Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 668 Yang Xiaomi is going to switch jobs?

A red silhouette flashed across the sky as Zhang Chen's 'Crimson Storm' private jet began to taxi on the runway and finally landed steadily in front of Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport.

"Okay, I understand~"

Zhang Chen hung up the phone, turned to look at Fan Xiaopang who was touching up his makeup beside him, and teased with a smile, "You'd better look your best when you go out, the domestic media have already blocked the exit."

Fan Xiaopang carefully applied lipstick in front of the small mirror, and raised an eyebrow upon hearing this: "Don't worry, I'm in great shape. Even if I've been working for more than ten hours, I can still hold my own on camera."

Sitting on the other side, Guo Fan pushed up his glasses, his tone tinged with fatigue but unable to hide his excitement: "Getting three nominations this time is a great achievement for domestic films. It's worth the effort."

As soon as the three stepped out of the VIP passage, a burst of flashes came from the camera, the clicking of shutters almost drowning out their voices.

Reporters from dozens of media outlets crowded to the front, microphones in hand, and bombarded them with questions.

"Director Zhang Chen, now that you've received an Oscar nomination for Best Director, what's the first thing you'd like to say?"

"Ms. Fan Binbin, what are your thoughts on missing out on the Best Actress award this time?"

"Director Guo Fan, how has the success of this film influenced your subsequent works?"

Zhang Chen pressed his hands together to signal everyone to be quiet. After the noise subsided a bit, he said, "First of all, thank you all for coming to pick me up so late. I am truly touched."

This nomination is the result of the collective efforts of the entire crew, not the achievement of any one of us.

As for my feelings, I feel more honored and responsible. I hope to create more works that will satisfy everyone in the future.

Fan Xiaopang picked up the conversation with a polite smile: "Being nominated is already an affirmation of my acting skills. Competing with other excellent actresses has also taught me a lot."

Although it's a bit of a regret, there will be other opportunities in the future, and I will continue to work hard.

Guo Fan appeared somewhat shy: "I'm very excited that my first film has been recognized by the Oscars. I hope that I can bring more and better films to everyone in the future."

Just as the three were answering the questions briefly, a group of people pushed through the crowd from the side, and Zhong Lifang was leading the way.

With the protection of the surrounding security personnel, Zhong Lifang walked without much difficulty.

Zhong Lifang walked straight up to Zhang Chen: "Boss, the celebration banquet is all set up, just waiting for you to arrive!"

After saying that, he turned to the group of media reporters and said, "Dear media friends, thank you for your attention. Director Zhang and his two companions are quite tired after getting off the plane. We will arrange a special interview time later. Let them rest for now."

Escorted by staff, the three finally escaped the media's siege and boarded a waiting van.

Zhong Lifang handed over three glasses of warm water: "Director Zhang, let's go to 'Yu Xian Lou'. The company has booked a hall there to welcome you."

Zhang Chen took a sip of water and asked, "Wasn't it supposed to be a simple internal celebration? Why did you book the entire Yu Xian Lou hall?"

Zhong Lifang smiled helplessly: "Don't even mention it. After the news of your Oscar nomination came back, my phone was ringing off the hook."

Various investors, partners, and friends in the industry called to say they wanted to come and congratulate us. We originally only planned a small gathering of about a dozen people, but somehow they all got the news and started calling to say they wanted to attend. Even Director Han Sanping personally called to say he wanted to come and support us. There was no way around it; the welcome banquet just kept getting bigger, so we simply turned it into a celebration party.

Guo Fan's eyes widened in surprise: "Chairman Han is coming too? That's quite a show of force."

Fan Xiaopang remained calm: "This time we've filled the gap in domestic films receiving Oscar nominations for Best Foreign Language Film, so Chairman Han must be very happy. This is a real achievement for him."

Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and the atmosphere inside the car lightened considerably.

Soon, the van arrived at Yuxianlou.

As soon as I entered the hall, I saw Han Sanping standing there chatting with a few people.

Upon seeing the three, he immediately greeted them with a smile: "Zhang Chen, Xiao Fan, Guo Fan, welcome home! You've really made Chinese cinema proud this time!"

Zhang Chen quickly stepped forward and grasped Han Sanping's hand: "Chairman Han, you're too kind. This is what we should do."

Han Sanping patted him on the shoulder: "Well done! This Oscar nomination not only fills a gap in the domestic film industry, but also shows the world the strength of Chinese cinema. Come on, let's go inside and chat. There are many old friends waiting for you there."

