Chapter 413 Opening Ceremony
After attending the premiere of "Search", Liu Shishi put the movie behind her and went to London with her family to watch the grand opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
At 21:00 London time on July 27, the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Olympic Games kicked off at the London Bowl Stadium.
Leaders, distinguished guests, and athletes from various countries gathered together, along with about 80,000 spectators, to welcome the opening of this global sporting event.
The opening ceremony of the London Olympics is themed "Wonderful Islands", which is inspired by the iconic work of British literature, Shakespeare's classic play "The Tempest".
By showcasing the historical heritage, cultural charm and modern social customs of the British Isles, the diverse face of Britain is presented in all aspects.
The first act of the opening ceremony's artistic performance, "The Green and Pleasant Land," recreated the English pastoral scenery of meadows, fields and rivers on the stage.
With 30 sheep strolling leisurely, 12 horses and 3 cows dotted around, the real animals and the stage scenes complement each other, vividly outlining the harmonious picture of traditional farming and animal husbandry life.
In the audience, Liu's father watched the performance with a frown on his face, "Is this the level of the opening ceremony of the London Olympics? Showing some animals to the world is really not worthy of such a high standard."
Liu Xiaochen on the side echoed: "Compared with the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics four years ago, it is indeed far inferior."
The three mothers who had witnessed the grand opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games also felt disappointed at this moment and had no interest in the artistic performances before them.
Liu Shishi leaned close to her husband and whispered, "Yi Yi, Britain won't be reluctant to spend money on hosting the Olympics, right?"
Song Ci shook his head slightly and explained with a smile: "The last time London hosted the Olympic Games was in 1948. After 64 years, it has been more than half a century since it hosted the Olympics again. How could Britain not attach importance to it?
Over 2 billion viewers around the world are watching the opening ceremony, and the follow-up will definitely give people around the world a surprise.”
As soon as the words were spoken, the opening ceremony entered the "Noisy Age" industrial revolution chapter.
In an instant, the idyllic tranquility was torn apart by the deafening sound of drums, and seven giant chimneys as high as 30 meters broke out of the ground, like awakening steel behemoths.
Amidst the billowing smoke, 965 drummers beat the passionate prelude to the Industrial Revolution with a rhythm as precise as a machine.
The red molten iron gushing out of the furnace flows in a winding manner, and under the guidance of smelting workers in oily work clothes, it gathers into a hot torrent, as if the pulse of industrial civilization is beating.
The shocking scene instantly ignited the entire audience, and the audience burst into earth-shaking applause.
Director Danny Boyle used steel as pen and fire as ink to paint a magnificent picture of industrial civilization for 2 billion viewers around the world under the blue sky of the London Bowl.
The most magnificent changes in human history are melted into an epic audio-visual feast.
“The Industrial Revolution!”
Liu Shishi heard her husband mumbling beside her, turned around and looked, only to see his bright eyes sparkling with light, as if reflecting the vast galaxy, and as if endless fighting spirit was burning in them.
Father Liu swallowed his saliva when he saw this and smiled awkwardly: "I was wrong. I take back what I said just now!"
Liu Xiaochen was also stunned, completely immersed in this magnificent picture of the industrial age.
Song Zhang looked at the surprised expressions of his father-in-law and brother-in-law, and said with a smile: "The opening ceremony of the London Olympics is as exciting as the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Both will become classics in Olympic history."
As everyone was marveling at the sight, five streams of molten steel suddenly solidified in the center of the venue, sparks flew like stars, and a steel-cast five-ring weighing several tons rose from the ground.
The dazzling five steel rings are the most powerful medal of honor that the machine age has given to the Olympics.
The three-hour opening ceremony ended quietly in shock and amazement. The audience slowly dispersed from the "London Bowl", and the crowd outside the stadium was still bustling in the night.
The evening breeze brought the moist scent of the Thames, but it could not blow away the fiery and unsatisfied expressions in everyone's eyes. The constant discussions were full of aftertastes of this audio-visual feast.
Liu Yuqing held her sister-in-law's arm, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and her mind was still recalling the magnificent scene that had just happened.
“Watt’s improved steam engine, Brunel’s giant wheel, the flying shuttle of the textile machine… these are all things we learned in history textbooks.
Britain was worthy of being called the "world's factory" back then, and this old capitalist power does have a profound heritage."
The little girl gestured as she spoke, as if the behemoths of the Industrial Revolution were still roaring before her eyes.
Song Ci sincerely praised: "The reason why the industrial chapter of the opening ceremony touched the heart directly is that it jumped out of the narrow national narrative framework.
It not only shows the glorious history of Britain, but also a magnificent common memory in the process of human civilization. This is what touches the soul the most.”
"Yes, after watching this extremely creative opening ceremony tonight, the trip was really worthwhile!" Song Zhang sighed, but there was a hint of helplessness in his expression.
"On New Year's Day, I really want to cheer for the Olympic athletes. Unfortunately, your uncle and I have to leave for home tomorrow.
Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi looked at her father-in-law in confusion: "Dad, are you in such a hurry to go back? It's a rare trip to London, why don't you stay a few days to watch the game?"
“There are still a lot of things waiting to be dealt with at the hospital. It’s already the limit for me to ask the dean for three days off to watch the opening ceremony.
Union Hospital has a lot of patients recently, and I really can't spare the time." Song Zhang's words were a bit tired, but he also had a sense of responsibility as a doctor.
