Generation Z Artists

Chapter 375 One person fainted, was it from anger or fear?

Fang Xinghe stopped speaking and stared intently at the two kings.

Xiao Wang hung his head, clenched his fists tightly, and his shoulders trembled incessantly.

From the side, Miss Fan saw that his cheeks were flushed red and the veins on his neck were bulging; he was clearly half-mad with anger.

But no matter how angry I was, I didn't have the courage to look up.

The king, however, tried his best to raise his head and meet the gaze of the ferocious tiger on the stage.

He remained silent, trying his best to maintain a calm demeanor. After a few seconds, he looked away, shook his head, and smiled.

The feeling was as if I were saying, "I'm magnanimous, I won't stoop to your level, do whatever you want."

He managed to turn such an unfavorable situation into something less embarrassing.

But that won't do. Dog Fang is the kind of person who either doesn't turn against his opponent at all, or when he does, he has to beat them so badly that they're terrified. In his dictionary, there's no such thing as knowing when to quit while you're ahead.

"Mr. Wang, is your silence due to fear of admitting it or because it's difficult to admit it?"

Wang Dazhong remained silent and calm.

It must be admitted that this person is much better than his brother; he is just as shrewd and quick-witted, and knows how to do things in his own best interest.

If it weren't for encountering a cheat like Fang Xinghe who has no sense of martial ethics, most people really wouldn't be able to do anything to him.

"well."

Fang Xinghe smiled, then raised his head and said meaningfully, "Please wait a moment, we'll see the result after we've finished talking."

The king still ignored him.

You can curse me all you want, I'll take it—I'll take it the way you would a face.

Xiao Wang was so angry that he was panting heavily, his head was down, and his eyes were darting around, as if he wanted to smash something.

Fang Xinghe slightly curled the corners of his mouth and stopped staring at them.

The matter is not over yet. It's not just the two kings who deserve to be scolded. Wait a moment, we'll continue.

He looked away and fixed his gaze on the next victim.

"Next up... Sugar Man, Mr. Cai."

I know you've been involved in the Hong Kong entertainment circle and are used to the way things are done there.

However, it's best to leave the things you can do there and the skills you learn there behind, and don't bring them inland!
You think you're doing this very discreetly by hiring online trolls to smear and spread rumors?
During the airing of "Chinese Paladin", you used Xixi to promote the show, which I understand was just for publicity. But after "Chinese Paladin" ended, the online trolls continued to attack and incite conflict. What does that mean?
If you don't sign a contract with me, you'll exploit every last bit of the actor's popularity. Do you think the actor owes you anything?!
The Hong Kong entertainment circle is a dying, dilapidated entity. Don't mistake their dirty tricks for valuable assets. If you're going to develop your career in mainland China, then abide by the rules there!

"I don't!"

Ms. Cai Yinong's eyes were red from being scolded. Unlike the king, she could not tolerate it and cared more about her reputation, so she subconsciously retorted.

"What evidence do you have? What makes you think I hired online trolls?"

"Ha! They won't shed a tear until they see the coffin!"

Fang Xinghe chuckled dismissively and launched into a barrage of data.

"To punish someone without teaching them is cruelty. Come, let me tell you why."

Recently, my employees discovered 794 newly created accounts on Tianya, all created in May or June of this year. From the moment these accounts were created until the end of the broadcast of "Chinese Paladin," all accounts discussed only one topic—related to "Chinese Paladin."

After the first run of "Chinese Paladin" ended, these accounts remained silent for about half a month before suddenly starting to collectively criticize and attack Jessica.

Mr. Cai, could you please tell me where these inexplicable, righteous bystanders came from?!

Huh?! How did you find that out?
Cai Yinong was stunned.

Huh?! Is that really true?
The guests were in an uproar, unable to contain their excitement any longer, and began whispering among themselves.

"real or fake?"

"It seems like President Cai enjoys doing this kind of thing."

"As far as I know, the 'Chinese Paladin' project has been using Liu Yifei as a stepping stone from the very beginning..."

