Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

When this news broke, the entire entertainment industry was in an uproar.

Thirty-eight well-known mainland artists, including Chen Daoming, Zhang Guoli, Feng Kuzi, Qing Nai, Li Xuejian, Ge Daye, Zhang Fengyi, Chen Baoguo, and Liu Laoshi, jointly issued a statement in support of Wang Bozhao.

Directors such as Tianming, Zhang Yimou, and Kai Zige, who were instrumental in the production of the Fifth Generation of Chinese film and television, also spoke out through various channels, saying that all actors, whether from mainland China or Hong Kong and Taiwan, should be treated equally once they join the production.

This list, which includes almost half of the mainland film and television industry, collectively speaks out for an injured actor, demanding an apology from the assailant and calling for respect for human rights and the law.

This joint letter is not only to help Xiaobailong, but also reflects the entire industry's dissatisfaction with the rampant mistreatment of actors.

The collective statement from more than 30 prominent figures brought the matter directly into the public spotlight, turning what might have been a minor conflict within the film crew into a media storm sweeping across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Under pressure, the production company took the lead in apologizing. Cheung Wai-kin and Nicholas Tse also visited the White Dragon in the hospital, and the three of them even took photos together for the media.

This incident, seemingly in support of Xiao Bailong, actually reflects the long-standing dissatisfaction of mainland actors with the aloofness of Hong Kong and Taiwanese actors. Xiao Bailong doesn't have that much influence, so ultimately, he's just a pretext.

Originally, Zhuang Huai'an didn't want to get involved in this matter. After all, with firsthand information about Wang Jing, this traitor, he knew that neither side was a good person, and there was no need to get involved.

But what happened next really annoyed him.

After the assault incident escalated, Yinghuang Entertainment's stock price plummeted to its daily limit. In an attempt to reverse the decline, Boss Yang surprisingly did not consult Zhuang Huai'an and directly set the mainland premiere of "Detachment" for September 21.

This behavior is clearly an attempt to use Zhuang Huai'an's name to improve the reputation of his own company!

If Boss Yang had been more cooperative, Zhuang Huai'an would have turned a blind eye out of consideration for their two-year relationship. But what is this situation now?

A beggar carrying a broken bowl goes directly to the host's table to eat.

Zhuang Huai'an did not indulge him.

At the end of September, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television held a meeting to discuss the entertainment industry's public opinion events over the past two months.

Most of the well-known film and television company owners from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong were present, along with directors like Zhang Yimou and Kai Ge, and actors such as Chen Daomin and Ge You as representatives.

Jiang Wen didn't come; he said this place was against his taboo.

The person presiding over this meeting was none other than Yang Xiaojiu.

"The news these past two months has been quite lively. The previous dispute between Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama had just subsided when this assault incident came along. It's like one incident ends and another begins."

Yang Xiaojiu glanced around at everyone, his gaze lingering on Zhuang Huai'an for a moment before turning to Wang Jing.

"Director Wang Jing, right? As the person in charge on set, do you have anything to say about this?"

Wang Jing broke out in a cold sweat. He felt that this accountability was even more stressful than when someone had a gun to his head to make a film back then. If he didn't answer well, his future would be bleak.

Although there were other details to this incident, Wang Pangzi was ultimately pragmatic and downplayed the matter, blaming his negligence and failure to take proper safety precautions, which led to the accident.

"Rest assured, leader. I will visit Mr. Wang again on behalf of the production team later to express our condolences. As for compensation, we will try our best to meet the reasonable conditions and handle this matter properly."

After hearing this, Uncle Yang did not pursue the matter further. It was enough that he could put aside his attitude and sincerely admit his mistake. There was nothing he could do. At present, cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong are frequent, and what the leaders want is stability and the overall situation.

"Mr. Yang, is there anything you'd like to add?"

Boss Yang stood up and said, "Boss, no matter what, it was wrong to hit someone first. I will strengthen the management of the artists. To express my apology, I will take half of Zhang Weijian and Xie Tingfeng's remuneration, totaling 50 RMB, as compensation for Mr. Wang."

"Good attitude, please handle it quickly."

"Yes, boss." Boss Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. There was no other way; if this person was not satisfied, Yinghuang's plans over the past ten years would be ruined.

Yang Xiaojiu looked at everyone and then called on Feng Kuzi and Uncle Ge to speak as representatives.

Feng Kuzi was quite agitated, and he quickly escalated the situation with his words, causing everyone present to frown.

Everyone can see that the leader wants to smooth things over, so why are you making such a grand speech to highlight your own importance?

Isn't that just plain stupid?

Uncle Ge remained diplomatic, avoiding any discussion of his stance and focusing solely on the physical act of assault. He advised everyone to maintain a calm mindset during communication, strive to reach a consensus, and prevent such a situation from recurring.

