Chapter 179: The Second Beating of the Bai Gujing

The first entity in the country to livestream an entertainment event was Sina Entertainment, which first broadcast the premiere of *Hero* in December 2002.

The technical difficulty was not high, but for netizens at the time, internet speed was a major test.

2:00 PM on September 8, 2003.

Wenjie Culture and Media sent a formal notice to various reporters and online media, announcing a press conference to be held at the Beijing Media Center.

To clarify the recent rumors targeting Wenjie director Lu Kuan.

And to announce the upcoming film and television productions and work arrangements for Wenjie.

Simple trusses and a high-definition large screen were set up; several nameplates and a number of chairs were placed on the podium, though the text was somewhat hard to read from a distance.

By this time, the media hall was already packed with reporters and fans; since the online rumors began, aside from a single indiscriminate lawyer's letter from Wenjie, he himself had not made any statement.

It was as if Lu Kuan had evaporated into thin air, never appearing in the media or online again, and everyone was very much looking forward to what surprises this "old friend" would bring.

The media present had dealt with Wenjie and Lu Kuan for a long time and knew that he was the type to remain silent until he made a stunning impact, just like his counter-attack against Emperor Motion Pictures last time.

A group of guest supporters arrived in the front row.

As long as they weren't filming out of town and were free, whether familiar or unfamiliar, invited or uninvited, they all came.

Company artists like Huang Bo, Wang Wang Baoqiang, Zhang Zhang Songwen, and Hu Ge go without saying.

Anita Mui, Liang Liang Jiahui, and Huo Huo Wenxi brought Twins, Xie Xie Tingfeng, Zhang Zhang Baizhi, Joey Yung, and other Hong Kong artists.

Mainland stars included Zhou Xun, Feng Yuan, Yu Yu Feihong, Gao Gao Yuanyuan, Huang Huang Xiaoming, Chen Kun, Zhao Little Yanzi, and others.

From Taiwan, there were An Yixuan, Jia Jia Jingwen, Zhou Zhou Jielun, and others.

Liu Liu Yifei and her mother were naturally present as well.

There were also Na Ying and Ke Lan, who had no major conflict with either side of this feud, just there to watch the spectacle.

Industry insiders included Yu Dong, Dong Dong Shuangqiang, Gao Gao Chengsheng, Su Mang, Yao Jia from Hunan TV, Shanghai Film Group Vice President Xu Xu Pengle, and Wang Changtian of Enlight Media, who co-organized this press conference.

Setting aside the content of today's press conference for a moment, just looking at the turnout alone was enough to show the depth of Lu Kuan and Wenjie's cultivation and influence in the industry.

Fan Fan Bingbing, meanwhile, continued to lie low, not showing her face for the time being.

In short, except for the core Beijing circle and the Yanda Huayi faction, everyone who was free came to show their support.

Media reporters pressed their shutters excitedly, regretting only that they didn't have enough film or memory.

Is this going to be crazy?

What does Wenjie want to do? What does Lu Kuan want to do?

This lineup is enough to start an uprising!

But speaking of which, where is Lu Kuan? The start time was already approaching and the main person was nowhere to be seen.

The host took the stage; she was about twenty years old, with a graceful figure, but she was a fresh face.

"Distinguished guests and reporter friends, please be quiet. I am today's host, Liu Yan. It is a great honor to be invited by Wenjie Culture to host this press conference."

"Today's press conference will be livestreamed by Blogbus, Sina Entertainment, NetEase Entertainment, Sohu, and many other internet media outlets."

Wang Changtian, sitting below the stage, nodded continuously as he watched Liu Yan.

"Director Yao, is this someone from your Hunan TV station?"

"Yes, Mr. Wang. She is a host for a lifestyle and fashion program on our public channel. She is very excellent, and Director Lu specifically requested her to host."

Yu Dong laughed: "You have to say that directors have a sharp eye. Her stage presence and appearance are both excellent; no worse than those at CCTV."

