Chapter 392: Breaking into Hollywood

The lighting in the VIP room is soft.

Li Bingbing tied her soft and shiny hair into an elegant low bun. She wore a champagne-colored sequined dress that sparkled, and her every move exuded elegance.

She tapped the dial of her watch with her fingertips and raised her eyes slightly: "Wendy, it's almost our turn to walk the red carpet."

Deng Wendi's brown off-shoulder dress exuded a mature charm. Hearing the voice, she stood up slowly, linked arms with Li Bingbing, and walked out of the VIP room together.

The aftermath of the ceremony was completely different from the previous hustle and bustle. As the stars stepped onto the red carpet one after another, there were only a handful of people left in the venue, all of whom were big names and celebrities in the entertainment industry.

When Li Bingbing and Deng Wendi appeared, everyone's eyes were instantly focused on them, with different expressions. They obviously recognized the wife of American media tycoon Murdoch.

Zhang Ziyi's eyes were burning, her face was full of flattery, she quickly stepped forward, and said enthusiastically: "Wendy, I didn't expect you to come to Weibo Night too!"

Deng Wendi responded indifferently with a cool attitude: "Come and join in the fun!"

Led by Zhang Ziyi, Huang Xiaoming, Su Mang and other people who knew Deng Wendi also came forward to say hello.

Not far away, Zhao Liying blinked her bright eyes and asked curiously, "Brother Qiao, who is that? Why are people praising her so much?"

Due to the hit of "Legend of Lu Zhen", Tengda Culture specially negotiated with Weibo to arrange for her and Qiao Zhengyu to be the last to walk the red carpet in order to further enhance her popularity.

After hearing Qiao Zhengyu reveal the other person's identity, Zhao Liying suddenly realized: "So she is the famous Deng Wendi!

There have long been rumors in the industry that it was Deng Wendi’s efforts that allowed Li Bingbing to get the resources for the Hollywood blockbuster “Resident Evil 5.”

Qiao Zhengyu nodded and added, "News Corporation controls Fox Film, one of the six major Hollywood companies. Deng Wendi has considerable influence in Hollywood, so Zhang Ziyi has been trying to curry favor with her."

Zhao Liying's eyes showed longing: "After Lionsgate completes the acquisition of Summit Entertainment, Tengda will be the major shareholder of Lionsgate. Maybe in the future we can also go to Hollywood to gain some experience."

She had heard that the company was going to become a shareholder of Lionsgate Entertainment, so she went to learn more about the company. She knew that Lionsgate Entertainment was the most successful independent film company besides the Big Six in Hollywood.

In recent years, if we only talk about movie box office performance, Lionsgate is not inferior to the Big Six and has considerable influence in Hollywood.

Zhao Liying's unintentional words shocked Qiao Zhengyu. He was totally unaware of the cooperation between the company and Lionsgate.

I couldn't help but realize that since I set up my own studio, my relationship with the company has become increasingly distant. This is putting the cart before the horse and is really dangerous.

As the opening moment of Weibo Night draws near, a number of top stars have stepped onto the red carpet.

With the experience of Zhang Ziyi last year as a lesson, everyone this year strictly followed the order agreed upon with the organizers in advance and walked the red carpet in an orderly manner. No one dared to act like a big shot.

Li Bingbing walked side by side with Deng Wendi in a graceful and calm manner. The hem of her skirt lightly swept the ground, leaving a sparkling trail.

In front of the signature wall, shutters clicked one after another, flashes lit up the night sky, and reporters rushed to interview:

"Bingbing, how do you feel about participating in a Hollywood blockbuster like Resident Evil 5?"

"Bingbing, when you went to Hollywood to develop your career, did Ms. Wendi provide you with any help?"

"Teacher Li, at last year's Weibo Night, some netizens captured a shot of you staring in amazement when Huang Xiaoming was talking to you. Over the past year, everyone has been curious about what news you heard at the time that caused you to react like that."

Facing the microphones and cameras in front of him, Li Bingbing responded confidently and calmly, "Hollywood does have a lot to learn from China in terms of film production...

Wendy has helped me a lot, and I am really grateful to her. And with her recommendation, I will soon sign with the famous Hollywood UTA United Elite Agency, which will represent me in the United States and overseas. "

As soon as this statement came out, the media on the scene was in an uproar, and the audience in the Weibo Night live broadcast room was instantly boiling, and the barrage of comments surged wildly:

"Li Bingbing is about to officially enter Hollywood!"

"It still has to be a big star. The 85 flowers are indeed popular, but the predecessors have already stepped onto the international stage."

Amid the full screen of amazement and praise, there were also some 85 flowers fans who responded unyieldingly:

"Tsk, isn't it just signing a contract with an American agency? There's nothing to brag about. My sister signed a contract with a big Hollywood company more than three years ago."

