Chapter 492: All kinds of difficulties!
"The crew has been relocated."
The next day, as soon as Du Sheng entered the company, he heard Wang Jinhua say:
"Zhefu University is on holiday, so we will finish filming the campus scenes there."
"Nothing went wrong, that's good."
Du Sheng nodded and asked:
“What are my upcoming schedules?”
He heard last night that Feng Jiarui was seriously ill and returned to Bay City overnight.
It is also possible that the swelling may compress the nerves in the neck and breathing, and intensive care unit treatment may be required.
With such a big accident happening, there was naturally no time to care about such a small matter of the crew.
"The Asian sales of 'Yi Sheng You Ni' have exceeded 150 million, so you have to at least go to Japan, Hong Kong and other places to promote it.
"House of Flying Daggers" will be released on July 7, and "Full House" will premiere on KBS+Modou TV in late July.
Next you have to do promotion and roadshows, as for "Initial D"..."
Wang Jinhua talked a lot and Du Sheng felt overwhelmed, so he asked Wang Yaoyang to write it down.
"Ah Sheng, come and look at this—"
After discussing some serious business, Wang Jinhua suddenly opened her laptop and played a video.
On the screen, a familiar face who looked pitiful to me popped up first:
It was Xu Xiyuan!
Next, there was a short, fat man in a suit.
There was a lot of activity around them and it looked like they were being interviewed.
Du Sheng took a closer look and sneered in his heart.
This happened last night when "God of War" held a pre-launch press conference.
In the picture, the moment Yang Chuankui appeared at the press conference, both the director and screenwriter, as well as leading actors such as Zhou Yumin and Xu Xiyuan from F4, had to give way to this heavyweight figure.
There is no doubt that the focus of this interview is Yang Qinkui.
He sat firmly in the center of the press conference.
As the producer, Comey Films had to show up at the press conference even though Cheng Yuxi was concerned about her godfather's injury.
After all, many of the leading actors in this drama are from the original cast of Meteor Garden, so it’s quite a gimmick.
Also present was Jin Xiu Li. In order to show TVBS's high regard for the drama "God of War", she also came in person to show her support today.
In Bay City, TV series are often broadcast simultaneously on two channels.
Even if this is not the case, it will often be rebroadcast on other TV stations later.
Not to mention that this drama is starred by many big names, so all major platforms will naturally not miss this opportunity to promote it and have sent representatives to show their support.
At this moment, the entire hall was occupied by various media and the scene was extremely crowded.
As expected, the atmosphere was very lively as soon as the Q&A session started.
Reporters showed great interest in the drama "God of War".
Even the most subtle details are not left out, striving to uncover more stories behind the scenes.
However, the topic suddenly became acute.
A reporter asked an irrelevant question pretentiously:
"Mr. Yang, I heard that a drama recently refused to cooperate with Bada TV. Is this true?"
Yang Yukui unexpectedly chose to respond, saying indifferently:
“Whether they refuse to cooperate or not, I don’t know for now.
The reason may be that Comic Films, out of respect for the original work, said that the female lead recommended by Star Media had dark skin and did not meet the aesthetic standards.
However, the drama "Itazura na Kiss" itself is still quite attractive, but the casting is really questionable.
As far as I know, the leading actress's acting skills are also controversial."
At this point, his tone darkened:
"But what is unacceptable is that the female lead was originally slated to be played by Xi Yuan, but she was snatched away without any notice.
In this industry, we should speak with strength, rather than relying on unfair means to gain opportunities..."
Yang Yunkui's answer was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a thousand waves.
The reporter keenly captured the hot spot in the topic and turned the microphone to Xu Xiyuan who was sitting nearby.
Xu Xiyuan's face, which had been smiling all the time, now became a little stiff, and a trace of unconcealable sadness flashed in his eyes.
"Ms. Xu Xiyuan, what do you think about this issue?"
The reporter asked.
Xu Xiyuan sighed softly, her eyes slightly reddened, and her voice was choked with sobs:
"I was definitely wrong in the last 'Coca-Cola incident' and I paid the price for it.
But Star Media has been holding on to this matter, not only throwing dirty water on me, saying that I am a tainted artist,
He even used his connections to snatch my original role away from me.
This...isn't this too much?"
Her words were full of grievance and helplessness, as if she was telling the public about her recent unfair experience.
The reporters suddenly became excited.
This time I will actually have something to write when I get back!
