Chapter 38: Two Star ntors Clash Publicly: “Lu Chen, Crush Them in the Next Round!”
“Mr. Chen, you claid you gave six points because the story lacked completeness. So, I ask you—what exactly defines a high level of completeness?
Director team, bring up Lu Chen’s live stream footage on the big screen!”
Yan Gelin radiated authority. In no ti, Lu Chen’s live stream was projected onto the large screen, drawing the contestants’ attention.
The first thing they noticed was three massive whiteboards filled with dense writing.
“Whoa, he wrote this much?”
“I only filled one whiteboard!”
The contestants were stunned!
Pointing to the screen, Yan Gelin said, “Mr. Chen, take a good look yourself—where exactly does this story lack completeness?
Antagonist Lin Yaodong, the Taizhai triad under him, Hao Yu Group, and the hidden protector umbrella in the background.
On the other side, Li Weimin, Li Fei, and Zhao Jialiang. These three characters drive two intertwining plotlines, converging to take down Lin Yaodong!
Look at the 15-episode breakdown—logical, focused, and layered with complex characters. This story has everything—compelling characters, a solid plot, aningful thes, and depth.
And yet, you call this incomplete?”
“Mr. Yan, I…”
“Let finish!”
Yan Gelin cut him off again.
“Let’s move to your second point. You claid the script was off-topic?
If I recall, at the start of this show, you said that if it were you, you might write a rural warti story.
Think about it—didn’t you combine the elents of rural life and war?
So why is it off-topic when Lu Chen combines rural settings with anti-drug operations?
Besides, his story design is crystal clear—it’s about dismantling the drug-ridden Taizhai village.
Isn’t a drug village still a village?
How is that off-topic?
Now, let’s talk about ‘homogeneity.’
Throughout this competition, we’ve repeatedly emphasized this issue. This round showed too many contestants choosing similar thes, resulting in repetitive plots, designs, and ideas.
Do you think that’s a good thing?
And you keep bringing up program rules. Let ask you—what’s the ultimate purpose of this competition?
Is it to churn out formulaic writing?
Or is it to discover compelling stories and showcase talented screenwriters to a broader audience?
I firmly believe that’s the true intention of this program—not the rigid rules you keep harping on!”
Yan Gelin’s words echoed powerfully through the hall, his bulging veins emphasizing his passion. Everyone present was captivated, unable to look away.
“Now, about your final critique—calling his script a ploy to grab attention by pushing creative boundaries.
You’ve made this accusation multiple tis during live streams. I refuted you before, and I’ll do it again now!
Yes, I admit that Lu Chen’s story initially attracted attention because it was unconventional. But that’s because we didn’t fully understand it yet.
Misunderstandings are part of the creative process!
Look at those whiteboards. Every step of his story’s core developnt is laid out clearly.
I, Ms. Shu Ping, Mr. Liu Heping, and countless viewers witnessed it firsthand.
As a judge, are you really unable to grasp the creative techniques behind his story developnt?
Rules, rules, rules—that’s all you talk about!
But there aren’t that many rules in creativity!
Let make this clear—I joined this panel to find great stories and discover outstanding screenwriting talent.
As long as a story is created within reasonable and legal boundaries, and ets the program’s objectives, that’s what matters!”
Yan Gelin’s passionate rebuke left no room for doubt about where he stood.
“I think everything that happened in between is secondary!
As for the so-called comrcial value you ntioned, I have no comnt on that. After all, I’m just a screenwriter—not like you, a billionaire director!
But regarding the first three points you ntioned, I personally disagree with all of them!
In fact, I think those three points are completely nonsense!”
“Well said!”
From behind…
When Yan Gelin said this, Shu Ping imdiately applauded enthusiastically!
Even Liu Heping clapped slightly, expressing his stance!
Seeing the two major ntors clapping, the contestants, though initially stunned and bewildered, gradually began to clap in twos and threes as well!
