Chapter 361: Pull Your Mother's Votes

Pull votes? Pull what votes?

Pull your mother's votes, Tao Jingying!

This award, shouldn't it be Chen Nuo's?

Still need to pull votes?

The cameraman poked his face, Chen Nuo felt it didn't matter. Anyway, in China and abroad, poking faces at award ceremonies is the norm.

But Tao Jingying said so, asking him to get up and pull votes, Chen Nuo really felt a bit confused, feeling like he heard a Thai crew asking him to audition.

Thailand?

You really think I'm some kind of greenhorn!

Not to mention anything else, just say this Hundred Flowers Award, no matter what, this is a film award, right?

This is not some "Super Girl" or some "Sisters Who Make Waves," right?

Whether he can win the award has nothing to do with his movie, right?

What does it have to do with what he says or does?

At the Berlin Film Festival, he was dizzy, sitting on the chair sleeping the whole time, almost taking off his clothes and lying flat.

As a result, the Berlin Film Festival jury didn't say anything, right? They still let Renée Zellweger give him the award, right.

Taking a step back,

If China's Hundred Flowers Award really introduced the American vote-pulling mechanism, and really needed public relations lobbying like the Oscars, there was absolutely no reason to put it on the table and publicly "pull votes" in front of the camera!

Isn't this shameful?

If he doesn't pull votes and can't win the award, it doesn't matter.

Originally, Chen Nuo is not a god. Art is a matter of opinion. If he really doesn't catch the eyes of the 101 judges on the scene and fails to win the award, for the people of the whole country, it's just a shrug.

However, if he really licks the asses of those 101 judges at this time, saying things like "vote for me, vote for me, old iron, vote for me quickly."

Then the nature of the matter changes completely.

It can even be said that whether he wins or not in the end, it is absolutely a shameful act. If he wins, people will say there is a black curtain, otherwise why would they let you pull votes. If he doesn't, it's even worse, that's really losing the wife and the soldiers, and being a person on both sides.

Is this intentional, or unintentional?

This trap, is it Tao Jingying, this future TD element, harboring evil intentions?

Or is it directed by someone?

When suspicion arises, Chen Nuo's brain always turns extra fast.

His actor's observation skills also came in handy at this time. He noticed from the corner of his eye that Zhang Laoshi Guoli on his right was raising his head, his gaze always locked on Tao Jingying.

Tao Jingying's eyes also flickered past Zhang Guoli.

If it were someone else, they might ignore it. Originally, the host has to watch all directions and listen to all directions.

But, who is Chen Nuo?

He is someone who is afraid of being stabbed by those delicate girls when meeting fans.

Absolutely can be called a world-class master of suspicion.

This fleeting interaction immediately made the alarm bells in his heart ring.

So, he made a decisive decision, immediately showed an embarrassed smile, waved his hand at Tao Jingying, didn't take the microphone, and said directly to her: "No need, Sister Taozi."

Tao Jingying put the microphone back to her mouth and said with a smile: "Oh, it seems Chen Nuo is very shy, hahaha, everyone on the scene, let's give him applause."

Since the host said so, everyone naturally gave face and applauded together.

Amidst the thunderous applause, Chen Nuo knew that he had to get up.

Looking at the smile on Tao Jingying's face and feeling the painstaking effort she had to force him, he also laughed.

If he were really a 24-year-old young man who only knew how to film and had no experience, he would probably be at a loss.

But now, as a 42-year-old greasy uncle, he was so greasy that he despised himself. Since he discovered something wrong, it meant that he had ten thousand ways to avoid this trap.

Just say it.

He stood up, took the microphone, and said with a calm smile: "Since this is the case, then I will help Teacher Donnie Yen, Zhang Laoshi Guoli, Teacher Hou Yong, Teacher Chen Kun, and Teacher Tang Guoqiang pull votes. These teachers are my seniors and also the objects of my learning. I hope the judges on the scene can vote for them, thank you."

After speaking, he also bowed seriously.

Tao Jingying obviously didn't expect him to speak like this, her expression was stunned, and she couldn't pick up the lines in her mouth.

But she didn't need to speak anymore, because extremely enthusiastic applause erupted on the scene.

It can be said that it was much louder than the two hosts chatting awkwardly for a long time.

The reason is very simple,

If these words were spoken in the United States or Europe, there might be a suspicion of lack of confidence or hypocrisy.

But in China.

Spoken by him, listening to the ears of the Chinese people, it is incomparably pleasant, 100% politically correct, and loved by everyone.

Just look at those who were named by him.

This is really whether the flattery is fragrant or not, it depends on who is flattering.

When the director of the Hundred Flowers Award flashed a close-up of each of these people on the big screen at the scene.

More or less, these people all had smiles on their faces.

Even Teacher Tang Guoqiang, who was the most respected and dignified, had the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and his demeanor revealed a bit of pride.

Not only that, many audience members in the seats were also discussing and whispering.

Including many big shots at the scene.

