Chapter 159: Gods Fighting (Part 2)
As the three were talking, Zhang Yimou appeared in the venue.
Immediately, he attracted everyone's attention.
Deng Chao and Sun Li sat in the second row with Yang Siwei.
"Chao Ge, tonight's Premiere is going to be exciting," Sun Li whispered in Deng Chao's ear.
"Where Director Li is, there's never a lack of hot topics," Deng Chao also mumbled with a smile.
"Li Chen, Director Zhang is here," Andy Lau gestured towards the entrance.
Li Chen then saw Zhang Yimou walking in from the entrance.
Like a leader inspecting his troops, various stars actively greeted Zhang Yimou with nods.
As expected of Zhang Yimou, he's renowned both at home and abroad.
When Zhang Yimou was still more than ten meters away from Li Chen, Li Chen proactively stepped forward to greet him.
Maggie Cheung and Andy Lau were also on either side of Li Chen.
Coincidentally, Li Chen's trio and Zhang Yimou's three major productions were all somewhat connected.
Maggie Cheung starred in "Hero," Andy Lau starred in "house of flying daggers," and Li Chen had a pessimistic view of "curse of the golden flower."
Li Chen extended his hand with a smile and said, "Director Zhang, welcome."
Maggie Cheung and Andy Lau also shook hands with Zhang Yimou: "Director Zhang."
"Director Zhang."
Zhang Yimou smiled simply and glanced at Andy Lau and Maggie Cheung: "Manyu is here too."
Li Chen chuckled: "Director Zhang, I invited Bingbing Jie (Sister Bingbing) here."
Zhang Yimou nodded and looked at Li Chen with a smile: "What you said in Shanghai that day was quite reasonable."
When Zhang Yimou said this, both Li Chen, Andy Lau, and Maggie Cheung were slightly surprised.
It was already unusual that Zhang Yimou came today and Zhang Weiping didn't.
And now Zhang Yimou was clearly contradicting Zhang Weiping.
This made the three of them sense an even more unusual atmosphere.
Li Chen changed the subject: "Let's not talk about these for now, Director Zhang. The Premiere is about to start, let's take our seats first."
The seating arrangement for the Premiere was very particular.
The three round tables in the first row were occupied by influential company CEOs, prominent directors, and A-list celebrities.
For example, Li Chen's table included Zhang Yimou, Han Sanping, Wang Changtian, Li Chen, Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Chen Baoguo, and Yu Dong from Bona Film Group.
The table on the left had Wang Zhonglei from Huayi Brothers, Feng Xiaogang, Lu Chuan, Zhang Ziyi, Li Bingbing, Zhou Xun, and others.
The table on the right was primarily composed of Jia Zhangke, Wang Xiaoshuai, and several big names from Orange Sky Entertainment.
This Premiere did not feature any flashy elements.
The hosts were Enlight Media's twin stars, Liu Yan and Xie Nan.
The two first invited all the main creative personnel onto the stage.
Liu Yan had received the 'Shang Fang Bao Jian' from Old Wang.
Plus, she had met Li Chen two or three times before.
So she wasn't as nervous as at the "those years" Premiere last time.
The first question she asked addressed everyone's confusion in the audience.
After Li Chen and his group sat down.
Liu Yan looked left and right in a proper manner: "I'd like to ask Director Li first, why didn't I see Yifei today?"
Li Chen took the microphone and smiled: "Yifei is undergoing closed training for her next film."
Liu Yan asked knowingly: "Is it the special-themed film you mentioned at the "those years" Premiere last time?"
Li Chen nodded and smiled: "It's the film we announced last month, "Archery, Dad."
Liu Yan exclaimed: "Wow, Yifei is so beautiful and so hardworking, I need to step up my game too."
Xie Nan chimed in: "You should give up. No matter how hard you try, you can't catch up to Yifei in beauty."
"You can try hard to find a boyfriend like Director Li."
The venue immediately erupted in laughter, and the guests applauded.
Han Sanping leaned towards Wang Changtian: "These two hosts of yours are good."
Wang Changtian beamed with pride and laughed heartily: "Thank you for the compliment, Han Dong."
After the applause subsided, Li Chen took the microphone and added: "Let me say one more thing, even if Yifei didn't have me as a boyfriend!"
"With her effort and drive, she would achieve impressive results sooner or later."
Liu Yan nodded to Xie Nan: "Director Li is so good at talking. If I were Yifei, I'd be overjoyed to hear Director Li say that."
Xie Nan replied unceremoniously: "Too bad you're not!"
The atmosphere at the scene was lively.
Xie Nan's tone shifted as she looked at Fan Bingbing, who was sitting next to Li Chen.
"I'd like to ask Bingbing, I heard you had a very hard time filming this movie? Did you cry from beginning to end?"