After the two finished speaking, everyone thought that the leader would take the opportunity to back down, summarize the matter, and then let it go.

After all, it's a Chinese tradition to hold small meetings for important matters. A meeting that can attract so many people is basically just a high-profile affair that's quickly forgotten.

"What you said is all good, but it only addresses the issue at hand and we haven't been able to come up with a concrete solution. With more and more exchanges between film and television professionals across the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong, although we are all Chinese, we have different backgrounds and our views are easily divergent. After all, no one can manage a film crew as well as Director Kai."

Yang Xiaojiu turned his gaze to Zhuang Huai'an again and asked, "Director Huai'an, do you have any preventative measures in place for this possible situation?"

"Some leaders!"

Everyone was somewhat surprised by Zhuang Huai'an's straightforward answer.

Those who know Zhuang Huai'an know that he transformed himself into one of the largest film and television capital firms in mainland China long ago, and he has never gotten involved in such matters. Even the incident involving the two schools last month was just an instruction from his superiors, and he was merely a facilitator.

Wait, could it be that...?

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines and secretly observed the leader in the main seat.

"Oh? Tell me your opinion."

"Okay, leaders and colleagues. I have been paying attention to the current situation of the entertainment industry in China. I think the reason why such scandals involving artists keep happening is that there is no strong supervision system."

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Zhuang Huai'an spoke eloquently.

"Just like movies, the US, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan all have clear rating systems, classifying violent, bloody, and pornographic films into Category III films to restrict the audience."

Personally, I think actors could do the same, but the situation would be simpler: the State Administration of Radio and Television could establish an organization similar to the disciplinary committee of the entertainment industry to restrict the careers of artists who have engaged in illegal or inappropriate behavior.

I call these kinds of artists "tainted artists." People like Chen Kun with dirty clothes might not meet this standard, but someone like Xiao Yanzi, who has been involved in the "military flag incident" and the "pregnant woman incident," is definitely a tainted artist.

Of course, artists like Nicholas Tse and Dicky Cheung, if it's confirmed that they intentionally assaulted someone, are also guilty of inappropriate behavior and should be listed in the blacklist.

Everyone was shocked by these words.

This is going to completely reshape the entertainment industry!

Boss Yang broke out in a cold sweat. He realized that Zhuang Huai'an's suggestion was aimed at him.

Seeing everyone fall silent, Zhuang Huai'an exchanged a subtle glance with Yang Xiaojiu.

The two had discussed this before the meeting, and Yang Xiaojiu's purpose was also very clear: to use Zhuang Huai'an's words to make a warning to others.

Just scare them a little; that's something that's impossible to do these days.

The reason is simple: openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit.

Why did the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television in later generations dare to directly report on artists with bad records and those who support Hong Kong and Taiwan independence?

Because they have become powerful, they have a voice, and the balance of power has shifted.

How big was the mainland film and television market at that time?

Several hundred billion!

What about now?

Less than 10 billion.

So, after pretending to think about the suggestion for a moment, Yang Xiaojiu finally rejected it, only after everyone present had become tense.

After the meeting, the CEOs of various film and television companies looked at Zhuang Huai'an with very complicated expressions.

I thought he was just being kind, but I never expected that he would be so shrewd and insightful when he finally spoke up.

Directors like Zhang Yimou and Kai Zi didn't think much of it. In their view, Zhuang Huai'an's proposal was beneficial to the directors. After unifying industry standards, they, as directors, would have more say.

Before leaving, Brother Kai patted Zhuang Huai'an on the shoulder affectionately and warmly invited him to visit the film set.

Zhuang Huai'an readily agreed. He was indeed very curious about the set of "The Promise" and wanted to see how this "shit-poem" masterpiece was filmed.

He exchanged a glance with Wang Jing, but the two did not speak to each other throughout the entire conversation.

"Director Zhuang..."

After everyone else had left, Boss Yang approached Zhuang Huai'an, who had deliberately lingered there.

"Regarding the early release of 'Transcendence,' I sincerely apologize to you. To express my apology, I will not take a single penny of the box office revenue in mainland China and will transfer it all to 91 Company."

Seeing that Boss Yang finally understood, Zhuang Huai'an smiled nonchalantly.

"Brother Yang, not everything can be solved with money."

We'll split the box office revenue however we see fit, but after this collaboration, we'll go our separate ways. If you're willing, we can continue as friends, maybe have some tea and chat sometime.

But forget about cooperation. From now on, we'll handle our own investments separately.

Zhuang Huai'an smiled, waved, and turned to leave.

"Director Zhuang..."

Boss Yang stood there sighing repeatedly. He sensed the distance in Zhuang Huai'an's tone; this was the first time he had ever used the formal "you" (您) to address him.

This might be the last time.