Chapter 364 Different Ideas

On the last day of September, the city of Peking was decorated with lights and the festive atmosphere of National Day had already filled the entire city.

The 9th "Bazaar Star Charity Night" jointly organized by "Harper's Bazaar" and Tengda Weibo opened grandly at the Peking Hotel.

This charity gala was held with great fanfare. More than 300 celebrities from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong were invited to attend. There were also well-known directors, producers, socialites and business entrepreneurs from the entertainment industry to support the gala. The total number of attendees reached more than 600 people.

Due to the large number of stars present, the red carpet show will start at 3 pm and will last until 7:30 pm.

At six o'clock in the evening, the sunset is gorgeous.

In the lounge backstage on the red carpet, top actress Fan Bingbing was having a heated argument with Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Su Mang, and the atmosphere was tense.

"I don't agree! Why do you want to change my appearance on the cover of the magazine originally scheduled for October to November? You know how much effort I put into the October cover."

The big star Fan Bingbing changed from his usual calm and elegant demeanor, anger revealed on his face, staring at Su Mang with sharp eyes.

The five most influential first-line women's magazines in China's fashion circle are known as the "Golden September and Silver October".

September is the "New Year" for the fashion industry. The four major international fashion weeks are held in this month, and major brands release their new autumn and winter products in a concentrated manner, with a large number of advertisements placed in the five major magazines.

October is a little less popular, but it is also the peak period for brands to release new winter products and run advertising.

Which female star can appear on the cover of the top five magazines in these two months means her status and commercial value in the entertainment industry.

In order to be on the cover of Harper's Bazaar in October, Fan Bingbing paid 2 million yuan out of his own pocket to the magazine and even flew to Rome on his birthday, September 16, to shoot the photo.

She even wore an Armani 2011 Fall/Winter couture dress and Cartier high-end jewelry, and made a high-profile announcement on Weibo: "At 30, life has just begun."

Now Su Mang is actually going to stand her up and change the cover date to November. All her efforts have gone to waste. How can she face herself and explain to her fans?

At this moment, the fashion queen Su Mang no longer showed her usual sharpness towards the female stars in the entertainment industry, and explained carefully:

"Bingbing, I have no choice. Gucci spent 3 million yuan in advertising fees to invite Liu Shishi to be on the cover. You know, I can't refuse."

When Fan Bingbing heard the reason, although he understood Su Mang's difficulties, he still asked indignantly: "Didn't she say before that she would be on the Golden September? Why is she trying to snatch the cover of the Silver October from me?"

Su Mang hesitated to speak: "Wang Fei was originally scheduled to be the cover character in September, and Liu Shishi invited her to make a guest appearance in the movie because she owed her a favor..."

"Damn it!" Fan Bingbing was very depressed, but she had no idea what to do. Her studio relied entirely on Tengda Culture for support and she couldn't afford to offend the big sister.

"Bingbing, the trend is stronger than the people. If you take a step back, the world will be broader. Either you can be on the cover of the November issue, or I will leave the New Year issue next year to you."

At this point, Fan Bingbing could only face reality and asked cautiously, "Who is scheduled to be the cover of the November and New Year's issue?"

The five major fashion magazines generally only publish twelve issues a year, and have twelve cover characters a year. The opportunity to be on the cover of each issue is a fashion resource that female stars in the entertainment industry will fight for.

Therefore, the cover character is usually decided half a year in advance. It is extremely rare for someone like Liu Shishi to force his way into the queue based on his own strength.

Fan Bingbing didn't want to snatch away someone else's opportunity to be on the cover and create an enemy for no reason.

"In November it's Zhang Ziyi, and in January next year it's Shu Qi."

Hearing these two names, Fan Bingbing suddenly felt a headache, because both of them were not easy to deal with. After weighing the pros and cons, although he was unwilling, he could only settle for the second best: "I'll still be on the cover of the new year issue."

Zhang Ziyi has been mired in negative news in the past two years and her career has hit a low point. I guess her last issue of Harper's Bazaar must have cost her a lot.

If she were to be squeezed out, the other party would go crazy. Even rabbits will bite when they are cornered, let alone a big star in the entertainment industry.

On the other hand, Shu Qi's influence in mainland China was limited as the Hong Kong circle declined after 2008, so she was offended. So in the end, Fan Bingbing decided to appear in the new year's issue.

The thorny issue was resolved, and Su Mang felt relieved: "Okay, then I'll arrange for you to be on the new year's issue, and I'll waive the photo shoot fee for you this time."

"Thank you!" Fan Bingbing forced a bitter smile. She was in the observation period of the two major brands, Armani and Cartier.

In order to become a regular employee as soon as possible, I spent money to be on the cover of the Silver October issue just to promote the two major brands, but it ended up being a waste of time.

