The battle for traffic in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 509 Harmonious Family

Sun Man pressed her ear against the door panel, closed her eyes, and concentrated.

"can you hear?"

Qu Mingzhen asked from the side.

Sun Man straightened up, shook her head, and then looked at Qu Mingzhen, who was full of curiosity, as she leaned back down, trying hard to hear the sounds inside.

Qu Mingzhen was still muttering to himself.

"I wish I hadn't soundproofed the study so well. It's my own home, I don't want it to be noisy."

Sun Man smiled faintly.

I really wanted to laugh out loud, but I felt it wouldn't be a good thing.

After Sun Man slept with Xu Xing, another significant change was in Qu Mingzhen and Yu Murong's attitude towards her; they seemed to have truly accepted her as part of their family.

Qu Mingzhen, in particular, was very relaxed in front of Sun Man and liked to suddenly act cute with her.

Sun Man had indeed harbored resentment before, thinking that Xu Xing only slept with Qu Mingzhen to cling to a rich woman, even though Qu Mingzhen was exceptionally superior in terms of looks, temperament, and figure.

With ample money and time for meticulous skincare, Qu Mingzhen even made Sun Man feel that she looked younger now than when they first met five years ago.

Sun Man now finds Qu Mingzhen to have a rather good personality; she has a youthful mindset, is interesting, and completely lacks the spoiled traits often associated with children from wealthy families. If Qu Mingzhen were ten years younger, the same age as Sun Man, and had met Xu Xing earlier, she might have been able to keep Xu Xing in check and prevent him from becoming the dissolute person he is now…

"At least it means they didn't argue, which is good."

Qu Mingzhen gave up trying.

Have they ever argued before?

Sun Man was very curious.

She wouldn't have asked this kind of question so casually before.

Qu Mingzhen smiled and shook his head.

"No, I haven't seen her, and Murong never said she had. But why did she kick us out? Is there something we can't hear?"

For the past two months, Sun Man had been hearing Qu Mingzhen teasing Xu Xing and Yu Murong from time to time. At first, she thought Qu Mingzhen was just jealous of their close sibling relationship, but she increasingly felt that Qu Mingzhen was actually supporting Xu Xing's feelings for Yu Murong...

Very messy.

But over the years, following Xu Xingchang's experiences, Sun Man has also heard about the even more chaotic things.

After all, Xu Xing and Qu Ming were the ones who betrayed Yu Murong first. If they didn't drag Yu Murong down with them, it would be difficult to gain Yu Murong's true forgiveness.

They were distant relatives, and Xu Xing's morals... were never even remotely established.

Yu Murong is the kind of person who seems strict but actually dotes on others endlessly.

It was bound to happen sooner or later.

...Perhaps this is what high society is all about.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xu Xing had no idea how Sun Man had slandered him in her heart.

Now that Sister Murong has asked this question, Xu Xing naturally has to give a firm response!
Yu Murong gasped in surprise as Xu Xingyi caught her in his strong arms.

"Of course I'll listen to Sister Rong, no matter what!"

Xu Xing leaned on her shoulder, her gentle yet firm voice right beside her ear.

Yu Murong wanted to break free in anger, but felt there was no way to do so.

Why are you hugging me so tightly?

"I will never forget that it was Sister Rong who saved me. I wouldn't be where I am today without her. To me, Sister Rong means..."

Xu Xing didn't say anything more, she just held her quietly.

Yu Murong, her ears burning, stared speechlessly at the ceiling, her mind a jumble of complaints she didn't even know how to express.

They hugged each other warmly for a while.

Before her body went limp, Yu Murong thought about her previous problems.

"Just listen to me. Now listen to me and let go."

"Huh?" Xu Xing awkwardly let go. "I mainly wanted Sister Rong to feel my attitude."

Yu Murong frowned.

Has she sensed your attitude?

"Sister Zhen won't suspect anything."

What do I suspect?

"I."

