Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

Chapter 179 Jiang Wen, enraged, slammed his fist on the table to stop himself from drinking!

The next morning.

The group landed in Paris, rested for more than ten minutes, and then transferred to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

It takes another 40 minutes by car to reach Cannes, the town that filmmakers from all over the world dream of visiting every May.

Tian Xiaole and the others had been through a lot, and even the adults were a bit tired, let alone the two children. Fortunately, they fell asleep without crying or fussing.

Holding Arthur in Tian Xiaole's arms made Chen Hong feel much more relaxed.

At Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the group boarded an official limousine and headed straight for the town of Cannes.

Movie posters and film festival slogans were everywhere along the road outside the car window, truly befitting its 60th anniversary.

Tian Xiaole remembered that the last time he came, the scale of the event was far smaller than this time.

Despite its worldwide fame, the Cannes International Film Festival is only about the size of an average small town.

Besides attracting worldwide attention every May, this town is also a great tourist destination in other seasons.

At this time of day, the crowds in Cannes are nearing their peak, with filmmakers and distributors from all over the world converging here.

Some film crews that arrived early have already started promoting their movies.

The film festival atmosphere is very strong, after all, the opening ceremony is only two days away.

Soon, they arrived at the officially designated hotel.

After a journey of more than ten hours, Arthur and Guan Xiaotong were exhausted, while Chen Hong and Guan Shaozeng stayed with them at the hotel.

Tian Xiaole and Wang Jinsong decided to go out for a stroll. Since "The Hunt" was a film nominated for the main competition, they didn't need to sign in at the organizers like they did at Berlin. This was one of the differences between the two film festivals.

The film exhibition area was bustling with activity.

Looking around, it resembles a vegetable market, with noise and commotion all mixed together.

Movie standees and promotional posters are everywhere, just like stalls, attracting movie lovers and tourists.

[The Hunt] was one of the shortlisted works, and the official team set up a booth for it. The movie promotion standee was placed in the lobby and attracted a lot of attention.

The director's name is Tian Xiaole.

As the youngest director to ever win an award at Cannes, many people are eager to see the film.

Wang Jinsong, as the vice dean of Beijing Film Academy and a senior teacher with more than ten years of experience, was already grinning from ear to ear.

On the huge movie poster, the male lead, played by him, is shown in profile with deep, melancholic eyes and a stubble on his face.

Before even getting close to the [Hunting] booth, Tian Xiaole noticed that many people were gathered around asking questions.

The staff member in charge of this exhibition area explained with a somewhat impatient expression, looking as if he might explode at any moment.

This made Tian Xiaole frown. Were the officials really that unprofessional?

"Xiao Le, what are they doing?"

Wang Jinsong pointed to the crowd gathered around the booth and asked curiously.

"You probably want to ask about the screening time, since I'm quite famous now, haha."

Tian Xiaole smiled without any modesty.

Wang Jinsong nodded seriously, not seeing anything wrong with what he said.

"Oh, you're Tian, ​​the director of this movie, right?"

An older white man asked uncertainly.

Asians cannot distinguish the features of Europeans, and Europeans cannot distinguish the features of Asians either.

Unless you're considered handsome by both sides, or you're strikingly ugly.

“Yes, I am the director of [The Hunt].” Tian Xiaole nodded.

"Tian, ​​hello, when does this movie premiere?"

"After the opening ceremony, you can take the movie brochure home first, and come back after the premiere. This is a very meaningful movie, I promise."

Tian Xiaole handed over the movie brochure and said confidently.

"Tian, ​​can we talk about the film rights now?"

A number of film distributors gathered around, pushing the movie enthusiast aside.

"No, no, it's too early to talk about that now," Tian Xiaole said with a smile, shaking her head.

"You are still so confident in yourself. I like your confidence. I hope you can win a big prize like you did two years ago."

Upon hearing the film distributor's words, Tian Xiaole immediately recognized him. Wasn't he the same distributor who had tried to snag a bargain at Cannes last time?

