Chapter 98 Storm
The next day, father's love is like a mountain held its Premiere at the Political Consultative Conference Auditorium.
Online reports stated that father's love is like a mountain would warm up the New Year Film Season.
With Li Chen and Boss Yang's connections, everyone who should be there was there.
Emperor Entertainment Group's artists and those Hong Kong artists who were on good terms with Emperor Entertainment Group also came to show their support, and mainland figures like Zhang Yimou also attended.
On both sides of the red carpet were jubilant fans, while inside the auditorium, stars glittered.
The big shots each formed their own cliques.
Han Sanping, Huayi Brothers' Xiao Wang, and Jiang Wen chatted and laughed, with Han Sanping occasionally glancing at Li Chen.
Li Chen, Boss Yang, and Jackie Chan had a very pleasant conversation.
Big Brother Long's signature big-nosed smile was very endearing.
His words were also quite agreeable.
"Li Chen, what you said two days ago was spot on. Those old-timers in Hong Kong are still living in the past, thinking it's the 90s."
"Big Brother, you're too kind. Aren't there still far-sighted filmmakers like you and Yang Dong who embraced the mainland first?"
"This time at the Golden Rooster Awards, I wish you an early victory, Big Brother," Li Chen said with a smile.
Jackie Chan laughed heartily; Li Chen's words hit home.
Big Brother Long and Jet Li are both kung fu superstars, but Big Brother Long is much smarter than Jet Li.
That's why he's not only more successful than Jet Li in Hollywood but also has better public appeal in the mainland.
This time, he represented Hong Kong films for the first time at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in the mainland.
It was like providing timely help, as this year's Golden Rooster Awards were truly deserted.
Of course, he was still very confident about the outcome; the fact that he was invited meant it was as good as decided.
Boss Yang was also a sensible person, smiling and saying, "Come, let's toast to the increasingly prosperous film industry of our Chinese people."
The three chatted for a few more sentences, and then Han Sanping walked over.
Boss Yang and Jackie Chan saw that Han Sanping clearly wanted to speak with Li Chen alone, so they found an excuse to go socialize elsewhere.
Han Sanping pulled Li Chen, insisting he explain what he meant by his words yesterday.
Li Chen, helpless, could only reply, "Han Dong, China Film Group Corporation is the distributor. I don't believe you don't know what happened with the reviews for the Chengdu Premiere."
Han Sanping's smile faded. It seemed there were many clear-headed people in the industry; at least Li Chen was one.
But Han Sanping still didn't believe that one spot could represent the whole! What could a single Premiere in Chengdu prove?
"You kid are getting shrewder and shrewder, almost becoming a spirit. I refuse to believe this evil; a small group of people can't represent anything."
Han Sanping's personality was just like that; it's hard to change one's nature.
Li Chen was too lazy to argue with him.
The two then moved on to other topics.
Until Han Sanping mentioned that Jiang Wen's the sun also rises had run out of money, and Xiao Wang was unwilling to add more investment.
Han Sanping asked if he was interested in investing.
This immediately caught Li Chen by surprise. Wasn't he the boss? Why did Old Han come to him?
"Han Dong, forget it. My company has a complete set of procedures for investment projects. Projects that are halfway through are too troublesome," Li Chen politely declined.
You, China Film Group Corporation, aren't investing, and you want me to? It's clearly a project that won't make money. You, China Film Group Corporation, are a state-owned enterprise, but I'm a private one!
Huayi Brothers' Xiao Wang wasn't stupid; if it could make money, would he not add more investment?
Even if you want to support mainland filmmakers, you can't just keep milking me, this one sheep, to death.
The previous Chang Hong was already exaggerated, and now here comes Jiang Wen.
When Jiang Wen makes movies, he never cares about the budget when he's enjoying himself, often leading to broken capital chains.
Li Chen didn't want his company to be too entangled in human relations.
Seeing Li Chen decline, Han Sanping didn't force it, glancing at Boss Yang, who was standing not far away, chatting and laughing with Jiang Wen.
Li Chen followed Han Sanping's gaze and immediately felt that Boss Yang had two words printed on his forehead: Fat Sheep!
Huayi Brothers' Xiao Wang also came over.
He seemed to have long forgotten their previous unpleasantness.
He also brought a new artist, Zhang Liangying.
Feng Xiaogang and the lead actors of the banquet were not present today; they were still busy filming.
Since filming began, the banquet had been quite mysterious, and it was said that nearly half of the scenes had already been shot.
