Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 573 Disliked by Everyone
The fact that "Lottery" and "Nanjing Nanjing" were released on the same day clearly indicates that they were going to compete against each other.

Yang Qing was a little timid at first, but Lu Chuan was, after all, a well-known director.

But Lu Yang told him that as a director at Star Entertainment, he couldn't back down.

It's okay to lose, but don't back down!
This is also an experience he learned from this Lunar New Year film season.

At the beginning, "Lottery" was indeed no match for "Nanjing Nanjing".

"Nanjing Nanjing" grossed 4200 million yuan in its first three days, while "Lottery" only grossed a paltry 1500 million yuan.

Lu Chuan is a well-known director, and "Nanjing Nanjing" is about the Nanjing Massacre, so it naturally attracts attention.

Yang Qing was just a nobody, Yang Xiaomi wasn't exactly a movie star, and the movie didn't have much publicity.

Originally, a low-budget film of 500 million yuan couldn't possibly be promoted on a large scale.

That 1500 million was only thanks to Han Geng's immense popularity.

But as word of mouth for "Lottery" gradually spread, its screenings also gradually increased.

Theaters are very pragmatic. Movies with big directors and big casts might get more screenings at the beginning, while movies with less star power might get fewer. But as long as the movie is good and has high attendance, theaters will increase the number of screenings.

Nobody wants to turn down money.

That's how "lottery" works.

Initially, it only had 12% of screenings, but thanks to its extremely high occupancy rate, it surged to 30%, only 3 percentage points less than "City of Life and Death".

Han Geng deserves great credit for this.

The high attendance rate depends entirely on his fans' support; Yang Qing is practically begging him to kneel down in gratitude.

Well, in a time when not everyone owns a smartphone, how do you judge whether someone is popular or not?

It's very simple. Just look at his posters and stickers in the convenience store to see if they're selling well.

In a sense, shop owners are the people who know the latest trends best, just like concert scalpers know best which stars are truly popular or not. If your tickets sell well, it means you're really popular; otherwise, it's all just a marketing illusion.

In the past two years, the Korean wave has been very popular, completely outshining Taiwanese idols.

Han Geng's group, Super Junior, has a huge fan base, and Han Geng, the leader and only Chinese member, is the most popular among them.

This is similar to the sales ranking of inflatable dolls on Taobao.

No matter how much you market yourself as a sexy persona, it's useless; the old perverts have their own opinions.

The fact that Lin Chih-lin and Fan Xiaopang's items consistently rank in the top three shows that their status in the hearts of veteran perverts is unshakeable.

Han Geng's fans have an incredibly strong sense of unity.

Each of his Weibo posts promoting the movie received thousands of comments, all unanimously saying "Support Oppa!"
They genuinely support the film in action, with many watching it two or three times. Not to mention, the film itself is indeed excellent, giving fans confidence to mobilize their friends and family to support it.

Look, I only idolize high-quality stars, and their first movie is already so good!
Finally, on the twentieth day of its release, "Lottery" overtook "Nanjing" and became the first film to break 100 million yuan in box office revenue.

On the twentieth day, "Lottery" had accumulated 1.01 million yuan in box office revenue, while "Nanjing Nanjing" had 9900 million yuan.

Lu, the public intellectual, was speechless. He couldn't believe he was outmatched by a new director.
But facts speak louder than words, and it really can't compare.
Director Lu Chuan immediately posted on Weibo: "Some films have absolutely no artistic merit. I think releasing such films in theaters is harmful to domestic audiences..."

Although Weibo has been online for less than half a year, people have already developed the habit of posting on Weibo when something happens, especially public figures.

In the past few months, Lu Chuan has enjoyed posting on Weibo and expressing his opinions on various issues, which is how he got the nickname "Public Intellectual Lu".

He has always been a key target of Star Entertainment's observation, and Yang Qing received a notification as soon as the Weibo post was published.

"What should we do?" Yang Qing was at a loss.

"Just fight back! What's there to think about?"

Lu Yang was furious at his son's lack of ambition. "If you're going to be a coward, you can forget about working at Star Entertainment!"
Yang Qing realized his mistake and immediately posted a Weibo message.

"I think the biggest problem with Chinese cinema is that some filmmakers take themselves too seriously, clinging to the identity of 'artists' and considering themselves the orthodox force in film, constantly advocating for the genre. @LuChuan, I'm talking to you, who do you think you are..."

