Chapter 32
The moment Huan Xu stepped onto the red carpet, he was surrounded by countless floating cameras. Countless gorgeous fireworks were also blooming in various broadcast rooms. The excitement was no less than Director Jin's appearance.
In the center of the picture, a handsome young man slowly stepped onto the red carpet. He was wearing a well-cut suit that fit his tall and slender figure and showed off his waist and shoulders in perfect proportion.
When I looked up, the first thing I saw was a pair of eyes with distinct black and white, so bright that I couldn't look away.
As Huan Xu's long legs moved, the corners of his lips slightly raised, and a smile was always on his face. His steps were calm, not like his first time stepping onto the red carpet, but rather as if he had walked it thousands of times. His whole body exuded a calm elegance and composure in every gesture.
"Oh my god, Director Huan is so handsome."
"If you don't know him, you might think he's some celebrity. Director Huan is definitely the most handsome director in the world."
"I want to be the little bamboo on Director Huan's shoulder, so shy~"
Tianxia Yaya: "Heh, let's save the polite greetings for today. If you don't win a few awards, you'll be criticized twice as much."
"Yaya, you might be here in reverse, hahaha."
Walking all the way to the end of the red carpet, the male host who had just handed over was slightly startled, then smiled and said:
"I almost thought it was some movie star walking towards me. Director Huan is so handsome today! I can almost hear the screams of the audience in each live broadcast room."
Huan Xu smiled and shook hands with the host: "Thank you for your compliment."
The host smiled and cut to the chase, "Hello, Director Huan. I'm Liu Tan, the host of Carnival Night. It's our first meeting, and I'm honored to be interviewing you. You might not know this, but I'm a huge fan. When Chi Ling was released, I cried so much that my eyes got swollen and I almost missed an event. Later, my boss docked my bonus for that month."
The host didn't lie, he just exaggerated a little. Because it was Huan Xu's first time to participate in the event, and he was a conspicuous person nominated for 6 awards, he was afraid that Huan Xu would not be able to adapt, so he started with a joking and relaxed conversation to reduce Huan Xu's nervousness.
Sensing the host's goodwill, Huan Xu naturally took up the host's burden:
"Hello, host. I'm honored to have a fan like you. A boss who likes to deduct bonuses is not a good boss. When our Xinghuo becomes bigger and stronger, you might consider our company. We guarantee you will receive good treatment."
Comments: "Good guy, really good guy, Director Huan is really kind-hearted."
"Poaching right in front of me, you're just as good as me, Huanzi."
The host was stunned, then quickly waved his hands at the screen, as if whispering to someone, "Boss, you heard me. If you don't give me more chicken legs, I'm going to quit and go to Xinghuo to see my idol every day."
"Actually, I've always dreamed of being the protagonist. If I really go to Xinghuo, will Director Huan let me be the protagonist?"
"Of course, tailor-made."
The host and Director Huan looked at each other, and they both smiled knowingly, as if they had just loudly conspired to reach some agreement.
The audience laughed and cheered. There was no script for the Blue Award, and it was obvious that the two of them were improvising. Their performance was quite realistic. Fans of Liu Tan all know that although Liu Tan is a famous host, he was originally an actor by profession.
"Brother Tan, we all know your dream. When we have money, we can use the hidden rules to hire a crew for you to act in."
Tan Ge thought to himself: "I knew I could act, but I didn't expect you to be able to act too. I've met my match."
In the live broadcast, Liu Tan held up the inscription card and began the usual interview: "Everyone knows that Director Huan has received many nominations this time. Are you confident about the awards ceremony tonight?"
"I think everyone loves trophies and honors. I hope to bring home at least one trophy for my family and the fans who support me. Of course, it doesn't matter if I fail this time. I'm still young. Next year or the year after, as long as I don't stop, I believe I'll be able to stand on the podium one day."
Huan Xu's answer was youthful and sharp, without being overly conceited. Liu Tan nodded secretly.
Liu Tan: "I heard that Director Huan has a new script. It's about whether I and the audience should prepare tissues in advance. Director Huan, please give me a spoiler. This time, the protagonists should finally get married, right?"
Huan Xu smiled inscrutablely, "Don't worry, everyone. This is a fun drama with a happy ending."
