The battle for traffic in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 525 What else can we do?

“I’ve seen predictions from various platforms that the box office will reach 6 to 7 million yuan in the next two days. Your 'Detective Chinatown' film will be the top-grossing film for at least five days. If that’s the case, you won’t need to be distracted when you go back to the set to film.”

Yu Murong smiled.

After dinner, she felt the room was too stuffy, so she asked Xu Xing to come out for a walk together.

The winter night is cold, but it also makes people more alert.

Xu Xing will be back on set tomorrow to film. He only has five days off for the Lunar New Year, and he will spend most of his time at his villa with those women.

Yu Murong has had a subtle feeling these past few days, as if Xu Xing has made his own home over there.

His daughter is here, his older sister is here, and Qu Mingzhen is here too...

However, Yu Murong and Xu Xing did not actually live in a home—a home in the physical sense—for an extended period of time.

"It should be possible, but it's hard to say. It's common for a film's reviews to suddenly drop and its box office to plummet. But no matter what, I won't be distracted when I'm filming."

Perhaps because Yu Murong was on the other side of the light, her face was shrouded by Xu Xing's figure, Xu Xing suddenly felt that Sister Rong seemed to have become much shorter.

In my memory, in my impression, her image has always been that of someone radiant and dazzling when she took Xu Xing to America…

Xu Xing is actually quite optimistic about the box office performance of "Detective Chinatown 3".

The critical reception of "Detective Chinatown 3," which failed to withstand in its previous life, was countered by "Li Huanying" on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.

This time, "Detective Chinatown 3" got more screenings and its opening was more explosive than the previous one, with a box office of nearly 30 billion yuan in three days, which is 5 million yuan higher than the previous one.

The negative reviews of "Detective Chinatown 3" on the internet reached their peak on the third day of the Lunar New Year.

However, judging from the pre-sales for the next two days, the box office has not plummeted.

It's a certainty that the box office will break 40 billion in the next two days, and it could even reach 50 billion in the first week, although that will be very difficult.

The reputation of "Detective Chinatown 3" is indeed collapsing, and there's been a lot of commotion among fan groups, but among casual viewers, it's still:
I heard "Detective Chinatown 3" is a mess? Well, I'm going to go to the theater to see for myself.

Hsu Hsing actually made a bad movie? I just can't believe it!
This is the power of Hsu Hsing's appeal.

Many people who watched it felt that it wasn't as bad as the online reviews suggested.

Of course, there will also be many more fans who still believe in Hsu Hsing, only to become even more disappointed with her after going to the theater.

But Xu Xing is now able to take responsibility for this defeat.

Xu Xingye can indeed single-handedly restore the audience's expectations for "Detective Chinatown 4".

The most rational approach to the future of the "Detective Chinatown" universe is to shift the blame for "Detective Chinatown 3" onto Director Chen, then announce Xu Xing's return to the "Detective Chinatown 4" writing team, and then wait for the release of "Sheep Without a Shepherd 2" and "Sheep Without a Shepherd 3," as well as a web series for the preliminary test.

If "Detective Chinatown 4" is successful after its release, then there will be no need to argue with Director Chen anymore, and everyone in and out of the industry will recognize that Xu Xingcai is the most important person in "Detective Chinatown".

In fact, we don't even need to wait until that time.

Aside from a few historically great directors, most commercial blockbusters rely heavily on superstars, and directors can be replaced at will.

Now, Xu Xing is the most important person.

On Douyin, under short videos related to the alleged discord between Xu Xing and director Chen regarding "Detective Chinatown 3," half of the videos have over a million likes, all urging director Chen to kneel down before Xu Xing, otherwise "Detective Chinatown" will be finished once Xu Xing runs away.

The other half is to let Xu Xing run away and make her own film, "Sheep Without a Shepherd," instead of wasting her talent on Chen Gou anymore.

Therefore, the share of "Detective Chinatown 4" should be mentioned again.

I didn't talk much with Director Chen this afternoon, but we all know what's what.

"Um……"

Yu Murong pondered for a moment, about to say something more, when he saw Xu Xing suddenly grinning mischievously.

"Only Sister Rong can distract me."

"...Could you please stop being so glib?"

Yu Murong rolled her eyes, speechless.

"What I said is true."

Xu Xing smiled.

Yu Murong gave Xu Xing a reproachful look and changed the subject.

"Dilraba came over today."

"what?"

Xu Xing was very surprised.

Dilraba didn't tell herself either.

“She said she wanted to come and wish me a Happy New Year, so I let her come. Anyway, I see Nazha from time to time. But there was a little accident when she came. Zhenzhen cried and Nazha heard it. She was very reserved at first, but suddenly she asked to hug Zhenzhen. So I let her hug her for a while.”

