Chapter 460: Lover and Beloved

Liu Tianxian's speech gave her a solid base of intellectual followers, and many students regarded her as the only idol worth fanning.

Meanwhile, stars big and small in the entertainment circle were each busy with their own affairs—falling in love, giving birth; Da Mimi gave birth in Hong Kong; Da Baobei was dating Huang Jiaozhu; Xia Jie was busy dating older men.

But no matter how busy they were, none abandoned self-promotion or left this market—for instance, Da Mimi, while pregnant, kept working and even filmed *Tiny Times 3*, which was amazing; even during childbirth, she promoted her "joyful acquisition" of a daughter, receiving nationwide blessings, never pausing for a moment.

There was no choice—she faced pressure too, as this circle didn't wait for her; for example, Zhao Xiaodao kept pushing hard, once again topping ratings with *The Wife's Secret*, becoming the national online viewership champion for its time slot with an average viewership share of 6.14%.

She also made it onto the Forbes Celebrity List, ranking 75th—her first time on this list.

Liu Tianxian was only at 30th, but she was naturally indifferent and never actively pursued such things, never flaunting her wealth.

Leading the list was Fan Xiaopang, who held the top spot for consecutive terms; followed by Liu Tianwang, Zhou Naicha, Huang Jiaozhu, Guoji Zhang, and Da Mimi.

Liu Tianxian's second stop was the Cannes International Film Festival, where she appeared on the red carpet of the 69th Cannes International Film Festival wearing a Dior haute couture gown.

The reporter asked her again: "How do you evaluate Liu Tianxian's performance in this film?"

But Fang Hong said he had prior commitments—he had to attend the first-ever Web Drama Industry Summit, so it was canceled.

Don't be fooled by how low-key she seems now—in this era, she was last year's Cannes jury member, so she still held considerable influence at such international events.

She also invited numerous screenwriters like Bao Jinjin, Jiao Huajing, and Zhang Disha; renowned directors Wen Muye and Guo Fan; and famous producers Han Jianü and Zheng Jianfeng all attended.

Her first stop was Paris, where she attended Dior's Spring/Summer Haute Couture Show as Dior's Image Ambassador for Greater China.

Gong Huang wept like a tear-stained doll—it was clear she had feelings for Lao Mouzi, but once missed, it was missed; sometimes, missing meant a lifetime.

France Yahoo reported: "No matter where she is, you always feel she belongs somewhere higher."

"Among your leading roles, which film do you like the most?" the reporter asked.

To welcome her arrival, her film *Flower Bouquet* was publicly screened at the Gaumont Marignan Cinema in Paris.

It wasn't screened at Cannes—no need to be so formal!

Of course, the only true god at this level was Zhou Dongyu—Lao Mouzi's protégés were simply different.

This entire interview was conducted in English, and Liu Tianxian spoke with remarkable fluency.

The gown featured fifty hand-embroidered flowers and was paired with Dior's high jewelry collection: a platinum ring, diamond necklace, and bracelet.

Now that she had started her own venture, she wanted to produce her own film and television content; web dramas had low costs and were the best entry point.

Liu Tianxian's films already had some influence in France and Europe and America—her *The Forbidden Kingdom*, *Lucy*, and *Now You See Me* had sizable audiences.

Many new directors, screenwriters, and producers also came, such as Yao Jun, who previously led Youku's original content team and produced *Old Boys* and *Ten Thousand Wonders*.

Such scholars added weight and authority to the Web Drama Industry Summit; without them, it would feel like a makeshift operation.

Even the older man ranked ninth, ahead of Fang Long—no wonder Xia Jie married him; he had real capital, so fans shouldn't think it's not worth it.

"*Flower Bouquet* Shines in Paris: Liu Tianxian Receives Special Treatment."

If you went, you had to show face and praise her—those who didn't show face usually didn't go at all; for example, Yu Pangzi went to France and attended Cannes, but didn't come to Paris to support Liu Tianxian.

Seeing Liu Tianxian's charm in Paris, the special treatment she received, and the glowing reviews from celebrities, fans felt proud and happy for her.

Of course, these companies hadn't been formally established yet—only founders and partners attended, because 90% of web drama companies hadn't been incorporated; they were still seeking opportunities.

Liu Tianxian continued: "Every time I film a drama, he always tells me to perform according to my own understanding—if my performance is off, he'll guide me. This has given me more room to think about the various ways a character can be interpreted."

Of course, not just these—Yang Yuanying, Director of the Film Department at Beijing Film Academy, also attended.

"I saw her sincerity in performance. Though her acting is slightly lacking, her sincerity moved me—it's rare," said Guoji Zhang.

On May 28, the first-ever Web Drama Industry Summit was grandly held at the Jingcheng Kunlun Hotel in Beijing.

"That's a good question. Every director gives you different advice and instructions. The one I've collaborated with the most is my 'lover'—he may not be the most outstanding director, but he's the one who cares for me the most; for every film he directs, he gives me plenty of suggestions."

At the show, Liu Tianxian posed for a photo with Dior's Chief Executive Officer and wore a pink dress to Dior's Poison Perfume launch dinner, looking enchanting.

These people had come for the Cannes Film Festival and just happened to attend Liu Tianxian's film screening.

"Such a good person—why does Heizi keep bashing her?"

Fang Hong, Chairman of Yutu and Chang'e; Chen Zhixi, President of Yutu; Zhang Nan, Chief Operating Officer of Chang'e; along with a group of senior executives, attended this meeting.

The reporter didn't probe further but asked: "If you had to describe Cannes in three or four words, what would they be?"

