Team Spirit

Chapter 217 China Tour: The Huabiao Scene – Can Football Players Be Considered Stars?

Beijing, China.

“Yes, we still need to get that Brazilian player. Don’t overthink it. I’ll figure out how to handle the Special Talent Act issue…” Lu Kai was on the phone with Daniel.

Dartford's China tour has been underway for two days.

Everyone has had a very busy schedule these past two days.

All projects have been scheduled for seven days later.

There are specific rules for the dinner every day.

It is rumored that some fans have spent tens of thousands of dollars to dine in the same hall as Dartford stars.

Moreover, there's no guarantee of getting a handwritten signature.

Fortunately, Dartford's players aren't big names and aren't opposed to these activities.

Lin Tao was in charge of all the activities during the entire China trip.

Mr. Lin has certainly made a splash in the domestic sports circle this time.

Only he could have invited Dartford to China.

Moreover, the Green Gun team's attitude was incredibly good, almost like a two-way trip compared to the recent trips to China by football and NBA stars.

This further enhanced the goodwill of the media and fans.

This trip to China is getting more and more popular.

This also caused the ticket prices for the Green Guns' warm-up matches in Zhongguo to rise again and again.

"By the way, Mr. Lu, there's been a slight change in the arrangements for the red carpet." In the passenger seat, Lin Tao's secretary, who had been assigned to accompany Lu Kai, was reporting on the changes to tonight's event. "We originally booked Xiao Yanzi as your red carpet date, but they changed their minds at the last minute..."

Lu Kai was taken aback, his thoughts instantly shifting from European football to the domestic entertainment industry.

In Europe and America, the sports and entertainment industries are very close. Some sports superstars even have a higher status than entertainment stars because they have one or two competitions every week, and their exposure is unmatched by minor entertainment figures.

However, in the country, entertainment stars have a far greater influence than sports stars.

Even twenty years from now, sports stars will still only be considered side dishes.

Xiao Yanzi has just become one of the "Four Great Actresses" in the past two years and is currently very popular in the film and television industry, definitely a top-tier star.

Last month, her rival Zhang Ziyi appeared alongside Paul Walker, the American actor who rose to fame with the "Fast & Furious" series, at the MTV Music Awards, sparking widespread discussion.

The music was a cut above the other three actresses in terms of sophistication.

Xiao Yanzi's team then decided to play the "foreigners card".

However, seemingly unfamiliar with the European entertainment industry, after contacting Lu Kai, they felt that Lu Kai's "status" was not high enough, and ultimately canceled the collaboration, leaving Xiao Yanzi to enjoy the spotlight alone.

Lu Kai nodded, indicating that he understood.

He had no objection to this; he was invited by the Huabiao Awards organizing committee to attend as an award presenter.

Whether or not a female celebrity is paired with him has little impact.

"If you were a Japanese soccer star, you might..." The secretary was about to make a joke to ease the tension when she saw the driver slam on the brakes!

boom!
The Maybach arranged for Lu Kai by the organizers was thrown about, but fortunately he had a habit of wearing his seatbelt as soon as he got in the car and was not injured.

However, the secretary with poor travel habits was a bit unlucky; she bumped her face on the control panel and her nose started bleeding profusely.

Lu Kai helped stop the bleeding, while the driver went out to negotiate with the other vehicle.

The other party was a taxi, and it was entirely their fault for cutting in front of them. Neither party was in any serious trouble.

"I'm so sorry, I'm really in a hurry, I'm so sorry..." A young woman got out of the taxi. She was wearing makeup and what could be described as an evening gown.

But overall he still looks rather green, like a student.

"It's alright, it's the driver's fault." Lu Kai didn't hold a grudge against anyone and handled business professionally. It's just that the taxi company will have to pay a lot of money. These days, the repair costs for imported luxury cars are very high.

"This is my contact information. I'll definitely cooperate if you need anything. I'm really in a hurry right now and have to leave first. I'm so sorry..." The girl apologized repeatedly and then quickly flagged down a car on the side of the road.

But at this time of day and in this location, it's impossible to hail a taxi.

"Hey, Sister Chen, I'm stuck in traffic here... I'm so sorry, I'll definitely find a way to get over..." The girl was being scolded by the person on the other end of the phone while trying to flag down a car on the side of the road.

Finally, she made up her mind and rushed towards the middle of the road, but was pulled back by Lu Kai the next moment.

Oh oh oh!
The girl finally broke down and burst into tears.

"It's over, everything is over! The company worked so hard to get me this red carpet opportunity, and I... Waaah..." The woman cried heartbrokenly.

