Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 326 The Pinnacle of Life, Preparing for Retirement

Cao Jian never expected that after coming to Paris, he would end up with Zhang Shaohan.

However, the two agreed to keep their relationship a secret.

Cao Jian wasn't afraid of rumors, but he was worried that others would follow suit, and how he would resist such temptations.

Zhang Shaohan was quite obedient and participated in the rehearsal as usual, but she showed more concern for Cao Jian.

Others assumed that Zhang Shaohan only liked the boss and that there was nothing between them.

However, Lee Hyori still noticed something was amiss; she had gained an ally who could share the burden of her boss's domineering nature.

June 10th arrived quickly, and on that day, the eyes of countless football fans around the world were drawn to the World Cup, which is held every four years.

Moreover, the opening match of this World Cup is between Brazil, the country with the most fans, and Scotland, which makes it even more attractive.

Originally, the World Cup was held in Europe, and due to the time difference, the opening ceremony and the opening match were held late at night in China. However, this day turned into a sleepless night in China.

Cao Jian already has a large number of fans, definitely in the hundreds of millions.

Moreover, "The Cup of Life" has been playing on television continuously during this period, and everyone wants to see a live version.

Fans also really liked the song. Although the Chinese national football team did not qualify for the World Cup, the fact that Cao Jian, a Chinese, could perform at the opening ceremony is a source of pride for the Chinese people.

In China, video arcades, bars, fan clubs, and karaoke rooms were bustling with people drinking and waiting for the World Cup to begin.

In Hong Kong, Stephen Chow, also a football fan, was watching the game with some friends in a private bar.

Everyone else was drinking, but Stephen Chow was frowning.

He was eager to know whether Mr. Cao could actually get the "Shaolin Soccer" video played at the World Cup.

If he could really do that, then Brother Jian would be truly amazing.

In Cao Jian's villa in Yanjing.

The place, which is usually quiet, is very lively tonight.

"Sister Hong, why did you think of inviting everyone to watch the game together?"

Li Bingbing and others have recently been filming in the same production crew as Chen Hong. Tonight, they received an invitation to watch the game at Cao Jian's house.

"I originally wanted to watch it alone, but I thought it would be boring, and going to a bar would be too chaotic, so I called everyone over. It's more fun with more people."

Chen Hong did want to create a lively atmosphere, but she also wanted to show off her mansion.

Almost all the artists under the company are here today, both men and women.

Except for Liu Xiaoli and her daughter, who didn't come to join in the fun.

"Sister Hong, this villa is so beautiful, it must have cost a lot of money, right?"

Chen Hao was also invited. She looked around the villa and envied those who had such a house.

Chen Hong was pleased by the envy of those around her. She had someone bring out drinks and beer and said with a smile, "It's not much money, just over two million."

Wow, that's over two million!

Two million is not a small number, not to mention in the late 1990s, even in the 21st century.

Although everyone was shocked, they also knew that this house was definitely not bought by Chen Hong with her own money.

Isn't it all thanks to the boss?

It's all because you gave birth to a son for the boss.

Jiang Qinqin, Dong Jie, and Wang Yan were thinking to themselves that when their husbands came back, they would work hard to live in such a big house.

But he also understood that to receive such treatment, he had to have a son.

"Everyone, sit down, let's have some drinks, watch TV and chat first, the World Cup opening ceremony will start soon."

Chen Hong invited everyone to sit in the living room, as most of the television programs tonight were about the World Cup.

As the first Chinese person to step onto the "World Cup stage," Cao Jian undoubtedly received the most media coverage.

Looking at the overwhelming news reports and sitting in his expensive villa, Chen Hao's thoughts started to stir again.
At 11 p.m., the familiar voice of the host came through CCTV-1.

"Good evening, viewers. We are now in Paris, France, broadcasting live from an international communications satellite of the grand opening ceremony of the 16th International Games for the 10 ...

Upon hearing Sun Zhengping's voice, everyone who had been chatting about entertainment gossip turned to look at the television.

The opening ceremony had just begun when a few chicks were playing with a ball on the field.

This kind of program is a bit boring, and people really can't get into it. They just want to see Cao Jian come out. However, on the court, the logo billboard of Cao Jian's mobile phone brand is quite eye-catching.

"Boss Cao is really amazing, he even put mobile phone ads on the World Cup."

"Yes, this should be the first time a Chinese brand has appeared on the world stage."

While the audience admired Mr. Cao, the host of the live broadcast also introduced Mr. Cao's brand.

Furthermore, it has been confirmed that this is the first time a Chinese brand has appeared at a World Cup stadium.

That one sentence filled the audience with pride.

Thanks to Mr. Cao, otherwise, it would have been many more years before our brand appeared in the World Cup.

