Chapter 678: If There

"Four years after wrapping production, Wu Lu Tianming's final film as director, 'The Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,' has been officially scheduled for release on May 6."

"Numerous industry figures and organizations—including Xiying, Beside La La Peikang, Yu Dong, Zhang Zhao, Zhang Zhang Yimou, Chen Chen Kaige, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang, Gu Gu Changwei, Jiang Wen, and Huang Huang Jianxin—have successively posted statements:"

"Expressing strong support for the release of 'The Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,' and once again mourning Director Wu Lu Tianming and his outstanding contributions to Chinese-language cinema."

"The Disney-owned Marvel Studios' imported sci-fi blockbuster 'Captain America 3' has been confirmed for import; China Film Distribution Company has approved its release date of May 6, synchronizing with North America."

"Following the public posting by actor Jiang Jiang Jinfu's father accusing Tang Ren Pictures of 'Six Sins,' Tang Ren Pictures formally filed a lawsuit against Jiang Jiang Jinfu's father in the morning;"

"Both father and son will now face Tang Ren Pictures in court… In response, Jiang's father published another thousand-word Weibo post denouncing Tang Ren for bullying the weak, exposing the company's internal corruption;"

"Accusing it of repeatedly organizing troll armies and marketing accounts to attack, defame, smear, and harm actors and artists within the industry for the purpose of unfair competition…"

"Overnight, LeEco's and LeEco Pictures' affairs remained unquestionably the industry's most talked-about 'event';"

"Countless actors and artists within the circle, filled with envy and resentment, wished they could replace Zhang Zhang Yimou, Guo Guo Jingming, and dozens of other LeEco Pictures shareholders."

"But new entertainment gossip was equally attention-grabbing, especially Tang Ren's mess."

"First Lin Gengxin, now Jiang Jiang Jinfu—Tang Ren's past dirty, hidden tactics had almost all been exposed."

"It was foreseeable that Tang Ren would not only become universally recognized as a pariah within the industry but also lose all favorable public perception—finished!"

"I wonder what the producers of 'The Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' were thinking—this release date is utterly ridiculous."

"Director Wu is already gone; for a film of this type, the logical choices are either a major slot or a quiet one—both offer clear advantages;"

"In a major slot, you benefit from overflow audiences; in a quiet slot, you rely on the director's reputation and the film's quality."

"This half-dead slot? Now it's clashing with 'Captain America 3'—and judging by the looks of it, they have no intention of changing the date?!"

"Lin Nan almost felt sorry for the late great director—the producers were weak and clueless."

"Lin Nan shifted his gaze away from the news page, picked up his pen, and resumed working. He estimated it would take just over a week more before the storyboards for 'Marriage Story' were nearly complete."

"Liu Liu Yifei was also immersing herself in the script, but her choice of the Method approach made Lin Da's life difficult, as her emotions occasionally bled into the scenes."

"Invitations to the 'The Mermaid' wrap party had all been sent out."

"This event, destined to be the industry's top networking circle, drew intense attention from every actor and artist; countless rushed to attend, yet tickets were scarce."

"Ren Ren Zhonglun arrived in the capital a day early, accompanied by his secretary and assistants, along with Cheng."

"Director Tang Ji's team has just finalized the release of 'Kung Fu Yoga' for the Spring Festival slot on January 28; therefore, 'Railway Tigers' must be scheduled at least one month apart."

"We originally planned to release it in the New Year slot—so now the release date must be set before December 28 to avoid direct competition between your two starring films?"

"Yes."

"A black Bentley glided steadily along the capital's roads, inside which Cheng and Ren Ren Zhonglun discussed films."

"Ren Ren Zhonglun nodded immediately without hesitation: 'No problem—put it in the New Year slot, mid-to-late December, no later than the 25th.'"

"No sooner had he spoken than Ren Ren Zhonglun studied Cheng curiously:"

"You didn't come here just to attend 'The Mermaid' wrap party, did you? Logically, you're not this idle."

"Mr. Ren truly sees through everything. Correct—I came for 'The Mermaid' party, but that was just incidental; my main purpose is to sign someone…"

"Cheng didn't hide it, and chatted amiably with Ren Ren Zhonglun."

"He owned numerous film and television companies—not only was he a shareholder of Ying Huang, but also co-founded Cheng Ying Huang Pictures and Yao Le Chenglong Pictures, i. e., Yao Le Culture."

"After a long pause, Ren Ren Zhonglun slowly nodded and affirmed, 'Your vision and boldness are truly impressive—you're extremely popular.'"

"…"

"One afternoon. One night."

"When the sunrise of March 31 rose, videos from the previous noon showing Liu Yan being excessively harassed at Bao Beier's wedding—manhandled, carried, dragged, even nearly thrown into water by a group of men—had gone viral."