Lu Kai couldn't take it anymore and said, "My car will be here soon, I'll give you a ride later."

The secretary has just contacted the Huabiao Awards, and the organizers have sent a car to pick up Lu Kai.

Lu Kai didn't ask where the other person was going, because he had overheard it in the other person's phone call.

The other party is also going to the Huabiao Awards.

Didi!

The car has arrived.

An Audi A6, the official car for this red carpet event.

Once all guests arrive at the venue, they must transfer to the A6 to proceed to the red carpet entrance.

After getting into the car, the woman finally calmed down and quickly thanked him, saying, "Thank you so much, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do."

"This opportunity is so important to me. My name is Liu Shishi. I don't know your name yet?"

Lu Kai was taken aback.

Liu Shishi?
This... doesn't look like it; it won't be as pretty as it will be later.

But thinking about it, this is normal.

At that time, Liu Shishi was only a junior in college, and given the overall lag in aesthetic standards in China, such as makeup and clothing, she couldn't compare to her later years.

But upon closer inspection, one can recognize him by his features.

Liu Shishi was also stunned by Lu Kai's gaze. Wasn't it a bit impolite to stare at someone for so long?
Liu Shishi's face grew increasingly red.

"My name is Lu Kai. Do you need to touch up your makeup?" Lu Kai reminded Liu Shishi, whose makeup had been ruined by her crying.

Liu Shishi blushed even more and quickly turned around to take out cosmetics from her small bag to touch up her makeup.

Traffic in Beijing has been bad for a long time.

When Lu Kai and his group arrived, the red carpet event was already more than halfway through.

After getting out of the car, Liu Shishi went straight to the activity area, but was told that her time had already passed.

She was a nobody with virtually no star power, so her screen time was relatively early and very short.

What's past is past.

The main ones who remain now are a few big names – the Four Dan Actresses!
It's a good thing that they don't take up other people's time; who would dare to encroach on their time?

Especially Xiao Yanzi and Zhang Ziyi, who are the two nominees for Best Actress tonight, will obviously be fiercely competing. If you walk for five minutes, I will definitely have to walk for six minutes.

You want to be last, but I'll make sure I'm right after you. I've used every trick in the book.

However, Liu Shishi was not in the same area as the other four leading actresses; they were in the VIP waiting area.

Lu Kai is here too.

When the organizers learned that Lu Kai had been in a car accident midway through the trip, they quickly came to offer their condolences, showing great courtesy.

After all, ordinary celebrities might not know Lu Kai's status, but the company behind such a large event has a wider range of information, so how could they not know?
The Green Gun China Tour caused a sensation in China and brought huge traffic to major media outlets, reaching a phenomenal level, second only to the Spring Festival Gala.

And it will continue to explode.

It's said that tonight's news broadcast also included a special report on the Green Gun China Tour.

Lu Kai still has two minutes left for his interview.

This perfectly aligns with the nature of the Huabiao Awards—a film award sponsored by the State Administration of Radio and Television.

Lu Kai's attendance tonight was at the personal invitation of the station's director after he was interviewed by CTV.

Lu Kai then made a last-minute change to his itinerary and gladly accepted.

This commotion also surprised the four leading actresses and several popular young actresses standing nearby.

"Who is this?" Dong Jie asked the female stars next to her.

"I don't know him, but he seems quite extraordinary." Liu Tao prepared to walk the red carpet.

"He's so handsome and has a great physique. He doesn't seem like a typical male celebrity," Gao Yuanyuan said with some doubt.

"There's no such person in Hong Kong or Taiwan, is there?" Zhou Xun was searching her memory.

"It seems to be Lu Kai." Zhang Ziyi has many foreign friends.

“It’s him!” Xu Jinglei remembered. “I met him when I went to the Cannes Film Festival before. I think he was a football player and also made documentaries.”

"The book that was very popular in Europe and America, 'My Love Diary at Asen Green,' was created by their team."

Zhang Ziyi gradually remembered: "He's Lu Kai? He's incredibly popular in Europe and America! He's a superstar! Many celebrities attend his competitions, and his influence in London is even more exaggerated. I've heard many people talk about him!"

These days, the grass is always greener on the other side.

Once Lu Kai's identity was revealed, he was basically the biggest star of the entire event.

Little Swallow's face turned deathly pale.

Because she remembered that the man she rejected on the red carpet was named Lu Kai, and that he was involved in sports.

How can someone like her, an artist, walk the red carpet with rough, hardworking people like athletes? The person who arranged this is just making a mess of things!

She thought it was a trap set by Zhang Ziyi, which is why she refused.

