The Box Office of "Narrow Path" Breaks 1 Billion, Actors' High Beauty is a Major Selling Point, Excellent Behind-the-Scenes Efforts Are Indispensable
In summary, the fantasy genre has swept across the world. Everyone gained something from that movie.
As the director, Wang Fu gained fame, and with his work and team, he applied for the Golden Horse Awards, where they are likely to be nominated.
Newcomer Chen Jia landed the leading female role right out of the gate. Many people were envious of her background, but it's undeniable that she gained the most—experience, happiness, courage, and a group of loyal fans.
Feng Hao, who portrayed Li Hao, was charming and left a lasting impression. He has already received invites from other film sets and has many scripts in hand. His worth doubled because of that role.
Chen Shuyan's transformation has been recognized by audiences. No longer limited to tough-guy roles, he now has more opportunities to try new things.
For Zhou Zhi, her decision to make a comeback with this movie was extremely successful. After a six-year break, her acting skills are even better than before. No one would say, "Zhou Zhi has become a pretty face."
Lian Shen has only chosen a few works, but all are of high quality. Every project has been a success, and there are rumors that every script is screened by Yu Ze. Screenwriters often try to please him, but very few are chosen.
Recently, for the past week, everyone at the company has felt an unusual atmosphere, coming from the office on the 26th floor.
Yu Ze ignored the secretary's strange look and lowered his head to smooth the cuff of his sleeve. "Do you prefer Western or Chinese food?"
The question was directed at a woman, and it certainly sounded ambiguous—like he was planning a romantic candlelit dinner with wine and roses.
Secretary Zhao Ru pushed up her glasses to hide her surprise. She had been with Lian Shen for nearly ten years, initially having dreams of becoming the boss's wife, mingling with the rich. However, she later realized that being a secretary was much more practical.
Over the years, Zhao Ru has grown more and more thankful for her decision. Otherwise, she might have been fired by now. The chances of Yu Ze showing interest in her are slimmer than stocks only going up.
Zhao Ru's face twitched as she listened, feeling as though she didn't live up to the public's expectations.
"Mr. Yu, do you mind if I mix Chinese and Western food?"
Yu Ze's face darkened. He had tried both Chinese and Western food, but Zhou Zhi's taste was rather average, so he thought he might ask his secretary—who was the same age as Zhou Zhi—for inspiration.
Zhao Ru's eyes behind her glasses flashed. "I think a bowl of egg fried rice made by hand is more fragrant than any exotic delicacies."
Yu Ze's fingers tapped on the table. "I'll give you one more day off."
Zhao Ru wasn't happy at all. She was still single, and having time off meant she'd be alone at home, bored.
Yu Ze didn't hear her inner complaints as he left in big strides, sitting in his car and calling Zhou Zhi.
Zhou Zhi was discussing the script for her next project with her team. When she saw the incoming call, she excused herself and stepped outside.
"I'm off work now."
"Oh."
Yu Ze ran his fingers over the steering wheel. "Let's have dinner together. I haven't seen you in two days."
His tone was still a little formal and serious, as if he were handling work matters. He softened his voice. "Is that alright?"
Zhou Zhi hesitated. "Not really convenient."
"I have an apartment in Beijiang," Yu Ze laughed lowly. "It's very safe."
Zhou Zhi couldn't help but roll her eyes. Why does it feel like going there would be less safe?
"Just have dinner with me." Yu Ze opened the navigation. "Where are you? I'll come find you."
Zhou Zhi gave him an address, then put the phone back in her pocket. Before she could take a step, her phone rang again—it was a call from Qiao Nan.
"Zhi, are you busy?"
Hearing something off in her tone, Zhou Zhi furrowed her brows. "Nan Nan, what's wrong?"
"He comes home every day, sits in front of the computer playing games until two or three in the morning, doesn't leave his chair the whole time," Qiao Nan's voice was hoarse. "I can't take it anymore."
Zhou Zhi asked, "Have you talked to him about it?"
"I have, but it didn't work."
Qiao Nan sniffled. Sometimes she thought that as long as her man wasn't out drinking and fooling around, playing games was a decent hobby. But people tend to be greedy. She wished he could spend more time with her and the kids, but whenever she said something, he ignored her while laughing and chatting with people in the game. He spent all his spare time in the virtual world, neglecting his family.
Zhou Zhi was silent for a moment. She wasn't very familiar with marriage matters.
"What about him?"
"I kicked him out, he ran back to his own house and hasn't dared to come back."
"…"
Zhou Zhi relaxed a bit. Qiao Nan was just venting her frustration.
If she really wanted a divorce, judging by Qiao Nan's personality, it would be a swift decision, and she'd probably tell her only after it was all done.
"You two should avoid involving his parents in your fights."
"I know." Qiao Nan paused and sighed. "I was so angry I broke the computer. It cost over ten thousand."
Zhou Zhi teased, "Feeling the pain now?"
"I'm so mad I want to slap myself." Qiao Nan took a deep breath. "Talking to you makes me feel much better."
