Chapter 121: Emperor Group bet and Liu Liu Yifei gossip

Midnight, Beiping Rose Garden.

The two, whose passion had just subsided, were breathing calmly, lying on the bed talking.

The beautiful woman was afraid that her long hair would prick Boss Lu, so she simply tied it up and leaned against his chest, her jade hands rubbing and drawing circles on the man's chest.

"Fan Bingbing, did you eat hot pot today?"

"Ah?"

"Hmm... a little spicy."

Fan Fan Bingbing felt his big hands go deep into the hinterland again, and she laughed and slapped him.

"You, you belong to the salted duck egg! Yellow and oily!"

"Didn't you go to run propaganda? Why did you suddenly come back?"

"Director Feng has a film about to be set up, and he needs to cast; Sister Hua called me back to try."

Boss Lu's action of lighting a cigarette didn't pause, but he vaguely guessed something in his heart.

"You refused their hype request, did the company have no reaction?"

Fan Fan Bingbing also stretched her hand into the quilt.

"Hiss~"

Boss Lu shuddered.

"Why are you pinching it? I still have to use it later."

Fan Fan Bingbing rolled her eyes at him: "This is how I feel now!"

"Destiny is completely in the hands of others."

"I heard Sister Hua say that the role chosen for me is a supporting actress in Director Feng's next New Year film, but..."

She gritted her teeth and said unwillingly: "The two bosses still haven't given up on designing a mistress route for me; this role doesn't seem to be that positive either."

Stealing a glance at the indifferent Seeing Lu Kuan, Fan Fan Bingbing then choked up and said: "Seeing Lu Kuan, can you help me..."

Boss Lu amusedly glanced at her eyes covered with a layer of water mist.

Really capable, acting as soon as she says so.

If he didn't react again, maybe these tears would flow down.

A mature man will not let water flow out of a girl's eyes.

If it flows...

Boss Lu was confident: "Don't worry, I'll start the next film after I finish the roadshow; you can just use this excuse to refuse then."

Fan Bingbing supported herself on the bed with both hands: "Really? Then I'll wait for it!"

It would be false to say she wasn't aggrieved in her heart.

Liu Liu Yifei's red carpet photos in Venice had already gone viral, and the crazy growth in the number of fans could be seen from the messages and browsing volume on her blog network.

Now all that was missing was a role that the public could remember.

And what about herself?

In June, she threw caution to the wind and killed her way to the hotel in Su Province, offering herself inside and out, up and down, to Seeing Lu Kuan.

During this time, she was responsive and accommodating, which could be said to be dedicated.

But Seeing Lu Kuan seemed to just let her stay in Yanda Huayi with peace of mind, without any hints or suggestions.

You, a Venice Golden Lion Award winner, want to cheat for sex?

Boss Lu naturally had his own considerations.

In view of Liu Liu Zeyu's previous interception of "Chinese Paladin" and the shadow of Wang Wang Xiaolei behind the attempt to buy shares in Red Star Dock;

As well as his and Lu Lu Chuan's small moves against "Whiplash" at the Venice Film Festival;

And then the competition between the two companies in film and television works that is expected to appear frequently in the near future.

Cooperation within the industry may be the norm, but Seeing Lu Kuan had to prepare for the struggle in advance.

Fan Fan Bingbing's lurking must last at least until the listing.

And in this life, relying on Boss Lu's cooperation and support from the outside, she must get as many Yanda Huayi shares as possible.

He had a thought of laying out the grass and snakes, with the pulse buried a thousand miles away...

On September 20, 2002, the "Whiplash" crew held a premiere ceremony at the Xindongan Cinema on Wangfujing, Beijing, which was the first stop of their roadshow.

Before "Hero" truly raised the glorious curtain of domestic films, the roadshow process of film distribution was actually relatively simple.

For general domestic films, the mainland area is first Beiping, Shanghai, Guangzhou, then Pengcheng and Chengdu, as well as Jin Ling, Suzhou, Lin'an, etc., in the Yangtze River Delta.

These places can basically provide more than 80% of the ticket warehouse.

But this time Seeing Lu Kuan formulated a very dense roadshow schedule for "Whiplash."

