Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 683 Zhang Liang's Plan and the Ladder Over the Wall

Zhang Chen convened a video conference, which was attended by Chen Xi of Jiahe and a group of senior executives from Xingchen Entertainment.

Zhong Lifang broke the silence first: "Huayi Brothers releasing rumors at this time that the founder is 'keeping a female star as a mistress' is definitely aimed at our listing."

Her voice was low, but with an undeniable certainty: "They just want to ruin our IPO and disgrace you."

On the other end of the screen, Chen Xiaowei frowned deeply: "That's too insidious. They had to choose to stir up trouble during the quiet period. Now we have to be careful even when making clarifications, for fear of crossing the line or violating the rules."

Dong Jianqiang leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin with his fingers, and said in a deep voice, "The key is that this news is spreading too fast. Some financial media outlets are already privately verifying it. If we drag this out any longer, it'll be like mud falling into your crotch—even if it's not shit, it'll still look like shit."

At this moment, Chen Xi suddenly asked, "President Zhong, how much impact will this have on the listing?"

When it comes to going public, Zhong Lifang is the most knowledgeable about this topic.

Zhong Lifang took a deep breath and opened the file sharing tool she had prepared in advance: "This is a government document, the 'Interim Measures for the Administration of Initial Public Offerings and Listings on the Growth Enterprise Market,' which clearly stipulates that the issuer and its controlling shareholders and actual controllers must not have engaged in any major illegal acts that harm the legitimate rights and interests of investors and the public interest within the past three consecutive years."

She emphasized the words "serious illegal acts" because "if the scandal of 'keeping a mistress' is confirmed, the regulators will most likely determine that it has harmed the public interest, and we will not meet the listing requirements at all, and all our efforts in the past six months will be in vain."

The meeting room fell into a deathly silence.

Chen Xiaowei's pen left a long mark on the paper, and Dong Jianqiang's face darkened completely.

Zhang Chen suddenly felt uneasy. He knew what this meant—not only would the company's dream of going public be shattered, but the shareholders' investments might also be lost, and even his own reputation in the industry, built up over many years, would be destroyed.

"My relationship with Fan Xiaopang isn't what they say about being kept or maintained."

"But you and she definitely have a relationship that goes beyond friendship~"

Zhang Chen was speechless for a moment.

Zhong Lifang suddenly raised her head, her eyes sharp as knives. "There is only one most important goal right now: to keep the company listed. Since the bad thing has already happened, we have to find a way to turn it into a good thing."

"But how can we break this deadlock?" Chen Xiaowei asked.

Zhong Lifang thought for a moment, then turned her gaze to Zhang Chen: "The only way to break this deadlock is with you and Fan Xiaopang."

"Me and her?"

Zhang Chen was stunned: "You said it, we will definitely cooperate."

"To solidify the relationship."

"what?"

Chung Lai-fong explained, "It's like announcing to the public—you two are dating."

Zhang Chen couldn't believe it: "Me? With Fan Xiaopang?"

Zhong Lifang interrupted him, speaking very quickly: "Don't misunderstand, it's not about making you two actually get together, it's just a temporary measure. Once the company successfully goes public, you can just issue a statement saying you've broken up and everything will be fine."

Looking at the astonished crowd, she explained, "'Being kept' is a scandal, but 'normal dating' is not."

Once you go public with your relationship, the previous rumors will be dismissed as baseless gossip, which aligns with public acceptance of celebrity relationships and closes the loophole for regulators to deem it "harmful to the public interest."

Chen Xiaowei's eyes lit up, and she instantly understood the key point: "That's right! Dating is a personal matter, it's not illegal or against regulations, and it can also divert public attention. Huayi wants to stir up trouble with a scandal, so we'll use 'sweet romance' to turn public opinion around."

Chen Xi: "What's wrong with a man giving his girlfriend more opportunities to perform? Nobody can find fault with that."

Dong Jianqiang nodded in agreement: "This move is risky, but it is indeed the most feasible method at present. As long as we get through the quiet period and the listing is successful, we can gradually guide public opinion later."

Zhang Chen was still hesitant; he always felt something was off about his relationship with Fan Xiaopang.

Zhong Lifang noticed his concerns and softened her tone: "I know this is unfair to you, but for the company's listing, I have no choice but to ask you and Fan Xiaopang to cooperate for a while. Fortunately, it's only for a few months..."

Looking at the expectant eyes of his two partners on the screen, and thinking about the efforts the company had made to prepare for the IPO, Zhang Chen gritted his teeth and finally nodded: "Okay, I'm willing to cooperate."

Chen Xiaowei: "But will Fan Xiaopang agree to cooperate? Female celebrities lose a lot of fans when they announce their relationship."

She works in media, so she's particularly sensitive to this kind of thing.

