Chapter 262

That year, in the main volume of Huayu Entertainment, Chapter 407: Girl Groups, Boy Groups—If a South Korean director were to helm the film The Lady Yang Yang Guifei, what would he make the Tang Dynasty look like?

Anyway, the biggest news in the industry these past two days was that the South Korean director Kwak Jae-yong had been expelled by the mainland production team.

This incident quickly sparked a war of words between the entertainment circles of the two countries.

After returning home, Kwak Jae-yong accused Fan Li Bingbing of constantly demanding script revisions and additions, stealing the spotlight.

This time, Fan Li Bingbing did not respond; instead, one of the producers personally stepped forward to refute:

"The South Korean director failed to shoot according to the previously agreed-upon film style and tone.

He unilaterally inserted content, repeatedly rejected reasonable requests and suggestions, deviated far from the traditional values of domestic audiences and their intuitive understanding of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and even deliberately slandered the Tang Dynasty…"

Keep in mind, this film had only two investors—the other investor was China Film Group.

To insiders, no matter how domineering Fan Li Bingbing was, she would never dare to meddle in a China Film Group project!

Therefore, the cause must be, as the first producer stated, the South Korean director's fault!

After all, there have been no shortage of cases where the other side has stolen and slandered Chinese culture.

Lin Nan heard that the new director had already been decided upon—he was personally invited by Han Han Sanping: Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang.

………

"Lin Dao, Hua Yi sent over an invitation."

The assistant knocked and entered, handed Lin Nan the invitation, then withdrew.

"This? Just after you kicked out the South Korean director, you're now welcoming a bunch of girl groups and boy groups?"

Lin Nan looked at the invitation in his hand, unsure whether he should decline.

During last year's Busan Film Festival, Hua Yi signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the South Korean Six Major Agencies Alliance UAM.

This time, Hua Yi's invitation was sent to major mainland film and television companies, entertainment firms, and TV stations.

What were they invited for? Of course, to watch performances!

From South Korea, every slightly famous girl group, boy group, and idol artist had been brought over.

Hua Yi set up the stage, invited everyone over to watch performances, and helped promote South Korea in the process.

"This sounds a bit like collaboration with the enemy, doesn't it?"

Lin Nan hesitated—should he go take a look? No other motive; he simply wanted to see for himself.

………

"Tired of driving for two days?"

In media photos, Miss Liu's outfit was again hard to describe.

She wore a yellow cartoon-patterned thermal top, an open black jacket, black leather gloves, denim pants, and leather boots—a mixed style.

But with her helmet on, she looked truly spirited; yet when she smiled after winning, she looked a bit silly…

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Liu Liu Yifei nodded, then shook her head.

"I was having fun, then suddenly a bunch of industry people showed up—I went to relax, not to network."

Liu Liu Yifei spoke with some annoyance.

"Who all came?"

"Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi—her film Very Perfect 2 seems to be getting the green light—she asked if I had time to attend the launch event.

Also, some agents brought female artists over to chat with me; they pretended to be there for fun, but really weren't…"

Liu Liu Yifei was now a well-known producer; such treatment was understandable. After all, in this industry, resources were always scarce and competition fierce…

"By the way, Hua Yi sent an invitation—will you go?"

"What invitation?" Liu Liu Yifei asked, puzzled.

"Hmm, it's like a gala—just singing and dancing. It's quite large-scale; many in the industry received invitations."

Lin Nan said with a perfectly serious face.

Liu Liu Yifei stared at Lin Nan's face for a long while, then shook her head:

"I've already made plans with Changchang to go shopping…"

"Alright then, I'll just go take a look—if I leave early, I'll call you."

"Mm, okay."

…

…

Lin Nan only then noticed that Huang Bo's Killing is also releasing in April—this is going to be interesting.

Among domestic films, The Great Heist, The Common Man, and Killing were the most talked-about.

But the situation wasn't optimistic—they would directly clash with four Hollywood imports.

Plus, there was the 3D remastered version of Titanic—that was the real heavyweight!

Under the new import film agreement, the current situation for domestic films was indeed far more brutal than in previous years.

"Lin Dao, next month I'll take two days off to return; it won't delay The Lost in Thailand's shoot."

Huang Bo didn't really need to call Lin Nan—Xu Zheng's approval was enough.

"For Killing's promotion?"

"I won't go for promotion—I'll come back only for the premiere. That's the one I must attend."

"Alright, of course no problem."

………

Hua Yi's "show" didn't cost much—South Korea only provided performers.

After all, this was a promotional event—how could it make money? If it succeeded, the real profits would come later.

Lin Nan and Ning Hao, husband and wife, stared at each other, wide-eyed.

"Director Ning, isn't 'The Great Heist' not promoting anymore? How do you have time to come here?"

Ning Hao wore a constipated expression, signaling to Lin Nan with his eyes.

"Oh, I get it."

Lin Nan nodded; from Xing Ain's eager demeanor, it was clear she had come for the boy bands.

Back when he visited the set of 'Crazy Race,' he remembered Xing Ain showing strong interest in those Korean boy bands.

After all, Director Ning might be talented, but he simply wasn't 'cute' enough!

