After all of them were reborn, who would still be an actor?

Chapter 704 Envy and Jealousy: Jia Zhangke's Extravagant Spending

After the banquet, Li Mingyang had just returned to his hotel when he suddenly received a call from Lao Jia.

"You guys go up first, I need to take this call," Li Mingyang said to Jing Tian.

"Whose call was that? Your dear sister?" Jing Tian said sarcastically.

"male."

After finishing his sentence, Li Mingyang answered the phone and headed towards the fire escape.

Old Jia invited him for drinks, saying he had important business to discuss.

At first, Li Mingyang didn't think much of it and agreed to meet at the bar where he was staying.

"It ended so quickly?" Yang Mi said suspiciously, linking her arm with Jing Tian's.

There were only about twenty celebrities walking the Cannes opening red carpet, while there were more than three hundred Chinese entertainment stars attending Cannes.

The Cannes red carpet isn't just for the opening and closing ceremonies; there are also daily red carpets for film premieres.

Most celebrities come to Cannes to support their friends, make their mark, market themselves, and get some good photos taken.

Three directors from the University of Tokyo were nominated for the main competition, a first in history. So many celebrities from the Chinese entertainment industry came, naturally all for the premiere.

Mimi is here to attend the premieres of Destiny, Miss, and Homecoming.

“Jia Zhangke wants to see me about something. I’ve arranged to meet him at a bar. You guys go up first,” Li Mingyang said.

Jing Tian was about to say that she wanted to go too.

But Yang Mi nudged him, and he immediately stopped talking and just hummed in agreement.

Just then, the elevator arrived, and Yang Mi pulled Jing Tian into it.

"Mimi, what do you think Director Jia wanted to talk to Mingyang about?" Jing Tian asked.

"They're either thieves or criminals... Let's go back, disguise ourselves, and come back to inquire again," Yang Mi said.

"Aren't we being a little too obvious?" Jing Tian said.

"Don't worry, I've prepared a wig."

The two women returned to the presidential suite and began changing clothes and putting on wigs.

Before long, the two women, dressed in casual clothes, appeared. Jing Tian, ​​with her long, golden waves, had an exotic look and resembled an elf from the depths of the forest.

Yang Mi sports a short, rose-red hairstyle, exuding a captivating charm amidst her capable demeanor.

The two women were very satisfied with their makeover. The oversized clothes obscured their figures, and with masks and sunglasses on, it was practically impossible to tell them apart.

A few minutes later, the two women sneaked into the bar and waited in a corner booth to see who Li Mingyang was meeting.

It wasn't that the two women didn't trust Li Mingyang.

The main problem is that Liu Shishi hasn't come yet, which the two women find suspicious, and they're worried that the two are having a secret rendezvous behind their backs.

The Three-Body Problem by the newly crowned Palme d'Or-winning director!

Li Mingyang directed and starred in the film.
This is the absolute pinnacle of resources for a young actress in the Chinese entertainment industry!
The two women are now united against a common enemy, and their internal competition is evenly matched.

Not one more.

"It really is Director Jia, and his wife too," Jing Tian whispered.

"What are these two doing here together? Are they pimps?"

"Honey, you have such a vivid imagination..."

"Humph."

Li Mingyang and Jia Zhangke chatted for a while, mainly trying to build a relationship.

Jia Zhang is from the Beijing Film Academy, so in a true sense, the two are fellow students, but Li Mingyang doesn't acknowledge that.

Jia Zhangke can be considered a genius!

No matter how much times change, he can still capture the rustic charm of rural life in the 90s... that's quite a talent.

There are very few people in China who can capture that kind of rustic charm.

A realistic and rustic style that's incredibly immersive... rustic but not dirty...

Director Jia has taken the husband-and-wife team to the extreme; his wife, Zhao Tao, is considered his top leading lady.

Zhao Tao remains constant, while the male leads come and go.

As for acting skills...

Nine Best Actress nominations in three major European film festivals—that's quite an achievement!

She was second only to Gong Li and had two more nominations than Maggie Cheung.

Li Mingyang felt that her acting was mediocre, and that she was merely riding on Jia Zhangke's coattails.

However, during the conversation, Li Mingyang found that Zhao Tao, that rural woman, really had a strong rustic vibe, which couldn't be masked by wearing designer clothes.

She's practically a chosen rural woman...

Actresses like Hai Qing, Song Jia, Ma Yili, and Chen Shu, who play the role of a "rustic" actress, require extensive makeup and micro-expression training to achieve that rustic charm. Zhao Tao, on the other hand, seems to have it all naturally... which is quite economical...

After the waiter brought the cocktails, Director Jia suddenly said, "Director Li, you really have connections?"

What approach?

"It's the way to buy prizes."

