Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 418 Anxious Li Hong, Instantly Cowardly Dong Qing

"Boss, I've accepted the program we discussed before!"

"Very good! But I must make this clear first. Our show's ratings are indeed not good right now. If this continues, we may have to end the show. So, your coming to our show is inherently risky."

I have to say this first; you must think it through carefully before making a decision.

"Boss, I've made up my mind."

"Alright! In that case, I welcome you on behalf of our program!"

Having finally made the decision, Li Hong felt her heart pounding in her throat.

It's not as simple as it seems.

Li Hong had been quite hesitant before.

After all, if I went on a show with the lowest ratings that could be canceled at any time, the result would be...

Do not!
That's much better than doing nothing!

Of course, Li Hong was holding her breath. Not to mention how much she had suffered since coming from the local TV station to the set, the various looks from her colleagues in the new environment were already quite a challenge!
As the saying goes, "I'd rather fight for pride than steam buns!"
We absolutely cannot let them look down on us again!

This show is on the verge of collapse... well, the previous show wasn't very good either.

If both shows fail, the outcome for Li Hong will indeed be quite unfavorable.

They'll either be sent back to their original TV station.

Alternatively, you could work behind the scenes at the stage setup.

No! Absolutely not!
This second show is definitely going to be a hit!
Li Hong looked at herself in the mirror, seeing a dignified and elegant figure.

She has this confidence.

Moreover, this is something Ma Xun said.

This show is sure to be a hit.

As a result, this program about cross-strait relations gained a beautiful female host.

Actually, despite having prepared herself mentally, Li Hong was still somewhat apprehensive.

But if we do our best, there will always be good results.

Come on!

Give yourself a good beating; that was indeed a great play.

But for some reason, Li Hong thought of Ma Xun again.

My heart was pounding really hard just now.

However, Li Hong was certain that it still couldn't compare to that time.

When she fled in panic.

At this moment, Li Hong couldn't help but wonder when she would see Ma Xun again.

What if the show failed to take off and was eventually canceled, leaving you feeling utterly miserable?
Or when the show's ratings soared and he became a well-known host?

Oh dear! What are you thinking about!

It's definitely the latter!
……

Compared to that program and its host.

Ma Xun is actually more confident.

Sometimes, you have to admit one thing.

That is, people are what truly matter.

Take this program about cross-strait relations, for example. It was originally going to be canceled because the ratings were absolutely abysmal.

But after Li Hong joined the show and became a host.

This program quickly became one of the station's most popular shows.

It's important to understand that this isn't something Ma Xun made up; it's what the program producer himself said.

In short, many people are drawn to her because she enjoys discussing cross-strait topics.

This is indeed a good thing.

So, Ma Xun had nothing to worry about... huh?

Why should I worry?

Ma Xun quickly dismissed this strange thought.

There's no need to worry about Li Hong anymore; Ma Xun should also focus all his energy on his own affairs.

The latest news is that "2046" has begun its journey to Cannes.

Never underestimate the significance of "going to the Cannes Film Festival".

These few words represent tens of millions of dollars in expenses.

Not to mention walking the red carpet, clothes, and so on.

During the Cannes Film Festival, renting a parasol is charged by the hour.

It starts at several hundred euros.

Before the stage was set up, reporters were sent to cover it, and those reporters all came back complaining.

The hotel I stayed at was absolutely terrible. It was leaky and moldy, not to mention the only food I had brought was instant noodles.

But don't complain, it still costs several thousand RMB.

Although Cannes provides some financial subsidies, it still requires investors to pay for it, and the celebrities even have to prepare some things themselves.

To put it bluntly, it's like paying someone else to do it!

However, the entertainment industry is a place of fame and fortune, and this is all about gaining fame.

Whether or not you want to spend the money is up to you to decide.

For Ma Xun, winning awards at Cannes is irrelevant; what truly matters is that he plans to release "2046" as soon as possible.

Han Sanping has already sent a notification.

The schedule has been changed.

It seems that this film intends to capitalize on its Cannes award and make a splash during the summer season.

Released in June...

To be honest, it is indeed a bit tricky.

But what a coincidence!
Ma Xun had also arranged for "Incense" around this time.