"That's a bit too much."

"Hey, isn't that how everyone in the industry does it? This time they just picked the wrong target."

"That's right, Xiao Liu is gentle, her mother is kind, and Old Chen is an amateur. They're so easy to deal with. Who would have thought that President Fang would be so irritable?"

"Ugh, what bad luck! Even hiring a smear campaign can get me caught..."

It would be strange if we couldn't catch them. Your skills are nothing compared to those of a truly ahead-of-the-time online troll leader.

There was much discussion below the stage, while on stage, the patriarch of online trolls continued his attack on their conscience.

"President Cai, arrogance can blind people. You haven't thought clearly about either of the two most crucial things in engaging in such crooked practices."

First, I am not a judge and I do not need evidence. If I believe you did it, then you did it.

Do you even deserve to reason with me?

When you decide to use unreasonable means instead of reasoning with the actors, it means you have fully accepted Darwinian logic that might makes right.

Unfortunately, you are not the strongest person in this jungle of flesh and blood.

Secondly, it's one thing for you to stir up trouble on Tianya, but you also keep jumping around on Weibo. However, Xingwang Weibo is my company!
Do you realize how ridiculous you are right now?

Finally, let me leave you with a piece of advice—

It's entirely possible to use online trolls to create positive publicity; this is a clever way to guide public opinion.

Trying to use online trolls to smear and discredit colleagues is destroying the livelihood of all practitioners. The mainland entertainment industry doesn't need such rotten apples!
That's all I have to say. Take care of yourself.

Ms. Cai's face was deathly pale, and she was swaying precariously. If Sun Li hadn't immediately supported her, she would have fainted on the spot.

Actually, buying smear articles from competitors is an open secret in the industry. She's not the first to do it, and she won't be the last.

But she was the only one who was exposed and publicly criticized by someone stronger in front of everyone in the circle.

Only now did she realize how ridiculous her wishful thinking had been.

Fang Xinghe looked away and glanced around.

Wherever his gaze fell, everyone ducked their heads, and all fell silent.

Ha, what's the use of hiding when Fang Xinghe has made up his mind to overturn the table?

Whether you look at him or not, you can't escape him.

Next up is Mrs. Chen.

"Producer Chen, the following two sentences are a reminder for you."

Director Chen made "The Ultimate God" into a terrible film that no one can understand. That's a technical problem, and it's in the past. He can still make films however he wants in the future.

Your collaborations with Hong Kong's Xiangjia Film Company and Taiwan's Comic Productions are business matters. I'm not happy about it, but it's none of my business.

The mess you guys made during the production process, including where the money for special effects went and whether it involved production corruption, is just your internal dogfighting. I'll just watch the show and won't say anything.

I just want you to remember that there should be no social financing, no financial ABS, and no dual ledgers involved. Otherwise, you should all go to the anti-money laundering department of the People's Bank of China!
If I find any problems, I'll file a formal complaint on the spot, and see who dares to take it seriously!

Madam Chen's eyes widened, her pupils dilating violently.

Oh shit!

What does the fabricated rumors about Liu Yifei have to do with me? I really didn't get involved at all!

Why are you shoving me?!
She was furious and terrified because a large portion of the investment from Jishen was indeed unexplained.

She didn't dare to meet Fang Xinghe's gaze and subconsciously turned her head away, only to catch a glimpse of Ms. Chai's cold eyes. She quickly looked away again, only to bump into President Xiang's sidelong glance.

"Fine, fine, you all want to settle scores with me, huh? Have you forgotten who asked our old Chen to step in?" Despite her anger, she didn't dare to lash out at Chai Xiang and the other two, so she glared fiercely at the two kings—"It's all your fault!"
Why did you have to provoke that mad dog?!
Fortunately, she wasn't the only one who felt fear.

These days, which film and television company doesn't engage in some illegal or shady practices?

Now that Fang Xinghe has scared them like that, all the little roosters have been scalded with hot water, their feathers curled up.

They might disbelieve other people's threats, but Brother Fang's threats are at least 99% credible; his motto is "If he dares to say it, he dares to do it"...