Upon entering the banquet hall, one finds it already occupied by many people, including Wang Changtian, Wang Jinghua, Chen Xi, Wang Changtian, Jing Tian, ​​Yang Xiaomi, and others.

Upon seeing the three enter, everyone stood up and applauded.

Yang Xiaomi was the first to run over and give Fan Xiaopang a hug: "Sister Bingbing, you're amazing! Even though you didn't win an award, being nominated for an Oscar is already fantastic!"

Fan Xiaopang said like a good sister, "You've been doing well lately too. 'Back to 20' has grossed over 200 million at the box office. You're not Yang Xiaomi anymore, you have to be called Da Mi Mi."

Yang Xiaomi smiled a little shyly: "It's all good luck, thanks to the support of my fans."

Wang Changtian walked over and said with a smile, "What good luck? I heard that your fans have started boosting the box office to support you."

Many film companies are now analyzing the reasons for the high box office of "Back to 20," and the conclusion they've reached is both laughable and pathetic: it's mainly because your fans are crazy enough.

Yang Xiaomi stuck out her tongue: "Actually, I was inspired by Han Geng. During the last 'Only You' roadshow, I witnessed the craziness of his fans, and I realized that managing fans is also very important."

And I'm probably the female celebrity who uses Weibo the most right now. I frequently interact with my fans, and we have a pretty close relationship."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Zhang Chen said, "Your idea is good. We're in the era of fan economy now, and it's really important to build a good relationship with fans. By the way, I have two resources here. I was wondering if you'd be interested."

Yang Xiaomi's eyes lit up: "Director Zhang, what kind of resources? Of course I'm interested!"

To put it bluntly, she came here today to ask for resources. Starry Sky Pictures has been developing better and better recently, and has more and more good projects in hand.

Zhang Chen said with a smile, "This year I plan to arrange a TV series and a movie for you. The TV series is 'My Love from the Star,' which is a science fiction romance drama. The female lead's character is very interesting."

The movie is *Love is Not Blind*, a romantic comedy set in a modern city, very relatable. Both of these projects, if done well, could be blockbusters. Are you interested?

"Yes, absolutely!"

Yang Xiaomi was so excited she almost jumped up. Zhang Chen said it was a hit, but how hit would it be?
Actually, the "My Love from the Star" project was originally intended for Fan Bingbing, but now Fan Bingbing's status is no longer suitable for acting in TV dramas, so giving it to Yang Mi is not bad.

As for "Love is Not Blind," it was originally intended for Yang Xiaomi.

Yang Xiaomi, a sharp-tongued girl from Beijing, is a perfect fit for the role of Huang Xiaoxian.

At this moment, Han Sanping called out to everyone, "Alright, alright, stop standing around and sit down to eat. Let's drink until we drop and celebrate China's Oscar journey to the Oscars!"

Everyone took their seats. The main table was occupied by familiar faces: Han Sanping, Wang Changtian, Wang Jinghua, and Zhang Chen. The other four tables were mostly occupied by business partners or cinema managers.

The waiter quickly brought out a series of exquisite dishes. Han Sanping raised his glass and said, "Come on, let's raise a glass together to congratulate Zhang Chen, Fan Binbin, and Guo Fan on their Oscar nominations! And may Chinese films have an even brighter future!"

"cheers!"

The crowd responded enthusiastically, and their glasses clinked together with a crisp sound.

The private room was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone ate their meal and discussed interesting stories from the film industry and its future development.

Han Sanping said, "Binbin, Guo Fan, you've been in Hollywood for several months. Can you tell us how you do public relations for the Oscars?"

"That's far too complicated!"

When the topic came up, the two immediately became interested, with Fan Xiaopang speaking and Guo Fan adding.

"Director Zhang contacted a professional public relations company for us. During this period, we did nothing but cooperate with them."

First, there were press releases from authoritative film media outlets such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Then, they spent a lot of money to buy advertising space in The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. The number of advertising slots on social media was countless.

PR firms also arrange television interviews, including appearances on well-known shows like "The Ellen Show" and "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon"...

There were over 200 interviews alone, plus interaction with the audience.

Han Sanping sighed: "I thought it would just be a matter of attending a few events, but I didn't expect it to be so complicated."

"That's not all, we also need to build relationships with the judges!"

Fan Xiaopang continued, "The PR company arranged for us to meet with some influential judges, have meals together, and attend parties. Although it may not directly affect the votes, this process is necessary, at least to let the judges know about our film."

"Those judges must have had some difficult relationships, right?" "Public relations judges are actually just public relations for white men."