Zhang Pingmin, the deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, who was sitting in the front row and the chairman of this Hundred Flowers Golden Rooster Film Festival, smiled and said to Kang Jianmin, the vice chairman of the Film Association and the director of this Hundred Flowers Award organizing committee: "Can speak, clever, high EQ. I went to see Sun Lao last time, and Sun Lao said this kid is smart, speaks well, and likes him very much."

Kang Jianmin also smiled and said: "I have seen his interviews in China and abroad several times, and he is indeed able to speak."

"Sun Lao's meaning is, after he wins the Hundred Flowers Award this time, you call your association people to find an opportunity to talk to him, let him still actively lean towards the organization, lean towards the people, and be a people's artist."

"Good. However..." Kang Jianmin's face showed difficulty, "He might not necessarily be willing. When he graduated from Beijing Film Academy, I asked their Dean Zhang to ask him, and he refused directly."

"That was then, people's thoughts will change. Send a few capable cadres under your hand, if it really doesn't work, you, Old Kang, go on the horse yourself, and do some ideological work. Sun Lao's meaning is don't be hard, young people, there are always many worries. We have to reason with him. As long as he is willing, no matter what group, as long as he is willing, he can choose whatever he wants."

"Having said that, this is also for his own good, right? When the time comes, he will have the qualification to evaluate professional titles, and he will also have a backing. Now he is so young and doing such big things, doesn't he feel bottomless in his heart? When the time comes, he won't have to worry, the organization is his biggest backing."

"Understood, Director Zhang. Chen Nuo is also lucky to be so valued by you and Sun Lao. I believe that after he knows the painstaking efforts of the two leaders, he will definitely understand the truth."

"Haha, Sun Lao is right, our literary and art circles, it is rare to have such a... actually Jianmin, you don't know... more above..."

When Zhang Pingmin and Kang Jianmin were whispering, Tao Jingying also came back to her senses, and with her Taiwanese accent, picked up the conversation: "Good guy, Chen Nuo pulled this vote beautifully, don't you think?"

"Haha, good, now let's interview the next one... come, Miss Shu Qi."

Tao Jingying walked away, and before walking away, she looked at Zhang Guoli again, seeing Zhang Laoshi's face was slightly gloomy.

She started chatting with Shu Qi, thinking in her heart: The money will definitely not be returned, she tried her best anyway, there is no way if the other party doesn't take the bait. Zhang Laoshi Guoli is such a big name, spent so much effort, definitely couldn't have no backup plan.

But that has nothing to do with her.

She is just here to fish for gold in the north, collecting money and doing things. As for why Zhang Laoshi hates Teacher Chen so much, and is willing to spend so much money to make things happen, as long as there is money to collect, what does it have to do with her.

"T

Chen Nuo smiled and said candidly, "Right, I heard it was like that. Why, did you hear about it in Hong Kong too?"

Donnie Yen was stunned for a moment, then the smile on his face became three parts more genuine. He pointed his finger at him and tapped it: "You, you really do know. I heard it from my agency; they said this time you're Best Actor, Zhao Wei is Best Actress, and Feng Xiaogang is taking Best Director, and The Founding of a Republic is Best Film. Right?"

Well, it really was an open secret after all.

"How would I know if it's right? To be honest, would you believe it?"

"I don't know, but I had to come anyway, believe it or not."

Chen Nuo smiled, "You could have chosen not to come."

Donnie Yen retorted, "Are you trying to get me killed?"

"Haha, not that far." At most, the road ahead in the mainland would just be a bit bumpier. In fact, this had been the reality of the Hundred Flowers Awards for a very long time.

Unlike the exciting tension of not knowing the winner until the very last moment as one might imagine, generally speaking, before attending the Hundred Flowers or Golden Rooster awards, most candidates already had an idea of whether they would win or not. Many, like Donnie Yen, who came even though they knew they wouldn't win, did so out of respect for the organizers.

This 30th Hundred Flowers Awards was no exception.

As early as a month ago, a "hot list" for the 2010 Hundred Flowers Awards, which appeared from nowhere, had been circulating online.

While many people didn't know if it was true or false, Chen Nuo knew this list was real.

Because he was a shareholder of Sina.

Having exhausted his efforts to invest in Sina back then, as the momentum of Sina Weibo becoming the sole leader gradually formed recently, he also began to taste a bit of the sweetness.

When the staff at the "scum" Sina told him that someone from above had reached out to demand the suppression of this list... the truth of the list naturally needed no further explanation.

So he just let Liu Yifei go to Japan to film with peace of mind and stop overthinking things.

Not only that,

as the awards ceremony approached, one week prior, even more authoritative and official news was conveyed directly from Zhang Yimou, telling him he must attend this awards ceremony.

With this two-pronged approach, Chen Nuo had truly felt it was a sure thing and had never thought there would be any reversals.

Damn it, is there really someone in China this bold?

Recalling Tao Jingying's bizarre behavior just now, he really wasn't sure anymore.

Looking at the cyan scalp of Zhang Guoli reflecting the lights beside him,

he finally made up his mind.

He immediately took out his phone, drafted a text message, and sent it to Qi Yuntian.

……

……

Zhang Guoli had managed to secure 50 tickets in total. It wasn't that he couldn't get more, but there was no need.