In a few days, a media conference would be held at Jiuhua Mountain Villa, after which they would go to Anji Bamboo Sea in Zhejiang for filming.
At that time, the two female leads, Zhang Ziyi and Zhou Xun, would temporarily leave the set.
Zhang Ziyi had to follow memoirs of a geisha for global promotion, and Zhou Xun also had to cooperate with the painted skin crew for promotion.
"Director Li, let me introduce you..." Wang Zhonglei said with a smile.
"Mr. Wang, there's no need for an introduction. How could I not know someone my company invited to the annual meeting? Mr. Wang is truly quick-witted," Li Chen said with a smile.
Wang Zhonglei was also very happy.
"Director Li, I'm Zhang Liangying. It's a pleasure to attend Rongchen Film and Television's annual meeting," Zhang Liangying said, extending her hand with an enthusiastic smile.
Among the super girls of 2005, Li Chen only felt that Zhang Liangying's attire and style were more normal, and her singing and voice were indeed outstanding.
For a traditional person like Li Chen, Chris Lee and Bibi were still too unconventional.
"Hello, among the top three super girls, I'm most optimistic about you. Keep it up," Li Chen said with a smile.
"Director Li and I see eye to eye, hahaha," Wang Zhonglei interjected with a laugh, praising both himself and Li Chen.
This was Zhang Liangying's first time attending a grand event like a Premiere, and her nervousness was fully visible on her face.
After all, the people present tonight, six months ago, were all big stars, big directors, and veteran singers whom she could only dream of reaching.
Jiang Wen came over and chatted with him for a few sentences, completely ignoring the issue of the broken capital chain, clearly not taking it to heart.
"Those people in Hong Kong, they just have problems and need to be taught a lesson. I even wanted to help you out, but then the other side went silent. Boring, haha."
Li Chen shook his head and smiled: "I didn't want to blow things up; you just enjoy watching the drama."
"Alright, next time you go in, and I'll fan the flames for you."
Celebrities and artists came up one after another to make their presence felt.
Then the screening began.
The first row was filled with big shots who could make the industry tremble with a stomp of their feet.
Han Sanping was undoubtedly in the center, with Boss Yang on his left and Li Chen on his right, and Wang Changtian next to Li Chen.
The movie screening ended.
Wang Changtian said, "Brother, I know why you brought Emperor Entertainment Group into this film."
Not only Wang Changtian knew, but everyone present knew.
After all, the ending of this film showed the lawbreakers getting away scot-free.
Such a script, no matter how appealing, would never pass censorship.
But it couldn't be denied that it was indeed a good script, and after its public release, its topicality would definitely remain high.
How should the line between emotion and law be drawn, and who is right or wrong?
Boss Yang and the main creators of father's love is like a mountain took the stage together.
At the same time, full of vigor, they announced to the media the transaction amount of father's love is like a mountain at Venice: 40.95 million US dollars.
This immediately made everyone in the venue envious.
Everyone looked at Li Chen with a slightly different gaze; the transaction price of painted skin was still unknown.
But what was already known was terrifying, and that didn't even include Chiyou Films' lurking, which had a global box office of 130 million US dollars!
No wonder he had the confidence to hold such a grand company annual meeting.
Li Chen was already used to such gazes. The profits from father's love is like a mountain and painted skin this year were indeed very considerable, as was the previous shoplifters.
As soon as shoplifters was released globally, it immediately attracted a second batch of film merchants to purchase its copyright, and the transaction amount was also very impressive.
This film, in its previous life, had swept through more than 200 countries and regions.
"Li Chen, well done. Young people should dare to think and act, and not be constrained by 'rules and regulations'."
Zhang Yimou said with a smile, encouraging Li Chen.
It was said that Zhang Dapao spent 20 million on Zhang Yimou's riding alone for thousands of miles to hold a Premiere in Lijiang.
The entire film only cost 60 million, and Li Chen even wanted to go to Lijiang to see what it was all about.
"Thank you, Director Zhang, for the compliment," Li Chen said with a smile.
"Director Li, the story of father's love is like a mountain is very interesting. Will you come to the Premiere of The Promise to show your support?" Chen Hong said with a smile, holding her charismatic husband's arm.
"Hong Jie, you're too kind. As long as Hong Jie isn't worried that Director Chen and I will be ambushed by reporters if I go, then I definitely want to be there to 'see it for myself,'" Li Chen said.