Not only did it cover the above-mentioned first and second-tier cities, but even some provincial capital cities with strong consumption power in the Central and South China regions were included in the list.

Then there were Xiangjiang and Wan Province; of course, that would require the cooperation of Edko Films' professional personnel.

The crew and the distributor basically had to maintain a tight schedule of one city every 1-2 days, which was a test for the professional ability of the distribution team and the physical and mental state of the crew members.

Why did Seeing Lu Kuan do this?

Friends over thirty should have seen or heard of the film "Warm Spring."

"Warm Spring" itself is famous for its tear-jerking theme, but it also created a small miracle in the field of film distribution.

In 2003, the "Warm Spring" crew, with an investment of only 2 million, adopted the tactic of surrounding the city from the countryside, running through almost all first and second-tier cities in the country during the roadshow.

In the end, this film with no stars, no famous directors, and no background took 20 million in box office.

It can be called a miracle!

It can be seen that domestic film practitioners in this era have not yet truly realized the domestic box office potential that is rising.

Boss Lu's distribution strategy is a bit tiring, but for the sake of box office and profit, the Bona distribution party led by Yu Dong is naturally willing to do it.

A large number of fans have gathered around the cinema, 80% of whom are here for Zhou Zhou Jielun.

In July, his "Eight Dimensions Space" began distribution, and the current total sales volume is 120,000 copies, dominating the charts across the two shores and three places.

This album will become the sales champion of 2002, and what is even more terrifying is that this is just a beginning.

From 2002 to 2009, Zhou Zhou Jielun's album performance will take eight consecutive championships in the entire Greater China region.

This is also the reason why Boss Lu chose him to join; for the sake of box office, it's not cold.

The creators were preparing for the premiere activities on the spot, and Seeing Lu Kuan and Zhou Zhou Jielun, who had become familiar, were hooking shoulders and backs without any image.

"Zhou Zhou Jielun, you said you don't look as handsome as me, why do so many fans like you?"

The little king pretended to be disdainful and looked him up and down: "Where did you get your confidence?"

Boss Lu pretended to be angry and called over Huang Bo, who was reading the manuscript.

"Old Huang, you say, who is more handsome between us?"

Huang Bo has always had high emotional intelligence and offends no one.

"Boss Zhou is cool, Boss Lu is handsome!"

Liu Liu Yifei teased: "Seeing Lu Kuan, Zhou Zhou Jielun brother's fans have almost blocked the cinema door, why haven't I seen any of your supporters?"

Boss Lu was a little depressed; not only did he not see his fans, but there were also many brainless fans of Nicholas Tse and others coming to smash the scene, which was too annoying.

"Little Lu, the scene is big enough!"

A familiar duck-like voice, this is Zhou Xun, who knew Boss Lu from the beginning, and she is also his consistent supporter.

"Sister Xun, you're late!"

Zhou Xun looked at Seeing Lu Kuan and pretended to be unhappy, smiling: "I came in Chen Kun's car, his technique is not good, and he took a detour!"

As she was talking, Chen Kun also walked in, and there was a high-spirited actor on the side.

Isn't this Huang Xiaoming.

As the host, Seeing Lu Kuan naturally had to warmly welcome him, taking the initiative to shake hands and greet Chen Kun and Huang Huang Xiaoming.

"Welcome, senior brother!"

This is based on the root of Beidian.

Huang Huang Xiaoming was very surprised by the easygoing nature of Seeing Lu Kuan, the young Golden Lion Award winner, and also politely said: "Uninvited, sorry to bother you, Director Lu!"

Most actors who have fought their way out in the entertainment circle have high emotional intelligence.

The two surnamed Huang at the scene today belong to those who are sophisticated in human relations, one more capable than the other.

"Not at all, it's my honor that you can come to support, senior brother, let's change numbers later, let's contact more in the future!"

Huang Huang Xiaoming smiled so much that his mouth was about to reach his ears; this was the purpose he came for today.

Even if the film market is withered now, which TV drama actor doesn't think about jumping on the big screen?

"Director Lu, congratulations!"

Seeing Lu Kuan turned his head when he heard the sound; it was Gao Gao Yuanyuan in a long dress.

The actress, who was only two years older than Fan Fan Bingbing this year, was in her "prime" in terms of appearance, walking over with grace.