"Also, there are rumors online that your eyes were swollen every day. Was Director Li deliberately targeting you?"
Applause erupted again in the venue.
The questions asked by these two Enlight Media hosts were sharper and bolder than the last.
Xie Nan was also feeling a bit nervous at this moment.
This was a task assigned by her boss.
She was asking with a forced smile, not daring to look into Director Li's eyes.
Liu Yan had at least interacted with Director Li a few times, but this was Xie Nan's first time doing something like this.
Fan Bingbing took the microphone and gave a charming smile: "Let me clarify one thing first. Firstly, Director Li did not target me."
"On the contrary, he took good care of me on set."
"My character in the play spent most of her time crying."
"Director Li was also very thoughtful. Fearing I'd run out of tears, he put a box of mineral water next to me every day."
"He'd tell me to drink more water whenever possible!" Fan Bingbing's beautiful eyes glanced at Li Chen next to her.
The guests in the audience once again erupted in applause and laughter.
Who knew Fan Bingbing was so humorous too?
Indeed, you become like the people you associate with.
The venue gradually quieted down, and Fan Bingbing then said with a smile: "Just kidding. Actually, I learned a lot from this play."
"For example, how to portray tears of fear, tears of grievance, tears of helplessness, and so on."
"In Director Li's words: Xiao Fan has finally learned how to cry."
Applause once again erupted in the venue.
Sun Li, sitting below, leaned into Yang Siwei's ear: "Why do I feel like the way Fan Bingbing looks at Director Li is a bit off?"
Yang Siwei knew perfectly well in her heart, but her expression remained unchanged: "What's so strange about that? If you didn't have the person next to you, you'd probably be pretty much the same."
Sun Li laughed heartily: "Good point!"
Deng Chao added: "What's a good point?"
On stage, Liu Yan patted her chest: "So glad!"
Xie Nan asked with a smile: "What are you glad about?"
Liu Yan said earnestly: "Glad I'm not an actress. I just realized there's so much to learn about crying."
"Bingbing, if you ever don't want to be an actress anymore? Come be a host, hosts don't need to cry."
Fan Bingbing laughed heartily: "Okay, it's a deal!"
It was Chen Baoguo's turn.
Xie Nan, however, adopted a different style.
She asked seriously: "Teacher Baoguo, it's rare to see you take on a movie role? What was the reason this time that made you star in a movie again after so many years?"
Chen Baoguo took the microphone: "There's only one reason."
"It's Director Li's script that moved me, and I personally admire Director Li very much."
"Whether it's the films or TV series produced by their company, I've watched every single one."
"When Donghua Noon Sunshine was founded, they put forward the slogan of aiming to build an industry benchmark."
"Actually, I didn't believe it at the time, because such grand and empty words are rarely put into practice by anyone."
"But the recently released "crossing the guandong" and "the age of steel" have completely convinced me."
Xie Nan took over: "Teacher Baoguo spoke so well, I've actually watched them all too."
"However, I heard that Director Li's company's first TV series, "soldiers sortie," wasn't very popular with various TV stations."
"Director Li, what do you think might be the reason for this?"
Some of the main actors from "soldiers sortie" were present today.
"soldiers sortie" was about to air on Shaanxi Channel 2 at 8 PM in November, at a price equivalent to being sold cheaply.
This was a small interlude arranged by Yang Siwei and Enlight Media.
Li Chen knew what was going on: "When this drama first approached me, it had actually already been rejected by Daylight Entertainment."
"Hou Hongliang didn't understand why I wanted to invest in this drama."
"I guess many people don't understand either, why invest in something that doesn't make money?"
"Because this drama had been rejected too many, many times before."
"Because this drama is not like previous military dramas."
"Because there are no 'green flowers' (female soldiers) in this drama; it's a genuine man's play."
"But I still decided to invest."
"Because the spirit of 'never abandon, never give up' in it moved me."
"Why don't men carry a hook sword?"
"Which man doesn't have such a dream in his heart?"
"So, even if this drama is not favored by all sides."
"But I still hope he can be seen by more people."
"Soldiers, police, scientific researchers, medical personnel, these professions involve great sacrifice."
"Rongchen Film and Television will actively communicate with relevant departments in the future."
"Strive to produce at least one film each year that tells the stories of these unsung heroes."
"Not for box office, not for awards, we will film it even if we lose money!"
Han Sanping nodded secretly and was the first to applaud Li Chen.
Everyone present also followed suit and applauded.
Wang Zhonglei sneered in his heart, Li Chen was putting on quite a show.
Damn, if their Huayi Brothers were like Rongchen Film and Television, where the profit from one movie was equivalent to several years' profit for other companies.
He would also dare to speak so boastfully.
Feng Xiaogang tilted his head: "Zhonglei, why is this guy so pretentious? Should we give him a little golden man!"
