Internet moguls are being held hostage by the entertainment system!

Chapter 467 The Lighting's Appeal, Yang Mi's Envy
A movie celebration party is a ceremony held to celebrate a movie that has achieved a certain level of box office success.

As the second film to surpass 50 billion yuan at the box office after Wolf Warrior 2, and also China's first hard science fiction blockbuster, The Wandering Earth naturally deserves a lot of celebration.

For the first time in the past month, Guo Fan felt that his life was starting to feel unreal.

Those who used to ignore him are now approaching him with smiles, initiating conversations and recounting illogical stories of old friendships...

Then, all these topics revolved around one point: the sequel to "The Wandering Earth".

Haha, I know the entertainment industry is realistic, but this is just too damn realistic.

This sentence flashed through Guo Fan's mind countless times.

Walking through the celebration banquet for "The Wandering Earth," he still had to keep smiling and think about this sentence.

A-list celebrities and influential figures in the industry, whose names are unknown but whose titles are very prestigious, all surround him, transforming him from an unknown Guo Degang into the Director Guo he is today!
However, Guo Fan still prefers the person who called him Lao Guo from the very beginning.

After weaving through the layers of crowds and filtering out the chaotic sounds and laughter, Guo Fan finally spotted Chen Xiu standing in a corner, chatting with Wang Changtian, the CEO of Enlight Media.

At first glance, this scene seems fine.

But upon closer inspection, Guo Fan was astonished to discover that Wang Changtian, as the CEO of Enlight Media, the second-largest film and television company in the industry, spoke to Chen Xiu with a fawning tone.

Of course, as a CEO, the other party was quite skilled at flattery.

The deliberate bending over, the upward gaze, the sideways stance, and the subtle nod—all these were executed so subtly that they went unnoticed unless one looked closely.

What are they talking about?
Guo Fan, filled with doubt, walked to another corner and waited for Chen Xiu to finish talking before going over to greet him.

On the other side, Chen Xiu listened to Wang Changtian's endless rambling and felt somewhat helpless.

"Mr. Chen, I heard that your upcoming film 'Detective Chinatown 1900' is going to be a collaboration with Warner Bros. and filmed in the United States?"

"Well, that's the plan."

"Enlight Media's film business has been lagging behind in the last two years. Our investment in 'Detective Chinatown 2' was indeed profitable thanks to Mr. Chen's guidance. However, with the film being shot in the United States this time, will there be any issues with funding...? I'm not doubting the capabilities of Enlight Media..."

"Mr. Wang."

Chen Xiu interrupted Wang Changtian's rambling, as she couldn't bear to listen any longer.

"Do you want Enlight Media to invest in 'Detective Chinatown 1900'?"

Wang Changtian hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Is that alright?"

Investment always requires reciprocity. Enlight Media benefited from the "Detective Chinatown 2" project but failed to deliver a decent project in return.

Then, Datang Pictures began preparations for "Detective Chinatown 1900" in full swing.

This kind of cooperation that only takes and doesn't give is unsustainable. Besides, Datang Pictures' current status in the film and television industry is even higher than Enlight Media's. Wang Changtian had no choice but to try to curry favor with Chen Xiu.

Chen Xiu didn't say anything, she just quietly looked at him.

Wang Changtian's heart skipped a beat, and his confidence waned even further: "If 'Detective Chinatown 1900' already has investors, please forgive my intrusion, Mr. Chen..."

"You're welcome!"

Chen Xiu put her hand on Wang Changtian's shoulder and her tone softened: "We are partners, investing in each other and sharing the risks. What's so presumptuous about that?"

"Yes! Mr. Chen is right."

"but……"

Chen Xiu changed the subject and said slowly, "Currently, General Manager Wei is in charge of the content division of Datang Pictures. As the chairman, it would be somewhat inappropriate for me to overstep my authority and decide on the film investment share. What do you think, General Manager Wang?"

Wang Changtian's heart sank, his smile froze, and he realized that Chen Xiu was politely declining.

"I understand, it was my oversight."

"It's not a problem for you to come to me. After all, when Datang Film Industry was first established, I was the one who took the initiative to contact you and invite you to climb Fragrant Hills together."

It sounds like there's a chance for things to turn around again?
Wang Changtian thought to himself, staring at Chen Xiu with anticipation.

After several attempts to lower Wang Changtian's expectations, Chen Xiu noticed the subtle changes in his expression and promptly delivered the news that made him overjoyed.

"So I'll speak to Mr. Wei privately and ask him to consider the investors."

A surge of intense emotion welled up from the depths of Wang Changtian's heart, making his excitement palpable.

"Mr. Chen, thank you so much, thank you so much."

"You're too kind. The 'Ne Zha' project produced by Enlight Media this year also had investment from Datang Pictures."

Chen Xiu said with a smile, already considering whether to use the investment in "Detective Chinatown 1900" to have Wei Feng directly ask Wang Changtian for the copyright sharing of "Ne Zha"...

If we want to, we need to finalize the deal before the movie is released.

If they wait until the movie is released and see the dazzling box office of over 50 billion yuan, Wang Changtian probably wouldn't give up the "Ne Zha" IP even if he were beaten to death.