The result seems to be...

"What's going on over there?" Everyone noticed some commotion in the area for regular artists.

One staff member said, "It's a new employee. The company arranged a red carpet, but he was late. They said he was involved in a traffic accident..."

Everyone remained silent, and when the time came, they followed the organizer's instructions to proceed to the red carpet area.

In the entertainment industry, who can truly help whom?
Everyone in the VIP room has experienced what that little girl went through today, and some have even had it worse.

"Hello, I'm Zhao..." Xiao Yanzi came over to greet Lu Kai, intending to make light of the matter of her male companion by saying that the people below were ignorant and spreading rumors, and then try to leave with Lu Kai.

He will definitely outshine Xiao Zhang!
She walked towards Lu Kai, but Lu Kai said to the organizers, "Oh, her traffic accident was partly my fault. Please invite her over; I can walk with her."

Little Swallow's smile froze on her face.

There was silence.

The organizers quickly brought Liu Shishi over.

Liu Shishi was very surprised when she saw Lu Kai: "Lu... what are you doing here?"

Lu Kai smiled and said, "I heard you've run into some trouble. Why don't you come with me?"

How could Liu Shishi possibly refuse?

Soon, it was Lu Kai's turn.

He and Liu Shishi took a car to the red carpet entrance not far away.

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as soon as he got out of the car.

The flashes of light continued.

Liu Shishi felt that everything was so unreal.

Not only are there many well-known domestic media outlets, but also many foreign journalists.

Moreover, many of the fans behind the reporter were constantly calling out Lu Kai's name.

Three minutes later, they still hadn't reached the halfway point.

Because the media were so enthusiastic, they strongly urged Lu Kai to stay a little longer.

If they can't take satisfactory photos, the editor-in-chief will fire them!

"Wait a moment, I'm going to perform my signature move for them," Lu Kai said to Liu Shishi, then turned to the media nearby and said, "Everyone get ready, I'm going to do a celebration move for you, just this once, don't blame me if you miss it."

After saying that, he took two steps forward, leaped high into the air, and turned 180 degrees in mid-air, looking like a god descending to earth!
"Luuuuu!"

Lu Kai and the fans at the scene shouted his signature slogan.

The atmosphere completely overshadowed anything about "brothers and sisters" before. When it comes to atmosphere, the football fans were far more excited than entertainment industry fans.

The celebrities waiting in the VIP area were all dumbfounded.

Can you walk the red carpet like this?
However, the entertainment industry in Europe and America started earlier and is much more developed. They are more advanced in handling media relations and attending events. Lu Kai's kind of interaction is common there, but it is really high-class here!
The key issue is that if domestic celebrities do this, they will definitely be heavily criticized, and everyone will say that they are trying to be different and seeking attention.

But when Lu Kai or a foreigner plays like this, it exudes an "ultimate relaxed British aristocratic feel"!
The related news immediately made headlines across major news outlets.

Dongqiudi: "Lu Kai was absent from today's Green Guns dinner only because he appeared on the Huabiao Awards red carpet!"

The Ball Report: "Luckin Chan is so cool! His unprecedented red carpet style brings a brand new shock to the mainland entertainment industry!"

Entertainment Without Limits: "China's King of Football, Lu Kai, stole the show! Surely there's someone who doesn't recognize Lu Kai, the hottest person on the Huabiao Awards red carpet?"

Entertainment Headlines: "Lu Kai, China's No. 1 sports figure, Britain's No. 1 football player in the new century, and the world's No. 1 football star, adds luster to the Chinese entertainment industry!"

"See you on Friday": "A female celebrity about to make a splash! Who is the female celebrity next to Lu Kai? Why did she become Lu Kai's red carpet companion?"

Gossip Weekly: "Liu Shishi, the female lead of 'Moonlight and Lotus' and a student at the Beijing Dance Academy! From obscurity to the spotlight, she may become the next 'Lu Girl'!"

Global Entertainment: "How high is the quality of Lu Kai's leading ladies? Eva Green, Keira Knightley, Ivanka Trump—sweethearts from France, Britain, and the US—are all products of Lu Kai's creation! Will Liu Shishi become the new female lead in 'My Love Diary in Asen Green'?"

Before the eight-minute red carpet walk was even over, Liu Shishi had already gone from being an obscure 18th-tier actress to at least a third-tier star, with popularity comparable to that of a superstar.

In this era of slow information updates, this wave of immense popularity could easily propel her into the ranks of top-tier actresses.

Zhang Ziyi's sudden rise to fame is similar to this.