Sun Li tugged at Deng Chao, their eyes met, and they understood each other implicitly.
Deng Chao mused to himself: If I could join Rongchen Film and Television next year, what would I have to worry about?
Losing the deer and the cauldron's Wei Xiaobao, but getting Cheng Dongqing instead.
Isn't that a blessing in disguise?
Every Premiere where Li Chen was present,
always revealed the latest developments of Rongchen Film and Television,
always making major film and television companies eager to move.
Yu Dong leaned towards Han Sanping and said, "Boss, I don't think I've ever offended him, have I?"
"Why can't I get on board with his Rongchen Film and Television?"
Han Sanping also didn't know how to answer this question.
Ever since he helped Yu Dong speak once, and Li Chen refused,
he hadn't done anything extra.
Liu Yan took over, "Wow, last time it was 'Shoot the Arrow, Dad', and this time Director Li said he'd be making another film with a special theme."
"I can already see the light in the eyes of many actors in the audience."
Not to mention the actors, even the bosses of major film and television companies sitting in the first row,
even Han Sanping, were tempted.
The two hosts then asked Andy Lau and Chen Shu a few questions.
Just as they were about to turn and ask Li Chen again,
Li Chen directly raised his hand to interrupt, "Questions unrelated to the film can be asked after the Premiere."
Liu Yan chuckled, "Director Li, then we won't waste everyone's time, let's watch the movie quickly."
A nearly 120-minute "father's love is like a mountain 2" had everyone on the edge of their seats, with suspense at every turn.
Until the last moment, no one could guess the ending.
Li Chen's script was once again proven successful.
After the movie, the guests applauded continuously.
The main cast once again walked onto the stage.
This time, the host first asked Andy Lau, "Hua Ge, your performance was brilliant, you perfectly portrayed the upright and righteous demeanor of a prosecutor."
Andy Lau smiled, "Actually, I also enjoyed acting very much. Frankly speaking, I really like playing public officials."
"Director Li told me that if my Mandarin could be a little better, it would be even more perfect."
Liu Yan and Xie Nan in the audience exchanged glances.
The two had a great understanding. Xie Nan walked to the middle table, pointing the microphone at Zhang Yimou: "Director Yi Mou, what do you think of Director Li's 'father's love is like a mountain 2'?"
Zhang Yimou took the microphone and chuckled, "I have to say, in terms of script creation, Li Chen deserves to be the number one screenwriter in China, I am ashamed of my inferiority."
Xie Nan smiled, "Director Yi Mou indeed has the demeanor of a master, with a broad mind."
Zhang Yimou humbly put his hands together.
Xie Nan then walked to Feng Xiaogang's table next to him: "Director Feng, what do you think of this 'father's love is like a mountain 2'?"
Feng Xiaogang took the microphone: "Since you asked me, I'll be blunt."
"The title of this movie is its biggest flaw."
"It makes people roughly guess the outcome at first glance, and the editing is a bit rough. Perhaps Li Chen was rushing to release it for the National Day."
Li Chen on the stage looked at Feng Xiaogang with a smile.
He didn't expect Feng Xiaogang to have such good insight.
These two points were indeed flaws in this play.
After asking Zhang and Feng.
It was time for the main event of the night.
Liu Yan on stage aimed at Li Chen: "Director Li, Director Zhang and Director Feng have both commented on 'father's love is like a mountain 2'."
"Regarding the two films 'the banquet' and 'curse of the golden flower' that have been hotly debated online for the Oscars, do you still view them negatively as before?"
Li Chen smiled, "Director Zhang and Director Feng are both here today, you're just enjoying the show and making things worse!"
Zhang Yimou in the audience could still maintain a calm smile.
Xiao Gang Pao was already expressionless.
"Out of respect for your Wang Dong, this is the second time."
"There won't be a third time after a first and second. Next time you ask me such difficult questions at my Premiere."
"Then there won won't be a next time!"
Liu Yan's expression was a bit unnatural, wondering if Director Li's words could be trusted.
Li Chen glanced at Feng Xiaogang, then his gaze fell on Zhang Yimou.
The Premiere venue suddenly fell silent.
"Director Yi Mou's ability and talent don't need my evaluation; they have long been recognized both domestically and internationally."
"I'll just respond to Zhang Weiping."
A hint of approval flashed in Han Sanping's eyes.
"He understands marketing, he understands box office, he understands business, but he doesn't understand movies."
"What I said that day in Shanghai was purely about the matter, not the person, targeting the blockbusters that have been vying for the Oscars in recent years."
"But I didn't expect my words to touch a nerve with him and Feng Xiaogang, who then attacked the person, not the matter."
"Zhang Weiping said I was arrogant and conceited, and Feng Xiaogang told me not to take myself too seriously."
Feng Xiaogang in the audience already had a livid face.
