Chapter 217: A Highly Sought-After Commodity
In the hotel's banquet hall, the term Starlight Splendid wasn't enough to describe the caliber of guests present today.
“This lineup today, I’m afraid it’s in a league of its own in China, isn’t it?”
A Sina reporter and his peers exclaimed with emotion.
Two of the Four Heavenly Kings from Hong Kong were present.
Maggie Cheung, who had won three European film awards, and Tony Leung Ka-fai, Tony Leung, and Liu Jialing, known as the 'Thousand-Faced Emperor' from Hong Kong.
Not one of the Four Dan and Shuang Bing from the domestic scene was missing; all were in attendance.
Several prominent directors also graced the event with their presence to celebrate.
Even Zhang Yimou, busy with the Olympics, didn't miss it.
“If the Golden Rooster Awards in a couple of days had half of this lineup, CCTV would probably wake up smiling in their sleep,” a Six Princess reporter chuckled.
“Who says it isn’t? The investors for the thieves include China Film Group Corporation, Shanghai Film Group, and Enlight Media. Just with these three companies promoting it, which artist would dare not show face?”
“When Han Dong speaks, even Zhang Yimou has to show respect.”
“Not to mention, there’s also Director Li’s golden reputation here.”
“Artists are eagerly hoping to attend this celebration to boost their status!”
“It’s a pity, though, that only A-list artists or those with connections to the investing companies can get an invitation.”
Li Chen and Liu Yifei were naturally the focus of the media.
They were blocked by reporters even before they entered.
“Director Li, Yifei, netizens are curious when the two of you will tie the knot?”
“Liu Tao and Ye Yiqian are getting married this month, Yifei, are you in a hurry?”
“I heard Liu Tao sent you and Director Li invitations. Will you and Director Li attend the ceremony?”
Liu Yifei pursed her lips and smiled; Liu Tao had indeed sent her an invitation.
One was A Zhu, the other Wang Yuyan; they were very close during filming.
Liu Tao didn’t mind Liu Yifei taking her role as Wang Yuyan.
When Liu Yifei was challenged by the host during the promotion of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils in Taiwan, Liu Tao also stepped forward to defend her.
Over the years, on Liu Yifei’s birthday, Liu Tao always promptly sent her blessings on her blog.
“I’m not in a hurry, I’m only twenty this year.”
“As for attending the ceremony, if I have time, I’ll definitely go.”
Liu Yifei, with a brilliant smile, replied to the reporters on behalf of herself and Li Chen.
The topic of marriage seemed to have become a trend recently.
Liu Tao and Ye Yiqian successively registered their marriages, and Zhang Jin and Ada Choi were also nearing their big day.
Liu Jialing also admitted that she wanted to marry Tony Leung.
Liu Yifei’s fans naturally didn't want Liu Yifei to marry too early, even if the person was Li Chen.
Many netizens even advised her not to be deceived by Xiao Li Zi’s honest appearance.
As the saying goes, a quiet donkey can kick a person to death.
Who knows if the domestic Xiao Li Zi and the foreign Xiao Li Zi might both be philanderers.
After shaking off the reporters, the group walked towards the banquet hall.
Zhou Xun, driven by curiosity, asked, “Director Li, will you and Yifei go to Liu Tao’s wedding?”
“Senior, you and your Xixi shouldn’t go. If you two go, their wedding will definitely be ruined by you two!”
Li Chen nodded, “That’s what I was thinking too.”
Liu Yifei smiled, “I’ll listen to him.”
Li Chen let out a soft snort and glanced at Miss Liu.
Liu Yifei’s eyes curved into a smile.
It was clearly her own unwillingness to go, yet now she was saying she’d listen to me for everything.
“A woman’s mouth is a deceiving ghost,” Li Chen muttered to himself.
Upon entering the banquet hall, everyone gravitated towards their own circles.
Li Chen nodded slightly to the artists who greeted him.
He led Liu Yifei towards the thieves crew at the very front.
Charlize Theron and Monica Bellucci were even more uninhibited and enthusiastic.
Charlize Theron wore a gold-embroidered, diamond-studded evening gown, showcasing her tall and sexy figure in a rather aggressive manner.
Her distinctive, deep facial features exuded charm.
