The battle for traffic in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 548 Superstar Robot

The magnificent building.

Qu Mingzhen stretched lazily.

"He'll always find a new toy. You know the kind of person he is, how he plays with toys. You—right?"

"Uh, what?"

Sun Man didn't react.

"You know how he plays with toys, right?"

Qu Mingzhen smiled, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"Uh yeah."

Sun Man nodded.

She could tell that Qu Mingzhen really wanted to confirm that Xu Xing treated her like any other woman, manipulating her as if she were a toy.

But there really wasn't.

Sun Man knew exactly how Xu Xing messed around with the toys. She had bought so many props and costumes for Xu Xing, decorated the special room, installed equipment, cleaned up the battlefield, installed surveillance cameras, and kept and organized the video data.

Before even sleeping with Xu Xing, Sun Man had made an unwavering decision!

If Xu Xing wanted to treat her that way, she would rather die than submit.

Xu Xing never did; she only gave Sun Man some clothing advice, and it was all very normal, just telling her to dress more beautifully. Occasionally, there would be some intense resistance, and Sun Man would completely surrender, while Xu Xing would just hold her and laugh foolishly.

Considering that President Qu was also a member of the toy industry, Sun Man decided to maintain her persona as a fellow toy in front of her, so she nodded with a hint of embarrassment on her face.

Qu Mingzhen was very satisfied with Sun Man's response.

"So, you always feel like he treats all women the same."

“No, not at all,” Sun Man shook her head. “Actually, it’s quite hierarchical. Although he almost never shows it, I can analyze it from all aspects. If you let him choose between two options and keep going until he chooses the last one, he will do it very quickly.”

"Oh? Who's the last one?"

Qu Mingzhen was surprised.

"Uh..." Sun Man scratched her head awkwardly, "I misspoke. He can choose up to the top five, but I don't know about the rest."

Qu Mingzhen was speechless.

"I thought you actually knew. Never mind, go ahead and get busy. Didn't Murong ask you to call back? I discussed it with her before. It's fine for some obedient women to make some money with Zhengrong's IPO, but as for the shares, we must guard them tightly, especially yours, Manman. He listens to you the most, so we must resolutely thwart any of his ideas—"

“He didn’t offer any suggestions,” Sun Man said, trying to defend Xu Xing. “When he acquired Jiaxing before, you and Sister Rong were worried that he would take the opportunity to give Reba shares, but in the end, he bought Yang Mi’s shares instead, leaving neither of them with any shares.”

"Too."

Qu Mingzhen nodded.

"He has a lot of investments, so it's fine for him to bring those random women into other investments. But the symbolic meaning of his prominence is too strong, and it also attracts a lot of attention. On the contrary, as long as he still likes them, they won't starve. He'll just kick out any dissenting or dissatisfied women, right? That's what you said before."

"Uh, it's a demotion."

Sun Man gestured a more euphemistic word.

"Those who wish they could see each other every day, at most once a month. And to begin with, it was only once a month—"

"Is there someone he wishes he could see every day?" Qu Mingzhen interrupted her curiously. "Who is it?"

"...Not for now, but there are occasional ones, like Son Ye-jin over there right now. It will gradually fade away. Xiaoyun reported that in the past two days, their relationship has faded back to the feeling of a normal older woman/younger man relationship, and they haven't been trying to surprise Xiaoyun with any new ideas."

"Yeah, that's how he is. He wouldn't even let me leave the house before," Qu Mingzhen casually shared her experience. "Once the initial passion faded, it was fine. By the way, didn't you say that Son Ye-jin is supposed to get married in the first half of next year?"

"Yes, we'll have to wait until they come back from Los Angeles to see what happens. But this morning, he told me he's going to buy a villa in Seoul. When I contacted the real estate manager just now, she tried to persuade me to buy the house by revealing that Son Ye-jin was also going to buy a villa there soon. She said that if I buy now, I can be neighbors with Son Ye-jin and her husband. She also gave me a mysterious exclusive glimpse into Son Ye-jin's upcoming wedding and hoped I wouldn't go around telling everyone."

Sun Man helplessly shrugged.

Qu Mingzhen also frowned.

"He really is... Will he get beaten to death in South Korea? Probably not. But we need to think of a way to avoid it... We need to strengthen our cooperation with Kakao Group. Actually, Kakao Group's current situation is just so-so. CJ Group... is just an artist, so there's nothing to worry about. Sigh, no wonder he's so reckless."

