Huayu, can you be called the best actor if you don’t indulge yourself?

Chapter 665 Head-on Confrontation
Changsha.

The cold winter winds howled incessantly.

The drizzle was so cold that it made you shiver as you walked.

But that couldn't dampen their enthusiasm. Fans from all directions rushed to a large shopping mall near the broadcasting center, holding up various support signs, as excited as if it were Chinese New Year.

Inside the shopping mall.

It was a chaotic mess.

"Give."

"Excuse me, everyone, please make way."

The staff member shouted urgently, carrying two large bags of lunch boxes as he hurried across the extremely crowded corridor.

Dancers, publicity staff, and security personnel all made way for them.

As the door to the lounge opened.

Many people excitedly peeked through the crack in the door, and when they saw Li Luo sitting on the sofa, a series of excited whispers rang out. Unfortunately, the door was quickly closed tightly again.

"Luo Ge."

The staff member put down the plastic bag in his hand and quickly pulled out a newspaper from his pocket: "This is today's latest report. Also, the meals are all for six people, so they are a bit simple."

"I hope Brother Luo won't mind."

"will not."

Smiling, Li Luo took the newspaper and quickly opened the plastic bag: "Thank you for your hard work. Everyone, come and eat quickly, so as not to delay the activities later."

"it is good."

"Understood, Brother Luo."

"right away."

Wang Baoqiang, Xu Zheng, and Wang Ou struggled to their feet from the sofas scattered in the lounge.

It includes both yawning and stretching.

These past few days have been spent either on airplanes or by car, either traveling or on the road. Once at the event, there were all sorts of interviews, autographs, and photos, making my cheek muscles stiff from smiling so much.

My wrist ached from signing so many autographs.

Even though everyone involved is a seasoned actor, they were still exhausted.

But what comes with it.

It was also a state of extreme mental excitement and satisfaction.

Especially Xu Zheng.

Xu Daguangtou has rarely experienced such a moment where crowds surge wherever he goes and fans scream deafeningly. He can only describe this moment as both painful and joyful.

My belief in it has only grown stronger.

Although the production cost of this film is low, it can definitely become a new starting point for my career.

Seeing Li Luo deftly open the lunchbox.

The staff quickly followed his lead, secretly marveling at how many big stars they had entertained, encountering all sorts of strange and unusual requests.

For example, the male star who became a sensation with "Struggle" and then gained even more popularity with the TV series "Dwelling Narrowness".

His temper skyrocketed along with his popularity.

Last time I came here for an event, I insisted on eating oil-splashed noodles.

It must also be authentic.

Otherwise, they might give you the cold shoulder.

Their staff had to run around the city center of CS exhausted just to find a bowl of authentic oil-splashed noodles.

And Luo Ge.

When inquiring about reception requirements.

They only have a small part.

Large appetite.

Anyway, there are no dietary restrictions, so just ask the host to prepare more food.

It made him a little confused.

Silently complaining.

The staff became much more efficient.

"Oh~"

Li Luo lifted the lid, which was still damp with moisture, and looked in surprise at the food inside, which was covered with chili peppers: "There's even a chopped chili fish head! If you guys hadn't come over soon, I would have eaten it all by myself!"

"Eat! Eat!"

Wang Ou walked over lazily, yawning, and said, "Who can outeat you? You've been like a meal these past few days."

Under Li Luo's smiling gaze.

The girl suddenly felt a soreness in her buttocks and quickly chuckled awkwardly, mumbling the words "glutton" indistinctly.

Wang Baoqiang and Xu Zheng walked over quickly, smiling and rubbing their hands together, eager to get started.

While promoting the product/service.

There are no regular mealtimes.

I have to eat something whenever I get the chance, otherwise I can be busy for hours on end, and sometimes I'm so busy that I don't even have time to drink water.

I popped a piece of spicy and tender fish into my mouth.

Li Luo opened the newspaper that was placed next to him, curiously following up on the latest developments in the entertainment industry.

