Chapter 16: Uncut

A week had passed since the screening.

Six days had passed since the film was sent for review.

With Xu Xiaozhong having spoken to Third Master Han, the review process should be quick, provided there were no issues with the film.

On the evening of the seventh day, the film passed the review—and it was passed completely uncut, in the truest sense of the word.

This was a genuine surprise.

According to Principal Xu Xiaozhong, the General Administration had originally intended to find some minor flaws and make slight cuts, but after watching several films, the officials found nothing to trim.

The film's continuity was simply too strong; any slight cut would likely destroy the narrative flow of the entire movie.

Coupled with Xu Xiaozhong and Third Master Han's intervention, even if the General Administration wanted to assert their authority, they couldn't. Ultimately, they showed leniency and passed it through without a single cut.

Hearing this, the corners of Cheng Sheng's mouth curled up slightly. This was a script provided by the Simulation Panel, and he had filmed strictly according to that script; such a result was perfectly normal.

To actually find a flaw would have been an insult to the Simulation Panel.

Passing the review meant that *The Great Tang Dynasty: Origins* could now be sent to Venice for exhibition, fully compliant and legal, with no fear of being banned.

Principal Xu Xiaozhong worked very efficiently. As soon as the review passed, he first notified Cheng Sheng, and then, in the name of the university, sent the film to Venice for the festival.

Upon learning this, Cheng Sheng shared the good news with the crew.

Early on, Cheng Sheng had created a "Great Tang Dynasty" group chat, pulling in the leads and major supporting actors. This way, if anything happened during filming, everyone could be notified immediately.

In the QQ group, hearing that the film had passed review and was being sent to Venice made everyone ecstatic.

If the film were selected for the Venice Main Competition, they would all have the chance to walk the red carpet in Venice.

If they could build some international presence, their market value would increase upon their return.

And if they won a major award, their value could multiply several times over.

"Oh my god, Yaya, this is amazing! Does this mean we can go to Venice?"

In the girls' dormitory, after reading Cheng Sheng's message, Wang Zhi tossed her phone onto her quilt and ran excitedly to Tong Yaya's bed, shouting with joy.

Tong Yaya smiled slightly. Although she and Wang Zhi only played palace maids, they had appeared on screen, so they could barely manage to walk the red carpet in Venice.

If they could truly go and build their profiles, they would definitely be the "No. 1" among the new students.

"Congratulations to you both!"

At that moment, Lu Sisi and Liu Dini ran into the dormitory to offer their congratulations.

The two were incredibly envious of Tong Yaya and Wang Zhi, feeling a sharp sting of jealousy.

They had originally participated in Cheng Sheng's film, but upon hearing they were only cast as background extras, the two girls had declined to join.

It now seemed their choice had been a complete mistake.

For a film capable of participating in Venice, even being a background extra was a great honor; it would serve as a prestigious entry on their resumes for future auditions.

***

On the set of *I Am a Farmer*.

Fu Dalong had just finished his performance when his manager handed him a bottle of water. "I just got word—Director Cheng Sheng's film has passed review and has been sent to Venice."

"Really?" Fu Dalong said happily.

"Yes, Director Cheng Sheng has already posted the news in the group," the manager replied.

"Brother He, if it really gets selected for the Venice Main Competition, will I have a chance at a Best Actor nomination?" Fu Dalong asked, his voice trembling.

The Best Actor award at one of the three major European film festivals!

Even just a nomination would be an immense honor.

If he actually won Best Actor, he would absolutely soar in the mainland entertainment industry, instantly entering the ranks of top-tier celebrities.

"You definitely have a chance," his manager, Brother He, said, patting him on the shoulder.

A flicker of anticipation flashed in Fu Dalong's eyes.

...

Around the time of Cheng Sheng's filming, the media and the public had been watching closely. There was no shortage of trending topics online, though most were pessimistic about his film.

However, because Cheng Sheng rarely responded to anything online, the hype eventually died down as people lost interest.

Now, more than four months later, news of Cheng Sheng had gradually faded.

Even when his film wrapped, it drew little attention; aside from some news posts on various websites, it caused no further waves.

The news of the film passing review and being sent to Venice also failed to attract much external attention.

Cheng Sheng was happy to enjoy the peace and quiet, free from those distractions.

In the following days, the university handled the film's affairs. Cheng Sheng paid little attention to it, focusing instead on his classes and considering his next film.

The next film would definitely be a historical piece, but he was having difficulty deciding whether to film a sequel to *The Great Tang Dynasty* or a film about a different historical era.

Generally, to avoid audience fatigue, it is better to choose a new subject.

But the *Great Tang Dynasty* series was different; because it didn't revolve around a single protagonist, it wouldn't cause aesthetic fatigue.

The first film, *The Great Tang Dynasty*, featured Yang Guang and Li Shimin as protagonists, but in the second part, Li Shimin would undoubtedly be the sole male lead.

The life experiences of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, were the quintessential "power fantasy" protagonist of history.

Because before facing Li Shimin, the top power players of the late Sui Dynasty would never have imagined they would be wiped out by this youth in a single campaign!

Because before following Li Shimin, the famous generals of the Tang court would never have achieved such glorious feats!

Because after Li Shimin established the Tang, future generations would fall into the illusion that the rebel kings of the late Sui era lacked combat effectiveness!

People always focus on the overwhelming momentum of Li Shimin's final victories.

But few stop to think about exactly how he achieved them, or how many life-and-death moments he endured.

When one sees these easily overlooked details, they realize how fierce the chaos of the late Sui was, how difficult it was to found the Great Tang, and at what incredible speed Li Shimin pacified the world!

Li Shimin was the greatest military leader in ancient history as evaluated by leaders!

Because Li Shimin could always achieve the greatest strategic victories at the lowest cost!

As long as a healthy Li Shimin appeared on the battlefield, all opponents would be decided in a single battle!

This shows just how formidable Li Shimin was.

If the second part of *The Great Tang Dynasty* followed this trajectory, the protagonist Li Shimin would undoubtedly show all audiences what a true "power fantasy" lead looks like.

Soon, summer vacation arrived.

Students either went home or went to film sets to look for opportunities.

Cheng Sheng, however, stayed at the school, waiting for news.

During this time, he did call home to explain to his parents why he wasn't coming back for the holidays.

(End of Chapter)