After muttering and discussing it for a while, Qu Mingzhen realized it wasn't a big deal.

Artists who make it in the entertainment industry all have powerful backers, but Xu Xing herself is one of them. If there is a real conflict, other artists' backers will simply abandon them.

Having seen and heard a lot in the upper echelons of the industry, Qu Mingzhen also knew that Son Ye-jin's boyfriend, Hyun Bin, also had a good older sister, and even after marriage, it would be difficult to break off the relationship.

Ironically, if Hyun Bin's good sister knew that someone was trying to seduce Son Ye-jin, she wouldn't actually help Hyun Bin protect Son Ye-jin; instead, she would be happy if someone tried to seduce Son Ye-jin.

Celebrities are just so ridiculous and pathetic.

Xu Xing had Sun Man to help him guard his home, and Qu Mingzhen would step in if there was any real conflict.

"He also said he wanted to invest in a short drama in South Korea with Son Ye-jin, and that CJ Group might also be involved. That photo from the party could be a convenient cover for them being pressured by CJ to cooperate and invest. He really is... but at least he hasn't relaxed his efforts to make things look respectable."

Sun Man shrugged.

Qu Mingzhen couldn't help but complain.

"Even if it's not dignified, we'll still help him regain his dignity. Okay, okay, you can go now."

"Okay, then I'll head over now."

Sun Man got up with a smile and stretched.

Qu Mingzhen smiled as she looked at her, when suddenly an idea struck her.

“I feel like the three of us – you, Murong, and I – are like a family. He is the superstar robot we are going to repair together.”

"..."

"what happened?"

"Actually, I was really starting to feel increasingly unsure how to view him, but after what Zhen said, my anxiety suddenly disappeared, hahaha~"

"Haha~ Don't tell on him, Manman."

"Mmmmmmm!"

Sun Man nodded and left Qu Mingzhen's office.

You still have to report them.

If Qu Mingzhen hadn't deliberately added that sentence, Sun Man definitely wouldn't have hit her. She said it intentionally so that Xu Xing would find out and come back to teach her a lesson.

Sun Man understands.

Sun Man understands every woman Xu Xing has.

I checked the WeChat account for contacting Xu Xing's female friends, and... well, I'll reply to Ma Fanshu's message first.

Naza is already pregnant with Xu Xing's child and has devised a meticulous plan to make her seriously ill, a plan that can be controlled to the strictest extent. However, some people will still have doubts, especially Ma Fanshu, who is very sensitive even after having a child.

This year, Ma Fanshu has been increasingly taking center stage, and she will become a host of the Spring Festival Gala early next year, at which time she will receive the most attention.

Sun Man needs to remind her of many things to pay attention to and ways to avoid risks, and must minimize the possibility of unexpected situations arising at her place.

Sun: [It's best if we don't meet directly. Just me being photographed near you will create speculation. In case of any emergency, you can talk to Xin Youqing. You can talk to her about anything except the child. You can also chat with her when you're bored, or become best friends. She's actually a very interesting girl.]

Ma: [...I don't really like her. [Sweating]]

Sun: [Your hunch was right, but she has a girlfriend, so you don't need to worry about her competing with you for her.]

Ma: [That's what I was referring to! So she really is...]

Sun: [She's pursuing you?]

Ma: [No, but I felt her eyes... [sweating]]

Sun: [rolls eyes]

Ma: [Laughing and crying emoji] Just kidding, hahaha! I saw her a couple of days ago being a bit ambiguous with another girl, probably her girlfriend, but she didn't come over to introduce her to me.

Sun: [I think so. I'll suggest you get together another day.]

Ma: [Okay. Are they all...?]

Sun: [No, not at all. Never mind, I'll find some time to meet with you again and talk to you in person.]

Ma: [Yay][Laughing and crying] I'm so happy to see you again! I'm so happy!

Sun: [?]

Ma: [I think you're a really nice person, and also really amazing! I like you so much! [laughing and crying emoji]]

Sun Man paused for a moment.

[Laughing and crying emoji]

They maintained a good relationship.

While we were chatting, Yoona, who was pinned to the top of my chat list, sent me a WeChat message.

[Did they actually...? I felt something was off during our video call just now.]

