Chapter 155: The Highlight of a Lifetime
Liu Yifei's sudden, passionate initiative allowed Li Chen to experience the thrill of living in the moment.
The driver, understanding the situation, put up the partition and turned on some music, acting as if he wasn't there.
When the two returned home, Liu's Mother saw her daughter's rosy face: "Xixi, why is your face so red?"
Liu Yifei pinched Li Chen hard on the waist: "It's nothing, Mom."
"The sun was hot!"
Li Chen also quickly chimed in: "Auntie, we just came back from the beach!"
Liu's Mother didn't suspect a thing; she never would have imagined that the two had just had a quick tryst in the car.
The next day, Li Chen set off for Venice.
Liu Yifei and her Mother, on the other hand, returned to the mainland.
Yang Siwei came to pick him up at the airport.
A large number of Chinese and foreign reporters had received news that Li Chen would arrive in Venice today.
Those waiting at the airport were disappointed; Li Chen used the VIP channel.
Only those celebrities and artists who deliberately wanted to show their faces would coincidentally be caught by reporters at the airport.
Upon arriving at the Excelsior Hotel, celebrities could be seen strolling everywhere.
As soon as he entered the hotel lobby, Li Chen met an acquaintance.
It was Scarlett, wearing a printed short-sleeved shirt and sexy white hot pants.
"Hi, Li, you're finally here. Crystal didn't come with you?"
Scarlett walked towards Li Chen with a smile and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Li Chen stopped, looking at Scarlett, who was dressed casually like a girl next door.
He couldn't connect her with Scarlett Johansson's usual cold and glamorous image.
"She has other work. Where are you planning to go?"
"I'm going for a walk, want to come along?"
Li Chen noticed someone taking photos not far away, and smiled: "I've been on a plane for several hours, next time."
"Aren't you afraid of losing your title as the world's sexiest goddess dressed like that?"
Scarlett, with her golden hair, smiled nonchalantly: "I'd rather trade that title for a Silver Lion, but unfortunately, it's very difficult."
That's true. Li Chen had also been following the news from Venice these past two days, and Scarlett was not among the hot contenders for Best Actress.
"Don't be discouraged, Scarlett, you're still young. Sooner or later, you'll become the highest-paid actress in the world."
Scarlett gave a free-spirited smile and humorously said: "Li, then you'd better hurry."
"It's still cheap to hire me for a movie now. Once my salary surpasses Angelina's, I won't give you a discount."
Li Chen laughed heartily: "Chinese people are not short on money!"
Scarlett also laughed, nodding inwardly: "Indeed, the mansion Li gave to Crystal shows that he is very rich."
"I'll have to go now, Scarlett. Tomorrow is the Premiere of ip man, remember to come and support it."
"No problem, see you tomorrow."
Once in the elevator, Yang Siwei finally said: "Boss, do you really think this petite woman can become the highest-paid actress in the world?"
"She can't compare to Jolie or Charlize Theron in terms of conditions. Her movie, The Black Dahlia, has a very low rating right now."
"Many film critics and media outlets have directly stated that The Black Dahlia will be a runner-up."
Li Chen glanced at Yang Siwei: "You need to learn to see through the surface to the essence."
"How can a small girl like Scarlett, who is only 1.6 meters tall, even with some looks and figure, possibly surpass Jolie and Charlize Theron to become the world's sexiest star?"
Yang Siwei's eyes lit up, and she immediately understood.
She secretly cursed herself for being too naive.
Back in his room, Li Chen took a shower.
Then he called Han Sanping to tell him he had arrived.
Han Sanping asked him to come to his room.
When they met, Han Sanping hadn't seen this kid, Li Chen, for over two months.
Now, seeing him again, he found it even harder to gauge the young man's true depth.
A lavish birthday party forced everyone in the industry, including him, to admit that Li Chen's financial strength and creative ability were perfectly proportional.
A $25.5 million mansion was given away just like that.
Netizens hotly debated that Li Chen broke the record for Chinese tycoons buying houses for female celebrities!
His high-profile declaration of love on his blog.
Even led netizens to joke about 'Dongxie falling in love with Xiaolongnü'.
Huang Rong (Zhou Xun), Guo Xiang (Yang Mi), plus Li Chen as Dongxie, making a family of three generations.