Wang Changtian nodded repeatedly. Enlight Media's current business was still primarily focused on television program production and distribution; it wouldn't be until 2005 that they would begin their strategic transformation and enter the film and television industry.

He wanted to poach this Liu Yan from Hunan TV, but he was wary of Boss Lu, who had invited her here...

Just as he was thinking, he heard a commotion at the scene.

Wang Changtian looked up and saw Liu Yan turn slightly to the side as Lu Kuan walked to the front of the stage to take the microphone.

"Hello, friends. I apologize for taking up public resources to make some statements. I will keep it brief."

"The first matter is to clarify the recent rumors about me on the internet. Aside from some rumor-mongers who have already been referred to legal channels, there are also two ladies, Ms. Xu and Ms. Dong, who had misunderstandings with me."

"We have had friendly communication and resolved our misunderstandings. I am also very grateful that they recorded videos specifically to clarify the facts. Please look at the big screen."

The reporters and guests were already dumbfounded; they hadn't expected a bombshell right from the start, with the person himself directly addressing the most sensitive topics.

If only the Spring Festival Gala could be broadcast like this.

Starting directly with Master Zhao Benshan's sketch.

On the screen was Xu Xu Xiyuan, looking slightly haggard; she raised her head to look at the camera, her eyes darting away.

She seemed to carry a trace of fear, though aside from Wu Dun, who was at her home at that moment, the audience couldn't tell.

The Blogbus field reporting team was on the scene, and a voiceover began.

"Hello, audience friends. This is Blogbus. At the request of Ms. Xu Xu Xiyuan, we are conducting an interview at Ms. Xu's home in Taiwan."

"Ms. Xu, you may begin your statement."

Xu Xu Xiyuan's dry lips parted, and she began her confession with difficulty.

"First, I want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry to the audience friends who supported me, and even more so, I'm sorry to Director Lu Kuan."

"Because of my own selfish desire to be famous and gain attention, I exaggerated the facts and posted false statements on the internet, framing Director Lu Kuan and causing negative impacts on him and his career. I feel deeply guilty."

"I hereby solemnly declare that the information I previously released was a misunderstanding. I thank Director Lu for not pursuing my liability. Once again, I express my apologies. I'm sorry!"

The scene was like a pot boiling over. Reporters broke their heads trying to occupy a good position, and the hotel had to strengthen security and set up a designated interview area.

The most terrifying thing was that this scene was broadcast into thousands of households via the internet.

At the Beijing Film Academy, in Zhang Zhang Huijun's office, the old scholars looked gloomy. Gu Lao left behind a harsh remark: "A foul atmosphere, the morals of the people are not what they used to be," and turned to leave.

Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang and Xie Xie Xiaojin both cursed the "old thief" under their breath and continued watching the livestream.

Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang felt that with Lu Kuan's character, he wouldn't just stop at this; there would be an even sharper counter-attack.

Wang Wang Xiaolei and Liu Liu Zeyu had previously been playing golf; a few days ago, those two killer moves had made this pair of jackals celebrate.

But now...

Their faces were livid, tea cups were shattered all over the floor, and the golf clubs, being made of titanium alloy and stainless steel, were simply impossible to break.

They were spared from destruction.

Wang Wang Xiaolei couldn't fathom it: "Is she crazy? The conditions Yanda Huayi gave were so good! Why must she destroy her own future?!"

Liu Liu Zeyu, for some reason, didn't feel any sense of shared hatred with him at all.

Instead...

Instead, he felt a bit of pleasure; it was probably the same feeling as scoring 59 on an exam and then seeing your deskmate score 40.

The people of the world have suffered under Lu Kuan for too long!

The live interview at the home in Taiwan ended. Xu Xu Xiyuan's assistant sent the Blogbus team out and stood at the door to keep watch.

The livestream was over, but the matter was far from finished.

Wu Dun stepped on her carefully selected pure white carpet without any scruples, leaving several footprints, and ash from his cigarette also fell all over the floor.