He scanned left and right; where is Zhang Zhang Yadong?

Boss Lu enthusiastically wanted to shake hands to express his respect, but didn't expect her to hug him very naturally.

Touching and separating, it didn't look abrupt.

"Sister Gao Yuanyuan, welcome! You look so beautiful today!"

Gao Gao Yuanyuan still had a bright and sunny smile: "Thank you Little Lu, I haven't congratulated you on winning the award in Venice yet, it's great!"

"Ah!"

The actress's heels were slightly high today, and her feet were tripped by the red carpet, and her body was a bit unbalanced.

Boss Lu was quick-eyed and fast-handed, supporting her slender waist just right, and holding her forearm, the touch was delicate and smooth.

Then he let go of his hand with ease, looking at the slightly shy face of the gentle Gao Gao Yuanyuan with a smile.

Other stars were greeting each other, only Liu Liu Yifei was observing coldly from the side.

Jiang Jiang Qinqin, Dong Jie, Fan Fan Bingbing, hmm, now it is very likely to add a Gao Gao Yuanyuan.

"Thank you Sister Gao Yuanyuan, why didn't Zhang Yadong come today?"

Gao Gao Yuanyuan's face was a bit unnatural: "He was delayed by something, presumably he will be late, let me tell you."

Boss Lu understood in his heart; did the relationship between these two change?

Could it be that Zhang Zhang Yadong was helping Xu Xu Jinglei make the theme song for "Metro of Spring"...

Guests arrived one after another, and actors who were familiar or unfamiliar came one after another.

It wasn't until the appearance of Gao Gao Chengsheng, Jiang Jiang Zhiqiang, Zhang Zhang Yimou, and others that the stars who came to support felt that the trip was worthwhile.

Gao represented Zhongying, Jiang represented Xiangjiang film capital, and Zhang was currently a well-deserved big director in the country.

Unknowingly, Boss Lu's connections and status in the entertainment circle had become very considerable.

"Director Zhang, thank you for your support!"

"Haha, Little Lu, you have grown too fast, I was preparing to ask you to help me look at the script, now I'm afraid I can't afford your status!"

The flowery sedan chair is carried by people, and Seeing Lu Kuan also modestly said: "Not at all, I will definitely cooperate if Director Zhang needs it."

"By the way, Director Zhang, your film has a lot of scheduling scenes, I don't know if I can visit and learn from it?"

This wasn't flattery, but Boss Lu really felt that he needed to improve now.

There are many things that can be learned from textbooks and film pulling, but there are also many directing techniques that must be obtained from practice and personal participation.

Regardless of other aspects of Zhang Zhang Yimou, his scheduling ability in big-scene films is definitely second to none.

Look at his "Hero" and other films and the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games; it is not polite to say that his scheduling ability in the director circle is at the level of Han Xin.

This is also the aspect that Seeing Lu Kuan, who had only been playing around in two lives and had only shot one small-cost film in this life, lacked.

Zhang Zhang Yimou was stunned, only feeling that this young man was advancing and retreating with measure and speaking appropriately.

It is very rare to win the Golden Lion Award at such a young age and still maintain such a humble attitude.

"No problem, Little Lu, the crew welcomes you to visit and guide at any time!"

Soon the premiere ceremony officially began, and the host was Jin Wei from the movie channel.

"Welcome everyone to today's 'Whiplash' premiere ceremony, let's invite the film's creative team to appear first!"

Seeing Lu Kuan led Feng Feng Yuanzheng, Zhou Zhou Jielun, Liu Liu Yifei, and a group of supporting actors to the center of the truss set up at the scene.

Behind was a huge movie poster, and Zhou Zhou Jielun on the screen was wearing his iconic duck-tongue cap and holding drumsticks in both hands.

The fans under the stage suddenly screamed, and countless flashes clicked at the stage, making it like an execution scene; the core target was naturally Zhou Zhou Jielun.

First is the interview session.

【Beiping Daily】: Director Lu, what is your box office expectation for "Whiplash"?

Seeing Lu Kuan smiled: "The more the better."

This is a common trap; saying less means you are not confident in the box office and film quality, and saying more and failing to do it will be mocked.

