Chapter 509: Going to War Against the Entire Entertainment Industry

How many is that this year now?

The great director Zhang Yuan, screenwriter Ning Ning Caishen, and the famous actor Gao Hu who was just caught last night — that's three!

And all three of them are big names in the entertainment industry — they have the works to show for it, and the status to match.

With scandals exploding this densely, no wonder ordinary folks and the whole internet are furious. Serves them right!

Only this time, public opinion has truly spun out of control. Even Huang Bo has been cyberbullied by a flood of netizens demanding a hair follicle drug test on him.

Because everyone knows Huang Bo and Gao Hu are tight brothers, and the latter even did him the favor of pulling him into the industry.

In Lin Nan's view, Gao Hu's life has been pretty rough — bad luck before, with two manslaughter lawsuits on his back.

But this time, he purely brought it on himself — he has only himself to blame.

All morning, the outside world was nothing but this news — portal sites, Weibo, official media.

Management agencies were busy holding press conferences to apologize, the internet was full of condemnation demanding harsh punishment, but inside the entertainment industry, it was dead silent…

Liu Liu Yifei saw the news too and felt a bit of regret — they'd worked together on "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" before.

At noon, Yue Jun called back from the set of "Mojin: The Lost Legend."

"Director Lin, a lot of media have blocked the set trying to interview Huang Bo. I've already sent people to stop them, but I expect more reporters will keep coming…"

"As long as they don't force their way onto the set, that's fine — don't let them affect filming. If they cause trouble, call the police."

Lin Nan had a bad feeling, because the outside world was too quiet.

Apart from the brief notice reporting the incident, the authorities this time surprisingly hadn't issued any further stance.

You have to know that with those previous people — the ones involved in pornography, the ones touching drugs — the relevant departments all named them by name and published articles criticizing them.

"Mm, understood. I can see Huang Bo's mood isn't great either — he's been sighing nonstop all morning."

"Understandable — after all, they're old hometown friends, and Gao Hu was the one who brought him into the industry. Leave it at that, and remind him that the film comes first."

"Mm."

After hanging up on Yue Jun, Lin Nan clicked his tongue and started scrolling through the news.

Good lord — plenty more industry insiders were already speaking up for Gao Hu, asking the public to give him another chance.

Suddenly, Lin Nan thought of Cao Bao's "The Dead End." Gao Hu seemed to be in that film too.

"Professor Cao Bao must be having a headache right now, running into this kind of rotten luck."

…………

Time rolled into August 1st.

The opening-day box office for "The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom" came out — 25.68 million.

Though the first day's box office wasn't anything special, the film's reputation had already spread.

Fan Li Bingbing's stunning Nie Erniang, Huang Huang Xiaoming's wickedly charming Zhuo Yihang, Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo's eye-catching Jin Jin Duyi… the passionate scenes…

The theater chains reacted fast, quickly raising today's screening rate and adding plenty of prime-time slots. By the reckoning, the daily box office was sure to soar.

Then there was "Dragon Nest: Dawnbreakers" — the screening rate the theaters gave it was way too low, so the opening-day box office was only 7.16 million.

But undeniably, the reviews were good — audiences all felt it was a pretty great animated film.

But then again, even with its solid word of mouth, that box office still dealt a heavy blow to the confidence of many companies wanting to make animated feature films.

Among them was October Culture, which was rushing to finish "Monkey King: Hero Is Back."

"Sigh, when Director Yue gets back, let's just take a step back, shall we? Better to lean on a big tree for shade…"

"…Then we'll wait for Director Yue to come back. The sooner we decide, the sooner we can rest easy."

……

Lin Nan sat in his office, grinning, answering a phone call.

"You're the easy one — not in any association. But every time there's an important notice, it has to be relayed through China Film."

"Director La, you could've just found anyone — why call yourself? Ha ha…" Lin Nan tossed in a compliment.

"Idle hands are idle hands — figured I'd notify you personally."

"Go ahead."

"Day after tomorrow, nine in the morning, at the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. This time you can't send anyone else from your company — you have to come yourself. This was specifically requested from above."

Hearing that, Lin Nan was dumbfounded. He'd only sent Yue Jun to a few meetings — how did he end up getting remembered?

Then he thought of something else and asked uncertainly, "Director La, what's it about? This formal?"

"Just the thing everyone's cursing about online right now. Let me give you a heads-up — when you speak, be careful."

"I have to speak too?" Lin Nan was a bit speechless.

"Not just you — every representative figure in the industry has to speak, has to take a stance!"

Lin Nan couldn't help but swallow hard. So that was why it was so quiet out there — they were really holding back for a big move.

"Who's all coming?" Lin Nan pressed, wanting to know more.

"The Film Association, the Television Association, the Directors' Association… the Performing Arts Association… all the major film and television companies… well-known directors, actors…"

Well then — compared to this, the State Administration's anti-piracy meeting last time looked like nothing, barely worth mentioning!

Before Lin Nan could speak, Beside La La Peikang continued, adding more.

His voice was kept very low — even more so than when Han Han Sanping used to give Lin Nan private lessons:

"I can't be sure yet, but I can guess most of it.

Remember — from now on, keep your artists in line, and stay true to yourself. Whether it's films or TV dramas, when choosing actors, be careful…"

Lin Nan admitted, he was a bit intimidated by the atmosphere of La La Peikang's tone.

"Understood, Director La."

"Mm, that's that. See you the day after tomorrow."

Looking at the phone that had already hung up, Lin Nan still couldn't help but swallow hard.