Xu Xu Xiyuan's gaze was dull; for the moment, she didn't even consider whether the scattered sparks would burn the carpet.

If it really burned, that would be fine—a clean break.

She didn't feel there was any hope left for her life.

"Boss Wu, I did everything exactly as you said. Is that enough?"

Wu Dun smiled and ordered his subordinate to hand over a file folder.

He threw his cigarette butt onto the pristine carpet and crushed it, then untied the binding string.

Several crumpled prescriptions and a small medicine bottle with the label torn off fell out.

"Ms. Xu, I really couldn't tell. Everyone says you sisters have a lively and free-spirited hosting style."

"So it wasn't natural talent after all? Was it also borrowed from the power of medicine? Haha!"

"It's the same principle as a man who can't get it up taking Viagra, you know."

Xu Xu Xiyuan wished she could cover her ears, and an impulse rose in her to take the scissors on the table and stab them into the body of the fat pig opposite her.

But she didn't dare.

Wu Dun held all the disgraceful evidence that could drive her into a dead end.

Including addictive psychiatric drugs that she had paid to have falsely prescribed at certain psychological clinics.

Everything about them was in the other party's hands.

But how on earth did he know?!

Xu Xu Xiyuan didn't believe her sister would betray her. The only thing that could be pieced together was the other identity of Lu Kuan that was rumored to exist.

This terrified her even more than being targeted by Wu Dun.

She knew she was already ruined.

Even if she had done exactly as requested, as long as that person wanted to toy with and manipulate her, it would be nothing more than a trivial matter for him.

He didn't even need to come to Taiwan; just giving a little bit of resources to this fat pig's goddaughter would be a devastating disaster for her!

The door was slammed shut, and Xu Xu Xiyuan's body went limp, causing her to collapse unsteadily onto the pure white carpet.

She reached out a finger to touch the tiny bit of fluff that had been curled and blackened by the cigarette butt; it was so abrupt and ugly.

It looked exactly like her own life.

The press conference was still ongoing, but everyone had yet to recover from the shock they had just experienced.

After Xu Xu Xiyuan came Dong Jie; the image she presented was far more haggard than the former. One could only wonder what she had experienced in Hong Kong and at Emperor Motion Pictures.

If the camera had panned down just a little, the livestream audience should have been able to clearly see the bruises on her knees.

She had experienced double the torture, both physical and psychological.

The discussion at the Media Center event was incessant. Lu Kuan's fans spread the news to one another, and some even started making phone calls on the spot, eager to help their idol clarify the rumors.

Some industry insiders who knew the inside story remained tight-lipped.

For instance, the inscrutable Dong Dong Shuangqiang, he merely glanced slightly at the front row and at Jia Jia Jingwen, who was covering her mouth and giggling beside him.

He knew exactly who had helped Lu Kuan resolve this messy business.

Yu Dong was even more aware of the situation; he now understood a bit why his attempt to curry favor at the Ice Cellar Mansion that night had backfired.

This young director was by nature suspicious and cautious, with defenses that were too strong and counterattack methods that were too ruthless.

Lu Kuan sat down below the stage immediately after finishing his speech, so as not to block the content on the big screen.

Beside him, Liu Liu Yifei was beaming with joy; she couldn't be bothered to think about why Xu Xu Xiyuan would admit her mistake.

She also thought of the Ice Cellar Mansion that night, and thought of the "Escape from the Tiger's Mouth" Tong Tong Liya.

She should have trusted him...

"Hey, did you threaten her? Why does she look so pitiful?"

Boss Lu shot her a sideways glance: "Of course, I'm a big director; manipulating small actors like you is just a piece of cake for me."

Liu Liu Yifei rolled her eyes at him: "I'll pinch you to death!"

So infuriating; when she gets back, she must hurry and switch to her Lu Ji alt account to smear him again.