Tian Xiaole insisted on waiting until after the awards ceremony, and [Heart Maze] won second place that year, with the copyright price increasing several times over.

"Lend your auspicious words."

The two exchanged phone numbers so they could contact each other later to discuss film copyright matters.

···
In this exhibition hall, all 23 films shortlisted for the main competition are promoting themselves before their premieres.

Filmmakers and distributors around the world are looking for their ideal targets.

This is also a feature that the film festival cannot ignore: the film trading center.

Films that were not nominated for the awards will be traded here after the producers have agreed on a price.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Cannes; it remains to be seen whether the transaction volume will reach a new high.

Tian Xiaole was about to visit other exhibition areas when he heard someone calling his name.

Turning around, she scanned the area and saw Wang Jiawei walking over in a suit and tie.

Tian Xiaole didn't presume to be presumptuous and went to greet him; the two shook hands briefly.

"Director Tian, ​​I would like to invite you to the premiere of my movie."

Wang Jiawei looked at the young man in front of him, who had witnessed him winning the award as the youngest director two years ago.

Most importantly, the film's style is completely different from that of those big-name directors in mainland China.
He wanted to find an opportunity to discuss it, but the debate over who was the rightful heir in the "Ip Man" series made him give up on that idea.

Tian Xiaole accepted Wang Jiawei's invitation, believing that no matter what conflicts existed at home, they should stick together when they were out in the world.

Tian Xiaole handed over the [Hunting] invitation and casually extended the invitation:

"Welcome Director Wang for your guidance."

"Easy to say, easy to say."

After exchanging a few polite words, the two parted ways.

It's mainly about sticking together for warmth.

As for getting together for a meal, that's impossible.

As the domestic promotion of "Ip Man 2" begins, the controversial issues from the past have resurfaced online.

"Wang Jiawei is quite the show-off; he wears sunglasses wherever he goes."

Wang Jinsong pursed his lips and cursed.

"She's quite good at putting on an act."

Tian Xiaole nodded in agreement. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Jiang Wen calling.

"Xiao Le, you've arrived in Cannes, right? Come over for dinner tonight."

"Okay, send me the location."

There were quite a few filmmakers who came to Cannes to sell their films this time. A vice president from China Film Group led a team to buy films. I heard his name was Lai something.

Tian Xiaole and Wang Jinsong didn't explore much and went back to their hotel to rest.

···
The news that Tian Xiaole appeared at the exhibition area to promote the film "The Hunt," the only film nominated this year, reached China within hours.

"Director Tian Xiaole arrived in Cannes, and the 'Hunting' exhibition area was packed with people, indicating that the film is receiving a lot of attention."

"Director Tian Xiaole and Director Wang Jiawei had a warm chat, dispelling rumors of discord."

"..."

···
After checking the time, Tian Xiaole called a few of the main actors to go out for a get-together.

The Guan family father and daughter, along with Wang Songsong, all declined, saying that they would feel out of place at the directors' gathering.

Chen Hong agreed, as she represented Director Chen when they were traveling.

The two of them, one on each side, holding Arthur's hand, set off for the hotel.

From a distance, it looks like it's true.

When they arrived, Mr. Lai, the leader of the China Film Group delegation, was seated in the main seat.

On the left are Feng Xiaogang and Jiang Wen... on the right is Wang Xiaoshuai...

They were all directors who had failed to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival, and Tian Xiaole felt out of place among them.

The room was filled with smoke, and the atmosphere seemed rather tense.

"Xiao Le, we've been waiting for you. Sit here." Jiang Wen said, patting the empty seat next to him.

"Haha, I'm not late, am I?"

Tian Xiaole chuckled, walked to an empty seat, first helped Arthur into his seat, and then sat down next to Jiang Wen.

"It's just me today. If we run into each other, we can get together. Just relax and be casual," said Mr. Lai, who was sitting in the main seat, with a smile.