Yu Murong spoke in a casual tone, but with a hint of inexplicable sentimentality.

She stopped and turned to look at Xu Xing.

"What...what are you really thinking about these women? Naza has always wanted to have your child, Dilraba seems even more eager, and there are others too. Although I think they are all...but you like them quite a bit."

"Or, how about we wait a few more years? Anyway, they should be willing to wait for you. Having children later in the entertainment industry is better for their careers."

"Let's wait a few more years. If we really want a child, we can have one. It's not like we can't afford to raise one. I don't really want children, but I don't dislike them either. Having children doesn't really have any special meaning, does it?"

Xu Xing shrugged.

Yu Murong was speechless again.

"You'll give your child to anyone who wants it! Sometimes I really want to say to you, you've seen so many women, you don't refuse any of them, and you just keep taking in those who want to stay by your side? How come I never realized you were such a romantic when you were little?"

"Um...nothing," Xu Xing said somewhat embarrassedly. "It's mainly because time reveals true character. I'm willing to persevere, and I don't dislike them. Over time, even pet cats and dogs develop feelings. Besides, I've already avoided a lot of women."

Many others simply sleep.

"..."

Yu Murong remained silent for a moment.

"Maybe. But don't make me a bad mother-in-law. I don't actually have time to deal with them much. When she said she was coming over today, I thought you sent her."

"Sister Rong, why don't you give me a call and we'll know if it's true or not?"

"I'll do it next time."

"Hmm. If Sister Rong doesn't really want to deal with them, just let Sister Zhen do it. She's her company's employee after all."

"That's best."

Yu Murong nodded.

Then, out of the blue...

“You’re closer to her now. I—wait, what are you doing…”

Yu Murong was extremely embarrassed.

Xu Xing suddenly pulled her into his arms.

"Let me go, what if there are paparazzi and I get photographed..."

"Where would you find paparazzi at night? You can't see them outside either."

"You...you don't know paparazzi use drones to take photos secretly? Let go! I'm getting angry!"

"I don't know. I'm already angry. I'm closest to Sister Rong! I always have been, but I've never actually hugged her. No, I need to hug her a little longer."

"Okay, okay, you're my closest friend. Alright, let me go now."

"Don't let it go."

"Listen to me."

"Do not listen."

"...Are you trying to drive me crazy?"

"I'd rather die than let go."

"……nausea."

"..."

"..."

"Actually, I've wanted to hug Sister Rong like this since I was little. I not only don't want to let down someone's sincerity, but I also want to repay them tenfold. Sister Rong is the most important person to me. I've been thinking about what I should do to make Sister Rong feel how grateful I am for everything you've done for me back then, later, and now. But I can't think of anything, I—"

Xu Xing was suddenly pushed away.

The strength of the embrace hadn't changed; it meant Yu Murong truly wanted to break free.

"What you're saying about Mingzhen makes me think it's ridiculous."

She didn't even glance at Xu Xing again, turned around and went back to her room. ————

I can't go back today.

Xu Xinggang sent a WeChat message to Dilraba.

Qu Mingzhen has already rushed back.

"Tell me again what exactly happened. Why did you suddenly expose her? And why is she so angry? I've tested her so many times, both openly and subtly, and she's never really been angry before!"

"Sigh, how could she possibly not be angry?"

Xu Xing sighed, took another cushion that had been prepared earlier, and handed it to Qu Mingzhen.

"Let's all kneel down at the door."

"...Okay. Sigh, I really feel so sorry for Rongrong. I went too far. I shouldn't have seduced you. Rongrong, if you want to hit or scold me, let her come at me. I've caused a rift in your close sibling relationship. I deserve to die."

Qu Mingzhen knelt beside Xu Xing, sighing repeatedly, and her voice choked with emotion at the end.

She spoke very loudly so that Yu Murong inside could hear her.

Although when she sleeps with Xu Xing, it's Xu Xing who plays with her like a little pet or toy, the fact remains that they are siblings... If it were Yu Murong, Qu Mingzhen would be furious.

After finishing his self-criticism, Qu Mingzhen was about to bang on the door and call Yu Murong out, but Xu Xing stopped him again.

"Sister Zhen, you're still wearing high heels. That must be so uncomfortable."

As Xu Xing spoke, he helped her take off her high heels.

Qu Mingzhen's heart softened again, and he became even more determined to hook up with Xu Xing even if it happened again.

Wouldn't it be better if we all became the closest of friends? Clearly, Yu Murong's feelings for Xu Xing weren't normal either... and now it's even more obvious that they're abnormal.

Yu Murong has always been someone who faces any problem head-on; locking herself in her room is something she has never done before.

It was clear that she was in turmoil.

