Chapter 397 The "Nepotism" Scandal

Because of He Daren's unexpected win, many people in the audience were still in shock when Wang Zhong was announced as the Best Director and "Three Mountains" as the Best Film.

In comparison, Wang Zhonghe's award for "Three Mountains" was entirely expected.

The highly anticipated film "Late Spring" ultimately went silent, the Best Screenplay award was taken by "White Pearl", and the Best Cinematography award was won by another film.

It can be said that "Three Mountains" is the biggest winner tonight.

Although Lu Yanhe was also shocked by the result of the Best Actor award, he chose to comfort his disappointed friend first.

"You've already done a great job getting so many nominations for your first film. Look at Director Wang, he's been making films for a long time, and this is his first time winning Best Director at the Feihong Awards," Lu Yanhe said. "You definitely lost because you're too young."

Liu Bige glanced sideways at the trophy in Lu Yanhe's hand.

"The youngest Best Supporting Actor winner in history is telling me I lost because I was too young." Liu Bige looked at Lu Yanhe, "He doesn't even know how to come up with a better reason to comfort me."

Lu Yanhe said with a smile, "Best Director is still different."

They chatted and laughed for a while, and then Miao Yue, who was sitting in the back, came over.

Miao Yue, one of the screenwriters, was nominated for Best Screenplay and attended the awards ceremony tonight. Unfortunately, she did not win the award.

Liu Bige said with some helplessness, "I thought that at the very least they would give us a Best Screenplay Award."

Indeed, the script for "Late Spring" is undeniably excellent.

The film "White Pearl," which received mixed reviews, won Best Screenplay—which can only mean that it really suited the tastes of this year's judges.

Miao Yue smiled and said, "I didn't win an award, but I'll try again next time."

Liu Bige asked Lu Yanhe, "Are you going to go back first or what?"

Lu Yanhe asked, "Are you planning to organize any other activities?"

"I didn't win this award, it's too painful to go back now. Let's go find a place to drink," Liu Bige said. "Are you coming?"

Tomorrow is Saturday, no classes. Lu Yanhe nodded and asked, "What about Kong Fan and the others?"

Liu Bige said, "They have other plans to make when they come over later."

Lu Yanhe nodded.

Liu Bige asked curiously, "You won an award, aren't you going to celebrate with the 'Three Mountains' crew?"

Lu Yanhe said, "We've celebrated several times already, and I haven't heard anything about continuing the celebration today. Director Wang is probably tired too."

However, "Three Mountains" was the biggest winner tonight, taking home both Best Picture and Best Director, an honor that certainly deserves celebration.

Just then, Chen Ling, the producer who had been working with director Wang Zhong for a long time, came over.

He was making arrangements for us to get together later.

Lu Yanhe said, "I've already arranged to go drinking with Bige and the others."

Chen Ling said with a smile, "Director Bi Ge, come along too, and all of you from the 'Late Spring' crew, come along as well."

Lu Yanhe looked at Liu Bige.

Liu Bige readily agreed and said, "Okay."

-

Lu Yanhe also invited Li Bi and He Lan to join them.

However, they were specifically instructed not to take any more photos or videos, as it was not a public place and they should respect privacy.

Li Bi, who was good with numbers, nodded.

Lu Yanhe would occasionally bring along the people from "Jump Up" to give them a chance to meet all sorts of people.

Often, it really is people you know who can play a crucial role at critical moments.

Lu Yanhe doesn't want the people in "Jump Up" to have titles that are more famous than their names—that's difficult, but we can't be complacent just because it's difficult.

Li Bi was already very experienced, but this was He Lan's first time attending a gathering with so many celebrities.

Helan was inevitably nervous.

However, she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the previously glamorous people had removed their makeup and changed into casual clothes, no longer appearing as "precious" as they did at the awards ceremony, and instead exuding an approachable aura.

Lu Yanhe is very familiar with both the production teams of "Three Mountains" and "Late Spring".

