Chapter 136: Sanctioning to Establish Authority
Good deeds should not go unnoticed.
After Miss Liu Yifei posted on her blog, she immediately called her boyfriend.
Through the phone, Miss Liu Yifei's voice carried a hint of seeking praise.
"Others do good deeds without leaving their name, but you're afraid I won't know!" Li Chen said with a laugh.
"I don't care, I was the first one to speak out on my blog to support you."
"You figure it out, my birthday is coming up again, don't think about trying to gloss over it!"
Li Chen rubbed his forehead; thinking about this made him worried.
Every year Miss Liu's birthday was like the Queen Mother of the West's birthday, and deciding what to give her always stressed him out.
"Alright, alright, I have it in mind, we'll talk more later. Director Wu is here, I need to discuss something with him."
Miss Liu Yifei hummed and then, understanding the situation, hung up the phone.
"Come on, let's go for a drive. Haven't you always wanted to drive Chen Ge's Porsche Carrera?"
Miss Liu Yifei got up from the sofa, picked up her handbag, and smiled at Shu Chang, who was beside her.
Shu Chang's eyes lit up, and she stood up to follow.
She had long been yearning for that silver-grey frog, and she heard there were only two in China right now.
"Wait for me, Xixi!"
Miss Liu Yifei wore a pair of dark sunglasses, while Shu Chang wore a pair with rose-tinted lenses.
The two girls' long hair flew in the wind in the Porsche.
Shu Chang shook her head and tutted, "Xixi, Chen Ge really has it tough. Every year for your birthday, he has to bleed a lot!"
"But! I also really want a boyfriend like Chen Ge!"
Shu Chang's eyes curved into a smile, a sudden plot twist.
Miss Liu Yifei's lips curled up: "I'll give you two choices: either say it again, or get out of the car!"
Shu Chang, lacking backbone, chose to say it again: "Actually, a brother is quite good! I just need a brother like Chen Ge."
"That's more like it!"
Miss Liu Yifei gripped the steering wheel, pressed the accelerator, and the Porsche shot out at a speed of 3.8 seconds per hundred meters.
This scared Shu Chang so much that she swallowed the rest of her words.
Meanwhile, Wu Bin came in to report to Li Chen about the invitations for "father's love is like a mountain 2."
Li Chen was treating this film as his graduation project.
Everything followed the Hollywood model, with preparations made before the main action.
The crew had already begun setting up the scenes in advance.
The script had also been reviewed and revised by the company's legal team.
This was to ensure it maximally conformed to current legal common sense.
It wouldn't be like in the previous life, where despite good reviews and box office, its professionalism made many legal practitioners laugh.
"Director Li, I've reserved a table at Zhimeizhai and arranged to meet Chen Baoguo at seven tonight."
Li Chen nodded. For the lead role in "father's love is like a mountain 2," he couldn't cast Sun Honglei.
At this time, Sun Honglei's age and temperament didn't quite fit the role of the wealthy businessman father in "Silent Witness."
Simply put, his edges were too sharp; the impression of Liu Huaqiang was too deeply ingrained.
Li Chen had already discussed the role played by Andy Lau with him when he was in Hong Kong, and it was agreed that Andy Lau would take it.
In terms of aura, there were many mainland actors who could hold their own against Andy Lau, and Li Chen had his eye on Chen Baoguo.
He had just finished filming "Ming Dynasty 1566" and his schedule was free.
It was a very classic drama, but unfortunately, when it premiered next year, no one expected the ratings to be disastrous.
The sequel, "Ming Dynasty 1587," was also directly stillborn.
It wasn't until 2017, with online streaming, that it became a critically acclaimed hit!
"Director Li, I see you don't care at all about the online abuse directed at you," Wu Bin said with a smile.
"Just leave these matters to Yang Siwei," Li Chen replied casually.
He genuinely didn't take this matter to heart.
More precisely, he didn't even consider Yang Zi.
There are many rich people in the entertainment industry, but only a few hold the power of discourse.
Yang Zi was not among them.
China Film Group Corporation, Shanghai Film Group, Rongchen Film and Television, Huayi Brothers, Bona Film Group, Enlight Media, etc.
These capital parties either dominate the production field with their content,
such as high-volume producers like Rongchen Film and Television and Huayi Brothers.
Or they control the distribution field with their channels, such as Bona Film Group, China Film Group Corporation, and Enlight Media.
Compared to them, Yang Zi could only be considered a newcomer.
The fact that Yang Siwei hadn't bothered him indicated that she didn't take him seriously either.
This was precisely the Yang Siwei Li Chen needed.