The Los Angeles Times previously reported that of the 5765 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 94% are white, 77% are male, 2% are Black and 2% are Hispanic, and the proportion of Asians is even smaller.

The PR firm will develop a specific PR strategy, which is actually targeted at white men.

"But you're doing public relations, and so are your competitors. Won't they cancel each other out in the end?"

"So sometimes you have to... smear your opponents~"
However, we, the parties involved, don't need to get involved in any of this; the PR firm will handle it privately. Of course, this all costs money.

Everyone was shocked; there were so many intricacies involved: "This whole setup must have cost a fortune, right?"

"Isn't that right~"

Zhong Lifang is the most qualified to speak on this matter, as she was the one who allocated the public relations expenses.

"The total public relations expenses for this project amounted to approximately $500 million."

After saying that, she looked at Fan Xiaopang, "However, it's not the company that pays for everything. For example, the Best Actress award is a huge boost for the actor, so Binbin's studio also covered part of the cost. It's just a pity that they didn't win it in the end..."

Speaking of this, Fan Xiaopang generously said, "It's okay, it's good enough to have this opportunity. Even though I didn't win the award, it was still worth it."

I think not winning the award might be related to the level of public relations efforts, but the bigger reason is prejudice.

Look, at least Ang Lee, a Chinese-American, has won Best Director. As for Best Actress, apart from Halle Berry in 2002, they've all been white women. The chances of winning it for me, an Asian, are really slim.

She paused, then smiled and said, "But it's okay, there will be other opportunities in the future. Maybe if I work hard for a few more years, I can get it."

Fan Xiaopang seemed very confident, but Zhang Chen knew it wasn't that simple.

In the original timeline, the Oscar for Best Actress would not have gone to Chinese-American actress Michelle Yeoh until 2023, making her the first Chinese-American actress to win the Oscar for Best Actress.

At this moment, Wang Changtian looked at Guo Fan and said, "Guo Fan, everyone has witnessed your directing skills this time. Do you have any new plans for the future?"

Guo Fan put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "The start date of filming for 'Edge of Tomorrow' was delayed because of preparations for the Oscars. Now that the Oscars are over, filming can start immediately."

This movie is also a science fiction film, and it's my second collaboration with Sister Binbin. I hope it can surpass *Gravity*.

Han Sanping nodded: "Science fiction is a major trend in the future development of films. If you do your best, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television will give you strong support."

Wang Jinghua then looked at Fan Xiaopang: "Binbin, after this Oscars, there must be a lot of international blockbusters asking you to collaborate, right? Is there any project you'd like to work on?"

Fan Xiaopang laughed and said, "I did receive a few offers, but my schedule doesn't fit. I'll definitely prioritize this project. I'll only consider Hollywood after filming here is finished."

When Fan Xiaopang spoke, he looked at Zhang Chen, which could be seen as a way of indirectly showing his loyalty.

Wang Changtian said with a smile, "It seems that Starry Sky Pictures is about to make a big splash. Enlight Media would also like to cooperate with you. I wonder if there is an opportunity?"

Zhang Chen said, "Of course there's a chance. Didn't we already collaborate on 'Mysterious Island'?"

As the dinner party drew to a close, the polite conversation over drinks gradually faded away, and people from the other tables came up to the main table to offer toasts.

In name, the three people at the welcoming banquet are the main characters today, but the real protagonist has always been Zhang Chen alone.

Wang Jinghua led a young man to toast Zhang Chen.

"His name is Chen Xiao. He's a new signing of mine. He graduated from the Central Academy of Drama and has a very solid foundation. If Director Zhang finds any suitable roles in the future, you might want to give him a chance."

A young man named Chen Xiao respectfully offered a toast, introducing himself as follows: "Director Zhang, hello, I'm Chen Xiao, a newcomer from Shijiu Culture~"

Zhang Chen clinked glasses with him, but the man looked so familiar that it took him a while to realize that he was the one who jumped out of the car.
Goodness, that was a hot news story back then. It was because of this incident of jumping out of the car that everyone found out that the person was actually a 'two-pronged' person.

Chen Xiaojing left after finishing his drink. Wang Jinghua had brought him here today just to get acquainted with him.

After everyone had eaten their fill and were chatting amongst themselves, Cao Guowei pulled Zhang Chen aside.

"I've heard confirmed information that Sohu will officially launch its own Weibo product on April 11th. It's said that Zhang Chaoyang has gotten several celebrities to endorse it..."

Although he knew that sooner or later, Weibo would definitely have competitors, Cao Guowei was still a little nervous when they actually appeared.