Mainly because he was familiar with the two directors, Lu Yanhe had no social burden at all.

After introducing Li Bi and He Lan to everyone, he stopped paying attention and pulled Liu Bige aside to drink and chat in a corner.

Miao Yue, on the other hand, chatted with Director Wang Zhong and the others about a recently released movie.

Liu Bige asked, "After you finish filming 'The Road to Glory,' will you really go and act in that fantasy film called 'Burning Fire'?"

Lu Yanhe nodded, "I do have this plan. Sister Ziyan told me that I've taken on too many serious art films before and haven't done any commercial blockbusters. Over time, this will create a stereotype about me in the industry. I don't want people to misunderstand me. I only want to act in art films."

Liu Bige: "You're definitely fine acting in commercial films, but I originally had another film scheduled to shoot next year, and I was thinking of asking you to do that."

"Oh? Is this the one you mentioned to me in Venice before?"

“No, that’s not it. The script is still being revised. Yueyue has new ideas for the script,” Liu Bige said. “It’s a script that Longyan Film Industry sent over. They want me to direct it. Actually, it’s because they supported me in making ‘Late Spring’ before. I promised to help them make a more commercial film after I finished ‘Late Spring’.”

"My schedule for next year is not yet set. When will your movie start filming? Have you decided yet?"

"It'll probably open around March or April next year," Liu Bige shook his head. "Will you be busy teaching in March or April next year too?"

“I’ve almost finished my required courses this semester, and I don’t have many classes next semester. If the film can be arranged to be shot in Yuming, then I’ll be fine. But if it’s not shot in Yuming, then I’m in trouble,” Lu Yanhe said. “What kind of role do you want me to play?”

"A rich second-generation lunatic decides to fake his death in order to get rid of a girl who is even more lunatic than him who is pursuing him, which results in a bunch of troubles. It's a comedy," Liu Bige said. "I really like this premise. I think it's interesting and lively. You can see from 'Late Spring' that I like dramas with a lot of people. All kinds of characters take turns appearing in this one. It's wonderful. Moreover, although the script is very cliché, it's not vulgar. It has that kind of melodramatic feeling of listening to gossip and rumors."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe said, "Then you can ask Li Zhibai to play this role. As soon as you mentioned it, I felt that he was suitable for this role, even more suitable than me. He can definitely play a mentally ill rich second-generation with ease."

Liu Bige was somewhat surprised. "Really? How's his acting?"

"Haven't you seen his movies?"

“I’ve occasionally come across some clips,” Liu Bige said. “However, movie acting is different from that. Actually, someone recommended Li Zhibai to me for the role and even showed me a clip of him acting in an idol drama. He was playing a similar character, but I felt that his performance was too simplistic and not neurotic enough.”

Lu Yanhe said, "That's definitely because TV dramas don't allow him to act too neurotic. You want the male lead to have a bit of an evil neuroticism, right? And under that exterior, he must still be a kind person at heart."

"Um."

“That’s Li Zhibai. I guarantee it to you with my reputation.” Lu Yanhe said with a smile, “Meet him and let him try out the role, and you’ll understand why I say that.”

“It’s not that I doubt you. Okay, I’ll contact him later.” Liu Bige nodded. “Come and play a cameo role for me when you have time.”

“Okay.” Lu Yanhe nodded readily in agreement.

Liu Bige suddenly remembered something and said, "So you won't have many classes in the second half of next year?"

"Yes, I'm about to start writing my graduation thesis. I've already contacted my professor and started choosing a topic," Lu Yanhe said. "I plan to start writing ahead of schedule."

"That would be best. You have to make time for me for the new play that Yueyue and I wrote. It's specially tailored for you."

“Okay, once you’ve set a shooting time, let me and Sister Ziyan know in advance,” Lu Yanhe said. “We’ll reserve a good one for you.”

At this moment, Sui Fangran and a few others arrived.

They came specifically to greet Liu Bige.

