Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 337 Cannes Mishap? Zeng Li's Feelings (Please Subscribe)

Cannes, France, is entering its most vibrant season of the year.

Countless filmmakers from all over the world come here to try their luck with their works.

In bars and near movie theaters, you can see people everywhere holding up posters to promote movies.

The French Artists Association organized one gathering after another.

As a close friend of Tang Wen, Leo, the chairman of the Artists Association, did not hide his appreciation for the film "Peacock" in front of prominent figures and celebrities in the European arts and culture world.

This is a movie recommendation that leverages one's influence.

This recommendation is within the scope of the game rules.

Many in the French film industry know that Leo visited China last year, making outstanding contributions to the dissemination of French art in Asia.

When he returned, he brought with him the film "Peacock".

Logically and emotionally, Leo would certainly hope that "Peacock" would win awards, preferably multiple awards.

This is not only about Leo's prestige, but also about his level of artistic appreciation—that is, his professional competence.

Imagine, as the chairman of the artists' association, personally selecting the films to participate in the Cannes Film Festival, and then receiving nothing.

This will be a significant blow to his personal prestige.

It was precisely because Tang Wen understood this that he dared not attend the Cannes opening ceremony.

That afternoon, the lobby of a hotel on the banks of the Cannes River was filled with star-studded lights.

Not only were the filmmakers who were nominated for the main competition present, but also those who were nominated for the Un Certain Regard competition, the Premiere Focus competition, and even those whose films were not in competition were all there.

French national treasure director Patrice Charhout, president of the jury at this year's film festival, raised a toast to welcome everyone.

Sophie Marceau then welcomed everyone.

As the Rose of France, Sophie is always invited to attend important events in the art world.

Then it was free time.

This can be seen as an open and tacitly approved campaigning and relationship-building activity.

All eyes were first drawn to the judges and the internationally renowned directors.

The renowned Steven Spielberg was also a judge.

Clint Eastwood, who has been making films in Hollywood for decades, also came.

Oscar-nominated director Gus Van Sant, who is bringing his new film "Elephant" to the main competition, is chatting with Spielberg.

The Wachowski sisters, who became famous both at home and abroad for "The Matrix," oh, they haven't had surgery yet, they're brothers.

They were there mainly to promote the newly released film, *The Matrix Reloaded*.

The Matrix did not make it onto any shortlist.

The judges, along with these international directors and producers, formed small circles around the audience.

The Chinese film crew, unable to communicate verbally, held a somewhat reverent attitude towards the West.

Naturally, they were treated as nobody.

Fan Bingbing and Li Bingbing discovered that Zhang Ziyi, who loudly proclaimed herself an "international star" in China, was...

They kept trying to get into American circles.

Unfortunately, her social interactions failed, except for a few older Western men whose eyes lit up at her chest, and who had no particular identity.

Almost no one paid any attention to her.

Since it was their first time in this kind of situation, the two Bings knew their place and huddled together to chat, while also watching her make a scene.

Li Bingbing: "Heh, so this is Zhang Ziyi? I doubt she's doing very well internationally!"

Fan Bingbing pouted: "If it weren't for Director Zhang, who would even know her!"

Li Bingbing's sister and agent, Li Xue, was also there: "Director Tang might be popular here."

"Well, not necessarily." Hearing someone praise her boyfriend, Fan Bingbing's lips curled up, but she still replied modestly.

Li Xue glanced at her: "Speaking of which, what are you and Director Tang thinking? Last year, 'Peacock' generated a huge buzz and became nationally known. It was also the only Chinese film in many years to be shortlisted for the Cannes main competition. If—"

She didn't finish her sentence, but Fan Bingbing understood.

If we return empty-handed, who knows how the domestic media reporters will ridicule us?
It's possible that Tang Wen's six months of self-promotion (through writing posts) and his seemingly imminent overshadowing of the Zhao woman and slap in the face of the old woman from Taiwan Province will be aborted.

At that time, his "enemies" will be the two wild princesses, the veteran directors he had criticized, and the other two of the four little actresses...