Comment: "Director Huan, we don't lie."
"I'm stupid, I believe whatever you say (implied)."
When fans heard that it was a happy ending, they were excited. This is good, this is wonderful. They just like young couples to be together sweetly!
Liu Tan had already given Huan Xu a lot of shots during the previous conversation, which was considered a special favor from the Cang Lan Award to Huan Xu, a capable new director. After the Q&A session, Liu Tan also made way, and after Huan Xu signed his name, the camera turned to other guests on the red carpet.
Xinghuo also gained a lot of exposure today because Huan Xu's unexpected victory attracted a lot of attention to Qin Dongxiao and the others. Adding the two interview shots together, it is already the treatment of a big company in the industry. Huan Xu is also quite satisfied with this.
The red carpet outside continued. As Huan Xu entered the banquet hall, several artists from Xinghuo surrounded him. In fact, it was not just the artists from Xinghuo, many actors around were approaching this side unnoticed.
Huan Xu smiled at everyone, signaling that the group of Xinghuo's "big friends" could move freely.
The party before the award ceremony was meant to expand one's network, so there was no need to get together with him.
Xinghuo's older friends all listened to Dean Huan's words and dispersed obediently after hearing them.
Compared to some small-time actors, the Xinghuo artists were very popular. As soon as they separated from Huan Xu, other artists came forward to chat and get to know each other. Among them, there were more female artists, who were all attracted by the outfits of Chi Xuanmo and Wu Qianying.
Seeing Xinghuo's family members disperse, other people who were watching not far away began to gather around in waves. The actors introduced themselves. It didn't matter if you couldn't remember them, just make yourself familiar. Maybe you would remember them and invite them when you see them during the next casting.
Compared with the actors' initiative, not many directors came to make friends.
It wasn't until a middle-aged director who had just entered the banquet hall saw Huan Xu that his eyes lit up and he quickly stepped forward.
The young actors surrounding Huan Xu dispersed hesitantly, and the lively atmosphere in the banquet hall became slightly stagnant. Many people turned their heads, their gazes following the director's movements.
Several of Xinghuo's artists who were always keeping an eye on Huan Xu held their breath, ready to step forward to protect the weak and helpless Director Huan at any time.
There was no other reason. The director who was walking towards Huan Xu had some "grudges" with Huan Xu. He was one of the golden directors who lost to Huan Xu in the cold tag competition, Director Liu Wenyi of Dingsheng.
Liu Wenyi noticed the gazes around him and thought to himself that these people really just wanted to watch the fun and make trouble. What a pity, he didn't come here to cause trouble for Huan Xu.
He is an old man and not a stingy person like Pansda. There is no need for him to make things difficult for a young man. It is a fair competition. If he loses, he loses. He admits that he is not as skilled as his opponent.
"Haha, Director Huan is a handsome man. I've wanted to meet you before, but unfortunately I never had the chance." Liu Wenyi took the initiative to extend his hand to show his friendship:
"Director Huan also edited the film yourself. Coincidentally, I also like to edit my own films. Let's add each other as a communication friend. We can discuss our experiences together if we have the chance."
"Director Liu, just call me Huan Xu. I'm very happy to have the opportunity to learn and communicate with my senior."
"It's not really about learning, it's just about exchanging ideas. Don't call me senior. If you don't mind, just call me Uncle Liu. I'll call you Xiao Xu."
Huan Xu readily agreed: "Uncle Liu."
"Young man, you're so straightforward. Come here, this is Director Zhang from our company..."
Director Liu had no bad intentions. After getting to know Huan Xu, he found that the young man had a good first impression. He himself was a good person, so he saw that Huan Xu was alone and had no one to lead the way.
Liu Wenyi also knew that Huan Xu's mother was also a director in the circle. He and Feng Manman were not friends, but they were familiar with each other. He felt very proud and decided to take Huan Xu to meet other directors.
Seeing Liu Wenyi releasing the Halo of the Holy Father again, Pansda, who was standing with the Crown group, did not go up to make trouble, but he snorted coldly when passing by and deliberately bumped into Liu Wenyi.
"Uncle Liu, are you okay?"
"Oh, it's okay. Those people who just passed by are from the Crown Group. They're not very careful when they walk. You should know that Pansda, who was suppressed by you, is very petty and holds a grudge. That's how the Crown Group is. They are arrogant wherever they go, as if they are not willing to submit to anyone."
