Chapter 794: The Period at the End of an Era

In recent years, the money-making momentum in the cultural and entertainment industry can be described as advancing by leaps and bounds.

Yet under these circumstances, one can also frequently see former industry giants suddenly fall.

There is no need to even mention the music scene; if not for the sudden emergence of Luo Mo in recent years, it could be said that it has been in total regression.

In the film and television industry, there are many IP dramas with extremely high investment costs that ultimately flop to the point of being unwatchable.

Although the film industry frequently sees high-grossing works and the national Total Box Office figures soar every year, the investment costs for films are also getting higher and higher.

Besides this, it is not hard to notice that many films with powerful casts or the four characters "special effects blockbuster" attached to them often end up losing even their underwear.

Wang Shisong's Pineapple Empire was indeed once flourishing in every aspect.

In the music scene, he originally had the 【Ordinary Heavenly King】 Zhao Xueqin, the 【Heavenly Queen Gatekeeper】 Chun Xiao, and several First-line Singers under his banner.

Although they could not be counted as the top power in the music scene, they were still one of the big four.

The former Music Director Huang Xishan was even one of the top Lyricists in the industry.

In the fields of web dramas and variety shows, Pineapple also developed very well in the first few years.

As for films, the performance was average, but it was always making money.

What a flourishing state!

Until the sudden emergence of Luo Mo, President Wang made a wrong decision.

Originally, he could have used a good Contract to keep the talent, but he insisted on playing that game of exploiting Newcomers in the entertainment circle.

Once a Newcomer becomes popular, they should let us suck their blood for another two years, and then give them a normal Contract.

Actually, this set of tactics is not just seen in the entertainment industry; it can be seen in many industries.

After being "arrogantly" rejected by Luo Mo, he even threatened to blacklist him.

Kid, are you scared now?

Regrettably, the little newbie he encountered was actually a cheater.

Moreover, his mindset was very good: either I get messed with until I can't survive and retire early while still young, or I drive you to bankruptcy and retirement.

The result was—I also want to retire, but my strength doesn't allow it.

After Huang Xishan retired, Pineapple kept going downhill in the music scene.

Even the former Pineapple sister-in-chief, Chun Xiao, terminated her Contract and even thought about hugging Luo Mo's thigh.

In terms of web dramas, their 【Suspense Theater】 was directly hammered to pieces by the 【Mist Theater】.

What has the most commercial value for Pineapple now is the young fresh meat Zhong Feifan.

He was originally just a star with decent traffic at Pineapple, but hasn't the trend for boys' love adaptations been very strong these past few years? However, before this type of drama exploded in popularity, no big names were willing to condescend to act in such boys' love adaptations.

It's just that if this person was truly a 0 or a 1, they wouldn't take the initiative to act in it either.

After Zhong Feifan received the company's task, he was actually very resistant in his heart at first.

But who would have thought, the drama exploded!

The trend of boys' love adaptations began to sweep through the industry.

He also transformed and became Pineapple's only cash cow this year.

But the blow brought by "Shanghai Fortress" was truly too great.

This is not just a matter of the film losing money.

Zhong Feifan's commercial value will also be directly cut in half!

He will even be reduced to a laughingstock in the film world for a long time, becoming an object of ridicule for netizens, a mocking meme that can last for several years!

It will be very difficult to make a comeback.

Pineapple had staked everything on "Shanghai Fortress".

As mentioned before, what Wang Shisong faces next is either the pressure from creditors or the pressure from starlets and models.

Undoubtedly, what he faces now will be the former.

Honestly, Luo Mo's side is also very confused.

He did indeed deliberately eat away at Pineapple's cultural and entertainment market step by step.

But who would have thought that the final Deadly blow would actually be—self-destruction!

I didn't target you this time; I was just making domestic Science Fiction popular.

It's just that our fire and your self-immolating fire don't seem to be the same kind of fire...

Luo Mo guessed that there would be a phenomenon of demons dancing wildly in the domestic Science Fiction field next.

That day, when Technician Luo was giving a massage to Heavenly Queen Xu, this conversation took place.

But he also didn't expect that Pineapple would so coincidentally film a Love Film wearing a Science Fiction skin.

In fact, other capital bigwigs in the industry have all asked themselves: "If I were Wang Shisong, would I have made the same move?"

The result is—the possibility is extremely high!

The temptation in front of them is too great.

It is just a pity that Wang Shisong's ending these few years is: "Watch you build a high building, watch you feast guests, watch you build another high building, watch you feast guests again... watch my building collapse."

Luo Mo made Science Fiction popular, but you thought about standing in the wind, where even a pig could fly; wouldn't that just turn you into a roast suckling pig?

Pineapple—is gone!

Time moved forward by two days.

The ratings for "Shanghai Fortress" on major platforms actually still had room to fall.

Netizens scrambled to express that they wanted to go to the cinema to watch "The Wandering Earth" again to wash their eyes.

After having a comparison, everyone understood more and more how precious it is to have a "The Wandering Earth" appear in such a messy domestic environment, amidst this foul atmosphere.

