Entering the Chinese entertainment industry is like entering a deep sea

Chapter 792 Coronation: Tonight, the Water City's Surname is Liu (Part 2)

On three major Chinese social media platforms—Weibo, Youku, and Douyin—Liu Yifei's Chinese-style cross bun, black fishtail dress, and the high-level treatment she received from two former presidents of Venice went viral.

The topic has generated tremendous buzz online, sparking heated discussions.

"It feels like Leonardo DiCaprio, Chen Kexin, Wong Kar-wai, and others aren't going to a film festival; they're more like leaders on a field trip!"

"This is the kind of spirit Chinese filmmakers should have! Forget about the three major European filmmakers, I'm the world's number one!"

"Leonard's nonchalant attitude makes him seem like he's just here to have fun! That's awesome!"

Li Chen and his group entered the inner area and were surprised to find familiar faces there.

"Director Li, Yifei, Director Chen," Bai Kainian greeted Li Chen and the others with a smile as he half-stood up.

Zhang Xinyu, who was standing next to her in a white strapless dress, also half-stood up and put on a smile.

Although Li Chen and the others were surprised, they still politely nodded in response.

Zhang Xinyu, dressed in all white, gazed at Liu Yifei in her priceless black fishtail gown and unique hairstyle, thinking to herself, "Fan Bingbing didn't come, but someone even more formidable has!"

"They're sitting in the first row, and we're sitting in the last row. Sigh."

After the cast and crew of "La La Land" were seated, Kara Hui said, "I think their show is called... 'Magic Card Action'."

At the opening ceremony, Li Chen, a Golden Lion-winning director and a long-time friend of the Venice Film Festival, also gave an opening speech.

Inside the cinema, under the spotlight.

Li Chen slowly walked onto the stage adorned with golden lion badges.

Liu Yifei sat in the audience, turned her head to the side, and looked at the man who had been with her for thirteen years with a smile.

Li Chen stood on the stage without a prepared speech.

The entire venue fell silent instantly as the camera panned across the front row, showing Alfonso Cuarón, Cate Blanchett, Liu Yifei, Chen Kexin, Berlin Film Festival Best Actress Kara Hui, and others.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Adriatic Sea tonight reminds me of BJ Hutong ten years ago, it feels like coming home."

“When I made my first film in 03, I rented a Steadicam. Today, however, we used the IMAX film from La La Land to bring the moonlight of Shanghai to Venice.”

"Some people have said that I won the Golden Lion for 'Lust, Caution' by chance."

Li Chen paused deliberately, and a burst of good-natured laughter rang out from the audience.

The fact that Pietà beat Lust, Caution back then did cause controversy, but so many years have passed and the controversy has long since disappeared, especially in China.

"But filmmaking is never a zero-sum game. Just like right now, my competitors are sitting in the audience."

The camera panned to the various film crews appearing at the opening ceremony, all of whom had smiles on their faces.

Li Chen smiled and looked at his lover sitting in the first row below the stage. Without a doubt, Miss Liu was the most beautiful mermaid on Lido Island tonight.

Whether it's actress Odessa Young's fiery red lips or Dakota Johnson's sexy backless halter dress look, it's all stunning.

Compared to Ms. Liu, none of them can withstand a close-up shot.

Even the Twilight actress present today cannot hide the fact that the prime of life for Western actresses is as short as a shooting star.

The wrinkles around her eyes and the fatigue on her face are hard to hide even with heavy makeup.

"Film technology is constantly evolving, and technology will eventually become obsolete, but filmmakers' yearning for art will never end. Thank you Venice for allowing us to always look up to you."

Standing to the side of the stage, Venice Film Festival President Barbara was dealing with Li Chen for the first time.

But I dare not underestimate this young Chinese Golden Lion director.

This impromptu opening ceremony speech alone impressed him.

He understood what Li Chen meant. He had elevated Venice to such an awe-inspiring height. Barbara felt as if she were sitting on a bonfire.

On the same day, Li Chen's opening speech made headlines in China Film Report, Hollywood Daily Report, and the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"Chinese captain takes over Venetian warship." The next day, Liu Yifei smiled as she ate breakfast and looked at the local newspaper that had been delivered to her.

Li Chen chuckled, "Italians are much easier to fool than the French."

Tomorrow is the world premiere of "La La Land".

The international media waiting at the airport were astonished to capture images of international superstars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, and renowned director Christopher Nolan.

