Chapter 149: Accident
Huayi Brothers Headquarters Building.
Wang Zhonglei listened to his assistant Xu Li's report, quite pleased with his tactic of diverting attention.
“Quickly settle Shao Xiaoshan!”
“I'll go do it now, President Wang.”
Guangzhou Garden Hotel
Stephen Chow, who took Zhang Yuqi to do morning exercises every day, listened to Tian Ji's description and couldn't be bothered with these matters.
Although he wasn't familiar with Li Chen, he had a good impression of Rongchen Film and Television's soft ban on Huang Shengyi a while ago.
Even when 'those years' broke his 'Kung Fu' record at the Hong Kong box office last month, he just smiled it off.
The weather in Guangzhou was hot, and Zhang Yuqi was dressed coolly and beautifully.
She wore a denim mini-skirt and a white tight-fitting vest.
As expected, she meticulously followed Stephen Chow's requirements; except for her chest, all other parts of her body had slimmed down.
Her black underwear was faintly visible beneath the denim mini-skirt.
This made Tian Ji, who stood beside her, feel parched and nod in approval.
He had nothing to say about Stephen Chow's casting vision.
What did Zhang Yuqi rely on to stand out from countless girls back then?
It was her outstanding figure, natural and unadorned.
He had worked with Stephen Chow for many years and knew that Stephen Chow's minimum casting requirement was: no plastic surgery whatsoever.
“Xing Ye, should we contact Rongchen Film and Television?”
Stephen Chow waved his hand: “You make the decision; I won't meddle in these things.”
Tian Ji understood.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Having Rongchen Film and Television as a friend in the mainland would definitely not be a bad thing.
When Yang Siwei received Tian Ji's call, she found this person, known as 'Tian Ji,' Stephen Chow's right-hand man, both amusing and exasperating.
Are people from Hong Kong all so unconventional in their thinking?
They actually believed that Rongchen Film and Television's soft ban on Huang Shengyi was a gesture of goodwill towards Starlight.
She knew her boss's thoughts better than anyone.
The soft ban on Huang Shengyi had nothing to do with Starlight; it was entirely the wild couple's own doing.
After a few perfunctory words to Tian Ji, Yang Siwei hung up the phone.
Beijing
In the spacious living room of a villa, Yang Zi sat in the middle of a grey leather sofa, with Huang Shengyi leaning against him like a small bird.
She was completely different from the arrogant persona Huang Shengyi displayed when facing the media.
A Chinese-style partition separated the tea room and the living room not far away.
The hollow-carved screen gave it a rather high-class feel.
Above the tea cabinet, dozens of purple clay teapots of various colors were neatly arranged, all delighting Huang Shengyi.
Yang Zi was true to his word; with him around, no one could ban Huang Shengyi.
He spent some money to become a major shareholder of CCTV Wonderful, then boldly and confidently signed her.
Huang Shengyi grew increasingly impatient: “Husband, when can we be together openly and honestly?”
Yang Zi lifted Huang Shengyi's chin and said flippantly: “What? Seeing Li Chen openly admit his relationship, are you feeling sour?”
Huang Shengyi got up and straddled Yang Zi's legs, pouting: “When, when?”
Yang Zi felt a rush through his body: “Soon, soon!”
The escalating public opinion online was somewhat unexpected even for Yang Zi, the person involved.
Indeed, those who are too arrogant will be brought down by heaven; he wanted to see if Li Chen could remain unyielding to the end.
Reporters relentlessly contacted Rongchen Film and Television.
Not just Yang Siwei, but also Rongchen Film and Television's artists.
Yang Mi, who was about to go to Tibet, was caught red-handed by the media.
Although the artists had been instructed by Yang Siwei in advance not to express their opinions to the media privately.
But who was Yang Mi? Her senior was her only idol now, and seeing her idol being verbally attacked online every day.
If she endured it any longer, would she still be a Beijing girl?
“Yang Mi, the internet claims your company is colluding with Starlight to suppress mainland artists. What do you think?”
Several entertainment reporters surrounded Yang Mi downstairs at Jinxiu Mingzun.
Yang Mi smiled slightly: “Suppress mainland artists? And collude? Please, do you believe that? It's too funny.”
The media also laughed; indeed, anyone with a brain knew that given Rongchen Film and Television's current status.
If they really wanted to suppress an artist, they wouldn't need to collude with anyone.
Yang Mi walked towards the company, saying: “If she can represent mainland artists, then who do we represent?”
“My senior doesn't even know her, so why does she keep trying to ride on his coattails? Excuse me, let me through.”
“Also, they say women are made of water, but that doesn't mean they're made of tears.”
“Cry less; everyone's sympathy has its limits.”
The media was thrilled; could this sharp tongue be inherited?
Yang Siwei hadn't had time to react.
Yang Mi's astonishing remarks made headlines.
“The 'Little East Evil' lineage continues, never resting until she shocks the world!”
“Yang Mi implicitly mocks Huang Shengyi for trying to ride on Rongchen Film and Television's coattails.”