This summer's movie season is going to be interesting, especially before the summer blockbuster battle between "House of Flying Daggers" and "Kung Fu Hustle".

Let's start with a small battle!
Although Han Sanping didn't say much about the schedule change, and it was hard to tell whether it had anything to do with the Wang brothers of Huayi Brothers.

But Ma Xun was almost certain that it was the Wang brothers who were behind it!
It's those two!

Could there be anyone else?

The movie "2046" was originally scheduled for release during the National Day holiday, but it was planned to be released in September.

Hmm... Ma Xun thought about it briefly and discovered something interesting.

Many recent events do not appear to have anything to do with the Wang brothers on the surface.

These two have gotten smarter now; they don't cause trouble themselves, they let others do it.

They specialize in stirring up trouble and doing dirty tricks behind people's backs!
It has to be said that it was only Ma Xun who could tell that the Wang brothers were the real culprits.

That's really true. In our entertainment industry, how many people die without even knowing how they did it?

You can think of it the other way around.

The reason the Wang brothers did this... is because they're afraid of me, Ma Xun!

Yeah, that's exactly why. If it's a one-sided game, how could those two possibly cower like cowards?

And thinking about it more deeply.

This represents a reversal in everyone's strength.

I, Ma Xun, have become stronger, while the Wang brothers have become weaker.

In addition, I also gave myself the title of a young master from the capital.

Everyone's competing in the entertainment industry, these two are definitely still up to no good.

But they dared not do anything openly, only behind the scenes.

Hahaha……

Ma Xun smiled. He knew that he had not only gained the upper hand, but was also destined to win!
As the saying goes: You can't write two "win" characters in one stroke; lying down, it's called "three," and standing up, it's called "river."

I, Ma Xun, utterly disdain the Mahayana philosophy of the Indians.

I consider Chuanbao's Hinayana philosophy of winning to be utter nonsense.

To win, you need both strength and skill!

This time, "Incense" goes head-to-head with "2046".

Moreover, there are several Hollywood blockbusters coming out in the early part of the summer season.

Regarding the details of the release schedule...

Hey! This one!

Troy.

It will be released in mainland China on June 12.

And this movie... poses no threat!

So, the main contenders are still our two domestic films.

Very good, very good...

After a moment's thought, Ma Xun had an idea.

However, this idea still needs to find someone to cooperate with.

……

After recording the program, Dong Qing returned to her residence as usual.

But as soon as I opened the door, I saw someone sitting inside.

Ma Xun.

Interestingly, as soon as Dong Qing saw Ma Xun, she immediately turned and ran away.

Unfortunately, it was still a step too late.

With his long legs, even though he was just sitting, Ma Xun was much faster than Dong Qing once he started moving.

They placed it directly against Dong Qing's own door.

Okay, this house actually belongs to Ma Xun too.

"Why did you leave as soon as you saw me?" Although he had acted quickly just now, Ma Xun was now speaking calmly.

This shows that he is in excellent physical condition, which is also due to his recent good conditioning, physical exercise and other supplements.

Knowing she couldn't escape, Dong Qing could only force a smile.

"I... I didn't see clearly just now. I thought a thief had broken into the house."

That's a bit silly.

"So, you can't even tell me apart from a thief?"

Ma Xun retorted, making Dong Qing even more embarrassed.

"Oh dear, I was wrong."

Dong Qing smiled, her eyes crinkling, and she was very approachable.

The key point is that she's even being affectionate, wiggling her little bottom.

It has to be said that Dong Qing may not be considered particularly beautiful, but her dignified and intellectual temperament is very attractive, and at this moment, she also shows a little bit of flirtatiousness in her dignified and intellectual demeanor.

It's absolutely killing me.

Ma Xun couldn't help but secretly marvel at how impressive it was.

However, he was a man who knew Dong Qing's true nature, so he naturally didn't let her off easily.

"Then tell me, where did you go wrong?"

"Can't you just let them talk properly?"

"No."

"Why is this?"

"Because you have too many tricks up your sleeve."

"How come there are so many?"

"Aren't you going to tell me?"

"Hehe... Did Li Hong come to you? Seeking your help?"

These words confirm that Ma Xun was right after all.

Dong Qing knew perfectly well what Ma Xun was asking.