Let's eat some melon seeds! Let's eat some melon seeds!
Netizens brought out their small stools and started watching, and some who weren't satisfied with that started moving things around.

They directly tagged Lu Chuan in Yang Qing's Weibo post, saying, "Don't play dead, we're talking to you!"
Lu Yang was utterly astonished. "No, are you the positive or negative pole?"

They were so timid with me just a moment ago, how come they suddenly posted such a inflammatory Weibo post?

Saying the harshest things in the most cowardly way?
Lu Chuan was furious and powerless. How could Zhang Chen's subordinates be just like him? Even a random newcomer dared to point his finger at him and curse him.

And why don't you follow the script?
We're all cultured people, and cultured people usually use veiled criticism. What's the point of you directly tagging me?

Lu Gongzhi composed himself and prepared to retaliate: "A scatological film managed to gross 100 million yuan at the box office thanks to theater chains. I think this practice by theater chains is extremely inappropriate; it's a desecration of cinematic art..."

Yang Qing gradually got the hang of it: "Oh, so this is implying that Golden Harvest Cinemas is giving 'Lottery' a high number of screenings? Then let me ask you, is it reasonable for Stellar Cinemas to give 'City of Life and Death' a high number of screenings? Isn't it because you're their investor that they're giving it a high number of screenings? Otherwise, with 'City of Life and Death's' shattered values, it would have flopped long ago..."

Furthermore, what was the initial screening share for "Lottery"? 12%. The current 25% share is the result of its gradual rise through word of mouth, unlike "City of Life and Death," which started with 25%. I think you should be ashamed of that. If you don't believe me, we can compare the attendance figures and see who is wasting public resources..."

Lu Chuan scoffed: "You didn't understand 'Nanjing Nanjing' at all. The theme of this movie is anti-war."

War is cruel; it corrupts humanity, turning good people into bad ones. Therefore, war must be criticized.

......"

These words stirred up a hornet's nest.

Before Yang Qing could say anything, netizens were already outraged.

We were just enjoying a simple meal, and you're feeding us shit?

Netizen A: "Is this the first time I've seen this kind of comment?"

Some netizens, eager to find evidence, posted documents to refute the claim; these documents were indeed the disclosed files.
"Verification complete. Lu Chuan's ancestral home is Japan, and his real name should be Lu Chuan Taro~"

Lu Chuan became anxious:

This time, I'm interpreting this battlefield from the perspective of all humanity. I hope that this part of Nanjing's history will be noticed by everyone in the world..."

When netizens saw this, they thought, "Damn it, he dares to talk back?"

One netizen angrily retorted: "Do you really not know why you're being criticized?"
Let me ask you this: if Spielberg made a movie from the perspective of German scum, do you think he would be criticized?
Why didn't he make a film from the perspective of all humanity?
why?
But you just don't know!

"You brain-dead idiot, you dare to talk about a 'perspective of all humanity'? You're a disgrace to all the rice and flour you've eaten..."

"It's only because we live in peacetime; in times of war, you'd be a traitor!"

Yang Qing was a little bewildered. "No, how come you all said all my lines?"

Lu Chuan panicked; he felt as if the whole world was against him.

I opened Weibo and saw a long list of comments, all of which were criticizing him; not a single person spoke up for him.

Then, netizens discovered that they could no longer leave comments under Lu Chuan's Weibo post.

This guy has disabled the comment function.

But what if you just have to vent? Then head over to the official Weibo account of "Nanjing Nanjing".

Before long, the official Weibo account of "Nanjing Nanjing" was flooded with insults. Opening Weibo, all you could see were curses.

Those who criticized the movie and Lu Chuan also dragged the actors into the mess.

The first to be affected is Da Meiyuan.

"To actually take on a movie like this shows he has ulterior motives."

"There's a reason your acting is bad: it matches your character."

"I'm a fan now, goodbye~"

Not long after, Da Meiyuan couldn't take the criticism anymore and closed the comment section.

Zhang Chen had no idea about this; he was focused on filming "Universe 2".

Then I received a call from Da Meiyuan: "I just made a movie, why are they scolding me like this?"

It is said that Da Meiyuan has been crying every day during this period.

Before accepting the role in the film, did you not know the content of the movie?

"I…"

Da Meiyuan was somewhat speechless: "I haven't even read the script carefully. I just think Lu Chuan is quite talented, and his film project should be pretty good..."

Yes, that fits the image of the beautiful woman. Everyone knows that the beautiful woman loves talented men the most.