Liu Yan dragged her long dress and walked onto the stage gracefully: "Alright, this was just an appetizer; next, we invite Director Lu and three heavyweight guests!"

"Vice Chairman and Deputy General Manager of the China Film Group, Mr. Han Han Shanping!"

"Chairman of Yanda Yanda Huayi, Mr. Dong Dong Shuangqiang!"

"President of Travel Satellite TV, Mr. Wang Hong! Let's welcome them!"

There was a buzz of discussion off-stage; whether it was media reporters or the stars present, those with high sensitivity to the industry, like Yu Dong and others, were letting their imaginations run wild.

"Why would Mr. Han appear here?"

"Nonsense, Lu Kuan is a director; surely China Film Group has invested in Wenjie's new film."

"You're the one talking nonsense; what does that have to do with Travel Satellite TV?"

"This..."

Following the principle of leadership priority, Han Han Shanping took the microphone first.

"Alright, I'll say a few words."

"Lu Kuan is a representative figure of our country's young directors. His talent is not only reflected in the film industry, but he also has a very profound understanding of the entire process surrounding the production, distribution, and broadcasting of film and television works."

There was an uproar off-stage; the stars present had all heard rumors about the unpleasant experience between Lu Kuan's first film, "Drummer," and the China Film Group.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so cheap for Fatty Yu to rely on this film to sit in the position of the top dog among private distribution companies.

To actually take the initiative to stand up for Lu Kuan today and even praise him to the skies—isn't this disregarding the status of a leader?

"I'll keep it short. As everyone can see, the China Film Group is taking the lead to invest in Yanda Yanda Huayi together with Wenjie, and we will jointly establish a new media company, New Vision."

"China Film Group holds a 51% stake, while Wenjie and Yanda Yanda Huayi hold 25% and 24% respectively..."

A reporter off-stage couldn't hold back anymore: "Mr. Han! What is the main business direction of the new company?"

Han Han Shanping laughed: "Look at you, what's the rush? Do you think I'm speaking too slowly?"

The young reporter from "China Film News" looked sheepish, thinking to himself that this old Han was in a good mood today, being so amiable.

"Fine, if you think I'm speaking too slowly, then let Director Lu tell you!"

Everyone laughed. To everyone present, whether they were actors or other film industry practitioners, Han Han Shanping was a big shot who held the lifeblood of the industry.

No one expected him to be so open today just to build momentum for Lu Kuan.

Zhao Little Yanzi off-stage was secretly shocked; fortunately, she had "turned back from the wrong path" early and repaired her relationship with Lu Kuan.

After all, his confident predictions had come first, and they had all come true.

The failure of "Green Tea" was a foregone conclusion, and the attacks from public opinion and media regarding this masterpiece's Waterloo were all directed at her.

"An actor who has lived in the role of Little Little Yanzi her whole life and can't get out—how pathetic!"

So said the reviews.

Lu Kuan smiled and thanked Han Han Shanping for his flattery, then turned to explain the purpose of the new company's establishment to everyone.

"New Vision is a media company with the production and broadcasting of new types of film and television programs as its main direction, while also incorporating variety show production and advertising business."

"The company has already acquired a 51% stake in Travel Satellite TV. Following the prudent approval of relevant departments, starting from January 1st next year, New Vision will be practically responsible for the relevant production and broadcasting business of Travel Satellite TV." (Note 1)

"New Vision will have Mr. Han Han Shanping as Chairman, and Mr. Dong Dong Shuangqiang as Vice Chairman and Executive President of Travel Satellite TV."

"Because my main job is quite busy, I will serve as the Program Director of Travel Satellite TV."

If the confessions of Xu Xu Xiyuan and Dong Jie just now were merely appetizers, interesting only to entertainment reporters and gossiping fans.

Then this news, which could be simplified to "Lu Kuan directly controls a domestic satellite channel!", was like a thunderclap, booming in their minds!

In this day and age, the domestic film industry has just started, variety shows are scarce, and the film and television industry is still dominated by TV dramas.

