Chapter 228: Jin Xia: This Is Mine, No One Can Take It
Haixi City.
Inside a five-star hotel next to the Golden Rooster Awards venue.
Every year, when grand events like the Golden Rooster Awards arrive, it’s a carnival for the entire film circle. Each established circle seizes this once-a-year gathering opportunity for various friendly socializing and communication.
The Beijing Circle, as one of the main forces in the film circle, is naturally included.
Evening, eight o’clock.
Director Lu, Xu Yingying, Ling Bingbing, as well as Director Yang, Director Feng, Si Zi, Peng Chen and their group, all gathered in a private room, forming a big dinner party.
At the dinner party, they chatted about recent events in the circle, so-and-so got another young wife, so-and-so got into trouble and was caught, but due to strong background connections, ended up paying money to settle it.
And the story of a certain artist surnamed Chi “bullying” Senior Lao on a variety show.
“I heard Guowen and Yibo got bullied. On the last variety show, they were ridden on the face by Chi Ye and scolded right in the nose, tsk tsk… Chi Ye is really getting wildly out of control now.”
“Really? Fake?”
Ling Bingbing was a bit disbelieving upon hearing this: “He wouldn’t be that arrogant, would he?”
“Seems related to Shi Jinwei…”
Someone explained.
While everyone was chatting idly, Si Zi was bored scrolling on his mobile phone nearby, while Peng Chen listened with longing in his heart—damn, scolding two movie emperors right in the nose? Has the captain reached this level now?
Speaking of which, he had watched with his own eyes as Chi Ye went from being inferior to him, to leveling with him, and then surpassing him…
Of course, Lao Peng still hadn’t given up comparing himself to Chi Ye.
Because Chi Ye now just looks “popular.”
In terms of real achievements, Big Shot’s over 2.8 billion box office isn’t as much as his lead in Bu Yu Xing Dong’s over 3.2 billion.
And he is the lead male in Bu Yu Xing Dong, while Chi Ye is the second lead supporting actor in Big Shot.
So, he felt the gap between them was perhaps just one Xing Ni. In movies, Chi Ye’s performance isn’t as good as his own.
—He had already been approached for several S+ modern idol drama and ancient idol drama projects. He was waiting for his own Xing Ni to appear.
“Chi Ye got nominated for Best Supporting Actor this time. Can he win?”
At this moment, a Beijing Circle little flower curiously asked. Because of Chi Ye’s “vicious” attitude toward Wu Yibo and Zhang Guowen, middle-aged actors in the industry actually somewhat disliked his behavior and personality, but among the younger generation, Chi Ye was indeed a hot commodity.
Very focused on his development situation.
“Win an award? Bullshit.”
Director Lu sneered: “Do you know who the Golden Rooster judges are this year?”
He pointed to Director Feng who was smoking. Director Feng coughed lightly, revealing big yellow teeth: “Hey, none other than me, I’m one of the judging panel.”
The little flower flattered: “Oh, Director Feng has long been qualified, it’s just… the other judges won’t have opinions?”
“In the mainland, this kind of role can be popular, but absolutely can’t win awards. That’s how it is, you get it?”
Director Feng crossed his legs: “Moreover, this kid is ignorant and offended so many people. Who in the circle likes him?”
“……Yeah.”
The little flower had previously been in the drama circle. Listening to Director Feng’s condescending lecture, she felt it made sense.
In the film circle, it’s about circles. No matter how popular Chi Ye is, he really shouldn’t be so “arrogant.”
“Alright, no more talk about him. Old Lu just mentioned the sci-fi film… Everyone, this time it’s real support. Those with ability can form a group. This thing has potential, real potential.”
Everyone started chatting idly again about the hottest topic in the circle recently—the “support” plan issued from above.
Originally, after Magic City Fortress bombed this year and left a huge mess, both inside and outside the circle had steered clear of sci-fi films, but with various messages coming from above, many capitals and people inside and outside the circle started getting restless again.
To explain here, the so-called support and messages can actually be understood as the official effort to promote the development of the film industry by creating a “new track.”
On this track, it’s not just Chi Ye participating. He just got the news earlier than others, so he can layout and try earlier, get various policy supports earlier, even get substantial funding in advance, but that doesn’t mean only he gets to do it.
That’s completely a kid’s thinking, because there are so many talented people in the whole of China?
One track is bound to have other competitors. Due to Chi Ye’s previous performance, he got some preferential treatment on this track, but other major circles and investors will also enter this track.
