Chapter 763: Especially Reba? Especially Reba!

A little past nine in the morning, over a dozen identical Mercedes-Benz business vans sped along the highway from the capital to Tang Shan, forming a single-file column.

In addition, a white RV trailed closely at the rear, standing out and drawing attention.

Inside, constant chatter and playful scuffling echoed, proving the old saying: three girls make a play. And now there weren't three, but five!

In the stretch limousine leading the RV by several car lengths, Lin Dao Da was giving Zhu Zhu Yawen a hard time.

"You've got so many last-minute demands, even picking and choosing to ride in a sports car? Just taking this business van without charging you for gas and tolls is already generous."

"That's quite a statement. It's rare to find a two-hundred-kilometer stretch suitable for this. I don't believe your Liu Liu Yifei doesn't have the same thought? When she goes crazy, everyone knows it; she's quite crazy!"

Zhu Zhu Yawen rolled his eyes and silently drew his blade. Lin Nan didn't catch it and was left speechless.

Because yesterday afternoon, the women had indeed chattered and discussed this matter. Han Jia had brought it up, and both Liu Liu Yifei and Shu Chang looked eager to try.

With three supercars at home, plus Han Jia's and Shu Chang's, five cars speeding on the highway would indeed be thrilling. But Lin Dao Da had "sternly" stopped them because it was too dangerous.

"Liu Yifei and the other two do love driving around for fun, but Old Zhu, do you believe that if they dare do this today, they'll be on the headlines and trending searches for at least three to five days;

and most likely, they'll trample the spotlight of the Hundred Flowers Awards underfoot!" Luo Jin analyzed with a smile; he wasn't comfortable with Tang Yan driving either, nor did he want to ride in their car.

"Saying it that way, it makes sense. It would be exciting, but the publicity would indeed be too high-profile!" Zhu Zhu Yawen smiled helplessly and nodded.

"Everyone needs to be careful recently and keep a low profile. A few days ago, I heard Director Tong say a document will be issued soon: 'Resolutely Curb Sky-High Salaries and Celebrity Ostentatious Display of Wealth.' It's the will of those even higher up.

You'd better not get caught; if you do, they will publicly name names, especially regarding 'ostentatious display of wealth' behavior. Hehe..."

Lin Nan wasn't joking; those above were particularly troubled by these matters but had no good solution.

More accurately, they were willing to handle it but faced numerous difficulties, with many obstacles from the industry and the market; they were probably just waiting to catch a typical case, then strike hard to break the surface through a single point.

Well, after hearing Lin Dao Da's words, Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin immediately lost their good mood. How did the conversation drift to such mood-ruining "serious business"?

"It's just about getting major film and television companies to sign an industry self-discipline pact resisting 'sky-high' salaries and strengthening ideological education. But to be honest, which actor or artist is willing to cut their own salary?

And to put it bluntly, top-tier artists can now completely control small and medium-sized film and television companies and production companies, and sway the fan market, especially when they are popular top-tier actors!"

Luo Jin shrugged; his Tang Yan belonged to the type with an enormous fanbase.

Of course, in the RV behind, although Liu Liu Yifei was long no longer a pure actress, counting her, four of the five women were indeed in the "sky-high" category, and Producer Liu herself was the most "sky-high"!

"Precisely because of this, I specifically reminded everyone to be low-key, low-key, and not to be the protruding rafter." Some problems couldn't be avoided, so Lin Nan could only remind those around him.

"Alright, understood, we'll keep a low profile. Let's change the subject; does that mean I have no chance in 'Operation Red Sea'?" Zhu Zhu Yawen abruptly changed the topic.

"You speak as if 'The Founding of an Army' has already wrapped filming."

Before Lin Nan could speak, Luo Jin blocked Old Zhu's mouth with a smile; after all, he had already secured his role.

Today, more than half of the first and second-tier actors and artists in the entire film and television industry were rushing to the Hundred Flowers Awards...

The other half were either at international film festivals or had arrived a day or two early and had already participated in opening ceremonies, film exhibitions, academic forums, film criticism competitions, and other events.

Around noon, just before twelve, the convoy finally arrived at a star-rated hotel not far from the award ceremony venue.

As expected, although Yue Jun had sent people to book the hotel in advance, achieving complete secrecy was indeed a bit of a "Tale of the Arabian Nights."