"It's just a small supporting role in Resident Evil 5 thanks to connections. My sister just doesn't want to go. If she wants, Boss Song can step in and she can star in a Hollywood S-level production in no time."

"Sisters, let's go to Weibo and start a petition, strongly urging Shishi to act in a Hollywood movie for certain fans to see."

A reporter analyzed the current development status of the four actresses and two soldiers: Xu Jinglei gradually retreated behind the scenes and basically no longer appeared in public, and Zhao Zhatian seemed to have no interest in his acting career in the past two years.

Nowadays, the only ones active in the public eye are Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Xun and Shuang Bing.

Faced with the strong rise of the 85 flowers in China, Li Bingbing took a different approach and decisively chose to explore overseas markets and venture into Hollywood. It can only be said that he is worthy of being a figure standing at the top of the entertainment industry and he is indeed quite capable.

Looking at the shocked expressions on the reporters' faces, Li Bingbing raised the corners of his mouth slightly, changed the subject, and answered the question that had attracted much attention before.

"In fact, many fans have been curious about what I heard last year. I couldn't answer it before for various reasons. But this matter has been exposed online some time ago, and now basically all netizens in the country know about it."

Li Bingbing did not finish his words, leaving a suspenseful answer, and then walked backstage with Deng Wendi, leaving a group of reporters to ponder the matter.

"Is it a dispute between Zhen and Zhao?"

"Nonsense, the movie last year hasn't even started filming yet! I think it's Director Zhang's Calabash Brothers incident."

"That should be it."

Reporters were discussing it enthusiastically, and netizens were also talking about it:

"So they got wind of Director Zhang's gossip a year ago?"

"A big mystery in the entertainment industry has finally been solved! Could it be that both Bingbing were shocked by Calabash Brothers at the time?"

"Let's all go to Fan Bingbing's Weibo and ask him."

"I have something to share with you. It is said that Boss Jia solved the Huluwa's hukou problem, and only then did Director Zhang agree to join LeTV Pictures."

. . .

Inside the Weibo Night ceremony venue, the gilded chandeliers were dazzling and the scene was bustling with people.

The seating arrangement this year is quite meaningful. Although several bigwigs in the Hong Kong circle were arranged to sit in the first row, their seats were on the sides.

This is far less than the central positions held by the CEOs of mainland film and television companies such as Guangguang, Hairun, and Tangren, which subtly indicates that the structure of the entertainment industry is quietly changing.

In the center of the first row, Liu Shishi was filled with emotion. Last year at Weibo Night, her relationship with Song Ci was not made public, and the two sat in two rows. At this moment, she was sitting next to her husband, and her mood was completely different.

Song Ci turned slightly and talked with Liu Xiangdong about the domestic logistics layout.

Liu Shishi was bored, so she took out her phone to check Weibo. When she saw fans leaving messages in the comment section, eagerly hoping that she would enter Hollywood, she was slightly startled.

After some investigation, she finally understood the whole story. However, she had no intention of developing in Hollywood.

Filming abroad is not only inconvenient to take leave, but also far away from home, so even meeting her husband has become a luxury. So she quickly replied to several excited fans to calm them down.

Song Ci and Liu Xiangdong finished talking about JD Logistics, and turned to see Liu Shishi's fingertips tapping quickly on the screen: "Are you posting on Weibo?"

Liu Shishi nodded: "My fans suddenly want me to go to Hollywood, I will reply to them later."

Song Ci chuckled: "In fact, Hollywood is just so-so. It's hard for Chinese people to make a name for themselves there, so it's better not to go there. We just need to develop well in our own little piece of land in China."

"I think so too." Liu Shishi responded gently, "If you go abroad, it will be difficult for me to see you."

With Song Ci's current energy, it is not difficult to arrange a few supporting roles in Hollywood's big productions.

There is a suitable role in Paramount's "Transformers 4" to be produced next year, but seeing that his wife has no intention of going to Hollywood, he no longer mentions the matter.

At eight o'clock in the evening, the two hosts took the stage on time and the Weibo Night Ceremony officially kicked off.

"Dear distinguished guests, I am He Jiong."

"I'm Li Yangwei, good evening everyone."

After a passionate opening speech, the ceremony entered the award ceremony.

Influential media, most inspiring figures, original kings, innovative micro-philanthropists... Unlike last year's focus on the entertainment industry, this year's Weibo Night awards a wide variety of awards covering multiple fields.

More than ten awards were presented in a row. Liu Shishi was a little surprised: "Yi Yi, there are so many awards at Weibo Night this year!"

Song Ci frowned slightly. "When there are too many awards, the value and authority will be greatly reduced. Although Weibo Night is all about popularity awards, there is no need to make it so fancy."