Li Mingyang chuckled and comforted him, "Director Jia, it's not easy for you to earn money, don't waste it."

"Director Li, don't feel sorry for me. Just tell me the truth, is it any good or not?" Jia Zhangke waved his hand and said in a deep voice.

“We don’t trust others, but we trust Director Li completely,” Zhao Tao said with a grin.

Li Mingyang sized up the couple. “Cannes is a business. You can buy anything if you have money. But do you have money? Some sections are very cheap, or even free. The main competition only has a few awards. It’s impossible to squeeze out others without spending a lot of money.”

"We can still scrape together a hundred million."

Li Mingyang raised an eyebrow. "They're quite wealthy!"
Jia Zhang could have made a lot of money making and selling films. In 2007, the copyright fee for "Still Life" was sold for more than 4000 million yuan, but most of it was taken by Xiao Rizi.

Jia Zhangke's achievements are largely due to the help he received from Takeshi Kitano.

Li Mingyang never expected this!
This guy is quite rich, but thinking about it, it's not surprising. In the era of financialization in the Chinese entertainment industry, directors like Jia Zhangke, who are renowned overseas, are highly sought after.

"With this money, there's no chance of winning a big prize, but winning a small prize shouldn't be a problem."

"Would an award-winning actress be suitable?" Zhao Tao interjected.

Li Mingyang glanced at Zhao Tao, then at Director Jia, and asked, "Are you doing this for the Best Actress award?"

"Director Li, are you confident?"

Jia Zhangke held his wife's hand and gazed at her tenderly.

Zhao Tao's face flushed slightly, her eyes filled with affection.

Li Mingyang felt disgusted by the stale dog food he was eating.

"I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."

Don't send it!

"Director Li, please wait!"

The couple got anxious and quickly coaxed Li Mingyang back to discuss the Cannes Best Actress award with Director Li.

People!

Everyone has a dream!
The couple shared the same dream: one wanted the Palme d'Or, and the other wanted to win the Best Actress award at Cannes!

"You guys have big dreams!"

"You definitely don't have a chance at the Palme d'Or this year, that's yours, Director Li. As for the Cannes Best Actress award, could you be lenient? It doesn't matter how many times it's tied, as long as you can win the Cannes Best Actress award," Jia Zhangke flattered.

Zhao Tao was so moved by her husband that she burst into tears, clinging to Section Chief Jia's back.

Li Mingyang feigned refusal, making three attempts to pique their interest before finally closing in.

"Senior, let's be frank. Winning Best Actress is a bit difficult. One hundred million yuan isn't enough. The Cannes Best Actor and Best Actress awards are highly prestigious! They're the pinnacle of acting awards."

Before the couple could even feel disappointed, Li Mingyang said, "Senior brother, I have a way. If you grit your teeth and scrape together 2000 million US dollars, you should be able to win this award."

"What award?"

"Best Screenplay Award"

Jia Zhangke's eyes narrowed; this was the same award Li Mingyang had received last year.

Li Mingyang is really lucky! He lives in an era dominated by capitalism!

It was their first time being nominated for Cannes, and they won the Best Screenplay award! And it was for a gangster action film!
It's obvious they used connections.

"Old Jia, I'm fine, you take it first," Zhao Tao said.

"Tao Tao..." Jia Zhangke gripped his wife's hand tightly, looking troubled. "I know you've always wanted to prove yourself with the Cannes Best Actress award, I..."

"Stop talking, I can wait! You are the one who needs Cannes' recognition the most. It's too hurtful to always come back empty-handed. We are one, what you get is what I get."

"Tao Tao!"

Li Mingyang watched the two of them flaunting their love with a bored expression, and sighed inwardly that making money was really not easy!
I never imagined that Jia Zhangke and Zhao Tao's lifestyle was so much like something out of a romance novel!
That's so disgusting!

"Junior brother, we'll cover the cost, but you have to promise to win the award."

“I promise,” Li Mingyang said without hesitation.

Seeing Li Mingyang's confident demeanor, the couple's confidence soared!
"Transfer the money to this account within a week."

"Isn't it supposed to be given to you after you receive it?"

"Anyone who waits until they receive the money to pay is a liar! If you don't pay them first and then deny it later, who can they turn to? What if you try to renege on your debt? The judges are people who care about their reputation; they can't just burn bridges, can they?"

"That's true, but a week is too short. How about ten days?"

"Ten days is too long for daylilies, a week is the absolute limit."

After being persuaded by Li Mingyang, the couple agreed, beaming with joy, and left hand in hand.

Li Mingyang was even happier.

He publicly claimed that this year's Palme d'Or was his, but it was actually a loan honor to embellish his image, pave the way for his return to his home country, and generate buzz for FBTV.