If he had to do everything himself,
why would he pay high salaries to Yang Siwei, Wu Bin, and the people in these company departments?
Yang Siwei's actions were very swift. Her four main assistants even asked her if she needed to consult Director Li.
Yang Siwei directly replied with a cold face: "No need. Such a small matter shouldn't bother the boss."
This time, she wanted to show people in the industry that Rongchen Film and Television was not to be trifled with, and if angered, it would not be easy to deal with!
What Starlight couldn't do, Rongchen Film and Television could!
The boss had long given her authority.
She only remembered one sentence from the boss: "Come bother me when you've caused a huge problem!"
When Yang Mi called to ask if she was alright.
Yang Siwei only replied, telling her to set her mind at ease.
Yang Mi's current status certainly couldn't compare to a Star Girl.
She was, after all, one of the Four Dan actresses voted by netizens.
But after hearing Yang Siwei's firm reply,
her position as the pre-selected Zheng Wei was secure.
What was wrong with a film produced by their own company promoting their own artist?
The two people's logic was simply bizarre.
They thought this would force Rongchen Film and Television to comply.
Perhaps they only wanted to use this as an opportunity for hype.
But none of that mattered anymore.
Soon, Yang Siwei, on behalf of Rongchen Film and Television, responded to the media.
"The role of Zheng Wei has been finalized for our contracted artist, Yang Mi. Thank you for the public's attention."
"Rongchen Film and Television's casting has always been open and transparent. Miss Huang Shengyi has never contacted us."
"Currently, Rongchen Film and Television will not consider Miss Huang Shengyi for any roles in its productions until her lawsuit with Starlight is resolved."
This immediately had an effect, much like how the Gulf War awakened various countries back then.
Not only did netizens react, but major film and television companies in the industry also woke up, one by one.
"Is this a ban?"
"It's more than a ban; it's like a ban!"
"And the ban is compliant and legal! No one can find fault with it."
"Exactly, a company isn't a charity. What's wrong with promoting its own artists?"
"Only someone with a twisted mind would choose you. Why? Just because you cry a lot? Does the squeaky wheel get the grease?"
"This leaker must have a grudge against the Star Girl! Now the Star Girl is completely finished."
"Starlight banning you isn't a big deal; you can always return to the mainland. But if Rongchen Film and Television bans you, then we only have the other side of the strait left!"
Netizens watched the spectacle, but industry insiders saw the deeper meaning.
In Wang Zhongjun's office at the Huayi Brothers headquarters.
The expressions on the faces of the two Wang brothers were somewhat serious.
"Brother Jun, Li Chen has already become a force to be reckoned with," Little Wang said, his face showing reluctance and surprise.
Because both of them knew that even their Huayi Brothers would not easily employ Huang Shengyi in the future.
The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive. A single statement from Yang Siwei
made the two Wang brothers, for the first time, seriously acknowledge the undeniable power of Rongchen Film and Television.
Before, everyone in the industry knew that Rongchen Film and Television had strength.
Just like everyone knew that the Horse King had three eyes.
But knowing was one thing; who had actually seen it?
This time, they had truly seen the Horse King's third eye.
And the cost was the career of a currently popular A-list female star.
As for the rumored boyfriend, Yang Zi, the two Wang brothers had never taken him seriously.
In the entertainment industry, having a little money isn't enough to establish a firm footing.
"If even we think this way, others must feel the same," Wang Zhongjun said, narrowing his eyes.
Without Rongchen Film and Television, Huayi Brothers would definitely be the leader of domestic entertainment.
Now, even their two brothers had to confront the fact of Rongchen Film and Television's strong rise.
Then other companies like Orange Sky Entertainment and Bona Film Group must also feel the same.
If the big bosses all held this view,
then the A-list artists would be even more apprehensive.
It turned out that even A-listers weren't invulnerable; when encountering a true Buddha, they could only prostrate themselves.
No one expected Rongchen Film and Television to use such a simple and crude method of killing a chicken to scare the monkeys.
After all, Huang Shengyi was a popular A-list actress, and behind her stood a rumored boyfriend who was an executive president.
Even Starlight was helpless in banning Huang Shengyi, but what Starlight couldn't do, Rongchen Film and Television easily accomplished.
Yet, their approach was like hearing thunder in a silent place.
And it was done so seamlessly that no one could say anything against it.
With legal disputes still unresolved, theoretically, no company would want to get involved with you.
With this statement, how many film and television companies would still choose Huang Shengyi?
Choosing Huang Shengyi would be choosing to stand against Rongchen Film and Television.
While A-list actresses watched Huang Shengyi's misfortune, their own teams were also biding their time.
