Chapter 348 "Time Traveler"

"How long will I love you" is a direct translation of "How long will I love you", a song by British singer Ellie Goulding, and also an interlude in the movie "Time Traveler".

The new script that Zhou Yan is going to write is "Time Traveler".

As early as last month, Zhou Yan was thinking about what his next movie should be. He thought about science fiction, mystery, and musicals, but he couldn't decide.

Recently, he suddenly wanted to make a movie with a love theme, and then he set his sights on the two movies "Time Traveler" and "Love Actually".

The reason why he set his sights on these two movies is that on the one hand, he really likes the stories told by these two movies, and on the other hand, these two movies have outstanding performances in music.

However, after weighing the pros and cons, he still chose "Time Traveler", because "Love Actually" is really not suitable for Chinese localization. The cultural differences are too great. If it is forced to be Chinese, the movie will be greatly discounted.

Of course, not all the plots of "Time Traveler" are in line with the situation in China, but it is much better than "Love Actually", and it doesn't matter if many places are modified.

The song "How Long Will I Love You" occupies a very important position in the movie. It is not a sad song, which can be seen from the lyrics.

The lyrics are very straightforward and simple, and the general meaning is that I will love you until the end of time. As long as you love me unchanged, I will be as solid as a rock.

The melody is relatively light and makes people happy physically and mentally, so this song has also become a common song at weddings. Many people will play this song when they get married, especially when the groom enters.

Just now, Zhou Yan saw the bride appear and thought of this song at once.

Zhou Yan turned around and put down the bamboo flute, and then picked up the violin. Li Biru asked, "Brother, should we cooperate?"

They were naturally happy to hear that Zhou Yan was going to play a new song, but Zhou Yan didn't tell them about this in advance, so they were also surprised.

Zhou Yan smiled and shook his head, "No, it's a very simple song, I can just play it solo."

After that, he turned around with his violin, walked to the microphone, raised his hand and started playing the chorus of the song.

The original melody of this song was relatively relaxed, Zhou Yan made some changes to make it more lively and joyful.

She Shiman stood in the middle and back, jumping on the spot, trying to see the situation on the stage more clearly.

Although she was tall in Hong Kong, there were too many people around her, and many of them were men. Her height had no advantage among the boys. If she didn't jump up, it would be difficult to see the stage.

She couldn't help but complain that the temporary stage was too low.

The height of this stage is probably less than 50 centimeters, which is much lower than the normal stage. If the stage can be more than one meter high, the situation will be much better.

Or the stage should be built on the steps, which would be better.

However, Charmaine Sheh also knew that after all, it was a temporary stage and tickets were not sold to the public. It was impossible to spend a lot of money to build a large stage. As for setting up the stage on the steps, this was not advisable because it would block the normal travel of the audience and the scene would be more chaotic.

Just as Charmaine Sheh was trying to jump, the sound of the violin rang out.

Seeing that the performance had begun, Charmaine Sheh stopped jumping and stood there quietly listening to the music.

At the beginning of this song, she actually heard a little Scottish style, melodious and pleasant, as if describing a pastoral scenery.

Looking at the girl in the wedding dress, Charmaine Sheh suddenly had a picture of a couple dancing on the grass by the sea in Scotland.

This song makes people feel happy when they hear it.

At the same time, Charmaine Sheh was a little envious of the girl. She was too happy. She was blessed by Zhou Yan's song when she got married.

This bride should never forget tonight for the rest of her life.

Not only Charmaine Sheh envied them, but all the audiences envied the couple. The song was so beautiful, and the key point was that it was a song that had never been made public, which was of great significance.

The brisk melody made the atmosphere pleasant, and many audiences even swayed their bodies unconsciously to the melody.

Only the bride shed tears in the brisk melody.

At this moment, she was immersed in a great happiness. The beautiful violin sound made her full of longing for the future, and the happy life seemed to have really begun from this moment.

Zhou Yan played the chorus before he started playing the main song. Compared with the brisk chorus, the main song was more like a whisper between lovers, like a spring flowing, refreshing.