"Hmm? I meant you shouldn't make irrational decisions about my job."

"Very rational."

"That's irrational! Zhengrong doesn't need to be completely tied to any one party right now. Tencent in mainland China and Netflix overseas are the most beneficial options for your and Zhengrong's development. Your career has just begun, and the overseas resources of Netflix and Disney are far superior to those of Tencent. This includes not only film and television resources, but also media and political resources."

"Only Netflix could turn 'Childhood Games' into a global blockbuster. On WeTV, it would just be an ordinary hit series that stays popular in Southeast Asia for no more than a week. Tencent is completely delusional. Why bother with them? I'm too lazy to talk to Qu Mingzhen any longer—"

"No, are you and Sister Zhen's relationship really that bad now?"

Xu Xing interrupted Yu Murong in great surprise.

Yu Murong nodded with a cold smile.

"Otherwise what? She knows perfectly well what she did behind my back!"

"Um..." Xu Xinghao said awkwardly, "Is it possible that Sister Rong misunderstood?"

“There’s no misunderstanding,” Yu Murong stared at Xu Xing. “Let go of me first. Why are you like this? Why did you suddenly hug me when I mentioned her?”

"Uh, this... this... haven't we never hugged before?" Xu Xing awkwardly let go. "Also, I was worried you two would fight."

Yu Murong's expression hardened.

"Then why can't you hug her?"

"Forehead……"

"She won't let you hug her?"

"No. Sister Rong, we're talking about work, why are you going off-topic?"

Xu Xing sighed.

“We’re done talking. You can leave now,” Yu Murong said, standing up. “Let me out.”

Xu Xing had no choice but to stand up as well, making room for her.

"Hey Rong-jie, I'm usually so busy I don't get to see you."

No longer trapped in the cramped corner, Yu Murong stood up, smoothed out the wrinkles on her knitwear, and her aura was mostly restored.

"Young people should prioritize their careers."

"Um,"

"But you should also be careful to rest and not overwork yourself."

Yu Murong's tone softened.

Xu Xing smiled and nodded.

"Sister Rong too."

“Okay,” Yu Murong nodded, “That’s settled then. Remember, don’t mess around with Mingzhen in the future.”

"...I'll do whatever Sister Rong says!"

Xu Xing immediately expressed his opinion.

Yu Murong shook her head again.

"You are now successful in your career and mature and sensible, but you still need to have your own opinions."

"I will."

Xu Xing guarantees.

When Xu Xing left the study, Yu Murong did not follow her out.

Qu Mingzhen was not seen outside the door; only Sun Man was standing at the door waiting.

"Erika just called to ask if it's convenient for you to take the call. She already knows what happened back home and wants to apologize to you."

"Ok."

Xu Xing returned the call.

Over the phone, Erika sighed deeply, saying she hadn't expected Netflix's promotion to have the opposite effect in mainland China, causing trouble for Xu Xing.

It's widely reported online that Zheng Rong was criticized by higher authorities for excessive marketing of "Childhood Games," and the trending topic of "Childhood Games" has been removed from the entire internet.

Sun Man had also revealed this reason to Erika during their previous phone call.

Erika apologized repeatedly, while Xu Xing said very little, only saying that she had just found out and was still looking into the situation.

Although the general direction of continuing to cooperate with Netflix has been confirmed, there is no need for Xu Xing to tell her about this decision now.

Later, news circulated that Zheng Rong had sent the senior director to the police for investigation in order to give an explanation to his superiors.

It's now clear that Erika only noticed something was wrong after the Weibo trending topics were removed, and she quickly called Xu Xing to preemptively exonerate herself.

Erika did not fully realize the seriousness of the situation.

After realizing the seriousness of the situation, it wouldn't be Xu Xing talking to her about how to accept the apology.

As Xu Xing went to the balcony to make a phone call, Qu Mingzhen sneaked over.

Xu Xing hung up the phone.

