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

Chapter 447 Ikeno Leaps Over the Dragon Gate

"Hey, why are you swearing at me!"

The buffalo was furious and bellowed, "I kindly called to comfort you, and this is how you treat me?"

"...Hua Zi, you've disappointed me so much."

With a hint of sadness in his voice, Si Zi said, "I thought you were the only one who supported me, but I never expected you to say something like that, asking me to connect you with Chi Ye? President Chi? I'd rather jump off this cliff than bow my head to Chi Ye!"

These words were spoken with such conviction that Hua Zi on the other end was somewhat dazed.

Perhaps he misunderstood Qianrui. Although Qianrui's looks weren't the best in the group, she had always been a strong-willed person. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to develop to where she is today after leaving the group.

As the saying goes, knowing your own shortcomings is what motivates you to work hard to overcome them, and such people often go further. Unlike him and the team leader, their lives in the Chinese entertainment industry are getting worse year by year.

"Qianrui, don't misunderstand, that's not what I meant. What I meant was..."

"Stop talking, I'm tired."

Si Zi shook his head and hung up the phone, feeling utterly disappointed.

……

The massive success of "Joy of Life" and "My Sunshine" is, for many, no less painful than the loss of their own parents—truly heartbreaking, as all the attention was stolen by Chi Ye.

What originally belonged to Ikeno, what never belonged to Ikeno, whether it was his or not, is now his.

"Now that you've weathered this public relations crisis, you're finally free."

The crew of "The Wandering Earth".

Today, Director Li from Hunan TV came to visit the set. The two had a meal on set, and then Director Zhang and Chi Ye strolled around the set. Director Zhang remarked with feeling, "To be honest, I've been in this industry for so many years, and many young people have done things like what you did, but none of them ever got away with it."

He wasn't lying. The Chinese entertainment industry has never lacked people who officially announce their relationships, including top stars. It's a hormone-fueled circle full of handsome men and beautiful women. Over time, feelings can develop, and many young people can't control themselves.

He originally thought that Ikeno would be one of them, but as it turns out, Ikeno is Ikeno. He can always think of his next steps and plans one step ahead of others.

This ambitious plan to launch two dramas simultaneously could result in devastating losses if it fails. It's not just adding insult to injury; the fact that she publicly revealed her suicidal relationship off-screen could also cause her to suffer a severe setback.

But Ikeno dared to gamble, or perhaps it wasn't really gambling... he was just confident.

"The way you're talking makes it sound like I'm a prophet."

Ikeno modestly replied, "Actually, it was just good luck, a stroke of luck."

"You're one of those lucky bastards too?"

Director Li laughed: "What are your plans for the future? From your announcements, it seems that apart from the film you're currently shooting, there haven't been any other projects announced for a long time."

Ikeno smiled but didn't say anything upon hearing this.

Director Li waited a while, then asked in astonishment, "You're not going to be an actor anymore?"

"……about there."

Director Li was taken aback: "Almost done?"

What's almost done?
Ikeno looked at the other person and said, "I plan to take a break for a while."

"Take a break for a while..."

Director Li pondered the deeper meaning behind Chi Ye's words and had already vaguely realized something.

Ikeno's all-around victory this time has actually made him a "god".

Man-made.

Everyone knows that Yego is very powerful now, but there has never been a concrete concept of it. Everyone has been waiting for an artist to switch to capital and suffer a Waterloo, not to mention that Chi Ye himself has been "helping" from the sidelines.

For Chi Ye, officially announcing his relationship would be tantamount to career suicide. Since he has done so, this will be the most vulnerable he has been in all these years, and also the only chance for countless enemies to "take revenge".

Failed.

That meant that Ikeno had undoubtedly overcome the most dangerous and important test of his career.

He has reached his true "peak".

In terms of business, Coconut has fully matured. Ikeno is no longer "Ikeno", but has been given the title "President Ikeno" after his name.

In terms of his career as a singer and actor, Ikeno is undoubtedly at the top. He no longer needs to prove anything, so it seems reasonable for him to have this idea.

only……

"I didn't expect you to be so open-minded."