Unlike the first Weibo Night where he was in charge of every detail, this year's ceremony was fully handed over to Liu Yan, but the result was not satisfactory and seemed flashy and impractical.

On the stage, the famous host He Jiong held the microphone and said with great emotion: "Next, we will present the most influential corporate leader on Weibo this year."

Although it was the first time for Li Yangwei to partner with He Jiong, the two worked well together and there was no sense of unfamiliarity: "The winner is Mr. Liu Xiangdong, Chairman of JD Group. Please invite Mr. Song to present the award."

Liu Xiangdong slightly adjusted his collar, slowly stood up, and strode onto the stage with the richest man.

In the center of the stage, Liu Xiangdong was full of energy, holding the golden trophy, showing his bossy demeanor: "I am very grateful to Weibo for giving me this award, and I thank netizens for recognizing me and JD Group..."

Below the stage, Song Ci felt somewhat unhappy, thinking that the setting of this award was not appropriate.

The winner of the Most Influential Business Leader must be a big shot in the business world, and the award presenter must also be of equal status.

This time Liu Xiangdong won the award and he went on stage to present the award, but what will happen in the future?

He will attend Weibo Night again next year, and if everything gets back on track, he won't plan to come again.

Then who should we invite to present awards to the winning business leaders in the future? Can we rely on Shishi?

Thinking of this, Song Ci turned his head and glanced at his wife meaningfully, then nodded slightly: "It's not impossible!"

Liu Shishi was looking up at the stage. When she noticed her husband's gaze, she tilted her head playfully and smiled brightly, as warm as a spring breeze.

The director captured this scene at the right time and presented the cute and lovely appearance of the sister to the audience in the live broadcast room.

"Shishi is so beautiful! This sea blue dress is so gentle and lively."

“Long Kui back then really gave me a big shock.”

"Master, the way she sits looks elegant and graceful, and her temperament is amazing."

"What's wrong, husband?"

Song Ci smiled and said, "Next year should be my last time to attend Weibo Night. From now on, my position will be handed over to you."

Liu Shishi looked surprised: "I am still waiting for you to give me an award! In this case, you must give me an award next year."

"No problem, I'll arrange a big prize for you next year."

"Okay!" Sister Yi's eyes curved with anticipation.

At this time, Liu Xiangdong on the stage finished his acceptance speech and walked off the stage with great dignity.

"Honey, I have news for you. Brother Dong and Sister Xiao Jin broke up." Liu Shishi followed Liu Xiangdong's figure with her eyes and sighed slightly, "They didn't end up together. Brother Dong is really..."

Song Ci held his wife's hand and whispered softly, "Matters of love are complicated, and it's hard for outsiders to explain clearly. It's okay for us to be good to each other."

"Yeah." The elder sister looked around with a bright look in her eyes, full of tenderness.

Following the announcement of the most influential business leaders, subsequent awards were all related to the entertainment industry.

He Jiong and Li Yangwei actively mobilized the atmosphere of the whole venue with their vivid and lively performances.

"The most influential singers: Wang Feng, Zhang Liangying; the most influential TV actors: Feng Shaofeng, Yang Mi..."

"Honey, let me share some gossip with you. Mimi broke up with Liu Kaiwei. She actually had a crush on Feng Shaofeng. But unfortunately, Feng Shaofeng fell in love with "Mou Girl" Ni Ni at first sight. The two met at the last Bazaar Charity Gala and are already together."

Song Ci was stunned, thinking that Feng Shaofeng was quite charming. He had a scandal with Yang Mi and is now dating Ni Ni. She couldn't help but think of Zhao Liying. "He must have something special to be favored by several female stars."

Liu Shishi enthusiastically shared entertainment gossip with her husband: "According to Mimi, he has a gentle and modest personality, comes from a wealthy family, and is doing well in his career. He is indeed more popular among all the male stars in the entertainment industry."

Recalling some rumors about Feng Shaofeng, Song Ci shook his head: "It's just appearance!"

Liu Shishi smiled: "Mimi just said that. Anyway, Feng Shaofeng is not her boyfriend. After breaking up with Liu Kaiwei, she is now focusing on her career. Her hair is falling out badly. I am worried about her hairline."

Finally, the award ceremony reached its most exciting climax.

He Jiong and Li Yangwei spoke eloquently and whetted the audience's appetite before announcing passionately, "The winners of the 2011 Weibo Night, Weibo King and Queen, are Feng Shaofeng and Yang Mi. Congratulations to both of you for winning the ceremony award."

Thunderous applause instantly broke out at the scene.

Feng Shaofeng and Yang Mi held hands and went on stage for the second time.

"Next, please invite last year's Weibo King and Queen Fan Bingbing and Huang Xiaoming to come on stage to present the awards to Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng."

(End of this chapter)