They will all pounce on you, using public opinion to "tear you apart".

The overwhelming ridicule will surely make you unable to lift your head.

Fan Xiaopang couldn't help but feel anxious. She was still young and not the complete version of the fox spirit from later generations. She secretly reflected: Had she rushed too hard last year and made too many enemies?
But she quickly made up her mind: there are so many female celebrities in the entertainment industry; if you don't compete, aren't radical, and are afraid of this and that... you'll never get ahead in your next life.

"Hey, if I get it, I'm lucky; if I lose it, it's fate!" Fan Bingbing tried her best to pretend she didn't care.

Li Bingbing laughed: "Come on, I know you too well. You were only 18 or 9 and you dared to steal my role! Now that such a great opportunity is right in front of you, are you willing to let it go?"

Fan Bingbing couldn't hold back any longer, and a hint of frustration appeared on her pretty face: "What should I do? I don't think Zhang Ziyi has any chance! I don't know anyone, and I can't talk to anyone."

"What about Director Tang? Did Director Tang give up too?" Li Xue asked again.

Fan Bingbing looked at Li Xue's face, which wasn't exactly a great beauty, and couldn't understand why she was so interested in Tang Wen.

"He's so busy, I don't know when he'll come," Fan Bingbing said, her voice filled with helplessness.

Just as Li Xue was about to say something, her older sister Li Bingbing tugged at her, and she immediately shut up.

The sound of high heels clicking on the ground rang out, accompanied by a voice that all three women disliked: "Did you see that? Keanu Reeves, he's so handsome!"

"Hmm, he looks like a handsome guy of mixed Chinese and American heritage." Li Bingbing, who was in the same production crew, was relatively polite.

Fan Bingbing, with her back to Tang Wen, said indifferently, "She's far inferior to Tang Wen."

Zhang Ziyi's eyes turned cold. It was really hard to refute these words, so she could only smile and change the subject.

He scoffed inwardly: What's with the arrogance? Tang Wen, indeed!

Where is Tang Wenren?
He didn't even come to the opening ceremony; I heard the organizers have a problem with him!

I think your chances of winning the prize are slim too.

The four women chatted casually, with Fan Bingbing and Zhang Ziyi exchanging sarcastic remarks, while the Li sisters silently observed the conversation, occasionally interjecting to take sides.

They are on Fan Bingbing's side.

After all, Li Bingbing had benefited from Tang Wen's...

He felt closer to Fan Bingbing than to outsiders.

Tang Wen also made it clear that he greatly admired Li Xue's business acumen.

No matter what, we should at least take care of Fan Bingbing out of gratitude.

Less than half an hour later, Zhang Ziyi felt suffocated from talking and was about to get away from the three "bitches" who were openly and secretly targeting her.

But then I heard a familiar old Beijing accent:

"Hey! All the beautiful women of China are here! No wonder I couldn't see anyone."

The four women smiled, and Han Sanping led the way over. The one who started the small talk was the director next to him, Jiang Wen.

Jiang Wen is one of the judges for this year's competition.

"Director Jiang, Director Jiang!"

The girls greeted them.

Seeing this, Lou Ye suddenly appeared out of nowhere and quickly approached.

Li Bingbing's agency, Huayi, has some connections with Jiang Wen. Being the least concerned with personal gain or loss, and knowing she probably wouldn't stand a chance at the awards ceremony, she casually asked a few questions:

"Director Jiang, as a senior judge, what do you think of our performance after watching the film?"

Fan Bingbing and Zhang Ziyi listened intently.

"Hey! If I were in charge, then of course the three of you would be tied for Best Actress." Jiang Wen laughed it off, not wanting to offend any of them.

After saying that, he glanced at Fan Bingbing for no apparent reason.

Although young, Xiao Fan was quite intelligent. He felt a chill run down his spine and asked, "Have we encountered any problems with 'Peacock'?"

Jiang Wen didn't reply, but looked at Third Master Han.

