are you thinking of getting another autograph?"
"It's not out of the question."
"Zhong Shao, I'm starting to find you a little cute."
The day after the premiere, Yu Cheng and Zhong Shao returned to Pingcheng.
This time, Zhong Shao did not meet his family as Yu Cheng's friend or senior brother, but as his lover.
Yu Cheng's parents did not react particularly, nor were they too surprised, they simply inquired if Zhong Shao's family was aware of their situation.
The family dinner that night was cooked by Yu Cheng's father, Lao Fang. He patted Zhong Shao on the shoulder, raised his glass and gently clinked it with Zhong Shao, saying meaningfully, "From now on, I have another precious son."
Zhong Shao drank the white wine in his glass, called out "Dad," with a quivering voice.
They stayed in Pingcheng for two days, the first day for a reunion meal with their parents; the second day, they first visited Grandpa in the old alley, then drove to the cemetery in the suburbs.
Zhong Shao held a bouquet of Iceberg Roses, climbing the steps with Yu Cheng. The photo on the tombstone had withstood the wind and rain of the four seasons, never concealing the girl's youthful beauty.
Zhong Shao squatted down, placed the bouquet in front of the grave, smiled lightly at the girl in the photo. "Yi Yi, I am Zhong Shao, possibly the actor Zhong Shao you know, also the lover of your brother Yu Cheng. Your brother told me that if he ever found someone he truly loved, he would bring them to see you, tell you our story, so here I am. Let me tell you our story..."
Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng sat cross-legged, Zhong Shao spoke a segment, and Yu Cheng continued the story where he paused.
"I have heard your story from your brother. In my eyes, you were a very brave and pure girl; it is true that you believed your parents loved you, and we also believe we will always remember you. We will visit you often, tell you our stories, would you like to listen? I think you would."
Spring flowers bloom, rain and wind come and go, urging the return to dust.
Love itself is not a sin, it is detestable only because it is mixed with deception.