Eventually, the applause turned into a surging wave of applause!
In the live broadcast, countless netizens were going wild at that mont, many moved to tears!
[Teacher Yan gained so many fans with this one!].
[Crying now! Teacher Yan is so bold, absolutely amazing!].
[That felt so good—slapping Chen Sicheng’s face right on the spot! Love you, Teacher Yan!].
[Cheering for Teacher Yan!].
[Thank you, Teacher Yan, for speaking up and clearing Lu Chen’s na!].
…
On stage, even Xiao Sa was dumbfounded! He never imagined that the two major ntors would publicly clash on stage over Lu Chen!
This…
Xiao Sa felt a whirlwind of emotions.
While Chen Sicheng’s critique was unexpected, Yan Gelin’s bold rebuttal was even more shocking!
Judging by the situation, it’s highly likely that today’s headlines across major social dia platforms like Douyin and Weibo
Will be dominated by “Under the Pen”!
…
At this mont, without a doubt, the person with the darkest expression was Chen Sicheng! He never imagined that Yan Gelin would so openly contradict him during his review segnt!
And with such audacity!
In an instant, feeling gravely offended, Chen Sicheng’s expression darkened.
“Teacher Yan, have you said enough? Can I say sothing now?”
Yan Gelin didn’t speak, indicating agreent.
Chen Sicheng snorted coldly, “You’re entitled to disagree with my opinion, but I think you have no right to interfere with my scoring!”
“You’re mistaken, Teacher Chen. I didn’t interfere with your scoring, nor did I intend to. Whether you give a six, a five, or even a zero today, I would never interfere with you.
But I’d like to remind you of sothing!
Although you have the right to score, as fellow judges, we also have the right to supervise each other.
If what you said today made sense, I would absolutely not refute a single word of yours!
But your critique was so absurd, I feel obligated to comnt on your statents!”
“My six-point score is my comnt!”
“Fine, then stick to your opinion. I never intended to make you change your score. But you also cannot deprive of my right to comnt on your words!”
“You!”
Chen Sicheng’s chest heaved violently!
“Fine! I won’t argue with you! But rest assured, I won’t be influenced by you either! My evaluation of contestant Lu Chen is entirely genuine and sincere. Whether he chooses to listen or not is entirely up to him—I won’t force it!”
“Please, spare him the trouble of listening!”
Yan Gelin was too fierce!
She said whatever was on her mind! She suddenly shifted her focus, looking down at Lu Chen in the audience.
“Lu Chen!”
“Here, Teacher Yan!”
“Don’t let certain people’s critiques affect your confidence and judgnt!
At least I, Teacher Shu Ping, and Teacher Liu Heping all greatly appreciate your creative style!
For the upcoming Top 16 advancent round, I hope you give it your all and write even better stories!”
“Rember, the best weapon a screenwriter has is their story!
You must use your stories to silence those who doubt you!
Do you hear ?”
“Yes, Teacher Yan!”
Below the stage, Lu Chen nodded firmly, bowing in gratitude. Faced with Yan Gelin’s willingness to disregard decorum and even her image to speak up for him,
Lu Chen was naturally filled with gratitude. For the next advancent round, he planned to give his all and aim for first place. Otherwise, he would feel unworthy of the public support given to him today by Teachers Yan Gelin, Shu Ping, and Liu Heping.
“Good, keep it up! I have high hopes for you!”
After finishing, Yan Gelin didn’t pay Chen Sicheng any more attention. She handed the microphone forcefully back to Xiao Sa and returned to the lineup.
Chen Sicheng’s face was as dark as a storm cloud, nearly on the verge of losing control. But considering the live broadcast, he managed to suppress his anger, said nothing, and returned to his place.
Witnessing the incredibly awkward atmosphere, Xiao Sa felt imnse pressure!
With no choice, he went all out to diate the situation.