"In one phrase: public outrage!"

"The video clearly showed Liu Yan resisting and struggling, nearly furious and terrified, while the groomsmen appeared deranged, grinning with unrestrained, lewd delight, showing no sign of stopping."

"Even Jia Ling, who was physically small, was shoved down by Han Geng, overwhelmed by hormones, and pushed down multiple times by the groomsmen—imagine how 'excited' those men were; it was clearly an abnormal psychological state!"

"So, from last night through the entire night until early morning, online public opinion had fermented beyond measure—all of it condemnation."

"They all looked like rapists, just like Japanese invaders storming a village."

"Liu Yan was wearing a sheer dress! Yet these men each grabbed one leg, two held her arms, three or four pinned her struggling body, and even groped her chest… truly not human."

"Jia Ling was a true heroine—she fought hard and managed to save her, exhausted and gasping for breath."

"That bald guy is no good—he disrespects women at his own wedding. Is this 'harassing the bridesmaid'? Has anyone ever seen a groomsmen gang target just one bridesmaid? This is bullying, trying to take advantage—because everyone knows Liu Yan has zero family background!"

"A South Korean boy band debutant—no wonder he's trash. I recall he once openly bragged about stealing someone's computer and selling it?"

"Yes, when he confessed, he looked smug, completely lacking any sense of wrongdoing—just showing off because he was too popular!"

"Not a single groomsman apologized. Bao Beier didn't react either… What kind of guy is this 'Number One' even signing?"

"…"

"You should've cursed them then and there! I always knew he was no good—climbing high, stepping low, arrogant despite being nowhere near top-tier, pretending to be A-list! If it were me, I'd have walked out on the spot… why even be a bridesmaid?"

"Xie Nan stood before Liu Yan, scolding her impatiently. In temperament, she was far more outgoing and fierce than Liu Yan; of course, this incident happened partly because Liu Yan was somewhat insecure and introverted."

"The damage is already this big—I should go apologize. They all have higher status and stronger backgrounds, and I'm just a latecomer to this circle…"

"Liu Yan frowned, looking at Xie Nan with worry."

"Apologize? Why should you apologize? They're the ones who should apologize!" Xie Nan, fiercely proud, immediately retorted.

"But you can say that—I can't. I have nothing but you guys. I still have to stay in the company—Wang Dong clearly favors him more and even wants to train him as a director…"

"Liu Yan looked up at Xie Nan, arms crossed, fierce and imposing, her voice tinged with a hint of pleading."

"She was deeply grateful to Xie Nan… they had signed with the company together, lived in the same dorm for years, until Xie Nan met Wu and moved out."

"Wait—don't even think about backing down. If you apologize first, they'll just label you as 'deliberately stoking publicity.'"

"If I used someone else's wedding to stir up publicity, may my entire family perish!"

"At that moment, Liu Yan seemed to transform—she swore fiercely."

"Wait—I'll find someone to help you, since you're too shy to do it yourself."

Xie Nan paused, his tone of frustration softening considerably.

Just as Xie Nan turned to leave the room and head to the living room to make a call, Liu Yan's phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID, hesitated for a few seconds, and finally answered: "Dapeng..."

Lin Nan woke up from a lazy sleep, only to discover that Liu Liu Yifei had gotten up even earlier than him?

He walked down the stairs in a few strides and saw classmate Liu Liu Qianqian sitting cross-legged on the sofa taking a call, her expression serious, brows furrowed, with a tablet resting on her lap displaying the Weibo trending topics.

As Lin Nan approached, Liu Liu Yifei patted the space beside her with one hand, signaling him to sit.

"Mm, you're right; why should the victim be the one to bow their head and apologize..."

While Miss Liu was speaking on the phone with the person on the other end, who seemed to be Xie Nan, Lin Nan had already taken the tablet from Liu Liu Yifei's lap.

The Weibo trending topics immediately came into view: "Bao Bei'er's Wedding, Numerous Groomsmen Indulge in 'Humiliating' Liu Yan... Excessive Wedding Harassment No Different from Public Indecency..."

A few minutes later, Liu Liu Yifei, looking upright and righteous, hung up the phone and looked at Lin Nan. Meanwhile, Director Lin Da had already roughly browsed the online videos and news.

"So?" Lin Nan asked, looking at Liu Liu Yifei.

"Xie Nan asked for my help. That 'Top Guy' from Light & Shadow actually wants Liu Yan to take the fall to quell public opinion; it's simply too disgusting!

Liu Yan, as a bridesmaid, was wearing that kind of blue sheer dress; once she fell into the water and stood up, it would be no different from being naked! And there were so many people there, so many media reporters!"