Like a pack of hungry wolves, they waited for Huang Shengyi's downfall to feast on her endorsements and resources.
The brands endorsed by Huang Shengyi were furious, wondering why such a sudden catastrophe had struck!
Huang Shengyi’s fans were even more outraged, flooding Li Chen’s blog with insults.
But Li Chen’s fans were not to be trifled with, and Yang Siwei’s people were not idle either.
Someone online then broke the news, supposedly that Li Chen had refused to meet Huang Shengyi’s rumored boyfriend.
That executive president, enraged, then spread the word to create a victim image for his rumored girlfriend.
If you leak, I’ll leak. When it comes to this game, Yang Siwei could be Yang Zi’s grandmaster.
Yang Zi had planned well, thinking that if Rongchen Film and Television directly mentioned his invitation, he just wouldn’t acknowledge it.
He never expected the other party to use his own tactics against him, also leaking information, leaving him caught off guard.
At this point, the vast majority of netizens basically believed it all.
After all, that Yang Zi had always loved to hype things up, just like Song Da Zui, and the media were fed up with him.
Yang Zi could no longer force out a kind, grandmotherly smile.
He had absolutely not expected things to reverse to this extent.
Huang Shengyi’s cell phone call came in just then.
Her voice was frantic and slurred, and it took Yang Zi a while to understand what was going on.
It turned out to be two brand merchants.
One was the cell phone brand Motorola.
The other was Chevrolet, a car brand that had just entered China last year.
Both companies had intended to sign Huang Shengyi as their spokesperson.
They were just waiting for her to win her lawsuit against Starlight before signing.
Unexpectedly, the other party suddenly called, saying they needed to thoroughly re-evaluate!
At this, Huang Shengyi completely lost her composure.
There are no airtight walls in the entertainment industry.
Big brands signing spokespersons prioritize the big screen more.
If Huang Shengyi was really soft-banned by Rongchen Film and Television, they would certainly abandon her without hesitation.
Swallowing, Yang Zi forced himself to calm down: “Why are you panicking! With me here, no one can ban you!”
“Really?” Huang Shengyi’s voice was tearful again.
“Nonsense! I’ll make a call first, we’ll talk later.”
Yang Zi hung up Huang Shengyi’s cell phone and immediately dialed another number.
The public relations manager below also hung up the cell phone, speechless.
You’re both a god and a ghost, it’s tough for us workers!
Yang Siwei, however, was currently enjoying hotpot with Yang Mi and Tang Yan outside Chaoyangmen.
Her cell phone rang again, it was the agent of that Star Girl from last time.
Yang Siwei directly hung up, not even answering.
Yang Mi and Tang Yan exchanged glances, put down their chopsticks, and laughed: “Who is it? So annoying to you?”
Yang Siwei sneered: “It’s still that Star Girl’s agent. She’s anxious now, what was she doing before!”
Tang Yan couldn’t help but laugh: “If you provoke the boss, you have to endure the wrath of Siwei, our boss’s number one loyal fan.”
Yang Mi laughed heartily: “That makes sense.”
Through this incident, she also understood.
How important a strong company and agent are to an artist.
Take Siwei’s public statement, for example.
Those were all carefully considered word by word by the company’s legal department before being released.
Every line was the crystallization of collaboration among various departments of the company.
Tang Yan then said: “What about the boss? The boss seems unfazed, but Yifei has become a crazy husband-protector!”
Yang Siwei also chuckled: “That’s an apt description. Yifei isn’t doing it for nothing. I heard Yifei say she’s given the boss an ultimatum: the birthday gift must not be perfunctory!”
“Only for Senior Brother. For anyone else, this gift would lead to bankruptcy!” Yang Mi exclaimed with admiration.
“Hey, Siwei, how much is Senior Brother’s net worth exactly?” Yang Mi gossiped.
Yang Siwei rolled her eyes: “If you ask the boss himself, he’d probably have to find someone to calculate it to know. Who knows how many investments the boss has outside.”
“You two aren’t outsiders, so I’ll give you a scoop.”
Yang Siwei leaned on the table with both hands, saying mysteriously: “The boss gave Yifei an estate in Hollywood called Crystal Wu. You two should go see it if you get a chance.”
“I bet after you see it, you won’t ask me such a foolish question about the boss’s net worth.”
The three of them were gossiping about Li Chen.
Li Chen, meanwhile, arrived at Zhibaozhai with Wu Bin to meet Chen Baoguo.
Actually, for most actors, Li Chen wouldn’t need to show up; Wu Bin could handle it.
