Who said this top flow is crazy! This top flow is awesome!

Chapter 310 The Three Golden Pools Movie Emperor

"Distinguished guests, colleagues from the film industry, good afternoon! At this star-studded moment, we are filled with enthusiasm and anticipation as we welcome the grand opening of the Hong Kong Film Awards...!"

On stage, a well-known local Hong Kong host is giving an enthusiastic and humorous opening speech.

The audience was packed, with a constellation of stars in attendance.

Do you think he'll take it?

In the very front row, a big shot sat with his legs crossed, looking straight ahead, speaking softly in Mandarin with a distinctive Hong Kong accent.

"...Hard to say."

"Oh?"

"I originally thought he was 100% guaranteed to win the award this time, but as it stands, I've heard he's been turned down several times recently... You're asking me this question? Shouldn't you be asking yourself? How could you not know?"

A well-known Hong Kong director surnamed Wang, realizing what had happened, said speechlessly with his large pregnant belly, "Don't tell me you didn't know."

The big shot smiled slightly and said nothing.

"What's going on?"

Director Wang was getting restless, feeling that the big boss's smile had a deeper meaning.

"It's hard to tell whether it was a genuine rejection or just pure jealousy."

"Then you mean..."

"I don't have any particular competitors for the Best Actor award this year, except for a movie that Li Lianhua starred in a few years ago. That's Ikeno's biggest rival."

“But I heard that… Li doesn’t seem to care about this award at all. The film he was nominated for was only nominated because he starred in it… He doesn’t seem to need this award.”

"When you need it, you can have plenty; when you don't need it, you can be very short of it."

Big shots like to speak in a mysterious way, but Director Wang understood what the other party meant—Ikeno's momentum was like a tiger descending the mountain, and "Flu" became a hit all over the country. He himself carried this soaring momentum and was nominated for the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor.

At that time, Li Lianhua felt that this young man might be a very promising talent. Or perhaps through his own connections, he learned that Ikeno was likely to win the Hong Kong Film Awards this year, so he naturally declared to the public that he "did not lack" and "did not compete".

But so much time has passed, and when Chi Ye finally came to attend the Hong Kong Film Awards, he found that things were not as he had imagined... Given Li Lianhua's personality, he would naturally speak up immediately—don't mention that a senior's word is as good as gold.

Changing flags and flags at will, isn't this just my usual practice, Mr. Li?
"...Judging from your attitude, I think it's a bit risky."

……

"Didn't you go and chat with Ikeno or say hello?"

On the other side, in a seat located at the edge of the second row, Ling Bingbing sat with a Hong Kong film actress, who jokingly asked with a smile, "Aren't you two going to work together later?"

Ling Bingbing glanced at Chi Ye, who was also sitting on the other side of the second row, and said with a smile, "He has WeChat."

friend:"?"

"Hey, aren't you curious whether Ikeno can win an award this time? This young man is quite famous around here."

"Not curious."

"why?"

"Ikeno, you know..."

Ling Bingbing thought for a moment and concluded: "Even if he doesn't win this time, he will win it in the future. I don't really understand why you value this award so much."

My friend was taken aback.

Ling Bingbing placed her hands at her sides and smiled as she looked at the stage—just enough for a close-up shot to capture her perfect profile: "Awards are important to him, but with his current development and abilities, they are not."

Friend: "...Why are you talking so roundaboutly?"

"Anyway, I'm more curious about the Hong Kong Film Awards committee's choice this year than whether he can win an award—"

Before Ling Bingbing could finish speaking, her friend scolded her a little.

For well-known reasons, this year's Hong Kong Film Awards was indeed the most popular in recent years. Before this, the Hong Kong Film Awards had gradually been labeled by the mainland as "stagnant" and "petty".

If Ikeno fails to win the Hong Kong Film Award this time under the public eye, he may face a wave of negative press, but his acceptance speech will also be completely consigned to the dustbin of history.

From now on, it may become an award similar to the Golden Horse Awards.

So, how should we choose?
"The winner of Best Director is—"

Just then, the award presenter on stage, speaking in Cantonese, shouted loudly: "— 'The Boss,' Chan Chun-fai! Congratulations Director Fai, congratulations Fai-jai!"

After a two-second silence, a thunderous applause suddenly erupted.