What's even more absurd is that the door to Science Fiction was opened, and you were all scrambling to shut it!

Audience: No! I won't allow it!

Theater chains all schedule films based on the prevailing trends.

Since *Shanghai Fortress* turned out so rotten, the high screening rate originally allocated to it has naturally been redistributed to other films currently in theaters.

*The Wandering Earth*, which is currently in the midst of a 【Key】 extension, has also regained a significant amount of screen time.

This has made everyone increasingly curious about how much higher *The Wandering Earth* can climb on the 【Global Film Box Office Rankings】.

Some have estimated that, since the gap isn't very large, it should be able to rise by at least another 5 spots!

Who would have thought that after Luo Mo threw so much money into domestic Science Fiction, he would end up making a fortune.

All filmmakers are very envious.

But they ask themselves, would they dare to do the same?

The answer is undoubtedly no.

Therefore, beyond envy, what everyone feels more is respect, or even awe!

As for Wang Shisong, everyone is—filled with gratitude!

Many people wanted to throw money at the trend and invest in Science Fiction films.

The example of *Shanghai Fortress* is right here, making everyone understand that just putting on a coat of Science Fiction is useless.

If you can't make a good movie, whoever touches it will die!

Fine by us, you saved us money!

"Come, come, let's raise a glass to President Wang!"

"President Wang, what a man of Kindness!"

"I will remember this favor for the rest of my life!"

"Luo Mo, the guiding light of the industry. Wang Shisong, the guiding light of the industry."

"All in all, President Wang probably saved the entire film industry billions!"

"Not losing money is earning money, safe travels, President Wang!"

Although Pineapple and Wang Shisong are finished, everyone has erected a monument to him in their hearts.

Nowadays, Luo Mo also has many thoughts.

Xu Chujing feels that Luo Mo is indeed very accurate in how he views people and things.

The development of the situation seems to be entirely within his expectations.

This has even caused the Heavenly Queen to develop a little bit of admiration for him because of this matter.

As the whole incident intensified, many netizens and media outlets began a very serious and earnest discussion.

Even the Review Department held a special meeting internally to discuss a topic trending online.

—Between films like *The Wandering Earth* and *Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child*, and films like *Shanghai Fortress*, which one holds greater significance for Huaxia cinema?

Whether it was netizens, the media, or even the internal staff of the Review Department, everyone had their own opinions.

Some felt: That goes without saying, of course it's these films by Luo Mo; they directly influenced the entire industry!

But others felt: The cautionary effect of *Shanghai Fortress* is also huge!

The debate continued, causing the popularity of this topic to skyrocket.

In the end, there was a unanimous idea—hurry and invite Luo Mo!

Let's go ask what Luo Mo thinks.

Luo Mo was originally quite busy; he had to prepare for his next new film and plan his and Xu Chujing's wedding.

But since many media outlets with special status had mobilized, and Mrs. Zhong Lin had even called to suggest he accept an interview, Luo Mo found it hard to refuse.

On the phone, Mrs. Zhong Lin's meaning was clear—He Ping'an has been unhappy with the chaos in the Huaxia film circle for a long time.

This was equivalent to a hint to Luo Mo.

Although she knew very well that even without anyone backing him, Luo Mo is fierce enough...

In the afternoon, Luo Mo met with the editor-in-chief of a media outlet that had the character "Jing" in its name.

This was a woman with an ordinary appearance, wearing half-rimmed Glasses, with short hair, who looked quite decisive.

Her surname was Wang, and her name was Wang Yueting.

The articles Wang Yueting published were always quite sharp.

Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't be sent out.

Before coming to interview Luo Mo, Wang Yueting guessed: "Luo Mo will say his own films have greater significance."

"Judging by his personal style, he never over-modestly humbles himself."

"On the contrary, sometimes he even acts a bit cocky."

"But this cockiness of his isn't arrogance, and it doesn't make people feel put off."

When meeting Luo Mo, Wang Yueting instantly understood why he had so many fans, and why many people said: "Only after seeing Luo Mo in person can you understand just how handsome he really is!"

He was wearing a plain white T-shirt with no patterns, and a pair of slightly loose black straight-leg trousers.

But his looks, his figure, his temperament... were all just too good!

Wang Yueting knew that the media in the Mainland were still a bit more serious.

But the media in Hong Kong and Taiwan were full of tricks.

She had heard that a media outlet in Hong Kong once released a very absurd list called—The Ranking of Male Stars Wealthy Women Most Want to Keep.

Luo Mo won first place.

This list had also been played with in the Hong Kong on Earth.

Xie Tingfeng ranked second.

When the media interviewed him, he even feigned annoyance and provocatively asked who was number one!

Damn! He actually surpassed me.

The media said it was Gu Zai.

After Wang Yueting and Luo Mo exchanged brief pleasantries, she began to interview Luo Mo.

Luo Mo's answer was very direct: "I personally feel that the significance of *Shanghai Fortress* to Huaxia cinema is greater than any of my current films."

"Hmm? Why?" Wang Yueting was slightly stunned.

