Chapter 165: The Fading of Hundred Flowers
The more dazzling Li Chen's achievements in Hollywood became,
the more glaring his blog post appeared.
Following statements from various celebrities and other directors,
the major media outlets no longer held back.
Southern Weekly commented: “Treating Hundred Flowers only as Huabiao Awards!”
Chengdu Morning Post commented: “Hundred Flowers tried to manipulate the market, but was manipulated by the market instead.”
Jinghua Daily commented: “From this year forward, there will be no more Hundred Flowers.”
Hundred Flowers faded, and Golden Rooster Awards remained silent.
Film is not self-indulgent, detached from the audience.
Without an audience, a film is nothing more than a worthless copy.
The chairman of the Film Association never dreamed that
this Hundred Flowers Film Festival would become his Waterloo.
At this point, even the higher-ups would not go against public opinion to protect him.
The final straw that broke the camel's back was the Hangzhou municipal government, the organizer of this Hundred Flowers Film Festival.
“The foundation of the Hundred Flowers Film Festival is the audience. We hope the next Hundred Flowers Film Festival can prove its legitimacy.”
“As the organizer of this Hundred Flowers Film Festival, the Hangzhou municipal government admits this was a failed lesson.”
Just as public opinion was raging, the chairman fell ill and was hospitalized.
It's unclear if it was real or fake, but he then conveniently submitted his resignation citing health reasons.
The relevant departments stated that a new chairman of the Film Association would be selected as soon as possible.
And they would learn from the lessons of this Hundred Flowers Film Festival.
They would strive to deliver a satisfactory answer to film fans nationwide for the next Hundred Flowers Film Festival.
This outcome left everyone, from Han Sanping, the head of the domestic film industry, to the celebrity artists gossiping below, utterly dumbfounded.
Because no one had anticipated that
a single blog post by Li Chen would directly bring down a chairman of the Film Association.
The comments from the media and netizens were like daggers and swords.
Even Li Chen himself hadn't expected it.
From him, a new term emerged: 'celebrity effect'.
“Xiao Li Zi is amazing! He actually changed an organizational structure by himself.”
“It reminds me of that unique 'crossing the guandong' press conference back then, which forcefully drove the Korean dae jang geum out of mainland China.”
“Xiao Li Zi always acts decisively, avenging wrongs and repaying kindness.”
“How many formidable characters has he taken down in recent years?”
“Zeng Zhiwei, Chen Kexin, Wu Yusen from Hong Kong; Li An from Taiwan; Huayi Brothers from the mainland.”
“With just his words, he debated all sides and never lost.”
“Xiao Li Zi doesn't just rely on his words. If you think that, you're underestimating him.”
“Look closely at Xiao Li Zi's career trajectory.”
“First, he befriended China Film Group Corporation, capturing the leader first.”
“Then he partnered with Enlight Media, and now he's very close with Wanda Group.”
“In Hong Kong, he's even more adept at playing both sides, with Emperor Motion Pictures and China Star Group both having close ties with him.”
“Moreover, he established himself early in Hollywood, securing a fallback.”
“You'll see, as long as Xiao Li Zi doesn't make fundamental mistakes, he'll dominate the entertainment industry!”
“Xiao Li Zi is a troublemaker, stirring up a storm in China, while he, the person involved, runs off to Hollywood, embracing the fairy at a celebration party! I'm so envious.”
Hollywood Crystal Wu.
This was the first large-scale gathering held at Crystal Wu since Liu Yifei's 1Y.
“Do we really have to be so high-profile?”
Several stylists were applying makeup to Miss Liu.
Dressed in a sapphire blue evening gown, paired with crystal shoes and a diamond hairband,
Miss Liu looked just like a princess out of a fairy tale.
Li Chen watched from behind her, finding it very pleasing to the eye.
Miss Liu, however, pouted, a little unwilling.
“It's a shame you grew up in America. Modesty and restraint, those are things we Chinese talk about.”
“Since we're in Hollywood, we have to do as the Romans do. Even in China, this kind of celebration party is commonplace.”
“Do you think I like to show off every day when I go out? Having several bodyguards follow me everywhere? Riding in that broken stretch limousine?”
“These things can't be helped. At your and my level now, it's hard to be low-key.”
“Especially in Hollywood.”
“Xixi, remember, it's not that we don't want to be low-key, but our strength doesn't allow it.”
Liu Yifei found it amusing and burst out laughing.
“Xiao Li Zi is really thick-skinned.”
Li Chen tacitly acknowledged it with a smirk.
Starting around five o'clock, celebrities began to arrive one after another.
Tim had sent invitations to many popular Hollywood stars.
As well as major film and television companies and renowned directors.
Today, Crystal Wu was splendid with stars.
Not only were popular actresses like Scarlett and Charlize Theron present to show support,
but also great directors like Minkoff and Nolan, and top executives from film and television giants like Warner and Disney.
The parking garage, about half the size of a football field,
was filled with all kinds of luxury cars.
In the spacious dressing room.
Tim knocked on the door, then entered, immediately flattering.
“Oh Crystal, you're so beautiful! You'll definitely be the brightest star in Hollywood tonight.”
Liu Yifei glared at Tim in the mirror.
“You've been with your boss for so long, you haven't learned anything else, just how to sweet-talk.”
Tim laughed heartily: “Crystal, that's the greatest compliment you can give me.”
“Alright, stop the flattery. Is something wrong?” Li Chen stopped Tim's compliments.
Tim's expression became serious, and he leaned into Li Chen's ear: “Boss, Richard is here. He looks very upset and is specifically asking for you.”
Li Chen raised an eyebrow at him, and Tim's brow furrowed slightly.
“I suspect the plan on New Line's side has been exposed.”
“After all, our actions were too big to keep secret. It's possible someone wants to hold out for a better offer.”
“Making us and Warner bid against each other!”
Li Chen nodded inwardly, Tim was right.
“Take him to my study. I'll be right there.”
“Alright!”
Li Chen walked behind Miss Liu, placed his hands on her shoulders, and kissed her cheek: “So beautiful!”
Miss Liu was happy, her smile as radiant as a flower: “Is something wrong?”
“If there is, you should go take care of it. You don't need to stay with me. I'm not a child, I know how to entertain guests.”
Li Chen smiled and whispered in her ear: “Then I'll be right back?”
“Go!”
Li Chen adjusted his black tie and the cuffs of his suit, then quickly walked to the study on the third floor.
Pushing open the study door, he saw Richard pacing back and forth in Li Chen's study like a bull in heat, with his hands behind his back.
Seeing Li Chen enter, Richard walked up without a word, angrily stating.
“Li Chen, I always thought we were friends, but it seems you've never considered me one.”
Li Chen chuckled and patted Richard's shoulder: “Richard, why are you so angry? Let's sit down and talk slowly.”
Then he said to Tim, who was standing by: “You go entertain the guests.”
Tim responded, then quietly left the study, closing the door behind them.
He was very curious how his boss would negotiate with Warner.