The reason why he played the chorus first and then the main song was that he wanted to catch the audience's ears with the chorus, and on the other hand, he wanted to express one thing, that is, life is like this song. Love and marriage are passionate and pleasant, but the main melody of real life is plain.

But even if it is plain, as long as you feel and experience it seriously, it is still wonderful.

The song was only two minutes long. When Zhou Yan finished playing the last note, the applause from the audience was like a tsunami. This time, the applause and cheers reached the peak of the night.

Just this new song made the hours they waited in line worthwhile.

They originally just wanted to meet Zhou Yan and listen to a few more songs. Who would have thought that there would be such a surprise.

Zhou Yan also discovered at this time that there were more people at the scene than at the beginning. There was an open space near the roadside, but now it was full. It could be said that it was truly blocked.

Seeing this situation, Zhou Yan even began to consider whether some outdoor concerts should be held in the future to allow more music fans to participate.

When the applause subsided a little, Zhou Yan said into the microphone, "All friends present, let us congratulate the newlyweds on their eternal union and a happy marriage for a hundred years. Everyone, listen to my command..."

Zhou Yan raised his hand, "1, 2, 3!"

The audience at the scene followed Zhou Yan's command and shouted together: "We will always be united, and we will be together for a hundred years!"

The blessing effect was very good. Zhou Yan said with a smile: "I won't let everyone click on the last song today. What I will bring to you is "Secret Fragrance Floating". Many people may not be familiar with this song..."

Before Zhou Yan finished speaking, a group of people shouted: "Familiar, familiar, very familiar."

"Secret Fragrance Floating" is relatively less well-known among all Zhou Yan's songs. Generally, it can only be heard at concerts or on video tapes. Audiences who are familiar with this piece can be said to be Zhou Yan's loyal fans.

Judging from the on-site reactions, most people are still not familiar with this piece of music.

Zhou Yan praised the audience who said they were familiar with it, "Being familiar with this piece means that you are all members of the music library. This piece was composed when I was in school, but today's version is already different from that of the past. It’s different from what you heard before. I hope the new version will surprise you.”

Zhou Yan didn't say anything else after that, and the people with the orchestra began to play "Secret Fragrance Floating".

This piece of music has been continuously modified by Zhou Yan, making it more complex and more virtuosic. Now it is very difficult for Zhou Yan to play it himself.

It is said that punches never leave the hands and music never leaves the mouth. Although Zhou Yan also insists on practicing musical instruments, the intensity is far from enough, so there is no progress in his skills.

Of course, now Zhou Yan doesn't want to make any big progress on the instrument. He keeps practicing just to maintain his current level as much as possible.

If he has time, he would even prefer to get in touch with some instruments that he has not had much contact with before.

Because "Secret Fragrance Floating" is very dazzling, it also stunned the audience. Although they did not understand the skills of the bamboo flute, they could still hear the complexity of the music.

…

After the performance of "Secret Fragrance Floating", Zhou Yan, Ma Dongfang and others bowed down to thank the audience and then left the stage.

The audience was still unsatisfied, still applauding and wanting Zhou Yan to come back for an encore.

However, Zhou Yan has never made a return appearance outside the venue, and this time is no exception. No matter how much the audience encores, Zhou Yan does not appear again.

After eight or nine minutes of encore, the audience finally gave up calling Zhou Yan to come back, and those at the back began to leave.

The security personnel at the scene immediately began to maintain order and allow everyone to evacuate in an orderly manner to prevent everyone from rushing to leave and causing a stampede.

Fortunately, there were many passages outside the venue, so everyone was able to disperse quickly. After about ten minutes, the people on site were almost evacuated.

The density of the remaining people is much smaller, and there is no need to deliberately maintain order.

Only then did the security personnel finally relax.

…

In order to allow the members of the orchestra to rest early and to reduce the pressure on the return trip, Zhou Yan asked the group to go back first after the performance in the concert hall.

