Generation Z Artists

Chapter 380 Pillars of the Nation Silence the World

The entire Chinese entertainment industry was shrouded in silence on the day the meeting concluded.

Reporters blocked the entrance of the Guangdong General Chamber of Commerce, wanting to conduct interviews, but neither the big mouths from Hong Kong and Taiwan, nor the spokespersons of relevant departments, nor those well-known easy-going and amiable seniors in the mainland entertainment industry revealed any in-depth information to the media.

"Sorry, it's not convenient."

"Excuse me, I cannot give an interview right now."

"Wait patiently for the official announcement; today was just a discussion."

"Hmm, it's hard to say..."

Every participant wore a similarly enigmatic expression.

This made the media even more curious, but due to the suppression from a certain higher-level department, they really didn't dare to inquire any further, much less write anything recklessly.

As a result, the unsuspecting onlookers discovered that the world had suddenly become quiet.

For two whole days, there was no news in the entertainment industry, no one spoke out, and no celebrity made any public appearances.

The entertainment industry seems to exist, yet it also seems not to exist.

What are they doing?
Waiting, hiding, praying.

Fang Xinghe's allies decided to remain silent and not cause trouble, while Fang Xinghe's opponents fired the first shot after the new measures were introduced, out of fear.

Two days later, on September 8th, meeting information was finally leaked.

It was a newspaper from Taiwan, and it read: "Fang Xinghe used the term 'cultural concession' at the meeting, slanderously attacking the cultural freedom granted to the Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry by law..."

This sparked great indignation on the island... well, more like outrage. Who cares what they think or how angry they are?

When the news reached the mainland, it immediately sparked a heated debate amidst the suppressed public opinion.

"Damn, is Xiaofang that fierce?"

"It's something he's capable of doing."

"If it's true, then I really have to change my opinion of Fangfang. She's a real tough guy!"

"Damn it! Aren't Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industries a hundred times better than those in mainland China?"

"What makes it so strong? Are all the films from the golden age of cinema over the past thirty years not as strong as 'Better Days'?"

"That's so satisfying! Finally, a mainland celebrity has stepped up! What's Fang Xinghe endorsing lately? I'm going to go buy a whole case right now!"

"Cartier has boutiques in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen."

"...I'm sorry, little brother was too hasty."

The first wave of trending topics lasted for two whole days, and now the second wave is here.

This time it's Hong Kong media reporting: "The Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild is holding a closed-door meeting to discuss the details of an industry self-regulation agreement. During the meeting, several committee members got into a physical fight, accusing the president, Zeng, of selling out Hong Kong for personal gain..."

This time, the Hong Kong media were smart—or rather, cowardly—and didn't dare to target Fang Xinghe, only reporting on the internal situation.

This was a novel sight for the people of Hong Kong, who marveled at it.

"These moviemakers are all gangsters, so what's the point of asking gangsters to be self-disciplined?"

"Can anyone be more ruthless than Fang Xinghe?"

"I am Zeng, and I also have to back down. You can't fight city hall!"

"They don't even dare to mention Fang Xinghe's name. It seems these bastards are really scared."

"The news is hilarious! How can this be considered selling out Hong Kong for personal gain? Mr. Fang didn't even throw out a bone, and these representatives were already eagerly licking his boots. Not paying them should be called giving them away!"

"Aren't the paparazzi on the island supposed to be very powerful? What exactly did Fang Xinghe say that they haven't been able to find out yet?"

"Yes, I'm so curious!"

The conversation was very lively on Hong Kong Island, but there was no reaction from the mainland.

This has left the people of the country scratching their heads in frustration, eagerly inquiring everywhere: So what exactly did Fang Xinghe say? And what was the final resolution?
At this point, some media outlets finally dared to get involved in the discussion.

The media outlets evaded the issue, refusing to mention the meeting's outcome, and continued to make a fuss about things that were not what they expected.

Democracy, persimmon oil, dictatorship, autocracy—these big labels are slapped on one after another. It looks like a lively and energetic scene, but in reality, it has long lost its composure and is as chaotic as a monkey show.

State media, on the other hand, finally received official notification and began to release information in a limited manner.

"Limited" means keeping the meeting itself confidential and focusing on promoting the necessity and positive significance of the new system.

Four days passed in this way, and the firepower was never directly poured on Fang Xinghe.

Therefore, Brother Fang knew that someone above him probably wanted to protect him.

Although he may not need it, this actually means that at a higher level, those leaders have reached a consensus in acknowledging his contributions.

Is it because they dare to speak and act?

Fang Xinghe couldn't be sure, nor did he want to be sure. In any case, everyone's path led to the same destination. If they met by chance, it would just be a matter of saying "Hello, comrade." Why make everything so clear?

On the sixth day, something big finally happened—Guangzong urgently notified him to attend another briefing meeting.

The person I am reporting to is... the Second Elder.

Fang Xinghe, who was born in the Year of the Dog, finally behaved himself and didn't fire away recklessly.

But this doesn't mean he's timid and afraid to speak out; it simply means he's shed unnecessary emotions, refrained from displaying anger, and calmly articulated his ideas.