Too many people make things chaotic.

Too many movies can also cause trouble.

When blockbusters choose to clash during peak release periods, they inevitably engage in verbal battles. Box office success is crucial to a director's career, as well as the commercial value of the actors.

Some times.

They cannot afford to be modest with each other.

The one who first started the conflict was Zhu Yanping, the director of the movie "The Treasure Hunter".

"Yesterday, the press conference for 'The Treasure Hunter' was held in Taiwan. When asked about his thoughts on the competitors in the same period, director Chu Yen-ping grabbed the microphone and spoke frankly."

He said that among all the Lunar New Year films, the one he most wanted to see was "A Simple Noodle Story" because he wanted to know what kind of comedy Zhang Yimou would make.

"The movie I least want to watch is 'Storm Riders 2'."

"Because it's just a sequel to the first one, I don't think the storyline can be anything that's appealing."

"The film's cast is also unappealing."

"That's the assessment."

"Perhaps because 'Storm Riders 2' and the movie 'The Treasure Hunter' were released on the same day, such an attitude is not surprising for two rivals facing off."

"Also, regarding the movie 'Lost in Thailand'."

After a moment's hesitation, Director Zhu Yanping simply gave an unsure answer.

Regarding these remarks.

"Peng Fa, the director of the movie 'The Storm Riders 2,' made a veiled statement, directly implying that it's okay if Director Zhu doesn't like his 'The Storm Riders 2,' he'll just wish his 'The Treasure Hunter' a box office success!"

"When asked about Li Luo's 'Lost in Thailand'."

"Director Pang paused for a few seconds, then cautiously stated that the films belonged to different genres and he hoped that everyone could achieve satisfactory box office results."

Pick up the chili peppers and stir-fry the meat.

Li Luo chewed slowly, continuing to browse the newspaper.

The two lead actors of the movie "Storm Riders 2," Guo Fucheng and Zheng Yijian, also received negative reviews. Newspaper articles described how, during a preview screening in Hangzhou, many viewers said that their performances were not much different from those of ten years ago.

However, the two lead actors forcibly steered the discussion towards appearance, downplaying the negative comments.

When asked if he had considered developing his career in Hollywood, Nicholas Tse replied...

I skipped that answer again.

The directors were exchanging barbs.

On the actors' side, there was a lot of mutual promotion and support.

Chen Daoming said that Jay Chou has the potential to become a good director, and he felt that Lin Chih-ling has made great progress in acting. He thought that when he watched her act on set, she was pretty good and more uninhibited than he had imagined.

Jay Chou thanked his seniors for their praise.

He also praised Lin Chih-ling, saying that in his eyes, he was not a model, but a good actor.

Try not to laugh.

Li Luo continued reading.

Lin Chih-ling expressed his gratitude repeatedly and said he didn't deserve it. When asked about his expectations for the film's box office, he ended the interview by shouting "500 million!"

Raise your eyebrows.

Li Luo pushed the newspaper aside.

They continued to enjoy their spicy and delicious lunch.

Large numbers of films are clustered together.

It's not that the production team lost their minds.

Who wouldn't want to monopolize a release window and rake in the box office? Unfortunately, there are only so many release windows for popular movies, so if you want to make money, you have to really roll up your sleeves and compete with others.

Go forward.

The top disaster movie "2012" will be released in November.

I want to move back.

Sorry.

The former owner of that great ship has returned. James Cameron brought us "Avatar" in early January, a film with a production and marketing budget of $4.5 million, although it has not yet been released overseas.

However, the promotional video has already swept across the country.

Faced with this epic production by a top international director, no production company dared to go head-to-head with it.

Look further back.

It's Hendrik Willem Van Loon's "The Spy Next Door" and Chow Yun-fat's "Confucius".

February also saw a surge of new film releases, including "Hot Summer Days," "Little Big Soldier," "All's Well, Ends Well 2010," "72 Tenants of Prosperity," "True Legend," and "14 Blades."