"Next time you see them, stay away from them. It's not that you can't defeat them, but there's no need to bother with that bunch of crazy people."
Pansda's face darkened. Another student behind him was afraid that he might lose his temper, so he quickly reminded him in a low voice: "Teacher, everyone in the banquet hall is watching."
…
Director Liu loves making friends and has many of them. With his help, Huan Xu got to know half of the directors in the banquet hall. Most of the senior directors also encouraged and praised Huan Xu, a good junior.
No matter what they think in their hearts, decent people all appear kind on the surface.
Huan Xu also met three people of the same age as Ding Sheng. Among them was a young man named Liang Liang, who was also a colleague of Huan Xu in the new list.
Unlike Huan Xu who obtained the invitation letter based on his own ability, Liang Liang was brought in by his senior colleagues in the company to gain more experience and was not yet qualified to enter the award ceremony hall.
Liu Wenyi was being dragged along by his old friends to chat about gossip, while Liang Liang was hanging out with Huan Xu. He seemed to be a natural, telling Huan Xu a joke:
"I don't know what my parents were thinking. Giving me a name like Liang Liang, wouldn't that make me feel like a nobody?"
Huan Xu: “…”
Liang Liang: "It's not funny. It's okay. I'll tell you another one."
Liang Liang: "Xiao Xiang found a job and is always angry when he gets home from get off work every day. Can you guess why?"
Huan Xu: "...because he works at the Meteorological Bureau"
Liang Liang: "That's right, how could the Meteorological Bureau not be angry, hahahaha."
Before Huan Xu could react, Liang Liang was already laughing to his heart's content. After laughing enough, Liang Liang sighed, "It's hard to find a true friend, brother. Why didn't I meet you earlier?"
Just now, Huan Xu followed his train of thought, and Liang Liang suddenly felt that Huan Xu understood him.
Before Liang Liang could continue to exchange brainwaves with Huan Xu, some big shots seemed to have arrived on the red carpet outside. The noise was much louder than before, so much so that it could be heard in the banquet hall.
Liang Liang thought of nothing else to tell jokes, so he pulled Huan Xu and whispered, "Looks like the red carpet outside is almost over, and the big guys are about to make their final appearance."
The last ones to arrive will definitely be several star directors who are the leaders in the film and television industry. Only a large-scale global event like Carnival Night can bring together star directors.
However, before the star director comes out, there will be several special guests entering.
They are not actors or famous directors, but the people in charge of the big companies that are the pillars of the Cang Tianxing film and television industry.
The images of the first few special guests were more in line with people's stereotypes of big bosses. Until the seventh person came on stage, standing in the banquet hall, one could hear the screams of fans who came to support outside.
A handsome young man with a pair of affectionate peach blossom eyes walked into the banquet hall. The moment Huan Xu saw his face, his eyes widened slightly.
He had seen the other person before, at Yang Tianxing's music street. If he remembered correctly, the other person should be a friend of the fans he met twice.
"He is?"
Liang Liang quietly introduced Huan Xu, "You Xiang, the young master of Youguang Modeling Company. His father, You Zhiyu, used to attend the event, but it seems that playboy has completely irritated Mr. You, and he's planning to leave his son behind to train his grandson, You Xiang."
Huan Xu raised his eyebrows. He knew that although he built all the scenes for his films himself, some directors would directly import purchased modeling sets to save time and effort.
The backgrounds of some urban films are very similar. When watching the films, the audience may occasionally find that the layout of a certain president's office feels a bit déjà vu. There is no doubt that it is basically from You Guang's "Shared President's Office".
It was similar in nature to the Hengdian and other film and television cities in the Blue Star era. Thinking of this, some inspiration flashed through Huan Xu's mind, but before he could grasp it, there was an even louder clamor and screams outside the banquet hall.
"There are ten special guests in total, and the remaining three are the big ones."
The three major companies are ranked in no particular order. In order to prevent disputes over their positions, the presidents of the three major companies enter the venue together every year, and this year is no exception.
Although it is a bit strange to see three middle-aged men walking the red carpet together, they are all handsome middle-aged uncles, and no one can steal the limelight from anyone else, which is fair.