"Nann, we were both in the same year with feelings. You and Ah Bing made it to today, but I'm still by myself." Zhou Zhi said softly, "You've both been through a lot. Don't act impulsively. Don't make decisions you'll regret."
"Zhi, you won't always be alone," Qiao Nan said.
Zhou Zhi went back and found the team still discussing the script. Sitting there were rookie director Sun Liang, well-known domestic screenwriter Li Wei, producer Wu Liang, and the two confirmed veteran actors.
"Zhi, come, let's continue." Sun Liang said. "We've chosen He Yue Ming for the male lead."
Zhou Zhi didn't hear clearly. "Who?"
Li Wei, sitting beside her, smiled. "He Yue Ming, he's perfect for the role."
Zhou Zhi pressed her lips tightly, her face straight. After a long pause, she said, "Sorry, I think I can't accept this."
Everyone was puzzled.
"He's the hottest male star in recent years, with great skills and looks," Wu Liang said, watching the sudden change in her attitude. "Your scenes together will be amazing."
"Sorry."
No matter how much they tried to persuade her, Zhou Zhi refused.
Acting alongside He Yue Ming, using their roles to confront each other, express emotions, and get entwined, standing at the peak together to enjoy the highest honor—that used to be her dream, but not anymore.
"How about you try a scene with him before deciding?"
"No."
Sun Liang's expression soured. "Can you tell me why?"
Everyone in the room was curious.
Zhou Zhi's eyelids twitched. What reason could satisfy them without sounding forced? She calmly said, "To be honest, it's not about He Yue Ming. It's my own reason…"
Zhou Zhi paused. "I went out to take a call just now, and my schedule has encountered some changes."
The others only felt a little disappointed. Soon, they began discussing which other actress might be suitable, except for Sun Liang.
He had chosen Zhou Zhi, and if anyone else replaced her, it would feel like a concession—something would be missing.
"Why don't you go back and look at the script? We'll talk next time."
Sun Liang was quite frustrated. He had come with the contract, only to find that the trip had been in vain.
Zhou Zhi didn't say much more. She grabbed her bag and left. If He Yueming knew that the female lead in that movie was her, his reaction would probably be just as hers had been.
It was past seven in the evening, the night was falling, and the city's hustle and bustle didn't stop.
Zhou Zhi sat in the living room, holding a cup in her hands, the warmth rising. The aroma of food floated from the kitchen, mixed with the sounds of clattering dishes and utensils.
The man was cooking for her, which felt surreal.
After taking a sip of water, the chill in her stomach faded, and she felt a little more at ease. She got up and walked into the kitchen, noticing the shredded carrots on the cutting board, all perfectly uniform in size. They were far better than anything she could cut. She stared at the man's tall, broad back, momentarily stunned.
"Do you need help?" she asked.
Yu Ze rinsed a plate under the faucet. "There's a lot of oil smoke. You should go out."
Zhou Zhi didn't leave. She walked closer, lifted the pot lid to check the lamb inside, and suddenly remembered something. "Do you play online games?"
"Online games?" Yu Ze raised an eyebrow. He and Feng Baiyu used to play together back in school, and they even created the largest guild on their server.
As Yu Ze turned around, ready to share all those stories with Zhou Zhi, he sensed something off.
He blinked. "Never heard of it."
Zhou Zhi let out a relieved breath.
The meal consisted of two meat dishes, two vegetables, and a soup. Zhou Zhi picked up a piece of Beijing-style squid with soy sauce.
Yu Ze watched her. "How's the taste?"
Zhou Zhi took a bite and smiled. "Pretty good."
Yu Ze's gaze lingered on the smile on Zhou Zhi's face. His expression deepened. Luckily, the skills he honed during his years abroad hadn't faded.
The flavors were very close to what he remembered from home. Zhou Zhi ate two bowls of rice. After finishing, she started to feel conflicted. In a few days, she would be joining the cast of Behind the Scenes, where she would play the role of a ballet teacher. She had repeatedly reminded herself to control her food intake, but she had still overeaten.
"It's getting late," Zhou Zhi said, putting on her hat and scarf.
Yu Ze grabbed the car keys, put on his coat, and thought, We're not officially together yet. He wasn't sure when he could hear her say, "Let's sleep together," after one of their conversations.
Outside, snowflakes drifted gently down.
The air conditioning in the car was a bit high, and Zhou Zhi felt drowsy. By the time they reached the apartment building, she had already yawned several times.
Yu Ze leaned over and gently kissed her forehead, whispering, "Goodnight kiss."
"Goodnight," Zhou Zhi replied, opening the car door. Snowflakes landed on her cheeks as she quickly ran into the building.
Looking down from the building, she saw the lights in the window turn on. Yu Ze drove away, went back, and opened his computer, deleting the game client — even emptied the recycle bin.
After showering and lying on his bed, Yu Ze made a call. "Baiyu, if Zhi asks about online games, don't mention me."
Feng Baiyu, still at the set, walked into a corner. "Why?"
Yu Ze sighed. "She doesn't like it."
Feng Baiyu exaggerated, "Ouch, my tooth hurts."
"When are you bringing her home?"
"I'm still in the trial period," Yu Ze sighed.