In addition to his identity as a member of the Tiandi League, Yang Qinkui is also a media tycoon in Bay City. It would be fine if he did not show up, but if he did, it would be obvious that he would be involved in something serious.
What's more, his words seemed a bit indignant, as if he was standing up for his daughter.
In addition, Xu Xiyuan and Du Sheng had major conflicts. The former was listed as a tainted artist by Star Media and was refused to cooperate, and the two sides were once in a big fight.
Xu Xiyuan had always avoided the topic before, but now he took the initiative to speak.
Is this a follow-up response to the 'Coca-Cola incident'?
Aren’t all of the above the gossip news that the audience loves to watch the most? ?
"Ms. Xu, I heard that you have been banned by several major companies and TV stations in the mainland. Is this true?"
"Ms. Xu Xiyuan, the last 'beating incident' caused your popularity in the mainland, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and other regions to decline. Are you planning to use the fame of 'Meteor Garden' to revive your popularity by joining 'God of War' this time?"
"Mr. Yang, it seems that Interstellar Media invested in Playful Kiss. May I ask how Ms. Xu Xiyuan got Du Sheng's approval to play the female lead?"
For a moment, the reporters below began to whisper to each other, and the scene seemed to have turned into a noisy market.
Seeing this, Cheng Yuxi immediately picked up the microphone in front of her and said:
"Dear media friends, today's launch conference is coming to an end.
Mr. Yang, Zai Zai, Xi Yuan and others were also tired from the long journey and needed to rest.
Thank you all for coming from afar, and I hope you can give us your support and encouragement! ”
Cheng Yuxi was actually a little dissatisfied.
After all, Komi Films did not take the initiative to request a replacement, it was the pressure from Bada Media that led to this.
Now, not only are Komi in a dilemma, but even his godfather has to go to the factory for repairs.
But she couldn't ask about such matters, and she had no right to ask about them.
It's just that changing roles is the investor's problem. You are still criticizing them in a roundabout way. Regardless of whether you are right or wrong, aren't you just belittling the first film they have already shot?
Fearing that there might be further disturbances later, she simply took the opportunity to interrupt the press conference.
Despite this, with the popularity of "God of War" and "It Started with a Kiss", as well as the gimmick of Du Sheng and Xu Xiyuan's falling out, the news of this press conference had spread all over the country within the next day.
The mainland is no exception.
Wang Jinhua brought the matter to Du Sheng because of the subsequent influence of public opinion.
"It's interesting to confuse right and wrong."
Du Sheng chuckled.
He originally thought that the "God of War" crew had a savvy person like Jin Xiu-li in charge, who should be aware that the issue concerning him and the casting controversy should be handled in a low-key manner, and find a suitable reason to calm the situation.
After all, this will help maintain the reputation of both parties.
Unexpectedly, Yang Jukui and Xu Xiyuan had another attack and made open and secret sarcasms at the press conference.
Since Tong Liya is a contracted artist of Star Media and has done nothing wrong, he will naturally protect her to the end.
Knowing that she had not yet joined the group, Du Sheng said to his assistant:
"Go call Leah over."
A moment later, Tong Liya followed the assistant to the office.
After entering the room, she smiled and greeted Du Sheng and Wang Jinhua:
"Brother Sheng, Sister Hua!"
Since the crew moved to the mainland, Tong Liya can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
At least, you don’t have to worry every day and face the threat of dead rats.
But before she could ask, Du Sheng handed the video over:
"You take a look first."
Tong Liya only took a look at the title of the video, her heart tightened, and then she started watching it quickly.
When she finished reading, her pretty face turned pale and she bit her lips tightly.
Du Sheng looked at her and asked:
"Liya, how do you think we should deal with this?"
Tong Liya took a deep breath and said:
"Brother Sheng, I'm fine. Mr. Yang is a senior in the industry. He probably meant well when he criticized me."
Du Sheng smiled and said:
"That's right. When you face interviews with reporters and the media in the future, remember to maintain this attitude."
"But I signed you in anyway, and I won't let you be bullied no matter what I say!"
Having said this, he turned to Wang Jinhua and said:
"In a statement released to the public, Interstellar Media recommended Tong Liya to play Yuan Xiangqin, not only because she was selected to join the Zhongyang Song and Dance Troupe for four years, but also because she performed well in The Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty, and her talent is unquestionable.