Lu Yanhe immediately acted as the introducer.

Liu Bige was also very friendly and enthusiastic towards Sui Fangran and the others, saying, "I am very impressed with the three of you. You all did a great job in 'Three Mountains'."

They quickly thanked them.

Lu Yanhe picked up his wine glass. "You guys chat first, I'll go find Director Wang."

He turned around and saw that Li Bi was not as charming and adept as he usually was on this occasion, but was staring at his phone with a furrowed brow.

Lu Yanhe walked over and asked, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Li Bi immediately said, "Because the Best Actor award was a surprise win, the internet is in an uproar."

Lu Yanhe wasn't surprised at all that the internet was in an uproar.

The moment this result came out, everyone probably anticipated what would happen next.

Lu Yanhe asked, "Is there any new information coming out?"

Li Bi said, "Chen Pinhe's agent gave an interview to a media outlet, saying that He Daren's award this time made the Fei Hong Awards seem very unprofessional, and implied that no matter how well you act, it's not as good as having an old classmate who is the chairman of the jury."

Lu Yanhe frowned in surprise: "What do you mean?"

“Someone posted online that He Daren and Xi Weian, the chairman of this year’s Fei Hong Award jury, were university classmates,” Li Bi said. “This should be true, as their university photos from back then have been exposed.”

Lu Yanhe's mouth dropped open in surprise, "Is that really why the Best Actor award tonight was such a huge upset?"

Lu Yanhe thought it was because the movie "The Nine Turns of the Galaxy" had such low box office that few people had seen it, including himself, and that he had missed a very remarkable performance.

He had never actually considered the possibility of a conspiracy.

In this industry, Lu Yanhe knows many films and actors who are of quality no less than award-winning films and Best Actor/Actress winners, but they are not recognized simply because they are not famous.

In China, the three major film awards, especially the three major film awards, often produce some unexpected results, bringing some unknown people into the spotlight.

While the upsets were surprising, few people would question the award winners' abilities.

Lu Yanhe hadn't heard of a "nepotism" scandal like this one in a long time.

Li Bi took a deep breath. "I really want to seize this opportunity. The whole internet is buzzing about this, especially your fans and the other nominees' fans. They've all gathered together to demand an explanation from the Fei Hong Awards, and it's causing quite a stir."

Lu Yanhe: "Has the Fei Hong Award responded?"

“No.” Li Bi shook his head. “It happened so suddenly, the organizers of the Fei Hong Award are probably still investigating the situation.”

This matter has indeed caused a great stir.

When Lu Yanhe arrived in front of Wang Zhong, Wang Zhong was on the phone.

Wang Chong gestured to him with his eyes to wait a moment.

Lu Yanhe gestured for him to speak slowly and waited on the side.

Wang Chong didn't seem to expect Lu Yanhe to avoid the phone call, so Lu Yanhe heard the names "He Daren," "Feihong Award," and "Xi Weian."

After hearing about the situation from Li Bi, Lu Yanhe guessed what the phone call Wang Zhong was talking about was probably about.

It's unclear who called Wang Zhong to discuss this matter.

Lu Yanhe and Wang Zhong finished making the call.

Wang Chong asked, "Have you heard that He Daren and Xi Weian were classmates in college? I heard it's all over the internet and everyone's talking about it."

Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "Yes, I heard about it earlier, so is it true?"

"It's true that we were university classmates, but whether that relationship led to the unexpected result in the Best Actor award is still unknown and is under investigation," Wang Zhong said.

"With so many people on the judging panel, it's not like Xi Weian alone has the final say. However, this result is indeed surprising, which is probably why it has caused such a big controversy."

"If the investigation really finds out that Xi Weian seriously influenced the Best Actor selection this time, then this would be a huge embarrassment. As far as I know, each award of the Fei Hong Award is usually decided by a vote of the members of the jury. The chairman of the jury usually only coordinates all the jury members when there are serious disagreements. Of course, his opinion is also very important. In fact, every result still needs his signature."