Only Zhou Yan and a small group of members were behind. After the outfield, Zhou Yan asked Ma Dongfang and the others to go back in the car, while he walked around to the back door alone.

There is a small passage behind the theater in the center. The lights in the passage are not on at the moment, and only the light from outside comes in, so it seems a bit dim.

Zhou Yan shouted into the passage, "Gu Gu."

After he finished cooing, Wang Zuxian walked out of the passage.

"I'm not a pigeon, and you still coo with me." Wang Zuxian joked.

Zhou Yan smiled and held Wang Zuxian's hand, "There must be a secret code."

Wang Zuxian stretched his head and looked in the direction of the front door, "Shall we go back now?"

"Well, there are few people behind, and I'm wearing a hat." Zhou Yan pointed to the peaked cap on his head.

He not only wore a hat, but also a pair of black-rimmed glasses and changed his clothes.

During the performance, although he did not wear a suit, he did wear a pure black slim-fitting shirt, which looked more formal. Now he put on a very loose white T-shirt with some cartoon characters printed on the chest. Looks very young and energetic.

Such a contrast, if you don't stare at the face, others may not be able to recognize it.

The two held hands and walked out of the back door of the theater openly. There were many people on the road, but no one noticed them.

After walking for a while, Wang Zuxian asked about the song "How Long Will I Love You".

"Have you finished the soundtrack for your new movie?"

Zhou Yan nodded, "I made a few songs."

She rolled her eyes and said resentfully, "You won't let me read the script, and you won't let me listen to the soundtrack."

"Don't worry, when the script is finished, I'll show you the first one."

"That's more or less the same." Wang Zuxian smiled and added, "Today's concert was really successful. The atmosphere was great. But the space at the entrance of the cultural center is too small and can't accommodate too many people."

"That's quite a lot. I estimate there should be five to six thousand people."

"I think there should be more than that. The road is full. You can go directly to the Hong Kong Coliseum next time."

The Hong Kong Coliseum she mentioned is the Hong Kong Coliseum. Although it is called a gymnasium, the Hong Kong Coliseum rarely holds sports events. It is mostly occupied by cultural and artistic activities, mainly celebrity concerts.

There are few places in Hong Kong that can hold concerts. The previously reopened Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay was expected to reduce the pressure on the Hong Kong Coliseum. However, the noise level of the concerts held in the Causeway Bay Stadium is too high, and the sound system is very poor, which is often complained by citizens.

So much so that if you want to hold a concert there now, you have to turn down the sound system, and the effect is not very good. Therefore, if you really can't book the Hong Kong Coliseum, celebrities are not willing to hold it there.

Now everyone still prefers the Hong Kong Coliseum for concerts, so the Hong Kong Coliseum schedule needs to be booked a long time in advance.

Zhou Yan is not very averse to places like the Hong Kong Coliseum, but at this stage, there is still no need to go to the Hong Kong Coliseum.

"Actually, this place is pretty good, close to Victoria Harbour, with nice scenery."

"Well, the atmosphere is really good, the sea breeze is very comfortable, not hot at all, I wonder if there will be so many people tomorrow." Joey Wong suddenly thought of something and asked Zhou Yan, "You just said, will you come to Hong Kong this year?"

Zhou Yan hadn't told her about this, so she was very surprised when she heard it.

"Yes, I should come."

"Or is it for the concert?"

Zhou Yan shook his head, "No, it's mainly for the new movie. This time, I plan to shoot the new movie in Hong Kong."

This matter can be said to be a temporary decision, so he didn't tell Joey Wong.

Joey Wong's eyes lit up, "Will you shoot in Hong Kong?"

"Well, it's likely to be shot in Hong Kong."

"Time Traveler" couldn't find a suitable location in the mainland, but Hong Kong is pretty good, urbanized enough. If it is shot here, many of the original plots don't need to be modified.

Wang Zuxian was very happy to hear that the new movie would most likely be shot in Hong Kong, which meant that they would be able to meet often.