No matter how you arrange it

There will never be a perfect time slot.

The only way is to fight our way out before Avatar arrives!
"Haha."

Sitting next to him, Xu Zheng picked up a newspaper and quickly browsed through it, scratching his bald head and laughing, "If you ask me, your theater chain came at just the right time, otherwise at the very least the director of 'Storm Riders 2' would definitely have had a run-in with you."

"With your current popularity, they won't lose out no matter what."

"That's not."

Wang Ou quickly shoveled a few pieces of greens into his mouth.

Although StarNest Cinemas has just been established, it already has 168 screens. With the addition of 20 more cinemas planned for completion next year, the total number of screens under its umbrella will definitely exceed 300.

These facilities and equipment are among the most advanced available at present.

It's not large in scale.

Its appeal is undeniable.

Yesterday, at the press conference held at the Jinling IMAX Cinema, the long lines of moviegoers and fans waiting to buy tickets and popcorn left them secretly amazed.

In non-essential situations.

Who would be so stubborn as to deliberately belittle the head of a cinema chain?

Although Xingna is a newcomer, who dares to bet that Li Luo and Yu Dong can't succeed?

Especially with the booming development of the film market, if Xingna Cinemas can achieve a top-five market share in Jiangsu Province, it can quickly expand to surrounding provinces.

So during peak seasons.

It's estimated that many producers, directors, and actors will have to pay their respects to him.

And this point.

This is exactly what Yu Dong saw.

This is also the reason why Li Luo ultimately decided to go into the cinema industry.

While a powerful production company can attract theater chains, it also has to be wary of potential sabotage of Xinghuo's works. Controlling the theater chain can create a sense of unease among the various parties involved.

Instead of arbitrarily suppressing [the government].

Conversely, if anyone dares to criticize him at will, Li Luo would absolutely not mind slightly reducing the number of screenings when the filming takes place.

The knife we've sharpened isn't sharp enough yet.

But its deterrent effect is already beginning to show.

"hello."

Just as the group was enjoying their meal, the door to the lounge was pushed open again by someone outside: "Hello, Brother Luo, Xu Zheng, Bao Qiang, Xiao Ou, hello everyone, oh dear, did I disturb your meal?"

He came in with a big smile on his face.

It was none other than He Jiong, the host of "Happy Camp".

After the other party hosted the press conference and fan meeting, everyone went to the broadcasting center to record "Happy Camp" to continue to boost the film's momentum.

"Teacher Ho."

Li Luo immediately stood up with a smile and gestured for the other person to sit down: "Thank you for your hard work, how about you have something to eat with us?"

"No no no."

He Jiong quickly waved his hand and said seriously, "It's not hard work at all. Also, I have to thank Brother Luo for inviting me to host the press conference. Oh, and I'll definitely have to eat!" "Hahahaha."

A burst of laughter immediately erupted in the lounge.

Amidst lively greetings.

Everyone sat down again.

It wasn't their first time working together, and after making a joke, He Jiong quickly followed along with them to familiarize himself with the following procedures and script.

"Brother Luo!"

The sound had just begun.

He was abruptly interrupted by the PR manager, who had just pushed the door open again.

The other person didn't say anything more, but quickly picked up the remote control, turned on the TV on the wall, and quickly pressed the remote control to switch to the corresponding channel.

"Carrying half the weight of comedy films?"

"Who's talking so big?"

"Li Luo?"

"Oh~~~ then that's not surprising at all. But I'd like to ask, is he some kind of authority on comedy films? Even Zhao Benshan wouldn't dare to say something like that. Doesn't he think too highly of himself?"

"On comedy."

Let's talk about movies again.

"What gives him the right to give orders?"

"Young people should take time to reflect and grow after achieving some success, instead of just spouting nonsense! I suggest that audiences go to the cinema to watch our film 'A Simple Noodle Story'."

"Li Luo is the same; he should go to the cinema and see what a real comedy movie is like!"

On the television screen.

A man with a long face was talking animatedly.