Unexpectedly, there was a pleasant surprise; a big fish was caught, and Section Chief Jia fell for it!

$2000 million is a lot of money!
Most importantly, Director Jia actually won an award this year, taking home the Best Screenplay award for "A Destiny".

Director Jia has a do-or-die attitude towards Cannes, being nominated six times and winning two awards, a consolation prize, and the Coach of the Golden Horse Award in the Directors' Fortnight section. The most prestigious award is the Best Screenplay Award.

Astral destiny truly deserves this award; this film is incredibly bold.

Of the four story segments, only Zhao Tao's story was uninteresting.

The other three are all incredibly explosive: Jiang Wu's "The Truth is in My Hands, My Fate is in My Own Hands," Bao Qiang's "Outlaw Madman," and Li Meng's "Hello, Chief."

It's always fresh and new...

Each period offers a new perspective... This can be considered Director Jia's masterpiece!
Later, his works tried to be both artistic and commercial, but he failed to please either side.

"What are you two talking about? Why are you laughing so... cheeky..." Yang Mi's voice came from behind. Li Mingyang turned around and saw a woman with long golden waves and a woman with short hair and a red rose.

Jing Tian and Yang Mi...

At first glance, neither Jing Tian nor Yang Mi could tell who it was. They stared at the bear for a moment before realizing that the person with the big golden waves was Jing Tian.

The short-haired red rose is Yang Mi.

Mimi Bear is bigger!

"Why are you acting like spies?"

The two women sat down opposite Li Mingyang and looked him up and down, left and right, sensing that something was wrong with him.

Despite trying her best to suppress it, she couldn't stop the corners of her mouth from turning up; her smile was just too smug...

The two women were very experienced.

This is exactly how Li Mingyang scams people!

"Mingyang, are you very familiar with Director Jia?" Jing Tian, ​​with her blonde hair, tilted her head and asked.

"We're not familiar with each other; we just met today."

Jing Tian took off her sunglasses and wig, looking even stranger. "Why do I feel like he's trying to curry favor with you? Logically speaking, Director Jia became famous early and has the Golden Lion Award, so he should be on the same level as Zhang Yimou, right..."

The couple's smiles were so humble...

"This is nothing. When Zhang Yimou met me alone, he was just like this too," Li Mingyang said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Do you have any dirt on them? Tell me about it," Yang Mi asked curiously.

Li Mingyang didn't speak, but took off his sunglasses and scanned his surroundings. He noticed that many people were looking at him and whispering among themselves. There were foreigners and Asians among them.

"Alright, let's go. You guys have to attend the premiere of Zhang Yimou's 'Coming Home' tomorrow." Li Mingyang got up and walked out.

The two women also noticed the strange situation around them and immediately followed.

Back in the presidential suite on the top floor, as soon as he entered, Li Mingyang's hands started to wander, embracing one woman on each side.

“There are people around, so behave yourself.” Jing Tian blushed and removed the hand from her buttocks.

"Man... tell me honestly, how far have things progressed between you and those two Korean women?" Yang Mi twisted her waist, shook off Xiong, and escaped Li Mingyang's clutches.

Normally, Li Mingyang could shamelessly ignore Zhang Wei.

It was so late, but Zhang Wei was sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed, dressed in a black suit, clearly waiting for him.

Li Mingyang sent Jing Tian and Yang Mi away.

It's simple: they tore off their clothes, got two eye rolls in return, and then they all ran away.

It was a one-on-one situation, and both women were very proactive.

When it's one against two, I feel a bit restrained.

"What's up?" Li Mingyang asked.

“Li Meijin and the others are having a meeting. She wants you to accept Spielberg’s terms. In return, she is willing to give up 10% of CJ’s shares.”

10% of the shares.

This price is very high. Li Meijin only owns 20% of the shares, and she's offering half of them directly.

"What do you mean?"

“You are now putting maximum pressure on each other. The situation is actually very clear: if you don’t kneel down, you can’t win the Palme d’Or.”

Li Mingyang grinned and walked towards the master bedroom.

"You need to give her an answer; she's in a hurry."

“I have the most chips, I’m not in a hurry at all… Whose side are you on? Just do what I asked you to do, don’t always meddle with them, they’re not giving you any authority.”

"..."

You're saying the same thing...

……

The next afternoon.

Amidst countless flashes of light, Zhang Yimou led the main cast and crew of "Coming Home" onto the red carpet of the Cannes International Film Festival.

Gong Li, the muse, made an elegant appearance in a jeweled backless gown, walking the red carpet with the director and Chen Daoming, who was dressed in a suit and sunglasses.

The new generation of "Zhang Yimou Girl" Zhang Huiwen appeared in a strapless cake dress, looking very fresh and sweet.

Coming Home is a film adapted from a novel.