For a time, Marco Polo Airport was extremely congested, while Venice was bustling with activity.

The reporters were all scrambling around.

"My God, it's Leonardo DiCaprio!" Sina's reporter was originally waiting for the movie "Mr. Six," but "Mr. Six" still didn't come. Instead, they were greeted by a barrage of bombs.

-

Leonardo DiCaprio: "Lee, put down the camera to act. I'm here to ask him when The Revenant will start filming."

"By the way, I would advise him to stick to being a director; not just anyone can be an actor."

Charlize Theron: "Lee and Crystal are both good friends of mine, so of course I had to come and support them."

Nolan: "There's nothing I can do. I lost a bet to Lee back then, and I still haven't honored the bet."

"I'm also very curious about the fact that he and Crystal, this loving couple, play a pair of lovers who can't be together. I've never seen him act before."

"However, Li's scripts are always worth looking forward to."

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"Hahaha!" Inside the hotel where the Venice Organizing Committee was staying, Barbara laughed heartily upon learning that so many big names had arrived that day.

Now, who dares to say the Venice Film Festival is outdated?

“Barbara, I heard from Li Chen that the Pete couple will also be here tomorrow. Tomorrow’s La La Land premiere red carpet will probably be comparable to the Oscars.” Markel was also very happy.

Aside from Li Chen, probably no one else would have the face to gather these Hollywood A-listers on a small island.

"The Chinese are truly amazing!" Barbara exclaimed.

-

Liu Yifei was just as surprised as Barbara.

After realizing what had happened, she immediately understood that it was her husband's doing.

"You invited them?"

Li Chen shrugged: "I didn't invite them. They asked me. I just told them the premiere date."

"I don't know if they'll come or not, just like you. Actually, whether they come or not doesn't matter much. Movies are about content, not connections."

Liu Yifei snorted and laughed, "No one would believe what you say. I'm just asking you, what if you lose?"

Li Chen chuckled and slammed the map of Venice onto the table with an air of dominance: "Then I'll buy this island and host the film festival myself. In short, anyone who doesn't give my wife face will be taught a lesson!"

Liu Yifei was delighted to hear this, but her face showed a reproachful expression.

"Let's go, so many friends have come to the island, we should treat them."

Actually, Li Chen didn't tell Miss Liu much; his relationship with Warner wasn't as harmonious as before.

Therefore, for this film, La La Land, Li Chen had Tim Smith leak the news in advance that the highest bidder would win the North American release price.

— The dazzling lights of Venice Airport were reported back to China at lightning speed.

Douyin, Weibo, and major media headlines all gave way to "La La Land".
Sina Entertainment News

"Hollywood stars descend upon Venice! Charlize Theron, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christopher Nolan gather on the Lido Island for the premiere of 'La La Land'."

"On September 3, 2015, Marco Polo Airport on the Lido Island in Venice witnessed a rare 'Hollywood star migration'!"

"Including Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, global superstar Leonardo DiCaprio, and legendary director Christopher Nolan, among other top international filmmakers."

"People are flocking to the city from all over the world just to attend the global premiere of Rongchen Pictures' new film 'La La Land' tomorrow (September 4th)."

"It is understood that, in addition to this, film distributors from all over the world have gathered in Water City. Harvey Weinstein has already booked the most expensive hotel suite on Lido Island in advance, preparing to snatch the North American distribution rights for 'La La Land'."

Netizens were all excited.

"This lineup is no less impressive than the Oscars, Leonardo DiCaprio's influence is immense! In Asia, perhaps only Leonardo DiCaprio has such a presence."

"With Nolan, Li Chen, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Charlize Theron, they could dominate the world!"

"Weinstein is here, looks like the Oscars are already in the bag."

Weinstein's arrival was indeed somewhat unexpected for Li Chen.

"Boss, this fat guy told me that he considers your and your wife's new film to be the top contender for the Oscars."

“As long as we cooperate with him, La La Land will definitely achieve the result we want.” Tim’s face also showed a look of joy.

Li Chen ignored Tim and simply stood up and paced a couple of steps.

"Boss, I think we can cooperate with him."

"Forget it, Hollywood isn't just about him."

"what?"

Tim was a little dumbfounded; his boss had actually refused such a great opportunity that seemed too good to be true.

Li Chen had originally planned that if he ran into this fat guy at the Oscars, he would expose the guy's sex scandal in advance, forcing him to temporarily retire.