Click to reply.

[Just ask him directly.]

Lin: [Oh, I see...]

Lin: [It feels weird. Should I take the initiative to become better friends with her in the future?]

Sun: [Didn't you say you felt like you were unintentionally helping someone out?]

Lin: [I didn't expect to be asked that kind of question, so I feel it's okay if you help me teach that overbearing slave a lesson... [pity]]

Sun: [Laughing and crying emoji]

Lin: [Is it wrong of me to think this way?]

Sun: [No.]

"Sister Man."

"Sister Man."

The people next to them greeted them in unison.

After casually replying, Sun Man took two steps before looking up and turning her head to see Wang Churan and Hu Lianxin.

The two, who are relatively marginal figures in Xu Xing's long-term holdings but whose interest is growing, are young and beautiful and still in the development stage.

They must be here today to see the script for "Kowloon Walled City".

This is the second largest long-term development project in Hong Kong after "Childhood Games". However, the female characters are just minor roles, so let's just let them make an appearance.

After considering the positive greetings on WeChat and the lack of anything noteworthy in the latest reports about the two, Sun Man smiled and chatted warmly with them for a couple of minutes.

The main manifestation is that although Xu Xing saw them infrequently, she paid special attention to their development.

Just then, her assistant called to remind her that she should call Yu Murong back, so Sun Man didn't chat any longer.

They couldn't reply to messages on WeChat for the time being either; they all knew how busy Sun Man was.

Sun Man didn't go back to her office. Instead, she went straight to the lounge in the adjacent corridor, sat down, opened her memo, looked at what she wanted to say, and sent a video call request.

They communicated quickly. Yu Murong seemed to be in a good mood.

But Sun Man sighed deeply.

"Hey! Sister Rong, your worries are justified. Xu Xing's current intention is to turn a short-term project into a long-term one. He hasn't had enough fun yet, and he probably feels that this time is more fun than before."

"..."

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.

"Yoona must be suspicious, otherwise she wouldn't have sent me another call request immediately after finishing her call with you. I... I'm so embarrassed~"

"You probably guessed it, but there's really no need to worry. She's just being mischievous on purpose. Didn't you hear what she said? She's trying to provoke us. Don't feel ashamed. When we get back to Korea, you'll see how she embarrasses herself. She's much more obedient than you."

"...Apart from Yoona, things won't get any worse, will they?"

"Yes, I promise it's only Yoona, so it's not worse, it's safer. If something unexpected happens, I will admit my relationship with Yoona to protect Noona if necessary."

"Sigh, actually, don't you think I'm a terrible woman?"

"Of course not. If someone else were in control of Nuna right now, I would have such thoughts. Right now, I only feel gratitude and appreciation for Nuna, and I also feel lucky."

"...It's like this again, domineering yet sweet-talking~ but I feel happy. I'm really disappointed in myself—um~ I'm really~ going to break."

"Uh, it's my fault. This was supposed to be a polite conversation, but Yoona suddenly called on video. I'll definitely give her a good talking to next time!"

"Like, right now~, strict, huh~"

"Like last night."

"Oh, then, that's how it should be!"

"Didn't Nuna just say she wasn't feeling well? Why is she still like this?"

"Because...that's why...it broke...waaaaaah~"

"Should I help you calm down as soon as possible?"

"Yay! Good!"

Half an hour later, we returned to the refined conversation.

It wasn't particularly elegant.

Even though there were dresses with high necklines available, Son Ye-jin deliberately chose a very revealing tank top and even pouted, frowned, squinted, and stuck out her tongue at Heo Haeng.

When a woman gets aroused and starts to erupt, her energy is indeed no less than a man's.

Xu Xing had no choice but to pull her into his arms and continue chatting while expressing his appreciation for her figure.

On the terrace, the rocking chair sways gently, and the night breeze blows refreshingly.

The topic, however, is quite serious.

This secret meeting is now in its final countdown, and the two still have many things in common to talk about.

She was still somewhat worried about auditioning again for "Past Life," as Xu Xing was emphasizing that she was being punished for her distrust of herself and Xu Xing.

Even serious topics aren't so serious anymore.

They laughed and joked, kissed and hummed for quite a while before their conversation finally became a little more serious.