Su Mang gently grasped Fan Bingbing's slender wrist, rubbing his fingertips on the back of her hand, releasing kindness: "Bingbing, there is a long way to go! Starting next year, the fashion resources in the entertainment industry will change dramatically."

These meaningful words made Fan Bingbing's heart tighten. He keenly sensed that Su Mang had something else in mind: "Sister Mang, what do you have to say?"

"Have you noticed that tonight's Bazaar Gala is of a particularly high standard? A heavyweight figure will be appearing soon."

Su Mang smiled mysteriously, her eyes revealing great ambition. Tonight's Bazaar Charity Night is her chance to become a legend. From now on, she will be the number one fashion star in China.

Fan Bingbing nudges Su Mang coquettishly: "Sister Mang, we have been friends for so many years, and you are still playing dumb with me! A heavyweight, is it the richest man coming?"

"Mr. Song will indeed come. In addition to himself, there will also be several distinguished guests he invited from Europe!" Su Mang said in a cautious tone, with a fiery light flashing in his eyes and his breathing becoming a little faster.

"Sister Mang, just tell me directly!"

Su Mang no longer kept people on suspense and said in an excited tone: "President Song specially invited the president of Kering Group and the president of Dior... to come to China!"

Fan Bingbing was stunned, with a look of disbelief on his face: "Sister Mang, you are not kidding me, are you?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Su Mang glanced at Fan Bingbing. "Otherwise, why would I go to such great lengths to invite so many people to this party?"

"Sister, why didn't you tell me earlier that such an important person was coming?" Fan Bingbing stamped his feet anxiously.

She had short hair today and wore a very ordinary green off-shoulder dress. She didn't even wear a necklace or earrings. She failed to show the temperament and image of a big star at all.

"If Director Song doesn't allow me to say it, how dare I publicize it." Su Mang looked regretful. If she had invited this person, she would definitely want the whole world to know about it. Unfortunately, she did it for the sake of the richest man's face.

Fan Bingbing hurriedly picked up her cell phone to check the time. It was a quarter past six, and there was still an hour before she walked the red carpet.

She immediately called the assistant who stayed in the studio: "Xiao Tao, I don't care what method you use, just send my jewelry and dress to the Peking Hotel!"

After instructing his assistant, Fan Bingbing's eyes were burning: "Sister Mang, after these big guys come to China, does it mean that major brands will choose mainland celebrities as spokespersons?"

Su thought about it and said, "It won't happen all at once. I will definitely start as a brand experience officer and brand friend. But nothing is absolute. Maybe I will be noticed by a CEO and become a brand ambassador directly."

Fan Bingbing seemed to be thinking about something, and whispered to himself, "It seems like I have to bleed a little more tonight and show off my face!"

"Come on, do your best!"

"Sister Mang, after two years of hard work, my studio has finally built a mature production team. Next year, it will be officially upgraded to a film and television company. I wonder if you are interested in joining in."

Fan Bingbing's eyes rolled, and her words were full of alluring temptation. In a flash, she decided to bind herself to this "next big sister" in the fashion world.

Su Mang was obviously startled. He did not expect Fan Bingbing to be so generous and willing to spend a lot of money to win him over. He quickly regained his composure and chuckled, "Bingbing, thank you for thinking of me. I have to take care of the important things tonight first. We can talk about other things another day."

Fan Bingbing curled her red lips slightly, revealing a knowing smile. She knew that this fashion queen had been tempted. In this glamorous world of fame and fortune, only interests can last forever.

At this time, the secretary entered the lounge and reported: "Mr. Su, Mr. Song and the VIP's motorcade will be at the hotel entrance soon!"

Su Mang's expression was stern, he pulled himself together, and straightened his clothes: "Quickly notify Mr. Liu and go to the gate to greet him immediately."

In front of the main entrance of the magnificent lobby of Peking Hotel, Liu Jiang and Su Mang, founders of the Fashion Group, were eagerly waiting.

After a while, a luxurious convoy consisting of more than ten Rolls-Royces and Bentleys slowly drove in and stopped neatly in front of the red carpet.

Soon, the entourage got out of the car quickly and opened the door respectfully. Song Ci and his wife Liu Shishi walked out of the car calmly, accompanied by several foreign guests of extraordinary demeanor.

General Liu and Su hurried over to greet him, bowing and saying, "Welcome Mr. Song, his wife, and all the distinguished guests."

"How are the preparations for the party going?"

"Please rest assured, everything is ready!" Su responded immediately. Seeing that the richest man had no intention of introducing the guest's identity, he knew that he was not up to the richest man's standard and felt extremely sorry.

"Mr. Hayek, Mr. Pinault, the charity dinner will not start until later. Why don't you go to the VIP room and take a rest!" Song Ci said, then looked at his wife and smiled gently, "Shishi, Delphine wants to feel the Oriental red carpet, you can accompany her."

