Entering the Chinese entertainment industry is like entering a deep sea

Chapter 778 A Ten-Year Promise
Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, Huang Xiaoming always knows exactly what to say and who to offend.

Despite Fan Bingbing's current considerable wealth, her connections within the industry are nowhere near as extensive as Huang Xiaoming's.

Huang Xiaoming's words were tantamount to confirming Fan Bingbing's relationship.

In Li Chen's memory, it seems that Fan Bingbing came this year with a terrifying "us"!
Standing on the stage, Fan Bingbing strongly suspected that Huang Xiaoming and Li Chen had conspired to make a fool of her by whispering and laughing together.

But then I thought, given their status, it seems unnecessary for them to have conspired to make fun of me.

Especially Li Chen, if she wanted to expose her relationship with Li Chen, she would have done so long ago. She had already told Yang Siwei about it when she was with Li Chen.

Both Li Chen and Yu Dong received an Industry Elite Contribution Award.

Yu Dongxian took the stage first, and in his acceptance speech, he looked ahead to the next ten years, claiming that he could make another 100 films in the next decade.

When it was Li Chen's turn to go on stage, the audience erupted in applause.

Whether it was the two soldiers who were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds, or Wu Yifan and others who harbored hostility towards Li Chen, they all had to applaud.

Otherwise, if you stand out from the crowd on camera, you'll immediately become a trending topic.

Li Chen went on stage and accepted the trophy from Cao Guowei.

Cao Guowei laughed and said, "This is not a behind-the-scenes operation. Although he is a shareholder of Weibo, this award is personally certified by Sina and millions of Sina netizens."

Applause erupted again from the audience; Li Chen and Yu Dong's awards were well-deserved.

Perhaps only Chen Kun and Zhao Baogang seem to be there to make up the numbers for this award.

After Cao Guowei stepped down from the stage, it was Li Chen's turn to give his acceptance speech.

The audience fell silent.

"What are you going to say?" Li Chen casually glanced at the dazzling array of stars below the stage.

The camera focused on the digital cameras in the front row of the venue.

Both Bingbing and Fan Bingbing had exquisite makeup and appropriate smiles.

Huang Xiaoming and Angelababy looked radiant. Huang Xiaoming had just promised in front of everyone that he would marry Angelababy in the second half of the year.

Fan Bingbing was not given a chance to fight back at all.

"Just now, Mr. Yu said that he can make another 100 movies in the next ten years. Mr. Yu has such ambition, and I can't tarnish Rongchen's reputation."

The camera then focused on Yu Pangpang, who clapped, shook his head, and cupped his hands in greeting.

He didn't know what Li Chen would say, or why he was being brought up again.

"Let me boast a little: in the next ten years, we will strive to make the domestic market the world's number one voting bloc."

As soon as he finished speaking, the audience erupted in uproar, but Huang Xiaoming, Cao Guowei, and others led the applause.

Only then did everyone realize what was happening.

After Li Chen finished speaking, he stepped down from the stage, and the awards ceremony was drawing to a close.

When it came time for the group photo, Li Chen didn't join in the fun, and neither did Yu Dong.

Yu Dong laughed loudly and said, "Director Li, I am completely convinced that you have outdone me!"

Li Chen said in a serious tone, "President Yu, I never intended to suppress you."

Yu Dong was puzzled as to why Little Li had become so humble today.

Unexpectedly, Li Chen followed up with a joke: "I'm betting on everyone!"

"Hahaha." Yu Dong laughed heartily. This was the Little Li he knew!
Huang Xiaoming had just finished taking a photo and hadn't even gotten close when he overheard the conversation between the two big shots.

"Mr. Li, Mr. Yu, it's my and Baby's big day, you two absolutely must come and witness the ceremony," Huang Xiaoming extended the invitation once again.

The big baby standing to the side nodded and bowed, smiling like a wild chrysanthemum: "Yes, yes, Mr. Li, Mr. Yu, Xiaoming and I will be waiting for you two."

Li Chen and Yu Dong both nodded politely.

The live text and image broadcast on Weibo has caused quite a stir in the chat room.

Liu Yifei was naturally in the live broadcast room. She knew that even if her husband said nothing but nonsense, he could still attract thousands of fans, let alone make grand pronouncements.

Liu Yifei stared at the screen, her face full of pride, and muttered to herself with a smile, "You, you always say things that are sure to shock the world. I'll see how you handle this in ten years if the box office isn't number one in the world! Humph!"

Even so, Liu Yifei actually believed that her husband wasn't exaggerating.

Throughout the night, Wu Yifan seemed like a wronged little wife. Compared to big shots like Li Chen and Yu Dong, he, a top star, appeared to be invisible in this scene.

Standing next to Li Bingbing, Wuyi Fan couldn't help but curl her lips: "Aren't you afraid of biting your tongue?"