“I went online this afternoon and saw the news about the opening of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Director Frémaux mentioned your film, ‘Blossoms.’ I remember at the party before, didn’t you mention that you were considering participating in the Venice Film Festival? How come Director Frémaux is so sure that ‘Blossoms,’ Wang Jiawei, and Xu Xing’ definitely belong to Cannes? Are you sure you’ve decided to participate in next year’s Cannes Film Festival? I heard that the competition next year will be very fierce.”

Son Ye-jin brought up Eugene Oklahoma City Hall to find out about its current situation.

Although she won Best Director at Cannes for her debut film "The Drunken Immortal," that was her only Euro 3 experience.

Next year's Cannes Film Festival may seem lively, but it's really just a lively event for Asian films. The overall quality of the films is just so-so. In the past, it was mainly a lively event for Korean films.

Lee Chang-dong's "The Decision to Break Up," Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Broker," which features him making pre-made dishes in South Korea, and Wang Jiawei's "Blossoms," which is widely anticipated this time.

The drama "Blossoms" also stars Xu Xing, currently one of the most popular stars in Asia.

"Now it's definitely more likely we'll go to Cannes, but it's not necessarily next year. Nobody knows how long Director Wang will need to edit before he's satisfied. After the rumors about us going to the Venice Film Festival became more and more prevalent, the Cannes side got restless and called to invite us many times. It would be fairer for the whole crew to go to Cannes."

What Xu Xing didn't mention was that Fu Mao was already implying that "Blossoms" would win an award as long as it went.

However, this award is more likely to go to Wang Jiawei.

Even though Sunglasses returned empty-handed from his two most recent trips to Cannes, including the sequel to "In the Mood for Love," "2046," those were all more than a decade ago.

At that time, Sunglasses had just gained a relatively high status in the European film industry thanks to "In the Mood for Love".

It wasn't until recent years, with the development of the "disciples and grandchildren" of sunglasses, that the ever-increasing value of "In the Mood for Love" propelled sunglasses to an astonishingly high status.

—The reason why sunglasses are popular in China recently is because the movie "The Ferryman" was ridiculed by the entire internet.

Therefore, if Cannes now finds a sunglasses-wearing protégé to be the jury president, they can basically award prizes with their eyes closed, although what they award is hard to say. We don't want someone like Quentin Tarantino who talks a good game but actually criticizes everything.

They've gone to such lengths, even expressing their hope that Xu Xing can boost the Cannes Film Festival's global influence. The Venice Film Festival can't possibly make a 100% promise to award Xu Xing the Best Actor award. Considering the operational difficulties, there's not much difference between them.

They all push a sunglasses-wearing protégé to be the jury chairman, and then stuff their own people into the judging panel. That's how it is with awards like the Eurovision Song Contest, where a few people discuss how to divide the spoils.

Sunglasses have appeal, and Xu Xing has star power—star power is crucial. In the previous life, next year's Cannes Film Festival brought "Top Gun 2" to the opening ceremony, and even had the Air Force perform a performance to fawn over Tom Cruise.

Fortunately, Xu still has money.

Even "Wild Era" got the jury chairwoman, Aunt Zhu, to tear off a special award on the grounds that it was "unfathomable and impressive," which shows how much more fortunate Hsu Hsing is.

Furthermore, considering that Cannes is still the most prestigious among the three European countries in China.

What if the sunglasses' followers are too fanatical and insist on compensating the sunglasses by tearing up the Palme d'Or? The Palme d'Or winner in the previous life, "The Tragic Triangle," was just so-so.

Why must we award Sunglasses another Best Director award?

Or at the very least, shouldn't they award a second prize or a grand prize from the judging panel?
Zheng Rong ultimately decided to prioritize Cannes again.

Of course, everything depends on when the sunglasses finish editing the footage.

The release of the TV series adaptation of the previous life was rushed. Sunglasses felt that he hadn't finished editing it before being forced to release it hastily.

This time, Zheng Rong stood on the side of the sunglasses, letting him cut it until he felt it was done, verbally indicating that it was to be submitted to next year's Cannes Film Festival.

Sunglasses readily agreed, and filming will begin at the end of September 2019, meaning a production cycle of nearly three years until next year—that's quite a long time. Back then, "The Grandmaster" only took three years from filming to its official release.

"CJ Group probably wants you to go to the Venice Film Festival, right?"