It’s like The Wandering Earth, Magic City Fortress, 749 Bureau, Lone Moon on Earth from Earth… Each circle has its own “contestant” representatives. It’s just that in the end, only The Wandering Earth achieved double hit of reputation and box office, taking first place.
For example, the Beijing Circle’s representative this time is 749 Bureau. And as far as they know, the Northwest Circle, Shanghai Circle, and several well-known capitals from the Northeast are all actively preparing new sci-fi film projects.
Shen Bin and Ma Li, Wu Jing and Zhang Yi have all received script announcements from their respective circles and investors.
And the young actors heavily promoted by each circle are also actively participating, hovering among various big projects. This wave even affected the drama circle for a time.
—Unfortunately, most little flowers and young actors in the drama circle still lack these connections and relationships. At best, they can only play supporting roles or extras in these big projects.
Shi Jinwei received such an announcement.
……
“A project from Banana Film and Media?”
In another room of the hotel.
Shi Jinwei sat on the sofa, surprised and even a bit angry as she asked: “Isn’t that Zhang Guowen and Wu Yibo’s company?”
“Yes.”
The agent nodded: “Their side means giving you the third female role…”
“I’m not doing it.”
Sister Qianzi refused without hesitation.
The agent frowned at her for a moment before saying: “This opportunity is rare. I heard the investment starts at 500 million. So many people are fighting for it. The company put in a lot of effort to get you this project. You just say no?”
Shi Jinwei countered: “What are their additional conditions?”
The agent fell silent.
“I said before, after signing with Tai Yang, I don’t accept this kind of thing. Now I can’t be forced to bow my head just because I want to enter the film circle. If that’s the case, I’d rather not enter. Anyway, I can still be popular for many years. I can afford to wait.”
The agent thought for a moment before reminding: “They don’t have any so-called additional conditions. Don’t overthink it.”
“Ha, after that incident, it’s already good I didn’t tear into them. They’re still not done? Sis, you’re an experienced agent. Can’t you see what they’re thinking?”
The agent sighed and spelled it out: “The company is investing in this movie, and behind it is Huayi Group, so…”
“So if not, just breach the contract and go to court.”
Hearing this, the agent said no more, because this was the result she had guessed before coming in.
At the same time, she personally didn’t like the company’s decision much either. And Shi Jinwei was different from other artists; she was a popular little flower, the company’s money tree. So her refusal left the company with nothing to say.
It would just inevitably offend Banana Culture… and the even larger Huayi Group behind it.
—One of the biggest capitals in the film circle.
“What about that play you chatted with Chi Ye about? Any news lately?”
The agent flipped past this and asked about the announcement Shi Jinwei had mentioned to her before.
At the last Golden Melody Awards, Chi Ye had discussed the Ghost script with Shi Jinwei. For this, Shi Jinwei had turned down several announcements she should have taken, keeping her schedule open for Chi Ye.
Because at her current star power level, she generally wouldn’t lack scripts or announcements. If not reserved in advance, the schedule might be gone by filming time.
The agent originally didn’t quite approve of Shi Jinwei clearing so much of her schedule… A desperate woman fighting for her career was also making money for the company.
But upon learning Shi Jinwei was waiting for Chi Ye’s news, she went along with it.
—Movies aside, in film and television dramas, especially since Ghost is reportedly a modern idol drama, Chi Ye’s project was undoubtedly attractive.
Even if not as good as Xing Ni, as long as she acted in it, it would only benefit Shi Jinwei, no harm.
“……Not yet. Wait a bit more.”
“Still waiting?”
The agent was stunned. She thought this project should have been settled long ago, but from Shi Jinwei’s tone now…
“He didn’t just mention it casually and never actually agreed to you, right?”
Sister Qianzi was slightly guilty: “No… he agreed… um, mentioned it twice, counts as agreed?”
The agent was dumbfounded, then slapped her forehead: “No, Weiwei, have you lost your mind? How did you describe this non-starter on the phone?”
Shi Jinwei: “……He really agreed.”
“What if it can’t be filmed? Tell me, what if he finds someone else?”
What to do…
Can I go up and bite him?
Sister Qianzi was left speechless by the question, only stubbornly silent: “He agreed, definitely can act.”
“……No, Chi Ye arrived today too, right? Which floor is he on? Let’s go find him and say hi, talk about this project.”
The agent knew Sister Qianzi too well. Seeing her stubborn look, she knew it was pure instinctive toughness with no real basis, and immediately wanted to drag her to Chi Ye to probe for info.