Guangzong presented a basic draft of the plan, which Fang Xinghe then filled in the gaps and, together with his colleagues, explained the overall situation clearly.

He summarized everything in his final words—

"Promoting the development of spiritual civilization is the historical responsibility and destiny of every Chinese literary and art worker. This understanding cannot guarantee that everything we do is correct, but it can ensure that we are always doing our best."

The management measures are a product of this philosophy. I earnestly request that the state allow us to try running them for a period of time, and then adjust, repair, or add to them based on the actual results, so as to achieve a purifying approach that gets to the root of the problem.

If anything goes wrong during this period, I am willing to bear all criticism and will absolutely not cause trouble for the country.

The elder listened attentively throughout, spoke very little, and showed great respect for Fang Xinghe's expression.

Finally, he smiled and said, "Xiao Fang, what I admire most about you is your talent, but what I like most is your spirit."

He stood up and walked towards Fang Xinghe.

Fang Xinghe hurriedly got up and took two steps forward to greet him.

In the center of the conference room, two hands, one large and one small, were clasped tightly together.

The elder exclaimed, "A young man like you can be called a pillar of the nation. I can't find any fault with the plan, so go ahead and do it!"

Being recognized as a pillar of the nation carries immeasurable weight in the entertainment industry.

"Thank you for the praise, leader." Fang Xinghe solemnly promised, "I will continue to work hard!"

……

On September 14th, the Guangdong Federation of Trade Unions officially issued a document announcing—

The "Interim Measures for the Management of Artists and Cultural Enterprises with Disgraced Records" jointly implemented by multiple ministries and commissions took effect immediately today.

In an instant, reporters, sensing the commotion, swarmed towards the various companies like a swarm of sharks.

As a result... none of the people who were supposed to be blocked were blocked; it was as if they had all disappeared overnight.

The media staked out the Huayi Building 24 hours a day, but they couldn't catch a glimpse of the two Wangs or even Sister Hua.

As a result, Li Bingbing, Xiaoming, Xiaogangpao, and others were in trouble.

When Xiao Bing was filming "The Knot," she was surrounded on set by about 20 reporters and couldn't escape.

She was at her wit's end, so she decided to just brush off the two questions.

As soon as the reporter opened his mouth, the needle struck her main artery—

"Sister Bing, you were there on the day of the birthday banquet, and you also participated in the internal discussion meeting of the China Association of Performing Arts. Could you tell us about Huayi's and your own attitude towards the new measures?"

"I personally think this is a good thing."

Her smile was very forced, and her eyes avoided the camera.

"As for what the company thinks... I think they should support it..." The reporter was extremely excited, as if he had smelled blood.

"Are you sure? But the two Mr. Wangs have been avoiding the media for many days, and they haven't responded to a single one of the dozens of interview requests..."

Bingjie couldn't hold on any longer and struggled to squeeze out of the crowd.

"I'm sorry, I'm very tired. I've been in meetings and filming non-stop lately... You should ask the company for their thoughts. I can only express my welcome to the new approach on my own behalf."

The next day, the news reported: "Li Bingbing praised the management measures highly, saying that he had put in tremendous effort for the introduction of the new measures. He looked haggard and exhausted, but his heart was full of satisfaction..."

Bingjie: w(Д)w?

Xiao Gangpao is currently promoting "Assembly" and has nowhere to hide, so he has no choice but to respond publicly.

In the video, he has a solemn expression and speaks kind words fluently.

"Ah, I did participate."

"What do you think? Great news, fantastic news! Is there even a need to ask?"

"My contribution is negligible and not worth mentioning; it can only be described as having played a small positive role."

"I really look forward to the implementation of the new measures, so that our circle will become more and more standardized, everyone will walk in the sunlight, be straightforward, do things openly, and bring more and better works to the people!"

When the reporter asked Fang Xinghe, Xiao Gangpao's expression became leisurely and wistful.

"This was handled flawlessly, absolutely brilliant! I was there for the birthday banquet and the subsequent symposium, and seeing Director Fang so eloquent on stage was like seeing the Purple Star in the sky!"

"Conflict? What conflict do we have between us? Nonsense!"

When asked about the conflict, Xiao Gangpao became very angry and immediately turned hostile.

"We share similar ideals and the same goals. Sometimes I even feel that Director Fang is my mentor. I admire him so much, how could there be any conflict? You reporters just love to spread rumors for the sake of big news!"

The reporter persisted: "But your company's malicious competition..."

"You're asking me about company matters?"

Little Cannon interrupted him before he could finish asking his question.

"I've always been filming properly and have never resorted to such tactics. What's the point of you talking about these things in front of me? It's ridiculous!"

Following Little Cannon, the next victim is Kaizi.

He never knew what it meant to hide—in fact, he did try to hide, but when he couldn't, while others pretended to be dead, he wouldn't; he had to force himself to remain calm for the sake of his pride.

"The solution is certainly a good one. If it comes out sooner, I can hold Fang Xinghe accountable for maliciously smearing my Extreme God at the premiere."

Kai is awesome!
Of all the interviewees, you're the first one who has left a reporter speechless.