Yang Mi arrived at the company and met Yang Siwei.
Yang Siwei couldn't help but rub her forehead: “You really know how to cause trouble for me! Idols are for worshipping, not for you to imitate! Do you have the same confidence as your boss?”
Yang Mi laughed, walked over, and linked arms with Yang Siwei: “I really couldn't help it, what kind of people are they?!”
Yang Siwei gave Yang Mi a helpless look: “This is a one-time thing, don't let it happen again!”
Since Yang Mi had already fired the first shot, Yang Siwei wouldn't stand by and do nothing.
These people were mistaken if they thought they could use public opinion to coerce others.
As an artist of Rongchen Film and Television, Yang Mi's frank remarks immediately sparked heated discussion among 'countless netizens.'
“Little East Evil is right, to suppress a Huang Shengyi, does Rongchen Film and Television even need to bother? Isn't that like using a high-powered cannon to swat a fly? Who does Huang Shengyi think she is?”
“Li Chen has risen too quickly in recent years, and he's also too envied. It's possible he's being slandered this time, and probably by more than one person.”
“It's said that CCTV Wonderful was invested in by Huang Shengyi's shy, half-concealed boyfriend before she was signed.”
“Suppressing mainland artists? Zhang Hanyu is already the male lead in Hollywood blockbusters; is this how they suppress him?”
“That crying Star Girl probably thinks she's the only artist in mainland entertainment!”
Public opinion is a double-edged sword, but Yang Zi never expected that the edge that wounded his own side would be so sharp.
Yang Siwei timely stepped forward to accept a call from a reporter.
“Rongchen Film and Television has no friendship with Starlight, has no prejudice against the Star Girl, and will not be swayed by public opinion to overturn the company's decision.”
“No matter who it is, Rongchen Film and Television will not cooperate with them until their management contract is clarified.”
“This is determined by the most basic contractual spirit and legal foundation, and it will not change according to anyone's will!”
Yang Siwei's official response finally drew a close to this farce.
Justice will not be late, and righteous netizens will not be absent.
“I knew Rongchen Film and Television must have been slandered. Yang Zi was just brainless, acting as the fuse.”
“Makes sense, it's probably related to the movie's release date. Who's behind it is self-evident.”
“Someone who doesn't even dare to admit being a body double. Even if Huayi Brothers did this, would they admit it?”
Wang Zhonglei was so angry he wanted to vomit blood; it had come full circle.
Li Chen, who was filming in Hong Kong, had no time for these matters. The Hong Kong scenes were finally finished.
After a day of rest, 'the thieves' crew was ready to depart for Macau.
With nothing to do during the day, Li Chen accompanied Miss Liu to watch movies.
The two snuggled on the sofa, and the fragrance of Miss Liu's body made Li Chen shed all his fatigue.
They were watching some edited clips of women smoking: Maggie Cheung's Ruan Lingyu, Barbara.
And Cecilia Cheung's Liu Piaopiao, the landlady in 'Kung Fu,' and so on.
After watching, Miss Liu was eager to try, holding an e-cigarette that had only been on the market for less than two years, and began to fiddle with it in front of Li Chen.
'Snap!' The lighter flickered. Miss Liu held the e-cigarette between two fingers of her left hand, lit it in a conventional manner, and took a somewhat awkward puff.
Li Chen shook his head: “No, Xixi.”
“Your body language is too stiff, and your eyes and expression are not relaxed.”
Miss Liu pouted: “Then what should I do? I've tried so many times. Maggie Cheung and Cecilia Cheung usually smoke, so of course it looks more natural for them than for me.”
Li Chen patiently explained the trick to his girlfriend: “Don't overthink it, relax your body, clear your mind. The more natural you are, the easier it is for people to remember.”
“Think about it, many people want to smoke when they're worried or nervous. Smoking is something that helps people relax.”
“What do you usually do to relieve stress, and how does that feel?”
Miss Liu seemed to be getting it when Li Chen's phone suddenly rang.
He picked it up and saw it was Lu Zheng.
Li Chen walked aside, leaving Miss Liu to think by herself.
After hanging up, it turned out Lu Zheng was also at the Peninsula and asked if he had time that evening; he would treat.
Li Chen didn't refuse and asked Miss Liu if she wanted to go. Miss Liu wasn't interested, only telling him to go early and come back early.
The agreed location was the Felix restaurant at the Peninsula Hotel.
When Li Chen arrived, Lu Zheng was already there, accompanied by Jing Tian.
Seeing Li Chen, dressed in a beige casual outfit, appear, Lu Zheng stood up and smiled.
“Director Li, I heard you're moving to Macau tomorrow. It's a coincidence; we'll be arriving a day later, so we'll only see each other when we return to Beijing.”
Jing Tian, standing nearby, wore a pink sleeveless dress, with shoulder-length hair and fair skin, truly deserving of the description 'sweet.'
This shade of pink isn't something just anyone can pull off; if one's skin tone is even a little darker, it would look terribly ugly.
Jing Tian smiled sweetly: “Hello, Director Li.”