The couple showed no signs of displeasure, probably thinking that two generations of The Golden Palm directors would add more hype and buzz to The Promise's Premiere.
Director Chen still had one hand in his pocket. In Li Chen's memory, it seemed that every time he saw Director Chen, one of Director Chen's hands was never taken out of his pants pocket.
It reminded Li Chen of a meme from later generations: That year, I had both hands in my pockets, not knowing who my opponent was!
“Li Chen, come, when the time comes, come with Lao Tian and also give some suggestions for The Promise,” Director Chen said with great magnanimity.
He completely treated Li Chen as a junior.
Moreover, he used the word ‘suggestions’, not ‘opinions’.
The meaning was already very clear: if you come, don’t say it’s bad, you can only say it’s good!
Li Chen nodded and smiled, “Okay, I have no problem on my side.”
“En, I will personally call Lao Tian.”
The next day, the grand Premiere of father's love is like a mountain was all over the screen.
“A thrilling family escape, a touching family defense, a series of interlocking intelligence games!”
“Truth may be washed away by heavy rain, but the belief in one’s heart will not be extinguished. Right and wrong swirl within, who ultimately defines the boundaries of right and wrong?”
“I don’t have much ability, but as a father, I must protect my daughter.”
“Family is my bottom line, and going all out is my only choice.”
“October 28th, ‘father's love is like a mountain’, right and wrong, emotion and law, you define them.”
The media reports’ headlines were extremely eye-catching, considering the viewing habits of the public in 2005.
The appearance of father's love is like a mountain would definitely cause heated discussion.
After all, this crime-genre film broke the traditional ending of ‘justice has long arms, but it lets no one escape’ in China.
Sure enough, the Premiere on October 28th ignited public opinion that very afternoon.
“This is reality, where is there any ‘justice has long arms’? There are always more fish that escape than those caught!”
“I really admire Director Li, this film can only be imported, don’t even think about it domestically, the script wouldn’t even pass censorship.”
“Can this kind of film even be imported? It’s doing things that break the law under the guise of fatherly love!”
“The relevant departments are becoming more and more inactive. First there was shoplifters, and now there’s another ‘father's love is like a mountain’, all with incorrect values.”
“Rongchen Film and Television is hanging a sheep’s head and selling dog meat!”
“Can such a film even be publicly screened???????????”
“You pests, do we have to watch Black Cat Detective every day to be considered to have correct values?”
“China’s films have deteriorated to this point, and you still cling to outdated ideas under the guise of ‘values’? If you’re old, then retire quickly, don’t just occupy the latrine without shitting!”
“Exactly, how are Director Li’s values incorrect? If someone raped your daughter, and your daughter accidentally killed him, according to you, would you personally send your daughter to prison?”
“Well said! Isn’t this kind of scum getting what he deserves? If anyone did that to my daughter, I’d want to kill him.”
“These people don’t deserve to be fathers, if they can’t protect the people around them, what right do they have to be a father, what right to be a husband!”
Except for a few netizens who exclaimed,
“The long-legged ticket seller has transformed and become even more radiant, Director Li has indeed nourished her well.” Aside from such malicious comments,
The online discussions were all about the film’s ending, which deviated from mainstream values.
Li Chen felt a little tingly on his scalp when he saw these sharp comments.
Yang Siwei also dared not relax for a moment.
Especially when controversial films produced by the company were released.
But sometimes, what you fear most is what happens.
At first, the online discussions were only about the film father's love is like a mountain.
Gradually, it evolved into a verbal and written attack on Li Chen and Rongchen Film and Television.
Yang Siwei frowned tightly. This was not like last time when Song Gou jumped out to be a scapegoat, where you could still act according to the law.
These anonymous posts online were like goosebumps, suddenly appearing out of nowhere.
Even if Yang Siwei’s people wanted to control the comments, they couldn’t post as fast as the others.
All sorts of eye-catching headlines emerged endlessly.
“Where did The Golden Palm director, who came from a working-class family, get the huge sum of money to buy Splendid Diamond?”
“A ‘new world’ where cowards do evil.”
“A ‘shoplifters’ with incorrect values.”
“A ‘father's love is like a mountain’ that deviates from mainstream values under the guise of fatherly love.”
“Why can Rongchen Film and Television’s trilogy only be imported?”
“Is it dissatisfaction and protest against China’s film system? Or have they long yearned for the outside world?”
Yang Siwei couldn't stand it anymore.
