Lu Chen: The Mad Genius Of Creativity

Chapter 38: Two Star Mentors Clash Publicly: “Lu Chen, Crush Them in the Next Round!”

“Mr. Chen, you claimed 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 time, 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, meaningful themes, and depth.

And yet, you call this incomplete?”

“Mr. Yan, I…”

“Let me finish!”

Yan Gelin cut him off again.

“Let’s move to your second point. You claimed 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 wartime story.

Think about it—didn’t you combine the elements 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 themes, resulting in repetitive plots, designs, and ideas.

Do you think that’s a good thing?

And you keep bringing up program rules. Let me 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 times 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 development 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 development?

Rules, rules, rules—that’s all you talk about!

But there aren’t that many rules in creativity!

Let me 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 meets 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 commercial value you mentioned, I have no comment on that. After all, I’m just a screenwriter—not like you, a billionaire director!

But regarding the first three points you mentioned, 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 immediately applauded enthusiastically!

Even Liu Heping clapped slightly, expressing his stance!

Seeing the two major mentors 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 moment, 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 name!].

…

On stage, even Xiao Sa was dumbfounded! He never imagined that the two major mentors 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 media platforms like Douyin and Weibo

Will be dominated by “Under the Pen”!

…

At this moment, 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 segment!

And with such audacity!

In an instant, feeling gravely offended, Chen Sicheng’s expression darkened.

“Teacher Yan, have you said enough? Can I say something now?”

Yan Gelin didn’t speak, indicating agreement.

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 something!

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 comment on your statements!”

“My six-point score is my comment!”

“Fine, then stick to your opinion. I never intended to make you change your score. But you also cannot deprive me of my right to comment 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 judgment!

At least I, Teacher Shu Ping, and Teacher Liu Heping all greatly appreciate your creative style!

For the upcoming Top 16 advancement round, I hope you give it your all and write even better stories!”

“Remember, the best weapon a screenwriter has is their story!

You must use your stories to silence those who doubt you!

Do you hear me?”

“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 advancement 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 immense pressure!

With no choice, he went all out to mediate 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!]. [Come 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 argument!

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 announcement of the Top 32, this round of the competition officially came 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 advancement!

Please take some time to follow the Godlike Writing Contest accounts on Douyin and Weibo To stay updated on the latest program developments!

Lastly, thank you all for accompanying us for nearly five hours!

Let’s meet 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!”

“Come in!”

“Director, you wanted to see me?”

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 home. Unexpectedly, a staff member informed him That Director Hong Tao wanted to see him. So, Lu Chen came.

“Come, come, take a seat.”

Hong Tao gestured to a chair in front of him.

Lu Chen sat down.

Hong Tao, smiling wryly, immediately 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 me—did I stick to the theme 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 meeting at 2 p.m.”

“Group bidding? Tomorrow afternoon?”

“Why? Do you have other plans?” Hong Tao asked.