Wang Zuxian had been thinking about this matter during this period. She always felt that she and Zhou Yan were rarely together, which was not a good thing in the long run.

Zhou Yan was too outstanding, and there were always beautiful girls around him. Wang Zuxian was really worried.

She had even considered settling in Yanjing.

Now that Zhou Yan was coming to Hong Kong to shoot a movie, she could put her going to Yanjing on hold.

The two walked for a while, and ate a clay pot rice in a small shop nearby, and then walked back to the hotel leisurely.

…

The next morning, Zhou Yan woke up on time at 7:30, washed up, and began to write the script of "Time Traveler", and by the way, he also got the score of "How Long Will I Love You".

Zhou Yan was not going to simply put in the instrumental music, he wanted to make it into a song like the original, and it was an English song.

On the one hand, the Chinese version of this song doesn't sound right, and on the other hand, he also wants to take into account the European and American markets.

If there were no English songs, the Chinese version of "Time Traveler" would definitely not attract attention in Europe and the United States, but with these English songs, it might be a little different.

This is also his usual route, using music to attract foreign audiences to watch his movies and then understand their culture.

Cultural penetration must not be rushed, it must be done step by step, so that others can accept it subtly.

Now Zhou Yan is more entangled in who to find to sing this song, male or female singer, European and American singer or Chinese singer.

In addition to this song, there are many other songs in the movie that also need to be sung by someone.

But there is no need to rush this matter, he has a lot of time to make a decision.

When Zhou Yan went to the cultural center in the afternoon, he found that there were more people coming today than yesterday. It was just over three o'clock, and a large group of people gathered outside the door of the cultural center.

In addition to the surge in the number of music fans, the number of reporters and the number of security personnel on the scene were also much more than yesterday.

As soon as Zhou Yan arrived at the door, the security guards rushed over and tried to protect him in the middle.

But surprisingly, the security guards were not as quick as the reporters. Before the security guards could protect Zhou Yan, several reporters had already rushed over.

Several microphones were placed in front of Zhou Yan.

"Zhou Yan, you revealed yesterday that you have a new movie to shoot. Can you talk about the theme of the new movie?"

"Will the new movie soundtrack you performed live yesterday be released in advance?"

"Some people say that you specially found the bride and groom at the scene yesterday to promote the new song and new movie. What is your response to this?"

"According to incomplete statistics, more than 7,000 people gathered outside the venue last night. This is an amazing initiative. Do you consider holding a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum?"

"There will definitely be a lot of people outside the venue today. Many audiences hope that you can add a few more songs. Can you satisfy this?"

...

These reporters spoke very quickly, and many of them did not speak Mandarin very well. Zhou Yan felt his scalp tingling after listening to them.

Fortunately, the security personnel had come up by then and separated the reporters from Zhou Yan, allowing Zhou Yan to feel much more relaxed.

Zhou Yan smiled and said, "You have too many questions. I will try to answer them one by one. First, regarding my new movie, the script has not been written yet, so it is not convenient to reveal too much information for the time being. Second, the new movie soundtrack played last night may be released in advance. Third, there is no plan for the Hong Kong Coliseum for the time being. Fourth, after the concert, it will be late, and it is not realistic to perform too many songs."

As soon as he finished answering, a reporter asked, "Will this new movie compete for awards at the three major film festivals?"

Zhou Yan shook his head and said, "I never think about awards before the movie is made. Whether to participate in the film festival, everything will go with the flow, and I will not force it. Of course, I hope to be recognized by the film festival, But compared to the film festival, I care more about what my film can bring to ordinary audiences. "

"So far, you have made three feature films, two of which have been remade in Europe and the United States and have achieved very remarkable results, especially "The Sixth Sense", which is now blowing a whirlwind in Europe and the United States. Is it possible that "The Chorus" will also be remade? "

Zhou Yan thought for a while and said, "In fact, someone has contacted us and wants to remake "The Chorus", but I have no plans in this regard for the time being."