Director Li sighed: "I thought you would try to take an international route."

For Ikeno now, maintaining his current status and position is naturally the most important thing. However, if he wants to continue to rise, the domestic market is obviously no longer enough for him. Only the international route, namely Hollywood, Oscars and other major awards, is his next path to advancement.

But Ikeno himself isn't very interested in these things right now... even though he recently gained something from being nominated for an Oscar.

"International route... I might consider that later, but I'm too young now and don't really want to push myself too hard."

Chi Ye looked at his old friend, whose face was covered with a full beard and whose temples were slightly gray. He looked like he was over sixty years old even though he was not yet sixty. "Thirty years old is the age to retire."

Director Li: “?”

Do people say it?
"Haha, just kidding, we still need to make money, right?"

"Judging from your expression, it doesn't seem like you're joking."

Director Li shook his head, then moved on from the topic and looked at the busy film crew.

The Wandering Earth is clearly a large project, just how large?
Director Li didn't really have a concept of this before, but after arriving, he realized that there weren't many production teams of this scale in the Chinese entertainment industry, and "The Wandering Earth" was definitely one of them.

The success of "The Martian" has made Chi Ye one of the representative figures in the field of science fiction films, whether or not the industry and film circle are willing to admit it, it has become an established fact.

"This is the first time I've seen a film crew of this size, and it makes me even more excited for the final product when it's released."

"It's a deal. Remember to book a venue worth one or two hundred million."

Director Li: "Huh?"

"Oh, by the way, have you received an invitation to the film festival organized by the Film Association recently?"

He decisively gave up trying to communicate with the inarticulate Chi Ye and instead asked about a topic that interested him: "They must be eager for you to go this time, right?" The Film Association is a semi-official organization and is nominally the most prestigious place in the Chinese entertainment industry. It is mostly populated not by artists, but by bigwigs who wield absolute power.

This association doesn't seem to have any prejudice against Ikeno, after all, in terms of film talent, Ikeno's achievements are very impressive.

The previous years were all hosted by people from the Beijing circle. Although Ikeno was invited every year due to pressure, he never went.

This year is different. This year, the leadership is newly appointed. Although the bigwigs in various circles still have a lot of influence, after experiencing something like this, no one should want Ikeno to go.

—If Ikeno doesn't go, it'll make their association seem like it's lost all its prestige.

"Let's leave it for now, I might go."

Ikeno gave an ambiguous answer: "I haven't received an invitation yet."

"What? You haven't received it yet?"

Director Li was surprised, then shook his head: "That's impossible. Even I've heard about it, I don't believe you haven't..."

Ikeno smiled but didn't say anything.

……

at the same time.

The Film Association is also having a meeting right now, and several of the people participating in the meeting are old acquaintances of Ikeno.

"Hasn't Ikeno's invitation been sent yet?"

A bigwig at the head of the table frowned and asked, while a group of top domestic directors and association members below exchanged glances. Director Feng, who had just joined this year, coughed twice and said, "There are still some disagreements."

"Disagreement?"

The big boss was taken aback, and his reaction was exactly the same as Director Li's. He looked at everyone with a very unfriendly gaze: "I have heard about the conflict between you and Chi Ye before, but I have never said anything. This time is different. Now that I am here, I am bound to do something. If anyone tries to sabotage things in the middle... don't blame me for being ruthless."

Upon hearing this, the people below looked at each other in bewilderment, not daring to utter a word.

The newly appointed bigwig has a strong background; he was previously a senior executive at China Film Group, responsible for handling business related to overseas content.

Well, this sector is quite lucrative, but it's not at the center of power in the Chinese entertainment industry. There have been rumors in the industry that this big shot isn't well-liked by the higher-ups, especially by the former head of China Film Group.

However, with the retirement of the head of China Film Group, this bigwig suddenly rose to prominence, breaking all previous rumors, and has now been directly appointed as the head of the China Film Association and the first vice president of China Film Group.

Why is "first" added to the title of "first vice president"?

The current leader is clearly a transitional candidate; he is being groomed to be the future leader of the Chinese entertainment industry.

In the entertainment industry, who dares to disobey him?

