Chapter 472: Give Him Two Slaps

Fang Hong's plan to organize the Macau Film Festival spread like wildfire—it was impossible to keep secret, as committees and judging panels required personnel.

He also needed to reach out to external resources and solicit opinions from outside, so some interested parties were aware.

Someone complained: "Has he ever done this before? What could he possibly produce?"

Yu Pangzi of Bona issued an internal directive: "None of our films are to be submitted to the Macau Film Festival. Let him fail. Let him work hard for no reward."

Gong Huang also spoke out within the Hong Kong circle: "Anyone who submits a film to the Macau Film Festival is going against me."

Huayi didn't need to say anything—any film with Huayi investment was banned from submission to the Macau Film Festival, including internal stars.

These people only issued directives internally and said nothing publicly; if they had spoken out, the conflict would have escalated.

He's always been like this; no one pays attention to him.

The venue was already full; the moment the Principal appeared at the entrance, all the C-pop stars involuntarily turned their gazes toward him.

But Feng Kuzi wasn't afraid—he cursed at the Shanghai Film Festival: "A trash person doing trash things."

"The director is a highly professional, elegant, and intellectual filmmaker, deeply respected; the actor Bai Yu is handsome and has excellent acting skills; Liu Tianxian is beautiful and has outstanding acting ability." Fang Hong had no reply.

It was normal; the two often acted like this, yet remained serious in front of outsiders.

Recalling the past, the Principal had been just a small boss in front of him, and one memory stood out vividly—the Principal carrying Liu Tianxian through muddy paths.

The host asked: "We all know that 'Flower Bouquet' achieved great box office success and was nominated for the Shanghai Film Festival. Yifei, did you ever think you'd win?"

Their behavior actually helped expand Fang Hong's fame—some films that originally didn't plan to submit now did, simply because the Principal was involved.

Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian descended the steps; people kept greeting them or nodding in acknowledgment—completely different from the past, when everyone feared Huayi. Now, they were surrounded by adoration.

Every year these people would attack censorship, but nothing ever changed, so all the yelling was meaningless—a waste of breath.

He ignored the fans' cheers and shouts, deaf and blind to them—he had no fans anyway, because the loudest thing he heard was "Liu Yifei!" Too noisy to make out anything; even if someone was cursing him, he couldn't hear it.

Fang Hong was aware of the subtle blacklisting within the industry but said nothing—he let them blacklist him however they wanted.

"I think he's not very handsome," Liu Tianxian said bluntly.

The scene was dazzling with stars; major celebrities competed in glamour—some showed their chests, others their backs; since the weather wasn't cold, wearing less was fine.

The Shanghai Film Festival continued its tradition of grandeur and elegance—the venue was large, the stage luxurious, and the guest seats still arranged in terraced tiers.

"Then what do you think of the Principal? Is he handsome?" the host asked next.

Notably, Gong Huang was the chair of the judging panel for this year's festival.

The Shanghai Film Festival opened on June 14 and closed on June 22, lasting eight days; Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian arrived at the closing moment.

"What about the director? How do you evaluate them?" the host asked.

The two reconciled again after a short while, though Fang Hong had never been angry—just sulking a bit.

On the red carpet, lights flashed; Liu Tianxian waved as usual, smiling as always.

"What does it matter? What others think of you isn't important—you in my eyes are radiant as stars, the brightest one." Liu Tianxian leaned close, whispering sweetly.

"Xie Miao, Nazha, you must work hard under Director Lu. There's going to be a sequel." Fang Hong greeted the two.

"We're finishing in late August—there should be plenty of time between them," Liu Tianxian said.

Liu Tianxian brought two films: 'Flower Bouquet' and 'The Four Great Constables 3,' which was set to release in August.

Watching them, Xue Xiaolu shook her head—like children playing house; lovers always act this way.

Her flaxen hair was styled into a princess bun, adorned with a diamond headband, and a pale blue diamond necklace rested on her neck, highlighting her elegant collarbones and sloping shoulders.

"Shaofeng, what have you been busy with lately?" Liu Tianxian asked—he was quite familiar with her.

"Alright, thank you," the host signaled they could enter the venue; there were still people waiting behind the red carpet.

Liu Tianxian handed the microphone to Fang Hong, her beautiful phoenix eyes gazing at him tenderly.

Stars like Song Hye-kyo, Rain, Park Shin-hye, Song Chengxian, Tokiwa Takako, and Nicole Kidman were also present—each from different countries, still highly influential.

Now, they were major figures in the entertainment industry, while he remained stagnant, making no progress.

"Why do you say I'm not handsome?" Fang Hong said.

Fang Hong exchanged a few words with Feng Shaofeng, Yuan Quan, and others—nothing substantial, just asking how things were going.

Bai Yu was attending such a grand event for the first time, appearing somewhat nervous and uncomfortable; Xue Xiaolu, by contrast, remained calm.

Hearing this, Fang Hong turned to Liu Tianxian: "Your 'The Four Great Constables 3' is also in August, right?"

Arriving too early meant endless meetings and endless bickering, while the higher-ups watched them like clowns.

Now, over six hundred films are produced annually, with over three hundred released—there's no shortage of content.

The audience and fans still screamed and shouted, but no one knew what they were yelling—too noisy.

Also present were Han Han, Feng Shaofeng, Yuan Quan, and other cast and crew of 'So Young.'

Only because of nomination and winning—the Principal paid generously.

At the end of the red carpet, a host signaled them to stop.

"'So Young' has entered its propaganda phase and is scheduled for early July," Han Han said.

Others chuckled too, because the Principal laughed.

"Alright, alright, I apologize," Liu Tianxian knew he was just being dramatic on purpose.

