Global Best Actor: Starting with Picking Up Attributes in America

Chapter 473 Go China!

Public opinion in China was outraged.

The hashtag #ChenXunEntersTheMedicalIndustry# quickly became a trending topic.

At first, some people were curious, saying that Chen Xun's business scope was wide.

The wind direction changed very quickly.

A self-media outlet published an article with a sensational title: "From Movie Mogul to Medical Oligarch, Chen Xun's Ambition Goes Beyond Movies."

The article claims that Chen Xun took advantage of the industry's off-season to acquire medical device factories at low prices, intending to monopolize the mask and protective clothing market and then profit from the national crisis by inflating prices when the flu season arrives.

"He doesn't want to do real business at all; he wants to exploit people. He used to exploit moviegoers, and now he wants to exploit the entire nation."

This article instantly went viral across the internet.

Countless netizens began criticizing Chen Xun: "I was so blind! I used to think he was a good person because of his poverty alleviation efforts, but it turns out it was all just a show!"

"This is disgusting! Making so much money isn't enough, they even want to profit from healthcare!"

"As expected, all capital is profit-driven; there's not a single good one among them!"

"I will never watch Chen Xun's movies again! Boycott China Dragon Pictures!"

"They even reminded us to buy masks before, turns out it was all to pave the way for their own mask factory! How cunning!"

Even many of his former fans have begun to waver.

"I'm really disappointed. I thought he was different, but I didn't expect him to still have the same capitalist face."

"I hope he doesn't actually inflate prices, or I'm really going to stop being a fan."

After seeing the comments online, Hammer called Chen Xun: "Bro, people online are all criticizing you. Why did you buy so many mask factories? If you need money, I can lend it to you. Don't make this kind of dirty money."

"I won't make money through dishonest means!"

Chen Xun said, "You should also buy more masks and food and stock up at home. Listen to me, you won't go wrong."

Although Hammer Bro still didn't understand, he obediently agreed: "I'll go buy it tomorrow. I also want to stock up on a hundred packs of spicy strips."

""

In the office of China Dragon Pictures, Rob threw his phone on the table, his face flushed with anger.

"These people are insane! When did we say we were going to raise prices? We haven't sold a single mask yet!"

Why are they insulting you like that?!

"I've already had our PR department issue a statement saying that all the masks we produce are for our own use and we won't sell them to others, but they still don't believe me!"

Li Suyan also frowned: "Many partners have called to ask if we really engage in medical monopoly, and they will terminate the cooperation. China Film Group and Alibaba have also called, hoping that we can explain."

Christine looked at Chen Xun with worry in her eyes: "Why don't you explain things to everyone? If this continues, it will have a huge impact on your reputation."

Jennifer also said, "Tell us why, and we'll help you explain it to everyone."

Chen Xun sat in the chair, looking out the window, and remained silent for a long time.

"Reputation is not important, making money is not important, I just hope everyone can be safe and sound."

He turned to look at Robert: "Ignore the online opinions, continue acquiring and producing. Activate as much capacity as you have. If you don't have enough warehouses, rent them. If you can't rent them, build them. If you don't have enough money, mortgage all my personal stocks and real estate."

"I want to increase the daily production of face masks to 1 million and the daily production of protective suits to 50 sets within a month."

Looking into Chen Xun's determined eyes, Rob nodded: "I understand. Even if I get scolded to death, I'll still do this for you."

That evening, Chen Xun drove alone to a warehouse in the suburbs.

The huge warehouse was filled with boxes of masks and protective suits, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Workers are working overtime to move materials, forklifts are shuttling back and forth, and the lights are on.

The warehouse manager came over and handed Chen Xun a mask: "Mr. Chen, please wear this. It's very dusty here."

Chen Xun took the mask and put it on. Looking at the mountain of supplies in front of him, he finally felt a little more at ease.

January 20, 2020, the 1th day of the twelfth lunar month.

The streets, which should have been decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations in preparation for the New Year, are now deserted and quiet.

Long lines formed outside all the pharmacies, and everyone was wearing a mask with anxious expressions on their faces.

Do you still have any face masks?

"That's all. We sold out yesterday. We're out of disinfectant and alcohol too."

"When will it arrive?"

"I don't know, the manufacturers have all run out of stock."

The internet is in complete chaos.

#MasksInShortage#

#Where can I buy face masks?#

The topic started trending on social media.

