Chapter 387: Out of Control
The Zhen Zhao incident escalated and fermented rapidly in just one week, gradually evolving into a "team battle" that affected half of the entertainment industry.
Dozens of celebrities have made public statements so far. Most Hong Kong and Taiwan artists support Zhen Zidan, while mainland stars collectively support Zhao Wenzhuo, and the opposing camps are obvious.
As the crew remained tight-lipped, netizens were eager to know the truth, so a group of media outlets targeted the heroine of "Special Identity", Jing Tian.
Coupled with the bombardment from netizens, under pressure, Miss Jing publicly expressed her support for Zhao Wenzhuo through Weibo on February 13.
Although no specific details were revealed, as the core creator of the crew, Jing Tian's position is very important, which has sparked heated discussions among netizens:
"I told you, Zhao Wenzhuo looks so righteous, he doesn't look like a big shot."
"Hong Kong stars always bully mainland stars, including the beating incident a few years ago. Do they still think it was the last century and live in the sense of superiority of the past? It's time to face reality."
"What else does Hong Kong cinema have now besides gangster movies? They've made a bunch of crappy movies and they don't reflect on themselves!"
The appearance of Jing Tian, a person involved in the crew, further encouraged mainland artists. More and more stars joined the ranks of support, and even dug up old accounts from the past, accusing Hong Kong stars of suppressing mainland artists, causing the conflict to continue to escalate.
Just when public opinion was overwhelmingly one-sided, Lai Ming, one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Hong Kong, stepped forward to support Zhen Zidan.
He also called on netizens to look at this rationally, emphasizing that this was a private dispute between Zhen Zidan and Zhao Wenzhuo, and not to involve innocent people.
It turned out that Shu Qi, who was the first to speak out for Zhen Zidan, became the target of public criticism, and his Weibo account was attacked by countless netizens.
What is even more dramatic is that actress Liu Jialing actually liked a Weibo post that exposed Shu Qi's negative information, although she later clarified that it was an accident.
But it still caused Shu Qi to have an emotional breakdown. He spent 6 hours clearing all the updates on his social media accounts and was photographed crying alone in the street.
After all, Li Ming is a leading figure among Hong Kong artists. He has a high status and his words carry a lot of weight. His intervention has temporarily stabilized the declining public opinion in the Hong Kong circle.
However, as things have developed to this point, it no longer matters who is right or wrong. This turmoil has completely evolved into a head-on collision between the Hong Kong and mainland entertainment circles, and a confrontation between the two major camps.
Following Fan Bingbing's cry, "The people need the truth!", the situation suddenly became tense again, with more heavyweights in the entertainment industry stepping out one after another.
February 14, Valentine's Day, in the top floor office of the Hong Kong Li & Fung Group's headquarters building.
The view of Victoria Harbour was in full view from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Lin Jianyue picked up the teacup and looked at the guest opposite with a smile: "Mr. Jiang, how come you have time to come here today?"
Jiang Zhiqiang, president of Le'an Pictures, smiled and said, "Why, Mr. Lin doesn't welcome me?"
"Of course not. It is a great honor for Jiang Sheng to be here." Lin Jianyue gestured for him to sit down, then turned around and told his secretary, "Bring out my treasured Pu'er."
After a few cups of tea, Jiang Zhiqiang saw that Lin Jianyue always avoided talking about business and did not ask about his purpose, so he cursed inwardly as "old fox".
I can only get straight to the point: "Mr. Lin, I'm sure Chen Kexin has already told you that the project of "China Partners" is dead!"
Lin Jianyue nodded helplessly. It is not easy for Hong Kong capital to invest in a good project in the mainland nowadays. He originally had high hopes for this cooperation with Huaying, but he did not expect to be intercepted at the last minute.
Jiang Zhiqiang took a sip of tea and said meaningfully: "Mr. Lin, are we just going to let this go?"
Lin Jianyue narrowed her eyes and said sincerely, "Whatever Jiang Sheng has in mind, I fully support him."
Jiang Zhiqiang was speechless for a moment. He originally wanted to instigate Lin Jianyue to step forward, but he didn't expect the other party to be so smooth.
Lin Jianyue sneered in her heart, trying to sow discord between them and treating him as an idiot.
Last year, several wealthy wives in Hong Kong had conflicts with the wife of the richest man in the north. Top wealthy families like the Xu and Li families both bowed their heads and surrendered. With the lessons of the past still fresh in their minds, how could he be so foolish as to offend the Song family?
"Mr. Lin, the mainland film and television industry is becoming more and more powerful. If we don't unite, we may not even have a place to stand in the industry in the future." Jiang Zhiqiang looked unwilling and his tone was quite indignant.
"It's an irreversible trend that you and I cannot reverse. The golden age of Hong Kong films is finally over." Lin Jianyue looked out the window and sighed softly.
Looking back, the late 1970s to the late 1990s was the heyday of the Hong Kong entertainment industry. The Four Heavenly Kings emerged and TVB dramas were popular in Asia.