But fairness is destined to be broken this year. The representatives of Crown and Dingsheng are still the same old faces. Although the two middle-aged bosses are well maintained, they still can't hide the small belly under their suits. The confident and calm smiles on their faces are obviously greasy when compared with the truly handsome young people.
The two of them looked at Yan Ze, who was in the center of the beacon fire, with envy and regret in their hearts. Compared with Yan Ze, they were like old security guards, paving the way for the young boss.
If I had known earlier, if I had known earlier... there's nothing I can do. They are not like Yan Lanhai, who is in the prime of his life. At the age of 41, he has handed over all his rights to his son and went on a sweet interstellar journey with his wife.
Yan Ze's first public appearance as the president of Fenghuo was undoubtedly a success.
In response to this, the other two uncles didn't say anything, but they felt sour in their hearts, as if they had eaten a lemon. In the end, they could only lament: Young people are becoming more and more impetuous and superficial.
The moment the three CEOs stepped into the banquet hall, they were surrounded by directors and actors who had already prepared for the performance.
Huan Xu and Liang Liang did not move forward from the back. Liang Liang was originally from Dingsheng, not to mention Huan Xu. What he lacked most was not investment or the top resources controlled by the three major companies, but time, time to transform the countless inspirations in his mind into works.
Another acquaintance. After meeting You Xiang before, Huan Xu was still thinking that since he could be friends with You Xiang, the male fan should have a good family background.
Even Huan Xu didn't expect that the other party's true identity was actually Fenghuo's President Xiaoyan.
When Huan Xu was distracted, he didn't know that Yan Ze looked at him across the crowd. When he found that Huan Xu didn't approach him, he pursed his thin lips slightly.
Yan Ze was indeed feeling somewhat conflicted at the moment. He knew that he would meet Huan Xu here today. If Huan Xu also came over like the others, the scene would be somewhat awkward.
Now Huan Xu didn't come over and didn't even look at him. Yan Ze couldn't help but wonder if Huan Xu was angry because of his previous concealment.
Yan Ze was thinking while socializing that whether the other party was angry or not didn't seem to have much to do with him, and he didn't intend to hide it, but after all, he didn't tell the truth in the first place.
Yan Ze dealt with the actors and directors who showed their goodwill, and exchanged a few words with several of Fenghuo's partners. The banquet hall gradually became quiet, and the two CEOs of Crown and Dingsheng stopped talking.
The retro mother star clock hanging in the banquet hall chimed in at exactly eight o'clock in the evening. A hovercraft from the outside world once again approached the venue, and the finale star directors had arrived!
There was applause for the entrance of the star directors, and the dense fireworks in the live broadcast room made people wonder if the webpage was stuck repeatedly.
The comments that floated by were much more serious than the previous jokes. Anxi, the youngest star director of Cangtianxing, was 37 years old.
It has been three years since Anxi reached the summit. This year, Anxi is exactly 40 years old, making him the youngest among all the star guides.
The oldest director among them is nearly 70 years old, with wrinkles all over his face. He is sitting in a wheelchair and being pushed by his daughter. Due to age and health reasons, the old man has retired from the film industry for more than 20 years.
Even so, the old man brought countless joys and touching moments to the people of Cang Tianxing when he was young, and no one can erase his contributions.
Unlike the Gold Director and Silver Director, Star Director is a lifelong honor that every director pursues. Even if time passes and the world changes, the name of every Star Director will be hung high in the Carnival Night Hall, like a guiding star, guiding the future generations.
With the diversion of the star directors, Yan Ze finally got some free time. He looked around the banquet hall and found Huan Xu in a quiet corner. Yan Ze put the wine glass on the waiter's tray and walked towards the corner.
Yan Ze had a blank expression on his face and a clear direction. Seeing this, some people who wanted to continue talking to him thought that Yan Ze was going to discuss a multi-billion dollar deal, so they stopped in their tracks.
You have to be discerning. Although this General Xiaoyan made his first appearance, many stories about her have been reported.
This includes but is not limited to the other party's business acumen that is as sophisticated as his father's, his keen investment vision, his decisive style of action, and most importantly... his lack of understanding of social conventions and his hard-heartedness.
