The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 119 Explosive Kill! (44)
The room was silent.

The silence made Fan Bingbing feel an almost suffocating pressure.

She was no longer the strong woman she usually was; she huddled tightly in Shen Shandeng's arms like a frightened little animal.

Seeing the internationally renowned art director so helpless and broken down filled me with an indescribable shock.

Mark Müller was gripped by extreme fear.

Admitting to using "The Creation of Evil" to harbor malicious intentions will not end well, nor will denying it.

Either way, it won't end well.

Damn Americans!

He forced his head up and tried to explain, "Things aren't as simple as you think! The fact that 'The Creed' won the Golden Lion is due to the will of the Americans! It's not something I can decide!"

“Even my presence here today is at the strong request of the U.S. cultural commissioner here. We can talk, we really can talk.”

Shen Shandeng's eyes flashed.

Marco Müller caught this subtle change, as if grasping at a straw.

"If you let me off the hook, I'll help you too."

"Besides, don't actually think you can threaten me. James Shams, one of the producers of 'The Creation,' is an Isaac! He was also Paperclip's golden partner, the one who discovered Paperclip! Tell me, would an Isaac himself turn against Isaac? That doesn't make any sense!"

Talking and talking.

He really found a bit of confidence in it, and his back straightened up a little.

It even carried a hint of reverse threat: "No matter what you do, Mr. Shen, the Western media will not report what you want! They have their own perspective and rules! Just like 'The Creation,' in the Western media, it's just an erotic and sensational film about Eastern history. No one will, and no one dares to, make the kind of dangerous associations you're making!"

At last.

He softened his tone, trying to appease his attitude, "I got involved in this out of necessity. It was the American, Chalperic, who asked me to come. We Italians are known as Little China, we're friends!"

"Why fight to the death? It's better for both sides to compromise."

He glanced at Fan Bingbing, who was almost curled up in Shen Shandeng's arms, and forced a fawning smile.

"Ms. Fan is so beautiful, and her acting is also very talented. As the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, I promise that during my term, I will do my utmost to secure the Best Actress award for Ms. Fan at Venice! This would be a win-win situation, wouldn't it?"

These words were so informative that they left Fan Bingbing, who was already in shock, completely speechless.

She slumped in Shen Shandeng's arms, her body burning hot, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest.

What did she hear?
The most crucial and darkest power struggle in the international film industry was laid bare before her!

It turns out that behind the so-called temple of art lies such dirty deals and powerful, hidden control!
It turns out that the international film queen who fascinates countless Chinese actors can be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations, just like buying vegetables at a market!

The immense shock left her dizzy, but it was followed by an even stronger, intense desire for that dazzling crown.

She involuntarily raised her head, her large, watery eyes filled with pleading and endless anticipation, and looked at Shen Shandeng.

At this moment, dignity and self-love seem insignificant in the face of the allure of supreme honor and the crushing power of the highest authority.

As long as Shen Shandeng gives her a Best Actress award, she'll do anything!
Shen Shandeng felt the intense reaction of the delicate body in his arms and the burning, expectant gaze.

His face remained expressionless; he simply nodded slightly and said, "Yes, you're right."

Upon hearing this, Marco Müller's eyes instantly lit up with ecstasy.

Then he proceeded to lavish praise on Fan Bingbing, making her feel quite embarrassed.

This foreigner is really good at talking.

however.

Shen Shandeng's next words, however, were like ice picks, completely shattering the hope that Mark Müller had just ignited.

In January 1988, Jimmy Sneider, a famous commentator for CBS Sports, claimed during an interview at a restaurant that the athletic advantage of Black people was the result of "selective breeding by slave owners."

"He said the Isaacs were successful in business because 'if you don't work hard, you'll be put in the oven.' He was fired by CBS within 24 hours, ending his 12-year career, completely destroying his public image, and disappearing from the media ever since." The joy on Marco Müller's face froze instantly, and his pupils contracted sharply.

Shen Shandeng continued, speaking slowly: "In 2006, Mike Nefa, the district attorney for Durham County, North Carolina, warned the students during the trial of the Duke University team members that they should confess, or their 'arrogant, high-paid Isaacs lawyers' would ruin them. Soon after, he was disbarred, convicted of contempt of court, and lost his position as district attorney."