Qu Mingzhen immediately asked.

"How about it?"

"I definitely won't say much to Erika."

“I’m not talking about her, Rongrong.”

"It's alright. Anyway, they're adamant about not being associated with penguins, and they seem a little angry about it. What's going on with you guys lately? Is your relationship tense?"

Xu Xing asked.

Qu Mingzhen shook his head.

"I was a little nervous, but she was being unreasonable. It was when we were talking about this that she objected, and I told her I'd definitely agree, that she could just listen to me from now on, and that she wouldn't have to work so hard anymore, just relax and enjoy life, and that I, as the man, would take care of everything at home. That's when she suddenly exploded. Don't you think it's her fault? Is it wrong to make her listen to you?" "Haha~" Xu Xing laughed out loud, "Your reasons for arguing are so funny."

Qu Mingzhen shook his head again.

"This isn't funny at all, okay? This argument is clearly the culmination of her pent-up frustration after she found out about what happened between us. And it's you who's the problem. If it were anyone else, she would have settled accounts with me long ago, and a clean break would be the best outcome."

"Ok."

"So think of a way to speed things up! If you keep dragging your feet and making her feel awkward, she might explode in an even bigger way later."

"What could be bigger?"

"Who knows? Anyway, for the past two years, I've been keeping a low profile in front of Rongrong, feeling ashamed and guilty, and I haven't dared to tell her the truth. The psychological gap between us has been widening. I truly love Rongrong! This situation is really painful for me, and Rongrong must be suffering too. Let's be honest with each other as a family soon and end this pain for me and Rongrong! Weren't you quite shrewd when you seduced me?"

Qu Mingzhen sighed.

Xu Xing scratched his head.

"It was clearly Sister Zhen who seduced me first. Sister Rong and I have always had a loving and respectful relationship, but Sister Rong has never acted like Sister Zhen, touching my hand, my leg, or hugging me after only meeting me a few times—ouch~"

"Manman is right, you really deserve a kick! Didn't you have an impure look in your eyes when you first saw me? I haven't even asked you what's with that Rongrong perfume smell on you yet!"

Qu Mingzhen was really angry.

"It was clearly Sister Zhen who tried to seduce me with that 'turning back and smiling' move the first time we met. Why does she tell you everything?!"

Just as Xu Xing finished complaining after dodging around, Sun Man's defense rang out from behind him.

"I didn't say it was Sister Zhen who saw it."

"Um, Manman, why are you eavesdropping?"

Xu Xing was very embarrassed.

Sun Man shrugged.

"I need to keep an eye on the study, so that Sister Rong doesn't come out and see it."

As they were talking, Sun Man suddenly turned around, then quickly turned back, and silently said: She's out.

Qu Mingzhen immediately adjusted her clothes, her expression returning to its gentle and reserved state.

After issuing the warning, Sun Man stepped forward to report on her work.

Xu Xing couldn't stand them forming cliques and ostracizing Sister Rong!
Therefore, Xu Xing ran over and immediately began to complain.

"Sister Rong, those two are bullying me!"

Yu Murong was also impressed.

What does a world-renowned superstar, whom countless fans consider a cold and arrogant superstar, do all day at home besides acting cute?
"...How did they bully you? I'll bully them too."

"Forehead……"

Before Xu Xing could figure out what to say, Qu Mingzhen's overjoyed voice drifted over.

"Rongrong, are you really going to come with us?!"

"..." Yu Murong felt that she could no longer stay in this house. "You guys can do whatever you want. I'm going to Penguin Capital."

Xu Xing breathed a sigh of relief; the family was quite harmonious after all.

Little Qu dares to talk back to Sister Rong like that...

Yu Murong refused Xu Xing's offer to take her there because the "Childhood Games" incident had caused a stir today. For now, they had only managed to control the online marketing. How to handle the follow-up, especially the dialogue with Netflix, still needed to be discussed internally at Zhengrong.

