Generation Z Artists

Chapter 296 Striving to Maximize Every Possibility

On May 12th, the cast and crew of "Young You" reunited, and everyone was all smiles.

Congratulations, Director Fang!

"Happy together."

"Hey, you've won the May Fourth Medal and are going to win Best Director at Cannes, what are we celebrating for? We can just bask in your glory and get a better resume!"

"Best Director?"

Fang Xinghe chuckled, shook his head, and didn't respond to the question.

"Alright, now that everyone's here, let's get ready to board. Let's get there early so everyone can do some sightseeing. The production crew will cover the expenses."

"Yay! Long live Director Fang!"

Brother Fang is very wealthy, and he brought the core members of the "Young You" crew with him to Cannes this time.

Producer Lao Dong, cinematographer Xiao Ding, assistant director Cao Baoping, lighting, art direction, props, Li Jie Daoming, and the youthful beauty Xiao Mi.

This was the first time he had seen Nenxian in six months.

The little girl's hair hadn't grown long yet, only reaching her ears. She stood quietly, relatively far from the crowd, showing none of the liveliness one would expect for her age.

Dog Fang is no stranger to the normal 16-year-old fairy. There are too many archaeological videos of her. When she was young, she was not fairy at all. She was quirky and had a particularly bright and infectious smile.

But now... he's very withdrawn and appears quite mature.

Dog Fang originally wanted to greet her, but seeing Ms. Liu accompanying her, he immediately gave up the idea.

We're not that close, so let's leave it at that...

The group chatted briefly about their recent situations before boarding a flight to Paris.

The opening ceremony of this year's Cannes Film Festival is on the 15th, and going now would be just the right time.

In the first-class cabin of the airplane, Fang Xinghe sat in the middle of his team, closing his eyes to rest, ignoring the two pairs of eyes that occasionally glanced at him.

Xiao Mi really wanted to go over and chat with her brother Fang. Even if they didn't chat, just looking at him up close and drooling would be nice.

But she couldn't get over the hurdle of learning from a teacher.

Nenxian hadn't intended to go over there, but she couldn't help but keep an eye on it, glancing over every now and then. Once she saw Fang Xinghe's profile, she felt at ease.

But Ms. Liu only felt mentally exhausted.

It would be a lie to say she didn't admire Fang Xinghe, but seeing her precious daughter like this, how could she possibly like Fang Xinghe?
It's true that just one look at it makes me furious.

孽 孽!
To stop her daughter's girlish thoughts, she had to try to find topics to talk about and distract her.

"Sissi, I haven't seen the finished product yet. Do you know what the quality is like?"

"I don't know either, Mom."

"Did Director Dong reveal anything to you?"

"I wasn't in the mood to listen before, I'll ask later."

Dong Youde was Fang Xinghe's personal sanitary napkin. After filming, Fang Xinghe disappeared without a trace, but Dong Youde added Chen Jinfei and Ms. Liu's contact information. Whenever he had free time, he would represent the crew to check on the young girl's mental state and act as a messenger.

After six months of getting to know each other, Dong Quede's initially stern image gradually faded, replaced by a very forthright Northeastern uncle, who in a sense gained the trust of the mother and daughter.

Liu Xiaoli trusted him because of his standing in the industry.

As Fang Xinghe's spokesperson, Dong Youde is already a de facto top figure in the entertainment industry, and the kind of positive representative who cannot do bad things or make dirty money—Fang Xinghe donated hundreds of millions to create this social image, and he would never allow the company manager to ruin it for a little bit of profit.

Therefore, Dong Youde is known in the industry for being cautious in his words and deeds, and for his integrity and credibility.

Liu Yifei believed him because she had figured out the charade the crew had staged back then.

Ultimately, it was Fang Xinghe who wanted to become Chen Nian, which is why the entire crew cooperated to put pressure on him. What's the use of blaming others?

She even thought Dong Youde was a good person; during the days when Fang Xinghe was gone and never returned, he was the one who cared about her.

Regardless of the reason, it was certainly heartwarming.

So, as evening approached, she finally stepped out of her mental prison for the first time and joined the conversation of Dong Youde, Cao Baoping, and others.

"The quality of the finished product is absolutely top-notch!"

The usually serious Director Cao was extremely excited, giving a thumbs-up and praising him highly.

"Sissi, your performance is double that!"

He continued by raising his left thumb, bringing his two fingers together.

The little girl looked embarrassed: "It's not that exaggerated, is it?"

"Absolutely!"

Dong Youde chimed in, then launched into a discussion: "I have a feeling that if there aren't any particularly outrageous performances at this year's Cannes Film Festival, you're a shoo-in for Best Actress!"

Hearing this, Ms. Liu couldn't hold back any longer.

"Is she really that great? You're not just flattering our Sisi, are you? Kids can't handle praise..."

"Hey! What am I praising?" Dong Youde said impatiently. "Just you wait and see, weren't we chosen as the opening film? You'll see for yourself how well Qianqian acted!"

This group of people boasted and exaggerated all the way, making Liu Xiaoli extremely happy.