"The official reason is professional misconduct, but you know the real reason better than I do."

Marco Müller's body trembled uncontrollably.

He never expected that Shen Shandeng had such a deep and accurate understanding of these taboos and cases in Western society!
"What does this mean?"

Shen Shandeng didn't need his answer at all, and answered his own question: "This shows that the Isaacs group is extremely sensitive and efficient in maintaining their 'victim' narrative. Even if it is just implicit prejudice, it will be treated as open discrimination and fiercely countered."

"For example, Kevin Federline, Britney's unknown ex-husband, used the phrase 'waiting for you in the gas room' in a diss track in 2007."

"It was immediately met with strong condemnation from the Isaacs Civil Rights Organization and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and was forced to issue a public apology. This shows that even the most ignorant and grassroots remarks, as long as they involve metaphors, can immediately incur devastating consequences."

"Anyone suspected of being 'anti-Issabi' will be completely marginalized by mainstream society."

The light in Mark Müller's eyes was completely extinguished, leaving only endless despair.

Shen Shandeng's tone became even more sharp: "Do you think social fame and huge profits can exempt you from this? Mel Gibson, a superstar, a top director, and the Oscar winner of 'Braveheart'."

"Speaking carelessly while drunk can ruin not only your career but also your family. Once you're involved, the punishment will be substantial, not just a verbal reprimand."

He looked down at the limp Mark Müller, his words as cold as the winter wind: "The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), these organizations are highly professional and efficient public relations and advocacy machines! They will issue statements immediately, exert pressure, and guide public opinion!"

"Marco, are you going to explain to the ADL and the Isaac National Committee that all of this is just a crazy idea from a promising Chinese commercial director, and has nothing to do with your guidance?"

"Do you think they'll believe it? Even if they do, won't they be swayed by Isaac and those powerful but powerless Westerners who dare not speak out?"

"Won't this give people the impression that 'blowing the whistle against Izabethan politics goes unpunished'? What will happen? More people who dare to rebel will emerge and test the limits!"

"So, when that time comes, the ADL and all related organizations, in order to make an example of you and maintain this fear, will have to crush you! You understand this better than I do!"

Shen Shandeng depicted a bleak future for Mark Müller.

"From now on, you will have no place in the film, arts, and media industries. You will lose your job and your status. The various committees of the Isaacs will continue to target and exclude you. Your friends, family, teachers, colleagues, partners, and all relevant parties must distance themselves from you. Former friends will criticize you, and former colleagues will insult you. Everyone must make a statement, and everyone must pass the test! If you don't, you will be implicated!"

“You’ll be constantly shuttling between the courthouse and home, unable to do anything else. Your family will distance themselves from you, and your lawyer will abandon you when you can’t afford the fees. Gradually, you’ll be left with nothing, evicted from your mortgaged house by creditors, and homeless. You’ll find yourself increasingly enjoying telling the homeless people you sleep with about your glorious career in the arts and film, but even the homeless won’t believe you.”

"Marco, from now on you will only have two friends: hunger and cold."

This description.

It precisely struck at Mark Müller's deepest fear.

He knew that every word Shen Shandeng said was a reality that was very likely to happen in the future!

In the Western narrative system, once such a tool loses its usefulness or even becomes a liability, it will be discarded without hesitation and trampled on a thousand times!
He was terrified of being poor!

They come out to serve the Western narrative because academic sinologists are too poor!
The West is not China, and capitalism does not support idlers!
He was completely devastated.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"

Marco Müller could no longer control himself and collapsed to the ground like a child, bursting into tears.

All dignity and respect have vanished.

Tears streaming down her face, she screamed desperately, "Aren't you afraid of retaliation?! You've done this to me! You can't escape! They won't let you off the hook!"

Shen Shandeng burst into laughter upon seeing his miserable state.

Laughter echoed in the luxury suite, filled with boundless arrogance and domineering power.

"To get revenge on me?"

Shen Shandeng stopped laughing, his gaze sharpening as he said, "I live in a sovereign and independent country! I have a great motherland behind me! And you, Marco Müller, answer me, will your motherland protect you? Do you have a great socialist motherland?"

(End of this chapter)