Zhou Xun and Li Daqi also loved passionately and frequently showed their affection publicly.
Leading netizens to jokingly call it a 'family tradition'.
After the two sat down, Han Sanping didn't say anything else, but instead asked: "Why didn't any of your artists sign up for new dream of the red chamber?"
"I asked Xiao Yang, and she said their schedules were all full."
Speaking of this, Han Sanping felt wronged.
Others were pulling strings through various connections to get roles from him for the casting of new dream of the red chamber.
But Li Chen, this kid he had personally greeted in advance, remained unfazed, as if he didn't care.
Li Chen knew Han Sanping would ask this question sooner or later.
"Han Dong, Siwei is right, their schedules are indeed full."
"Besides, new dream of the red chamber has a very long production cycle, so they're out. I appreciate your kind intentions, Han Dong."
This was the truth, and it was clear that Li Chen genuinely wasn't interested, so Han Sanping didn't press the issue.
"How's the script for draw the bow coming along?" Han Sanping changed the subject.
"It should be ready in another month or two."
In the past two months, all the material from interviews with the archery team by the company's screenwriting department had been compiled and sent to Li Chen.
There were too many suitable stories inside, especially the story of a pair of archer lovers.
Many of them were similar to the story of Dangal; with a little modification, they could take shape.
The most crucial thing was that Li Chen remembered this female athlete also broke the zero-gold-medal record in archery at the 2008 Olympics.
In the evening, Han Sanping and Li Chen organized a dinner for the crews of ip man, genius gunner, and father's love is like a mountain 2 at the hotel.
The actors arrived one by one first.
Ning Hao, Chen Jiasheng, Li Chen, and Han Sanping arrived successively.
Han Sanping naturally took the center seat, with Chen Baoguo and Li Chen on either side of him. Ning Hao sat with Li Chen.
Chen Baoguo's side was occupied by Chen Jiasheng.
The entertainment industry is the most realistic place; seating arrangements are always tied to status and strength.
Besides them, at the round table were Andy Lau, Fan Bingbing, Yang Siwei, Yang Gongru, Zhang Jin, Xiang Zuo, Tang Yan, Luo Jin, and others.
Han Sanping raised his glass and began: "Seeing you all today, I feel a lot of emotion."
"Last year at the Cannes Film Festival, I even specially held a centennial celebration for Chinese cinema."
"But just one year later, so many new faces are appearing in Venice."
Han Sanping patted Li Chen's shoulder, exuding the aura of a leader: "To be honest, I have to thank this kid."
The actors all laughed. Looking at the domestic entertainment industry,
The only one who dared to call Director Li 'kid' was probably this big shot who was about to take the top seat at China Film Group Corporation.
"I won't say anything more. I hope our Chinese cinema gets better and better, and that next year we'll see even more new faces at Berlin, Cannes, Venice, and even the Oscars."
With that, Han Sanping drained his glass of wine.
Everyone also raised their glasses and drank the wine.
Li Chen saw that everyone seemed a bit reserved and couldn't quite relax.
Especially Zhang Jin and Yang Gongru, who hadn't met Han Sanping before.
"Let's all raise a toast to Han Dong. Although Han Dong is a bit overbearing, his contribution to Chinese cinema is undeniable."
Fan Bingbing and a few others couldn't help but lower their heads and smile.
There wasn't a second person in the industry who dared to openly comment on Han Sanping and call him overbearing.
The celebrities in the room all thought Li Chen was trying to get back at him for that 'kid' remark.
Han Sanping glared at Li Chen with a dark face.
Li Chen was unconcerned and continued to smile: "The latter half is the key. At least for genius gunner to pass review, Han Dong put in a lot of effort."
"Director Chen, Xiang Zuo, Tangtang, Changchang, and Luo Jin, you all must toast Han Dong later."
The main actors of genius gunner all nodded with smiles.
Li Chen continued: "As for the ip man and Father's Love crews, you all should definitely toast Han Dong together."
"Especially Zhang Jin, Han Dong has always been tireless in supporting new talents. You're a martial artist, so you can't let your glass be empty tonight."
Zhang Jin said straightforwardly: "Director Li has spoken, tonight I'll go all out, even if I have to be carried out horizontally."
"Hahaha"
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere at the table immediately became lively.