The Flowers of War is also a long novel.

This is the second time Zhang Yimou has adapted her work.

Unlike yesterday, Zhang Yimou was all smiles today, his joy at being shortlisted for the Cannes main competition was palpable.

Counting the time, this is the first time Zhang Yimou and Gong Li have walked the Cannes red carpet together in 18 years.

Both of them wore smiles like those of first love, but Zhang Wei, the daughter of director Zhang Yimou, wasn't so happy...

Then on the inner stage of the premiere.

Zhang Yimou took the initiative to introduce his daughter Zhang Wei to Gong Li. Gong Li embraced Zhang Wei generously, and it was the first time Zhang Wei had smiled that day.

This sight caused an uproar among many people present.

It's worth noting that back then, when Zhang Yimou and Gong Li broke up, it was rumored that it was because of their daughter Zhang Wei that Zhang Yimou was unwilling to marry Gong Li. This led to Gong Li being heartbroken and marrying someone far away, and the two parted ways for a time.

Time has passed, and things have changed dramatically!

Zhang Yimou's silence doesn't mean he has no ambition for the Palme d'Or.

This is his last attempt to win the Palme d'Or!

Of course he wanted to take it, but he didn't expect Li Mingyang to be so ruthless!

It actually forced Cannes to postpone the deadline for the main competition section.

Li Mingyang has connections with Spielberg, and Zhang Yimou also has connections with Li An.

At yesterday's dinner, Zhang Yimou's heart was completely chilled...

It wasn't until Li An brought some news that his inner desire was rekindled, burning with an unprecedented intensity.

The matter remains unresolved.

Li Mingyang didn't kneel!
As one of the top three Asian directors in Europe, Zhang Yimou knows all too well how thick the walls are at Cannes. It is the moat of European cinema and the backyard of Hollywood.

If Asians don't kneel, it's almost impossible for them to win the Palme d'Or.

Zhang Yimou can afford to pay for the awards, since he doesn't have to spend his own money.

LeEco can afford it.

Connections.

Jiang Zhiqiang has connections in Hollywood, specifically at the highest levels, including Disney, Fox, and Universal.

As long as Li Mingyang doesn't kneel, he has a chance!
The theater went dark, and Zhang Yimou sat in the third row, with Chen Daoming on his left and Gong Li on his right, watching the movie together.

As it was the world premiere, only Zhang Yimou knew the full picture of the film among the three main creators; Chen Daoming and Gong Li were unaware of it.

The domestic version is two hours long, while the version submitted to Cannes is two and a half hours long, but they are essentially the same thing.

However, Gong Li and Chen Daoming had more screen time, and Zhang Yimou gave them a chance to showcase their acting skills and compete for Best Actor and Best Actress!

And Coming Home truly lives up to Zhang Yimou's efforts; it is an excellent film.

Zhang Yimou, who abandoned the market to embrace art, still possesses undiminished talent and remains a master director.

In the Lumière Theatre, the largest theater in the Palais des Festivals with 2300 seats, "Coming Home" attracted nearly 70% occupancy.

Two and a half hours later...

The film has ended.

Judging from the screenings, "Coming Home" still resonated with most overseas audiences, especially during the scenes of "catching people on the overpass" and "recalling memories with the piano," where sobs could be heard from time to time.

However, many of the film's comedic moments elicited little laughter from the audience at the Cannes screening. Even the French audience barely reacted to Zhang Jiayi's portrayal of the doctor's broken French.

In addition, some audience members left the theater early during the film screening.

That's normal... There are quite a few ordinary viewers who watch movies.

"She seemed a bit cold..."

After the show ended, Gong Li said softly.

"That's normal... the reviews from film critics and festival publications are what really matter," Zhang Yimou said.

“Hmm… I heard from a friend that Li Mingyang is very close to the Cannes officials, and Thierry is paying extraordinary attention to Li Mingyang.”

"So, who decides who gets this year's Palme d'Or?" Chen Daoming suddenly asked.

"The chances of him selling this year are very high. Li Mingyang has a huge advantage, so it's basically certain that he'll be the one," Gong Li said.

"If they can sell the Palme d'Or, they can sell the Best Actor and Best Actress awards too, right?"

Chen Daoming and Gong Li's coordinated efforts clearly reveal their ambition to win the Cannes Film Festival awards.

The pinnacle of Asian actors who have won Best Actress and Best Actor at Cannes!
Who could remain unmoved?
Especially since Li Mingyang opened this door, both of them wanted to spend money to buy it.

The higher-ups don't care how the award came about; getting it is a victory!

CCTV sent over 300 people. Were they there just for fun? Of course not!
They came here to film a documentary...

A historic moment!

His name will be etched in film history.

(End of this chapter)