Dong Jianqiang spoke up at the right moment: "This is just an act. We're doing this to protect ourselves. I know Fan Xiaopang. She's a smart woman. She knows what's in her best interest and will definitely cooperate."

"Should I contact Fan Xiaopang?"

Zhong Lifang asked domineeringly, as if she could handle her, while also feeling that it might not be good for Zhang Chen to say this himself.

Zhang Chen shook his head and took a deep breath: "No need, President Zhong. I'll talk to her myself. After all, this matter is closely related to her, and it's safer for me to do it personally."

Zhang Chen was confident that Fan Xiaopang would agree, but if someone else said it, it might provoke Xiaopang's rebellious mentality.

Zhong Lifang nodded, then changed the subject, her eyes becoming serious: "There's one more thing. Make a list of all the female celebrities you've had relationships with and send it to me."

Zhang Chen was taken aback, then asked awkwardly, "Why list this? It's unnecessary..."

"Absolutely necessary."

Zhong Lifang's tone left no room for argument, "Do you think Huayi Brothers will just release this one piece of information and that's it? Since they dared to make a move, they must have other plans."

Think of Harvey Weinstein; once one person stands up, a whole bunch of people will follow suit.

"But I didn't harass them in any way."

As soon as Zhang Chen finished speaking, he wished he could take it back immediately, because he remembered Zhu Jun.

The court ruled in favor of Zhu Jun, but it was useless; his career was ruined, while the woman went to the United States and her life was unaffected.

Zhong Lifang said coldly, "Never overestimate human nature. Among these women, there's no guarantee that some might be bought off by competitors. And remember, our competitors aren't just Huayi Brothers; behind Huayi Brothers, there might also be Universal and Fox."

“Universal and Fox?” Zhang Chen’s pupils contracted.

Zhong Lifang continued, "I received news some time ago that Universal was in contact with Huayi Brothers. This time, Huayi's attack might very well be at Universal's behest."

If Universal and Fox extend an olive branch, promising to help one of their people open the door to Hollywood, do you think they'll sell you out? It won't just be a "sugar baby" arrangement; they might fabricate even more outrageous scandals about you.

Zhang Chen's heart sank; he had to admit that Zhong Lifang was right.

There are plenty of people in the industry who will stop at nothing to get resources. If they were really faced with the temptation of Hollywood, who could guarantee that they wouldn't be tempted?

“I…I’ll list them now.” He picked up his phone and started typing names one by one into the notes app.

A few minutes later, the list was sent.

The group of people over there immediately looked down at the list, muttering to themselves.

Zhang Chen felt like he was being publicly executed.

Chen Xi even started counting from one to five~
"Hey, that's enough, I have my pride too~"

These people were acting all business a moment ago, but now they're acting so gossipy.

Zhong Lifang quickly glanced at the list and frowned: "Gulina isn't on it?"

Zhang Chen was stunned: "Why does it have to be Gulina?" "You two are together day and night, how can you resist the urge to do it?"

Zhang Chen felt insulted. "Who do you take me for? I'm just...too busy, I haven't had time yet!"
At this moment, Chen Xiaowei suddenly exclaimed "Huh!" and pointed to a name on the screen: "You actually have something to do with Angelina Jolie? She's a married woman!"

Her voice was filled with shock.

Zhang Chen's face flushed instantly, and he awkwardly explained, "It wasn't me who initiated it; she seduced me first. I couldn't resist, and it was just a fling..."

"Okay, stop talking."

Zhong Lifang interrupted him, her expression also somewhat unpleasant: "You'll have to handle Julie's situation yourself."

Zhang Chen: "Don't worry, she's a beneficiary of the spy universe, so she definitely won't talk nonsense. Besides, it wouldn't be good for her to say it."

"Okay, that's good. Also, remember, don't expand this list any further, at least not before the IPO."

Zhang Chen nodded to indicate that he understood.

The video conference had just ended when Zhang Chen wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead—it was so embarrassing.

Just then, his phone rang, and the words "Fan Xiaopang" appeared on the screen.

Really talking about Cao Cao, Cao Cao is here.

Zhang Chen took a deep breath and pressed the answer button.

Fan Xiaopang's calm voice came from the other end of the phone: "Zhang Chen, someone online is deliberately trying to smear me. I feel it's targeting this movie."

Hearing no panic in her tone, Zhang Chen asked curiously, "Aren't you afraid of being slandered at all?"

“What am I afraid of? It’s not like nobody ever criticizes me. If I wasn’t worried about it affecting the movie, I wouldn’t have made this call to you at all.”

Fan Xiaopang has long since become immune to all poisons.

She has been controversial since her debut, and after achieving the top ranking in China, even more people became envious of her.