Smiling, he said, “Everyone! Although the discussion between the two judges was quite intense, I believe they were both expressing their personal opinions with the intent of being responsible to the contestants and the competition.
As contestants, I think everyone should feel fortunate that the judges are this dedicated!
So now…
Let’s give a round of applause for both judges!”
Xiao Sa led the applause!
From the audience, applause broke out again.
Seeing the atmosphere finally improve a bit, Xiao Sa didn’t dare delay further and got straight to the point.
“Now, I will officially announce contestant Lu Chen’s final score for this round.
Online score: 8.4.
Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 10, and 6, for an average score of 8.5.
So, contestant Lu Chen’s final score is: 8.45!”
Another round of applause followed…
“With this, the Top 32 contestants for this round have been determined!
Next, please look at the big screen!”
On the screen, the rankings of the Top 32 were displayed in order of their scores.
Unexpectedly, Lu Chen ranked fourth!
[This is ridiculous! The work with the most explosive popularity this round, breaking multiple records, only ranked fourth! Who would believe this, people?].
[Yeah, it’s absurd—didn’t even make it into the top three!].
[That scumbag Chen single-handedly destroyed what could’ve been a perfect result!!].
[Don’t worry, the trending topics tonight will definitely be filled with criticism of Chen Sicheng!].
[What’s the use of criticizing him? He’s a judge!].
[Public pressure will get to him!].
[I just want to punch that jerk Chen! He’s just jealous of Lu Chen, jealous!!].
[Jealous? Don’t flatter yourself. He’s a billionaire director! What does Lu Chen even have?].
[Haha, stop being sarcastic! It’s only the Top 32 for now, there’s a long way to go in the competition!].
[Co on, if he’s so great, let him write a Detective Chinatown or Beijing Love Story!].
[Relax, Breaking Ice will definitely be better than that scumbag Chen’s Beijing Love Story! Mark my words!].
[Haha, so pretentious! Who wouldn’t brag like that~].
[Exactly, let’s see if he even makes it past the Top 16 round before bragging!].
In the livestream chat, Lu Chen’s fans and Chen Sicheng’s fans unexpectedly started a heated argunt!
Both sides fired verbal shots at each other. But ultimately, thanks to Lu Chen’s overwhelming number of fans, Chen Sicheng’s side was utterly defeated.
…
With the announcent of the Top 32, this round of the competition officially ca to an end.
Xiao Sa stood center stage, holding the microphone, and said loudly, “Dear audience, this concludes this round of the competition! In ten days, we will begin the next round—the Top 16 advancent!
Please take so ti to follow the Godlike Writing Contest accounts on Douyin and Weibo To stay updated on the latest program developnts!
Lastly, thank you all for accompanying us for nearly five hours!
Let’s et again in ten days for Godlike Writing!”
After Xiao Sa announced the schedule for the next round, the competition officially ended!
Contestants and judges began leaving the venue, and the livestream ended.
…
Ten minutes later!
In the director’s office.
“Knock knock knock!”
“Co in!”
“Director, you wanted to see ?”
Lu Chen pushed open the door, looking puzzled.
After the competition ended, Lu Chen, like the other contestants, was preparing to pack up and go ho. Unexpectedly, a staff mber inford him That Director Hong Tao wanted to see him. So, Lu Chen ca.
“Co, co, take a seat.”
Hong Tao gestured to a chair in front of him.
Lu Chen sat down.
Hong Tao, smiling wryly, imdiately started venting, “Lu Chen, I asked for a rural story, and your Tazhai—what even is that?”
Lu Chen: “…”
“Director, rural anti-drug stories are still rural stories, right? Just tell —did I stick to the the or not?”
“Fine, fine, I was just joking.”
Hong Tao waved it off with a laugh.
“Actually, I called you in to discuss tomorrow’s group bidding eting at 2 p.m.”
“Group bidding? Tomorrow afternoon?”
“Why? Do you have other plans?” Hong Tao asked.
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