Chapter 812

It is said that one must arrive by 2:30 PM at the latest, but who would dare to actually cut it that close or even be late? Everyone leaves early and arrives well ahead of time.

Lin Nan, in particular, rushed over without a moment's rest right after finishing his lunch. And so, a group of industry bigwigs stood around in the General Administration, idling away in small groups and chatting.

Because it wasn't office hours yet, the door to the large conference room hadn't been opened, and the leaders were still eating...

"It's almost two o'clock! Are they eating a Manchu-Han Imperial Feast? How can they possibly take this long?" Ning Hao sat on an art chair nearby, basking in the warm sun while grumbling in a low voice.

"I heard Chairman Ren and Cheng Long came in the morning and haven't left, so... I guess they're eating quite late? After all, they held a 'criticism session,' and it likely ran over time."

Wang Changtian withdrew his disgusted gaze from that group of people from Huayi in the distance and made a witty remark with a smile. But come to think of it, that might actually be the case.

"But why do I feel like they are deliberately leaving us hanging? Using this incident to kill the chicken to scare the monkey and give everyone in the film and television industry a warning?"

Lin Nan sat with his legs crossed, speaking his mind bluntly, saying exactly what he thought.

Because, to put it bluntly, the people here right now are the top brass of the entire circle and can fully represent the entire film and entertainment industry!

"Hmm, not bad, quite sharp." Han Sanping's voice came from behind, giving Lin Nan and the other two a big fright.

The commotion here attracted the attention of many; they saw Han Sanping accompanied by staff from the bureau, the latter walking straight toward the door of the conference hall.

"Chairman Han, how much longer until the leaders come over? Give us a straight answer." Lin Nan asked with a grin.

"About 10 minutes. Don't think about getting back early; I'm afraid it'll take two or three hours this afternoon."

Once these words were spoken, many people around revealed expressions of astonishment and speechlessness; it had nothing to do with everyone else, so why make such a fuss?

Everyone entered the large conference hall one after another. Lin Nan had originally intended to sneak to a seat in the back to lower his presence and keep a low profile, but he didn't succeed.

Because the staff member took out a seating chart and reminded him in front of everyone, telling him to sit in the second row.

Numerous film and television companies, theater chain companies, film industry representatives... members of major associations, and leaders of the radio and television system—these were today's attendees.

Of course, there were also the two parties involved, Ren Zhonglun and Cheng Long, who looked as if nothing had happened. They came in with Director Zhang and other leaders, and their seats were in the first row!

"... Let's not talk about 'The Taoist Down the Mountain' for now; it was filmed before the official red-headed document was issued and involved Hollywood investors, so there are international relations to consider.

But what about 'Railroad Tigers'? It was a project done sneakily after the serious red-headed document was officially promulgated, and from beginning to end, it was covering for certain artists with tarnished reputations, hiding and concealing it...

Outside, public opinion is in an uproar, and even the Ministry of Public Security has expressed its stance. Today, I will put it this way:

From now on, the bureau holds an absolute zero-tolerance attitude toward matters similar to 'Railroad Tigers'; actors who have been classified as having tarnished reputations are strictly forbidden from appearing on the screen. If any appear, the film and television works will be completely banned.

Major film and television companies should also not think about attempting to obtain public screening permits through internal dealings and methods, openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang; those people will be completely 'retired' before the end of this month, and from now on, one will be punished for every one that appears!

Afterward, if there are any more incidents of actors with tarnished reputations appearing on the big screen or television screen, I will leave; I will immediately resign to take the blame..."

Director Zhang was speaking with murderous intent above, and everyone below was silent; because everyone was indeed frightened by his resolute momentum, especially that phrase "resign to take the blame"!

"Has the bureau already used those old men to sacrifice the flag?"

"Good heavens, this time they've really drawn their blades and seen blood!"

Listening to the muttering of Wang Changtian and Ning Hao, Lin Nan also nodded and echoed in a low voice:

"I originally only had about seventy percent certainty, but now it's one hundred percent. As expected of a leader, he is truly cunning!"

"How so?" The two people on his left and right immediately looked at Lin Nan obscurely.

"I dare to bet my head on it right now; look, that person has known about the tricks in 'Railroad Tigers' from the very beginning.