We at Star Media are very optimistic about her development prospects and also attach importance to the comprehensive quality training of artists. We have already made a detailed plan for her and believe that her future achievements will not be lower than those of the first-tier artists.”
Then, Du Sheng looked at the reports in which Yang Qiukui accused Tong Liya of having a dark complexion, lacking acting skills, speaking non-standard Mandarin, and lacking temperament.
After pondering for a moment, he continued:
"In order to get his daughter Xu Xiyuan the lead role in It Starts with a Kiss, Yang Yukui sent people to smash the crew and demand protection money, and threatened the artists with dead rats, intending to force the crew to agree..."
After Du Sheng finished speaking, he told Wang Jinhua:
“Write a statement based on the above content and contact online and offline media to release it.”
When faced with negative reports about artists, the usual approach is to use another group of media to refute them before they spread widely.
Even those media outlets that originally published negative news can be asked to clarify the matter themselves. As long as they are paid enough, these media outlets do not mind slapping themselves in the face.
Without the support of Star Media, Tong Liya would probably be unable to fight back against Yang Qinkui's indirect criticism, and might even be trampled upon by more people.
But now with the support of the company, the situation is completely different.
Afterwards, Du Sheng thought for a moment and simply called Jin Xiuling.
"Boss Jin, what do you think about what happened last night?"
He is currently in the mainland and cannot do anything to Yang Yukui, who is under tight security around him.
But it's okay to feel disgusted.
Who knows, there might even be a chance to bring him down.
Jin Xiuli on the other end of the phone smiled bitterly:
"I knew you would call me. Mr. Cheng and I have already discussed a solution.
But when the question was asked, Mr. Yang called on him to answer, and we couldn’t stop him.”
Du Sheng did not comment, and said calmly:
“Boss Jin, you should understand that it is impossible to change the cast of this drama at this point.
Bada Media has been causing trouble again and again. There is a saying that goes, "This is intolerable."
"Well, who says it isn't?"
Jin Xiuli sighed and couldn't help but say:
"But Xu Xiyuan is probably still angry and is probably still instigating her to act coquettishly. I will try my best to comfort her."
“But Mr. Du, Mr. Yang’s background is there, so sometimes we should communicate properly.
Maybe in a few days he will figure it out and the matter will naturally pass.”
Du Sheng laughed, not without sarcasm:
"Communicate? How to communicate?
Should I allow him to attack my artist without reason and not say anything?
Mr. Jin, I have already contacted the media and am ready to seek justice for Tong Liya."
Jin Xiuli was shocked and said hurriedly:
"Mr. Du, if you do this, I'm afraid it will backfire."
"So what do you think I should do? Act as if nothing happened?"
Du Sheng sneered and said:
"A lame dwarf mule leader, do you really think I'm afraid of him?"
If you really make him angry, as long as the other person doesn't have a gun, he can be killed in minutes.
Jin Xiuli advised patiently:
"Mr. Du, you are separated by two places and it is difficult to communicate on many things. The crew has moved to the mainland again.
Yang Yukui is also very protective of his son, so let's both give in a little!"
Du Sheng had no expression on his face:
"Boss Jin, you don't need to mention this kind of thing again.
Since the other party is taking advantage of me, I will let his mother die!"
Jin Xiuli wanted to say something else when she heard a busy tone on the phone.
She rubbed her forehead and sighed again:
“Young people are full of energy!
Alas, it’s difficult for me to be caught in the middle!”
However, since Star Media has said that Bada Television is not allowed to get involved in this drama, it is very likely that Bay City will hand it over to TVBS for distribution.
Jin Xiuli has always wanted to improve the company's performance, so she will naturally not give up halfway.
After thinking about it, she decided to go out.
.........
When Tong Liya saw Du Sheng put down the phone, she was moved.
"Brother Sheng, thank you!"
As she spoke, tears welled up in her beautiful eyes:
Since entering the entertainment industry, she has always been working alone.
No matter how hard or tiring it is, or how much you are laughed at by your classmates, you have to endure it silently and swallow the injustice you suffer.
And now, she finally felt a sense of security that she had never felt before.
It’s great to have a solid support behind you!
Du Sheng patted her shoulders and said with a smile:
"If you are wronged again in the future, I will always support you. Just focus on your career."
Tong Liya looked at Du Sheng and was deeply moved. She even had an urge to throw herself into his arms.
But reason told her that it was just a thought.
She is currently just an unknown artist, and Du Sheng is not only her handsome idol, but also her boss.