Every time the page is refreshed, tens of thousands of people leave messages asking to buy it.

Some people offered ten times the price to buy masks, some traded Moutai liquor for masks, and some even cried because they couldn't buy masks.

"I'm taking the train back to my hometown tomorrow, and I don't even have a mask. What should I do?"

"The nurses in the hospital don't even have protective suits anymore, they have to use garbage bags instead, it's heartbreaking."

"Does anyone have extra masks? Please, I have elderly people and children at home."

Meanwhile, the film industry is experiencing its coldest winter in history.

All cinemas across the country announced their closure, and all films scheduled for the Spring Festival were withdrawn from theaters.

Construction at the Guizhou Film City site has ceased, and all film crews in Hollywood have also stopped shooting.

-

Looking at the loss report in his hand, Rob was so worried that his hair had turned white: "Boss, the preliminary estimate is that we will lose at least 20 billion. Cinemas across the country are closed, movies cannot be released at all, and projects by up-and-coming directors have all had to be postponed."

"So be it, we'll just accept the loss!"

Chen Xun didn't even look up; he was looking at the lists of supplies needed in various places: "Human lives are more important than money. Notify all employees to work from home, and pay their wages as usual. All the workers on the Guizhou construction site should stay on the site for the Spring Festival, with food and accommodation provided."

Just then, the phone rang; it was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello Mr. Chen, I am from Guangming Trading Company. We are willing to pay ten times the price to buy all the masks you have. We will take as many as you have, and we will pay in cash in one lump sum."

"Not for sale!"

Chen Xun hung up the phone immediately.

Less than a minute later, the phone rang again.

For the next hour, Chen Xun's phone was ringing off the hook.

Businessmen, celebrities, and officials all wanted to buy his masks at high prices.

The bids kept getting higher and higher, with the highest bid reaching fifty times the initial offer.

But Chen Xun refused them all.

The news spread online, causing another public outcry.

Those who previously criticized Chen Xun for profiting from the national crisis are now criticizing him even more fiercely.

"I was right! He's trying to hoard it! He won't sell even at fifty times the price; he's clearly waiting for the price to rise even higher!"

"That's outrageous! They hoarded so many masks, preferring to let them rot rather than sell them to those who need them!"

"They were so hypocritical in reminding us to buy masks, but it turns out they just wanted to hoard them and raise prices! Disgusting!"

"This kind of person should be banned! Making money this way through such unethical means, aren't they afraid of retribution?"

"I'm going to delete all his movies right now! I'll never watch any of his work again!"

Even some people within the company are wavering.

The CFO approached Chen Xun, looking anxious: "Boss, how about we sell some? At fifty times the price now, selling half would recoup all our previous costs and still make a profit of over a billion. We can keep the other half for donation, which won't affect our reputation."

"Yes, boss."

-

Rob also advised, "Everyone is criticizing us now. If this continues, the company's reputation will be completely ruined. Who will want to cooperate with us in the future?"

Chen Xun put down his pen and looked at them: "I ask you, if your family members were lying in the hospital right now, without masks or protective suits, would you be willing to pay fifty times the price for a single mask?"

The CFO lowered his head and remained silent.

"I'm not selling because I'm waiting for a higher price."

Chen Xun's tone was calm, yet undeniable: "These masks should be reserved for those who need them most, for doctors and nurses in hospitals, for people in areas with high infection rates, and for ordinary people who can't afford expensive masks."

"I, Chen Xun, have made a lot of money, but I have never made a single penny of ill-gotten gains. I will not sell any of these masks; I will donate them all for free."

He picked up his phone, opened Weibo, and edited a message: "China Dragon Medical subsidiary currently has an inventory of 1.2 million masks, 500 million sets of protective clothing, 1000 tons of disinfectant, and 2 cotton swabs."

One hundred million units will be prioritized for free supply to Hubei, Guangdong, Zhejiang and other high-risk areas. The first batch of supplies has been loaded and will depart tonight, with more supplies to be sent out in succession.

The donation channel is now open. Hospitals and communities in need can apply through the China Dragon website.

We will review your application 24 hours a day and ship it out as quickly as the same day.

I personally donated 10 billion RMB for epidemic prevention and control.

May our mountains and rivers be safe and sound, and may all people live in peace.

The accompanying photos consist of nine pictures: warehouses filled with supplies, trucks being loaded onto trucks, and containers covered with "Go China!" signs.