The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 149 Beware of Your Own People (38)

The next day.

Yesterday's audition secured an important role, which made Shen Shandeng particularly happy.

Shen Shandeng sat behind his large desk, relaxed, listening to Ma Youde's routine report.

"Boss, the premiere of director Feng Xiaogang's 'Assembly' is scheduled for the 18th at the Workers' Stadium."

"They specifically inquired about your schedule, indicating that they could arrange a special tribute segment to thank 'The Eunuch' for its positive impact on expanding the market for domestic blockbusters."

Ma Youde gave a meticulous report.

Shen Shandeng waved his hand: "Reply to them that I will participate discreetly, just as an observer, there is no need for any special ceremony."

The bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it. What he needs right now is to keep a low profile, not to be in the spotlight.

He glanced at his watch, as if remembering something, and casually asked, "How's 'The Warlords' going? It's been two or three days, the data should be out by now."

Ma Youde laughed and said, "Boss, they claimed to have broken our opening day record on the two weekdays, but in reality, it just exceeded 20 million in two days."

"More importantly, the word-of-mouth has collapsed. Yesterday, Saturday, the feedback from cinemas was not as high as on Friday."

"Many viewers went to see Jet Li's action scenes, but what they saw was a dark and oppressive story of fratricide and metaphors about human nature, which led to a lot of complaints online."

Shen Shandeng picked up the teacup on the table, gently blew on it, and took a sip.

"They want to use the mainland's resources to lay eggs in Hong Kong's entertainment circle? Dream on."

Although Shen Shandeng said that Chen Kexin was a good person, at least he was market-oriented, an opponent is still an opponent.

China Film Group is his most important ally, and he is the best director that China Film Group can rely on.

Why did Chen Kexin act so recklessly? Ultimately, he was betting that Chen Kaige would be ruined, and China Film Group had no other choice.

Ma Youde continued, "In addition, Mark Muller will be returning to Italy soon to prepare for the Venice Film Festival; his flight is tomorrow."

Shen Shandeng nodded: "Yes, prepare a farewell gift. It doesn't have to be too expensive, but it should be thoughtful. It should reflect our friendship."

Near the embassy district.

Chalperrick's office.

Smith, brimming with excitement, reported his brilliant achievements to his superior, Chalperrick.

Smith particularly emphasized that Shen Shandeng's willingness to answer the phone demonstrated a significant breakthrough in his interest in Venice.

Mark Muller's six wins, he expanded to ten wins!

What a win!
The office smelled strongly of whiskey.

Chalperic leaned back in his large leather armchair, his tie loose and his face flushed.

He's obviously drunk again.

Chalperic listened, tipsy, and finally patted Smith hard on the shoulder.

"Well done, Smith! I've been watching your work."

He stood up unsteadily, his steps faltering, and said frankly, "I haven't been doing well lately, sigh, I've hit a low point. I think it's time to recommend you back home to take my place. You're more suited for this job."

In an instant, a huge wave surged through Smith's heart!
However, he tried his best to control his expression and said modestly, "Commissioner, you flatter me too much! I still have a lot to learn from you! Your experience and wisdom are unmatched!"

Charperrick waved his hand and said, "Smith, you are the most suitable candidate! I believe in you!"

Smith's heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of his chest.

Almost unable to suppress the smile on his face, he took a deep breath and agreed: "Thank you, thank you for your guidance, Commissioner! My success today is inseparable from the Empire's support and the Commissioner's high regard!"

At this moment, Smith felt ashamed of his previous negative views of Chalperic and his delusions about the Empire.

"Haha, hahaha, hiccup!" Charperic suddenly burst into a violent and mocking laugh, laughing so hard he almost fell over, tears streaming down his face.

He hugged Smith while laughing, as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world.

Smith froze on the spot, his smile frozen on his face, completely at a loss.

Standing next to Chaperic, unsure of what to do, her rosy complexion turned to an embarrassing pale, and she could only stand there.

Chalperic laughed for a full minute before stopping.

He looked at Smith with a mocking and contemptuous gaze and said sarcastically, "Dear Smith, a commoner who barely made it into state university by relying on student loans dares to dream of sitting in this position?"

"Tsk tsk, what adorable courage."

Chalperic swirled the ice in his glass and said, "The rules of the game here are far more complex and sophisticated than you imagine."

Smith clenched his fists tightly behind his back, his nails almost digging into his palms.

Ignoring his anger, Chalperic said in a cold, hard voice, "Remember, I am the commissioner!"

"Stop your petty thoughts and those ridiculous plans."

After listening to Smith's report on the ten wins, Chalperic felt that he was about to win again.

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes: "Shen Shandeng? Just a nouveau riche director with a bit of luck. He embarrassed our dog Paperclip, which is a slap in our face."

Chalperic downed his drink in one gulp and gave the order: "Activate our informant and cause him some trouble. Isn't he about to film a new movie? Find a way to stall him. Let him understand who really calls the shots."

Smith was shocked and hurriedly tried to dissuade him: "Commissioner! Please be careful! Shen Shandeng has already shown his willingness to make contact, which we achieved at a great cost."

"Moreover, with 'The Creation of Evil' preceding us, if we forcefully push it forward, it will result in heavy losses to our infiltration forces."

“The price?” Charperic interrupted him with a sneer. “That price is irrelevant. What matters is making him kneel! Only obedient dogs deserve bones, and right now, he needs a good whipping!”

Isn't that what dogs use?

Moreover, he has discussed it with his family and knows that he will most likely lose his job next year. Fortunately, his qualifications are enough for him to get a job at a consulting firm.

Just before leaving the company, I'll make a big splash.

It's only right to ruin a dog for the sake of its master's future.

"Execute the order, Assistant Smith. I am the commissioner!"

Smith looked at his boss's drunken yet unusually stubborn and ferocious face, and felt a chill run through him.

I wanted to say "You'll regret it," but I didn't dare to.

The next day.

Beijing Capital International Airport International Departure Hall.

On behalf of Shen Shandeng, Ma Youde saw Mark Müller off and presented him with a carefully wrapped gift box.

Inside is a fine set of Yixing clay teaware and a limited edition Italian brand fountain pen.

Ma Youde said, "I hope we can write a new chapter in Sino-Italian cultural exchange together. Mr. Müller, we will not let our friends down."

Marco Müller accepted the gift with a complicated expression.

Shaking Ma Youde's hand, he lowered his voice and said quickly, "Mr. Ma, please be sure to tell Director Shen to be careful, especially of his own people. Sometimes, trouble from within is harder to guard against than external enemies."

He then let go of her hand, smiled, said goodbye, and turned to leave.

Ma Youde watched his retreating figure, his gaze slightly narrowed, and returned to the company to report what had happened to Shen Shandeng.

(End of this chapter)