Chapter 67 Reflections Inspired by Watching Wolf Warrior 2

Aside from the twentieth anniversary of the Island's return, there was another matter worth mentioning. The National Academy of Sciences' Plasma Research Institute announced that the country's superconducting Tokamak experimental device, EAST, had for the first time in the world achieved over one hundred seconds of stable high-confinement operational mode. EAST, also known as the Eastern Super Ring, is the superconducting Tokamak—the so-called artificial sun, a nuclear fusion device.

Given his current knowledge, Lu Yu found it difficult to offer any opinion on this. It was not something he could—or should—study at this stage. Perhaps in the future, when humanity steps into the stars, he would need to delve into it, but certainly not now. Such a breakthrough that could overturn Blue Star's existing energy systems, once successful, would bring unpredictable and potentially severe consequences. A single misstep could lead to uncontrollable thermal warfare. With the current arsenal of weapons, for a civilization still confined to its home planet, the result would be devastating destruction and suffering.

So even if Lu Yu had the ability and the chance to succeed, he would not pursue it now. His dream was to see the wonders of other galaxies, not to remain forever trapped on Blue Star.

...

Aside from these two pieces of news, there was little else worth attention—nothing but mediocrity. However, a new film had just been released and, within a few days, had garnered praise and enthusiasm from countless online viewers: Wolf Warrior 2.

Lu Yu had seen the first Wolf Warrior, and it was decent. Compared to other commercial blockbusters of its time, it was already quite outstanding. So, seeing the second film lauded so highly by netizens, Lu Yu felt a sudden urge to watch it. It was not merely to see the sequel; he had always wanted to invest in a film depicting the final resistance of another civilization. Watching this movie would help him gauge the current peak of the domestic film industry.

Nowadays, there were far too many pseudo-commercial blockbusters and fantasy films. Screens were filled with fresh-faced actors, clumsy performances, and shoddy effects—mere tricks for capital to rake in profits. Lu Yu had no interest in investing in such productions.

If he wanted his story to reach a wide audience, he would need to produce a top-tier film. The script must be exceptional, the actors must be first-rate, and the effects must be cutting-edge. Otherwise, he could never showcase the heights of another civilization, nor the grandeur and majesty of the universe. If the domestic industry could not reach this standard yet, he would rather wait for it to mature before implementing his plan.

...

Scrolling through the news and pondering these things, time passed swiftly. Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian returned home from work, opening the door to find Lu Yu sitting on the sofa, playing on his phone.

Qin Xiaomian dashed over and threw herself into Lu Yu's arms. "Uncle, I'm home!"

Shi Zixuan, smiling, sat down beside him. Lu Yu ruffled Qin Xiaomian's hair. "Was shooting the promotional video tiring?"

Both shook their heads. Qin Xiaomian replied, "Not at all. It was quite fun."

Lu Yu laughed. "Then let's go—I’ll treat you both to a movie tonight."

Qin Xiaomian tilted her head, blinking her big eyes. "Are you asking me out?"

Lu Yu rolled his eyes. "If anyone’s being invited, it’s both of you, not just you."

Qin Xiaomian pouted. "Hmph!" She dragged Shi Zixuan upstairs to change.

Both had dressed rather formally for work; now, going to the movies, they naturally wanted a more relaxed, casual look.

...

After a while, hearing footsteps descending the stairs, Lu Yu turned to see the two women and found it hard to tear his gaze away.

Both wore loose, oversized white long-sleeved sports sweaters, knee-high white socks with three black stripes, and white athletic shoes. Identical outfits, identical hairstyles. Step by hesitant step, they approached him, fingertips barely visible as they gripped their sleeves, faces timid as though pleading not to be bullied.

Lu Yu nearly abandoned the idea of going out for a movie altogether. He bit his tongue hard, silently reciting a calming mantra until he regained composure.

He sighed deeply. "You two are tempting a revolutionary to err!"

Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian finally dropped their act, their smiles full of smug satisfaction.

Lu Yu withdrew his burning gaze. "Come on, shall we eat first or see the movie?"

After a moment’s thought, the two chose to grab a bite near the cinema. Summer dulled their appetites, and both were mindful of their diets to avoid gaining weight.

...

The three soon arrived at a commercial plaza near their community, sampling various snacks. The girls clustered around Lu Yu, chatting and laughing, drawing envious glances from passersby.