After experiencing all kinds of hardships in Bay City, she deeply realized the importance of having a backer.
But Tong Liya didn't know whether the man in front of her, who held her future in his hands, had any affection for her or was just being fair and just.
Therefore, she, who was easily satisfied, did not dare to ask for more and planned to perform well in the company first.
For example, finishing filming "It Started with a Kiss" well first would be a way of not letting Du Sheng down for his support.
Du Sheng saw something, rubbed Tong Liya's hair kindly, and said with a smile:
“You also know the new artists who have joined the company, they are all very outstanding.
If your performance this year is not as good as theirs, then you will most likely not be the heroine in the next play.
So, work hard. ”
Tong Liya felt the warmth of his palm and knew that it was a kind encouragement to her.
She was delighted and said with a firm and confident tone:
"Brother Sheng, don't worry, I will never let you down!"
Seeing that she had become much stronger, Du Sheng nodded silently in his heart.
There is a saying that goes, "No rainbow without wind and rain."
He believed that after going through the hardships, the company should have another pillar.
.........
Bay City, Yang Qiukui just returned to the office.
Jin Xiuli invited him to dinner just now. On the surface, it seemed like a casual chat, but in fact it was because of his previous criticism of Star Media's casting.
Jin Xiuli analyzed the pros and cons of the situation and hoped that he could understand and exercise restraint.
Yang Yukui just smiled and didn't say anything extra.
To be honest, he is currently trying to whitewash his image to pave the way for his next career in government.
If it's not necessary, he really doesn't want to get involved.
But it would be disheartening if he did not care about the fact that Xu Xiyuan, his daughter, was very much in his favor and was labeled as a tainted artist.
That’s why we had the interview last night.
As for revenge, unless Du Sheng came to Bay City to commit suicide, he would not send anyone to the mainland to cause trouble for the time being.
Because if he makes a big fuss and angers the tiger, not only will his career be hopeless, he might even lose his position.
Yang Qiukui picked up the newly arrived newspaper on the table and began to read.
Suddenly, a line of title caught his attention:
"Is Yang Yukui deeply protective of his son, or is he too partial?"
“This summer, God of War, as a new film invested by Bada Media, brought surprises to the audience.
Whether this work, co-starred by F4 and Xu Xiyuan, can continue the glory of "Meteor Garden", we will wait and see.
At the pre-launch conference of "God of War" held yesterday, Yang Qiukui also responded to the matter of being eliminated from cooperation by Interstellar Media.
I regret that I cannot agree with the statement about replacing the roles.
The various reasons given by Yang Qiukui were totally untenable. Was it because his daughter was not able to perform that he was making things difficult for her?
Because of this, he secretly arranged for people to smash and destroy the crew in an attempt to ruin "It Started with a Kiss".
Rumor has it that this person is the leader of the Tiandi Alliance, and he used to do evil things..."
As he read deeper, Yang Qiukui's grip on the newspaper gradually tightened.
After reading the report, he snorted coldly, and the anger in his heart burned again.
The article touched upon a past he did not want to recall.
When he was young, he was arrested many times by the police for running illegal casinos and selling flour.
As for manipulating the stock market and taking on the position of the leader of the Tiandi Alliance, he monopolized the film and television industry, used his power advantage to force actors to film for extremely low pay, and even made the artists accompany him, etc.
Although it is true, few people dare to talk about these things publicly due to his huge influence in Bay City.
Now that he has achieved success in his career and is preparing to return to the government, how can he not be angry when someone suddenly brings up old matters?
If he lost his status as a member of parliament because of this, Yang Qiukui might even have thoughts of killing someone.
As for Star Media’s refusal to cooperate with Bada Media, is a mere new mainland company qualified to throw itself in front of him?
However, Yang Qiukui did not lose his mind, but made a phone call.
Soon after, a crew member hurried over and presented various newspapers published today.
Yang Qiukui nodded and casually flipped through the entertainment pages of the newspapers.
As expected, he found several articles questioning Bada Media's dirty tricks and supporting Tong Liya.
Yang Qiukui was not a fool. If only one newspaper questioned it, it might be the editor's personal opinion.
But when multiple media outlets spoke out at the same time, it was no longer a coincidence.
How could an unknown little artist have such an influence?
Unable to help himself, Yang Qiukui instantly guessed that it was Star Media who was behind this.
.........
(End of this chapter)