Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 168: Driving up the price
"10 million!"

Everyone looked over at the same time. Jaycee Chan looked around proudly and nodded gentlemanly to Concubine Liu who gave him an inquiring look.

This number should be enough to scare these country bumpkins from the mainland, right?

Lu Kuan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. How could this idiot steal his limelight?

Others may not understand it yet, but he knows what Su Mang and his gang are up to.

Using charity as a pretext to engage in hype and marketing.

We get some props and costumes from each other, and everyone gives a little money. In the end, we promote it in the name of charity, and everyone looks good.

Otherwise, how could Wang Fei, Zhao Yanzi, Naying, the most famous female stars in China, only come up with a figure of 16.8?

Let’s not talk about others for now. Yan Zi now quotes 15 to 20 for one episode of a TV series, not to mention endorsements.

So Lu Kuan didn't want to see them hyping themselves up and showing off, so he thought of making a fuss about Concubine Liu Yi's costume today.

Let Su Mang and the others drive up the price!

Let you pretend as much as you want!
People of Liu Yifei's status can "generate income" of 50 or 1 million for charity. How can you, the queens of pop, singers, and celebrity seniors, still have the nerve to waste a few thousand or ten thousand?
This is not just a question of whether it is embarrassing or not, it is a question of status and position in the entertainment industry.

Which star is willing to be inferior to others?

But I didn’t expect that Jaycee Chan would show up out of nowhere and try to please Concubine Liu Yi. Now things get interesting.

Wouldn't that save me money?

Lu Kuan raised his sign and glanced at Prince Long distantly: "20!"

The latter thought they had received a signal called competition between males and continued to act recklessly.

"30 million!"

"50 million!"

Mei Yanfang saw something was going on, and not wanting Lu Kuan to become estranged from the Hong Kong community, she decisively raised her sign: "One million!"

The stars on the field were in an uproar. Although everyone was not short of money, the pace was too fast!
Just a second ago, Nayoung and Su Mang were on the stage admiring each other, praising each other's charitable deeds and flattering each other's business.

It soared from 1 to 100 million in the next second?
Or this little girl who has only been in the industry for over a year?

Where do you want Yingzi to save her face?
What kind of magical realism script is this today...

Nayoung's face didn't look good. She secretly sent messages to a few of her friends, asking them to be careful later.

Today, the plan of "spending little money to achieve big results" has been shattered.

Fortunately, none of my friends are short of money, so let’s build as much as we can!

Mei Yanfang and Fang Long and his son sat at the same table: "Zuming, I really like this dress. Don't fight with me for it."

Fang Long warned his son with a smile: "Don't act on impulse. Don't you listen to Aunt Mei?"

Jaycee Chan obediently poured a glass of water for Mei Yanfang: "Auntie Mei, since you like it, I will definitely take a picture of it and give it to you."

Then he winked at his father and said, "Dad, I'm doing a good deed and it can also make the elders happy. When Aunt Mei is happy, her body will recover faster!"

Fang Zuming said it nicely, but Fang Long knew exactly what his son meant.

When I was picking up girls, you little bastard were still liquid.

But this statement can't be considered wrong. Fang Long smiled awkwardly at Mei Yanfang: "The child has grown up and doesn't listen to his father anymore."

Mei Yanfang picked up the teacup without comment: "They are young people, let them be."

Anyway, I have done my best. Don't blame others if you suffer at the hands of Lu Kuan in the future.

Second-generation people like Nicholas Tse and Jaycee Chan are used to being arrogant in Hong Kong, and when they come to the mainland, which is "at the bottom of the contempt chain", they never take anyone seriously.

It is inevitable to behave eccentrically.

Ke Lan exaggeratedly praised on stage: "Wow! Thank you very much, Sister Mei, for your generous donation. On behalf of the organizers, the magazine, and all of Sister Mei's fans, I wish you a speedy recovery!"

"Okay! One million per time, one million taels..."

Jaycee Chan was full of confidence: "120 million!"

"Excuse me everyone, I was planning to buy this dress as a gift to Aunt Mei. Please forgive me if I have offended you!"

It can be said that Xiao Fang's emotional intelligence is not low. He has done his job well on the surface and no one can say that he is domineering.

There is nothing wrong with doing charity and respecting elders.

But Lu Kuan wasn't going to let him go just like that. Only 150 million? That's just the beginning!
"Mr. Fang is very bold, but Sister Mei is also my sister. As your younger brother, I can't let you take all the credit!"

"200 million!"

