Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 392 Making a name for yourself in Hollywood

The VIP room is softly lit.

Li Bingbing tied her soft, shiny hair into an elegant low bun, and wore a champagne-colored sequined dress that shimmered with light, exuding an air of nobility with every gesture.

She lightly tapped the watch face with her fingertip and raised an eyebrow slightly: "Wendy, it's almost our turn to walk the red carpet."

Deng Wendi, dressed in a brown off-shoulder dress, exuded mature charm. Upon hearing the voice, she gracefully stood up, linked arms with Li Bingbing, and walked out of the VIP room together.

The backstage area was completely different from the previous hustle and bustle. As the stars walked the red carpet one after another, only a handful of people remained in the venue, all of whom were big names and celebrities in the entertainment industry.

When Li Bingbing and Deng Wendi appeared, everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to them, and their expressions varied. They all clearly recognized the wife of American media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Zhang Ziyi's eyes burned with enthusiasm, her face full of flattery. She quickly stepped forward and exclaimed, "Wendy, I didn't expect you to be here for the Weibo Night!"

Deng Wendi maintained a cool and aloof demeanor, responding indifferently, "Just came to join in the fun!"

With Zhang Ziyi leading the way, Huang Xiaoming, Su Mang, and others who knew Deng Wendi also stepped forward to greet him.

Not far away, Zhao Liying blinked her bright eyes and asked curiously, "Senior Brother Qiao, who is that? Why is everyone fawning over her?"

Due to the immense popularity of "Legend of Lu Zhen," Tengda Culture, in order to further boost her popularity, specially negotiated with Weibo to arrange for her and Qiao Zhengyu to be the final act on the red carpet.

Upon hearing Qiao Zhengyu reveal the other person's identity, Zhao Liying suddenly realized: "So she is the famous Deng Wendi!"
It was widely rumored within the industry that it was Deng Wendi's influence that enabled Li Bingbing to secure a role in the Hollywood blockbuster "Resident Evil 5."

Qiao Zhengyu nodded and added, "News Corporation controls Fox, one of the six major Hollywood studios. Deng Wendi has considerable influence in Hollywood, so Zhang Ziyi has been trying her best to curry favor with her."

Zhao Liying's eyes revealed anticipation: "Once Lionsgate completes its acquisition of Summit Entertainment, Tenda will be the major shareholder of Lionsgate. Maybe in the future we can go to Hollywood and broaden our horizons."

She had heard that her company was going to become a shareholder of Lionsgate, so she made a point of learning more about the company and knew that Lionsgate was the most successful independent film company outside of the Hollywood Big Six.

In recent years, if we only consider box office performance, Lionsgate is no less than the Big Six and has considerable influence in Hollywood.

Zhao Liying's unintentional words sent a jolt through Qiao Zhengyu. He had been completely unaware of the company's collaboration with Lionsgate.

I was shocked to realize that since I started my own studio, my relationship with the company has become increasingly distant. This reversal of priorities is truly dangerous.

As the opening of the Weibo Night event drew ever closer, a host of A-list celebrities walked the red carpet.

Learning from Zhang Ziyi's experience last year, everyone strictly followed the order agreed upon with the organizers beforehand, walking the red carpet properly, and no one dared to act out or act like a diva.

Li Bingbing walked gracefully alongside Deng Wendi, her steps elegant and composed. Her skirt swept lightly across the ground, leaving a trail of shimmering light.

In front of the autograph wall, camera shutters clicked incessantly, flashes illuminated the night sky, and reporters rushed to conduct interviews:
"Bingbing, what are your thoughts on participating in a Hollywood blockbuster like 'Resident Evil 5'?"

"Bingbing, when you went to Hollywood, did Ms. Wendi provide you with any assistance?"

"Teacher Li, at last year's Weibo Night, some netizens captured a shot of you staring blankly when Huang Xiaoming spoke to you. Over the past year, everyone has been curious about what news you heard that caused such a reaction?"

Facing a barrage of microphones and cameras, Li Bingbing responded confidently and calmly, saying, "Hollywood certainly has many things that China can learn from in film production..."

Wendy has been a great help to me, and I am truly grateful to her. Furthermore, through her introduction, I am about to sign with the renowned Hollywood agency UTA, who will represent me in both the US and overseas.

This statement caused an uproar among the media present, and the audience in the Weibo Night live broadcast room instantly erupted, with the barrage of comments flooding in:
"Is Li Bingbing about to officially enter Hollywood?"

"It still has to be the big flowers. The 85 flowers are indeed popular, but the seniors have already stepped onto the international stage."

Amidst the screen filled with exclamations and praise, there were also rebuttals from fans of the post-85 actresses:

"Pshaw, it's just signing with an American agency, what's so great about that? My sister signed with a big Hollywood company more than three years ago."

