Chapter 218: Reputation Collapses, Things Go Wrong

When he woke up early, the entire entertainment industry was flooded with talk of "Heaven" and "Earth."

Huang Huang Shengyi and "The Legend of the White Snake" became the subject of nationwide online discussion.

Unfortunately, all of it was brutally explicit negative commentary.

Because Huang Huang Shengyi's performance in the film truly matched what those posts claimed—obvious, seductive, and reeking of brothel vibes.

"It's well known that Huang Huang Shengyi isn't from the Yanji Sect, so how did she pull off that brothel-style role so convincingly? The only answer is: she's an experiential actor, playing herself—she's actually done it."

"The snake skin mold was done completely nude, reportedly taking seven or eight hours. There's no way all the molders were women—they'd run out of strength, hehehe…"

"She started out as a pure, innocent girl, yet now she plays these roles without any awkwardness at all! Only Boss Yang is brilliant—he trained her well!"

…

…

On Tieba and Weibo, "The Legend of the White Snake" and Huang Huang Shengyi were thrust to the center of the storm.

If Lin Nan Film's counterattack on the special effects exposed Yang Zai's true nature, humiliated him, and made him the laughingstock of media and public opinion, branded a clown and fool by the film industry…

then the massive wave of negative remarks about Huang Huang Shengyi completely shattered the film's already terrible reputation.

With these two events compounding, a film that had earned over 100 million yuan in seven days plummeted from the heights of success to total failure.

Yang Zai lost his temper and held an emergency press conference at noon.

At the conference, only a few mainland actors showed up; not a single person from Hong Kong came.

Huang Huang Shengyi did nothing but cry, just like she had when she first wept before the media about Zhou Zhou Xingchi's "crimes," now crying out against the "slander" and "insults" directed at her.

Yang Zai was even more shameless, falsely apologizing to Tiangong Color, claiming it was merely a promotional strategy.

Then came complaints and furious rants:

"I know I'm just a newcomer, but certain 'seniors' and 'big companies' have gone too far—they're disgusting."

"Just because I'm competing with you, you use such despicable, shameless, low, vile tactics to humiliate an innocent actress…"

…

"I entered this industry with pure sincerity and a love for cinema, but its filth has opened my eyes!"

"Finally, I'll say this plainly: whoever and whatever company is maliciously defaming 'The Legend of the White Snake,' I won't back down—we'll see who wins."

The media was ecstatic. This might be the most exciting event in the film industry this year!

Although Yang Zai never named anyone directly, every word clearly pointed to Guangxian, and was aimed at "The Painting Wall" and Wang Wang Changtian.

In response to the swarm of reporters, Guangxian's reply was dismissive:

"Clowns and nonsense."

Then Guangxian posted a Weibo to provoke "The White Snake" side: "Congratulations to 'The Painting Wall'—box office exceeded 100 million yuan in just six days!"

…

"Sure enough, the old are wiser—they pretend so convincingly, hahaha…"

Lin Nan said with a smile, while Wang Wang Changtian sternly denied any involvement—everyone in the industry knew the truth.

"Did Wang Dong really do this?"

Liu Liu Yifei asked Lin Nan curiously.

"Yeah, the methods might've been a bit extreme."

After hesitating, Lin Nan still gave a confirmed answer.

After all, Big Lao Wang was still cyberbullying a female actress—even if the latter wasn't exactly innocent.

Lin Nan worried Liu Miss might recall her own past traumas, but he was wrong.

Liu Liu Yifei had absorbed plenty of inspirational advice, and with her naturally good temperament and mindset—and now with Lin Nan—she was truly very "strong."

…………

The industry always had plenty of sharp-eyed agents and agencies.

"After this incident, forget 'Four Little Goddesses'—Huang Huang Shengyi will likely drop out of the top-tier female star group entirely…"

Large-scale yellow scandals are devastating and fatal for any female star, especially one like Huang Huang Shengyi, long rumored to have climbed up as a mistress.

Many female actresses and entertainers were gleeful, rubbing their hands together, waiting to carve up—or even swallow whole—Huang Huang Shengyi's film resources and advertising endorsements.

The battle among the three major films of the National Day holiday was now crystal clear.

"The Painting Wall," though its daily box office was low, remained stable; after surpassing 100 million yuan, it still earned over ten million yuan per day.

"The Legend of the White Snake" was truly pitiful—everyone online mocked and ridiculed it. Audiences and netizens discussed Huang Huang Shengyi and Yang Zai more than the film itself.

A film that had earned over 100 million yuan in seven days now saw daily box office drop to seven million—this was only its eighth day, and National Day hadn't even ended yet!

Yang Zai acted like a mad dog, spending every day crying, begging for sympathy, and cursing before the media.

But netizens and audiences refused to buy it—the film's box office showed no sign of recovery.

