I am Really a Superstar

The international entertainment circle was abuzz.

An American actress rose to the International B-list Rankings.

An English movie star leaped up into the International A-list Rankings.

And many of the Hollywood directors were holding their celebratory feasts.

The unprecedented breakout of Hollywood movies had benefited a lot of people in the international entertainment circle this time. Reporters, celebrities, directors, investors, many of these people were thoroughly enjoying this glorious period of movies. And at this moment, Zhang Ye’s animated film had already been completely forgotten by everyone. The average person knew that Zhang Ye didn’t stand a chance of winning. Zhang Ye’s international popularity had also been affected as his last-place position on the International B-list Rankings became shaky. It felt like he could drop back down to the International C-list Rankings at any moment after losing much of the momentum that he had gained.

But it was at this time that Frozen’s production was finally completed.

…

In the morning.

Star Moon Animation Studios.

After three months, a budget of nearly 200 million USD, and all of Zhang Ye’s efforts, an animated film with the highest production cost in history was born.

Mark Foran came over. “It’s completed.”

Zhang Ye said excitedly, “The production is done?”

An animator said, “We’ve done it all according to your requirements.”

Zhang Ye immediately said, “OK, where’s the footage?”

Mark Foran said, “It’s over here.”

Zhang Ye said, “I’ll do the editing.”

Mark Foran said unconvinced, “Shouldn’t we get a professional to work on that?”

“There’s no need to.” Zhang Ye smiled and said, “I’m a professional myself.”

Mark Foran threw his hands up and said, “Alright, if you insist.”

Zhang Ye patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t you worry, Mark. You just have to place your trust in me on this matter. I dare not guarantee that the works in my lifetime will all be successes. However, I can absolutely guarantee you that I won’t fall here!”

Mark Foran didn’t know what to think. “Alright.”

Zhang Ye said, “I’ll be depending on you for the publicity efforts.”

“Don’t worry.” Mark Foran said, “I’ll handle that.”

An hour.

Three hours.

Five hours.

In the afternoon, Zhang Ye came out of the editing studio.

Ha Qiqi hurriedly asked, “How does it look?”

Zhang Zuo said, “Director Zhang, why don’t you take a break?”

Zhang Ye smiled and said, “Why would I take a break? I’m already finished with the editing.”

Ah?

Finished with the editing?

So quickly?

Have you been doing it seriously at all?

Star Moon’s staff all panicked a little when they heard that. They had worked on animated films for many years, so they knew the critical phase of an animated film was in the editing stage. Every person had their own style, and the effects of their editing would turn out different. This was something that would also affect the quality of a movie. But to finish editing a film in just five hours? Aren’t you being too sloppy! But when they thought about what Zhang Ye’s work ethic was like during these days, they also felt a little relieved. This director from China had always been known for being fast at work, his style of doing things.

Mark Foran came back at this moment. He said dumbfoundedly, “It’s already done?”

Zhang Ye nodded. “The product has been finished.”

Mark Foran wiped at his sweat. “Is it the final version?”

“Yes, it’s the final version,” Zhang Ye affirmed.

Dong Shanshan came over. “So how exactly does it look?”

Ning Lan said, “Yeah, what’s the result?”

Chen Guang said eagerly, “You’ve been keeping it so secretive since the start. Other than the script and our lines, we don’t know anything else about the movie. Hurry up and reveal a little of it to us.”

Zhang Ye laughed heartily. “Wouldn’t it be better to find out by watching for yourselves?”

Ha Qiqi gasped and said, “Can we watch it?”

Zhang Ye said, “Of course!”

Little Wang started feeling afraid. “I…I think I better not watch it.”

Zhang Zuo said nervously, “I’m also a little worried.”

Ha Qiqi said, “I would like to have a look.”

Mark Foran said, “Me too.”

Little Wang changed her mind again. “Then I want to watch it as well.”

Zhang Ye gathered them and said, “Come on, let’s go!”

The screening room was on the third floor, just a few steps away.

But everyone felt like it took extremely long to make their way over. They all had so many thoughts of what to expect and were either feeling nervous, looking forward to it, or afraid of what they would see.

In the screening room.