This criticism is clearly aimed at Li Chen's boast that he will make China's box office the number one in the world.

Li Bingbing turned his head and glanced at the greenhorn next to him. He was impressed by the fearlessness of a newborn calf, but he didn't know what to say.

Clearly, this young and inexperienced actor, Wuyi Fan, has never witnessed Director Li's prowess, much less grasped his terrifying nature.

Li Bingbing kindly reminded Wuyi Fan, "Xiao Fan, remember this saying: trouble comes from the mouth, especially in our circle."

Unconcerned, Fan said, "Sister, I'm just saying whatever comes to mind in front of you."

Li Bingbing smiled and said no more.

Sina Entertainment News

"Li Chen boasts that China's box office will surpass North America's within ten years! Yu Dong boldly declares that Bernard will make another 100 films within ten years. The two film giants ignite Sina's 15th anniversary celebration."

"Tonight, at Sina's 15th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, two giants in China's film and television industry—Li Chen, Chairman of Rongchen Pictures, and Yu Dong, head of Bona Pictures—received the Industry Elite Contribution Award on the same stage."

"Their sharply contrasting acceptance speeches instantly ignited the entire audience and attracted over 500 million viewers to the Sina live stream!"

The internet was abuzz with the heated exchange between Li Chen and Yu Dong.

"Yu Dong: I want to increase quantity! Li Chen: I want to achieve qualitative change! The difference between Berna and Rong Chen is the difference between Hengdian and Hollywood!"

"Only Leonardo DiCaprio could say that without it sounding out of place. If it were anyone else, I'd fucking tear them apart!"

"Hilarious! China only has 3 movie screens, while the US has over 4! Did Leonardo DiCaprio drink too much fake alcohol?"

"Regardless of success or failure, the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio dared to make this bold statement is a blessing for the industry. Just ask me, besides Leonardo DiCaprio, who else would dare to do this!"

"If the domestic box office really becomes the world's number one, Leonardo DiCaprio's Rongchen Group's valuation will probably exceed 2000 billion yuan, and Wanda Cinema Line's stock price will at least double."

Li Chen received a video call from his wife as soon as he got into the car.

"I've only been away from you for a few days, and you've already let yourself go? I bet you won't be number one in the world in ten years, so don't call yourself my husband!"

Li Chen laughed heartily: "It won't take ten years, five or six years will be enough!"

Liu Yifei was speechless; she could hardly believe the boast.

Little did she know, Li Chen wasn't exaggerating at all. Six years later, when the Chinese market surpassed North America to become the world's largest market, she realized that her man had always been an honest man and never boasted.

The heated online discussion inevitably caught the attention of Han Sanping.

"How about I let you take over as bureau chief?"

"What does this mean, Director Han? You were doing a good job."

"Making the Chinese market number one globally—I, as the director of the film bureau, only ever thought about that in my mind. But you, kid, have set the tone right there! Between us, who's really Han Sanping here!"

Li Chen laughed heartily.
Han Sanping added, "If you can't do it within ten years, then we can live in peace from now on!"

"What if I do that?"

Han Sanping's voice faltered; he hadn't expected this kid to turn the tables on him.

"Then I'll give you my position as bureau chief, is that alright?"

"Forget it, who knows who the chief will be ten years from now?"

The following day, Zhang Yimou's "The Great Wall" began filming, and Wu Bin's "Your Name" also entered its final production stage.

Beijing Daily reported
"Zhang Yimou's 'The Great Wall' held its opening ceremony at the Huairou Film and Television Base in Beijing, where the main cast and crew offered incense and prayers for good fortune."

"The veil that Director Zhang and the Heavenly King had just lifted was taken into the hands of the young heartthrob Lu Han."

Beijing News reported

"Rongchen Pictures presents its second animated blockbuster, 'Your Name,' exclusively created by the Zhizhen Art Studio team, which will be released in the summer of 2015."

"Following the successful release of its first animated film, 'Maleficent,' Rongchen Pictures officially announced today that its second fully self-produced animated film, 'Your Name,' has entered the final stage of production and will be released globally in the summer of 2015."

"This fantasy romance epic, which brings together China's top animation talents, is expected to once again set a new standard for domestic animated films."

"The film tells the story of a boy and a girl who swap bodies in their dreams and embark on a fantastical love story that transcends time and space."

Producer Li Chen stated, "Your Name is not only a romantic love story, but also incorporates reflections on fate and destiny from traditional Chinese culture. I hope to showcase the unique charm of Eastern animation to the world through this work."

The cast and crew of the Shanghai-based drama "Ode to Joy" were all discussing Li Chen's bold statement about being number one in the world made at Sina's 15th anniversary celebration yesterday.

“My classmates said that no matter if the boss is bragging or not, they’ve all become his fans!” Meng Ziyi’s mouth moved so fast it was like it was borrowed; even if her heart stopped, she couldn’t stop talking.