So, Ma Xun didn't relax either, and continued to hold her up.

“She said it was her sister Dong who suggested she come to me.”

Did Ma Xun betray Li Hong?
Dong Qing feigned annoyance, "That ungrateful wretch, hmph!"

But in reality, Ma Xun saw right through her.

"Stop pretending, why did you do this?"

Dong Qing knew she couldn't hide it any longer, and besides, she hadn't intended to hide anything anyway, so she smiled and said to Ma Xun, "I'm just helping you out."

"What can you help me with?"

"You didn't want to sleep with her?"

When did I say such a thing?

"Hehe...then why did you help her like that?"

"No, can't we help like ordinary people do?"

"Forget it, if it were an ordinary person, you would most likely just ignore it."

"What you said..."

"Could it be that my boss, Mr. Ma, is a kind young man who enjoys helping old ladies cross the street in his spare time?"

Good guy, really good guy!

Dong Qing's words actually turned the tide.

Ma Xun couldn't hold back any longer, mainly because the woman kept twisting and turning.

Yes, the famous host's head is turning, but his butt...

"Ah~ you, don't..."

Unfortunately, it's useless.

Pull it down from under the hem...

Then... the door slammed shut with a loud bang.

If there were people outside, they might get a fright.

Why are you knocking from the inside?
Naturally, no one would have guessed that it was actually the woman of the house banging on the door with both hands.

But this sudden turn of events left Dong Qing with a strange feeling...

"I have something else to discuss with you."

Ma Xun wasn't in a hurry at all; instead, he started talking about serious matters.

How can this be done?

"What's wrong? Tell me quickly!"

Her voice is really nice.

Ma Xun smiled and said slowly, "The summer movie season is almost here, and my film is now facing off against a competitor."

"Rival? What?"

"2046".

"Oh? That's Director Wang, a famous director."

"My movie deserves to be on your show."

"Well... you're already doing it now, aren't you?"

I was talking about the show!

Dong Qing was doing it on purpose, and Ma Xun didn't intend to say anything more.

Let's talk less and do more.

……

Why would you want to be on my show?

"Your show is amazing."

"That's right, but there has to be a reason."

"My film, called 'Incense,' has won major awards before."

"That's no problem, but..."

"There are stories too, and it's hard to say whether there are any real-life prototypes, but the people in them are very down-to-earth. For example, in a small place in Shanxi, there was a young monk who owned a temple, and there was a Buddha statue in the temple..."

"Haha... What you said is interesting, but I think this story is great, so I should be able to use it."

"Don't worry, this movie won't be on your show when the battle starts."

"Huh? Then...why?"

"I have special plans for this movie; the approach is completely different from before."

Could you reveal some details?

"That's right, we started with niche reputation."

"This... I don't quite understand."

"So, do you understand now?"

Ma Xunting, Dong Qing understood instantly.

"I understand, I understand..."

Unfortunately, it was too late to say that.

……

time flies.

"2046" was indeed shortlisted for Cannes.

It's still the main competition segment.

Moreover, after being shortlisted, a lot of press releases were also released.

"2046 received a very long round of applause at Cannes!"

"The applause was deafening! '2046' is aiming for the Palme d'Or!"

"The applause lasted for more than three minutes!"

That's right, it's basically a marketing campaign starting with applause.

Those who frequently travel through time are certainly very familiar with this method.

This situation kept happening, and they often brought up applause.

However, this is Wong Kar-wai's movie.

It is worth looking forward to.

but!

Not long after, the Cannes Film Festival closed, and then...

Nothing!

Although, being shortlisted for the main competition is an achievement in itself.

However, it was indeed quite embarrassing to get nothing.

This can be considered a bad start for "2046".

Regardless, the schedule is already confirmed, so I have to go!

So, in early June.

"2046" has been released to the public.

Of course, in order to boost the film's box office, elegant premieres were held in both mainland China and Hong Kong.

In short, everyone who could come came.

At the same time, a movie also began its own release.

"Incense" didn't have a premiere.

All that's needed is the creative team, who follow the director to the cinemas and meet with movie fans.

It looks quite shabby.

However, a very interesting box office battle has officially begun!
(End of this chapter)