【Apple Daily】: "Director Lu, everyone has heard about your conflict with Xiangjiang Emperor Group. Recently, we interviewed Mr. Zhang Zhang Jianting of Emperor Group. Their 'Heart-stirring' schedule is also arranged in September and October; are you afraid?"

The scene was silent, and everyone was waiting to see Seeing Lu Kuan's reaction when facing difficulties and provocations.

"'Whiplash' won the Venice Golden Lion Award and Best Actor, and it will definitely become a film that is both acclaimed and popular; we don't care about other people's situation."

It is not suitable to mention them at this time; there is no need to fight back; that is to increase their popularity.

【Apple Daily】 didn't want to let him go so easily.

"The box office of award-winning films is not necessarily good; this is not without precedent. Is Director Lu too confident?"

Boss Lu glanced at the throat-media like a scabby dog, and also had a bit of anger.

"This reporter is serious; everyone is eating in the same industry, each relying on their own ability; there is nothing to be afraid of."

"However!"

"Since you brought up this topic, I think I also want to say a word on behalf of the film's producer, Wenjie Culture."

"'Whiplash' is a Golden Lion Award film; comparing it with 'Heart-stirring' is bullying."

"I heard that Emperor Group will have a big production 'The Medallion' in cooperation with Hollywood next year; if we want to compare, let's compare with 'The Medallion'!"

【Apple Daily】 was naturally ecstatic; their goal tonight was to hype the grudge between these two families; otherwise, how to write the manuscript.

Just didn't expect that Boss Lu's words behind were even more shocking.

The audience was in an uproar, and countless reporters gave Seeing Lu Kuan, who was "talking nonsense," a flash of light!

Jiang Jiang Zhiqiang, Gao Gao Chengsheng, and others in the guest seat all frowned.

Is this too crazy?

"The Medallion" is a blockbuster with 374 million invested by Emperor Group in cooperation with Hollywood, starring Jackie Chan, Christy Chung, Anthony Wong, and many Hollywood stars.

The producer of this film is Zhang Zhang Jianting, the Emperor Group director who previously conspired with Liu Liu Zeyu, Nicholas Tse, and others to start a new stove, and is also Li Li Shoucheng's son-in-law.

Compared with a small-cost film like "Whiplash" which is almost all indoor scenes, the gap can be called a chasm.

【Apple Daily】 was energized now: "Director Lu, how to compare?"

Boss Lu smiled: "The cost of 'Whiplash' is no more than 10 million; it can't compare with 'The Medallion'; let's compare the mainland box office!"

The 【Apple Daily】 reporter was overjoyed, picked up his pen and took notes; tomorrow's headline is there.

Boss Lu didn't want to let him go so easily: "This 【Apple Daily】 reporter, do you dare to make a bet with me?"

All the guests and reporters at the scene were stunned, including the beautiful host Jin Wei.

What kind of director is this? Acting like a monkey here?

The 【Apple Daily】 reporter was here to make trouble tonight, so naturally he was not afraid.

"How to bet?"

"If the mainland box office of 'Whiplash' loses, I will publish a headline in your 【Apple Daily】 for a month, just write 'Seeing Lu Kuan is a director who only knows how to brag'."

"Conversely, please publish a headline in your 【Apple Daily】 for a month to promote my next film, is that okay?"

"It's a deal!"

The little glasses reporter of 【Apple Daily】 felt that Seeing Lu Kuan already had a way to die, and still dared to touch the porcelain of "The Medallion"?

Although he was just a reporter stationed in Beiping, what if he took the opportunity to answer for the company in such a sure-win game?

Seeing Lu Kuan naturally didn't care whether he could be the master; the point is hype.

Jiang Jiang Zhiqiang under the stage wanted to say something but stopped, but this occasion was not suitable to interrupt him.

Boss Lu is naturally not stupid.

The total investment of "The Medallion" is so high, but the final global box office is only more than 34 million USD, winning the first loss in Xiangjiang film history!

The mainland box office is also less than 25 million; compared to this number, Boss Lu still has some confidence in "Whiplash."

Even if you take ten thousand steps back, what if you lose?

"Heart-stirring" wants to rub the heat of the Golden Lion Award film "Whiplash"; why can't I rub the heat of your Hollywood blockbuster?