For example, before the second season of "Childhood Games" was released, the first season had already confirmed with Netflix about a joint development plan for merchandise, and communicated and coordinated with the creators of the first season.

The main creators are doing well. When casting the actors, Zheng Rong had already signed the mainland agency contracts of the actors who would play prominent roles.

This drama is a huge hit right now, and so far I haven't seen any artists get carried away and forget who they are.

In her extreme excitement, Janice Man declared, "Come and destroy me! Destroy me however you want!"

Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul also spoke to Hsu Hsing in an unprecedentedly mushy and heartfelt manner.

However, both of them died in the first season.

Wu Zhenyu, who will play the male lead in the second season, is extremely grateful to Xu Xing and Zheng Rong.

However, regarding the second season, we must first change the promise that Xu Xing made to Erika before she returned to the United States.

The current situation is that due to the controversy, Zheng Rong is somewhat hesitant to continue.

The development of surrounding areas will definitely be temporarily suspended to show our stance. Originally, given China's world-leading industrial strength, the surrounding products were supposed to be produced in China. We even had a collaboration plan with Xu Xing's trendy brand XX.

The IP is in Zhengrong's hands, the factory is also in China, and Zhengrong calls the shots in everything.

Of course, Xu Xing doesn't need to worry about the details of these matters for the time being.

But apart from "Childhood Games", the end of the year and the beginning of the new year are the busiest times, and there are still many things to talk about.

Xu Xing decided to cancel her plan to return to "Changjin Lake" immediately after coming back from Gangcheng, and instead plan to go back after her birthday on the 4th.

But these past few days have been incredibly busy.

The first priority is the promotional work for the release of "Detective Chinatown 3".

Originally, a TV series was produced to promote the release of "Detective Chinatown 3," but it was unexpectedly postponed.

Still benefiting from the positive word-of-mouth surrounding the web series "Detective Chinatown" in addition to the five main characters, and Xu Xing's even greater star power last year, fans are eagerly awaiting "Detective Chinatown 3".

After "Detective Chinatown 3" was officially announced to be released during the Spring Festival this year, a lot of people complained that the Spring Festival was too late this year, making it take them even longer to see "Detective Chinatown".

The Lunar New Year doesn't start until February 12th.

Routine checks of the "Detective Chinatown" plaza reveal daily comments urging and anticipating its release.

"However, we still cannot let our guard down."

Director Chen emphasized.

Xu Xing echoed this.

"Yes, the competitors are even stronger than last year."

Yu Murong was about to go out, and Xu Xing had also arranged a small get-together with Director Chen and Wang Baoqiang's "Detective Chinatown" F3.

After mentioning "Childhood Games" briefly and confirming with Xu Xing that there were no risks from above, they got down to business.

“I still feel that last year’s was stronger,” Wang Baoqiang laughed. “This year we only have one big production, but other movies may become dark horses. I heard that the special effects of ‘A Writer’s Odyssey’ are particularly amazing, and ‘Hi, Mom’ seems to be very good as well.”

But no matter how fast it runs, it can't catch up with the horse in "Detective Chinatown 3".

Wang Baoqiang truly feels that "Detective Chinatown 3" is unbeatable this year.

Last year, there was also Xu Zheng, who starred in "Dying to Survive".

"With Teng Ge in the cast of 'Li Huanying,' the box office should be quite high after word-of-mouth spreads. However, it might be better to release the movie during the summer. In the end, it's a sad film, not really suitable for family viewing during the Chinese New Year. I'll probably see it underperform at the box office of 'Pegasus.'"

Director Chen also offered his analysis.

"I think it will be a dark horse, after all, it is Beiwen that is in charge of it."

Xu Xing still hasn't had time to watch the finished film of "Detective Chinatown 3". According to President Qu, she felt it was pretty good. The case was indeed a bit simple, but the family-friendly atmosphere was great.

Previously, the highest-grossing domestic films, "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth," were both strong achievements of Beijing Culture.