There was another uproar in the audience, and people started talking about it!

Some were surprised that Lu Kuan and Mei Yanfang had such a relationship. After all, it had been rumored in the circle before, and this time it was personally confirmed by the parties involved.

Many male celebrities who were jealous of his young talent felt a little relieved.

No wonder they rose to prominence so quickly. Even if they had the support of a big Hong Kong lady, I would do the same!

For example, the duck shed.

He withdrew his gaze from Lu Kuan, and a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

I’ll just say it!
How did a small charlatan who only managed to play a small role in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" through some unknown conspiracy reach this position in just one or two years?
Li Yapeng quietly held his new girlfriend's hand under the table, expressing his deepest emotion.

All of them are either second generation or are hanging out with rich and powerful people. Only I, Yapeng, have achieved all of this through my own talent and strong physical fitness.

Great achievements come early!

Concubine Liu Yi quietly pushed the road wider. She was not worried about spending too much money.

She saw Fang Long's unhappy expression next to her and was worried that Lu Kuan would make enemies for no reason.

The little girl underestimated Lu Kuan and Fang Long.

Fang Long still had the demeanor of a senior. Seeing that the situation was becoming tense, he slowly stood up and went on stage, taking the microphone from Ke Lan.

"Director Lu is passionate about charity, which I admire greatly. This costume is very beautiful and is a classic look for our outstanding young mainland actress, Ms. Liu Yifei."

"She reminds me of Anita Mui when she was young. She was the ever-changing queen of Hong Kong, but the only thing missing from her wardrobe was this piece of classic clothing."

"How about this, Director Lu, I'll do you a favor and bid 300 million for this costume and give it to Ah Mei. Okay?"

He has to protect his son's reputation.

However, Lu Kuan is someone Li Shoucheng really values. He is also a young director and rising star among the younger generation in mainland China.

The film company jointly established with Emperor Entertainment Group must make a living in the mainland. There is no need to make everyone unhappy because of such a small matter. It's just a matter of a few million.

When he starred in "Back to the Future" last year, he already received the highest salary for Chinese in Hollywood, $1000 million. Is this $300 million still a lot of money?
Spend 300 million, everyone will be safe, and you will also gain a good reputation.

Su Mang tactfully asked someone to pass the microphone to Lu Kuan in the audience.

"Brother Fang Long is a senior, and I fully agree with your proposal."

"How about this, Brother Fang Long, please don't try to snatch the items from me tonight. I'll offer 288 million, learn from you, and contribute a little to charity!"

Ke Lan decisively poked the arm of Wu Dawei beside her. The latter came to his senses and praised the two of them to the utmost.

The exaggerated and funny performance on the stage instantly made the atmosphere lively and exciting with the addition of 600 million.

Fang Long and Lu Kuan took a photo together on the stage, and the big brother from Hong Kong shook the hand of the young man from the mainland firmly.

No wonder Li Shoucheng values ​​him so much. His behavior, intelligence and demeanor are far superior to many young people in Hong Kong.

No matter how high-profile he was, he knew to be restrained and only offered 288 million, slightly lower than his 300 million, to express his respect for his predecessor.

This is what it means to be truly unreasonable.

Fang Long returned to his seat and sighed silently as he looked at his son who still looked resentful.

A good father and a good son!
Mei Yanfang smiled and thanked Fang Long, then looked with satisfaction at Lu Kuan who was looking calm not far away.

It's not a problem for him, it's not a problem at all.

Yanzi was sitting in the last row of the venue. She had not planned to come, but she heard on the phone that Lu Kuan would be present, so she hurriedly left the venue.

I didn't expect that arriving at the right time is worse than arriving early. I watched this whole drama thoroughly.

Lu Kuan is really no longer the little god who gave her guidance before.

Just like the dinner that the crew of "Green Tea" had at the restaurant just now, investor Dong Shuangqiang and Deputy Director Jiang were also there.

In front of everyone, Jiang Wen vividly explained Lu Kuan's plan for Liu Xiaoqing after he was released from prison.

This really surprised all the old foxes at the table. This young man, hey.

Deputy Director Jiang recalled the interesting incident in March when Shanghai Film Group and Bernardo were also manipulated by Lu Kuan, and gave a comment with emotion.

"The tiger has not yet become a cultured animal, but it already has the aura of eating cattle."

A small climax completely set the tone for tonight. Fang Long's 300 million seemed to be a red line drawn for everyone, and no subsequent items exceeded this number.

This is like a government organization organizing a donation. The leader donates 1000 at the beginning, and then you can donate as you wish.