If I win, I'm awesome; if I lose, it's justified; it not only hyped the film but also didn't have too much adverse consequences.

There was a noisy discussion under the stage.

Seeing Lu Kuan was very satisfied with the discussion of the reporters; what he wanted was hype, what he wanted was to rub heat, what he wanted was to let everyone know the film "Whiplash" through the name of Emperor Group.

This is a common means of the small steel cannon; every time before the slaughter in the New Year file, he has to talk nonsense about various competitors in the same period to attract the attention of the media and the audience, which often achieves good results.

Now the 【Apple Daily】 reporter took the initiative to hand over the knife with bad intentions; if Seeing Lu Kuan didn't seize the opportunity to stab Emperor Group hard, wouldn't it be a waste?

"Okay!"

"We support you! Director Lu!"

Most of the people applauding and cheering under the stage were mainland media and Zhou Zhou Jielun fans.

On the one hand, they couldn't bear to see mainland filmmakers being bullied, and on the other hand, they were also making trouble; who doesn't think it's a big deal to watch the fun.

Gao Gao Chengsheng initially felt that Seeing Lu Kuan had a steady and steady style beyond his age, but didn't expect that he would be provoked by a small reporter to say such nonsense, frowning and saying to Jiang Jiang Zhiqiang on the side:

"Is Director Lu too young and energetic? Is it a bit too big to compare with 'The Medallion'?"

Jiang Jiang Zhiqiang smiled helplessly: "Aren't young people all like this? We also came from that time, let him go."

Zhang Zhang Yimou had his own judgment: "I think this Little Lu is not simple; daring to say such words, he must have some certainty."

Yu Dong pursed his lips and didn't speak; he was now tied to the same rope as Seeing Lu Kuan, and this battle must be won!

There was no lack of film and television media across the country that came specifically for Zhou Zhou Jielun and Liu Liu Yifei, and they began to ask these young actors.

"Zhou Zhou Jielun, hello, may I ask how you thought of making a film, and still cooperating with such a young director?"

Zhou Zhou Jielun took the microphone: "I have known Director Lu for a long time, and I admire his pursuit of art and film. Our ages are not far apart, and we can talk very well in all aspects!"

The little king has also learned to flatter the leader: "Director Lu is also a very good lyricist and composer. My album 'Ye Ye Huimei' next year includes songs he wrote for me."

There was another uproar under the stage, and reporters from all walks of life felt that this trip today was too worthwhile.

In the future, any news related to Seeing Lu Kuan must be actively dealt with; attending a film's opening press conference can save several manuscripts.

Seeing Lu Kuan looked at the little king helplessly and took the initiative to take over the conversation: "Please ask reporter friends to pay more attention to our film, come, please ask this friend from 【Star bigstar】 to ask."

Zhuo Wei took the microphone excitedly; he was entrusted by others and had been following Seeing Lu Kuan for a while.

He started with actresses who were vaguely closely related to him, such as Jiang Jiang Qinqin, Dong Jie, Fan Fan Bingbing, etc., but didn't have much harvest.

He was ready to become famous in one battle at the scene today, and the breakthrough was the harmless little girl beside Seeing Lu Kuan.

"I would like to ask Ms. Liu Liu Yifei, you were just a minor amateur before, how did you enter the 'Whiplash' crew and then participate in the Venice Film Festival?"

He hardened his heart and continued to force: "May I ask if you and Director Lu have a relationship beyond work?"

Liu Liu Xiaoli under the stage frowned; where did this reporter come from? Asking such a question!

Seeing Lu Kuan's heart sank; the interviews Liu Liu Yifei had accepted before were almost all arranged exclusive interviews, and the questions and answers were fixed templates.

This kind of malicious questioning is easy for inexperienced artists to fall into the pit.

The little girl is not stupid; she looked at the paparazzi with a hopeful face with unkind eyes, determined to tease him.

Liu Liu Yifei answered innocently and beautifully: "Yes!"

"What?"

"How could this be?"

The movement under the stage was no less than the sound when Seeing Lu Kuan and the 【Apple Daily】 reporter made a bet just now.

Treasure crew, this is definitely a treasure crew!

Zhuo Wei finally pressed the ecstasy in his heart and induced: "May I ask what kind of relationship?"