She quickly called Li Chen.
Li Chen had just finished dinner at Miss Liu’s house.
Both of them had seen these anonymous posts online.
Miss Liu, being broad-minded, didn’t take it seriously. She had encountered such things many times and was already used to it.
Liu Xiaoli’s solution to deal with it was four words: ignore it.
She even comforted Li Chen with a smile, “It’s nothing, these people are so boring, just ignore them.”
Li Chen chuckled, “It’s nothing to begin with. For me, there’s no big deal besides you.”
Miss Liu couldn’t hide her smile, leaning on Li Chen, her fragrance intoxicating: “So sweet-mouthed, I wonder who he takes after!”
Li Chen was about to take advantage of the fragrant Miss Liu in his arms, but his phone rang at an inopportune moment.
He picked it up and saw it was Yang Siwei.
“This Yang Siwei has no sense of timing,” Li Chen said with a smile.
Miss Liu got up from her boyfriend and said, “Pick it up quickly, Siwei must have seen those posts online too.”
“Boss, those posts online seem a bit off,” Yang Siwei said anxiously.
“Siwei, after work hours, don’t talk to me about work. This is the only time!” Li Chen said irritably.
Yang Siwei was puzzled, what was wrong with the boss?
It was Miss Liu who couldn’t bear it, and said loudly with a smile, “Siwei, don’t mind him, he’s in a bad mood right now.”
Yang Siwei was stunned, hearing Yifei’s voice.
“Could I have interrupted the boss’s good deed?” Yang Siwei thought to herself.
“That, boss, I’ve noted it down, but what happened today is really a bit unusual,” Yang Siwei said again.
“I know, we’ll talk about it at the company tomorrow if there’s anything.”
“But I’m afraid if we deal with it too late, it will get out of hand,” Yang Siwei worried.
“What’s there to get out of hand? The company and I haven’t done anything illegal, taboo, or indecent, so what’s there to be afraid of!”
“This is a good opportunity to test friendships and also to identify enemies,” Li Chen said meaningfully.
Yang Siwei reacted quickly, “Boss, do you mean...? I understand!”
After hanging up the phone, Miss Liu smiled, “What riddle were you and Siwei playing?”
Li Chen didn't intend to hide it from Miss Liu. Letting her see the reality of the entertainment industry earlier would also help her mature sooner.
“Xixi, since your debut, why have so many people slandered you?”
“How would I know!” Miss Liu said with a playful smile.
“I’m like you, I also don’t know why these people are targeting me and Rongchen Film and Television,” Li Chen also said with a feigned innocent smile.
“Hmph! Hurry up and tell me, you always love to keep me in suspense.” Miss Liu playfully punched Li Chen.
“It’s very simple, just one sentence: a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind.”
“The rise of Rongchen Film and Television has made too many people envious.”
“If nothing happens, fine, but once something does, even if people don’t all push a falling wall, most will be happy to stand by and watch.”
Miss Liu nodded, deep in thought.
“Then are you really not going to do anything?” Miss Liu asked.
“Of course I’m going to do something! China Film Group Corporation, Enlight Media, and even Emperor Entertainment Group, these ‘friends’ have made a lot of money off me.”
“If they act like quails at this time, then there will be no need for future cooperation.”
Miss Liu understood, she leaned closer to her boyfriend and smiled, “You have so many schemes, you won’t sell me out later and I’ll still count money for you, will you?”
Li Chen was in a good mood and couldn’t help but peck at the red lips so close to him.
“I’m not short of money, why would I sell you?”
“How about I sell myself to you, Miss Liu? I don’t want your money, I just want you to sleep with me every day.” Li Chen said with a mischievous smile.
Miss Liu’s body felt hot, sensing the change in her boyfriend’s body, she spat, “You’re always up to no good!”
Li Chen was about to take further action when he heard someone clear their throat behind him.
He quickly swallowed the rest of his words and smiled, “Xixi, are you hot? Why is your face red?”
Miss Liu held back a laugh, “Mom, I just got something in my eye, Li Chen was helping me look at it.”
Liu Xiaoli didn't expose the two, only saying, “Li Chen, Xixi is still young, you two should know when to stop.”
At someone else’s house, secretly getting intimate with their daughter, and then getting caught red-handed by the mother-in-law.
Could it get any more embarrassing than this?
Updated 8000 words for two consecutive days, a bit overwhelmed, my mind is a mess, can’t type any more.