The latter thought for a moment and then didn't mince words: "There was an Indian judge named Ravi who seemed to regard 'Peacock' as a competitor and spared no effort in belittling it."

"Huh? 'Peacock' is a movie recommended by Chairman Leo!" Fan Bingbing, who was hoping to win an award, felt dizzy.

“That’s what they say,” Jiang Wen replied, “but they said that Cannes is a temple of cinematic art and must not be reduced to an aesthetic playground for certain powerful figures!”

Grand and imposing!

Those damn Indians, they're so good at labeling people.

Is he influential?

Jiang Wen laughed: "It's hard to say how much influence they have, but they certainly make quite a racket during meetings. And the chairman of the judging panel is easily swayed."

Fan Bingbing's expression changed slightly, realizing the veiled warning.

"Peacock" is considered a popular piece this year, but popular pieces are bound to be targeted, both overtly and covertly.

In addition, Tang Wen's absence from the opening ceremony had drawn criticism from European media for his arrogance.

Now that someone is openly targeting us, the situation is indeed not optimistic.

"When is Tang Wen coming?" Han Sanping asked.

Fan Bingbing felt even more suffocated: "I don't know either. They said they'd be coming in the next couple of days." "Try to urge him."

"Please speak on my behalf as well."

"Okay, I'll call him when I get back."

Han Sanping didn't say anything else, and instead began to discuss the promotion of "Purple Butterfly".

After all, he was the leader. Although he was closer to Tang Wen from the bottom of his heart, he had to treat everyone equally overseas.

I was already unsure of myself.

Jiang Wen then delivered this bad news.

Fan Bingbing was so anxious that she was burning with anger and couldn't stand it any longer.

Just as they were about to make an excuse to slip out and call Tang Wen, the radiant and elegant French Rose, drawing all eyes to them, walked up to them with Leo.

With the help of a translator, Leo, Han Sanping, and Jiang Wen exchanged pleasantries.

Sophie Marceau's gaze frequently lingered on the several women before finally settling on Fan Xiaopang's face.

"Hello, Bingbing, I watched your performance; it was a very good movie."

Unlike other Western women.

Sophie Marceau's distinctly Asian features make her age more resilient than most Western actresses.

Facing a rival who had been reported by the media, Fan Bingbing tried her best to hide her hostility, smiled and shook hands with the other woman, but kept glancing at her face.

I want to see signs of aging.

"Is there something on my face?" Sophie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, it's just that you're too beautiful," Fan Bingbing replied insincerely.

Sophie Marceau smiled, her words carrying a deeper meaning: "Your youth is equally enviable."

Didn't talk much.

Before leaving, Leo looked around and his gaze fell on Fan Bingbing's face. He then switched to English, which most people could understand, and said, "Tang should come to Cannes as soon as possible."

Fan Bingbing's smile almost froze on her face.

Han Sanping stepped in to defuse the situation, claiming that he would arrive soon.

After the two left, Fan Bingbing let out a breath and said, "President Han, I'll make a call right away."

After saying that, he hurriedly walked towards the hotel entrance.

Zhang Ziyi stared at her retreating figure, secretly praying that Tang Wen would not come.

In that case, Fan Bingbing definitely has no hope of winning an award!

As for herself, she was limited by the unpopular subject matter of the film.

The chances of winning an award were already slim.

But that's not important. What's important is that Fan Bingbing absolutely cannot win the award; that woman is too ambitious...

It was afternoon in Cannes.

Time is six hours behind Beijing time.

Night had fallen in the capital.

When Director Tang received a call from Fan Bingbing urging him to hurry up, he said he was very busy.

He was busy at the Chang'an Club, eating fruit, snacks, drinking tea, and listening to the leading lady Zeng Li sing!

Experience the pleasure of listening to music in the brothel.

Fan Bingbing recounted the various disadvantages in their pursuit of the award, as well as the repeated urging from General Manager Han, Leo, and even Sophie Marceau.

Tang Wen got up and went to the window.

Zeng Li, who was showcasing her singing skills, paused her song, touched her burning face, took a sip of tea, and headed to the restroom.