He could already foresee the scene at the day-after-tomorrow conference; it would absolutely be chaos, with verbal sparring and sharp exchanges.

The matter of Gao Hu will likely take ten days or half a month before the detailed case facts are officially announced.

The film and television industry is obviously about to face turmoil, but that is also a good thing.

Before noon at the company, Ning Hao called to ask if Lin Nan had received the notice.

Lin Nan naturally said he had received it; as for anything more, he did not reveal a single word.

"What are they calling us here for? We aren't the ones breaking the law or committing crimes."

Ning Hao mumbled and whined, showing some impatience.

His original schedule was to run film promotions in Magic City, but now he would have to change his itinerary.

"Stop complaining; this is a major matter, and no one can escape it."

"Hmm? You really have some inside news; hurry up and tell me."

"Nothing to say; just prepare to make a statement on-site. That's all; I have to go back." Lin Nan could only say this much.

Before Ning Hao could complain, Lin Nan hung up the phone.

He had to think carefully about his own speech and how to make his statement.

As the outside world says, the entertainment circle is indeed very dirty, given so many temptations, but there are also many who hold to their bottom line.

How everyone will make their statement the day after tomorrow, and what the content of that statement will be, will definitely involve the interests and circles of many people!

It seems the resentment of the ordinary masses has indeed reached a critical point, about to explode.

Many official Weibo accounts of relevant departments have been flooded with posts.

Gradually, voices emerged from the film and television circle.

Many big shots and industry insiders spoke out, supporting punishment followed by reform and starting anew.

The general meaning was still the old routine:

Nothing is unforgivable; mistakes can be admitted, but after punishment, others cannot keep chasing and hitting. Moreover, they must continue to eat from the bowl of acting and reject the condemnation of quitting the industry.

To be honest, quite a few people were indeed swept up by the rhythm; many more voices like "admitting mistakes and doing good is the greatest virtue" and "a prodigal son's return is worth more than gold" appeared online.

That movie "Left Ear" seems to have finished its open casting; the female lead is set to be the amateur Chen Duling.

This is thousands of times faster than the open casting for "The Mermaid"!

Judging from the casting list released by the official Weibo of Light, they are all handsome men and beautiful women: Ou Hao, Yang Yang, Ma Ma Sichun, Guan Guan Xiaotong...

On the morning of the third day, when Lin Nan was preparing to go out, he was still sleepy, yawning continuously.

He had to be there by nine, so he must leave by at least 8:20, meaning he had to get up before eight o'clock.

Oh heavens, Lin Nan hadn't gotten up this early in a long time!

Liu Liu Yifei, still groggy, asked Lin Nan from under the covers, "Sleep a bit longer; what are you going to do so early?"

Lin Nan replied with a listless face, "To make enemies of the entire film and television industry."

"Oh, then you... go. If you can't win, just call... me to come with you..."

Before she finished speaking, Miss Liu fell back asleep.

Lin Nan gently tightened the air-conditioning quilt for her, then tiptoed out of the room.

At 8:40, the entrance to the Broad Administration was bustling.

Today, all external vehicles were barred from entering; everyone had to get out and walk.

When Lin Nan arrived, he saw many familiar faces going in.

"Wait for me."

Calling out to Jiang Wen and Ning Hao ahead, Lin Nan shouted.

Many old men from the Film Association, seeing Lin Nan, this "rebellious youth," from afar, instantly cooled their expressions.

"I thought you had already gone in early," Ning Hao joked.

"It's already good that I didn't arrive right at the deadline, let alone go in early," Lin Nan retorted.

The three walked in; not far ahead were Wang Wang Zhonglei, Yu Dong, and others, all quite early.

"At today's industry conference, I wonder what the leaders will say?"

"Rectification, struggle sessions, movements..."

Jiang Wen unexpectedly spat out a few words.

Both Lin Nan and Ning Hao were stunned; good heavens, keep your voice down; you can't use those words! It instantly evoked a sense of a bygone era.

Following the staff, the crowd gathered in a large conference hall capable of seating hundreds.

The moment they entered, Lin Nan felt as if he were standing on the awards stage at a film festival; a glance revealed people everywhere.

The Film Association, the Directors Association, the Actors Association, the Television Association...

Except for a few he knew, the rest were "old folks" he barely dealt with and who were not involved in film and television production!

China Film, Shanghai Film, Xi'an Film, Ningxia Film, Changchun Film, Xiaoxiang Film...

Huayi, Bona, Light, Star Media, Huace, New Classic, Hai Run...

Chen Chen Kaige, Zhang Zhang Yimou, Gu Gu Changwei... Jia Jia Zhangke, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang, Li Li Shaohong...

Li Li Xuejian, Chen Daoming, Chen Chen Baoguo...

"Truly a grand setup," Lin Nan muttered quietly; there was still no one at the podium.

"Let's go; I won't be with you two."

After saying that, Jiang Wen headed to his own seat, in the directors' formation, next to Jia Jia Zhangke.

Lin Nan and Ning Hao both had their own companies, so they were assigned to the film and television company section; their director identities became secondary.

On the left was Wang Wang Changtian, on the right was Wang Wang Zhonglei; this was Lin Nan's seat, in the second row on the right, while Ning Hao was at the very edge, even further away.

"Commissioner Tong has arrived."

Wang Wang Changtian said softly; behind Tong Gang came eight people, entering and taking their seats on the podium above.

The hall, which had been buzzing with chatter, fell silent instantly.

…………

(End of Chapter)