Sitting next to him, Zhang Yimou frowned slightly, and his arm visibly moved slightly, as if he wanted to stop the other person from speaking, but it obviously had no effect.

The other side.

Zhao Benshan's smile froze instantly.

She quickly maintained a faint smile, adopting an air of being lost in thought.

Xiao Shenyang, Yan Ni, Sun Honglei, and others seemed caught off guard. Their smiles were increasingly awkward, and just looking at them sitting on the stage was uncomfortable.

As the words fell.

The reporters rushed to their feet.

The footage of the press conference was such a mess that it was unbearable to watch.

Zhang Weiping.

This guy is stubborn.

He has always been known for his outspokenness.

He once criticized the Golden Lion Award for "Still Life" for being rigged, mocked Yu Dong's "Confession of Pain" for only benefiting from Zhang Yimou's fame and hype, and complained that Chow Yun-fat's demands for Hollywood treatment were too much for him to handle.

They also threatened to blacklist the other party.

He made all sorts of outrageous remarks when "Curse of the Golden Flower" was released.

"They're going to dominate the year-end box office," "Confession of Pain will be a disaster," "Let 'Still Life' fend for itself!"

Such remarks are endless.

Zuo Shandiao.

This is a nickname.

Both were thanks to the other party.

He is a maverick and a master of hype.

They started the trend of propaganda wars and, having tasted the benefits, seemed unable to stop.

"It doesn't matter."

"I'm never afraid of offending people."

"What's so special about his and Yu Dong's cinemas? Do you know why they're called cinemas? They're only called cinemas if they show movies. If they don't show any movies, they're just chairs!"

The sound from the television drifted through the lounge.

He Jiong was extremely embarrassed upon hearing this.

For a moment, he didn't even know what to say.

Xu Zheng, Wang Baoqiang, and Wang Ou simultaneously put down their lunchboxes and turned to look at Li Luo, who was sitting on the large sofa.

"Ding!"

The phone made a crisp sound.

As Li Luo slowly ate his chopped chili fish head, he glanced at the lit screen.

"Fuck him!"

The displayed note is Yu Dong.

This person was a major victim; he was bullied so badly back then that his veins were throbbing.

"Ding."

The screen jumps again.

"Let's grab a couple of drinks sometime."

This was sent by Zhao Benshan. Given the other party's status, it was impossible for him to explain anything. He was just using this method to subtly indicate that the sudden outburst had nothing to do with him.

smiled.

Under the watchful eyes of Xu Zheng, Wang Baoqiang, Wang Ou, and He Jiong, Li Luo continued to eat heartily.

Like a ferocious beast.

They kept stuffing food into their stomachs.

The sounds of chewing echoed throughout the lounge, accompanied by the television.

The vehicle sped by.

We continued driving along the road toward the airport.

After concluding the press conference, the publicity team for the film "A Simple Noodle Story" continued their promotional tour to the next city.

"Hey."

"Zhao Benshan said he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be participating in the upcoming activities?"

"Okay~"

"Well, I see!"

After saying only a few words, Zhang Weiping casually hung up the phone, a hint of displeasure appearing on his rough face.

But most people just don't care.

"Don't try to persuade me."

Before Zhang Yimou, who was sitting next to him, could speak, he waved his hand dismissively: "I'm not some greenhorn. You're good at making movies, but to be honest, you're far inferior to me when it comes to marketing and hype!"

"Li Luo is incredibly popular right now."

"Ten million US dollars."

"Hey!"

"The production companies in Hollywood are really daring to pay, aren't they afraid of losing money hand over fist?"

"No matter what, Li Luo is currently the most popular male actor in China. Even in Hong Kong and Taiwan, there are few who can rival him. This kind of hype can maximize the buzz surrounding 'Three Guns'."

"I'd love for Li Luo to step forward and respond."

"Uh-huh."

"Given his personality, he will definitely stand up and respond. Great, that just goes exactly as I wish."