The scene was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; all the celebrities and artists were holding their breath, watching Li Chen.
It was like the first time they watched titanic!
Li Chen didn't bother to look at Feng Xiaogang; he knew they would eventually fall out anyway.
He continued, "I haven't seen 'curse of the golden flower' yet, but a single glimpse reveals the whole picture."
"I heard that Zhang Weiping replaced Huang Xuan with Jay Chou and forcibly added scenes for Jay Chou, which is really a bit ridiculous."
Zhang Yimou's face suddenly changed, he was very shocked.
How did Li Chen know these secret inside stories so clearly?
He even knew Huang Xuan's name.
But this was an undeniable fact, and even now, he had a thorn in his heart.
This was also why he inexplicably came to the Premiere today.
Li Chen on stage was still adding fuel to the fire.
"If a lineup like Gong Li, Chow Yun-fat, Liu Ye, Ni Dahong, plus a director like Yi Mou, still makes producer Zhang Weiping lack confidence in the box office,"
"and he still needs to rely on the fans of the little heavenly king of the music industry to contribute to the box office, then that cannot but be called a tragedy."
Yang Siwei's scalp was already tingling, just by looking at the wide-eyed expressions of Deng Chao and Sun Li next to her, she knew the impact of her boss's words.
The hosts on and off stage had forgotten their identities as hosts and couldn't smooth things over at all.
Perhaps they didn't even want to, judging by the joy in the brows of their boss, Wang Changtian.
Li Chen's tone shifted, and he looked at the cold-eyed, ashen-faced Feng Xiaogang with a smile: "As for 'the banquet', I watched it yesterday."
"It's also about Hamlet, 'The Lion King' talks about human nature, so it can resonate globally."
"'the banquet'..."
Li Chen paused, and Zhou Xun, sitting below, couldn't help but cover her face.
Zhang Ziyi's expression at this moment was also like sitting on pins and needles.
Not to mention Wang Zhonglei, who couldn't even force a smile.
"'the banquet' talks about human relationships; it's fine for insiders to play around, but don't even think about taking it abroad!"
"Why were films like 'Yellow Earth', 'red sorghum', and 'To Live' able to go abroad in the past?
"It's because these films all told stories from the perspective of human nature."
"And not about human relationships!"
Feng Xiaogang's face was pale, his eyes chilling.
He stood up, said nothing, and turned to leave!
Wang Zhonglei's expression was also extremely ugly, and after hesitating for a long time, he followed Feng Xiaogang.
Leaving Li Bingbing and her sister, unsure whether to leave or stay.
"Xue'er, what should we do?" Li Bingbing didn't move an inch, not even looking at her sister.
"What do you mean, what should we do? When immortals fight, we don't get involved. We'll leave after it's over."
Li Bingbing had a clear idea. Recently, President Wang had been making great efforts to win over Xiao Fan.
This left both Li Bingbing and her sister feeling a bit disheartened.
The two privately decided that if Xiao Fan stayed with Huayi Brothers, they would jump ship to Rongchen Film and Television.
Li Xue and Yang Siwei were also in secret contact, but everyone just had a tacit understanding.
Fan Bingbing on stage was even more dumbfounded, staring blankly at Li Chen's back.
Li Chen looked at Liu Yan, completely ignoring Feng Xiaogang and Wang Zhonglei: "What are you staring at? Are you going to ask more questions or not?"
Liu Yan stammered, "Ah, no, no more questions."
The venue suddenly seemed to come alive, with a continuous buzz of whispers.
Li Chen and the other main actors stepped off the stage and walked directly to the middle table.
The two hosts were a bit bewildered, saying some idle chatter to fill the silence.
Zhang Yimou was still thinking about Li Chen's previous words.
Although every word was like a knife, it was indeed thought-provoking.
Starting from "Hero," his films had changed their flavor.
The casting rights were no longer in his hands as a director, and he compromised again and again.
The ultimate result was a decline in public reputation.
He didn't win any important awards, but he didn't make any money either.
He gained nothing from either side.
Li Chen sat beside him, ignoring the gazes of everyone at the table, and said directly, "Director Zhang, if you're unhappy at New Pictures in the future,"
"Rongchen Film and Television welcomes your joining anytime, and the conditions are all negotiable."
"The most important point is that you can focus on making movies without worrying about the box office, and no one will interfere with your casting."
Han Sanping, who was beside them, raised an eyebrow, his surprise completely unconcealed.
This kid Li Chen is ruthless; he's trying to pull the rug out from under Zhang Weiping!
Zhang Yimou was also stunned; he never expected to hear such words when he came to a Premiere today.
Li Chen smiled, "Director Zhang, don't be surprised. My words are valid at any time."
Zhang Yimou smiled, "I appreciate the kind offer, thank you."】}