Also present were external marketing experts like Xiao Mingchao, Zhang Chen, CEO of Happy Mahua, and their creators Yan Fei and Peng Damo.

This time, they came to see whose policies were better and would partner with whichever platform suited them best.

Others also offered their evaluations.

After the film ended, when interviewed, Guoji Zhang said: "I felt the heart behind this film—it's a movie worth watching and learning from."

English words often have multiple meanings; their specific sense must be determined by context.

Many reporters also came, both domestic and international; Sina reporters reported:

Liu Tianxian thought for a moment and said: "But the core is simple—it's humanity. How humanity is portrayed in film—people can clearly feel it."

These two were the screenwriters and directors of *Goodbye Mr. Loser* and *The Billionaire*. The reporter asked: "What do you expect from a director?"

He has real capital—he can protect Xia Jie.

Of course, the 85s still dominated the main ecological niche; the 90s weren't even comparable—only slightly famous, needing more time.

"Can I talk about my next film?" Liu Tianxian smiled lightly.

After all, the Principal had come—he clearly took this summit seriously; you couldn't just give empty talk.

Gong Huang also said: "This is my second time watching this film—I saw it once before. Honestly, I really like Liu Tianxian because she's an actress who makes you feel she's serious."

Of course, Zhao Xiaodao was at her peak this year—another drama, *Shan Shan Comes*, was about to air, and she had been nominated for Golden Eagle Goddess.

In other words, this year she might become Golden Eagle Goddess.

Of course, this was all out of respect for the Principal—he came to see him; Liu Tianxian herself didn't have that kind of clout.

There's another word—'lover'—that word is closer in meaning, but she refuses to use it to refer to her man, as it sounds like an extramarital affair.

At the screening, she saw Gong Huang in tears, hugging Lao Mouzi; Lao Mouzi also introduced her to Zhang Mo—his daughter.

Afterwards, Liu Tianxian attended the Cannes screening of Lao Mouzi's film *Coming Home*—a gesture of reciprocity.

This touching scene moved the audience to tears; Liu Tianxian was no exception—her eyes turned red as she held back her tears.

"Thank the internet for helping me understand her better!"

Both were very busy, each striving for their own careers.

She was clearly another new challenger among the 85s, while the 90s were also arriving in droves—Nazha, Reba, Tan Songyun, Jin Chen, Li Qin—all emerging prominently.

"Return" was a LeEco film; reviews were sharply divided—those who liked it wept uncontrollably, those who didn't left halfway through.

Previously, her speech had made her look androgynous and commanding, but after professional photo shoots at the runway, her aura was completely different.

While Liu Tianxian was attending her international event, the Cannes International Film Festival was drawing global attention.

The term "lover" here, in English translation, means "partner"; some interpret it as "spouse," depending on understanding.

"This is hard to answer. Although we see the charm of the film festival—the splendid attire, the awards, the crowd's gaze."

Liu Tianxian continued her high-end path, traveling to France to attend two major international events.

The Cannes International Film Festival still held great influence then, unlike later when people paid less attention.

Among several video platforms, only Chang'e Technology valued these small independent groups; the BATs were too aloof.

Elegant, ethereal, intellectual—beautiful from within to without—she radiated dazzling brilliance on the Cannes red carpet.

Attendees included fashion icons and also Gong Huang, Guoji Zhang, Fan Xiaopang, Li Bailian, Yang Lan—all showing up to support.

The film screening wasn't grand—it was merely a social event, just people getting to know each other, watching a movie.

Besides him, there were also later well-known teams specializing in web dramas, such as Lajin Film, Shenlan Film, and Donghai Qilin.

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Many others were busy filming; they came only to spare time and show support.

Of course, some gave genuine evaluations—like Gong Huang, who had no need to flatter anyone; her presence proved she liked Liu Tianxian as an actress.

The reporters laughed along; both smiled.

She wore silver high heels, dressed in a ready-to-wear suit, looking clean and sharp; paired with her long hair—likely a wig—it appeared refined and stylish.

The word "lover" isn't positive in China; in her heart, it meant "partner"! That night she stayed at Fang Hong's home, sleeping beside him, she told Fang Hong to come to France with her.

Chang'e Technology gave them this opportunity—and it was also an entirely new arena.

Don't be fooled by her seemingly hard heart—she was also sentimental, unable to bear such sorrowful scenes.

Guoji Zhang wasn't called that for nothing.

Her aura was both commanding and soft; this debut earned her a new title: "National Husband."

Gong Huang also embraced Lao Mouzi's daughter warmly; the scene was tender and romantic, like a family reunion.

From "Legend of Lu Zhen" to "The Heirs," then "The Wife's Secret"—within just one or two years, Zhao Xiaodao's lead roles were continuously hitting big.

At Cannes, she gave an English interview with the famous French journalist Jean—a middle-aged white man with a big beard—who asked her: "Is this your first time at Cannes?" "Yes, it's my first time. I originally planned to come with Mister Fang—he's my 'partner'—but he was busy, so I came alone." Liu Tianxian spoke openly, saying exactly what she felt.

"How can someone be this beautiful? If I were a boy, I'd want to marry a girl like her. I heard she's with the Principal—it made me so jealous I wanted to eat sour fruit."

Many people came—estimated over three hundred—and some reporters were invited to photograph and report on the summit.

In the banquet hall, crowds moved constantly; each guest had to register their name, then a young lady guided them to their seat—it was quite formal.

Fang Hong didn't recognize many people—he simply couldn't remember them—but Peng Yusi, the web-drama emperor, was there, his long horse face especially conspicuous.

There was no choice—he'd watched this person's dramas in his past life, learning from them.

(End of Chapter)