If it can’t be filmed, no big deal; they’d contact other projects early.
“Not going, I’m not going.”
Who knew, seeing the agent stand up, Sister Qianzi instantly waved her hands and shook her head: “I’m not going over. You don’t go either.”
Agent: “?”
She was puzzled: “Why?”
“No why, just don’t want to go.”
Shi Jinwei didn’t explain, but muttered inwardly—Drama Queen is with him, why should I go? To suffer? Or be mocked?
Yes, she knew full well. Not just her; after learning Chi Ye and Jin Xia had arrived at the hotel, Sister Shang, Sheng Ning and others had also wisely stayed away to avoid discomfort.
……
Meanwhile.
Chi Ye, still unaware that Jin Xia’s arrival had scattered the women, was not in the official hotel at the moment, but in a nearby clubhouse restaurant “discussing cooperation.”
There weren’t many people in the private room. Chi Ye brought the Empress Dowager, with Keke and Sister Mi beside him.
Opposite were Huayi Company’s second-in-command Young President Wang, and spokespersons from several film circle investors.
“Hehe, I’ve heard of you for a long time, always wanted to meet. Finally met this time.”
Young President Wang looked quite old in the butt, always smiling amiably on the surface, but everyone in the circle knew he was a notorious smiling tiger, one of the true big shots in the industry.
For example, the Beijing Circle famous inside and outside the industry has Huayi Group as its main backing capital. At the same time, the four great flowers from the previous era, and even this era’s top streamer Peanut, half were promoted by him.
The boss behind Teacher Huang, Director Feng and the like was him.
Ironically, the Beijing Circle was still chirping about Chi Ye, but as their backing investor, Young President Wang had proactively invited Chi Ye for a “gathering.” The introducer was one of the four great flowers who had been on a acting variety show with Chi Ye, International Zhang, Teacher Zhang.
“Xiao Chi, sit. Xia Xia’s here too.”
Teacher Zhang personally pulled out a chair for Chi Ye. Seeing Jin Xia beside him, she was actually a bit surprised.
Young President Wang also glanced at Jin Xia. The Empress Dowager had a composed smile on her young face: “Manager Wang, Sister Zhang, you chat. I’m a major shareholder of Chi Ye Studio. I’ll just listen.”
“……Heard about it, heard, haha. This is the behind-the-scenes boss.”
Young President Wang joked, but inwardly frowned—They had originally planned a “pressure play” for Chi Ye today, but now… not suitable.
His expression unchanged, the Tai Yang investor and another Northwest Circle investor representative behind him kept scrutinizing Chi Ye with their gazes.
After some pleasantries, Young President Wang got to the point.
“Chi Ye, actually I didn’t know much about your conflict with Old Yang, Yingying and them before…”
“Later I’ll set up a gathering, everyone sit down and talk nicely. No big deal. They just wanted to invite you to film a movie back then. We don’t film, fine. Can’t let this stop contact and exchange forever, right?”
Chi Ye listened without speaking, waiting for Young President Wang’s follow-up.
As for why Huayi suddenly approached him, he already had some guesses in his mind.
Sure enough.
Young President Wang first expressed his “magnanimous” attitude, then smiled slyly: “This time Ziyi introduced us. The matter is also related to Ziyi.”
He gestured to Teacher Zhang.
Teacher Zhang’s heart stirred, inwardly cursing Young President Wang’s slyness, but after thinking, still smiled gently: “Yes… I have a movie here, just looking for a second male lead. I immediately thought of Chi Ye. We’ve collaborated before, so wanted to chat with you.”
“Um… it’s a Huayi-led investment project.”
Before Chi Ye spoke, the Empress Dowager looked up and said crisply: “Still not giving up?”
Everyone: “……”
“No, look how direct Xia Xia is, haha…”
Young President Wang laughed awkwardly, then shook his head: “Ziyi recommended, so we meet. Whether you act or not doesn’t matter. Invited President Chi mainly to talk about your studio’s projects. Need investment?”
He paused, adding: “We can also do TV series. Anywhere we can cooperate, let’s cooperate.”
Chi Ye was straightforward: “Cooperate? Meaning?”
Seeing him so direct, Young President Wang exchanged glances with others and asked directly: “Has the studio considered taking investment? We can invest in your studio, or you affiliate with our group…”
This time, before Chi Ye spoke, Jin Xia suddenly said expressionlessly: “No.”
Everyone was stunned.
Jin Xia’s face serious: “This is mine. No one can take shares.”
