RPAGF Chapter 152's premiere was a huge hit.
Chapter 152's premiere was a huge hit.
"That's good too." Wang Dajun smiled, his tone full of anticipation.
"As long as the film captures the feeling of the novel, and portrays those magnificent scenes, we longtime readers will enjoy it, won't we? Haha!"
"Of course!"
Andy Lau nodded vigorously, his excitement almost overflowing.
"I've been looking forward to this for so long! I'm just waiting for tonight to see what Xiang Shaolong is really like!"
Let's see if those scenes we've imagined countless times in books can be perfectly presented on television!
The two chatted back and forth, talking about the fun they had reading novels in high school and the classic scenes in those novels.
As we talked about our expectations for the TV series, the sky outside the window grew darker and darker without us even realizing it.
The neon lights began to flicker, and the noise on the street gradually subsided.
Andy Lau glanced at the clock on the wall; the hour hand was pointing to 7:50.
"Hurry! Hurry! It's eight o'clock! The broadcast is about to start!"
Andy Lau suddenly stood up and pulled Wang Dajun towards the television.
The color TV in the living room was recently bought by Andy Lau. Although the screen isn't very big, it's considered a pretty good appliance these days.
Andy Lau frantically plugged in the power, pressed the switch, and the TV screen flickered before finally turning on.
He selected a TV station, then adjusted it a few times until the picture on the screen became clearer, before finally sitting down with satisfaction.
Wang Dajun sat down next to him, still holding the unfinished can of beer in his hand, his heart pounding with anticipation, like a little rabbit in his chest.
Time ticked by, and the minute hand of the wall clock steadily pointed to the twelve o'clock position.
It was exactly 8 p.m.
The logo of RTV appeared on the screen right on time.
Immediately afterwards, a burst of rousing background music began, instantly grabbing the attention of the two people.
The music carried a desolate yet heroic spirit, as if it had traveled through a thousand years of time, coming from the distant Warring States period.
Then, three large characters appeared on the screen—A Step into the Past.
Wang Dajun and Hua Zai held their breath simultaneously, staring intently at the screen, forgetting even to drink their beer.
After the opening theme song ended, the TV series officially began.
On the screen, the first thing that appears is a vast desert.
Amidst swirling yellow sand and howling winds, a cavalry unit gallops against the sandstorm.
Flags fluttered, horses' hooves thundered, the scene was magnificent and exhilarating.
This is exactly the scene of the first war that Xiang Shaolong encountered after traveling to ancient times, as described in the novel.
Immediately afterwards, the camera shifts to a man dressed in ancient costume, who leaps off a horse.
He was tall and straight, with sharp eyes, possessing both the cunning and wisdom of a modern person and the boldness and uninhibitedness of an ancient knight-errant.
Hua Zai excitedly grabbed Wang Dajun's arm, his voice trembling slightly.
"My goodness! The actor who plays Xiang Shaolong is so handsome!"
Wang Dajun's eyes widened as well, but he had to admit that Lin Zhou was really good at picking people.
What surprised them even more was that the actor's portrayal of Xiang Shaolong was exactly the same as the one they had imagined in the novel!
His eyes, his movements, and the tone of his voice all exuded a unique quality characteristic of Xiang Shaolong—a humor and wit that came from the modern era and was incompatible with the ancient one.
That composure and calmness in the face of adversity, that loyalty to friends, and that devotion to love.
On the screen, Xiang Shaolong was talking to the soldiers around him in a relaxed and humorous tone, which eased their tension with just a few words.
His appearance was exactly as described in the novel.
Wang Dajun and Hua Zai were completely engrossed, their eyes glued to the screen, afraid of missing a single detail.
Following in Xiang Shaolong's footsteps, they traveled together to the war-torn Warring States period, experiencing thrilling adventures and the joys and sorrows of life.
When Xiang Shaolong encountered danger, their hearts tightened as well.
When Xiang Shaolong resolved the crisis, they couldn't help but applaud.
When Xiang Shaolong flirted with the female character, they also showed knowing smiles.
The light and shadow on the television screen danced across their faces, reflecting the excitement and exhilaration in their eyes, as well as the nostalgia and感慨 on their faces.
The night outside the window grew deeper and deeper, and the lights of cargo ships on the distant sea twinkled in the darkness like countless stars.
The sound from the television was still echoing in Andy Lau's living room.
Two other men are immersed in a dream that spans a thousand years, immersed in their youth that has never faded.
At this moment, time seemed to flow backward, returning to that summer more than a decade ago.
They returned to that sunlit classroom, back to those best times when they sat head to head, watching "A Step into the Past" together.
The premiere of the TV series "A Step into the Past" generated far more buzz than anyone expected.
After the first two episodes aired, discussions about the series instantly swept through every household in Hong Kong that was watching television dramas.
The Zhonghua Daily newspaper has begun printing extra editions late at night. After receiving the news from the television station, it urgently added a review section for "A Step into the Past" and detailed information on the ratings.
There was also a certain opportunistic late-night radio talk show that specially invited journalists who specialize in writing film and television reviews for certain newspapers and book fans to chat online about the plot.
Many families were discussing the show with admiration for Xiang Shaolong and amazement at the grand scenes.
"Xiang Shaolong is so handsome! He's both roguish and intelligent. I absolutely adore this actor, Tony Leung!"
"Did you guys notice? The furnishings in that palace look like real antiques. RTV (Rediffusion Television) really has a huge budget!"
"I heard this drama was filmed on location in mainland China, no wonder it's so impressive, it's so much better than those previous period dramas!"
What's even more surprising is that the popularity of "A Step into the Past" is not limited to Hong Kong.
Many viewers in Macau also watched the premiere through various channels.
Sure enough, the next day, Macau newspapers published reports about "A Step into the Past," claiming that it "pioneered a new model for Hong Kong and the mainland to co-produce period dramas."
The next morning, as soon as Lin Zhou arrived at the company, Secretary Chen rushed into the office carrying a stack of documents, her face full of joy.
"Mr. Lin, look! This is today's newspaper, it's all about 'A Step into the Past' and RTV."
"Okay, put it down! Go and inform Wang Wei later."
I'm planning to throw a celebration banquet for the crew of "A Step into the Past" tonight, so please have them prepare.
Go check out which hotel suits you and book it.
"Yes, Mr. Lin."
Secretary Chen agreed, then remembered something and added, "Also, Director Wang just called and said that the viewership share of the second episode of 'A Step into the Past' has increased by five percentage points compared to the first episode. It's estimated that the whole of Hong Kong is now watching this show."
Lin Zhou smiled but didn't say anything, telling Secretary Chen to quickly book a hotel for the celebration banquet.