"Will your fourth film focus on the overseas market?"

"Again, let it go. In fact, I am not a director who is good at grasping the market."

When these words came out, the reporters at the scene looked at each other with complicated expressions.

Since his debut, Zhou Yan has always been a darling of the market. His debut feature film "The Piano Boy Who Wants to Fly" has achieved good box office in several Asian box office areas, especially the results in Japan are very impressive.

The second film, The Sixth Sense, is even better than the other, as it has done almost everything a Chinese-language film can do, and even broke the box office record of Chinese-language films in Japan that has been sealed for many years.

Although the box office in Europe and the United States was not very explosive, it also briefly maintained the box office record of Chinese-language films in the United States for a period of time.

The third film, The Chorus, benefited from the award at the Berlin Film Festival and had a very good box office. Although it was not as good as The Sixth Sense, it was also a result that most directors could not match.

Even so, Zhou Yan still said that he could not grasp the market, which sounded a bit pretentious.

"Ahem, as long as you make good works with your heart, you will definitely not be let down by the audience." A reporter flattered him and then asked, "Who will you look for in the new film? You used Leung Ka Fai and Joey Wong as the male and female protagonists of The Sixth Sense. Will you consider actors from Hong Kong this time?"

Although Joey Wong is from Taiwan, she is also classified as a Hong Kong actor.

Zhou Yan nodded, "As long as they are good actors, I will definitely consider them."

Then he smiled and said, "Please help me promote it. If local actors are interested, they can contact me at any time."

The reporters also laughed, "You don't tell us the theme of the movie, how can we promote it for you? Those actors don't know if they are suitable for your new movie."

Zhou Yan joked, "It doesn't matter. The pen is in my hand. As long as I think it's appropriate, I can customize the roles for the actors at any time."

He was just talking nonsense to the reporters. Although the script has not been written, the framework has been determined, and it is basically impossible to add or delete roles.

The reporters also knew that Zhou Yan was probably talking nonsense to them, so they didn't follow his words and asked other questions instead.

"Many music fans and movie fans are also very concerned about your personal relationship issues. Are you still single now? Are the rumors circulating true?"

When the reporter asked about his relationship, Zhou Yan directly played bad and said seriously, "They are all true."

The reporters were stunned.

"Are Zhang Manyu, Wang Zuxian, Kudo Shizuka, Maria, and Ah Mei real?"

Zhou Yan scratched his head, "Have I ever had a scandal with Ah Mei? This should be fake. I will go and confirm it with Ah Mei later."

"..."

The reporters understood that Zhou Yan was talking nonsense to them.

But the reporters were helpless. Although they were very concerned about Zhou Yan's scandals, they had to say that these scandals would not have any impact on Zhou Yan. After all, Zhou Yan was not an actor and did not rely on this to make a living.

Don't say that Zhou Yan was talking nonsense. Even if Zhou Yan really dated these actresses, or even dated them at the same time, music fans and movie fans would give him great tolerance.

People's tolerance for "artists" can be said to be bottomless.

Zhou Yan teased the reporters for a while, and interacted with the fans at the scene, and then walked into the concert hall under the protection of security personnel.

…

The three subsequent concerts were very successful. Every day, the crowds outside the venue were at least the same as on the first day. The venue was packed with people.

Especially on the last day, the number of fans who came to the venue reached a peak.

The police had to do traffic control in advance to prevent accidents.

The reason why there were so many people at the last concert was also due to the strong publicity of the local media. Many media reports described Zhou Yan's concert as an "unprecedented music feast".

Many people also rushed to the entrance of the cultural center after watching the news and wanted to join in the fun.

Some episodes that happened during the concert were also talked about by people, especially the new song "How Long Will I Love You" that Zhou Yan dedicated to the newlyweds.

The media recorded a video at the scene to record everything, so that the song "How Long Will I Love You" became popular in Hong Kong before it was released.

People found that this song is indeed very suitable for marriage, and some people even played this song when they got married. (End of this chapter)