Liu Shishi understood, took Delphine Arno's arm, and said with a sweet smile: "See you backstage later, dear."

"Prepare a lounge!"

"Please come this way!" Su Mang bowed slightly and stretched out his hand to invite him.

At this time, the red carpet was crowded with stars, the light was shining, and the big stars were in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing.

"Even King Liu is here. Today's Bazaar Charity Gala is so grand!"

"Director Zhang also brought the crew of The Flowers of War to the scene. He rarely participates in such activities."

"I wonder what exciting dramas will be on this year's red carpet show?"

"The entertainment industry has changed dramatically now. It is no longer the case that the four female stars are the only ones standing out. The 85 flowers are rising strongly. There will be something interesting to watch!"

"Look, Liu Shishi is here! Who is the foreign woman next to her? She looks very elegant."

Liu Shishi was wearing a high-end silver willow-leaf dress, looking noble and elegant. She walked into the backstage affectionately with the arm of Delphine Arnault.

"Shishi, the atmosphere here is very lively!" Delphine maintained the dignity and propriety of a top French socialite, observing everything around her calmly and paying attention to the mannerisms of these oriental stars in front of her.

She had attended Hollywood parties and seen Paris fashion shows, but this was her first time experiencing a red carpet show with Eastern stars.

"Hundreds of celebrities are attending today's charity dinner." Liu Shishi smiled and introduced some basic information about the Chinese entertainment industry to her new friend in fluent English.

Not far away, four heavyweights in the entertainment industry gathered together, staring at Liu Shishi and commenting on her.

Na Yin crossed her arms and squinted her eyes to look at her curiously. It was the first time she saw Liu Shishi in person. She snorted sourly:

"She has a nice demeanor and a plain face, which is common in the entertainment industry. But she is indeed lucky. The man she grew up with became the richest man in just a few years. She has never suffered a single day, but she has enjoyed happiness for the rest of her life."

On the side, Queen Wang Fei thought of her hopeless husband and sighed: "No other woman in the entertainment industry could marry better than her."

Zhao Zhatian's eyes were slightly cold: "This number one sister is in the limelight, and now even us 'seniors' have to avoid her."

"She's just relying on her man's power. Without Song's protection, I can ruin her reputation with just a flick of my hand." A gracefully dressed woman at the side sneered with jealousy on her face.

Why is it that Liu Shishi can be loved by her childhood sweetheart, have a smooth life, and marry into a billionaire family without any pressure or obstacles, while she has never been able to gain status and recognition from her husband's family?

Na Yin, Zhao Zhatian and the other two believed this without a doubt, because Zhang Ziyi's career was now in a slump and it was all the result of Madam Zhao's actions.

Wang Fei was afraid that her best friend would act irrationally and do something irrational, so she advised her, "Sister Zhao, that nobleman is not someone you can get along with easily. We should stay out of each other's way. Don't mess with Master Liu."

"I'm not stupid. I won't offend anyone unless they offend me. Song Ci is a very unfathomable guy, and he has a top boss behind him. How dare I offend him?"

Mrs. Zhao had heard a lot of rumors about the richest man from her husband, and knew a little about the power of Song Ci. He was definitely not someone she, a mistress, could afford to offend.

"The entertainment industry is a place of fame and fortune. Everyone has their own territory and demands. How can there be peace and tranquility forever?"

Listening to the meaningful words, Zhao Zhetian asked tentatively: "Sister, if you have any news, share it with me?"

Seeing that several sisters were looking at her curiously, Na Yin looked around and lowered his voice: "Now the video network is gradually rising, and is gradually competing with traditional TV stations and film and television companies for the right to speak.

Song Ci has his own layout for the cultural industry. As the largest company in Beijing, Tengda Culture basically does not shoot Qing Dynasty palace dramas. Some people are very dissatisfied with his practice that does not conform to the "rules."

Wang Fei, Zhao Zhetian, and Madam Zhao all looked stern when they heard this. They were all insiders, so they naturally understood the deep meaning of Na Yin's words.

Na Yin also spoke in a serious tone: "Song Ci has been holding back, so we have to be careful. After all, we are not on the same side. If he comes out to attack us personally one day, it will be a huge shock."

“It shouldn’t be that serious. Song Ci is of low status. It would be too embarrassing for him to interfere in trivial matters in the entertainment industry.” Zhao Zhatian frowned, but reminded himself in his heart that he should control his temper in the crew of “Painted Skin 2”.

Na Yin shrugged: "Who knows? Weibo is now the largest public opinion platform in the country, and propaganda has always been a battleground."

Wang Fei waved his hand and interrupted the topic: "Okay, okay, let's not talk about this today. The game between big shots has nothing to do with us. We just need to make money in peace."

(End of this chapter)