Next was the time for networking.
The actors naturally, one by one, tactfully toasted the directors and Han Sanping.
Li Chen and Ning Hao sat together, both of them a little flushed.
“My wife made a script these past two days, and I showed it to Han Dong. It's similar to your 'crazy stone'.”
“Han Dong agreed to invest in me. Do you want to invest a bit too?”
Li Chen had drunk a lot, but he wasn't drunk.
It seemed 'crazy racer' was about to be released.
It seemed Ning Hao had really figured things out, knowing to rope in China Film Group Corporation and him, playing both sides.
Li Chen nodded: “I'll take a look at the script later.”
Ning Hao understood, and the two continued talking.
Zhang Jin walked over, holding a two-ounce cup: “Director Li, I'm a martial artist, I can't say sweet words, it's all in the wine.”
“Thank you, Director Li, for giving me this opportunity.”
With that, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.
Li Chen, in his second life, had planned to quit smoking and drinking. He had truly quit smoking.
But it was too difficult to quit this celebratory wine.
Li Chen also drained his glass: “I give you the opportunity, but you also have to seize it yourself. I heard from Ning Hao that you put in a lot of effort for the film 'ip man'.”
“Perform well, I have high hopes for you.”
By nine o'clock in the evening, everyone gradually dispersed.
The next day, 'ip man' held its global Premiere in Venice.
Thanks to Li Chen and Han Sanping's connections.
Venice Chairman Markel, actress Scarlett, Jackie Chan, Wang Zhonglei, Feng Xiaogang, Zhang Ziyi, and film distributors from Southeast Asia and Europe all attended the event.
Westerners have always been keen on Chinese kung fu films.
Especially 'ip man's' novel biographical and realistic theme.
Compared to Jackie Chan's comedic action films or Jet Li's traditional action films, 'ip man' was unique.
Li Chen and the 'ip man' crew walked the Venice red carpet together.
The main actors were all in black suits, and except for Yu Hewei, they were basically all martial artists.
Each of them was full of spirit, and Zhang Jin was even more so, with his head held high and chest out.
It was as if all the wine he drank yesterday had been forced out by his internal energy.
He was perfectly fine today.
The media's cameras flashed frantically.
Yang Gongru, dressed in a white evening gown, showcased her tall figure to the fullest, captivating many photographers.
The venue was packed, the Premiere was very successful, and the response was enthusiastic.
Many film distributors from Southeast Asia and Europe showed extremely strong interest in purchasing the film.
Local Venice media extensively reported on the grand occasion of the 'ip man' Premiere with the headline 'Venice Ignites Chinese Kung Fu Craze Again'.
Domestic media even described Zhang Jin as the successor to Jet Li.
Sina, with the headline 'Another Kung Fu Superstar is Rising', highlighted the success of the 'ip man' Premiere.
Venice Chairman Markel joked that with Li Chen's arrival, Venice became even livelier.
Markel's words were not empty; another day passed.
'genius gunner' premiered.
Before getting out of the car, Tang Yan was a little nervous; the dress her company prepared for her was quite daring.
But it was truly too beautiful. Although she resisted verbally, her body honestly accepted her boss's arrangement.
Even her boyfriend Luo Jin couldn't take his eyes off her.
Yang Siwei didn't give her a chance to express her opinion.
Just one sentence left her speechless: “You represent not just yourself, but the image of Rongchen Film and Television, and even more, the red carpet showdown between Chinese and European actresses.”
As the Mercedes door opened, Luo Jin and Xiang Zuo got out first, gallantly shielding Tang Yan and Shu Chang from the car roof.
Venice had a memory; the last time Tang Yan appeared in Venice was a year ago for 'painted skin', and her attire then was already stunning.
Chinese and foreign media alike focused their attention on Tang Yan, who was about to make her entrance.
A fair, slender leg was seen first.
Immediately following, Tang Yan made a stunning appearance in a rather daring black backless evening gown.
The silver-white diamond necklace and hairband made her look even more noble.
As she stepped out, she drew gasps of admiration from the media; she was too beautiful.
Luo Jin held Tang Yan's hand and whispered with a smile, “Tangtang, you're so beautiful!”
Tang Yan didn't hear clearly; many Chinese fans were calling her name.