"She only got a small supporting role in Resident Evil 5 because of connections. My sister just didn't want to go. If she wanted to, Mr. Song could get her a role in a Hollywood S-level production in no time."

"Sisters, let's start a petition on Weibo, strongly demanding that Shishi star in a Hollywood movie, so that some of her fans can see her."

A reporter analyzed the current development of the "Four Dan and Two Bing" (a group of four actresses and two actors): Xu Jinglei has gradually retreated behind the scenes and basically no longer makes public appearances, while Zhao Zhetian seems to have lost interest in his acting career in the past two years.

Nowadays, only Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Xun, and Shuang Bing are active in the public eye.

Faced with the strong rise of domestic actresses born in the 85s, Li Bingbing took a different approach and decisively chose to explore overseas markets and venture into Hollywood. It can only be said that she is indeed a person who stands at the top of the entertainment industry and has a real knack for it.

Seeing the shocked expressions on the reporters' faces, Li Bingbing smiled slightly and changed the subject, answering the question that had previously attracted much attention.

"Actually, many fans have been curious about what I heard last year, but I couldn't answer it before for various reasons. However, this matter has been exposed online recently, and now netizens all over the country know about it."

Li Bingbing didn't elaborate, leaving the answer ambiguous, before walking into the inner area with Deng Wendi, leaving a group of reporters pondering the matter.

"Could it be a rivalry between Zhen and Zhao?"

"Nonsense, that movie from last year hadn't even started filming yet! I think it's the 'Calabash Brothers' incident involving Director Zhang."

"That must be it."

Reporters were engaged in heated discussions, and netizens were equally vocal in their opinions:

"So they already knew about Director Zhang's scandal a year ago?"

"A major mystery in the entertainment industry has finally been solved! Could it be that both Bingbing were shocked by Calabash Brothers back then?"

"Let's all go ask Fan Bingbing on Weibo."

"I have some juicy gossip to share with you all. It's said that Jia Yueting resolved the Calabash Brothers' household registration issue before Director Zhang agreed to join LeEco Pictures."

. . .

Inside the Weibo Night ceremony venue, the gilded chandeliers shone brightly, and the atmosphere was bustling with activity.

This year's seating arrangement is quite meaningful. Although several big names in the Hong Kong entertainment circle were arranged to sit in the first row, their positions were on the sides.

The fact that the heads of mainland film and television companies such as Enlight Media, Hairun Media, and Tangren Media are positioned in the center suggests that the landscape of the entertainment industry is quietly changing.

Sitting in the very center of the front row, Liu Shishi was filled with emotion. Last year at the Weibo Night event, her marital relationship with Song Ci was still not public, and the two sat in separate rows. Now, sitting openly beside her husband, her state of mind was completely different.

Song Ci turned slightly to the side and discussed the domestic logistics layout with Liu Xiangdong.

Feeling bored, Liu Shishi took out her phone to browse Weibo. When she saw fans leaving comments expressing their fervent hope that she would make it in Hollywood, she was slightly taken aback. After reading through the comments, she understood what was going on. However, she had absolutely no intention of pursuing a career in Hollywood.

Filming abroad not only makes taking time off inconvenient, but also puts her far away across the ocean, making it a luxury to even see her husband. So she quickly replied to a few excited fans to calm their emotions.

After Song Ci and Liu Xiangdong finished discussing JD Logistics, Song Ci turned to see Liu Shishi rapidly tapping on the screen: "Are you posting on Weibo?"

Liu Shishi nodded: "When my fans suddenly want me to try my luck in Hollywood, I'll reply to them."

Song Ci chuckled lightly: "Actually, Hollywood is nothing special. It's very difficult for Chinese people to stand out there. It's better not to go. We should just focus on developing our own little corner of the country."

"That's what I think too," Liu Shishi replied gently. "If I go abroad, it will be difficult for me to see you."

Given the current influence of Song Ci, it wouldn't be difficult for him to secure a few supporting roles in a major Hollywood production.

There's a suitable role for Paramount's "Transformers 4" next year, but seeing that his wife has no intention of going to Hollywood, he stopped mentioning it.

At 8 p.m. sharp, the two hosts took to the stage, and the Weibo Night Gala officially began.

"Distinguished guests, I am He Jiong."

"I am Li Yangwei, good evening everyone."

After a passionate opening speech, the ceremony moved on to the awards presentation.

Influential Media, Most Inspiring Figures, Original Content King, Innovative Micro-Philanthropy Figure... Unlike last year's focus on the entertainment industry, this year's Weibo Night awards are diverse, covering multiple fields.

After more than ten awards were presented, Liu Shishi was somewhat surprised: "Yiyi, there are so many awards at this year's Weibo Night!"

Song Ci frowned slightly: "The more awards there are, the less prestigious and authoritative they become. Although the Weibo Night awards are all popularity awards, there's no need to make it so fancy."