As soon as they got out of the cars, what greeted Lin Nan and the others was a large crowd of paparazzi, entertainment reporters, and professional media waiting there.

Guo Fan, Lu Yang, Yue Jun, and their team, who had appeared a few minutes early, were already entangled. The questions from the reporters' mouths poured out like popping corn, crackling and popping.

Questions like: Do you have confidence in winning awards today? Which awards are you sure of? How many awards do you hope to win? Which actors do you favor? Chattering away, making Lin Nan and the others behind frown, wanting to avoid them.

Looking ahead, only Xie Nan's performance was the most effortless.

Relying on her "professional skills," she single-handedly held off a group of media reporters, creating an opportunity for Guo Fan and the others to "escape."

"Lin Dao, Lin Nan Film's movies have 'internal conflict' in several award categories; who do you favor..."

"Liu Yifei, how much confidence do you have that 'Wolf Warrior' can win another victory?"

"Changchang, do you have the confidence to win the Hundred Flowers after the Huabiao Award..."

Security personnel used their bodies to clear a path, allowing Lin Nan and his group to slip into the hotel smoothly and quickly;

Outside, due to the large number of media and actor-stars appearing, a huge crowd of onlookers and vehicles had gathered, causing some traffic congestion, which was a very bad influence.

"Those who need to eat lunch, eat; those who need to rest, rest; those with scheduled gown and makeup arrangements, plan your time well... I estimate around four in the afternoon, we'll have to head to the red carpet."

Yue Jun led the people, going room by room to give reminders.

To be honest, this Hundred Flowers Awards was indeed the most "hurried" award ceremony Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei had ever attended, arriving and returning on the same day.

"Hey, I just realized. It seems that in the 'Mojin: The Lost Legend' crew, except for Especially Reba, everyone else set off on their own; no one is following us anymore?" Shu Chang walked around and came to Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei's suite.

"Yes, that's right. Mr. Huang Huang Xiaoming's wife's belly is big; he has to take care of her throughout." Lin Nan nodded. As for Wu Wu Ershan? No need to mention him. 'Hello, Mr. Li' was led by Yan Fei.

"Why are you the only one here? Where is Jia Nu?" Liu Liu Yifei came out of the bathroom and looked at Shu Chang; she was preparing to take a shower.

"Her? She just left; Chairman Han is urging her. She'll go with the 'leaders' then, not with us."

While Lin Nan and his group were resting, online special news about the Hundred Flowers Awards had already dominated the front pages and trending searches of the film and entertainment section.

Photos and short videos of actors and stars arriving one after another kept refreshing, and big shots from various film and television companies in the industry also made appearances and were captured on camera.

The funniest thing was that Wu Jing and 'Wolf Warrior' fans were actually posting "Mother of Wolf Warrior, fighting on behalf of her husband" under Xie Nan's related information and Weibo posts;

the heat reached an explosive level, making many insiders laugh and cry, and they kept joking about it.

Actually, everyone in the film circle knows that the current Hundred Flowers Awards is no longer the "People's Choice Award" it was before the millennium; once, it was more "orthodox" and more "authoritative" than the so-called Golden Rooster.

But after the millennium, the Hundred Flowers gradually became a "Miss" that people could use for decoration, while the Golden Rooster built a moat around a "small circle"...

"Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor, these five awards are what we want. Corresponding to 'Old Paoer', Director Guan Hu, Xu Qing, and Li Li Yifeng.

Of course, if Bai Bai Baihe and Yao Chen can win Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress through 'Monster Hunt', that would also be fine, after all, they are people from our Huayi faction."

Wang Wang Zhongjun sat on the sofa, holding a teacup and muttering.

"But we analyzed before that the awards we want are also being watched by Lin Nan Film, and when I did 'public relations', I got definite news that Yue Jun is also moving...

I can't say for sure whether we will definitely get them or definitely won't, but today's main prizes will surely be either on their side or on ours, because both sides are exerting effort!

However, we must be mentally prepared: the Hundred Flowers of past years could be considered our home court, but now that statement is a bit hollow; our speaking power in the film and television industry compared to a few years ago has truly become much, much smaller..."