At this moment, the remaining celebrities in the VIP room had complex expressions.

They were perfectly aware that the queen of the red carpet had already been chosen.

These aren't the four leading actresses waiting to be the grand finale.

Instead, it was the lucky one who almost didn't even make it onto the red carpet.

What kind of traffic accident is that good?
Hurry up and give us one too!

……

The organizers of the Huabiao Awards also learned that everything that happened on the red carpet made this awards ceremony go viral, with its reach comparable to the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Horse Awards.

This is not easy.

In a short time, they also added a few more awards to Lu Kai's list.

He was originally only going to present the "Best Dubbed Film Award".

But now, he is also asked to present awards for "Best New Actress," "Best International Co-production," and "Best Actress."

Soon, Lu Kai went on stage.

"Hello everyone, I'm Lu Kai, a Chinese player currently playing for Dartford FC in the English Premier League." Lu Kai's introduction was very modest.

Some celebrity fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the commotion caused by Lu Kai: "He's just a player, yet he's being treated like he's some kind of genius."

Green Gunners fan: "But he's one of the best players in the world, without a doubt."

Little Swallow's fans: "But we're also one of the best actresses in the country, why are we being so high-profile like him?"

Green Guns fan: "Bro, are you okay? He says he's a player, but you really think he's just a player? He's the owner of Green Guns, and his net income this summer is four or five billion RMB! His net worth is over 10 billion, and he's one of the most successful public figures in Britain in recent years."

What you perceive as high-profile is actually Lu's low-profile approach!

"I have been featured in three special reports on CCTV News, and my total broadcast time on news programs has exceeded forty minutes throughout my career! I have made a huge contribution to the rise of Chinese football!"

Little Swallow's fans immediately fell silent, especially when her contributions were mentioned.

On the awards stage, Lu Kai presented Zhang Jingchu with the "Best New Actress Award".

The handsome man and beautiful woman stood together, and the media commented that they were a perfect match.

Then, the "Best International Co-production Award" was presented to "A World Without Thieves," with Andy Lau, Li Bingbing, and Ge You taking the stage together.

Fun fact: The region with the highest concentration of Green Gun fans in China is not Lu Kai's hometown of Sichuan, or Dalian, a relatively developed football city.

It's Hong Kong!

Because at this stage, British products are always more popular in Hong Kong.

This situation will not fundamentally change for another fifteen years.

"Lu Kai, I'm your die-hard fan!" Hua Zai said excitedly as soon as he arrived. "I've been betting on you guys since you were in the English Third Division... I've always believed in you!"

"Knowing you'd be a guest, I had a friend fly over overnight with your jersey. You absolutely have to sign it for me later!"

Lu Kai hugged Andy Lau, returning the favor by saying, "I'm also your fan! You have to sign my clothes later!"

"But we have to keep it from Uncle Li, otherwise if he gets angry, the consequences will be severe!"

Everyone present burst into laughter.

Lu Kai then stood next to Li Bingbing, another handsome man and beautiful woman.

Finally, Lu Kai presented Zhang Ziyi with the "Best Actress Award".

When he uttered the name Zhang Ziyi, Xiao Yanzi lost all composure and her face darkened instantly.

This was a double blow for her.

Zhang Ziyi is someone who can make a name for herself in the European and American entertainment circles. As soon as she got on stage, she grabbed Lu Kai and wouldn't let him leave, saying, "Stay, stay, I'm a fan of yours too."

Lu Kai almost replied with a humorous "Me too."

However, since the product did not match the description, he did not say anything.

"Actually, seeing Lu Kai really touched me, because he and I are both working overseas to bring glory to Chinese films and Chinese football."

"I know how difficult this is."

"Lu Kai, could you share some of your own insights with us so that we can better integrate into Western cultural circles?"

Lu Kai smiled and took the microphone: "Thank you, Sister Ziyi. Now I'll really say it."

"I don't think Chinese films and television need to integrate into Western cultural circles."

"Of course, there are things we can learn from them in terms of technology and concepts. After all, they are pioneers who started early and went far."

"But whether in the past, present, or future, we will always have our own unique top-notch works. Blindly imitating Europe and America will only make us worse than them, never better."

"Only by adhering to our own excellent cultural core can we truly make our own voice heard. As for why our ideas have not yet been accepted by them, it is not because we are not good enough, but because they cannot view us with a fair and just perspective."

"This will take time, and it requires national development and an improved international standing."

"Just like football, before me they didn't think that Chinese people, or even Asians, or people of yellow race, could become the world's top players."

"But after I did it, they had to admit that we could be number one too."