Class 92, Grade 100 was also in full swing. Wang Fei bought Yingzi's costume from her first Spring Festival Gala performance in for million yuan.
A guitar owned by singer Zheng Jun was bought by Ai Dajin for 80 yuan;
When it comes to arguing about face, the squad leader has to be the one. Wang Fei took off the six-eyed Dzi beads from her neck on the spot. They were of average quality and she was just wearing them for fun.

It was eventually bought by the host Ke Lan for 200 million yuan, becoming the third "hot item" of the day.

The entertainment industry is also a world of its own, and everyone tacitly agrees to stay within the price range of 300 million. No one expected that this rule would be broken until Lu Kuan's lot appeared.

Ke Lan held up the microphone and said, "The next auction is for the Golden Lion Award-winning director and Cannes Best Director winner Lu Kuanlu."

"Cannes Film Festival, the Grand Jury Prize for Shoplifters!"

It is called a trophy, but it is actually a uniquely shaped golden palm leaf embedded in a glass cube.

The trophies at the Cannes Film Festival are basically palm leaves with a background element.

Aside from the Palme d'Or, all other trophies from the Jury Prize to Best Director are the same.

"Thief" won the Best Director and Jury Prize, so they just put one of them up for auction.

As soon as this thing came out, the atmosphere of the scene immediately became more luxurious. Look at how "luxurious" they are, this is something that can't be bought with money!

Zhao Yanzi raised his sign: "80!"

Everyone turned around, not knowing when she had arrived.

Yan Zi calmly accepted the scrutiny from all sides and nodded in greeting to Lu Kuan.

Concubine Liu Yi glanced between them suspiciously several times, but couldn't figure out what was going on.

The little girl suddenly raised her sign timidly: "One million."

Boss Lu was speechless. What’s wrong with you?
Concubine Liu Yi looked straight ahead and ignored his puzzled look.

However, some people have already started to gossip, it seems that the rumors about these two people are not groundless.

Mei Yanfang held up her sign: "120 million."

Yanzi knew the relationship between Mei Yanfang and Lu Kuan, so she didn't take it as an offense: "150 million!"

When she went to ask Taoist Lu for fortune-telling, she slapped her bank card with 200 million yuan on the table in the tea room.

Now, in order to please him and repair the relationship, I spend the money without blinking an eye.

In terms of emotional intelligence, she is indeed unique among female stars, but she is blinded by greed and goes against the people.

Mei Yanfang looked back curiously, and before she could react, she heard Huo Wenxi's voice.

"200 million!"

She gave Mei Yanfang an apologetic look. It wasn't that she had to fight for it, she was just following her boss's instructions.

Make friends at all costs and you will have a wider road.

What’s more, it is such a prestigious and commemorative Cannes trophy.

Lu Kuan confiscated Concubine Liu Yi's nameplate and stacked it together with his own.

Are you stupid? I'm just teasing others, why are you joining in the fun?

A few days ago, Mei Yanfang heard Huo Wenxi talk about Eagle King’s current attitude towards Lu Kuan in Zhongbei, and she was happy to see it happen, so she didn’t raise the sign again.

Zhao Yanzi didn't care about that. She was a very goal-oriented person. Even if she gave up the bidding and failed, at least she could leave a good impression on him.

"300 million!"

The stars were whispering to each other, and Su Mang was already numb. She had a feeling that the headlines for the next month would all be about her!

Everything seems to be because of the width of this road...

My persistence was indeed right. The elegance and grace displayed by this young director are so impressive. If I were 10 years younger...

What? You still want to sit on his lap?
Huo Wenxi was a little surprised. Was this directed at himself or at Lu Kuan?
So persistent.

"350 million!"

Fang Long took the lead in applauding, but he was not so petty as to mind that there were items on the scene that exceeded his number.

He is a typical person who treats his brothers better than women, and he has the heroic spirit of a man of the world in his bones.

Zhao Yanzi stopped arguing now. As long as the meaning was conveyed, it would be fine. With Lu Kuan's cleverness, it would not be difficult for him to see the goodwill he was showing.

Boss Lu saw it and accepted the goodwill of her and Eagle King.

But now he just wanted to ask Yan Zi, he has an identical trophy at home, can he sell it to you at a discount price of 300 million...

After this climax, there was no more scene that could arouse everyone's interest in tonight's charity night, and it ended with warm applause and a hasty group photo.

The first Charity Night officially came to an end.

However, the auction just now was just foreplay, and the buffet and blending that followed were the real meat of the show, the juicy and tender kind.