"Anyway, his movie, with a production cost of only five million, is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot in front of us. Even if he's not convinced, what can he do? I don't believe he can turn the world upside down!"

"Everything I do is for the sake of the movie's box office."

He pursed his lips.

Zhang Yimou silently closed his eyes.

Since I've already said it, I might as well save my energy to prepare for the upcoming publicity.

The opening dance has ended.

A deafening chorus of screams swept through the entire mall.

Such a lively scene quickly dispelled the chill brought by the winter drizzle.

Amidst a warm welcome from host He Jiong and the excited clicking of camera shutters by reporters, Li Luo, the actor, screenwriter, and director of the film "Lost in Thailand," made a dazzling appearance with three main creators.

"Hello, movie fans in Changsha!"

With Li Luo raising his arm and shouting, the screams of hundreds and thousands of fans were deafening.

He looked so happy.

This left the reporters in the audience puzzled.

Could it be that this guy hasn't received the message yet? Logically, he shouldn't!

After the actors greeted the fans, the press conference for "Lost in Journey" in Changsha officially began, led by He Jiong's enthusiasm.

"Ask your questions later."

Li Luo didn't sit down immediately. Instead, he walked to the front, signaling the reporters to be patient, and smiled as he looked around at the excited fans upstairs.
"There's something that many of the friends here don't know."

"I'll briefly explain here, which is also a unified response for our journalist friends."

"Don't mention it again later!"

The fans were left bewildered.

But they obediently stopped making noise and screaming.

As for the reporter.

He was so excited that his face turned red.

Based on their understanding of Li Luo's personality, they knew he would definitely respond directly, and might even take more drastic actions. This trip was definitely worthwhile.

"Not so long ago."

"The head of the production company of a film that was released in the same period, the boss of a film company, said this in front of reporters at a press conference."

"They say I, Li Luo, am spouting nonsense."

"I, Li Luo, should go to the cinema and see his upcoming movie."

"Let me show you what a real comedy movie is!"

The sounds echoing through the mall left the moviegoers puzzled, and they listened even more intently to the words coming from the microphone.

Take a deep breath.

He Jiong clenched his fists tightly behind his back.

He truly lives up to his reputation as Brother Luo.

Brother Tai!
Wang Baoqiang, Xu Zheng, and Wang Ou all sat upright. Although they didn't know what Brother Luo was going to say next, they knew they had to show their support.

We are all in the same boat now.

We share weal and woe!

The reporters' eyes were sparkling, and even their breath was as hot as burning coals.

"The boss."

Li Luo twitched the corners of his mouth, his voice carrying far and wide through the microphone: "I know a bit about his deeds. Every time a work is released, a rival always emerges."

Even without opponents.

"Then he'll have to find a way to make one."

"I just didn't expect that the opponent I chose this time would be me. For 'Lost on Journey,' which only had a production cost of five million, it was targeted by a movie whose production and marketing costs were said to be one hundred million."

"I don't know whether to feel honored or laugh."

"Compared to others."

"My 'Lost in Thailand' is at best a tiny ant, while others are elephants that make a clanging sound when they walk."

"But today."

Li Luo raised a finger and declared forcefully to the excited crowd, "I, this little ant, am not afraid of that big, clumsy elephant. I hereby announce that 'Lost in Thailand' will be urgently rescheduled for release on December 10th!"

"It was released urgently in theaters nationwide on the same day and at the same time as the film."

"A head-on confrontation!"

"Young people are never short of courage. I, Li Luo, am fearless in the face of any challenge. Even five million against one hundred million won't make me back down an inch. I'll show him what a real comedy film is!!!"

The words fell.

Li Luo stood tall and proud in front of everyone.

hype.

Anyone can do that!

His words were firm and resounding, and his chin was as sharp as a knife.

Those eyes, as bright as stars.

And there's the upright, pine-like figure standing on the stage.

All of this left all the reporters and fans present speechless. After two seconds of deathly silence, thunderous applause and cheers erupted throughout the mall.
(End of this chapter)