Those colleagues who weren't involved in targeting Liu Yifei were all glaring at the two Wangs and President Cai, gritting their teeth in hatred.

Although these people really couldn't do anything about the Wang brothers, from this moment on, they had at least drawn a line in their hearts.

Fang Xinghe wants to attack Huayi? Then let him attack!

It's none of our business.

Whoever caused the trouble should clean it up. If you can't even clean up your mess, you'll drag your competitors down with you. No matter who your boss is, it won't make a difference.

The atmosphere grew increasingly chaotic. Fang Xinghe glanced left and right, searching for his next target. Everyone he looked at was terrified of him.

Seeing this, his anger finally subsided by half.

The tone softened as a result, shifting from insults and cursing back to reasoning.

"Fellow colleagues, it's time to wake up!"

When I switched from writing to acting, my first film was Zhang Yimou's "Hero." Many friends in the literary world advised me not to get involved in that mess.

Some people say: The entertainment industry is too chaotic and complicated, and your temper is too fiery, so you are likely to suffer losses.

Some people say: Being a celebrity doesn't necessarily make you much more money. You're famous and prestigious now, why bother wallowing in the mud?

Some people also warned: Those people have very low moral character, you should be careful.

Many people think this industry is a cesspool, and that's the impression we give to the public.

I think this is a prejudice, but how exactly does this prejudice come about?
There's no smoke without fire; there must be some people in the industry who played a very negative role.

For example, a large number of Hong Kong and Taiwan staff members went north, forming cliques, bullying newcomers, displaying low quality, and being prone to causing trouble, fully demonstrating the gangster habits of your deplorable places.

For example, those mediocre film production companies in the Yangtze River Delta region (Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai) engage in fraud and deception, half of which are involved in fundraising and the other half are specifically targeting coal mine owners, turning a perfectly good social financing channel into a mess.

For example, some female celebrities who lack self-respect not only accompany clients for drinks themselves, but also work as pimps.

For example, some company bosses who become arrogant after achieving success are indiscriminate in their sexuality, and they prey on both men and women. If you love prostitution so much, why don't you try using a motorcycle exhaust pipe? It's hot and spicy!
He runs a company that uses rigged contracts to bully newcomers; as an actor, he doesn't focus on honing his craft but instead tries to smear his co-stars; once he gains a little power on set, he starts engaging in underhanded practices; and after becoming famous, his first act is to act like a diva; he uses dual contracts and evades taxes...

In my opinion, the problem lies in outdated national legislation and lenient penalties!
Those with economic problems will be treated as economic crimes. Those who engage in unspoken rules will be reported for strong alkali, and those who pimp will be convicted of organizing prostitution. Let's see if you still dare to act recklessly!

The above words were said in anger. I have no say in legislation, and I have no say in judgments, but as a member of the industry, I can still do some practical things for a cleaner environment.

After today, I will launch an initiative through several major industry associations to the publicity department of the Guangdong Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce—

A blacklist system for artists and companies with bad records in the Chinese entertainment industry has been formally established.

Those involved in organized crime, gambling, smuggling, pimping, money laundering, treason, spreading rumors about having children... all of you should be blacklisted. The entertainment industry doesn't need black sheep like you!

Fellow colleagues, please don't think I'm being harsh. This entertainment industry doesn't belong to Fang Xinghe alone. I make more than one movie or TV series a year. All in all, how much money can I earn in the domestic market?

Even if you and The Condor Heroes each have a budget of one or two hundred million, it's still not enough to cover my student aid fund across four provinces!

I've always made money from overseas markets; I don't need to earn a single penny domestically.

You are different; you have to rely on the domestic market to survive.

Is this statement true or not?

Cleaning up the environment is a core issue that is closely related to all practitioners.

When the industry's atmosphere is positive and its reputation among the public is good, the commercial value of celebrities on stage will increase, the value of behind-the-scenes workers will be amplified, and the entire market will flourish.