Yan Zi walked slowly to Lu Kuan's table.

"Director Lu, I'm sorry I can't bring honor to you due to my limited financial resources."

Look at what she said. If Boss Lu didn't know who she was, he would have fallen into her trap just like Boss Ma in later generations.

"No, no, long time no see, Ms. Zhao."

"Director Lu is still so formal. Just call me by my name, haha."

Zhao Yanzi suddenly seemed to remember something and took out two invitations from her bag.

"Director Lu, Concubine Yi, please come and support the premiere of 'Green Tea' this weekend."

Don't hit a smiling person. Lu Kuan said vaguely: "Okay, I will come over when I have time."

Concubine Liu Yi also thanked him sweetly.

Yanzi didn't intend to let him go just like that: "I just told Jiang Wen at the dinner table that you two had a great time drinking and chatting in Cannes."

"Director Lu, even if I don't have enough face, can you please give Director Jiang some face?"

Boss Lu was speechless. Since his rebirth, he rarely had trouble responding to a question. Yan Zi was so clever with words that it would be inappropriate to refuse her in any way.

"Okay, just take care of my meals when the time comes, hehe."

The two were chatting animatedly, and there were a bunch of people around who wanted to come over to meet them and get acquainted, but it was inconvenient to interrupt.

Only Su Mang walked over leisurely, holding champagne.

"Director Lu, Mr. Zhao, thank you both for supporting charity!"

Boss Lu complained in his heart, you should thank me for making you look a hundred times fatter!
Su Mang was a shrewd man. After a brief greeting, he turned his gaze to Concubine Liu Yi.

"Princess Yi, I have to thank you for your Wang Yuyan costume, otherwise tonight would have been a dull night."

"Are you interested in being on the cover of our magazine? You're simply the most beautiful 16-year-old girl in period costume I've ever seen!"

Concubine Liu Yi glanced at Lu Kuan and seeing that he had no intention of refusing, she smiled and agreed.

"Okay then. I won't interrupt your conversation for now. Thank you again."

After a few people clinked their glasses, Zhao Yanzi decided to quit while he was ahead. He was late and left early, and went to catch up with his leader's second game.

One person finished his performance and the other took the stage. Concubine Liu Yi was so hungry that she went to find something to eat.

Just as Lu Kuan was about to get up, tonight's big money man arrived again.

"Hello, guide!", "Hello, guide~"

Boss Lu shook hands with the Twins sisters, and one of them gently scratched his palm with her fingernail.

Are you using this to test the director?

The two of them had dined with Lu Kuan at Li Shoucheng's Dabieye in Hong Kong, and had witnessed with their own eyes the courtesy the boss showed him. They did not dare to neglect him and were very respectful.

Huo Wenxi smiled and said, "Director Lu, our Eagle King sisters all admire you very much. If there are suitable roles in future movies, please consider them."

"Sure, sure. Xiao Zhong and Xiao Cai both look good, and would be suitable for acting in youth films."

Boss Lu ignored the two women's delighted looks and said, "Sister Mani, thank you for spending money tonight. I'll toast you a drink later."

"No, Director Lu is a young talent that Eagle King has always wanted to establish a cooperative relationship with. These are not worth mentioning."

Huo Wenxi asked the two girls to fetch some champagne, and then whispered, "Director Lu, I'm wondering about the collaboration you and Tom Cruise mentioned in Cannes..."

Haha, I thought you could endure it for a long time, but you finally revealed your true feelings.

Since he returned to China, he has privately responded to concerned parties: a cooperative relationship is being established and the current situation is unclear.

With the expected revenue from "Fahrenheit 911/" as a foundation, and the box office revenue from "Stone" and "Thief" in the second half of the year, what he lacks now is not money.

It is resources and channels.

For example, who can help Xiying Studio to participate in the share reform and intercept Huayi's Hu?

For example, while buying Jiahe stocks at a low price in the secondary market, he also tried to find a way to acquire the Jiahe shares held by Li Jiacheng.

Li Shoucheng undoubtedly has the power and the face to do so. The key lies in how the two sides deal with each other.

"Sister Mani, after I'm done with this, I'll take Sister Mei back to Hong Kong. I'll invite Mr. Li to dinner and we can talk about this."

Huo Wenxi was overjoyed. She had been under a lot of pressure recently. Lu Kuan always returned to China next week, and there was no chance for them to meet at all.

She even hesitated to let the Twins...

Now there is finally some progress.

(End of this chapter)