After all, the idea of ​​breaking out of Asia and going global has been around for decades.

Before the Chinese national football team even left the field, Boss Cao rushed out first.

The chicks playing with a ball show lasted for several minutes before finally ending. Next was a model catwalk, and someone was banging on a gasoline can.

Just as people were anticipating how "The Cup of Life" would be performed, the models who had walked the runway did not leave, but instead surrounded the center of the stadium.

Then, the gasoline drums that had just been playing music for the runway models all started playing the most popular tunes of the moment.

The drumbeats from the gasoline drums were accompanied by whistles.

"He's coming out! Boss Cao is coming out!"

When this melody started playing, not only in this villa, but in countless places throughout China, everyone went crazy.

On television, several performers with megaphones and samba dancers appeared at the stadium.

"DiDi! DiDi!"

The horn blared louder and louder.

The stadium, which can hold 80,000 people, was packed to capacity for the opening ceremony. Upon hearing this melody, all 80,000 people stood up, wanting to sway to the music.

Just then, the stage appeared in the location of the stadium's main stand.

A handsome Chinese man ran out from the crowd, jumped onto the stage with flair, and waved to the audience.

The appearance of this person instantly excited the Chinese people watching the live broadcast.

He actually appeared on the World Cup stage.

"Abidari, enduring the bitterness of laughter."

When Cao Jian started singing, the audience went wild because he was singing in French.

"Go, go, goal! Ale, ale, ale!"

When they sang this part, all 80,000 people in the audience sang along, and their voices could almost be heard throughout the entire city of Paris.

Wherever the live broadcast was available, countless fans and music lovers roared along with Cao Jian's singing.

Cao Jian was accompanied by ten women from five continents who danced with him, including Lee Hyori and Cai Yilin.

"That backup dancer is a really good dancer, so sexy!"

But viewers immediately noticed that Lee Hyori not only dances well, but also has a fantastic figure.

This song turned the venue and the entire country into a sea of ​​revelry.

The models who had walked the runway earlier were now swinging wildly on the court.

"The effect was fantastic! This is the true charm of football. This World Cup opening ceremony will go down in history!"

On the podium, the chairman of the World Cup organizing committee was very satisfied with the atmosphere.

The World Cup has been held sixteen times, but this opening ceremony is undoubtedly the best and will surely be remembered for many years to come.

All of this was brought about by that Chinese man. And the FIFA president, standing beside him, was even thinking, "Could we let the Chinese men's national football team have a go at the next World Cup?"

It is said that Cao Jian's performance at the opening ceremony drove hundreds of millions of Chinese people crazy.

If their national team makes it into the official World Cup, the whole country will probably be in an uproar.

This is the world's largest market.

It is said that this Chinese man named Cao Jian has made over 100 million US dollars in this period of time with just this one song.
On the second time he sang the song, Cao Jian switched the lyrics to English.

"Do you really want it?"

When Cao Jian sang this line, the entire audience shouted "YEAH!" in unison.
At this moment, the entire venue was almost like a concert, turning into a sea of ​​joy.

In front of the television in Beijing, Chen Hong, Jiang Qinqin, and others looked at their glorious appearance, feeling proud and even a little excited, almost to the point of tears.

"He's so dazzling! So powerful!"

Chen Hao was completely captivated by Cao Jian's appearance and even felt a little envious of Chen Hong.

His eyes shone with the light of a devoted fan, and he was even more excited for the start of filming for "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," so he could have more contact with the boss.

Not only Chen Hao, but at this moment, many people watching the game also became Cao Jian's fans, of course, the majority of whom were girls.

It wasn't just Chen Hong and her ilk; in Taiwan, Lin Chih-ling, Chen De-rong, Lin Hsin-ju, Chia Ching-wen, Wang Zu-hsien, and others also felt a sense of pride and fascination watching the glamorous men on television.

In their hearts, their men can all be described as great.

"Here we go! Ale, ale, ale!
Go, go, goal! Ale, ale, ale!
Tonight's the night! We're gonna celebrate!
The cup of life! Ale, ale, ale!”

In the end, Cao Jian also got into the swing of things, dancing and singing along with the backup dancers, while fireworks lit up the area around the stage.

At this moment, Cao Jian has become the brightest star in the world.

"Sigh, I've become just a supporting character."

Ronaldo, the "alien" who was in the locker room preparing for the opening match, let out a helpless sigh.

Even after the song ended, people were still immersed in the revelry.

This is the World Cup experience everyone wants.

However, after Cao Jian and others left, the staff began to clean up the venue in preparation for the next game.

Some people were already planning to go to the restroom, while others were still talking about Cao Jian's songs.

Suddenly, a video appeared on the live broadcast screen.

"what is this?"

Sun Zhengping, who was in charge of the live broadcast at the scene, was unaware of this. He was surprised when he saw Chinese players playing football on the big screen.