Zhang Chen sighed. He actually quite liked Da Meiyuan. There was no other reason than that she was beautiful!
Having lived two lives, he still believes that the two most beautiful people in the entertainment industry are Fan Bingbing and Da Meiyuan.

To stand out in the entertainment industry where beauties abound and be voted the most beautiful goddess by Hupu for several consecutive years, one must have outstanding looks and a unique temperament.

In terms of temperament, Da Meiyuan is truly unique.

They debuted with a pure and beautiful image.
A kissing advertisement has become the dream lover of countless students.

If that were all, Da Meiyuan's achievements would certainly be nothing special.

But as she got older, Da Meiyuan actually successfully transformed her career.

Dae-mi-won's transformation took a completely different path from other female celebrities.

While others are developing towards a sexy and glamorous direction, including Fan Xiaopang, Da Meiyuan focuses on a beautiful and elegant style, taking the route of an urban lady.

After that, all the roles she played were of this type, and she dominated this type of role for a period of time.

Unfortunately, it ended up benefiting Mark Chao.

Zhang Chen could roughly guess what the other person was thinking: they didn't want to be just a pretty face anymore and wanted to prove their acting skills.

Many female celebrities go through this period of uncertainty, worrying about getting older.

You can play a pretty face when you're young, but what about when you get older?
Can she continue playing the role of a pretty face?

In the entertainment industry, the competition for the "pretty face" category is fierce.

Even the title of "most beautiful vase" is something that countless female celebrities would love to take.

Taking on the role in "Nanjing Nanjing" was most likely an attempt to prove himself.

Unfortunately, she doesn't have that ability.

Now that "Nanjing Nanjing" has collapsed, it has affected her, and she wants to ask Zhang Chen for help.

But what can Zhang Chen do?
There was nothing he could do.

"To extricate yourself from this matter, ultimately it depends on yourself."

"Myself?"

Da Meiyuan is confused and doesn't know what to do.

"Teach me!"

"The one who tied the knot must untie it. You were implicated by 'Nanjing Nanjing,' so you need to cut ties with him as soon as possible."

Post an apology on Weibo, stating that you were also a victim, and sever ties with "City of Life and Death," and perhaps netizens will let you off the hook...

"Oh? Won't this offend Director Lu Chuan?"

"Yes, but you can only choose between offending Lu Chuan and protecting yourself. It's up to you."

At this point, she was still hesitant and indecisive, so Zhang Chen ignored her.

She doesn't even have big breasts, so how come she's so brainless?

At a time like this, why are you still afraid of offending people?

They might already be prepared to use you as a scapegoat.

Da Meiyuan was very obedient; the next day she posted a Weibo post stating that she didn't know "Nanjing Nanjing" was like this beforehand, otherwise she would never have taken the role.
"I am also Chinese, and I feel ashamed of my blind involvement in such a film. I hope that Director Lu Chuan can also stand up and admit his mistakes..."

Zhang Chen also made a point of finding out the whole story.

I really admire Lu Chuan; she can say such mindless things.

Well, Professor Luo Xiang was right when he said that some people lose their humanity as they make movies.

But we should still help if we can.

After Da Meiyuan posted on Weibo, Zhang Chen liked and commented: "Director Lu Chuan probably thinks that art has no borders, but he forgot that artists have national borders."

There should be no other attitude when faced with such a major issue of right and wrong.

This is a fundamental principle for Chinese people!

Director Lu Chuan, stop harming people!

I'll say it again: just focus on making good movies and stop thinking about those high-brow things. You're not an artist, and you'll never become one!
Let's figure out how to make genre films first~
"

After commenting, Zhang Chen also specifically tagged Lu Chuan.

Click the send button. My dear, this is all I can do for you.

He turned his attention back to Lu Chuan, and then used the phrase "Stop hurting people" to subtly imply that Da Meiyuan was also a victim. If people still kept targeting her, then Zhang Chen had no way to stop them.

As for Lu Chuan, there has been no response.
However, he's a stubborn person.

They were stubborn during the filming of "Kekexili," refusing to apologize even when all the evidence was presented to them.

I'm willing to pay compensation and settle privately, but I absolutely refuse to apologize.

The same applies to "Nanjing Nanjing": let him be strong, the breeze still caresses the mountain.

You can criticize all you want, but this isn't the first time you've been criticized.
I'm not apologizing.

(End of this chapter)