"I hope that in the future, there will be people like me in the Chinese film and television industry, bringing the world a Chinese impact that they have no choice but to accept!"

Wow!
There was thunderous applause.

Seeing the excited expressions on the faces of the leaders, a few words inexplicably surfaced in the minds of the directors and producers present:

What the hell is this "main theme"?
How could it not be exciting if it's filmed, spoken, and acted this way?

No wonder Lu Kai and his team's documentary was a hit in Europe, even winning an award at Cannes and receiving invitations from the Berlin and Venice Film Festivals.

It's said that the Oscars will also give feedback, such as a Best Documentary nomination.

This person really knows how to grasp the core appeal.

There are currently three factions in China.

They have completely sided with the West; they are pure traitors.

One faction believes that we should actively integrate into the West, as the West is the right path.

One faction insists on being ourselves.

The first two factions have a significant voice in society and dominate the field.

However, the third faction still holds considerable power within the true decision-making body.

Lu Kai's statement may solidify their resolve.

This player will likely have an immunity card in China for some time to come, and is poised to become a mainstream sports star.

Lu Kai's presence is not limited to the entertainment industry; he has gradually appeared in many other circles as well!
Finally, before leaving the stage, Lu Kai extended an invitation to the celebrities present: "Whenever you come to London, if time permits, you must come and see me."

"I can't say what the arrangements will be, but I will definitely do my part to welcome everyone, find some local guides, and get tickets for the games."

"It's not easy being away from home. I hope everyone has a smooth journey, at least in London and England!"

Lu Kai spoke sincerely, after all, those who were present today were all well-known figures in the industry.

It can also bring a star effect to Green Gun and related industries.

Mutually beneficial.

……

The next day, news about Lu Kai dominated the headlines across the country.

Liu Shishi was immediately promoted to a "super key talent" by her agency and given the treatment of a top-tier artist.

Suddenly, several things she had never been able to achieve before came to her.

Her dream of becoming a ballet teacher was shattered, because this time she was really going to become a popular female star.

Moreover, to Liu Shishi's delight, her company told her that Dartford's "My Love Diary in Assen Green" had contacted them, hoping she would be one of the leading actresses in the new season.

If she can gain recognition in the European entertainment industry, her status upon returning will be directly comparable to that of the "Four Dan and Two Bing" (referring to four top actresses and two top actresses in China), a true meteoric rise.

Such opportunities will disappear in the future as the trend of "worshiping foreign things and fawning on foreigners" disappears.

People are therefore paying more attention to Green Gun's activities.

Sure enough, fans immediately discovered that Chinese player Chen Tao had successfully obtained a UK work permit through the "Special Talents Act".

He doesn't even need to go to the hearing.

The materials submitted by Green Gun simply stated: I, Lu Kai, Champions League winner, call him a genius!

The UK Department for Labour not only approved the application instantly, but also criticized its own efficiency, saying, "We should have informed you of the approval result much earlier, even before you had submitted your application."

With this kind of attitude towards government services, someone who didn't know better would think they were putting the people first.

However, the normal application process with the Department of Labor often takes several months, and only famous and wealthy people can receive special services.

However, an even more outrageous move soon followed.

Green Gunners brought in a young player from Brazil.

This kid is a youth player from Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense.

The club believes he has potential, but is unwilling to spend more money on him and wants to observe him for another two years.

The child was living in extreme poverty and could not survive without signing a contract.

During the stalemate, the green gun appeared.

Two hundred thousand euros were used to extricate both parties from the predicament and to take them away.

The player's name is Marcelo.

However, a problem then arose: Marcelo was unable to obtain a work permit!
Each club only has one special talent spot per year, and Green Gun's spot went to Chen Tao this year.

But soon, Manchester United used their special talent credential to obtain a work permit for Marcelo, the Green Gunner.

The UK Department for Labour was initially baffled by the application.

However, with the enthusiastic explanation from the Green Gun legal team, they discovered that the Special Genius Act did indeed have loopholes.

In theory, this spot can be traded within a Premier League team.

This is the challenge that the subject is not clearly defined when drafting legal provisions, or rather, the wording habits of Europe and America bring to the law.

The Football Association has no reason to prohibit the issuance of these work permits.

However, the bill was subsequently improved to prevent similar bugs from recurring.

It is reported that Green Gunners spent two million euros for this spot!
After all, Ferguson's appearance fee is that high.

It would certainly be much cheaper for Green Gunners to buy a spot from another team, but without Ferguson's involvement, it's uncertain whether the results would be as good.

The Great Wall

(End of this chapter)