"In 'The Boss,' Chen Junhui sculpts reality with his camera and uses narrative to resonate with the times. In the world of 'The Boss,' he demonstrates masterful mise-en-scène. In the car chase scene in the bustling Central district, he makes the steel torrent draw angry arcs between skyscrapers. In the group scene at the stock exchange, he uses rapid editing and handheld cameras to create a suffocating sense of the capital meat grinder...!"

The video on the big screen played various introductions to director Chan Chun-fai and accolades from the Hong Kong Film Awards committee.

In the audience, Director Chen, sitting in the third row of the "Big Boss" crew, stood up in disbelief—he really couldn't believe it—wasn't it said that Chi Ye was the chosen candidate this year?

If he wins Best Director, then what about Ikeno...?

Thinking of this, Director Chen felt a mix of sorrow, confusion, and an indescribable complexity...

It's absolutely impossible to say that he didn't want to win the award.

Since his debut, he has made some films, but none of them can be considered classics or masterpieces.

When the collaboration was first established this year, "Dream of Light and Shadow" was still a relatively unknown film in mainland China, so...

As a director from Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Film Awards, regardless of how people in other regions perceive them, are the highest honor in their hearts.

So when that moment finally arrived, besides guilt and complex emotions, he felt an overwhelming joy.

"Chiye..."

After hugging Wu Zhenyu and the other main creators of "The Boss," Director Chen saw Chi Ye with his arms outstretched towards him, and he opened his mouth.

"fine."

Chi Ye patted him on the shoulder. Director Chen was the company's top director this year, so he was considered one of their own.

"……Feel sorry."

Director Chen said something in a low voice before walking onto the podium amidst the attention of the crowd.

……

"What's going on! How come it was him? If he took it, then Ikeno can't get it!"

Xiang You, who was sitting on the edge of the first row thanks to his family connections, felt a little dissatisfied as he watched Director Chen go on stage and heard the whispers around him. He looked at his mother, who was dressed in a flamboyant manner, next to him.

"Mom, how can you do this? Doesn't Ikeno want to win an award?"

Xiang Tai frowned and glanced at his son. Noticing the gazes of those around him, he lowered his voice and said, "Let's talk about it when we get back."

"No, you can't do this for personal reasons. Hong Kong needs to open up and develop... You've seen what those circles on the mainland are like..."

"Shut up."

On the other side, Xiang Huaqiang scolded, "If you say another word, you're not allowed to wear women's clothing for a month."

Xiang You: “?!”

"Hey, Lao Xiang, are you serious this time?" Li Lianhua looked over with a smile, his smile undisguised, clearly indicating that he had received the news beforehand.

Seeing his expression and reaction, everyone immediately understood what was going on.

"Ikeno didn't win an award this time?"

at the same time.

Shi Jinwei, Shang Youshu, and other guests from the "All the Way to Blooming Flowers" program, who had not entered the venue but were watching the live broadcast from the hotel, looked at each other in bewilderment upon seeing this.

Aunt Mao and Zheng Chun Chun exchanged a glance and shook their heads: "It seems there's nothing left."

"No, why? Isn't this just playing with people?"

Shi Jinwei was unusually angry: "I heard about it in the mainland before, and now they're refusing to give it to Chi Ye at the last minute? Isn't this just using Chi Ye as a publicity stunt?"

"...A hype generator?"

Shang Jie vaguely felt that using this adjective to describe Chi Ye was a bit inappropriate.

What do you mean by "something something device"... making Ikeno sound like that kind of thing.

but…

"That's really going too far. It seems like the golden statue is going downhill."

The usually mild-mannered businesswoman was unusually dissatisfied: "I must make Chi Ye treat me to a big meal to make up for his emotional trauma."

Everyone: "?"

"Hey, to be honest, it's normal, nothing to worry about. Ikeno doesn't need this award..."

As Yang Zi waved his hand and spoke, at the same time, at the Hong Kong Film Awards, after the prestigious Best Director award was awarded to the director of "The Boss," several less important awards were announced.

Next, we came to the Best Actor/Actress awards.

The first event was the Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress, which was won for the second consecutive year by a local Hong Kong actress. The actress was not surprised by the result, but she was still a little moved when she went on stage to give her speech: "I didn't expect so many viewers to like me... Many new friends came to this year's Hong Kong Film Awards. I think this trophy in my hand is very meaningful. I also hope that the many directors and film companies in the audience can take a look at me... take a look at us. We are really cheap."