Wang Wang Zhonglei's expression turned serious as he spoke frankly: "Today, apart from Feng Feng Xiaogang, who is at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, all other key creatives—including Wu Wu Yifan, Li Li Yifeng, and others—have arrived."

"Then let's wait and see tonight's results—it's only a few hours away. Do your best, and leave the rest to fate!"

Wang Wang Zhongjun closed his eyes for a moment, speaking with reluctant dissatisfaction. But he had no choice; after all, Huayi's development path had been set under his leadership.

"By the way, big brother. This morning, Director Feng called me from Spain—he's got some ideas for the next film."

"Which film? 'Youth'?"

"No, the film after 'Youth.' I have to say, under the pressure of the bet, his work efficiency is truly unmatched. Hehe…"

Wang Wang Zhonglei chuckled, thoroughly satisfied with Feng Feng Xiaogang's work enthusiasm.

"You haven't told me what his idea is yet," Wang Wang Zhongjun nodded in agreement and pressed.

"For now, it's just an idea. He says that if 'I Am Not Madame Bovary' wins a major award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival closing ceremony in two days…"

"Then he'll 'strike while the iron is hot'—Liu Liu Zhenyun will write the script for 'Mobile Phone 2' after 'Youth.' Didn't we have this idea before, only to put it on hold?"

"'I Am Not Madame Bovary' is Feng's second collaboration with Fan Li Bingbing since 'Mobile Phone' premiered twelve years ago. If it wins a major award, they'll strike while the iron is hot for a third 'Mobile Phone 2' collaboration? Hmm, that's a great idea—I support it!"

Wang Wang Zhongjun pondered, then immediately nodded in approval. But instantly, he caught on: "You just said 'if it wins a major award'? Does that mean…?"

"Exactly. The festival committee has already contacted him, asking the crew not to miss the closing ceremony…"

…

Makeup, gowns, jewelry, shoes…

In the afternoon, the Lin Nan Pictures side had no idle people—well, women!

Each one was busy getting dressed up—even Liu Liu Yifei, who planned to walk the red carpet in casual attire, was doing light makeup.

Today, as producer and financier, she wasn't suited for a gown; her only accessory was a diamond hairpin, and she refused all earrings, necklaces, and other ornaments.

At around four in the afternoon, when the accompanying staff began knocking on each door, everyone knew it was time to depart for the closing ceremony's red carpet.

A group of people—some in suits, some in casual wear, others in gowns and formal dresses—boarded their cars amid cheerful laughter.

As evening approached six, the sky darkened.

Yet the glow sticks and luminous signs lining the Hundred Flowers Award red carpet had already swayed into a dazzling sea of colored light, stirred by the crowd's roar.

The throngs of media reporters and rows of long-lens cameras were almost entirely swallowed by the endless sea of fans.

On the already active red carpet, Xu Qing, in a blue vine-embroidered long dress, stood out most prominently among the 'Old Beast' crew led by Wang Wang Zhonglei and Director Guan Hu; her voluptuous figure and low-cut elegance drew countless eyes and lenses—one word: 'luscious!'

Looking at the 'Monster Hunt' crew, only Bai Bai Baihe and pregnant Yao Chen appeared—both dressed extravagantly, vying for attention!

Next came the 'Wolf Totem' crew, 'The Dead End' crew, 'Lost in Hong Kong' crew, 'Goodbye Mr. Loser' crew, 'The Lost Tomb' crew, 'Dear' crew… one after another, they stepped onto the red carpet…

Besides the film crews arriving in groups, there were also individual heavyweight guests… Jiang Wen, Zhou Yun, Ning Hao, Xing Ai… Han Han Sanping, Ren Ren Zhonglun, Han Jia…

When Lin Nan and his group arrived, it was perfectly timed—they only waited ten minutes before stepping onto the red carpet, avoiding further standing and idle chatter.

The cheers on both sides were almost entirely calling out the names of Liu Liu Yifei, Watching Shu Chang, Tang Yan, and Especially Reba—those men were truly embarrassed!

"The main wave now walking the red carpet is tonight's top award contender: the film army under Lin Nan Pictures."