Hong Kong's popular culture has had a profound impact on mainland China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and even Chinese people all over the world, but its glory will eventually come to an end.
“Mr. Jiang, after the Asian financial crisis in 1997, Taiwanese capital withdrew, piracy became rampant, and Hollywood impacted.
Under the triple pressure, the annual output of Hong Kong films has dropped sharply from more than 300 to around 50, and its decline is becoming increasingly apparent.
I heard that this year is the last TVB training class and it will be discontinued next year."
Jiang Zhiqiang's pupils suddenly shrank and he was extremely shocked. The TVB Artist Training Class is the star-making factory in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Many superstars have come out of here.
Once it is discontinued, the Hong Kong circle will inevitably be in a lack of successors and will become even weaker.
After being shocked, Jiang Zhiqiang quickly adjusted his mood and said, "Mr. Lin, although it is the general trend, we must not give up the interests that we should fight for.
The less you fight for the right to speak, the less you have. I am not a person who stays in the past. Going north to develop is an inevitable choice. I will compromise when I need to, but I cannot let others bully me. "
Lin Jianyue looked at the big shot in the film industry in front of him meaningfully, thinking to himself, after going through so much trouble, it turns out that he still wants to go north to get a piece of the pie.
But it’s no wonder. With a huge market of 1.4 billion people right there, who wouldn’t be tempted?
But he is not interested in Jiang Zhiqiang's so-called "struggle for the right to speak".
Li & Fung Group has cooperated with Yunfeng Fund, owned by Alibaba Group's boss Ma, to establish Huan Asia Film and Television. With the help of Alibaba Group's channel resources, it has made initial progress in opening up the mainland market.
Seeing that Lin Jianyue was not interested, Jiang Zhiqiang continued to lobby: "Mr. Lin, precisely because the mainland is strong, we should stick together for warmth.
At present, the dispute between Zhen Zidan and Zhao Wenzhuo has evolved into a confrontation between the two entertainment circles. We should not stand idly by and watch, but should lend a hand. Otherwise, how will Hong Kong artists gain a foothold in the mainland in the future? "
Lin Jianyue waved her hand disapprovingly: "Mr. Jiang is exaggerating!"
"Mr. Lin, how about 'China Partners'? The facts are right in front of you, but you still can't recognize the reality?" Jiang Zhiqiang's tone was quite excited. "You canceled a project that was almost certain to be successful with just one sentence. Doesn't this prove the problem?"
These words obviously touched Lin Jianyue. After a moment's silence, he finally said, "What is Jiang Sheng going to do?"
Jiang Zhiqiang was relieved to see that Lin Jianyue was willing to support him: "We must not lose this public opinion war! I will gather the strength of all Hong Kong artists to support Zhen Zidan. In addition..."
After listening to Jiang Zhiqiang's plan, Lin Jianyue frowned and said, "Mr. Jiang, this may not be appropriate. Besides, Weibo is Tengda's private territory, and we can't compete with it."
"Tenda is not the only Internet giant. In addition to Weibo and Toutiao, we can fully expand our presence on other platforms. Don't worry, I will know when to stop and won't leave any evidence behind."
Lin Jianyue still warned him worriedly: "Mr. Jiang, remember to stop when you have done enough. Some things are well known to everyone and do not require evidence. Once the entire mainland entertainment industry is united in hatred of the enemy, the consequences will be disastrous."
Jiang Zhiqiang nodded carefully: "I know what's going on. Besides, the mainland entertainment industry is not monolithic, which gives us an opportunity!"
In the evening, Tengda Culture.
As it was getting close to the end of get off work, Liu Rong was about to leave and was about to lock the office door when Artist Director Yang Tianzhen came in in a hurry.
"Boss Liu, I have an emergency to report."
Liu Rong had no choice but to unlock the door again: "Come in and talk."
As soon as the two sat down on the sofa, Yang Tianzhen couldn't wait to report: "Boss Liu, a lot of negative information about Yang Mi, Wang Luodan and other artists in the company suddenly appeared on online platforms such as Tieba and Tianya."
Liu Rong's expression suddenly changed: "Only targeting our company's artists?"
"Not only that, there are also several other popular actresses and actors, but a few people in our company were the most severely attacked. It is obviously an organized and premeditated action."
Liu Rong thought for a moment: "Could it be the work of the Hong Kong circle?"
Yang Tianzhen nodded: "I think the Hong Kong circle must be the initiator, but the company is big and attracts the wind, and there are many jealous people. When they see a chance to attack the company's popular artists, they can't help but add fuel to the fire.
I sent someone to check, and the ones who posted the negative information were all from overseas IPs, so it's hard to identify the culprits behind the scenes, and it's impossible to know which specific forces were behind it?"
Liu Rong's eyes flashed coldly: "Divert the trouble to others? Or is it killing the chicken to scare the monkey?"
"Boss Liu, the enemy is coming aggressively, but the key is that we don't know who the enemy is yet. What should we do?"
“Can’t the technical department trace the IP address?”