She even set up a special team to handle negative news, and she wouldn't have made this call if Zhang Chen hadn't been involved this time.

Zhang Chen then told Fan Xiaopang about the results of their discussion, to which Fan Xiaopang exclaimed in surprise, "So, from now on, I'm your girlfriend?"

"It's fake, don't get the wrong idea. It's just to appease the regulators. We'll break up after the IPO is successful."

Fan Xiaopang, however, didn't care at all: "She's still my girlfriend, even if she's fake. Nobody else knows. Hehe, now I can openly tell those little bitches who are always chasing after you to stay away from my boyfriend!"

Zhang Chen, covered in sweat, exclaimed, "Don't you dare mess around!"

To reiterate: "This is just a temporary measure, don't take it seriously. We'll 'break up' once the company goes public."

Fan Xiaopang chuckled: "Then this right will expire and become invalid, so I have to use it quickly, right? Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and won't cause you any trouble."

Zhang Chen sighed helplessly and could only acquiesce.

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Chen contacted Zhong Lifang again: "It's all settled, Fan Xiaopang agreed."

Zhong Lifang breathed a sigh of relief and immediately said, "I'll have the public relations department release the press release and buy some trending topics to guide public opinion."

……

Meanwhile, Xiao Gangpao was leisurely browsing Weibo at home when he saw the overwhelming negative information about Zhang Chen online and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

His wife, Xu Fan, came over and asked curiously, "What are you so happy about?"

Pointing at the screen, Little Cannon said gleefully, "Look, the Wang brothers are really going all out this time, targeting Zhang Chen. That kid was too cocky, now he's done for."

Still feeling unsatisfied, he opened his Weibo account and posted: "Serves you right for being so cocky!"

Xu Fan knew his men all too well; they weren't exactly broad-minded types.

But having suffered several setbacks at Zhang Chen's hands before, he was determined to vent his anger now that he had the chance.

To support his man, Xu Fan was the first to reply to Xiao Gangpao's Weibo post: "What goes around comes around."

"well said."

Little Cannon was indeed very happy to see the reply.

The couple sang in unison.

Xiao Gangpao's Weibo post was quickly discovered by netizens, and Xu Fan's reply was even more popular.

This couple are celebrities, and their presence immediately attracted even more attention.

The already lively gossip scene became even more heated because of Xiao Gangpao's Weibo post. Everyone knows that the feud between the two has a long history. Xiao Gangpao attacked Zhang Chen, and Zhang Chen will definitely retaliate. Let's wait and see.

Did Zhang Chen see the Weibo post by Xiao Gangpao?
Of course I saw it.

The moment the "Little Cannon" was released, some troublemaking netizens tagged Zhang Chen.

This couple really do go hand in hand.

Zhang Chen was a little annoyed. "Why is Xu Fan getting involved in my conflict with Xiao Gangpao?"

Fine, since you two want to follow each other's lead, then don't blame me.

Zhang Chen replied defiantly from the ground: "What goes around comes around. Has anyone ever escaped punishment? You're courting death, so get ready to die!"

Zhang Chen replied!
Zhang Chen replied!
Netizens were just waiting for this moment, and they were all excitedly dancing with joy.

The couple, nicknamed "Little Cannon" and his wife, also saw the reply. Xu Fan suddenly regretted his previous reply and became uneasy: "Old Feng, what do you think Zhang Chen will do?"

Feng Xiaogang was also feeling uneasy. He knew Zhang Chen wasn't one to be easily taken advantage of, but he, Feng Xiaogang, couldn't lower himself. He stuck to his guns and said, "Don't worry, he wouldn't dare. Xingchen Entertainment is going public, and it's currently in a quiet period..."

Netizens had no idea about a quiet period; they thought Zhang Chen was about to start a war.

Let the storm rage on!

Just when everyone was full of anticipation, Zhang Chen updated his Weibo, but it was completely different from what they expected. It wasn't a post about a war of words, but rather—an official announcement of their relationship!
The caption reads: "Let's put Feng Xiaogang's matter aside for now and first explain the recent sugar daddy scandal. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint everyone, but things aren't as you imagine. I originally wanted to keep it a secret, but I didn't expect to make such a blunder. I have no choice but to come clean. Actually, Fan Xiaopang is my girlfriend, and we've been for a long time."

The nine-grid below contains intimate photos of the two, some taken on set and others clearly taken at home, full of everyday life.

"Who wants to see this? This isn't what we want to see!" Netizens immediately protested.

"Don't hold back! We want to see you face this head-on, right now!"

Netizens are always eager for drama, and some even stirred things up by saying, "Zhang Chen is scared; he's backing down!"

Feng Xiaogang chuckled and said, "This guy is just stubborn as a mule."

Xu Fan was relieved.

(End of this chapter)