From the project initiation and filming of this movie to the final cut passing the review and getting the public screening permit, and then to the public screening the day before yesterday... he knew the whole process, but he kept playing deaf and dumb, feigning ignorance.

He was just waiting for today, waiting for the opportunity for a decisive kill, to solve all the stubborn diseases and omissions left over from the 'Ban on Tarnished Artists' the year before last in one go, and also to deal with..."

Lin Nan couldn't suppress his voice and was a little excited. So, while Wang Changtian and Ning Hao were slow to realize, a few people nearby in the first row also turned their heads to glance at him, all of whom were acquaintances.

Of course, Han Sanping and Wang Yong were included. It's just that compared to Wang Yong's helpless gaze, Third Master Han was much more direct, with undisguised reprimand in his eyes: You talk too much nonsense!

After Lin Nan smiled and brushed it off, he continued to "listen to the lecture."

Looking at the posture on the podium, it was really as Han Sanping said; this conference wouldn't end in two or three hours, because Ren Zhonglun and Cheng Long also had to go up to "give speeches"!

While the industry conference was being held at the Film Bureau, outside, the film and television circle had already staged a "big drama."

It was like a hurricane passing through, sweeping across the entire film and entertainment circle, and it was still constantly fermenting and spreading...

The reason for this was that facing the overwhelming negative reviews and scolding on the internet, Wong Kar-wai responded angrily near two o'clock in the afternoon;

The great director Wong Kar-wai posted a "preachy" post with a "high-class" attitude, grasping the aloof posture of a great director to the fullest:

"In fact, the world is vast, and it is more than just north and south. Blindly seeking perfection is equivalent to sticking to old ways. In your eyes, this is just a movie; to me, it is a world.

The so-called great achievement is like a lack; only with flaws can there be progress. Ferryman, ferrying others and ferrying oneself—

I like it.

Merry Christmas."

Following the posting of this Weibo post, for an entire afternoon, the entire Chinese film and television industry played a game of "solitaire"!

Starting from Tony Leung, Eason Chan, and others, Jia Zhangke, Zhang Yibai, Wu Ershan, Lu Chuan, Carina Lau, Chen Kun, Huang Xiaoming, Xu Jinglei, Fan Bingbing, Shu Qi, Zhou Xun, Song Jia, Feng Shaofeng, Jiang Yiyan... Sun Honglei, Lin Yun, Zhou Dongyu, Li Chen, Li Yapeng, Song Qian, Su Mang, Gillian Chung, Li Yifeng, Lou Yixiao...

Countless well-known filmmakers, actors, and stars were successively forwarding Wong Kar-wai's Weibo and echoing with the text: "I like it too."

Even Stephen Chow, who has always kept a low profile, also issued a handwritten photo through the official Weibo of the movie 'Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back', on which were the four words "I like it too," signed: Stephen Chow!

And Wong Kar-wai immediately forwarded this Weibo to respond, mutually supporting each other's movies.

Facing this rare "grand occasion" in the vanity fair, netizens across the internet showed a more rare scene—everyone stood on the opposite side in unison.

That is, celebrities and stars were posting "I like it too" in an endless stream, while netizens were once again throwing overwhelming scolding and filth.

"This is the first time I've seen an exasperated Wong Kar-wai; a bunch of stars closing their eyes and posting 'I support,' 'I like it' is an even rarer disgusting scene."

"Human relationships and sycophancy are interpreted to the fullest in the entertainment circle at this moment!"

"This is as disgusting as eating shit; this can no longer be described by 'calling a deer a horse'; back then Zhao Gao still had to 'point' at the deer as a horse, Wong Kar-wai doesn't even need to 'point'!"

"Wong Kar-wai's own Weibo has disguisedly admitted that 'See You Tomorrow' is a rotten movie!"

"Has everyone discovered an interesting thing? Including lead actors Tony Leung, Eason Chan, Angelababy, Sandrine Pinna, Ma Li, and Lynn Hung, so many stars and film directors are supporting Wong Kar-wai, but Zhang Jiajia, as the director of 'See You Tomorrow,' hasn't made a sound at all, as if this movie has nothing to do with him?"