"Led by Lin Dao Nan, Producer Liu Liu Yifei, Director Guo Fan, Director Lu Yang, and Producer Yue Jun, core creatives from several films—including 'Go Away, Tumor!' 'The Sword of the Assassin 2: Arena of the Underworld,' and 'Wolf Warrior'—are here: Watching Shu Chang, Luo Jin, Zhang Yi, Lei Lei Jiayin, Especially Reba, Ma Sicun, Xu Jiao Xu Jiao Junyan… and accompanying family: Xie Nan, who's stepping in for her husband, and Tang Yan, who was supposed to walk alone! Haha…"

The red carpet host was truly talkative, but he had already lifted the atmosphere to another peak—especially when mentioning the family members.

Soon, the group entered the venue, drawing many glances. Lin Nan immediately spotted the teams from 'The Lost Tomb,' 'Goodbye Mr. Loser,' and 'Lost in Hong Kong.'

Of course, there were many familiar faces and friends—but even more people he didn't get along with. For instance, from the 'Dear' crew side, Lin Nan had previously posted a rebuttal regarding 'No Other Love,' and had also targeted Zhao Zhao Yanzi, who now sat beside Chen Chen Kexin…

"Lin Dao, please follow me—your seats are up front…"

The staff whispered, addressing Lin Nan's entire group. Yue Jun had already coordinated: Lin Nan Pictures' seating list had been arranged together.

"Alright, thank you."

Soon, Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, and others took seats in the second row, while Watching Shu Chang and the other actors sat from the third row onward, directly behind Lin Dao Da and his group.

"By the way, let's see how many awards you'll take home today. An hour ago, I made a bet with Huang Bo."

"You two are really boring. But what's the stake?"

Hearing Lin Nan's 180-degree turn, Liu Liu Yifei on his right burst out laughing and punched him.

"I bet you'll win over five trophies—he thinks it's impossible. Whoever loses buys a month's worth of meals…"

"Director Ning, you're so childish," Liu Liu Yifei couldn't help but complain.

"Yeah, it's pretty childish—I told him that too," Xing Ai on Ning Hao's left suddenly added.

"Men, sometimes a little childishness is understandable."

Lin Nan offered a supportive remark—and immediately received Ning Hao's thumbs-up and a "kindred spirit" look: "Well said!"

"Let's wait—it's at most another hour before the awards begin."

"Oh, by the way, there's something: the script for 'A Good Story' is finalized. Should we sit down to discuss it tomorrow or the day after?"

Hearing this, Lin Nan instinctively glanced at Liu Liu Yifei; she reacted quickly, smiling and shaking her head, then leaned forward slightly toward Ning Hao and whispered:

"Director Ning, let's do the day after tomorrow. We need to return tonight, and tomorrow we might not wake up—plus, the day after tomorrow is the premiere of 'From Your World Passing By.' Hehe…"

Ning Hao paused, then laughed: "Alright, listen to Producer Liu. You two are really… beyond words, haha…"

As they chatted, the closing ceremony performances began.

Liu Liu Yifei happily waved toward the stage—it was Zhang Liangying, who smiled back in response…

The one-hour performance ended quickly.

When the closing ceremony's host stepped out, Lin Nan almost smiled;

It was that female host infamous for her "Really?" "Is that true?" "I don't believe it!" trio—she who had witnessed "a small goal."

"Welcome, welcome all leaders, thank you all for coming to the 33rd Hundred Flowers Awards Closing Ceremony despite your busy schedules…"

"Every one of us started as newcomers. So the first award tonight is Best New Actor…"

Less than five minutes later, the first award was announced—won by the 'Dear' crew.

After the acceptance speech, everyone unconsciously sat up straight, for the upcoming awards were all major ones!

"We all know that a great work cannot exist without the silent contributions of supporting actors. Therefore, the second award to be presented is the Best Supporting Actress Award. Please welcome the presenter, actress Deng Deng Jiajia..."

Everyone knew that Deng Deng Jiajia had won Best Supporting Actress at the last Hundred Flowers Awards; it was only fitting that she present this award.

"Hmm, I wonder who'll win?" Liu Liu Yifei whispered beside Lin Nan.

"Look, they're about to announce it."

Lin Nan gestured for Liu Liu Yifei to look ahead—the five nominated actresses had all appeared on the big screen; Especially Reba was clearly just a placeholder. This far was enough; they couldn't go any further.

"Among the five nominated actresses above, the winner of the Best Supporting Actress Award is: 'Xun Long Jue,' Especially Reba—congratulations!"

………