Yet the true worst-case was "The Xinhai Revolution," co-produced by Shanghai Film and Changchun Film, with Jackie Chan and Li Li Bingbing as investors.

This was a 150-million-yuan blockbuster, yet after one week, its box office totaled only 34 million yuan, with daily earnings plummeting to three million.

The moods of the two state-owned companies, Jackie Chan, and Li Li Bingbing were undoubtedly at rock bottom.

…………

Outside the film industry, "Blossoms in the Mist" remained the hottest topic these days.

Opening any portal site, aside from the few films, "Blossoms in the Mist" had the most news.

Because the first season of this TV drama was about to conclude.

Very few artists manage to enter the top-tier star group each year.

An actor needs at least several works, and one breakout hit to make the leap.

Without any surprises, Tang Ren successfully propelled their artist Liu Liu Shishi into the top-tier group.

Cai Yinnong publicly stated in an interview: "Hu Ge is the company's top male star, and Liu Liu Shishi is the top female star."

Yue Jun returned from Shanghai.

When investing in "Step by Step Heart," Lin Nan Pictures held a small portion of the film and TV rights.

Cai Yinnong proposed a lump-sum settlement, with Tang Ren buying out Lin Nan's share, and the latter agreed.

"Director Lin, the rights have been transferred. The last two rounds of broadcast revenue and online streaming income have also been wired over."

Hearing Yue Jun's words, Lin Nan nodded, then asked: "Who did she sell the online streaming rights to?"

"Youku."

Everyone in the industry knows what's happening with Tudou—no blockbuster drama can outcompete Youku.

"What's the situation with Wang Wei now?"

"I heard they're in out-of-court mediation; a result should come soon."

Yue Jun answered, knowing Lin Nan had invested in Tudou.

"Hmm, good if it's coming soon. Mediation is just about money not being settled."

Lin Nan now had a clear picture—he'd wait until their issue was resolved, then go see Wang Wei.

…………

The main cast of "The Xinhai Revolution" were desperately promoting the film online.

Cheng Long in Paris, Li Li Bingbing in Hollywood, along with Long Crown Prince and Hu Ge, were all pushing hard.

Many film industry figures received calls from Ren Ren Zhonglun, including Lin Nan.

Lin Nan was willing to grant this favor—he promoted it online afterward, though how effective it was had nothing to do with him.

By the end of July, "Pacific Rim" completed all its visual effects shots.

Today, finally, the film's first global release poster was released!

Across a vast ocean, between dark clouds and lightning, several towering mecha titans stood, hovered, or raced forward.

Especially the striking Chinese-style mecha—no other detail needed, its appearance alone was formidable!

At the bottom of the poster were the words "Pacific Rim," along with the production companies and release date.

No need for China Film Group to make calls—the internet began reporting it everywhere.

The industry was reminded once again: less than two months remained before "Pacific Rim" premiered!

Zhang Yi and Miss Jing Tian, as the main Chinese actors, were undoubtedly the focus of attention.

"'Pacific Rim' is a New Year's release, premiering January 1st; 'Time Travel Soldiers' is a Spring Festival release, on January 24th. For at least two months, you'll be the center of the film market…"

Hearing Lu Zheng's words, Miss Jing Tian agreed—it was rare to have films in both the New Year and Spring Festival slots.

Especially "Pacific Rim"—no one could deny its box office power; its impact would surely last a long time…

……

Earlier, they'd suspected "Zhao Zhao Jingzhong" might run into trouble; as the shoot date neared, everyone had relaxed and ignored it.

Now, with only half a month left until filming began, problems had surfaced.

Until now, Wang Wang Changtian had been in excellent spirits—"Huabì"'s box office kept rising and was likely to reach 200 million before withdrawal.

But now, Big Lao Wang couldn't help cursing on the phone.

"These bastards, doing nothing all day but reporting the project, and they've got all these twisted excuses…"

Lin Nan listened as Wang Wang Changtian ranted for half an hour before finally understanding: "Zhao Zhao Jingzhong" had been sabotaged.

Many figures in the cultural circle had filed complaints with the General Administration, claiming the TV series severely damaged national unity, was unsuitable for production, and should have its filming permit revoked…

"What a disgusting excuse—who are these people?" Lin Nan asked.

"Who else? Experts, scholars, professors… all of them half-involved in the film industry, with high status…"

Wang Wang Changtian spoke with implication; Lin Nan understood.

"What about Chairman Han? If it comes to it, let's go together and talk to the top. I refuse to believe it—like they're the only ones with influence."

Lin Nan sneered, genuinely disgusted.

"Chairman Han has already gone to argue—so far, no notice has come to halt filming. Wait for news. If real problems arise, get ready—we'll go together. I still don't believe it…"

Lin Nan immediately nodded and said: "Fine. I'm curious too—who are these faces that can come up with such nonsense? Hmph…"

…………

(End of Chapter)