The internet industry is constantly changing, and sometimes if you're not careful, someone can steal your business. Cao Guowei couldn't help but take it seriously.

Sina Weibo has only been online for a year and has finally gained a foothold in the market. Now, with strong competitors approaching, it cannot afford to relax in the slightest.

Speaking of Sohu Weibo, Zhang Chaoyang has indeed gone all out this time.

As a veteran in the internet industry, he was well aware of the power of celebrity influence. Relying on his connections accumulated over many years in the entertainment industry, he managed to attract half of the top-tier celebrities to join the platform.

Jet Li, Liu Ye, Sun Honglei, Ady An, and Zhou Libo together cover almost all age groups of fans.

Even more impressively, he also got Cui Yongyuan involved, who then brought Jing Yidan, a famous CCTV host, into Sohu Weibo's camp, instantly boosting the platform's credibility.

The most eye-catching element is the spokesperson – Liu Yifei. Her ethereal face, when placed on the poster, is undoubtedly a walking advertisement.

Zhang Chen was speechless. It seemed that Liu Tianxian had chosen the wrong side again this time.

In the original timeline, Zhang Chaoyang even recruited Zhao Benshan to endorse Sohu Weibo. However, in this timeline, Zhao Benshan had already been transferred to Sina Weibo by Zhang Chen.

"Mr. Zhang, Sohu is making some big moves; we need to think of a countermeasure."

Cao Guowei's implication was clear: he wanted Zhang Chen to create another big news story.

After all, in the past year, every move Zhang Chen made caused Sina Weibo's user base to surge—from exclusive celebrity interviews to real-time follow-up on trending events, and to offline event collaborations, every step he took was perfectly timed to generate traffic.

Cao Guowei felt increasingly fortunate that Zhang Chen had chosen Sina as his partner. If it had been another company, they would be competitors now, and he would probably be suffering from insomnia every night.

Zhang Chen patted him on the shoulder and said calmly, "Don't rush, let's wait and see. Star Entertainment is going public in the second half of the year, so it's not suitable to make any big moves. We'll have plenty of ways after the IPO."

He was well aware that not only Sohu, but also NetEase and Tencent's Weibo would be launched in the second half of the year. However, these platforms either lacked core competitiveness or were slow in internal decision-making, so they did not pose a real threat.

Sohu Weibo is probably the most competitive among them, but it can only last for three to five years at most before it will eventually be eliminated by the market.

Hearing Zhang Chen say this, Cao Guowei nodded. Seeing Wang Jinghua walking towards them, he didn't say anything more.

Cao Guowei left, and Wang Jinghua happened to come to Zhang Chen's side.

"Sister Hua, is there anything else?"

Zhang Chen originally thought that Wang Jinghua had brought Chen Xiao to his place today to get acquainted with him, but judging from the current situation, it seems that's not the case.

Sure enough, Wang Jinghua changed the subject and brought up Yang Xiaomi: "President Zhang, Yang Xiaomi has been a bit dishonest lately. After 'Back to 20' grossed 2 million yuan, she may have other ideas. People in her team revealed that she has been secretly contacting investors recently, possibly wanting to start her own business."

Wang Jinghua spoke with a murderous intent in her tone.

Yang Xiaomi was made famous by Zhang Chen. From a minor supporting role to a top female star, Zhang Chen's resource support was indispensable. Zhang Chen also has shares in Shijiu Culture. Therefore, even if Wang Jinghua wants to suppress Yang Xiaomi, she has to find out Zhang Chen's attitude first.

"This is normal."

Zhang Chen didn't seem to care. He picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Celebrities these days are different from before. They come with their own fans and traffic. With Fan Bingbing as an example, it's only a matter of time before they start having ideas..."

"So we're just going to let them do this?"

"What else? They have star power and box office success. It's not like they can't just run their own talent agency business, or even invest themselves as capital."

Zhang Chen took a very open-minded view of these things; this kind of cooperation model was common in later generations.

Wang Jinghua frowned, still somewhat reluctant: "But after all, she was trained by the company..."

Zhang Chen interrupted her: "Don't be reluctant. You can think about it differently. What they want is freedom, so we can choose to cooperate, invest in her studio or a joint venture office. That's how I invested in Shijiu Culture back then."
In the end, we all make money together; it's a win-win situation!

Wang Jinghua's eyes lit up, and she instantly understood. She nodded repeatedly, "President Zhang has a long-term vision. I'll talk to her when I get back!"

(End of this chapter)