Entering the Chinese entertainment industry is like entering a deep sea

Chapter 798 The sequel is coming to me.

The top bid at the 2015 Bazaar Charity Night unsurprisingly went to Li Chen for 2100 million yuan.

Everyone present could see that Liu Yifei's Blue Diamond account was just like the lyrics of that song: Love is not something you can buy just because you want to.

"Only Brother Chen can buy her things!" Fan Bingbing clapped and sighed along with the others.

Her outfit was a disaster today, and looking at the unedited photos circulating online, Fan Bingbing simply can't bear to look at them.

The unedited photos make her look both bloated and old-fashioned, and the two prominent breasts on her chest add a touch of vulgarity.

Not to mention comparing her to Liu Yifei's starry blue haute couture strapless dress, even compared to younger actresses like Dilraba Dilmurat and Zhang Hanyun, she is utterly defeated.

People in the industry compare her and Liu Yifei to representatives of two different styles of beauty in the entertainment circle.

Last time in Milan, she lost miserably.

This time, it's inevitable that the media will use it to interrogate us from every angle.

After the second round, there was a third round of auctions. By the end of the banquet, no item had exceeded 2000 million.

"Mr. Li, Yifei, thank you both so much for today." The charity gala came to a successful conclusion, and Su Mang, the host, quickly bid farewell to all the bigwigs who had attended.

"Don't mention it, Sister Su. We're just glad you don't mind us causing you any trouble," Liu Yifei said politely with a smile.

"What are you saying, Yifei? It's my honor that you and President Li could come. I'm more than happy to see you here. How could there be any trouble? It's just that President Li has to spend money again."

Li Chen waved his hand and laughed, "It's not a matter of spending money. We do our best in charity."

“Mr. Li is right.” Su Mang’s attitude towards Liu Yifei and Li Chen were completely different.

Last year, Li Chen left such a deep impression on her that Su Mang always felt a little restrained when Li Chen was around.

In just one month, Douyin has now exceeded 5000 million registered users, and its development is incredibly rapid.

Rumors are circulating online that Douyin is planning to acquire an overseas music video software for tens of millions of US dollars.

Therefore, Su Mang agrees with Li Chen's saying, "Use as much strength as you can."

For ordinary people, 2000 million might be an unattainable sum in several lifetimes, but for the two people in front of them, it might only take a day or two.

"Sister Su, you go ahead and do your work, you don't need to see us off."

"Alright, Mr. Li, Yifei, I won't see you off any further. I hope you two can grace us with your presence again next year."

Li Chen didn't speak, but Liu Yifei smiled and said, "No problem, as long as I'm in Beijing, I'll definitely come."

Su Mang happily took Liu Yifei's hand and laughed, "Oh my, they say your appearance reflects your heart, no wonder you're so beautiful."

Liu Yifei giggled at the flattery.

Not far away, the Xiang family and Huang Xiaoming, the two children, stood together.

"Honey, we showed our support for them, but they don't seem to appreciate it."

Just now, Douyin's blue diamond account was auctioned off, and this fat lady was also among those who raised their paddles.

"Godmother, don't worry about these little things. President Li and Yifei are practically a perfect couple now. Just now, President Lei from Xiaomi and President Gong from iQiyi also raised their bids." Huang Xiaoming didn't want any more disputes between the two sides.

In mainland China, his godparents would have almost no chance against his aunt and uncle.

Ten years east of the river, ten years west of the river; things are no longer what they were at the beginning of the millennium, the last glorious era of the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

With the end of "Infernal Affairs" and the rise of the Rong Chen Group, the center of Asian film and television has long since shifted from Hong Kong, the former Hollywood of the East, to mainland China.

Huang Xiaoming is a shrewd person in the industry and knows some inside information.

The capital game in Shanghai was widely circulated among the upper echelons of the industry, and in the end, none of the three parties—Shanghai Film Group, Chen Kaige and his wife, and Chenglong—gave any advantage whatsoever.

