Chapter 386

Because Jiang Heng missed the domestic premiere of One Person Under, rumors spread all over the internet, and various insider posts could not be deleted no matter how many times they were removed.

And the best way to quell all of this was naturally for Jiang Heng to return to the country and make a public appearance.

Du Huan called, and it was obvious he could no longer hold up.

Jiang Heng also didn't want to make things too embarrassing during the New Year period, so he immediately said he would return the next day and promptly ordered someone to book tickets.

The next day, Jiang Heng, with his assistant, driver, and security team, boarded the flight back to the country.

At Capital International Airport, shortly after three a. m., a group of reporters in thick down jackets, carrying cameras and video recorders, waited at the terminal exit.

These people had stayed up all night, naturally having learned Jiang Heng's flight information, wanting to capture the first-hand photos of his return.

If they managed to release it first, it would definitely be big news.

Ugh!

A reporter yawned, glanced at his wristwatch—it was 3:50.

According to the flight information they had obtained, Jiang Heng was on the Air China direct flight that would arrive at 4:10.

Given Jiang Heng's status, he was very likely flying first class and would soon come out.

"Stay sharp later, definitely take a few more shots!" the reporter told the photographer beside him.

"Don't worry, I'm a professional! Hey, you say Director Jiang—will he really go to Hollywood to develop his career?"

"Hard to say—being too capable is also a sin! This time we've quelled it, but if someone jumps out later claiming Director Jiang is monopolizing and leaving them no livelihood, then it'll be hard to say again."

"No way—if Director Jiang leaves, the market won't collapse, but what can the theater chains do?"

"Definitely not—the theater chains all count on Jiang Heng's films to turn a profit."

"If you ask me, it's because that bunch is shameless—they can't make money from their own bad films, so they envy those who make good ones."

"Who would disagree? Still, Director Jiang really does make too much money—a single film earns three billion US dollars, which converts to nearly two hundred billion yuan, right?"

"Pretty much, that's insane!"

"Awesome!"

"Anyway, in the entertainment industry, I only respect Director Jiang."

……

The reporters, bored out of their minds, gathered together and chatted aimlessly.

Suddenly, the announcement came that the Air China flight from Los Angeles to Beijing had already landed.

The reporters and photographers hurriedly readied their equipment, widened their eyes, and stared fixedly at the exit.

They're here!

Someone in the crowd shouted, and the reporters who had originally been able to stay calm suddenly lost their composure, instinctively rushing forward.

But the airport side also understood the situation; the security arranged in advance had already stopped them.

Director Jiang, Director Jiang, I'm a reporter from Xinlang Entertainment. I want to ask: will your next film collaborate with Haolaiwu? Will it be filmed in Neidi, or will you go to Haolaiwu to shoot?

Director Jiang, I'm a reporter from China Film Report. May I ask if you have plans to develop in Haolaiwu?

Director Jiang, what do you think of the earlier rumors of a 'monopoly'?

……The reporters asked questions frenziedly, all wanting Jiang Heng to answer their questions.

Well, first of all, thank you very much, friends of the media, for staying up so late to come pick me up. As for the questions, I won't answer them one by one; I'll just say a few things briefly.

In fact, taking Chinese-language films overseas to expand the influence of Chinese culture is something I have always wanted to do and am currently doing.

Because film as an art form has truly enormous influence.

Just as many people yearn for America, seeing it as a 'lighthouse,' why is that? Where does this impression come from? To a large extent, it stems from Haolaiwu films.

Just like the films of Li Xiaocheng and Cheng Long, which make foreigners' first impression of China be kung fu—this is its positive aspect.

So, my ideal and goal have always been to show the good side of China to the world's people, letting them feel the greatness of Chinese culture, feel China's development and changes. And in this process, where the film is shot is actually not the most important thing!

Jiang Heng seemed not to feel the fatigue of taking an international flight, speaking energetically for over twenty minutes, which invigorated a bunch of reporters.

Some felt relieved inwardly, 'Good fellow, I didn't expect Director Jiang to be so eloquent; if I hadn't brought a recorder, wouldn't I be ruined?' After the interview ended, some reporters actually broke down and shouted.

Jiang Heng, under the escort of his team, first went to a five-star hotel to rest.

When he woke up, it was already 2 p. m.; Jiang Heng opened his phone and found many text messages and QQ messages.

Jing Tian asked if he was awake and whether they should have dinner together.

Liu Yifei, because she was with the crew on location for roadshow promotion, couldn't have dinner together; she only asked Jiang Heng if he was awake and told him to rest well for a few days.

The rest were messages from Du Huan, Yu Dong, Li Xiaoping, Han Sanping, etc.; Du Huan said Jiang Heng's speech at the airport that morning had already been reported, and public feedback was still relatively positive.

Then it was just to have Jiang Heng reply after waking up; he would bring people over to pick him up.

Jiang Heng naturally wanted to first reply to his loyal Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company; after calling Du Huan, he went downstairs at the agreed time, only to see Du Huan arriving with a convoy of luxury cars.

You've really made a big spectacle!

Du Huan hehehed with a smile, personally opening the Rolls-Royce Phantom's car door for Jiang Heng, saying, 'Your current status deserves this!'

Jiang Heng didn't stand on ceremony, immediately getting into the car; Du Huan and Cui Zhenzhen also got in, with the latter pouring drinks for both of them.

How's the company doing lately?

Good, extremely well; those people can't compete at the box office, so they resort to underhanded tactics. But the audience's eyes are sharp—they're all shouting to support us. Lost in Thailand was originally slated to leave theaters, yet its box office rose again; looking at this trend, it could reach about 1.5 billion.

Jiang Heng said, 'That's really not a small amount!'

Yeah, 1.5 billion—who would have thought a low-budget comedy could achieve such high box office!

Jiang Heng chuckled, thinking to himself that there will be even more high-grossing comedies in the future! 'How about One Person Under?'

The premiere was a great success; over a hundred guests attended that day, and the media gave the film high praise. Under the film's official Weibo, all the comments were from people wanting to see it. The roadshow team reported that fans everywhere were enthusiastic; looking at this trend, the box office won't be bad!

Jiang Heng nodded slightly, 'Then that's good. How is the public opinion on Feng Baobao in the film?'

Du Huan said somewhat excitedly, 'Don't even get me started on how much they like it; many media outlets say that Feng Baobao's role is unprecedented in Chinese-language film history, highly praising Liu Yifei's performance. It's said that at the roadshow, fans no longer call her 'Fairy Sister' but now call her Feng Baobao.'

Oh, that's really not bad!

Jiang Heng said these words sincerely; he was truly happy for Liu Yifei.

After all, Jing Tian already has several breakout roles; since Liu Yifei started working with him, she hasn't had any performance that left a deep impression on the audience, and Jiang Heng also feels a bit guilty in his heart.

(End of chapter)