"Your classmate? In our college, doesn't the boss already have a lot of fans?"

"That's right, he's the only director in the Academy to have won the Palme d'Or and the Lion. Apart from director Yi Mou, no one can compare to him."

Zhang Hanyun and Yang Zi also have a happy admiration for Li Chen.

"It's okay. Even if the boss doesn't achieve his goal in ten years, I will still support him!" Meng Ziyi said confidently.

Liu Yifei, who happened to be walking by, overheard this and said with a smile, "Your boss said it won't take ten years, five or six years will be enough."

"Huh?" The three women were so shocked that their jaws almost dropped to the ground.

"Sister Meng, are you still supporting the boss?" Yang Zi asked with a smile.

Meng Ziyi laughed and said, "It's alright. Boss is invincible. Failure once might be a good thing."

Liu Yifei smiled and said, "I'll pass on your honest advice to him later, even if it's hard to hear."

Meng Ziyi immediately wilted: "Ah, no, sis! My wound has just healed. If you tell the boss, I'm afraid he'll really blacklist me!"

The girls laughed when they saw that Meng Ziyi had changed faster than anyone else.

A few days later, Li Chen set off for South Korea.

Han Sanping listened to Li Chen's words, but he couldn't go too far. If he released "Furious 7" during the summer season, a lot of people would probably curse him for not being ethical.

So Furious 7 was still released in major Chinese theaters on April 19th.

It was delayed by a week from the original date of April 12th, but it's better than nothing.

However, as soon as he went online, Han Sanping regretted it.

This is nowhere near the 3 million Li Chen mentioned; it's close to 4 million on the first day! It completely crushed the 2.8 million of "Wanxiang Island".

In just ten days, the box office exceeded 15 billion yuan, and it still maintains a daily box office of nearly 100 million yuan.

Even compared to its North American home market, Universal was overjoyed, claiming that "Fast & Furious 8" would soon be released and would be filmed in Hong Kong, clearly an attempt to appease the Chinese market.

The records held by "Vientiane Island" for first day, single day, first week, etc., were completely turned into history by "Furious 7".

Han Sanping was dumbfounded; Li Chen's prediction had come true once again.

Global immediately applied for an extension of the key.

Han Sanping cursed inwardly, "Screw you! I've already done more than enough by not letting you die young."

While in South Korea, Li Chen was holding script reading sessions with several actors, and at the same time, he was keeping an eye on the domestic market, which was being decimated by "Furious 7".

Alec Su's "The Left Ear" has proven quite resilient, reaching 3 million yuan in box office revenue in seven days despite the massive impact of "Furious 7".

Filming for "Parasite" began in South Korea at the end of April.

Except for the role of the daughter, which was replaced by Jun Ji-hyun, the rest of the cast remains the same.

These past few days, two of the five beauties from "Ode to Joy" have been missing: Zhang Hanyun, who plays Guan Juer, and Yang Mi, who plays Fan Shengmei.
The two actors' films, "I Am Not Madame Bovary" and "My Sunshine," will be released during the May Day holiday.

With the still-powerful "Furious 7" ahead and the unwillingly ending "The Left Ear" behind, and the highly anticipated "Avengers: Age of Ultron" following closely behind, no one expected "Furious 7" to be so crazy.

However, "I Am Not Madame Bovary" had an easy time at the Berlin Film Festival, and the film had already recouped its costs just from selling the rights.

Shanghai Bund, leaving the set of "Ode to Joy".

Liu Yifei, Meng Ziyi, and Yang Zi made a pact to go to the cinema together to contribute to the box office of Yang Mi and Zhang Hanyun's two movies.

After watching, the group got into Liu Yifei's car, and Meng Ziyi couldn't help but complain.

"Am I the only one who thinks Sister Yun's acting is so much better than Sister Mi's? Who is the real senior from Beijing Film Academy?" Meng Ziyi blurted out, and since Yang Mi and Zhang Hanyun weren't around, she said whatever came to mind.

Without comparison, there is no harm, especially the scene where Yang Mi seduces Huang Xiaoming in a sailor uniform, which made Meng Ziyi feel that she could probably act better than Yang Mi.

Seeing that Meng Ziyi had also spoken up, Yang Zi didn't hold back anymore: "I also think Yunyun's acting skills far surpass Sister Mi's."

Liu Yifei drove without saying a word.

Yang Zi and Meng Ziyi stepped forward and asked, "Sister, what do you think?"

Liu Yifei laughed and said, "Yunyun suffered so much for this film, isn't this the most normal outcome?"

"Besides, Mimi is busy with multiple roles and gambling agreements right now, so she doesn't have the time to focus on improving her acting skills."

Meng Ziyi and Yang Zi gave each other a thumbs up: "Sister sees things more clearly."

(End of this chapter)