"Chairman Li said that, but I suggested that she take 'Decision to Break Up' to Venice. 'Blossoms' is not a film that Hollywood would like. And if they want to take 'Decision to Break Up' to compete for the Oscars, the Venice Film Festival, which has become an Oscar precursor, is more suitable."

"Pfft~"

"what happened?"

"Just imagine the look on her face when she hears what you say, it'll be hilarious. She's such a conceited and annoying woman."

"She listened and then thought about it seriously."

"Tch~ Fake respect, fake smile."

"Haha~ Don't let her hear what you're saying."

"Would you tell her? I can only be myself without restraint with you. You've torn off all my pretenses, so can't I say whatever I want? Honestly!"

"Haha, of course!"

"Did she take your advice and decide to go to Venice?"

"No, she thinks that it would be a better publicity strategy to let Asian Films generate global attention together in Cannes next year, and I think that makes sense."

Unfortunately, before the start of next year's Cannes Film Festival, "Instant Universe," which best suits Hollywood tastes, will have already been released.

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.

On July 10th, Xu Xing and Taylor finished recording their last promotional event in the United States, "Saturday Night Live".

Knowing that Xu Xing was about to return to China, Ms. Taylor's eyes held a hint of unspoken words whenever she saw Xu Xing again.

Ten days ago, Xu Xing forcefully summoned her to the villa, where they spent a crazy day and night. Now, she was prepared for another ten crazy days.

However, Xu Xing's album was unexpectedly leaked, disrupting everything.

She had to leave temporarily, and then... Xu Xing never called her over again—Ms. Taylor really couldn't understand it more and more during this time.

At first, Taylor wondered if Hsu Hsing was playing some kind of manipulative game.

Because she had completely surrendered to Xu Xing physically and accepted him as her captive, Xu Xing would definitely be greedy and want to steal her heart again, but she knew very well that she could never be with Xu Xing.

Although Hsu Hsing also said that she had no intention of being in a relationship and only wanted to maintain a clean friendship.

A week has passed, and Xu Xing still hasn't invited him again.

The two had been in contact many times this week, discussing the official release of the album, adjustments to the promotional schedule, congratulating each other on the album's amazing performance, congratulating each other on topping the Billboard Hot 100, defending the critics, and discussing their respective tour plans...

Xu Xing would always reply enthusiastically, but she never sent an invitation.

Taylor finally couldn't help but hint that she was bored at home, but Hsu Hsing replied by complaining that her promotional schedule was too busy and tiring, and that she envied her for being able to rest at home.

Taylor was so angry that she didn't contact Xu Xing for three days afterward, and Xu Xing didn't contact her either.

Just before recording the show today, the two met again for rehearsals for their live performance of "Eastside." Hsu Hsing was as enthusiastic as ever, but Taylor noticed that the possessiveness that Hsu Hsing had always hidden well but deliberately showed to her was gone.

Although she had carefully prepared her makeup, with blonde hair, red lips, and a dress that exuded a mature yet ladylike feel.

Ms. Taylor's agitation lasted for ten days before she finally calmed down.

Just as he said, Xu Xing wanted to maintain a clean friendship.

fair enough!

Happy chatting, tacit rehearsals, perfect performances in the officially recorded program, mutual praise and laughter on the show... until the end.

The recording of the program has ended.

Xu Xing will soon return to China and then to the United States, possibly until next year's Grammys.

"Hey, why are you suddenly spacing out? Are you in a bad mood?"

Xu Xing smiled.

Taylor snapped out of her daze and laughed easily.

"No. Okay, maybe. Aren't you going back to China? Saying goodbye to a friend."

"So, before I leave, I want to sleep with you."

A natural tone, a playful smile, but a genuine possessiveness.

Caught off guard, Ms. Taylor was almost about to refuse to express her dissatisfaction, but before she could finish speaking, she parted her red lips slightly and nodded.

Xu Xing made no attempt to hide her smugness at her submissiveness, and Ms. Taylor really felt she had to retaliate.

Her pride and possessiveness vanished in an instant, and Xu Xing's eyes became gentle and wistful.

"More importantly, I wrote a song and would like to invite you to listen to it."

"..."

Taylor's eyes sparkled, but she tried hard to suppress her joy.

She was absolutely certain that Xu Xing had been preparing this surprise for her for the past ten days!
(End of this chapter)