"So what?" Lin Nan asked Liu Liu Yifei's opinion again; he would do as she said.

"It's inconvenient to speak publicly online; that would slap Mr. Wang Dong in the face, but I can call Mr. Wang Dong. Liu Yan is an artist from his company, and she's my friend too!"

Liu Liu Yifei's attitude was clear and her words stern. That exquisite face, at this very moment, seemed to carry a wisp of killing intent, like a female hero, radiating heroic spirit.

Lin Nan smiled, reached out, and touched Miss Liu's left cheek:

"Let me handle it; it wouldn't be appropriate for you to go find Mr. Wang Dong. As for making a public call, that's definitely not right; it's no different from publicly slapping Mr. Wang Dong in the face... Liu Yan is also an acquaintance and friend of mine."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Liu Liu Yifei instantly broke into a smile; with Lin Nan taking action, everything would be a small problem.

"Mm, mm, I leave it to you, Director Lin."

Liu Liu Yifei decisively handed over her phone; Lin Nan understood the meaning.

Two minutes later, Director Lin Da used Producer Liu's phone to call Wang Wang Changtian.

Light & Shadow.

Two of his company's artists had been the top headlines across the entire internet from yesterday until now, which made Wang Wang Changtian very furious.

"Liu Yan is resting at home today, hiding from the media, with Xie Nan accompanying her..."

"Mr. Wang Dong, rest assured, we will definitely handle this matter well. It won't affect the company's reputation; I already called Liu Yan this morning and negotiated a solution."

Bao Bei'er, with a face full of "sycophantic" smiles, hurriedly cut off Wang Wang Changtian's words.

Chairman Wang Da frowned, looking very displeased as he glanced at Bao Bei'er. The incident had already happened; how to handle the parties involved was a matter for later. What needed to be done first was to cool things down.

"Really negotiated a solution?"

"Yes, it's settled, rest assu..."

Bao Bei'er hadn't even finished speaking when the phone on Wang Wang Changtian's desk rang, instantly drawing both men's attention.

"Liu Yifei?"

"Liu... Producer Liu?"

Wang Wang Changtian had a vague guess, glanced at Bao Bei'er with a hostile look, and then answered the call:

"Liu Yifei, what made you think to call me?"

"It's me, Mr. Wang Dong."

"Lin Nan! Is there something?"

Wang Wang Changtian asked, glancing again at Bao Bei'er, who was already looking somewhat uneasy.

"Mr. Wang Dong, that Bao Bei'er in your company is truly no good... This afternoon, I expect to see a public apology from that bunch of bastards on Weibo..."

Although the speakerphone wasn't on, Lin Nan's voice still echoed faintly through the phone receiver inside the office.

"Ah, alright, I understand. See you tonight."

After hanging up, the office was unnaturally silent; the air even felt a bit cold.

Wang Wang Changtian just looked at Bao Bei'er, his eyes filled with anger, making the latter's face turn pale and feel a bit fearful.

"Mr. Wang Dong, me?"

"Did you hear?"

"I heard."

"Did you hear clearly?"

"I heard clearly."

"Lin Nan called using Liu Yifei's phone, just to tell me: Liu Yifei is taking charge of Liu Yan's matter! That makes sense; Xie Nan and Liu Yan have always had a very good relationship with Liu Yifei."

Speaking to this point, Wang Wang Changtian had lost his patience; he looked at Bao Bei'er very seriously:

"Since you heard clearly, then go do it. A bunch of things that aren't even men... Yesterday noon, until now, not a single one has voluntarily come out to show their face or say a word!

Also, go tell your bunch of drinking buddies: if there's no movement this afternoon, there won't be any movement needed in the future!"

The moment Bao Bei'er heard the last sentence, his spine seemed to be struck by electricity; his mind went blank, and his two legs went completely soft and weak...

"Mr. Wang Dong, this... does it mean... blacklisting?" Bao Bei'er asked, his face deathly pale, stumbling over his words.

"Lin Nan didn't say, but that doesn't mean he won't do it!

Also, Liu Yan is an artist of Light & Shadow, an artist holding stock options. By doing this, did you ever think you were slapping my face? Don't your few groomsmen have very little regard for Light & Shadow and me?"

Wang Wang Changtian couldn't help but scold, and under Bao Bei'er's trembling, repeated denials, he added again:

"Offending Lin Nan, you might still have a way out. But since Liu Yifei has intervened, you'd better speed up... For Liu Yifei, he will truly strike to kill."

After speaking, Wang Wang Changtian waved his hand dismissively at Bao Bei'er in front of him. The latter lowered his head, hurriedly responded, and retreated, his deathly pale face showing great deference and caution, sweat already forming on his forehead.

……