Wang Zhong suddenly smiled, looked at Lu Yanhe, and said, "If this matter gets out of hand, I reckon you won't be able to stay out of it either. There will definitely be a lot of people who want you to give your opinion."

"You want me to give my opinion?" Lu Yanhe was a little surprised and said, "What's there for me to say? I'm just a participant, it has nothing to do with me."

“You say that, but others don’t think so.” Wang Chong laughed, then scratched his head. “Sigh, the Fei Hong Award is asking me to be the chairman of the jury next year. This is a hot potato. It’ll be so hot to handle.”

Lu Yanhe looked at Wang Zhong with some surprise, "Will you be the chairman of the judging panel next year?"

“Yes.” Wang nodded. “So, do your best in ‘Road to Glory’ and try to win Best Actor next year.”

"I'd be so embarrassed," Lu Yanhe said, but his eyes were sparkling, clearly looking forward to it.

If Wang Zhong were to be the chairman of the judging panel, aside from anything else, the prejudice against his age would certainly be minimized.

“But I’m not the male lead in ‘Road to Glory’ either,” Lu Yanhe said. “I can’t take the role.”

"Then let's have a second consecutive Best Supporting Actor award," Wang Chong said with a joking laugh. "But if you get beaten by someone else, I can't possibly speak up for you. I don't want this nepotism scandal to happen to me one day."

"I understand." Lu Yanhe smiled. "If that's the case, what about 'Rouge'? Sister Bige probably wants to submit it for Best Actress, right?"

Wang Zhong fell into deep thought and said, "That really is a problem."

Two seconds later, he said, "It's not a big problem. 'Rouge' may not be released next year."

Lu Yanhe was taken aback. "Huh?"

Wang Zhong said, "I can't edit movies that fast, and there's really no need to rush to release it next year. I think that film would be more impactful if it were released in winter."

Wang Zhong said just that, and Lu Yanhe immediately pictured it in his mind.

The overwhelming white, black, and gray hues of winter create a bleak and desolate atmosphere.

It felt as if a century was about to end here.

Imagine watching "Rouge" in the cinema, then stepping out into the vast darkness of night—that atmosphere...

Lu Yanhe said to Wang Zhong, "You're right, this movie should be released in winter."

“I’m worried. Winter in China isn’t a good time for this kind of film. It’s basically taken up by the New Year’s and Spring Festival seasons, leaving almost no room for a drama like ‘Rouge’ to survive,” Wang Zhong said. “I really don’t know if it will be able to be released in winter.”

The production cost of "Rouge" was not low, and it was aimed at at least 100 million yuan at the box office, so it certainly couldn't be reckless.

-

After the Fei Hong Awards concluded, the list of winners attracted much attention, but of course, 90% of the attention and buzz was stolen by the Best Actor result.

Lu Yanhe's Best Supporting Actor award, even though it broke the record set by the Fei Hong Awards, was only promoted by his fans and did not cause a great sensation.

The next day, Xi Weian stepped forward and responded to the so-called "old classmates taking care of old classmates" claim.

“If you knew how our judging panel decides on each award, you would know that the result of an award is not something I can control. We have a total of nine judges. After everyone discusses the matter, they vote individually, and the one with the most votes wins the award,” Xi Weian emphasized. “Even if I were the chairman of the judging panel, I would only have one vote, which would only affect the result by one-ninth.”

Xi Weian's explanation was accepted by some, but not by others.

When something like this happens, there's rarely a perfect outcome.

However, at least it was a response.

Based on Lu Yanhe's understanding of the matter and the general trend of such events, even if some people don't understand, the matter will probably just end there.

Regardless, the award has already been given to He Daren, and it cannot be taken back.

Even if there are some problems during the review process, these problems will definitely be kept within a small circle and will not be made public.

However, it was under these circumstances that someone suddenly leaked details of the Best Actor voting process.

The details have once again caused a huge uproar.

(End of this chapter)