So was Ning Hao here today because he was uneasy, jealous, and decided to tag along?

"Lin Nan, didn't Yi Fei come?" Xing Ain's gaze returned from afar, asking.

"She's not interested in this—she went shopping with Shu Chang. Let's go inside."

…………

Inside the venue, it had been decorated like a theater, with the large stage below lined with guest seats.

Lin Nan spotted people from Guangxian—they were a key target for Huayi and South Korea's UAM, since Wang Wang Changtian controlled vast year-end gala resources.

He also saw many representatives from satellite TV channels: Mango, Blueberry, Tomato, Dolphin, Lychee…

"It's truly the honeymoon period!" Lin Nan couldn't help remarking.

He saw posters on both sides, all featuring tonight's various groups.

Second-generation girl groups: Girls' Generation, T-ara, Wonder Girls, Kara, F…

Third-generation girl groups: Sistar, AOA, Girl's Day…

Boy groups: Super Junior… and the upcoming EXO.

……

Everyone present today was from the top tier of China's film and entertainment industry.

"Do you want to sit with Wang Dong?"

Lin Nan asked Ning Hao, who didn't quite grasp the meaning.

"To prevent you from fighting with that sister later, I suggest you sit with me at Wang Dong's table."

Ning Hao glanced at Xing Ain, who was completely ignoring him, then nodded grimly at Lin Nan.

"Let's go."

Wang Wang Changtian smiled as Lin Nan and Ning Hao approached. "What, changing seats?"

"I'm afraid Ning Director will get beaten up later."

Lin Nan joked; Ning Hao still didn't catch on.

"Tonight's girl groups outnumber the boy groups!"

At this, Wang Wang Changtian burst out laughing; only then did Ning Hao finally realize.

Wang Wang Zhonglei and the South Koreans put on a show on stage, then the evening's theme began.

The boy groups? Too effeminate, too powdered and perfumed.

As they performed, Ning Hao kept glancing at Xing Ain in the distance; Lin Nan also took a look.

Xing Ain smiled warmly, watching intently; Ning Hao's face darkened.

When the girl groups appeared, all the men instantly sat up straight, eyes brightening, their energy instantly revived.

"Wang Dong, Guangxian hosts many cultural galas—they have experience. Is Huayi's event too out of line?"

Ning Hao couldn't help asking. His eyes widened, filled with nothing but white flesh…

"Probably not? Just that the shorts are a bit short, and the outfits a bit thin…"

Wang Wang Changtian, unusually, cracked a joke.

"Director Ning, that sister is looking at you," Lin Nan smiled to remind him.

Just moments ago, Ning Hao's expression had been bad—now Xing Ain's was even worse, as if she wanted to storm over and punch him.

"Lin Director, thanks."

"Thanks me for dragging you over here to sit?"

"You know damn well."

…………

After today, these South Korean idols and boy/girl groups would fully begin their invasion of the domestic market.

Impossible to stop!

"Some of these groups include Chinese members…"

Wang Wang Zhonglei introduced them from the stage, like a pimp.

"The leader of F is Song Wan Qian;

The upcoming EXO includes Zhang Zhang Yixing, Lu Han…"

……

At this moment, Wang Wang Changtian spoke: "These two groups will do best in China."

"The Chinese sentiment?"

"Exactly!"

……

Two hours later, the performances ended.

Many artists were brought down for networking; several of Chinese origin were among them.

"This is Wang Dong from Guangxian, Lin Dao Nan, Director Ning Hao, Producer Xing Ain…"

"Hello, Wang Dong. Hello, Lin Dao—I've seen many of your films. Hello, Director Ning. I'm Song Wan Qian, leader of F."

Lin Nan and the others smiled and nodded — after all, they were domestic.

The people at Huayi sure know what they're doing!

Bringing girl groups to parade in front of the male guests, and boy groups to be introduced to the older female guests. This setup makes it very easy for people to get the wrong idea!

Watching the "delicate" atmosphere between Ning Hao and Xing Ai, Lin Nan really wanted to laugh.

…………

Lin Nan left early — he couldn't take it anymore……

When he drove over and found Liu Yafei and Shu Chang, the two of them were having the time of their lives shopping.

Seeing Lin Nan, Liu Yafei predictably had no pleasant expression.

"You lied to me — just ordinary singing and dancing?"

Shu Chang gave Lin Nan a wink and whispered with a grin:

"Half an hour ago, the media were all reporting on it — Huayi's gala was full of South Korean girl groups. Hehe, serves you right for lying to Liu Qianqian!"

"I didn't know it would be like this either, so before the second half of the gala even started, I slipped out early.

Ning Hao and Na-Zhou Jie went together, and right now they're still sulking at each other!"

Lin Nan took the bags from Liu Yafei and Shu Chang with a smile, relieved inside. 'Probably fooled them, right?'

"Keep shopping — he's paying."

Liu Yafei shot Lin Nan a glare, took Shu Chang's hand, and walked into a luxury store without looking back.

"No problem — whatever you two spend today, it's all on me."

Lin Nan breathed a sigh of relief and gave a thumbs-up to Shu Chang, who had turned back to wink at him.

That tip-off half an hour ago — nicely done!

…………