Like those from Hong Kong and Taiwan, they've ruined their families and come to the mainland to work like idiots, only to be scolded by younger generations like me. Does that feel good?
But they could only endure their discomfort, since their own land could no longer support them. Having left their homes, they had to be mindful of their master's wishes.

So don't think this is a small matter, and don't think that the bad practices in the circle are none of your business.

The premise that self-struggle is meaningful is that the objective environment allows it. If the industry as a whole is doing well, everyone will benefit. If the industry is in decline and decay, no matter how capable you are, you will only sink with it.

So, colleagues with positions in various associations, go back and think carefully. Let's try our best to develop a clear and binding self-regulatory agreement for the entire industry, and prevent the chaos from continuing..."

At this point in the speech, some people in the audience finally couldn't hold back any longer and began to applaud enthusiastically.

Actually, compared to other entertainment circles in mainland China, it's not bad. There are indeed a group of people who haven't colluded with those idiots, and there are some idealists who are working hard to rectify the atmosphere.

Leaving aside those within the system, there are plenty of leaders who are honest, incorruptible, and dedicated to their work.

There are also many normal people outside the system who make a living through their skills and earn a peaceful income. For example, there are the stage actors who stick to the Beijing People's Art Theatre, there is Noon Sunshine, which focuses on making dramas, and there are top stars who don't engage in messy activities such as Huang Bo, Wang Baoqiang, Shen Teng, Wu Jing, Andy Lau, and Tianzai...

Fang Xinghe's words struck a chord with them; they were harsh, but satisfying.

Anyone with the skills to make a living would love a clean and pleasant work environment.

There are just a few bad apples who are numerous and powerful, and no one can control them.

Now that Fang Xinghe is willing to stand up and raise his voice, all they need to do is applaud and cheer to get things done, so they are naturally happy to oblige.

But some people just sneered.

For example, the king found it ridiculous and whispered to comfort his panicked younger brother: "Don't be afraid. Does he think he can just do it? Even if he does, so what? China is a country that values ​​evidence and the rule of law. Even if there really is a blacklist, we can't let him do whatever he wants!"

Xiao Wang felt much more at ease, thinking, 'That's right, besides this mad dog, who else dares to offend us? Trying to blacklist me? Wishful thinking!'

Indeed, having a system is one thing, but supervision and management are another.

Many systems are not flawed in their intent, but rather face various difficulties in implementation, ultimately leading to disastrous consequences.

As a result, just as Wang Er was about to laugh, Fang Xinghe on the stage laughed first.

"I've said enough nonsense. Let me just add a couple more points—once the blacklist system is established, I will personally contribute 100 million yuan in cash to create a reward mechanism for whistleblowers that is open to the whole society."

The specific details will be published in full in the newspaper later.

The general idea is to offer rewards for whistleblowing and to compensate for any losses incurred, thereby encouraging public awareness of oversight.

If you are a witness to or victim of certain malpractices in the industry, and you bravely step forward to expose them, I will not pursue your responsibility, and I will compensate you double for any losses incurred as a result.

If 100 million isn't enough, I'll add more later.

Anyway, my money is useless; a strong wind will just blow it all home…

"!!!"

The applause stopped abruptly, leaving the entire audience in shock.

Holy crap, Daddy, you're my daddy, do you really have to go this far?!

Isn't this going to make everyone feel insecure?
Xiao Wang felt his blood rushing to his head, while Da Wang felt his vision go black.

Just then, Fang Xinghe looked at the two brothers again and spoke with a smile.

"By the way, Mr. and Mrs. Wang, your company should not have any shady dealings such as dual contracts, tax evasion, or forcing women into prostitution, right?"

Whether it's there or not, I'll get back and tidy it up properly as soon as I get back.

I won't hide it from you, as long as it's a report against your company, I will definitely respond actively and handle it enthusiastically, and the bonuses and compensation will be of the highest standard...

"Huh? Mr. Wang, why are you no longer smiling?"

Mr. Wang was indeed no longer able to laugh.

Mr. Wang's vision went black and he fainted on the spot.

(End of this chapter)