"Open the door, Rongrong! I'm back. You can hit me or scold me all you want, just open the door first!"

Qu Mingzhen patted the door panel, her voice filled with deep emotion.

Xu Xing sighed.

“I’ve been knocking on the door for ages, but there’s been no response. To be honest, I’m starting to worry that Sister Rong might be trying to commit suicide, and I’m about to call the police.”

The voice just fell.

"You're the one who's trying to commit suicide!"

A muffled sound came through the door.

"I'm sleepy. We can talk about everything tomorrow. You guys go to sleep too!"

"Did you take sleeping pills?! Open the door!"

Xu Xing asked urgently and loudly.

"..."

Qu Mingzhen, who was about to speak, was caught off guard.

Yu Murong inside seemed to have been caught off guard as well, and paused for a moment before responding.

"without you--"

"Yes!" Xu Xing immediately interrupted her, her tone even more urgent, "Open the door! Sister Rong!"

It even started to sound like crying.

Qu Mingzhen was dumbfounded.

Although Yu Murong is not the type to take sleeping pills, he is not afraid of angering Yu Murong to the point that he actually takes them—no, there are no sleeping pills in the bedroom.

The main thing is that Xu Xing has quite a few solutions, doesn't he...?

After a long while, there was no sound from inside, and Xu Xing was about to knock on the door again.

With a click, the door opened.

Yu Murong, who had already changed into her bathrobe, walked out leisurely. When she saw the two people on the ground at the door, her expression did not change.

Instead, he waved his hand lightly.

"I forgive you both. From now on, you two should live a good life together. I'll still be your sister, but Mingzhen, you'll have to call me that now—okay, I'll still call you sister. I won't give you the master bedroom; I'm not comfortable sleeping in a particular bed."

“From now on, Mingzhen, you can sleep in Xiaoxing’s room. You two should work harder and have the baby this year. You’re already at an advanced maternal age, and the longer you wait, the more dangerous it will be.”

"Oh, right. You can get the marriage certificate abroad, but the wedding ceremony is essential, so that needs to be done. Mingzhen, why don't you take some time, let's go get the divorce certificate."

Yu Murong leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, her expression more relaxed than ever before.

Xu Xing and Qu Mingzhen were stunned for a long time.

"Uh, no..."

Xu Xing was somewhat at a loss for words.

Fortunately, Qu Mingzhen was a thoughtful person. She stood up and hugged Yu Murong tightly despite her disapproving look.

"No, we can't get a divorce!"

"They must get a divorce! I can't let my brother's wife be a woman who is still married!"

Yu Murong was resolute.

"Actually, I don't care."

Xu Xing interrupted.

But Yu Murong's eyes immediately pierced through like knives.

Xu Xing had no choice but to shut up and watch Qu Mingzhen cling to Yu Murong and act spoiled.

"I won't leave. You and Xiaoxing are both mine!"

"I……"

Yu Murong's natural defensive aura suddenly broke down, and his eyes became incredibly complicated.

Qu Mingzhen gave Xu Xing a look, then pushed Yu Murong back to the bedroom and locked the door.

Xu Xing, who was surfing on the sofa, didn't receive a WeChat message from Qu Mingzhen until almost midnight.

It's alright. You should go to sleep now, I'll talk to you again tomorrow.

Xu Xing asked her what was going on, but she didn't reply, so he went to sleep.

Xu Xing woke up early the next morning, but the first person she saw after getting up was Yu Murong, whose eyes held a complicated expression.

Just as Xu Xing was about to greet them, Qu Mingzhen appeared from behind her and pulled Xu Xing back into the room.

Just speak.

“I showed her the video of the two of us.”

"what?"

"I seduced you, but you've been bullying me all along, so there's no question of me bullying you and your brother. You have serious psychological problems because of your childhood experiences, which is why you like your older sister and are so perverted. That's Rongrong's current understanding, isn't it?"

Qu Mingzhen spoke very concisely.

"..."

Xu Xing scratched his head.

Qu Mingzhen sighed and patted Xu Xing on the shoulder.

"Rongrong now knows what kind of person you are in bed, so it will be even more difficult for you in the future, and in fact, it's almost impossible. She can't accept being manipulated by you like I was. But for now, this is the only way. Who told you to provoke Rongrong and make her expose you?"

"...I suspect you deliberately showed her the video."

Xu Xing cautiously questioned.

Qu Mingzhen shrugged.

"What else can we do? It's the dog who did it on purpose. I even suspect you deliberately seduced me, all for Rongrong's sake. I just want the three of us to live a good life together!"

"..."

"Sigh, this is really the only way. This way, I can keep Rongrong protecting me and continue living in her room, and I can also secretly continue with you."

"...You did this on purpose, didn't you!"

"No, no, no."

(End of this chapter)