It can be said that 99% of artists started their acting and rise to fame through TV dramas.

For example, Little Yanzi off-stage, or even Liu Liu Yifei, who just became popular for the role of Zhao Linger.

Lu Kuan nominally serves as Program Director, but anyone could see Han Han Shanping's attitude just now.

China Film Group only had to hold a controlling stake due to the nature of the enterprise to complete the acquisition of 51% of Travel Satellite TV; the real decision-makers were Lu Kuan and Dong Dong Shuangqiang.

Dong Dong Shuangqiang is responsible for management and administration, but the one truly responsible for content is still Program Director Lu Kuan.

There is just too much room to maneuver here!

People like Zhou Xun who were more familiar with him were fine.

Huang Huang Xiaoming, Gao Gao Yuanyuan, and others stared at Lu Kuan on the stage without blinking, wishing they could swallow him whole!

Liu Liu Xiaoli felt extremely frustrated, not because she couldn't bear to see Lu Kuan do well.

It was just...

You could have at least brought our Sister Xixi along!

How could you just leave her behind!

Looking at Liu Liu Yifei's indifferent expression beside her, she truly lamented her misfortune and was angry at her lack of ambition!

Liu Liu Xiaoli was so angry she lightly patted her daughter's forearm; the latter frowned and looked at her, looking completely confused.

Lu Kuan pointed to a reporter to ask a question.

"Hello Director Lu, I am a reporter from 'China TV Drama News'. I would like to ask, what do you mean by 'new types of film and television programs'?"

Boss Lu looked mysterious: "The relevant plan is currently being formulated. Please pay attention to the relevant statements on the official blog opened by New Vision, thank you."

The press conference had taken over an hour by now, and the reporters looked at the time, all preparing to go back to rush their drafts.

It was only 3 PM, so they could still make tomorrow's front page.

The self-exposure of Xu Xu Xiyuan and Dong Jie wouldn't even be mentioned; that was the favorite of tabloid reporters and couldn't make it to the big papers.

But this strange-looking company, New Vision, had actually obtained a controlling position in a domestic satellite channel, and it was clear that a private enterprise and a director without an official position would become the content managers.

This was just too explosive!

This is a national satellite channel, an official mouthpiece, and an important window for government units to output policies and values to the outside world.

How could it be controlled by a mixed-ownership enterprise with a private enterprise as a shareholder?

This topic alone was enough for those political and economic experts to write a column on their blogs.

Zhou Xun shifted her body, which had gone numb from sitting; yesterday, several friends had gone to Little Lu's house and gotten drunk again...

"Xun Ge'er, are you preparing to leave? Let's grab a meal together in a bit."

Huang Huang Xiaoming admitted he was tempted. Before, he just wanted to get familiar with Lu Kuan and build a connection, but now he couldn't afford not to take the initiative.

It would start with his good friend Zhou Xun beside him!

Zhou Xun still knew a bit of the inside story; she shook her head: "You go if you want; I'm planning to watch a handsome guy in a bit."

The mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan artists around them looked at her curiously.

Liu Liu Yifei smiled: "Sister Zhou Xun, if you put on men's clothing, you'd be handsomer than Lu Kuan. Don't look at him, he's not good-looking!"

Zhou Xun found this extremely satisfying, but she still took the initiative to explain a bit.

"This was only the 'Second Strike at the White Bone Demon'; there's still the 'Havoc in Heaven', 'Pilgrimage to the West', and so on coming up. Sit tight and watch patiently!"

Gao Gao Yuanyuan burst out laughing; she had actually understood what "Second Strike at the White Bone Demon" meant.

Note 1:

Actually, it is New Vision and Hainan Radio Station establishing a new company, and this new company then takes over Travel Satellite TV. This is to circumvent policy risks, as it is a satellite channel facing the whole country.

To avoid repetition and too many company names, it is stated here directly that New Vision takes over Travel Satellite TV.

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(End of chapter)