"It's like this, our disagreement isn't about whether or not to invite President Chi..." Director Feng even changed his form of address: "It's mainly about having him as a judge, and also about the Vice Chairman of the Film Association X mentioned before... Many of us can't make that decision, and we've been waiting for news from here."

Upon hearing this, the crowd below became even quieter. The leader at the head of the table raised an eyebrow and his expression softened slightly, but he then fell silent.

Yes, he also received the list, and some of the names were even his own, but Ikeno was not.

The position of Vice Chairman of the Film Association is actually a nominal one, but if an artist or someone in the industry reaches this position, it's basically the end of their career, because it's a guaranteed position and can't be considered a status quo, but rather a symbol of prestige.

To put it simply, according to the rank, this position should be Vice B, and the next step would be a regional lord. Although... this is just a rank and is different from a real position, it still shows how high a position this is.

Generally speaking, there are actors and artists in the Chinese entertainment industry who rise to this position overnight, but those are either very old, have a lot of experience, and are already big shots in the industry.

Either they have a powerful background and are older...

That's right, they're all old and just holding the title. For example, the previous one was an 80-year-old big shot in the industry who had made great contributions in his youth, was not well-known in the industry, but whose personal resume and background were very confidential.

The previous one was older than this one... and the same applies to the one before that.

—This position, since its inception, has never truly "belonged" to anyone, nor has it ever been held by anyone over 70 years old.

How old is Ikeno this year?

Is there thirty-three in total?

Thirty-three's Facebook? Even if it's just a name in the Chinese entertainment industry, which is affiliated with the Film Association, it's still a bit too shocking. And—once he sits in that position, what will he do?
Unlike the previous elderly people, who were merely figureheads due to their advanced age and lack of energy and willingness to work, Chi Ye, at his age, once he truly ascends to power, will wield real authority.

The differences are so vast and the implications so profound that it's no wonder the Film Association hasn't reached a conclusion yet.

"Um……"

After pondering for a long time, the bigwig glanced at everyone before slowly saying, "The Film Association should naturally appoint people who have made outstanding contributions and achievements in the film industry to important positions, but... since this matter is still controversial, we can stop and discuss it again. However, the invitations must be sent out as soon as possible; this matter cannot be delayed."

Upon hearing this, everyone realized that this new leader might actually be a member of the "pro-Chi" faction.

Actually, there's no need to be too close to Chi Ye... because given Chi Ye's current achievements and accomplishments, especially the recent ordeal he overcame and successfully rose through the ranks, any newly appointed big shot should not dislike him.

Looking at Ikeno's career path, from her creations on "Singer," to "Blue and White Porcelain" on the Spring Festival Gala, to "My Love from the Star" boosting the country's tourism industry, and even the global impact of films like "Flu" and "The Martian," her cultural exports...

It can be said that what seemed like an ordinary operation at the time has accumulated to the point where it is now discovered that Ikeno has become incredibly famous.

These experiences, taken together, are, in some ways, a huge plus. Just how much? You can tell from this proposal: someone under 33 years old is nominated for vice chairman of the Film Association. In the end, he'll just be a retired old man in name only, and he'll still be making all the decisions.
Everyone present, former rivals and friends alike, was truly impressed.

If you're not satisfied, then send it to me.

"No problem, I'll contact Coconut in a bit."

The boss's assistant nodded, and the others naturally had no other objections. At this point, the issue wasn't whether Chi Ye was being targeted or not, but whether he might cause trouble for them if he was ever unhappy in the future…

After all, the Film Association may say it has no power, but it also has a lot of power, such as in film censorship... Don't forget the relationship between Chi Ye and his old leader who has always supported him. I heard that because of these incidents, the leader is now in a very good position, and there are rumors that things will get even better.

"Okay, that's all for now, meeting adjourned."

The leader nodded in satisfaction, and the meeting adjourned.

……

at the same time.

"This opportunity is very important. If you seize it, things will really be different from now on. Do you understand what I mean?"

The old leader, holding the phone, told Chi Ye his assessment of him: "A carp leaping over the dragon gate."

(End of this chapter)