Out of 101 tickets, securing 50 was enough to decide the outcome.

Don't even mention the other 51 votes all going to Chen Nuo.

Zhang Guoli knew that was definitely impossible.

When the organization handles things, they wouldn't do it so crudely and unreasonably.

On stage, Christy Chung and Xu Xiaodong had already appeared, beginning to announce the nominees for the first award of the night—Best Newcomer.

A deep male voice rang out from the big screen:

"The actor playing Zhang Xiangtian in the film 'Shocking', Xu Jian."

"The actress playing Fang Hong in the film 'Bodyguards and Assassins', Li Yuchun."

"The actress playing the little secretary in the film 'If You Are the One', Gong Xinliang."

"The actor playing Wang Buming in the film 'Bodyguards and Assassins', Bateer."

"The actor playing the young Seventh Uncle in the film 'Confucius', Liu Fengchao."

As the list of candidates was announced, highlights of the five were played on the big screen.

After the clips finished, five names appeared on the big screen: Xu Jian, Chunchun, Gong Xinliang, Bateer, and Liu Fengchao, with a small wave above each name.

This wave was a visualized vote counter.

After voting began, this small wave would surge upward according to the growth of the votes, and the person with the most votes in the end would have the longest wave.

Voting hadn't started yet, but Zhang Guoli knew that Xu Jian from 'Shocking' would defeat the other four and take home the Best Newcomer award.

Zhang Guoli felt that 95% of the people in the room probably knew this.

So, wasn't it obvious?

Li Yuchun and Bateer, who didn't make a living in the film industry, hadn't even shown up.

The two hosts on stage knew this too. But even though they knew everyone else knew, they still pretended not to know that everyone knew, working hard on stage to stir up the atmosphere.

After Christy Chung and Xu Xiaodong finished introducing the nominees and left the stage,

Tu Jingwei, all smiles, shouted loudly: "Come on, 101 public jurors, the power is now in your hands! Let's count down together!"

"3, 2, 1."

"Start voting!"

The waves on the screen surged instantly.

Tao Jingying said sentimentally: "It's so exciting, the vote count will be revealed immediately! Who will be the one to lift the 30th Hundred Flowers Award for Best Newcomer?"

At first, the votes for the five on the big screen were neck and neck, at 12, 10, 10, 8, and 8, quite deadlocked.

But as soon as Tao Jingying finished speaking, Xu Jian's wave surged violently, and his votes jumped straight from 12 to 32.

The votes for the others slowed down significantly; apart from Bateer, who was still slowly increasing by one or two votes, the other three were almost stagnant.

Tu Jingwei exclaimed: "Wow! Xu Jian's votes are so high! And Bateer is not bad either... Li Yuchun, will Li Yuchun and the others catch up?"

This was clearly just scripted talk; Zhang Guoli knew that was absolutely impossible.

Sure enough, when Xu Jian's votes climbed to 48, Bateer was in second place with 20, Li Yuchun third with 13, and Gong Xinliang and Liu Fengchao tied for fourth and fifth with 10 each, totaling exactly 101 votes.

Thus, Xu Jian from a certain cultural troupe won the Best Newcomer award with an overwhelming lead of 28 votes over the runner-up.

This cultural worker was extremely excited, hugging his comrades one by one, and the scene was lively.

As Zhang Guoli smiled and applauded, he thought to himself that if Zhang Mo hadn't been kicked out of the 'Let the Bullets Fly' crew, he could have maneuvered him into a Best Newcomer or Best Supporting Actor award at next year's Golden Rooster or the following year's Hundred Flowers.

But now...

Over the past year, relying on his reputation, Zhang Mo could only play bit parts in a few small-to-medium productions, unable to land even a decent role.

The reason was simple—many crews would rather offend him than provoke "someone."

Seeing Zhang Mo becoming increasingly decadent, hanging out with bad company all day, and with his future looking hopeless, his anxiety grew, and his resentment naturally grew even larger.

He, Zhang Guoli, had dominated the film industry for decades; when had he ever suffered such a setback?

A junior who hadn't debuted for many years dared to run wild on his head?

Since when did his reputation in the circle become worth less than that of a greenhorn?

How could he swallow this insult!

Precisely because of this, he made up his mind to give this arrogant kid a taste of his own medicine at this Hundred Flowers Awards.

Everyone says this Hundred Flowers Award is his for the taking?

Fine, then he would take this opportunity to let people in the circle see clearly that the world is big, and it doesn't revolve around him alone; he isn't the only one capable of turning the world upside down.

Zhang Guoli decided to let everyone know that he wasn't old yet; he couldn't control the waves abroad, but in this territory at home, it wasn't the juniors' turn to show off.

That kid didn't fall for the trap Tao Jingying set, but that was no big deal; that was just a minor trick to add icing on the cake.

Zhang Guoli tilted his head, pretending to inadvertently glance past his side.

As long as this person left empty-handed, that would be enough—

By then, those people in the circle would naturally re-evaluate who the real big shots were.

PS:

The next chapter will be posted at 12 o'clock.

(End of this chapter)