"Uncle Wen, what's going on? Something seems off." Tian Xiaole asked in a low voice.

"Sigh." Jiang Wen sighed, downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, and then slowly said:
"With everyone's copyright transactions going poorly, who has the heart to eat?"

"tear."

Tian Xiaole gasped. As the only seed to qualify, he was quite conspicuous sitting here.

He glanced at everyone present, all of them looking worried, and then asked curiously:

"So you called me here to cause them trouble?"

"You think I wanted to? It was organized by that person. Old Han used to lead the team and would organize these kinds of gatherings every time. He's keeping the tradition."

Jiang Wen pursed his lips, indicating that it was organized by President Lai, and that he didn't have Tian Xiaole's contact information, which was why he was asked to make the contact.

"Let's raise a glass and wish Director Tian great success at Cannes."

Since President Lai has spoken, everyone should give him face, raise their glasses, and make a show of offering their blessings.

What most people are thinking: Damn it, you're the one who sticks your neck out.

Jiang Wen and Chen Hong offered their sincere congratulations; their closeness at this moment was evident.

Next, Tian Xiaole, being the one to stick her neck out, became the target.

"Director Tian, ​​I wish you a big win, I'd like to raise a glass to you."

"Easy to say, easy to say."

At first, Tian Xiaole smiled and responded, after all, what the other person said was something she wanted to hear.

"Director Tian, ​​I wish you a sweeping victory at Cannes. I'd like to offer you three toasts."

"You're too kind, one cup will do."

Tian Xiaole frowned, sensing that something was wrong.

"Director Tian is truly amazing. He has achieved so much at such a young age, leaving us all far behind. We should learn more from you. I'd like to toast you five times."

Even though Tian Xiaole was slow to react, she knew that she was being targeted by these rejected directors.

Just as he was about to lose his temper and throw the wine in the face of the smiling director to sober him up, he heard a "thud".

Jiang Wen slammed his hand on the table and stood up: "If you want to drink, drink with me. Anyone who doesn't is a coward."

People in the industry say Jiang Wen is talented, but compared to his drinking capacity, they are nothing.

He was exceptionally talented and could drink a great deal of alcohol – this was the consensus among those who had witnessed his drinking prowess.

Jiang Wen first approached Feng Xiaogang, who was standing next to him, and glared at him, his imposing manner immediately rising.

They acted as if they absolutely had to drink it.

If you, Feng Xiaogang, don't drink, you're looking down on me, Jiang Wen.

I'm about to get carried away.

Feng Xiaogang saw this situation.

Bang bang bang.

The two drank three cups in a row.

Feng Xiaogang's face turned as red as a monkey's bottom as he said that his vitiligo had not fully healed and he could not drink too much alcohol.

Hearing this, Jiang Wen finally let him go.

The next moment, their gazes were fixed on Wang Xiaoshuai, who actually dared to say he'd drink five cups.

Seeing Jiang Wen's state, Tian Xiaole wanted to advise him to take it easy, but Chen Hong tugged at his sleeve under the table.

Chen Hong was also a little angry about what had just happened, but she couldn't hold her liquor and had to take care of Arthur, so she was powerless to do anything about it.

"Let Director Jiang drink with them. He has a high alcohol tolerance; he can drink at least three jin (1.5 kg), and nobody knows how much he can drink at most."

Tian Xiaole glanced at Jiang Wen, who remained expressionless, and had already drunk his third cup with Wang Xiaoshuai.

Mr. Lai, sitting in the main seat, thought to himself, "If they drink everyone out of the house, that would be a real mess."

"We're all on the same side, we should stick together when we're out in the world, is this how you stick together?"

Mr. Lai slammed his fist on the table and got angry, which slightly eased the tense atmosphere.

The dinner ended abruptly.

"Uncle Wen, are you alright?" Tian Xiaole asked with concern.