She directly stated: "*Monkey King: Hero is Back* and *Nezha* allowed domestic animation films to enter a stage of prosperity."

"Your first live-action film, *Dying to Survive*, also let film industry peers know that as long as a film is shot well, even this kind of realistic subject matter can be a box office hit."

"These are of infinite benefit to the Huaxia film industry."

Luo Mo shook his head and said: "Let's get this straight, I'm not bragging. I personally don't evaluate whether the films I've made count as good films or not."

"It's just that based on current market feedback and the ratings from audiences, these films have all been categorized as good films."

——I'm not bragging, ha, but I accept all of your praise, ha!

Luo Mo looked at Wang Yueting and said one sentence very seriously and earnestly: "Good films in the eyes of the audience and the market can definitely make money; this is common sense."

Who doesn't know that making a good film can definitely make money?

It's just a matter of how much is earned.

Luo Mo continued: "Capital is shrewd. Filmmakers have their own goals when making films; for example, if it's for profit, that means making money, or if it's for fame, that means winning awards."

"Everyone knows good films can make money, but why do many people not produce good films? Why do many projects easily secure investment, only to end up being terribly rotten?"

"Because 'good' is not an indicator that can be quantified or easily analyzed."

"Film is an art, and art is something that is a bit uncertain and cannot be summarized in one word. Investing in producing good films still carries unavoidable risks; you might think it's good, but the audience might not."

"Risk is something capital hates."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yueting originally thought, didn't you end up winning everything in the end?

But thinking about it carefully, the risks he bore along the way—would others dare to bear them?

When the box office record for domestic animation films was only over one hundred million, he directly used one hundred million as the production cost!

Not to mention this time with *The Wandering Earth*.

Luo Mo continued: "But films like *Shanghai Fortress* are different."

"Or rather, it's not just the film industry; the entire entertainment industry is now playing that game of traffic economy."

"Good and bad are hard to judge."

"But engaging in traffic, hype, and packaging... these sets of things are already very mature now."

"And in the past few years, many people have even made money easily."

"Playing that fan economy game is very stable and very profitable."

"Everyone has come this far this way."

"When most traffic stars' songs, traffic stars' dramas, and traffic stars' films eventually make money, everyone's pursuits will become even more pathological."

"The success of my few films cannot reverse this situation."

Wang Yueting nodded, understanding Luo Mo's words.

His films certainly have an effect; they will make people who put heart into making films more confident and have more opportunities.

But capital's obsession with traffic will not change.

Harvesting leeks is just too satisfying!

The foul, chaotic atmosphere will not change either.

"So, *Shanghai Fortress* appeared at this time," Wang Yueting said.

Luo Mo nodded.

"The audience's grievances have already run deep, and they have been unhappy about this for a long time. Now, it has actually ushered in a major explosion," Luo Mo said.

Many people were already unhappy, but that's fine, because as soon as I see people like Zhong Feifan starring, I won't go watch it.

Unless he proves himself, then I will consider it for his next one.

But what was the result?

They used false advertising, relying on Science Fiction to trick us, to trick us out of our money!

This immediately caused the accumulated grievances to explode ahead of time.

A new era rule, distinct from the common sense that "good films can make money," has thus appeared—"Pure traffic films do not deserve to make money!"

Aren't you tireless in your ways? Aren't you determined to feed the audience shit? Don't you even want the entire future market to be traffic-first, letting everyone only find relatively better shit among the shit?

Then fine, we will make you die!

The determination of the audience to give low ratings, the ferocity of the criticism across the entire internet, and the tragic nature of the capital's losses have simply reached an unprecedented peak!

Fans are a bit afraid to support them now; conversely, many rational fans know clearly that the situation is set, and the more you resist now, the more hate you attract; it's better to just hunker down and wait for the storm to pass.

"Anyway, my idol already got his paycheck!"

But those who invested the money, those who play the traffic game, are different.

This isn't even just killing a chicken to warn the monkeys anymore.

What's the use of just killing a chicken in front of a group of monkeys?

Pineapple was originally a member of the monkey troop; now it's equivalent to having its monkey brains splattered right in front of the troop.

It's to let you see how your own kind dies!

Luo Mo said: "Pointing out a bright path for some people is not enough; it is even more necessary to cut off the single-plank bridge they are so proud of."

Once the bridge is broken, you have surging river water in front of you; let's see if you dare to jump.

——Pure traffic films, from now on, are extinct!

In this regard, *Shanghai Fortress* exceeded the mission bestowed upon it by the era; as a full stop to a crazy era of money-grabbing where traffic was supreme, it possesses immense historical significance.

President Wang's crimes are of the present, but his merits will last for generations!

President Wang is wise!

Finally, Luo Mo also said something very cool:

"I just did what a filmmaker should do, and I also made money, so there is actually no need for praise."

The next day, this interview was quickly published across the entire internet.

On the other side, Luo Mo embarked on the journey of filming *Infernal Affairs*.

I came, I saw, I conquered.

"It is time to let Hong Kong films understand this common knowledge too!"

(End of this chapter)