At the Palabiennale Theatre, the Premiere of 'genius gunner' was also completely sold out.
A thrilling and exciting youth crime film sparked heated discussions among the attending guests.
And the enthusiasm of the film distributors made Chen Jiasheng, as the director, feel flattered.
Xiang Huaqiang and his wife didn't come to Venice, perhaps because Xiang Zuo wasn't the male lead.
However, Xiang Huaqiang, thousands of miles away, heard the call from his subordinate and, for once, couldn't stop smiling.
He even joked with Xiang Tai: “You always say I lose money, but this time, one movie made back more than half of it!”
Tang Yan's name, bolstered by 'painted skin' and 'genius gunner', and her dazzling appearance on the red carpet that night.
Completely resounded throughout Venice.
Lawrence Xu's name also appeared in the European and American fashion circles for the first time.
Zhang Ziyi, a prominent Chinese star, was overshadowed by Tang Yan's beauty and impeccable fashion sense.
And this was just the beginning.
This Venice was destined to make the world remember three names: Tang Yan, Fan Bingbing, and Lawrence Xu!
The time finally came for the Premiere of the closing film 'Silent Witness' ('father's love is like a mountain 2').
Fan Bingbing felt a slight trepidation and anticipation.
After all, the dress she was wearing was truly audacious.
She didn't know what kind of controversy she would face after appearing on the red carpet.
Yang Siwei saw Fan Bingbing's lack of confidence and, exasperated, said to her.
“I see you're just a coward. You usually act like you're the best in the world.”
“But when you're actually put in this position, you chicken out. If you don't dare to wear it, then take it off.”
Fan Bingbing, in her dragon robe, took a deep breath, held it: “Who says I don't dare to wear it? Since I've put it on, I will never take it off!”
Yang Siwei secretly chuckled, thinking that if she didn't provoke Xiao Fan, she wouldn't wake up!
Once in the car, Andy Lau and the others were a bit stunned.
Fan Bingbing pouted and plopped down right next to Li Chen: “I don't care, Chen Ge, you have to protect me tonight. Walk by my side, or I'll feel insecure.”
Yang Siwei frowned slightly, feeling something wasn't quite right.
Chen Baoguo and Chen Shu were in the Mercedes behind them.
Li Chen didn't answer Fan Bingbing, instead turning to Andy Lau next to him and smiling: “Hua Ge, how about we both be Xiao Fan's protectors tonight?”
“Let's help her ascend to the top!”
Andy Lau laughed heartily: “Of course, I have no problem with that.”
The Mercedes slowly stopped at the front edge of the red carpet.
The media's focus was all on Andy Lau.
Andy Lau and Li Chen both got out of the car, and many of Andy Lau's fans were there, shouting Hua Zai.
Foreign media and photographers also pressed their shutters frequently.
Li Chen glanced at Fan Bingbing, who hadn't gotten out of the car yet, and smiled: “Don't dilly-dally, Xiao Fan, when you're ready, come out and blind them.”
Fan Bingbing gave Li Chen a charming glare, then placed her hands on the outstretched hands of Andy Lau and Li Chen.
The voice of the official Venice announcer came through the speakers.
At this moment, Fan Bingbing happened to hear her own name.
The moment she stepped out of the car, Fan Bingbing only heard gasps of surprise.
“This, this is, this is a dragon robe?” The domestic media were the first to react, someone said.
Immediately, all the reporters became excited.
Instantly, both domestic and foreign reporters frantically pressed their shutter buttons.
“Bingbing, look this way.”
“Fan Bingbing, look this way!”
Fan Bingbing kept changing directions, showcasing her beauty to Venice.
Li Chen and Andy Lau exchanged a smile, and simultaneously extended their hands in a gesture of invitation.
Letting Fan Bingbing walk ahead, Fan Bingbing playfully glared at Li Chen.
At this moment, she actually relaxed.
Leading the way, Li Chen and Andy Lau followed two steps behind, one on each side, yielding the red carpet to Fan Bingbing.
Chen Baoguo and Chen Shu followed behind them, all smiles.
Some people are born to be the stars of the red carpet, just like the very much enjoying the spotlight Fan Xiaopang.
At this moment, Fan Xiaopang, in her oriental auspicious cloud gown, undoubtedly reached the highlight of her red carpet career.