"I heard that when President Xiaoyan first took office, a young actor from Fenghuo had some bad ideas, hoping to take a shortcut to success. He took advantage of his good looks and ran into President Xiaoyan by chance, trying to throw himself into her arms. Guess what happened?"
Liang Liang drank a sip of orange juice and continued to tell Huan Xu the gossip he had heard:
"Seeing that little star deliberately pretending to be unsteady, her body softened as she tried to squeeze into President Xiaoyan's arms, President Xiaoyan took three steps back, frowning and looking cold, with a look of displeasure written all over her body."
"Boss Xiaoyan's appearance is rather stern, and she looks even more imposing when she frowns."
"The young star was faking a fall, but when she saw the cold glint in Boss Xiaoyan's eyes, her heart tightened, and her ten-centimeter-plus high heels clicked, turning the fake into a real one. It's said that her ankle was swollen and she had to rest for a month before it healed."
"Since then, whenever I see Ms. Xiaoyan in the company, I run away from her like a mouse seeing a cat, let alone approach her. This shows how deep the psychological trauma she has suffered."
Under Liang Liang's expectant gaze, Huan Xu nodded approvingly and commented, "It seems Xiaoyan is not interested in women."
Liang Liang seemed to be waiting for Huan Xu to say this. He raised his hand and snapped his fingers, then lowered his voice and continued to explain: "Not only do you not like women, you also don't like men."
"After the female star failed, some people speculated that it was because of the wrong gender. Although the rumors about Xiaoyan were terrible, a few days later, some bold male artists who wanted to be famous still took action."
"Even more bluntly, a cup of coffee was 'accidentally' spilled on Xiaoyan. Before the young star could even get in touch with her to wipe the stain, Xiaoyan, who is said to be well-trained, automatically defended herself the moment the other person made a move, throwing her over the shoulder and leaving the young star stunned."
"The little star, who had finally come to his senses, was still unwilling to give up, his eyes immediately reddening. However, he had barely uttered half his soft voice when he was frozen back by President Yan's visibly cold gaze. He said he had nightmares for a long time after returning home. Like the female star, he had a phobia of Yan Ze."
"Although I don't agree with their behavior, these two are both top-notch in looks. Otherwise, I wouldn't have the confidence to hook up with anyone. It's a bit ugly, and I don't know who's taking advantage of whom."
"But Xiaoyan didn't even give them a straight look. Even if someone else didn't take the initiative, they wouldn't be so ruthless in rejecting a beauty who came to them. So..."
Liang Liang stretched out his tone, shook his head and said regretfully, "Everyone says that this guy is probably asexual or frigid. By the way, why do you keep blinking? Are you feeling uncomfortable? Should I call a medical robot to check?"
Huan Xu thought that Liang Liang had lost the telepathy they had as close friends. Helplessly, he could only cough lightly and whisper, "Turn back."
"What?"
"Look back and you'll see."
Liang Liang turned around in confusion, and the next moment, the hairs on his body stood up. The boss Xiaoyan he had mentioned before, the evil man who scared the little star with a look and gave her nightmares for many days, was right behind him.
The other party should have heard what he just said.
It turns out that one shouldn't talk about people behind their backs. The retribution in this life is coming too quickly.
In Liang Liang's sight, Xiaoyan was getting closer and closer, step by step with graceful strides.
He stood in front of him, and the next second, he saw the other party's wrist raised. Liang Liang was relieved that Xiaoyan was not a ruthless person but a wolf destroyer. How could he dare to hit someone even though there was a floating camera not far away?
The imagined scene did not happen. Yan Ze extended his hand and politely introduced himself: "Hello, I am Yan Ze."
Liang Liang hesitantly extended his hand: "Hello, Mr. Yan, I'm... ahem, Ding Sheng, Liang Liang."
"Mr. Liang, could you spare me a few minutes to talk to Director Huan?"
President Yan and Huan Xu knew each other? Seeing Huan Xu didn't refute, Liang Liang immediately said, "I'm thirsty again. I'll go get two glasses of juice over there."
There were only two people left in the corner. There was silence for a moment, and the air seemed to freeze. After a moment, Yan Ze was the first to break the silence:
"Hello, Director Huan, I'm Yan Ze. Sorry, I didn't mean to hide my identity before."
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