Temptation is a two-way street.

Singing while sitting in the lap of Tang Wen, one of the most handsome men in the entertainment industry, and feeling the strength of the knife handle.

She couldn't stand it either.

She had been holding back her laughter so hard to stay on tune.

We need to calm down now.

I opened the window, and the night breeze blew in my face.

After listening to Fan Bingbing's story, Tang Wen said calmly, "Don't worry, I'll get there as soon as possible... As for the time? The day after tomorrow at the latest."

Upon receiving the specific time, Fan Bingbing breathed a sigh of relief, but couldn't help asking again, "Do we still have a chance to win an award?"

Tang Wen smiled silently and comforted her, telling her to relax.

Fan Bingbing assumed that he wasn't sure either, and sensibly didn't ask any more questions.

I made up my mind that if I didn't get anything, I would quit my job and go to the United States to spend some time with him.

They are both young, and they will definitely have better opportunities in the future.

"But," Fan Bingbing frowned, "he's never lost before, hopefully this won't affect his confidence."

After making the call, she didn't go back. Looking at the bustling traffic outside, she felt heavy-hearted.

"After the call, what did Director Tang say?" Li Bingbing came out to find her.

"I'll arrive the day after tomorrow."

"Then why do you look so gloomy?"

"Have it?"

"Hehe, let's go, everyone's waiting for your reply."

Chang'an Club.

Tang Wen picked up the suggestion book and pen from the wall and wrote down the three characters "Wujiapo".

Zeng Li and Zhang Qi collaborated on a song adapted from a traditional opera: "Wujiapo 2021".

It brought her certain career benefits.

Now, Tang Wen plans to write this song for her ahead of schedule.

I sang a duet with her.

A few minutes later, Zeng Li still hadn't come out of the bathroom, and Tang Wen was getting impatient waiting.

I didn't want to wait any longer, so I cleared my throat and started singing:
Third Sister

All the mistakes were my fault alone.

You, you, you, you, you... just forgive them.

Her Peking Opera singing style was incredibly authentic.

Sure enough, this lured Zeng Li, who was hiding in the bathroom, out.

"You sang Wujiapo?" Zeng Li, unaware of the trick, was both surprised and delighted.

Tang Wen ignored her and sang a line she had never heard before:

Ah~ my wife
Wang's Baochuan
Poor you...

Eighteen years in total

Zeng Li's eyes lit up, and she covered her mouth tightly with her hand, afraid that she would interrupt Tang Wen's train of thought.

But Tang Wen's inspiration, whether it came or not, had nothing to do with her.

After singing one line, Tang Wen stopped: "Sigh, it's painful, I can't write anything. I clearly feel the melody and lyrics swirling in my head! What a pity!"

Zeng Li quickly walked over and sat down beside him, asking with concern, "What's wrong? Can I help?"

Tang Wen said bluntly, "I told you you're not allowed to curse at me."

Zeng Li was taken aback, looked down, and immediately understood.

He spat and said suspiciously, "You can't be lying to me, can you?"

"You don't believe me?!" Tang Wen's voice rose eight octaves, his eyes filled with disappointment.

"No, no, I believe you, I believe you!"

Despite her mature and sophisticated appearance, Zeng Li actually has a bit of a timid personality.

Tang Wen remained silent with a stern face.

Zeng Li glanced at him furtively and stammered, "Then... what should I do here?"

Seeing that the time was right, Tang Wen gently pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear...

Zeng Li pursed her lips tightly, knowing something was wrong, but she stared into Tang Wen's eyes and said seriously, "I'm willing to do this, but not to ask you for a song!"

He saw the deep affection in her eyes.

Tang Wen, the "good man," was deeply moved. He couldn't help but cup her delicate face in his hands and say the truth: "Then I'll tell you too. I can write songs anytime. I... um, I'll tell you the rest when I'm done."

Zeng Li was taken aback, but she had already made up her mind.

Then, she stretched out her snow-white hands and tied her hair into a ponytail...

(End of this chapter)