Huang Xiaoming dared to call Wang Zhongjun by his full name, but he didn't dare to call Li Chen by his given name. This is what is meant by keeping things a secret.

-

The following day, Li Chen and Liu Yifei topped both the business and charity headlines.

Over the years, the two have always been generous and open in their charitable endeavors, befitting their status and position.

-

With National Day approaching, the week-long public screening of "La La Land" was held at Wanda Cinema CBD Store, with one showing per day for seven consecutive days.

Li Chen didn't make a big fuss about it, after all, "La La Land" was too eye-catching. This small-scale preview was just to meet the requirements of the Oscars.

Li Chen's decision was supported by a group of bigwigs, including Han Sanping.

Although the crackdown on piracy in China is now more than ten times stronger than it was in the past, piracy is still unavoidable.

Therefore, the number of preview screenings is usually one per day, and theft prevention measures must be taken.

Beijing News reported

"La La Land is proceeding with its plans quietly!"

"The 'Special Screening for the Olympic Bid' will only have 7 screenings, with a limit of 20 people per screening; tickets are priced at 180 yuan and will sell out in 10 seconds."

"La La Land, the film by Chen Kexin representing mainland China in its bid for the Olympics, held its first commercial screening yesterday at Wanda Cinema CBD in Beijing. Tickets were priced as high as 180 yuan, and the number of audience members was limited to 20 per screening."

"Although the media was unaware of this screening, according to cinema staff, tickets for the seven-day, seven-screening 'Olympic bid special screening' went on pre-sale at midnight on the 24th and sold out in just 10 seconds."

According to media reports that the film "La La Land" had no promotional signs inside the cinema, and the only information, such as the screening time, was displayed on scrolling text at the ticket counter.

"All the first audience members interviewed said it was a complete surprise, as they did not know beforehand that La La Land would have a preview screening, and only found out by chance when they came to the cinema to buy tickets to watch other movies."

"The audience described their reaction after the screening as 'beyond imagination'."

"Both the content of the film and the beauty of the female lead, Liu Yifei, have reached an unprecedented level."

The first day of the preview screening, it went viral online.

"I went to see Mission: Impossible 5, but I unexpectedly stumbled upon a preview screening of La La Land, so I promptly got a refund for Mission: Impossible!"

"Just like the guy upstairs, it was like a bank run. They said there were 20 tickets, but there were only 18. I was the 18th one! The last two were reserved for the supervisors!"

"Where can I apply to be a supervisor? I'm willing to work for free! No, I'd even pay to work for me!"

"Help! I just finished watching 'La La Land,' and every frame of Liu Yifei's red dress dance felt like it was killing me!"

"Speechless with beauty! The combination of Wong Kar-wai and Christopher Doyle has truly shown me what it means for a fairy to descend to earth!"

Fans of Lisbon were completely excited when they learned that "La La Land" was being screened in advance.

Unfortunately, the tickets for the seven-day period were sold out in just ten seconds.

Each person can only buy one ticket with their ID card.

Liu Yifei couldn't bear to watch, and someone even offered 5 yuan for a ticket just to be the first to see it.

"Isn't one a bit too few?" Liu Yifei said, unable to bear it.

"Of course there are fewer, but there's nothing we can do. Pirates are everywhere, so we have to be on guard." Li Chen didn't have his wife's unnecessary reluctance.

Compared to La La Land, the premiere of Wolf Warrior was much more extravagant.

Li Chen chose the Great Hall of the People as the location.

What a commercially viable patriotic film like "Wolf Warrior," made in China, needs is strong marketing and distribution.

Andy Lau's "Saving Mr. Wu" is a crime thriller, and both films can be considered part of the mainstream genre.

Wu Jing was dressed impeccably in a suit today, his back ramrod straight.