Unlike the first Weibo Night, where he was involved in every detail, this year's ceremony was entirely entrusted to Liu Yan, but the result was unsatisfactory, appearing flashy but impractical.

On stage, renowned host He Jiong, microphone in hand, announced with great enthusiasm: "Next, we will present the annual award for the Most Influential Business Leader on Weibo."

Although it was Li Yangwei's first time partnering with He Jiong, the two worked together seamlessly without any awkwardness: "The award recipient is Mr. Liu Xiangdong, Chairman of JD.com. Please welcome Mr. Song to present the award."

Liu Xiangdong adjusted his collar slightly, slowly stood up, and strode onto the stage with the richest man.

Centered on the stage, Liu Xiangdong, full of confidence and holding a golden trophy, exuded the aura of a leader: "I am very grateful to Weibo for awarding me this prize, and I thank netizens for recognizing me and JD.com..."

In the audience, Song Ci felt somewhat displeased, thinking that the award was not quite appropriate.

The Most Influential Business Leader award must be given to a business tycoon, and the award presenters must also be of equal status.

He presented Liu Xiangdong with the award this time, but what will happen next?
He plans to attend Weibo Night again next year, once everything is back on track, and then he doesn't plan to come back.

Who should present awards to the winning business leaders in the future? Are we going to rely on Shishi?
Thinking of this, Song Ci turned and gave his wife a meaningful look, then nodded slightly: "It's not entirely impossible!"

Liu Shishi was looking up at the stage when she noticed her husband's gaze. She tilted her head playfully and smiled brightly, as warm as a spring breeze.

The director captured this moment perfectly, showcasing the star's charming and adorable appearance to the viewers in the live broadcast room.

"Shishi is so beautiful! This sea-blue dress makes her look gentle and graceful."

"The story of Longkui back then really shocked me."

"Shishi's sitting posture looks elegant and poised, her temperament is amazing."

"What's wrong, husband?"

Song Ci smiled and said, "Next year should be my last time attending the Weibo Night. After that, I will hand over my position to you."

Liu Shishi looked surprised: "I'm still waiting for you to give me an award! Since that's the case, then you must give me an award next year."

"No problem, I'll arrange a big prize for you next year."

"Okay!" The eldest sister's eyes crinkled with anticipation.

At this moment, Liu Xiangdong, having finished his acceptance speech, walked off the stage with great confidence.

"Honey, I have some news for you. Dong-ge and Xiao-jin-jie broke up." Liu Shishi's gaze followed Liu Xiangdong's figure, and she sighed softly, "They ultimately couldn't stay together. Dong-ge is really..."

Song Ci held his wife's soft hand and said gently, "Relationships are complicated, and it's hard for outsiders to understand. As long as we're doing well together, that's enough."

"Mmm." The eldest sister's eyes sparkled, filled with tenderness.

With the announcement of the most influential business leaders, subsequent awards were all related to the entertainment industry.

He Jiong and Li Yangwei enthusiastically and vividly engaged the audience.

"Most Influential Singers: Wang Feng, Zhang Liangying; Most Influential TV Drama Actors: Feng Shaofeng, Yang Mi..."

"Honey, let me share some juicy gossip with you. Mimi and Liu Kaiwei broke up. Actually, she had a crush on Feng Shaofeng. But unfortunately, Feng Shaofeng fell in love at first sight with 'Zhang Yimou' actress Ni Ni. The two met at the Bazaar Charity Night and are already together."

Song Ci was taken aback, thinking that Feng Shaofeng was quite charming. He had been rumored to be dating Yang Mi, and now he was dating Ni Ni. She couldn't help but think of Zhao Liying. "To be favored by so many female celebrities, he must have something special about him."

Liu Shishi enthusiastically shared entertainment gossip with her husband: "According to Mimi, he has a gentle and humble personality, comes from a wealthy family, and his career is doing well. Among all the male stars in the entertainment industry, he is indeed quite popular."

Recalling some rumors about Feng Shaofeng, Song Ci shook her head: "It's just appearances!"

Liu Shishi smiled and said, "Mimi was just saying that. Anyway, Feng Shaofeng isn't her boyfriend. After breaking up with Liu Kaiwei, she's focused on her career now, and her hair is falling out a lot. I'm worried about her hairline."

Finally, the awards ceremony reached its most exciting climax.

After skillfully building up the audience's interest, He Jiong and Li Yangwei announced with great enthusiasm: "The winners of the 2011 Weibo Night, Weibo King and Queen are Feng Shaofeng and Yang Mi. Congratulations to the two of you on winning the grand prize at the ceremony."

Thunderous applause erupted instantly.

Feng Shaofeng and Yang Mi held hands and took to the stage for the second time.

"Next, please welcome last year's Weibo King and Queen, Fan Bingbing and Huang Xiaoming, to the stage to present awards to Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng."

(End of this chapter)