Yang Tianzhen looked embarrassed: "It's difficult. They are all overseas water army accounts. It's not easy to check in a short period of time, unless we ask the group's information security department to do technical tracing."
Liu Rong narrowed his eyes, thought for a moment, and instructed: "Entertainment industry matters should be handled in the same way as entertainment industry matters. The company should first issue an official statement and simultaneously contact the official mainstream media to seize the initiative in public opinion.
Send a lawyer's letter to Baidu and other platforms, asking them to delete the rumor-mongering and infringing content. Then, if we can find an identity, we will sue them one by one. "
"Mr. Liu, this method only treats the symptoms but not the root cause. Do you want our public relations team to muddy the waters..."
Liu Rong raised his hand to interrupt: "No need, we are in the right originally, and fighting violence with violence will only give people excuses. The root of this matter is the Zhen Zhao incident, so let's put the blame on them first. Go and do as I say."
"Understood!" Yang Tianzhen responded and quickly got up to deal with the aftermath.
At 8 o'clock that evening, Tengda Culture's official Weibo account released a solemn statement: In view of the fact that our company's artists Yang Mi, Wang Luodan, Lv Yi and others have been subjected to unwarranted slander and rumors, our company will take legal measures to protect the artists' legitimate rights and interests.
At the same time, rumors spread like wildfire, and Tengda Culture suspected that it was Hong Kong artists who were responsible. Therefore, until the truth came out, Tengda Culture and its related business partners suspended cooperation with all Hong Kong artists.
As soon as the news came out, it caused an uproar in the entertainment industry. Tengda Culture was exposing its contradictions and completely breaking with the Hong Kong circle. The situation began to develop in an uncontrollable direction, causing panic in the entertainment industry.
Late at night, Donghai Tangren Film and Television Company.
Cai Yinong had been following the developments the whole day and learned about the rumors released by Tengda Culture. Just as he was marveling at Tengda's confidence and strong tactics, his assistant rushed into the office in a panic.
"Boss Cai, something terrible has happened!"
Cai Yinong's heart skipped a beat: "Tell me quickly, what's the matter?"
The assistant panted and reported intermittently: "Boss Cai, someone on the Internet spread negative information about our senior sister, saying that she..."
"say what?"
The assistant's eyes flickered, and he hesitated to speak: "The black fan spread rumors that Senior Sister can't...can't have children?"
"Are they crazy? So cruel!" Cai Yinong slammed the table and stood up, his face full of disbelief.
She originally thought that the Hong Kong circle was bold enough to target Tengda Culture's artists, but she didn't expect that they would even dare to drag in the No. 1 female star and spread rumors and slander so viciously. Aren't they afraid of revenge from the richest man?
After the outburst of rage, Cai Yinong forced himself to calm down, his brain working rapidly: "No, this may not be the work of the Hong Kong circle! Could it be the Taiwan side? Or are there other people trying to fish in troubled waters?"
The development of the situation was completely beyond expectations. After repeated consideration, Cai Yinong decided to communicate with Liu Shishi. However, after several phone calls, no one answered. He had to give up for the time being and think of a solution tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong.
Jiang Zhiqiang is talking on the phone with Boss Yang.
"Jiang Zhiqiang, are you crazy? We agreed beforehand that it's okay to cause trouble for the new generation of mainland stars, but you must not drag Liu Shishi into this. Do you really think Song Ci dare not touch you?"
Boss Yang roared in frustration, and it was obvious that he had also heard the rumors about the richest man’s wife on the Internet.
Jiang Zhiqiang was so anxious that he was sweating. "It really wasn't me! I just wanted to go north to make a living. How could I possibly use Liu Shishi as an excuse?"
Seeing Jiang Zhiqiang's confident words, Boss Yang was half-believing and half-doubting: "Is it really not you?"
Jiang Zhiqiang explained repeatedly: "It's absolutely true! I'm just the boss of a small film and television company. I'm not crazy enough to offend the richest man in Asia!"
"That's better." Boss Yang was obviously relieved, but then frowned again, "Mr. Jiang, it's useless for Mr. Lin and I to believe in you. Song Ci must believe in you.
After all, you were the one who started this. If you can't prove your innocence, I'm afraid you will be held responsible!"
"What should I do?" Jiang Zhiqiang regretted deeply.
"Jiang Sheng, think carefully, do you have any enemies? Maybe someone wants to kill you, check it out quickly."
When Jiang Zhiqiang heard this, several faces flashed through his mind, but for a moment, he was not sure who wanted to harm him.
"Jiang Sheng, now that things have come to this, you must stop immediately! Clean up all traces and don't leave any handle behind."
"Understood! I'll do it right away."
Boss Yang nodded slightly, his tone cold: "Mr. Jiang, I have just discussed with Mr. Lin, Mr. Xiang and others. If things really get out of control, I hope you can take the responsibility!"
Jiang Zhiqiang flew into a rage when he heard this: "You guys... are good! Very good!"
(The second update will be later, coding in progress)
(End of this chapter)
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