Monica Bellucci, on the other hand, wore an off-white deep V-neck gown, with a pair of formidable assets on her chest that metaphorically caused a bloodbath among the female stars present.
Who would dare to challenge Monica Bellucci’s assets; they would surely be instantly flattened into an airport runway.
“Li, you’re not a very dedicated director. You didn’t even come to the Hollywood celebration (English).”
Charlize Theron and Li Chen exchanged a polite, light hug and cheek kiss.
At this meeting, Charlize Theron’s aura was even stronger; the boost from the thieves had made her title of 'Queen Charlize' resonate globally.
“What does it matter if I go to the celebration or not? All the media’s eyes are on you! (English)” Li Chen joked back to Charlize Theron with a smile.
Charlize Theron handled it with ease, whether in Hollywood or at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse tonight.
She was undoubtedly the brightest star.
Monica Bellucci also hugged Liu Yifei: “Crystal, you look beautiful tonight.”
Liu Yifei, following Li Chen’s instructions, wore a wine-red V-neck suit tonight.
This was to conceal her brilliance and not compete with Charlize Theron and Monica Bellucci.
“Thank you, you are radiant tonight.”
The two exchanged compliments.
Li Chen greeted Tim and Richard.
He then went over to exchange pleasantries with Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, Ang Lee, and Zhang Yimou.
At exactly seven o’clock, the several investors stood together.
Han Sanping shattered the crystal number 3.95 on top of the champagne tower.
The celebration officially began.
Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun seated Li Chen in the middle of their table, flanking him like bodyguards, which made Li Chen both laugh and cry.
“Your company’s film slate plan for next year is out, right?”
Li Chen glanced at Han Sanping; he wasn't in a hurry about this.
Han Sanping continued to watch the performance on stage, his eyes fixed: “Be proactive. Why do I have to ask you every year?”
“Li Chen, you don’t need to pay attention to him. I think China Film Group Corporation is so used to being the boss that they think everyone should obey their orders.”
Ren Zhonglun also watched the show intently.
However, the words coming out of his mouth had nothing to do with the performance on stage; his mind was entirely on Li Chen.
Li Chen looked left and right at these two 'Wudang Shaolin sect leaders.'
Han Sanping still sat upright: “Old Ren, why are you everywhere!”
“Sanping, Rongchen Film and Television is not a subsidiary of your China Film Group Corporation. Li Chen has the freedom to choose his partners.”
Han Sanping finally turned his neck, and so did Ren Zhonglun.
Both glared at each other, annoyed.
They had been vying with each other since they started grabbing seats.
As soon as Han Sanping pulled Li Chen to sit in the middle, Ren Zhonglun pushed Richard aside and sat next to Li Chen.
Li Chen was sandwiched between the two, becoming a highly sought-after commodity.
Rongchen Film and Television’s film slate plan for next year was not only being watched by China Film Group Corporation and Shanghai Film Group.
Everyone at this table was interested; at least Yu Dong and Wang Zhonglei had their ears perked up.
Li Chen chuckled, “I told you two not to ask me. I haven’t made the film slate plan yet.”
Han Sanping was quite surprised: “It’s almost November, and you still haven’t made it? Are you trying to fool me, kid?”
Ren Zhonglun didn’t speak, but his eyes clearly showed disbelief as well.
“What’s there to fool about? Something came up. The film slate plan won’t be ready until January or February next year.”
Han Sanping was even more puzzled: “Why the long delay? That’s not like your style.”
Li Chen nodded, “The results will be out in two months. You two, please be patient.”
Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun exchanged glances. Han Sanping knew Li Chen well.
“Are you secretly planning to launch another satellite, kid?”
Li Chen chuckled, “It’s confidential for now, so please don’t ask.”
“This is a business secret. No matter how much you ask, I won’t tell you.”
The more Li Chen said this, the more curious Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun became.
At Li Chen’s level, a business secret would never be a small matter.
Dealing with hundreds of millions was commonplace.
Ren Zhonglun was not as aggressive as Han Sanping; instead, he smiled and said, “Is there a share for our Shanghai Film Group?”
Li Chen still smiled, “Ren Dong, you don’t need to try and trick me. I can tell you clearly, it has nothing to do with domestic matters.”
Ren Zhonglun’s eyes lit up.