Unexpectedly, this person took a liking to "La La Land," but considering the man's reputation, Li Chen didn't want to have anything to do with him.

To avoid him getting into trouble later and having the blame shifted to "La La Land," which would be a huge loss.

Tomorrow's premiere is destined to be recorded in film history.

Markel has already called Li Chen, and the Venice organizing committee has temporarily extended the red carpet by 50 meters to accommodate more celebrities.

Security has also been upgraded, with Italian police deploying anti-drone systems to prevent unauthorized filming.

The following day, the red carpet for "La La Land" was so crowded that there was barely room to step on either side; the enthusiasm of fans from all over the world was overwhelming.

The most popular one is undoubtedly Leonardo DiCaprio, who has already gained weight, followed by the impeccably beautiful Oriental princess Liu Yifei.

Inside the main screening room of the Venice Film Festival, Li Chen and his wife entertained Hollywood stars who had come from all over the world.

The Pete couple arrived at the last minute.

Jury president Alfonso Cuarón, Venice president Barbara, and the heads of Cannes and Berlin were also present at the premiere of "La La Land".

Chen Kexin stood with Wang Jiawei and Du Kefeng.

"Director Wang, ability determines everything. If it weren't for Director Li, none of these foreigners would have come to La La Land today."

Wang Jiawei nodded: "None of that matters. We still need to see how the film turns out, but I have a lot of confidence in La La Land."

After everyone was seated, the main cast and crew were invited up by the host, and Li Chen, on behalf of the production company, thanked the guests and media present today.

The main screening room was packed, and the area in front of the cinema was overflowing with people.

When the movie started, the theater fell silent briefly.

Two hours passed in the blink of an eye, filled with applause and exclamations of amazement.

The applause lasted for a full 12 minutes after the screening ended.

When the main cast returned to the stage, lead actress Liu Yifei said "Grazie" in Italian.

Jury president Alfonso Cuarón took off his glasses, seemingly wiping away tears.

Liu Yifei's face flushed slightly as she clapped along with the others. Despite the thunderous applause, Liu Yifei felt completely calm inside.

I feel that today's premiere has already transformed her, and whether she wins an award or not seems to have become less important.

Most importantly, she has her lover and closest family by her side.

Li Chen whispered in Liu Yifei's ear, "Don't worry, I've got everything covered!"

Liu Yifei also said, "When have I ever been worried about you? It's because you're the most annoying one!"

After the premiere, Charlize Theron went up to Liu Yifei and hugged her: "Your solo performance just now reminded me of a young Judy Garland, it was very similar. Congratulations, Crystal!"

"Thank you."

After Theron left, Jolie came up and gave Liu Yifei a cheek kiss to congratulate her.

“(British) You are stunning. Pete just told me that your beauty is unforgettable.”

"Thank you," Liu Yifei said to Julie with a smile.

Her gaze, however, drifted to her husband, who was chatting and laughing with jury chairman Alfonso and others not far away.

“(English) Stop looking, we’re actors, let the men handle the rest.” Julie laughed nonchalantly.

Liu Yifei nodded and said, "You're right. I trust him."

As soon as they left the cinema, media from various countries who had been waiting outside flocked to them.

Inside the hotel, Princess Six's reporters were already waiting for the La La Land crew.

After dealing with the interview with Princess Liu, there was also an exclusive interview with Li Chen and Liu Yifei by Sina.

"Director Li, Yifei, congratulations! We were absolutely blown away by what we saw on set. Yifei is breathtakingly beautiful. Director Li, what do you think of Yifei?"

Liu Yifei turned her head and smiled at her husband, who was dressed in a suit and tie, beside her.

The reporter's question was quite interesting. They didn't ask about her performance or specify anything, leaving it to her husband to interpret.

Liu Yifei was also eager to hear her husband's answer.

Li Chen thought for a moment, then looked at his lover with deep affection, seemingly forgetting that there were other people in front of him.

"Why need it be light green or deep red? It is naturally the first-class among flowers."

"In my eyes, she has always been the best, without exception."

For some reason, upon hearing these words, Liu Yifei felt a lump in her throat and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

Looking at the man she loved most, she was momentarily speechless.
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On the 5th, the Venice Film Festival's official publication released its rating: 3.8, ranking third in the festival's history.

When the news reached China, it was met with cheers.

(End of this chapter)