The reporters felt a chill run down their spines, and their questioning became less forceful.

"Uh, you still think that Fang Xinghe's evaluation at the time was a malicious smear?"

"Yup!"

Kai Ge looked genuinely self-righteous.

"How could the Supreme God be so bad? It's normal that you don't understand it. Even in 10 or 20 years, you might not be able to understand it, but Fang Xinghe definitely does! He's doing it on purpose, pretending to be ignorant when he knows the truth, deliberately trying to smear me. He's especially despicable!"

"Forget it, let's talk about a new approach instead?"

"What do you mean 'let it go'? How can it be let go?"

Kai Ge, not one to back down, turned the tables and kept nagging the reporter.

“I studied the management regulations, and the third point of Article 3 of the regulations is that speaking without restraint or behaving frivolously in public occasions such as interviews, or engaging in excessive hype or malicious marketing, which violates the industry’s publicity norms.”

Fang Xinghe made a mistake, didn't he?

Point 4 – Fang Xinghe also committed the offense of using unfair means (such as malicious defamation) in professional competition, didn't he?

Let me tell you, he owes me an apology!
Oh, and he even criticized my wife in public! Just look at how narrow-minded this person is!

Isn't the performing arts industry association going to establish an ethics committee?
I will definitely run for office, and I will definitely stop him from being elected!
Don't believe his boasts about self-discipline. This guy abuses his power as soon as he gets a little; when has he ever restrained himself?

A group of reporters were so confused by him that they almost ran away.

The foreign reporter from Beijing Youth Daily couldn't help but ask, "Is it possible that if Fang Xinghe didn't exercise self-restraint, he would have had far better and more ways to smear you, instead of just offering his opinions on the film in person?"

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Kai Ge, possessed by Cao Mengde, waved his hand vigorously, completely convinced of his conclusion.

"He just loves to show off. You'll see, he's definitely aiming for the chairmanship of the ethics committee. Time will prove me right!"

The reporter finally couldn't hold back any longer and fled.

These were the first reporters to be turned on and forced to abandon their posts by people in the entertainment industry, and for a long time they were the subject of ridicule within the industry.

Fine, let him remain naive.

This person isn't very destructive; he's a completely different kind of troublemaker. If Brother Fang ever needs a tool or assistant director, Kai Zi is just as useful as Zhang Yimou. He's definitely one of the world's top laborers.

Who knows what the future holds? Right?

……

Compared to the twists and turns of interviewing Kai Zi, the reporters who interviewed Hong Kong celebrities had an enviable smooth experience.

Nicholas Tse: "Only by making mistakes can one realize the value of opportunities. I fully support the self-discipline agreement and will definitely restrain my words and actions."

Tony Leung Ka-fai: "Director Fong's suggestion is not a suppression of the Hong Kong entertainment circle, but a good opportunity to fully integrate into it."

Wang Jing: "I have no stance. The country's stance is my stance. Whatever is written in the documents, OK, I will do it."

Mr. Xiang: "What era are we living in? Where are there still gangsters and horse milk washing businesses? Anyway, my company operates legally and will never violate any regulations. Whether a film is a hit or profitable is a matter of vision and ability. Respecting Mr. Guang's management rights over the market is a matter of principle—the Xiang family never violates principles!"

……

One interview after another was published, and people in mainland China felt like they were celebrating the New Year.

When have they ever seen such a harmonious scene?
In the past, Hong Kong and Taiwan stars were arrogant and domineering, while mainland bigwigs were unruly and would criticize the system, the rules, and even the audience at the slightest disagreement.

I feel uncomfortable, disgusted, and angry, but there's really nothing I can do but turn a blind eye.

During this period, the entertainment industry, which had been aloof and arrogant, became humble and peaceful, and began to talk about the people.

Whose achievement is this?

This time, without the fanatical praise of the "stars of the sky," ordinary Chinese people naturally expressed their feelings—

"Fang Xinghe is really awesome, he made them all behave themselves..."

Talented netizens even composed a limerick for him—

The world hailed Fang the Great Sage, for a demonic aura arose anew.

The mad monkey wields its mighty cudgel, clearing away the dust from the Milky Way.

The wording is average, but the imagery is quite fitting.

After this battle, Fang Xinghe's "madness" finally became the consensus of the people across the country.

What normal person would do things like this?
They don't care about interpersonal relationships or whether others are prepared or can accept it; they just go for it with all their might.

If you can't defeat them, then this matter is settled.

If you're completely crushed, you're out of luck. I won't pay you a single penny.

Even though no one has died yet, everyone onlookers are speculating—given the scene, surely two or three people will die, right? There's no way we can smoothly transition to the next chapter.

It's worth noting that Fang Dian hasn't made any public statements until now.

You're telling me that this person is deliberately keeping a low profile and doesn't want to cause too much social impact, so they'll only go so far... do you think I'd believe that?
You can't trust your uncle, and you can't trust your aunt either!

Fang Xinghe's silence must mean he was brewing something.

While everyone was speculating, the entertainment industry was once again silenced.

(End of this chapter)