Li Chen nodded and shook hands with Lu Zheng: “Mr. Lu, are you here in Hong Kong for leisure or work?”
The three sat down.
Li Chen glanced out the window; the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour was fully visible, no wonder so many people loved it here.
Lu Zheng smiled slightly: “To be frank, Director Li, Tian Tian has a play about to start filming in Hong Kong. As her uncle, I'm worried, so I came along.”
Li Chen nodded and glanced at the smiling, big-eyed sweet girl: “Mr. Lu's concerns are not unfounded.”
Lu Zheng secretly praised; a great director is indeed a great director, not even asking what kind of play it was.
The waiter poured red wine for the two men and orange juice for Jing Tian.
Lu Zheng raised his glass and smiled at Li Chen: “Tian Tian was able to play Ruan Ruan, and I haven't thanked Director Li yet. Today, I'll take this opportunity at the Peninsula to express my gratitude.”
Li Chen and Lu Zheng clinked glasses from a distance: “Mr. Lu, you're too kind. This is nothing to thank me for. I chose Jing Tian because of her outstanding external conditions, which are very suitable for the role of Ruan Ruan.”
Jing Tian was secretly delighted. She rolled her eyes at Lu Zheng, then raised her orange juice: “Thank you, Director Li, for speaking up for me, so Uncle doesn't always think it's all his credit.”
Lu Zheng laughed heartily: “Yes, yes, yes, who doesn't know now that Director Li only casts based on suitability for the role? Uncle here is just slow to realize.”
Looking at the spirited uncle and niece opposite him, Li Chen always felt a sense of amusement and exasperation.
Because he remembered a saying: 'A-Dou who cannot be helped, Jing Tian who cannot be made famous.'
However, thinking about it now, there should be some changes.
After all, Jing Tian played Ruan Ruan, which indirectly changed her life trajectory.
Lu Zheng's idea was very good: 'so young' would help Jing Tian enter the public eye.
Then release an EP, followed by a big female lead film 'anaconda horror,' a triple attack, which would surely make her an instant hit.
Li Chen didn't ask about 'anaconda horror,' so Lu Zheng didn't say much, lest Li Chen think he was showing off his axe before Lu Ban.
After the meeting, Lu Zheng and Jing Tian also returned to their rooms.
“Uncle, why didn't you ask Director Li to help look at the script just now?”
Lu Zheng laughed heartily: “Tian Tian, great directors are all very proud. They don't even think highly of Xu Zheng, so why should we humiliate ourselves with Li Chen?”
“The real test will be when the movie is actually released. Whether it's good or bad, the audience will ultimately judge.”
Jing Tian nodded, seemingly understanding, but deep down, she still lacked some confidence. Xu Zheng's attitude last time had left a lasting impression on her.
Li Chen returned to his room, and Miss Liu was still watching movies, pondering character psychology.
Li Chen sat beside her and pulled her into his arms.
Miss Liu still stared at the screen: “Finished meeting?”
Li Chen nodded: “Lu Zheng and his niece, Jing Tian.”
Miss Liu turned her head to look at Li Chen, drawing out her tone: “Oh.”
Li Chen chuckled: “What are you 'oh-ing' about? I didn't say anything.”
“That girl is one year younger than you, but she's quite similar to you.”
Miss Liu tilted her head, a little displeased: “What do you mean?”
Li Chen found it amusing: “You both have an amateur agent.”
“The circumstances of your big screen debut are so similar; both of you placed your hopes on Hong Kong.”
“According to Xu Zheng, it seems they're going to film some 'anaconda horror.' This Mr. Lu, he's even more fanciful than our Liu Ayi!”
Miss Liu immediately started hitting Li Chen's shoulders with her fists: “That's for talking about Mom! That's for talking about Mom!”
Li Chen turned around, caught Miss Liu's two small fists, his eyes sparkling: “I was wrong, I was wrong! I should be talking about Ayi's daughter!”
As Li Chen leaned in, Miss Liu slowly leaned back: “What are you doing?”
Li Chen pressed down on her, one hand caressing Miss Liu's thigh: “You know perfectly well!”
Miss Liu straightened her legs, her delicate face dodging Li Chen's advances left and right.
But she still couldn't stop his large hands from roaming all over her body.
Miss Liu's two fists were no match for his devilish hands, and she gave up resisting in no time.
She gasped for breath, allowing someone to have his way.
The night over Victoria Harbour also drew to a close.
The next day, both were radiant. Miss Liu, after a night of nourishment, was even more delicate.
July passed quickly. Wen Ziren's 'insidious 2' also wrapped up filming.
'genius gunner,' 'father's love is like a mountain 2,' and 'so young' all completed post-production and were submitted for review.
On August 5th, a piece of news from Sina sparked heated discussion in the industry.
“'genius gunner,' produced by China Xing and co-produced by Yingyi Entertainment and Rongchen Film and Television, failed to pass mainland review and may not be released in the mainland!”
This week's updates are irregular and not fixed in quantity; I will try to adjust them by next week.