Many broadcast cameras were all pointed at the stadium's big screen.

"Is this a Chinese football match?"

"My God, can football be combined with kung fu?"

"What amazing ball skills! How can a person fly that high?"

"That bicycle kick was so beautiful!"

The audience members weren't watching the staff cleaning up; they were all watching this video.

Sun Zhengping was completely stunned.

Meanwhile, fans and viewers back in China were also bewildered.

Tonight, not only did Cao Jian take to the World Cup stage, but videos of Chinese players playing football were also broadcast during the World Cup – it's simply a miracle!
Could it be that Boss Cao did it?
"He really did it? He did! He's made a fortune! He's really going to be rich!"

Stephen Chow was stunned when he saw the exciting scenes in the movie.

Being broadcast during the World Cup has a stronger promotional effect than any advertisement; how could the box office be bad?
Karen Mok, Tin Kai, and the senior brother, who had previously worked together on "Shaolin Soccer," also widened their eyes at this moment.

I can't believe I actually made it to the World Cup?

Wow! Boss Cao, you're really something!
Even more exciting is Lin Xinru, whose bald look has actually made it to the World Cup.

Even though "My Fair Princess" hasn't aired yet, I'm already going to be famous!
Backstage at the World Cup.

Cao Jian had just changed his clothes when he stepped outside and was surrounded by dozens of reporters from all over the world.

"Mr. Cao, is the video playing on the big screen outside provided by you?"

The first question came from a reporter from CCTV.

The appearance of a video of a Chinese team playing at the World Cup is a big deal.

"This is a highlight from a movie we just filmed, which we recommended to the World Cup organizing committee, and they were willing to show it."

"Movie? What movie?"

"It's called 'Shaolin Soccer,' a movie that combines kung fu and soccer."

"I see."

Although Cao Jian was answering questions from CCTV reporters, his answers were also recorded by reporters from other countries.

Mr. Cao spoke casually, but everyone felt that he must have some skill to get a movie shown on such a platform.

The following day, Sports Weekly, Youth Daily, and other major domestic newspapers all reported on Cao Jian's actions at the World Cup opening ceremony.

His squad is indeed stronger than that of the Brazilian team and Ronaldo.

On this day, Cao Jian's fame and influence were unmatched in the entire Chinese entertainment industry, reaching their peak.

Who can get a spot on the World Cup stage based on their own abilities?

No one but Cao Jian could do it!

He was rich, handsome, talented, and famous; at that moment, he became the heartthrob of countless girls and the pride of countless people.

Meanwhile, Cao Jian's film company in Hong Kong was inundated with calls, as many countries wanted to import "Shaolin Soccer" for screening in their own countries.

"I've won an Oscar, participated in the World Cup, and become famous all over the world. It's time to consider retiring at the peak of my career and enjoying life."

Although Cao Jian still had a lot to do, he also knew that once a person reaches a certain height, they will start to decline.

His current status in the entertainment industry is unmatched.

The best option now is to step back and become a leader behind the scenes; otherwise, the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind.

After the World Cup opening ceremony, Cao Jian stayed in France for a few days, watching several matches with others, before flying back to Hong Kong.

As soon as I got off the plane, I saw that Stephen Chow had come to pick me up in person.

Accompanying Stephen Chow were Wang Fei, Vivian Chow, Cecilia Cheung, and Yuen Kit-ying, among others.

Of course, there were also tens of thousands of Cao Jian's fans around.

"Cao Jian! Cao Jian! Cao Jian!"

When fans saw their idol, they all spontaneously shouted his name, which made Wang Fei and others beam with pride.

"Brother Jian, you're amazing! Our 'Shaolin Soccer' has been introduced to more than forty countries. We're going to make a fortune this time!"

Zhou Xingchi was the first to greet Cao Jian, even before Cao Jian had greeted his rumored girlfriend.

"That's because the movie was well-made."

Cao Jian is actually quite grateful to Stephen Chow.

If it weren't for his brilliant acting skills and superb directing, a film like "Shaolin Soccer" wouldn't still be so popular twenty years after its release.

One Best Actor award a year, but Stephen Chow is a once-in-a-century talent – ​​this saying is absolutely true!
"hehe."

Stephen Chow chuckled awkwardly and said, "Brother Jian, do you have any good scripts lately? I'm thinking of filming another one in the second half of this year?"

"Gone!"

Cao Jian spread his hands: "Besides, I'm planning to gradually retire, so don't ask me to write scripts anymore."

"retire?"

Cao Jian's words immediately stunned all those who came to pick him up.
Retiring before thirty? That's a bit of an exaggeration, isn't it?
Only Wang Fei seemed to understand her man's thoughts.
(End of this chapter)