He knew that many people were paying attention to "Wolf Warrior," and even more were watching to see him fail, especially those in the Hong Kong entertainment circle. To say he wasn't under pressure would be a lie. Back then, he returned from the Hong Kong entertainment circle looking disheveled, having lost everything on "Wolf Warrior."

It seemed that his luck only turned around after he met his wife.

Xie Nan carefully tied Wu Jing's bow tie.

"Isn't he handsome?" Wu Jing said in a sullen but flirtatious tone.

Xie Nan chuckled: "So handsome it's unbelievable!"

Wu Jing suddenly hugged Xie Nan tightly: "Thank you!"

Xie Nan immediately understood her husband's state of mind: "You're talking about this with me! We should thank Director Li and Yifei!"

Wu Jing laughed heartily: "I hope Director Li won't lose money. As long as he doesn't lose money, I'll be satisfied."

This time, "Wolf Warrior" is not like "Wolf Warrior" with an investment of four million Hong Kong dollars, but nearly one hundred million RMB!

If it's like "Wolf Warrior," Wu Jing will probably be stuck living off his wife for the rest of his life.

"Don't worry, Yifei said that even if you lose money, Director Li will support you to continue making the sequel!"

"Really? Why didn't you tell me this before?!"

"I only heard it from Yifei by chance that day, Basha. Stop arguing and let's hurry up and go out. It would be too impolite if we didn't arrive before Director Li and my boss."

-

Today's premiere of "Wolf Warrior" felt like Xie Nan and Wu Jing's wedding.

Wu Jing's family, the production company Rongchen Pictures, and some of his friends in the military were very supportive.

Newly minted billion-dollar director Da Peng and Liu Yan were the first to appear on the red carpet.

"Do you think Jing Ge's film can make 300 million? If it can't even make 300 million, it won't just damage Jing Ge's brand." Da Peng frequently greeted the media and fans on both sides of the red carpet.

"Stop worrying about other people's business. Given Nan Nan and Qian Qian's relationship, even if 'Wolf Warrior' loses money, it won't have much of an impact. Director Li isn't the kind of person who holds grudges!" Liu Yan wasn't dressed too provocatively today.

Today is an important day for my best friend's family, and she doesn't want to steal the spotlight.

Da Peng laughed heartily: "Yes, yes, back then you angered Director Chen, and only Director Li dared to speak up for you! I know you've always been grateful, but unfortunately, he's not from our world."

Liu Yan rolled her eyes at Da Peng: "Are you still upset about Director Li and Yi Fei not coming to your 'Loser's Man' show?"

"If that's the case, I advise you to tone it down later. Like you said, those two are from a different world than us. You'd better hide your feelings and not let Director Li see through them. Otherwise, don't you naively think that he cares whether you can let go or not?"

"Hey, what are you talking about? I'm more than grateful that Director Li didn't release a Rong Chen film during the release window of 'Jianbing Man'! How could you even think of that!"

"You know whether you have it or not!" Liu Yan knew what kind of person Da Peng was—insecure yet arrogant.

Now that he has entered the billion-dollar club, Liu Yan is afraid that he will become arrogant. Several of the people present today are sharp-eyed capital tycoons.

There are countless ways to deal with a newly emerged billion-dollar director like you.

Xie Nan's popularity in the industry is well-known. In addition to his friends such as He Jiong, Da Zuo, and Liu Shishi, many of his friends from the media also attended.

When Li Chen and Liu Yifei arrived, they ran into Wang Changtian.

"Li Chen, Yi Fei." Wang Changtian stopped in his tracks.

As Li Chen and his wife approached, Wang Changtian smiled and said, "Wolf Warrior has garnered a lot of attention; even I'm a little nervous."

Liu Yifei, arm in arm with Li Chen, waved to the fans on both sides and said to Wang Changtian with a smile, "Chairman Wang, what are you nervous about?"

"Of course he was nervous. Xie Nan brought Wu Jingxian to him, but he refused."