Everyone got seated.

Zhang Ye smiled and asked, “Are you all ready?”

Mark Foran took a deep breath. “Yes.”

Zhang Yuanqi sat there quietly.

Ning Lan urged, “Hurry up, hurry up!”

Little Wang wore a grim look. “Come on then! Who cares how it’ll turn out!”

Several of Star Moon’s upper management were trembling on the inside.

One of the foreigners was even making the sign of the cross and muttering a prayer under their breath.

Zhang Ye chuckled. He took a deep breath himself and pressed the play button. After switching off the lights, he followed everyone and took a seat with them as he watched the big screen in silence.

The movie began.

…

Outside.

The Star Moon staff kept looking over at the screening room.

“It hasn’t finished yet?”

“How long have they been in there?”

“It’s been almost two hours.”

“It should be ending soon, right?”

“Just how is it going to be?”

“Do you need to ask? It’s definitely not going to be great. Just listen, there isn’t a sound coming from inside. If it were a good movie, how could there not be any laughter?”

“It’s over. We really have to start looking for new jobs soon.”

“Ah! The door opened!”

“They’re coming out, they’re coming out!”

“Uh, what’s with the expressions on their faces?”

Instantly, the company’s staff all looked over.

Zhang Ye.

Mark Foran.

Ha Qiqi.

Dong Shanshan.

Zhang Yuanqi.

Everyone filed out of the screening room.

Zhang Ye smiled and said, “Mark.”

Mark Foran came back to his senses and said, “Oh, yes?”

“Can I leave the rest to you?” Zhang Ye said.

Mark Foran said, “Ah, sure.”

Zhang Ye said, “I’ll head back to China first then. You’re the professional when it comes to doing the publicity and distribution of a film. I won’t be able to help out much anyway, so it’s better that I go home to see my wife and kid. As for the publicity in China, you don’t have to worry about that. Leave it to me. I’ll be waiting in China until the movie’s premiere.”

Mark Foran immediately said, “OK, sure! I’ll book the plane tickets for you!”

Zhang Ye laughed and said, “There’s no need for that. I’ll book them myself.”

Mark Foran said hurriedly, “Let me arrange for someone to send you off!”

Ha Qiqi looked excited.

Little Wang didn’t even know what to say.

As for the other Star Moon senior production staff who were qualified to sit in on the screening, all of them had shocked expressions on their faces and looked like they couldn’t snap out of their daze.

Was this movie made by us?

How could it be made by us?

After Zhang Ye left, everyone gathered around.

“Emich, how was it?”

“Koch, was the film good?”

“Was it godawful?”

“I knew it!”

“I knew that layman couldn’t do it!”

When Mark Foran heard this, his expression sunk. “You knew it?” You know shit all!” Everyone in the company was stunned. They heard Mark Foran shout, “All of you, listen up! Don’t keep muttering the word ‘layman’ around here. If I hear it from anyone again, I will make sure that person leaves this company! Director Zhang Ye is a real filmmaker. All of you know shit all!”

Him?

A filmmaker?

A real one?

No one could understand why Mark Foran, who used to always doubt Zhang Ye, would do a 180!

A cell phone rang.

When Mark Foran saw the number, he returned to his personal office and closed the door behind him before answering. The call was from Star Moon Animation Studios’ chairman, Qian Haitao.

Mark Foran said: “Boss.”

Qian Haitao asked in concern: “The movie has been completed already?”

“Yes.”

Qian Haitao asked: “Have you watched it?”

“I just did.”

“Can you make an estimate of the box office earnings?”

“No.”

“You are so experienced in the industry, yet you can’t make an estimate of it?”

Mark Foran collected himself and said: “I really don’t know how much we can earn at the box office. The animated film industry is too untested, and no one has truly been able to open up the market before. But what I know is that no one in the whole of Hollywood can make another movie like this animated film within the next one, five, or even ten years. Boss, I finally understand why you brought Teacher Zhang on board. I’ve never seen anyone like him before.”

Qian Haitao laughed at the words. “I told you before: Teacher Little Zhang is an extraordinary individual.”

Mark Foran gave a bitter laugh. “I believe that now.”