"What could possibly happen to me? They were already in critical condition after just rinsing their mouths."

Jiang Wen wasn't exaggerating; those few drinks were just an appetizer.

"These people are good for nothing but infighting."

Jiang Wen cursed a couple of times, then looked at Tian Xiaole and said, "Alright, you guys can go back now."

"Okay, I'll head back to the hotel now. I have to come to the movie opening ceremony."

Tian Xiaole carried Arthur, who was exhausted from the day and had fallen asleep, and led Chen Hong to their hotel.

Jiang Wen suddenly felt that he had drunk a bit too much. Looking at the three people leaving, they looked so much like a family of three.

The rooms arranged by the official team were arranged in groups, with each film crew sitting next to the others.

Tian Xiaole gently placed Arthur on the bed, and Chen Hong pulled the blanket over him carefully.

They looked at the sleeping Arthur and exchanged a glance.

With no one to disturb them, the atmosphere was just right.

Driven by alcohol, Tian Xiaole leaned in, put his arm around Chen Hong's toned waist, and kissed her after they locked eyes.

Softly... softly...

Hu~hu~
"Don't!"

Chen Hong stopped Tian Xiaole from tearing off her clothes, which ruined the atmosphere, and the latter calmed down.

He looked at the woman, whose face was already flushed, with a puzzled expression.

"Let's go to your room."

Following Chen Hong's instructions, Tian Xiaole helped her tidy her clothes and also pulled up his own pants.

I'm afraid of running into someone I know in the hallway, then it'll be hard to explain.

The two went to the next room, and as soon as the door closed, Chen Hong pounced on him.

They pulled a fast one to free each other.

"No, you don't need to take this off."

Tian Xiaole kept her last piece of clothing, adding some fun to the event.

Being in an unfamiliar hotel, I felt psychologically far removed from the constraints of my home country.

Adding to that the fact that there was no kinship between them, the situation got a bit out of control.

The battle is over.
Chen Hong nestled in Tian Xiaole's arms, her face still flushed, her hair damp with sweat and plastered to her scalp.

Tian Xiaole helped her fix her hair.

Clearly, the past hour has been extremely intense.

"Xiao Le, are you alright?"

"Who was it that called me 'brother' just now, and who was it that begged for mercy?"

"Then if we come again, I definitely won't beg for mercy."

Chen Hong revealed a cunning smile, hoping to turn the tables, and smiled with satisfaction.

Tian Xiaole had no choice but to cooperate; she couldn't possibly spoil the fun.

"------"

The next day.

Opening her slightly dry eyes, Tian Xiaole stretched comfortably upon waking, feeling much better.

I glanced at the time; it was almost noon.

"Hi~"

Tian Xiaole sighed, tidied up, and prepared to go to the film exhibition area.

···
As the opening ceremony approaches, more and more filmmakers from all over the world are arriving.

Tian Xiaole wandered around and came to the exhibition area rented by Jiang Wen, hoping to help him attract more visitors and get a good price for the film.

"Didn't you sleep well last night? You have such dark circles under your eyes."

Jiang Wen looked at Tian Xiaole, who looked exhausted and listless, and asked her a question out of curiosity.

"I'm not a good sleeper because I'm not used to sleeping in new beds," Tian Xiaole said casually, then changed the subject.
"How's the film going? Are there many inquiries about the price?"

"I sold it in Europe, but the offers from other regions were too low, so I'm not willing to sell it."

Jiang Wen is a well-known director at the three major European film festivals, yet he still struggles to sell his films. One can only imagine how obscure and difficult to understand this film, "The Sun Also Rises," must be.

“I know a North American film distributor, I’ll ask him if he’s interested.”

Tian Xiaole called the film distributor she had met yesterday, explained the content of the film, and successfully piqued the distributor's interest.

Soon after, the film company representative named Tom arrived. As for how to proceed with the negotiations, that was left to Jiang Wen and Ying Huang's employees.

(End of this chapter)