"Hasn't this solved the case? Zhang Jiajia has tacitly admitted that this movie was indeed not directed by him! Hahaha..."

"Fuck! Go check Wang Chuanjun's Weibo, this guy is a real man, he posted: 'I don't like it!'"

"Damn, what a real man! Is he not afraid of death?"

"This is no longer just a matter of offending the great director Wong; these four words are a naked slap in the face to those dozens or hundreds of directors and actors in the circle! Awesome..."

"Good heavens, is he going to quit the circle? So brave?"

"It shouldn't reach the point of a ban, right? Didn't he just get a role in Lin Dao's 'Dying to Survive' not long ago!"

"I can only say this is a real man, he didn't lick anyone's boots."

"Just for the four words 'I don't like it,' I now believe that about the 'iPartment' incident, he really has no emotional intelligence..."

Shortly after five o'clock in the afternoon, the Film Bureau's conference finally ended. Unlike others who left in a swarm, Lin Nan and Han Sanping stayed for a few more minutes together.

The two of them waited for Ren Zhonglun and Cheng Long, who intended to leave last, and asked about the morning's events.

The few walked side by side, and Ren Zhonglun spoke first: "'Railroad Tigers' can continue to be screened, but no promotional activities of any form are allowed."

"This is already very good; this movie didn't have much cost to begin with, so it shouldn't lose money."

After Han Sanping commented, he joked again, "Director Zhang might even be quite grateful to you two this time; by entering the game yourself, you helped him solve a lot of problems."

Hearing this, bitter smiles immediately appeared on the faces of Cheng Long and Ren Zhonglun, while Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh, because in terms of results, it was indeed the case.

"Don't keep tossing things around on your end either; your net worth is at least two or three billion, enough for your son to spend." After everyone finished laughing, Han Sanping looked at Cheng Long again, as did Lin Nan and Ren Zhonglun.

Originally, everyone thought Cheng Long would nod and agree, but he didn't. They saw Cheng Long smile helplessly, hesitating as he shook his head, "Chairman Han, I want to try again."

"Still trying? What exactly are you thinking? This time is enough; there can't be a next time! If there is a next time, you yourself will become the target of public criticism. Do you really think the superiors have no temper? Taking care of you time and time again?"

Han Sanping was immediately furious, and Ren Zhonglun's expression wasn't good either. Lin Nan remained silent; although he understood Cheng Long's mentality as a father, he didn't support his approach.

"Chairman Han misunderstood; I didn't think about letting him be an actor again." Cheng Long explained, his tone carrying exhaustion.

"Big Brother's (your) meaning is?" Lin Nan and the other two reacted instantly.

"The document only said he can't act anymore, but he can go behind the scenes. I will support him in becoming a director; this was also a backup plan before... He is not the kind of person who can hold onto money."

Cheng Long said very seriously; he had already set up a family fund. In addition, he really wanted to pass down his resources. He needed to continue working, not just for the one at home, but also for the big group in the Jackie Chan Stunt Team...

Regarding this idea of Cheng Long's, the three had nothing to say and couldn't refute it. Because as he said, the document indeed didn't forbid artists with tarnished reputations from going behind the scenes.

And the one from Zhang Guoli's family seems to be the executive director of 'I Am Not Madame Bovary'; if nothing unexpected happens, he will still be a behind-the-scenes member of the 'Youth' crew. A successful case is right before their eyes!

As they were talking, the few walked to the gate of the General Administration.

Seeing those entertainment reporters who had been squatting outside since the afternoon, Cheng Long immediately quickened his pace and quickly got into the car under the cover and escort of bodyguards and assistants.

Because of the 'Railroad Tigers' incident, he was currently not suitable to be surrounded by paparazzi, and Ren Zhonglun was the same, also quickly disappearing from view.

Only Lin Nan was confusedly surrounded, because he really came to the Film Bureau alone.

As for Han Sanping? Paparazzi were also afraid of 'Mountain Sculpture' (Han Sanping), so no one dared to surround him. Even so, after Third Master Han got into the car, he wasn't in a hurry to leave, watching Lin Nan's joke through the car window.

"Lin Dao, regarding Director Wong Kar-wai's Weibo today... the entire film and television industry is posting 'I like it'... countless netizens across the internet are scolding..."