After all the films scheduled for this Spring Festival were officially announced, movie fans joked that this Spring Festival season would be Xu Xing's battle to prove herself.

Is it Xu Xing's box office appeal that's stronger, or Beiwen's operational skills that are better?

Many people disagree, because Shen Teng, the only film actor in "Hi, Mom," has already proven that his film box office ceiling cannot even break 30 billion.

Xu Xing, the lead actor in China's first original film IP series "Detective Chinatown," has two films that grossed over 60 billion yuan each.

Making jokes about Xu Xing versus Bei Wen is actually just the marketing of "Hi, Mom" ​​trying to piggyback on someone else's success.

The production team of "Li Huanying" was particularly proactive in its publicity efforts. They even went to the Golden Rooster Awards to promote the show, and staged a scene where Shen Teng rode a bicycle to carry Zhang Xiaofei on the red carpet to attract attention.

What was the "arrogant" Detective Chinatown 3 crew doing at that time?

Xu Xing was dispatched.

That's fine.

This time, Xu Xing cannot afford to lose the battle between "Detective Chinatown 3" and "Hi, Mom".

Everyone's expectations for "Detective Chinatown 3" are much higher now than in the previous film. If it is defeated by a movie made by a sketch comedy actor "as a hobby", it will be even more embarrassing.

In that case, Xu Xing will truly be inferior to Bei Wen.

Currently, only those within the industry genuinely believe that "Li Huanying," produced by Beijing Culture, has great potential to become a dark horse, but like Director Chen, they all think that 30 billion is the maximum.

Outside the industry, apart from a few movie fans who claim Shen Teng's film has a budget of 20 billion, most netizens feel that it's at most a 10 billion film.

This time, "Detective Chinatown 3" may not receive great reviews, but it must surpass "Hi, Mom" ​​at the box office!
Xu Xing rushed to attend this small gathering so that they would not let their guard down and would pay more attention to the pre-release publicity and post-release public opinion control of "Detective Chinatown 3".

Hsu Hsing held "Li Huanying" in particularly high regard, and Director Chen echoed her sentiments.

"We really can't let our guard down."

When the gathering ended and Director Chen saw Xu Xing get into her car, he felt that there seemed to be someone in Xu Xing's car.

But he put aside his random thoughts, hooked his arm around Wang Baoqiang's shoulder, and got into his car.

Director Chen guessed correctly; there was indeed someone in Xu Xing's car.

However, it wasn't Teacher Tong that Director Chen was thinking of, but Ms. Zhao Liying, who rushed straight to Dandong in the morning, and after being informed by Xu Xing that she was on a flight from Hong Kong back to Beijing, immediately flew back to Beijing, demonstrating her full energy.

Ms. Zhao is too ambitious.

Xu Xing was actually a little annoyed, but she used Xu Xing's "pure theory" to put Xu Xing in a difficult position, so Xu Xing reluctantly let her get into the car.

Taking her home at night is out of the question, so we'll just have a little time to ourselves in the car.

Can you concentrate for a second?

Ms. Zhao complained in a hoarse voice.

The car was warm with the air conditioning on, and Xu Xing had even draped a windbreaker over her shoulders. His strong legs held her small frame in place, but she still inexplicably felt a cool breeze on her body.

Xu Xing is really going too far. He used to say he liked her when she was dressed, but secretly disliked her figure. Now he says he wants her to be completely innocent and pure, which is an insult to her personality!

Putting all that aside, Xu Xing also started surfing the internet absentmindedly on her phone as soon as she got on the bus, making it even more difficult for her to achieve her goals, leaving her exhausted and without any progress.

"My fans are exploding right now, how can I be in the mood to do these things?"

"..."

Ms. Zhao Liying has gained a new understanding of Xu Xing's shamelessness.

Then let go of my hand, move your leg, and let me get dressed and sit down over there!

(End of this chapter)