But for true artists of virtue and skill like Chen Baoguo and Li Xuejian.
Li Chen still respected them from the bottom of his heart.
In a private room at Zhimeizhai, Li Chen and Wu Bin had just arrived when Chen Baoguo appeared shortly after.
Li Chen and Wu Bin rose from the sofa, walking around it.
From two or three steps away, Li Chen extended his hand and smiled: “Teacher Baoguo, long time no see!”
During his freshman year, he had been invited by his classmate He Yanjiang.
He visited the set of “hanwu the great” and met Chen Baoguo then.
Three years had passed in a blink of an eye.
Things had changed; he had also become the youngest and most sought-after The Golden Palm director in China.
Chen Baoguo, already fifty, still looked like he was in his early forties.
His mature male charm was fully displayed.
“Indeed, one should look at a scholar with new eyes after three days apart. That year, I already felt that Director Li was extraordinary; his eyes didn’t seem like a fresh-faced university student at all.”
“I never expected it to be true. In three years, you’ve changed so much that I barely recognize you!” Chen Baoguo said, shaking Li Chen’s hand with a smile.
“Teacher Baoguo, you flatter me.”
Chen Baoguo then exchanged pleasantries with Wu Bin: “Ms. Lu, how is she? I haven’t seen her in a long time.”
Wu Bin called Chen Baoguo, Chen Ge, and Chen Baoguo called Wu Bin’s mother, Ms. Lu.
This was truly a case of each having their own connections. Li Chen stepped aside: “Teacher Baoguo, please sit, let’s talk sitting down.”
The three sat down and chatted, Li Chen asked about the situation of “Ming Dynasty 1566.”
Chen Baoguo was also very talkative, and he had a good impression of Li Chen.
He was a bit arrogant, but who doesn’t go through a period of youthful arrogance?
Since ancient times, geniuses have always been proud of their talents.
Li Chen invited him today, and he could probably guess the intention; it should be a drama offer.
However, he didn’t accept just any script. For a good script, he was willing to play even a supporting role.
In the television industry, his status was already top-tier.
His remuneration per episode was nearly 100,000.
But this was for television; for movies, it was uncertain.
This was also why many film and television companies generally didn’t dare to boldly use veteran actors from the television industry.
Remuneration wasn’t the most important thing; the most important thing was the fear that these people wouldn’t attract box office.
None of the three people present were dilly-dalliers.
Li Chen went straight to the point: “Teacher Baoguo, I presume you can guess my intention for inviting you today.”
“My graduation project, “Father’s Love Is Like a Mountain 2,” I’d like to invite you to play the male lead. I’ve brought the script, would you like to take a look before deciding?”
“Good.”
Wu Bin took out the script and handed it to Chen Baoguo.
Chen Baoguo didn’t waste any more words and began to read it carefully.
After about half an hour, he closed the script.
He secretly nodded to himself; the reputation of the top screenwriter in China was indeed well-deserved.
“Director Li wants me to play Lin Tai.” Chen Baoguo’s eyes were bright and piercing.
“Exactly. When I was writing the script for this role, the first person I thought of was Teacher Baoguo.”
“Others either don’t have the right age and experience, or they haven’t become fathers yet, so they can’t truly understand the essence of father’s love.”
Chen Baoguo nodded: “May I ask who will play the role of Tong Tao? If I remember correctly, this Tong Tao wasn’t among the roles publicly auditioned by your company.”
Li Chen secretly nodded, he had indeed done his homework.
“Andy Lau.”
Chen Baoguo had no other questions: “Alright, I accept Director Li’s invitation.”
Li Chen chuckled: “With Teacher Baoguo’s nod, my heart is at ease. You can take the script. I will finalize the remaining roles soon, and filming will start no later than a month from now.”
“Teacher Baoguo, you didn’t even ask how much I’m paying you before agreeing?”
Chen Baoguo also smiled: “No need to ask. Director Li is famously generous.”
Wu Bin also smiled from the side: “Director Li indeed has an excellent reputation in the industry, but Chen Ge, one thing at a time, you and your agent can come to the company to sign the contract tomorrow. If you have any questions about the remuneration, we can still discuss it.”
Li Chen also nodded: “Exactly. In fact, we have many excellent actors in the Mainland who are no worse than those in Hong Kong. All they lack is an opportunity.”
After finalizing Chen Baoguo, Li Chen called Yang Siwei, asking her to publicly announce the two confirmed lead actors.
As the saying goes, plant a phoenix tree, and the golden phoenixes will come.
Chen Baoguo was his phoenix tree, and this would also kill two birds with one stone, responding to the online doubts about his inconsistency.