"Hahaha."

The audience first burst into laughter, then fell into a brief silence—the silence of most of Hong Kong's big names, actors, and artists.

The actress's words resonated with everyone, especially her statement, "Many new friends came today."

Yes, this year's Hong Kong Film Awards was originally a great opportunity for the Hong Kong entertainment industry to integrate into the mainland entertainment industry.

Can…

Ikeno didn't win an award...

Ikeno himself might be very upset, but the people who are even more upset are the large number of actors in Hong Kong who are currently facing a talent shortage and are unable to find work.

Take the actress who just won two Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actress, for example. Logically speaking, her status is already very high, even higher than Ikeno. However, because she has only won awards in Hong Kong and doesn't have much fame in the mainland entertainment industry, her career development is not as good as that of second-tier celebrities in the mainland entertainment industry.

Without a doubt, second-tier celebrities in the Chinese entertainment industry, such as Wang Chuxing and Tan Yue, usually earn more for endorsements and appearances than this award-winning actress.

It's not because they are bigger stars than the Best Actress, it's just that the market environment is different.

Hong Kong's entertainment industry, Hong Kong itself, has really declined in recent years.

"How much more cooperation is there? And how much cheaper? With the Hong Kong Film Awards' attitude, Hong Kong artists can forget about ever working with them again."

Sister Pliers listened to the actress's speech and gave a very blunt evaluation.

Shang Jie felt that Qianzi Jie's reaction was a bit too extreme, and advised, "Weiwei, you can't say that... The actors are innocent... Hey, I feel like you're even angrier than Xiaochi for not winning the award."

Shi Jin paused slightly and said, "If he wins the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor, then it would be perfectly reasonable for him to outrank me after 'Goblin' airs... That's why I'm a little angry."

"Oh, is that so?"

Sister Shang said suspiciously, "Don't lie to me, I'm very smart."

"..."

Pliers Sister fell silent instantly.

Yes, you're smarter than me. You always use evasive tactics, while I'm like a clueless fool, always rushing to the front.

Sister Shang, you're actually pretty much a jerk too.

"...It's the male lead's turn."

At this moment, Director Li said something while simultaneously arranging for the program's cameramen to start recording—this segment was to be included in the SVIP segment, where many guests from "All the Way to Blooming Flowers" would watch Chi Ye attend the Hong Kong Film Awards, which was originally part of the planned segment.

Unfortunately, since they didn't have any nominated works, they can't appear at the venue now, but they should be able to appear at the internal reception after the Hong Kong Film Awards.

That will be another large batch of material.

only…

Will Ikeno still go? If Ikeno doesn't go, what will they film if they do?
Yeah, awkward.

"Dear audience members both here and watching on screen, we are standing at a glorious moment in Hong Kong film art, at the Hong Kong Film Awards, a hall that carries the dreams and honors of countless filmmakers. Every award embodies the hard work and passion of filmmakers..."

"And next, we are about to announce one of the most anticipated awards of the night – the Best Actor award."

On stage, Andy Lau, who was specially chosen to be one of the award presenters, finished speaking in Mandarin with great flair. His partner, Shu Qi, smiled and said, "Oh? Is this award winner an old friend of Andy Lau?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Lianhua, who was already in close-up on camera, smiled.

Crash.

There was noise and applause at the scene.

"Hmm... Xiaoqi, what you said is a bit offensive."

Upon hearing this, Andy Lau feigned embarrassment, but those clapping in the audience were slightly taken aback.

This reaction?

"To be precise, this award winner is indeed an 'old friend' of mine."

Andy Lau abruptly changed the subject, and before anyone could react, continued, "But this 'friend' should be put in quotation marks."

"Because we have only ever communicated in spirit, but have never met in person."

"oh?!"

Offstage, many guests turned around, while others looked at Ikeno/Li Lianhua on the big screen, as well as the other contenders for this year's Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor.

"Oh? Never met before? What does that mean?"

Shu Qi pretended not to understand.

"Because in addition to being an actor, we are also a singer."

Andy Lau said, "At the same time, he also won an award that I admire very much... He won it five times in the year he participated."

After he finished speaking, an eerie silence fell over the room.

Andy Lau and Shu Qi exchanged a glance, looked at the open cue cards in their hands, and shouted: "Congratulations to the Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor - Chi Ye, Zhao Tai for 'The Boss'!"

(End of this chapter)