At this point in time, Wang Changtian has not yet realized the true value of "Ne Zha" and his attention to it is limited.

“Ne Zha…” Wang Changtian pondered for a moment, then said with a slightly exaggerated tone, “This movie has been completed. Our internal expectation is that it can surpass Monkey King: Hero Is Back and reach 10 billion yuan at the box office. We plan to release it during the summer season. Does Datang have any plans for the summer season this year?”

"Isn't 'Ne Zha' exactly what we were planning?"

Chen Xiu countered with a question, staring at Wang Changtian and meeting his gaze with a smile.

Setting a box office target of over 10 billion yuan for "Ne Zha" shows that Enlight Media has good foresight, as no domestic animated film has yet broken the 10 billion yuan mark.

But who would have thought that the first domestic animated film to break 10 billion yuan at the box office would also be the first to break 50 billion yuan?
After laughing, Wang Changtian tactfully took his leave, while Chen Xiu pondered how to get Wei Feng to acquire part of the copyright to "Ne Zha".

Just as Chen Xiu made up his mind, the sound of footsteps from the side made him stop thinking and look up.

The person who came into view wore black-rimmed glasses, had a big smile on his face, and was very friendly.

"Congratulations, Mr. Chen!"

Wang Zhongjun extended his hand to Chen Xiu warmly and generously, as if there were no disagreements between them, but rather they were old friends.

Chen Xiu glanced at his hand and shook it politely: "Long time no see. I thought President Wang wouldn't come."

"How could I miss it? 'The Wandering Earth' is China's first hard science fiction blockbuster. The Film Bureau even held a study and discussion meeting for it last week. How could I miss such a big event as the celebration banquet!"

Wang Zhongjun withdrew his hand and then gestured for Chen Xiu to speak privately.

Not far away, Guo Fan, who was a step behind, watched as Chen Xiu and Wang Zhongjun took a few steps to the side and then stopped. He could only purse his lips and continue to stand in line and wait.

However, as the protagonist of this celebration banquet, he could attract the attention of most people simply by standing there without moving.

For some actors who dare to take the initiative, Guo Fan standing alone presents an excellent opportunity to strike up a conversation.

"Director Guo, hello there!"

"Hmm? You are... Yang Mi?"

Yang Mi's fame made it easy for Guo Fan to recognize her.

Hearing her name called, Yang Mi smiled and skipped the self-introduction: "Director Guo, I'm also an artist with Datang Pictures. In a way, we should be colleagues, right?"

"really."

Guo Fan nodded in agreement, swallowing back the polite words he had prepared.

Yang Mi continued, "This time, 'The Wandering Earth' has grossed over 5 billion yuan, making Jing Ge a 10 billion yuan male star, and Director Guo, you have also become famous overnight."

"Thank you."

"I heard that there's a sequel to 'The Wandering Earth.' I wonder if we'll have a chance to collaborate on the next movie?"

Yang Mi went straight to the point, stating her purpose without hesitation.

Many opportunities in the film and television industry come from parties, celebration banquets, and other social gatherings where various people mingle in a world of fame and fortune.

If people feel there's a possibility of cooperation, they'll usually exchange greetings and contact information, and then find an opportunity to discuss it in detail privately.

This method can also greatly improve efficiency.

A while ago, the news that Datang Pictures had invested in Guo Fan's personal studio was widely known in the industry. Then, Yang Mi's personal studio also signed with Datang Pictures.

Under these circumstances, the two sides already have a basis for cooperation. Yang Mi is also a top female star in the industry, so if there is a suitable role, Guo Fan might really consider her.

Unfortunately, no.

"I'm sorry, the main female characters for the sequel have already been cast. As for the remaining supporting roles, they probably don't suit your status."

Guo Fan smiled politely, but his refusal was remarkably firm.

Yang Mi's smile froze. "The female lead has already been decided?"

"Yes! The female lead is Meng Ziyi. She made a cameo appearance as Liu Qi's mother, Han Duoduo, in 'The Wandering Earth.' This was confirmed a long time ago. She is also an artist under Datang Pictures. You should know her, right?"

Yang Mi nodded, instantly understanding.

Looking at Meng Ziyi on the other side, dressed in a gold dress, with her hair styled in a potted plant shape, radiant and beautiful, chattering incessantly while pulling Chen Duling along.
All she felt was envy, not for the other woman landing the lead role in Guo Fan's next film, but for her excellent taste in men...

Chen Xiu is an anomaly in the history of the entertainment industry, and he actually ran into Meng Ziyi.

Yang Mi only pursed her lips sourly, but she still managed to maintain a good facade: "Director Guo, I wish you great success with your next film, and I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together in the future!"

"There's always a chance."

Guo Fan made a polite remark, then turned to look in Chen Xiu's direction, where he witnessed a scene that left him speechless with astonishment.

Yang Mi, who was originally planning to leave, turned to look in Chen Xiu's direction after noticing the change in Guo Fan's expression.

The next moment, she also had the same expression as Guo Fan on her face.

Not far away, Wang Zhongjun was bowing to Chen Xiu in apology, while Chen Xiu awkwardly reached out to help him up.

(End of this chapter)