Before going to bed, she returned to her seat still feeling unsatisfied, muttering to her daughter, "If I could really win a Best Actress award, then all that suffering wouldn't have been in vain..."

Nenxian's heart began to pound wildly. Before this, she had never dared to dream of becoming a Cannes Best Actress, but after being stirred up by the excited crew members, she could no longer calm herself down.

If I could really win Best Actress...

Nenxian secretly glanced at Fang Xinghe's profile.

Does that mean... he fulfilled a promise he made to me?

The little girl's cheeks flushed, and her mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts.

But Fang Xinghe remained quiet and focused, writing and drawing on the manuscript without paying any extra attention to anyone.

Youth is so fun, but I'm no longer young. What can I do?
……

On the 13th, the group landed in Paris and then began a cross-country training exercise.

My connecting flight to Nice is tomorrow, so I'll take this opportunity to explore Greater Paris today.

However, the group couldn't help but feel disappointed when they got near the Eiffel Tower.

"Why is it so dirty and smelly?"

No one seemed to sense any chaos. The two rings of bodyguards around them were no pushovers; even the most clueless thieves and robbers wouldn't bother them.

However, the stench of walking through the streets and alleys, along with the ubiquitous garbage, excrement, and even needles and condoms, was truly disappointing.

The domestic economy is not developed now, and the garbage cans outside the community are not cleaned in time and smell very bad, but at least you won't see so many people pooping near scenic spots.

This is so different from the dreamlike Paris that everyone imagines that it's hard to accept.

Only Brother Fang accepted it very happily.

"If you take a closer look at the descriptions of medieval Paris in French literature, you won't be surprised."

Freedom and romance inherently mean being able to pull out your penis anytime, anywhere, and pee or stand in a corner and have sex.

This is both history and reality.

If someone tries to stop them, then they are violating their human rights.

In fact, the police force was simply insufficient to stop them, and passersby didn't care—since they could, I have the right to do the same if forced to.

The group looked at each other, bewildered and questioning their existence.

But once you get to the Champs-Élysées, where luxury brands abound, the environment finally improves.

The heart of Paris at this time is indeed cleaner, tidier, more magnificent and luxurious than it will be twenty years later.

In short: They are rich now.

The ladies had a wonderful time shopping, and the gentlemen were also amazed. Then, right at the LV flagship store, they were cornered by a LV executive who rushed over. "Dear SR! How could you come to Paris without informing your loyal friend?!"

"Just passing through," Fang Xinghe said indifferently. "Didn't we agree to meet in Cannes?"

"No, no, no, that's different!"

The other party emphasized quite solemnly: "Once you arrive in France, LV is obligated to provide you with full hospitality. This is our obligation, not just out of friendship!"

"Alright, then you can arrange the rest of the itinerary."

Fang Xinghe didn't want to waste his breath on such a trivial matter, so he simply gave them a chance.

Then the rest of the trip became exceptionally comfortable—with limousines and VIP escorts throughout, they visited the LV headquarters, the National Museum of France, and the Louvre, before checking into the Four Seasons Hotel Paris, touted as the world's best, and enjoying a fancy French meal prepared by a three-Michelin-starred chef.

Early the next morning, the group boarded a private jet arranged by LV and headed straight for Nice.

After landing, we boarded a luxury bus provided by LV and headed to Cannes.

It makes what would otherwise be a very tiring journey become pleasant.

Even with Sister Li's strong personality, she was incredibly envious. She said, "Little brother, your influence in Europe is simply amazing!"

“Wrong.” Fang Xinghe calmly shook his head and corrected, “It is my influence in Japan and South Korea that has led to my current treatment.”

Luxury goods sales in Europe have long been stagnant; how can I possibly boost them by even a few percentage points?

On the contrary, Japan and South Korea, two small island nations, together contribute more than 25% of the world's luxury goods sales, and LV and Cartier, endorsed by Fang Xinghe, are establishing their legendary authority in these two super markets.

They weren't showing respect to NBA commander Fang Xinghe, nor to Oscar-winning actor Fang Xinghe; they were simply showing respect to the God of Wealth, Fang Xinghe.

The fundamental logic of commercial endorsements is that simple and brutal.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise can't boost luxury goods sales, so no matter how high their status in Hollywood or how much they earn, luxury brands only treat them as close friends and engage in regular collaborations.

If Fang Xinghe can do it, then he is Fang's father.

Now, Dad is going to Cannes. Come on, little donkey and little card, clear the way!
Before they even got off the private jet, the stylists from the two companies were already busy, each coming up with several different designs, like concubines vying for the emperor's favor.

Well, the change from father to emperor was naturally due to an exceptionally important occasion.

As Fang Xinghe's first official appearance in Cannes, without the brand investing a single penny or purchasing any resources, he naturally landed in the center of the world's media and entertainment pages. This kind of exposure is another incalculable display of value.

After much deliberation, Fang Xinghe finally chose a Louis Vuitton star-studded suit and a Cartier ruby ​​necklace.

Both are haute couture, and currently the most prestigious and expensive haute couture.