"Wang Chuanjun is a cast actor of the movie 'Dying to Survive', he publicly slapped Director Wong Kar-wai and a large number of filmmakers and actors in the circle..."

"Lin Dao, as a top great director in the country, how do you evaluate 'See You Tomorrow'? And how do you evaluate this incident this afternoon... public opinion is completely out of control..."

Amidst the chattering noise, Lin Nan passively learned about everything that happened in the afternoon; at this moment, he even wanted to laugh a little.

People in the Lin Nan Film industry system all know his style, which is to never actively get involved in things that have nothing to do with him;

And over the years, they have also been influenced and nurtured by Lin Nan one by one; so much so that no one was involved in this afternoon's incident, and they disdained to lick Wong Kar-wai's boots.

However, since he was blocked now, Lin Nan might as well share his views, after all, the actors of 'Dying to Survive' were involved.

"First of all, I haven't seen the movie 'See You Tomorrow' whether it was at the premiere or after it was released, so I don't have the right to comment on whether it's good or bad, but I heard that everyone on the internet is scolding it as a big rotten movie!

Secondly, as a film director, I respect the right of every audience member to have different opinions and views on the movie they spent money to buy tickets for."

With just two sentences, Lin Nan made the eyes of the twenty or so reporters in front of him light up:

"As expected of Lin Dao, this evaluation is interesting; although every word is neutral, combined with the facts, it is mocking Wong Kar-wai!"

Lin Nan looked at the time on his wristwatch; he had to get back quickly, otherwise Liu Yifei would be calling to urge him.

Changing the subject, Lin Nan prepared to make a quick decision, and he began to be sarcastic:

"However, there is one thing I am really puzzled about. Why did so many people in the circle say 'I like it too' for this movie? Just because Director Wong Kar-wai posted a Weibo?

My movies also have people scolding them, why didn't these people post 'He (she) likes it too' for me? Am I not worthy? Or is it because I didn't post on Weibo?

In addition, Director Zhang Yimou's 'The Great Wall' was also scolded by many people, why, in the same release period, did he not receive the treatment of dozens or hundreds of actors and filmmakers helping him stand on the platform and promote it in the form of 'idiom solitaire' on the internet?

Is he not worthy like me? Or is it that I and Director Zhang Yimou are not as important as the side of 'See You Tomorrow'? Or is it that Director Wong Kar-wai and that newcomer director Zhang Jiajia are better than me? Better than Director Zhang Yimou?

Why are you all silent? Speak up? Can't answer, right?"

Lin Nan looked at the group of reporters who were speechless and scared to death, and he laughed himself, sneering: "Since you can't answer, then let me answer for you!"

Lin Nan noticed that Han Sanping had gotten out of the car again; he stood far away at the car door, looking at this side with a helpless expression, the meaning in his eyes was very obvious: "You turtle son, you're starting to confront people again, right? Can't you save some worry?!"

Lin Nan smiled at Han Sanping, then looked at the group of entertainment reporters in front of him, sneering as he gave his answer:

"I think this is a joke. This afternoon, Wong Kar-wai shamelessly coerced more than half of the film and television circle with his status and position as a great director!"

As the words fell, Lin Nan could even clearly hear the sound of many reporters swallowing saliva; they were really frightened. But in their eyes, there was a bright light.

Thank you, Lin Dao, for making everyone's year-end bonus a lot more!

Finally, at six o'clock in the evening, Lin Nan got into the driver's seat and returned home. As for what kind of landslide and tsunami these words of his would cause on the internet, let's talk about it tomorrow.

In fact, he didn't say everything he wanted to say just now; he forcibly swallowed the last sentence he had brewed in his heart, which was:

"Although among the people in the circle who licked Director Wong Kar-wai's boots this afternoon, several are my friends.

But I still want to say one thing, they did a very bottomless thing this afternoon, and under the eyes of the whole internet, they played the clown once!"

Of course, this really couldn't be said. Once said, it would be too hurtful.

Not only that, it would also make the great Lin Dao appear "unforgiving," standing and talking without back pain. After all, he doesn't have to suck up to people for resources and connections, and he is usually the object of being sucked up to.