He had a premonition that he would become famous in one battle today!

"We are classmates at Beidian, and Director Lu also taught me acting in the crew."

Liu Liu Yifei looked at the expressionless Seeing Lu Kuan and blinked at him imperceptibly.

I hid it well, right?

Seeing Lu Kuan was speechless; you hid a chicken feather, we didn't have that kind of relationship at all!

Zhuo Wei was stunned unexpectedly, very disappointed.

Seeing Lu Kuan took the microphone at the right time to interrupt the spell.

"Liu Liu Yifei is a very excellent actress. Although she is very young, she is very dedicated. She is only 15 years old this year. Please protect her, our media friends, and don't ask any more ambiguous questions, thank you."

Jin Wei is a host with quick reactions, and immediately took over the conversation.

"Thank you reporter friends for your questions, let's enter the premiere session below."

The reporters and audience at the scene soon calmed down and fell into the ups and downs of the plot.

Constant drumming, constant reversals, constant chicken soup and anti-chicken soup.

When Feng Feng Yuanzheng said that sentence in the film: There is no evaluation more harmful than the word "not bad," everyone felt the same.

Until the last beam of follow-up light was fixed, the master and apprentice completed the final climax together.

The film had been screened twice in Venice and Beidian, and the effect was very good, but...

Seeing Lu Kuan and other creators looked at the silent audience at the scene and felt a bit strange.

Neither cheering nor scolding, silent to the point of fear.

"Clap... clap clap clap..."

I don't know who in the darkness contributed the first applause, and then cheers and greetings came like a tide!

The screenings in Venice and Beidian were all semi-professional or professional people; they were looking at the narrative, the techniques, and the structure.

And the audience who came today, except for some film critics and film media, were the most ordinary audience.

Although the film had just ended, their attention was still immersed in the tense plot and could not be detached.

Seeing Lu Kuan, Zhou Zhou Jielun, Liu Liu Yifei, and others looked at each other and smiled; it's done!

The subtitles were almost finished, and the little glasses reporter of 【Apple Daily】 felt a bit bad.

He also participated in the premiere of "Heart-stirring"; compared to the two films, it was completely not the same quality!

If the Golden Lion Award film is a suspenseful masterpiece, then "Heart-stirring" is no different from a children's book full of chicken soup.

Is this still an art film?

Jin Wei walked to the stage and began to use the host's words to mobilize the atmosphere.

"Audience friends, is the film good?"

"Good!"

"Wonderful!"

"I'll watch it again when it's released!"

The question was given to Feng Feng Yuanzheng.

"Teacher Feng, you created a domestic violence man image in 'Don't Talk to Strangers,' and won the Venice Best Actor because of this cruel teacher image. May I ask what kind of opportunity joined the film's shooting work?"

"When Director Lu found me, he hadn't even gone to university, and I was very resistant at one time."

The audience laughed.

"Later, Director Lu told me that this role would definitely allow me to get rid of the image of a domestic violence man, plus he and I have the same performance technique, which helps me continue to improve myself, so I thought about it and agreed."

Jin Wei: "Then your goal was achieved?"

"Of course, Director Lu is not only a talented director, but he also has very insightful views on performance."

"As for my image of beating my wife, I guess it will be replaced by the image of beating students."

The audience laughed, and then sent applause.

It's just that the male and female stars who came today looked at Seeing Lu Kuan even more eagerly.

The premiere ended, Seeing Lu Kuan and the crew members sent the guests and leaders away one by one, and then relaxed a little, standing at the cinema door with Fatty Yu smoking.

"Old Yu, the first battle was a success."

Yu Dong said excitedly: "Director Lu, high means!"

He wasn't saying how excellent the film was; that didn't need to be proven.

This evaluation was entirely a compliment to his control of the scene and hype ability.

"Whiplash" is of high quality, the roadshow schedule is tight, and it is matched with Seeing Lu Kuan's "porcelain-touch marketing" tonight.

Whether it's black or red, the reputation and popularity are bound to explode.

Boss Lu had already arranged the warm-up and push work of the blog network, and the popularity online and offline could be foreseen.

The two left separately after smoking a cigarette; tonight was just the beginning of the Long March, and the next was a dense roadshow of almost a month.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 122 =====