The suit is studded with over a thousand tiny diamonds, which sparkle brilliantly when you walk.

The necklace consists of a large carat main gemstone and eight smaller rubies, and is a purely women's necklace, but the art director insisted that only Fang Xinghe could interpret it best.

Fang Huang did not interpret the two haute couture pieces in the way they had expected.

He threw off the shirt he was wearing underneath, leaving his chest bare, revealing his healthy and well-defined pectoral and abdominal muscles, and then...

Wearing the dirty, ripped jeans that Xiao Bei wore in "You Are My Destiny," his own Astral Sanctus boots, and oversized sunglasses that he didn't care about, he nonchalantly stepped off the plane.

Is it hip-hop?
It's so hip-hop!

Is it art?
not only that.

The ruby ​​necklace, worth over $2000 million, wasn't worn properly around his neck. He just grabbed it casually, not caring how expensive or delicate it was, and wrapped it around his left hand.

Start wrapping from the wrist, and the largest ruby ​​will wrap back from the palm and be placed on the middle finger.

With his right hand in his pocket, he strode out of the waiting hall with a nonchalant, soldierly gait.

In an instant, the world was shattered by the flash of light.

A group of fans who had been gathered in the official fan cafe beforehand started screaming in a way that was hard to listen to, while the reporters shouted frantically, "Oh my god, SR, look over here!"

Great, the front-page headline photo was easily secured.

Cannes is full of stars, but it can't compare to the brilliance of the "King of Pretend" alone.

Fang Xinghe brings his new film to Cannes!

The evening papers that day published extensive reports on Fang Xinghe's itinerary, clothing, and goals, leaving a significant mark on the fashion world.

Of course, women's magazines were also within Fang Huang's sphere of influence.

He achieved a physique of 99 points in three months, and with just a slight display, he made the female editors of major newspapers kneel at his feet in his ripped jeans.

A cunning move by a shrewd individual has saturated the Cannes Film Festival with attention, making this year's event a major entertainment focus in recent years.

What the jury thought is unknown to outsiders, but the Cannes government was certainly delighted.

That afternoon, government officials visited the home, presented flowers, and left their contact information.

That roughly means—if you encounter any trouble on our turf, feel free to come to us!

But all of this is just a detail, or a minor aspect. Whether a film can win an award at Cannes ultimately depends on its quality.

Only when the quality is high enough can other operations have a chance to play a role.

Of course, if it were someone else, they probably wouldn't even know how to handle "other matters," and would just have to rely purely on quality and luck.

But Fang Ge is different. Not only is he a leader of an online army, but he also has a super strategist by his side.

On the evening of the 14th, Fang Xinghe closed himself off to guests and held a small meeting with Sister Li, Wang Charlie, the head of LV's marketing department, and the vice president of Cartier Europe.

We didn't discuss anything earth-shattering; we just thoroughly reviewed the materials from this year's judges.

This year's judges are particularly interesting, very... well-matched.

The jury president is Patrice Chérault, a renowned French director, playwright, and opera director, and one of the most respected artists in Europe today.

The judges are:

Aishwarya Rai is an Indian actress and former Miss World.

Meg Ryan is an American actress known for romantic comedies such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle." She is a representative of Hollywood's "sweetheart" and a familiar face to Fang Xinghe.

Carlo Poggio is a French actress who starred in classic films such as "Cyrano de Bergerac".

Jiang Wen, whose name is unknown.

Steven Soderbergh, an American director, won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for "Sex, Lies and Videotape" and was already an important director in Hollywood at the time.

Jean-Claude Carrière is a renowned French screenwriter and writer, and a living legend in the European film industry.

The author's identity is highlighted and will be tested.

Ergi, a Belgian cartoonist.

Ahmed Mahmoud, Egyptian writer.

The LV marketing president shook the data he had painstakingly collected and exclaimed, "Three actresses, one Chinese director, two writers... SR, I'm suddenly starting to believe that destiny has truly favored you; you must be a child of God..."

Fang Xinghe raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased with these words.

What do you mean?
Are you implying that I might get a favor vote from an actress?

Pooh!
I always win awards honestly and fairly, never resorting to underhanded tactics, and I would never benefit from my looks!
That's how he boasted, but the very next day, he made thorough preparations for his micro-management early in the morning.

Is it shameful to engage in underhanded dealings?
The Chinese people only want one outcome: a complete crop failure is even more shameful.

Playing the role of a perfect gentleman, sitting idly by and accepting Western discrimination and oppression, and then declaring that he has a clear conscience, has never been Fang Xinghe's style.

He only accepts one outcome—winning!

Win as many times as you can, ideally keep winning, and completely shut them down!
All other compromises and concessions are nothing but weakness, hypocrisy, arrogance, and inaction that wastes talent and opportunity, failing to stand firm on one's position!
In the cultural front led by Fang Xinghe, there is never an option of appeasement.

If there is one, it must be a trap.

There's no need to dig pits for anyone now, so let's just do it.

He will try his best to maximize every possibility.

(End of this chapter)