"Good that our release dates don't clash—if they did, it'd be a problem. Both are my own," Fang Hong said.

Yutu also had two films releasing this summer: 'Xiu Chun Dao' and 'So Young.'

This made Bai Yu smile shyly; Liu Tianxian covered her mouth and laughed, raising her hand to hit him—then paused, slipping her hand into her pocket.

Besides the stars, many film crews attended, since the festival occurred before the summer season and offered considerable exposure. On the red carpet, Fang Hong, Liu Tianxian, Bai Yu, and Xue Xiaolu walked together, representing the 'Flower Bouquet' crew.

This year's festival was held at the International Convention Center, its massive spherical landmark glowing brilliantly beside the Huangpu River.

Throughout the entire process, Fang Hong acted as if he didn't know Feng Shaofeng, treating him like a stranger; Feng Shaofeng, meanwhile, looked bewildered, his emotions a tangled mess.

Thinking of this, she glanced at Liu Tianxian.

"Hahaha!" the host laughed: "Looks like Yifei has been disappointed many times—but don't worry, this time you're definitely going to win."

"I think it's useless—it has to be Liu Tianxian who thinks so. Tianxian, do you think he's handsome?" Xue Xiaolu was always stirring up trouble, and her last remark was directed at Liu Tianxian.

In the past, she and her husband were just like that—extremely childish.

The group walked inside, and the cameras stopped following them.

Bai Yu saw how the goddess looked, and he felt a pang inside—he hoped the Principal would treat Liu Tianxian well, but he couldn't say anything; after all, he was just an outsider.

"That's what you said, not me," Liu Tianxian said, covering her mouth and laughing uncontrollably. Fang Hong was deeply annoyed and didn't want to speak to her anymore.

For example, the films delivered included The Breakup Guru, The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom, The Return, and The Cosmetic Diary.

Remember, the Macau Film Festival is official—not Yutu Investment's. To blacklist the Macau Film Festival is equivalent to blacklisting the authorities—it's turning heaven upside down.

Finally, we're putting on the last piece of trash, but Liu Tianxian still needs to provide after-sales service—promote it for them.

Liu Tianxian was watching her too; when Nazha met her gaze, she hurriedly lowered her head like a timid little thing, her heart pounding.

"There's no difficulty—General Manager Chen has already arranged everything." Han Han still had a good impression of the Principal.

She looked elegant overall, and with her fair skin and charming smile, every gesture exuded nobility and grace.

Fang Hong had no such interest, and chatted a few more words with Han Han from After You, a film funded by Yutu Investment.

"You're clearly angry, yet you say you're not," Liu Tianxian giggled, reaching for his hand.

Fang Hong immediately sulked: "Aren't I handsome? You always say I'm handsome."

"Then I'll take your good wishes," Liu Tianxian smiled.

Because he saw a reflection of his younger self—he used to defy heaven, defy earth, defy the air.

"Alright, if you have any difficulties, speak up—we'll meet them if we can." Fang Hong gripped his hand warmly; after all, others could make money.

"We're staggered—we're in early August," Lu Yang said.

Liu Tianxian wore a white striped V-neck gauze dress, giving her a fairy-like aura; the gown swept the ground, and a bow-shaped sash at her waist highlighted her charming slender waist.

This person is a bit sensitive; those two were just playing around.

Both films' directors and lead actors had come: Lu Yang, Xie Miao, Nazha, Wang Qianyuan, and others.

There are plenty of movies now—hundreds released each year; it's no longer the era where Beijing dominates, and the Hong Kong circle doesn't even matter—come if you want, don't come if you don't.

"It's set for August," Lu Yang said.

Liu Tianxian saw Fang Hong quicken his steps and hurried after him, lifting her dress: "What's wrong? Are you upset?"

"No," Fang Hong pouted, refusing to look at her.

"I'll work hard," Xie Miao clenched her fist.

"I heard the Principal is also a producer on this film—how do you rate the male and female leads and the director?" The host, apparently unsure what else to ask.

And Fang Hong, holding her hand on the red carpet, still wore a sharp suit, looking cool as ever.

Liu Tianxian smiled sweetly and took the microphone again: "Still, winning an award would be best—but if I don't win, I can accept it. I'm used to it."

Fang Hong acted like a child, "Hmph," ignoring her.

Those around them wore auntie smiles—these two had come here to show off their affection, with the whole world watching.

Her dress had pockets.

The gap between people is truly enormous.

Now he didn't pay special attention to this matter anymore.

This year, Yutu Investment gave her many resources; clearly, the Principal treats her very well—he probably likes her.

"Of course I've thought about it."

"My evaluation? Everything the Principal says is right," Xue Xiaolu couldn't help laughing.

Fang Hong looked at her; Liu Tianxian's eyes sparkled.

The female stars on-site were pleasing to the eye, but this year many foreign stars had come, making it more international.

They locked eyes; Fang Hong took her small hand. Liu Tianxian smiled and walked toward the venue.

"Director Lu, when will Xiu Chun Dao be released?" Fang Hong chatted with Lu Yang.

Meaning the film starred Liu Tianxian, while Xiu Chun Dao was their own company's movie—hard to handle.

Any movie scheduled for summer release comes here to piggyback.

Bai Yu saw the goddess laughing so happily, and he felt happy too—her joy was enough; he no longer had those thoughts.

Nazha's heart fluttered like a startled deer, her cheeks slightly flushed, yet she was delighted inside—the Principal's one word had granted her resources for her next film.

"I haven't been busy—just promoting the film and doing some events."

"."

Fang Hong radiated confidence in the crowd; Feng Kuzi watched and muttered to those around him: "Look at that smug face—I just want to slap him twice."

The others thought: Go ahead and slap him—just talk big.

(End of Chapter)