Liu Yifei suddenly realized and said with a smile, "Oh, I see, Chairman Wang, you're afraid that 'Wolf Warrior' will be a big hit?"

Wang Changtian laughed loudly, "You're wrong, Yifei! I'm Xie Nan's boss. Of course I hope 'Wolf Warrior' will be a big hit. For me, if 'Wolf Warrior' is a big hit, it just means I made a mistake and earned a little less money."

"But if it flops, your Li Chen's reputation will be completely ruined. Everyone in the Hong Kong entertainment circle is watching. I wasn't the only one who didn't vote for Wu Jing back then; everyone was waiting to see your Li Chen make a fool of himself."

Li Chen smiled and said, "So you were worried about me?"

Wang Changtian replied without batting an eye, "Of course, what, do you doubt me?"

"I'm not doubting you, I just want to tell you a fact."

"What fact?"

"Over the years, many friends who worried about me have looked back and realized that their worries were unnecessary. Instead of worrying about me, they should worry about those who want to see me smile. Don't you think so, Sisi?"

Liu Yifei wrinkled her nose and said reproachfully, "Look at you, so capable."

Wang Changtian laughed heartily, and it seemed that Li Chen was not wrong.

But this time, the military theme is different from the past.

The box office ceiling for this genre is fixed; to date, there hasn't been a single film that grossed over 5000 million.

Wu Jing and Xie Nan were entertaining the guests and media present at the Great Hall of the People when Xie Nan spotted her boss and Li Chen and his wife.

"The boss, Director Li, and Xixi are here." As soon as Xie Nan spoke, everyone turned around.

Wu Jing quickly apologized to the guests and the couple hurried over to greet them.

"Boss, Director Li, Qianqian, did you make an appointment?" Xie Nan stepped forward and affectionately linked arms with Liu Yifei, who was dressed in a smart suit.

"No, Li Chen and I just happened to run into Chairman Wang."

"Chairman Wang, Director Li, please come in." Wu Jing stepped aside and smiled.

Wang Changtian patted Wu Jing on the shoulder and said, "What Li Chen said just now gave me a bad feeling."

"How does it feel?" Xie Nan asked with a smile as he walked alongside Liu Yifei. Several guests in the room waved and greeted Liu Yifei from afar.

Wang Changtian said, "I may have misjudged you. Your husband is likely to make a name for himself this time. Li Chen is a bit of a genius! He has a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Perhaps Wu Jing will set a box office record for military films this time."

Wu Jing laughed heartily: "Then we'll take Director Li and Chairman Wang's auspicious words as a sign."

Wu Jing was actually quite guilty, especially about the location of today's premiere.

He never imagined that one day his film would premiere at the Great Hall of the People.

Industry giants like China Film Group, Enlight Media, Rongchen, and Wanda all came to support him.

Li Chen noticed Wu Jing's lack of confidence and patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't feel pressured. Investing is like choosing a wife. If you find someone you like, you have to act decisively. Otherwise, how will we get the good opportunities?"

Xie Nan frowned as he looked at Liu Yifei, but his eyes were full of smiles.

Director Li's words included both her and Yifei.

Wu Jing laughed heartily: "Director Li is right!"

At the premiere, Wu Jing didn't do anything fancy; she simply shared some fun anecdotes from the filming with the main cast and crew.

Everyone came here for the movie, but nobody wanted to listen to his rambling.

"Without further ado, let's get to the main course!" With Wu Jing's words, "Wolf Warrior" officially hit the big screen.

Wang Changtian only watched 10 minutes before he knew that this play was unlikely to lose money.

The battle scenes are intense and exciting, especially in terms of character visual design, which is very similar to Hollywood blockbusters.

This is the Chinese version of a superhero! No wonder Li Chen is so confident!
Wang Changtian leaned to the side and whispered in Xie Nan's ear, "Come find me for the sequel!"

(End of this chapter)