Chapter 33: I Am Off to New York, and the Midnight Premiere Is Packed!

Chapter 33: I’m Heading to New York, and the Midnight Showing is Packed!

Scarlett, wearing large sunglasses, sat in the audience. Having just finished the film, she felt completely stunned. Hearing the reporter's question, she nearly laughed out loud.

Someone else asked, "As the screenwriter of this film, have you considered writing a sequel? In what direction would the second installment go?"

Qin Feng replied, "That depends on the director's vision. As a screenwriter, I certainly hope to continue the story of the dinosaurs. Please keep following our film and continue to support science fiction cinema. Thank you!"

...

The premiere concluded. Qin Feng said his goodbyes to the cast and crew. In the distance, he saw Scarlett waiting for him. He walked over quickly.

"Scarlett, what did you think?"

"It was incredible. I’ve never seen such a grand film before."

"You were amazing too, Qin Feng. I noticed some of the female audience members were quite captivated by you."

"Not at all. Like I said, I don't want to be an actor. I prefer being a director."

The two walked along the street, looking for their car.

"Qin Feng," Scarlett said, suddenly remembering something, "I’ve accepted another role. I have to be on set the day after tomorrow."

"So soon?" Qin Feng was taken aback.

"Yes, it’s all been settled."

"Where are you shooting this time?"

"New York."

"Oh... that’s so far away."

Qin Feng felt a sense of loss. This meant he wouldn't be able to see her for a while. In the entertainment industry, some things are hard to control, and time is one of them. The more movies one shoots, the longer one spends on set, leaving much less time for personal life.

Scarlett stopped and faced him. "Don't worry. If something comes up, I’ll come back. It will only be two months at most." She touched his face gently. "Our sci-fi drama hasn't been released yet, Qin Feng; you'll have to take care of it."

Qin Feng hugged her and kissed her cheek. "Don't say that. I just hate to see you go."

Scarlett’s eyes welled up. Given her personality, she never expected that she would one day fall for an Eastern man. Yet, this man had stepped into her heart bit by bit, taking up residence there, never to leave again.

In the night breeze, Scarlett closed her eyes, feeling his kiss.

*Qin Feng, I... I also hate to leave you!*

...

News and early word-of-mouth regarding the film heated up rapidly online.

[Absolutely stunning! Highly recommended! Initial buzz for "Jurassic Park" is in.]
[A star-studded premiere marks the powerful return of sci-fi!]
[Dinosaur effects are lifelike; the film's visual effects industry shows huge potential.]
["Jurassic Park" redefines the sci-fi adventure blockbuster.]
[Asian assistant director Qin Feng makes an appearance at the premiere.]

The 19th, 10:00 PM.

In a house in the American Midwest, a man named Jock was online. As he scrolled through the news, he posted on a movie forum:

"Hey everyone, this is 'Cold Sword.' In two hours, 'Jurassic Park' will officially hit theaters. I didn't get tickets for the premiere, just for the midnight showing. Brothers, I’m not a paid shill or a troll; I’m just an average movie fan. As for how 'Jurassic Park' actually is, please wait for my first-hand report. I’ll be posting my thoughts throughout the night. Also, here are my Facebook and Twitter handles: xxxxx. Please follow me, 'Cold Sword'."

Comments poured in underneath:
"Wow! Brother, a midnight showing? You're a legend!"
"He's a major movie critic, everyone follow him!"
"Hope your review is objective and fair. Looking forward to it, though I probably won't see it until tomorrow morning."
"Go for it, man! Looking forward to your review."

Jock checked his watch; it was almost time. He couldn't wait to read more comments. He grabbed his things and drove straight to the cinema. Upon arriving at the lobby, he was stunned.

"What the—why are there so many people?!"

It was nearly midnight, and the lobby was packed. People were sitting or standing wherever they could. Some were taking photos with posters, others were dressed as dinosaurs. There was even a group of young hippies wearing dinosaur T-shirts.

Jock scratched his head. "I thought the midnight showing wouldn't be that busy. I didn't expect this. If I hadn't booked my ticket in advance, I probably wouldn't have gotten one."

Is this movie really that crazy?

The 20th, midnight.

The film officially began. Jock had observed that, aside from a few empty seats in the first two rows, the theater was completely full. It was quiet, with no one talking or laughing.

Jock held his popcorn, but once a dozen dinosaurs appeared on screen, he couldn't bother to eat. Everyone was completely engrossed. Jock’s mouth hung open in shock.

Two hours later, the film ended.

"Whoa!" Jock stretched, his mind still reeling from the plot. It was simply too staggering! He had to get home immediately to write his review.

Back home, feeling no sleepiness, he rushed to his computer.

["Jurassic Park" Midnight Review!]
[It offers visual satiety, forward-looking cinematography, and universal values. The director’s imagination is stunning, and the visual effects are impeccable. This film doesn't just take us on a thrilling adventure; it subtly conveys a message about the rational use of science. Throughout the film, scientists explain "chaos theory," "non-linear systems," the "butterfly effect," and more. In short, it’s magnificent! We may have grown tired of art-house films and typical dramas. Brothers, take my advice: go see it!! — Cold Sword, 20th, 03:25 AM.]

After posting the review, Jock let out a long sigh and fell into a deep sleep.

...

A few days later, "Jurassic Park" had undoubtedly become a massive hit, igniting worldwide popularity. Several countries adjusted their theater schedules to begin screenings, and daily attendance numbers reached new highs.

China was no exception. When people discovered that Qin Feng was the assistant director and lead screenwriter, the internet exploded.

"Holy crap! Am I seeing this right? The screenwriter of 'Jurassic Park' is Qin Feng! And he’s the assistant director?"

"Ah! I remember Director Qin. Isn't he the one who directed 'The Whole Village Sunk'? He went to the U.S.—how did he become so successful now?"

"I just finished the movie. It’s too awesome! Qin Feng is quite something to join such a top-tier team."

"Sisters, look! I told you he was amazing! I’ve never seen a director this handsome; he’s practically the Takeshi Kaneshiro of the directing world. I told you all to support domestic sci-fi, but you wouldn't listen."

"Tsk! Give it a rest. He’s not even the main director, just a glorified gofer. What’s there to brag about?"

"Come back and talk when he’s actually the main director and makes a decent film himself!"