After eating, they entered the cinema, bought tickets, and waited in the lobby. Lu Yu glanced around and, after consulting the girls, bought three large cups of iced watermelon juice from the drinks kiosk. He handed them their cups, sipping through a straw, relishing the refreshing chill.

The girls scrolled through movie reviews online. Soon, their screening was called, and the group passed through ticket checks, found their seats, and waited for the film to start. Having read the reviews, the girls, previously indifferent, now harbored a trace of anticipation.

...

The movie began, opening with intense action scenes. Lu Yu watched intently, unlike previous times when he had accompanied the girls and merely played around. It must be said: this film set a new benchmark for domestic modern military action movies. The pacing was tight, the story never dull, and the fight scenes were well choreographed.

Most impressive was the strong patriotic atmosphere, stirring memories of the nation’s past humiliation and decades of relentless pursuit. It ignited a fire in the heart—a surge of passion and pride.

A foreign professor once summarized it aptly: In every Chinese heart, they are not striving to dominate the world. To them, being number one is merely returning to their rightful place.

...

Within China, this film could be called the most successful action commercial blockbuster. Even the two girls, normally uninterested in action movies, watched with rapt attention and left affected by the patriotic fervor.

Lu Yu, after seeing the film, pondered even further. It was clear that the country was not lacking talented scriptwriters, nor skilled actors, nor capable directors. What was missing was just a touch of benevolent capital—capital that would allow filmmakers to create in peace, rather than merely harvesting fans of young idols.

If a group could be gathered, united by the desire to make good films, and backed by strong visual effects, it was likely that Lu Yu could realize his vision. Yet for now, the domestic special effects industry made him scoff.

As he accompanied the girls out of the cinema, Lu Yu considered his plans for the near future.

...

Originally, Lu Yu intended to start with basic materials and foundational industries as his entry point for technological advancement.

But due to various factors in the industrial system, coupled with insufficient funds, he was unable to begin. Fen Bai Dai Hei had achieved remarkable results over the past four months, with excellent profits. Yet after taxes, expanding the supply chain, and preparing for next year’s overseas market push, the company’s available capital was quite limited.

Basic materials research was a never-ending money pit. Lu Yu found himself with skills but nowhere to use them.

However, after just watching the movie, Lu Yu considered whether he should first develop an advanced digital effects software. Not aiming to leap ahead of the times, but at least to match or slightly surpass foreign digital effects software.

If he could lead the development himself, assemble a programming team, perhaps it wouldn’t cost much? While he still had some spare time, why not take the opportunity? It could also serve as a way to integrate the team, preparing for future AI development.

The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, and his pace quickened on the way home.

...

Back home with the girls, Lu Yu headed straight to the study. Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian knew that whenever he entered the study, it was either to read or to work, so they left him undisturbed, each absorbed in their own social media browsing in the living room.

Lu Yu, in the study, opened his computer and began researching information related to digital effects software.

He had assumed developing such software would not be overly complicated, but upon closer inspection, realized he had underestimated the task.

Digital effects, when it came to visual imagery, could be broadly divided into three categories:

First, digital image processing. Simply put, using image processing software to edit footage shot by cameras or generated by software, thus producing new images as needed. This is widely used in film effects, such as erasing safety harnesses from actors, removing accidental props, or creating scenes of vast armies by filming a few actors multiple times and replicating their images to generate a multitude of different figures.

Second, digital image compositing. This involves software processing of camera-shot images to create new composite visual effects required by the film. Not only can new figures be composited, but what is commonly called “green screen” work allows an actor’s image to be transplanted onto another background.

Third, digital image generation. Using computer graphics and animation technology to generate the required images directly, without any camera involvement. Digital image generation can produce animated films resembling hand-drawn styles or create realistic, natural visuals.

...

This pertained only to visual imagery. The complete visual effects of a film also encompass pre-production and post-production.

Pre-production effects mainly involve speed alterations—achieved by varying shooting and playback speeds. Or computer-controlled special filming, such as slow motion, time freeze, reverse playback, and still frames.

Post-production effects are the most crucial step in film effects. They include text effects, transitions, and, most importantly, visual effects.

Visual effects are comprehensive, encompassing all effects on screen except text, including filters, animation, 3D, virtual, composite effects, and more. These cover image processing, compositing, and generation as previously described.

Beyond these, a film’s complete effects also involve early planning, character design, model building, prop creation, and more. Relying solely on effects software is far from enough—excellent professionals are also needed.

This is why film effects are called the “effects industry.”

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