Song Ci took the initiative to speak: "Then I will take you and uncle to the airport tomorrow. I also need to go to Paris."
Hearing this, several ladies present turned their eyes to him at the same time, their eyes full of concern.
Song Ci hurriedly explained with a smile: "Don't worry, I'm just going to Paris to sign a contract and will be back that afternoon."
Universal Music's acquisition of EMI Music went through many twists and turns, but was finally settled in the form of a joint acquisition by Universal Music and Sony Music with the intervention of the EU antitrust agency.
Among them, Universal Music acquired EMI's recording business for US$1.9 billion, gaining contracts with many well-known artists, a large number of recording copyrights and valuable recording studio resources.
Sony Music spent $2.2 billion to successfully acquire EMI's publishing business and copyright management department.
After this transaction, Universal Music's global market share soared from 27% to 36%, firmly securing its position as the world's largest record company.
For Tengda Group, this acquisition is of extraordinary significance.
As the major shareholder holding 50% of EMI Music's shares, Tenda Group reached a share swap and merger agreement after several rounds of negotiations with Universal Music's parent company Vivendi Group.
Currently, Universal Music is valued at US$9 billion. After the equity swap acquisition, Tenda Group successfully holds 8.7% of Universal Music's shares.
Unfortunately, Sony insisted on completing the transaction through cash payment and refused equity acquisition.
Despite this, Tenda Group has successfully become a shareholder of Universal Music, the world's largest music copyright company. This milestone achievement marks a solid first step in Tenda's music copyright strategy.
The next morning, Song Zhang and Liu Xiaochen embarked on their journey back home, while Song Ci set off for Paris.
It was the afternoon of the 28th in China, and Donghai Tangren Film and Television was very busy.
Cai Yinong called Gulinaza and Jiang Jinfu to his office and said, "The Xuan-Yuan Sword is being shown for the second time on Hunan Satellite TV. In order to maintain the popularity, we are going to arrange for you to appear on Happy Camp.
This is your first time on a variety show, so be careful with your words and actions when recording the show."
The two responded in unison: "Understood, Mr. Cai!"
Cai Yinong's eyes lingered on Gulinaza's beautiful face for a moment, and he reminded her worriedly:
"Naza, especially you, think before you speak, and don't say anything you shouldn't. Especially when it comes to Shishi, you have to think twice."
"Xuan-Yuan Sword" was a huge hit, and Liu Shishi became extremely popular, with unparalleled momentum. She could already imagine that when recording the show, the host would definitely bring the topic to Yijie.
Hu Ge and Tang Yan are steady and reliable, so she doesn't need to worry about them. Only Gulinazha is outspoken and she might be set up by the host if she is not careful.
Gulinaza looked surprised: "Senior Sister isn't going to participate in the show?"
Cai Yinong rolled his eyes at her and was too lazy to pay attention to her.
On the side, Jiang Jinfu gently reminded: "Naza, Senior Sister Shi rarely appears on variety shows."
Gulinazha stuck out her tongue playfully, realizing that she had asked a very stupid question.
Cai Yinong shook his head, picked up the two scripts on the desk, and handed them to the two people respectively: "This is your next play, both are movie roles."
When they heard that they could make a movie, they excitedly took the script.
Gulinaza received the script for Police Story 2013, in which she will work with Cheng Long. Jiang Jinfu starred in a romantic film Breakup Contract.
"Study the role carefully and keep a low profile once you join the crew. An actor's reputation in the circle is crucial." Cai Yinong advised earnestly.
The popularity of "Xuan-Yuan Sword" has made Jiang Jinfu and Guli Nazha soar in popularity, allowing Cai Yinong to see the potential of the two to succeed Hu Ge and Liu Shishi.
After repeatedly explaining things with concern, Cai Yinong asked Jiang Jinfu to leave the office first, leaving Nazha alone.
"Have you dealt with your relationship? Are there any private photos or ambiguous chat records left behind?"
Gulinaza suddenly looked flustered, stammering and not daring to look directly into her boss's stern gaze.
Seeing her like this, Cai Yinong knew that she had not done the job properly and the man must have left a lot of evidence in his hands. He couldn't help feeling helpless.
"Naza, I will help you solve this matter, but this will not happen again."
Hearing that her boss was willing to help, Gulinaza breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Mr. Cai. I promise I will never do it again."
Cai Yinong sighed secretly, Zha Mei was beautiful but not smart enough.
If you cannot stay sober in the entertainment industry, it will be difficult to stay popular for a long time.
Even if you are lucky enough to come across a hit, its glory will only be short-lived.
If Naza doesn't make changes, she will probably end up being just a beautiful vase.
Looking at the graceful back of the little girl as she left, Cai Yinong fell into deep thought, perhaps he shouldn't put all his hopes on her alone!
But who can be the backup candidate, Jin Chen, Hu Bingqing, or should we look for a good candidate outside?
At the same time, the office of the president of Beiping Tengda Culture.
Wang Kai pushed open the door and glanced at the lady sitting opposite the president: "Boss Liu, are you looking for me?"
"Sit down and talk." Liu Rong smiled warmly and pointed to the middle-aged woman in front of him: "Wang Kai, let me introduce you. This is Director Xue Xiaolu, my mentor at the Beijing Film Academy."
Wang Kai quickly greeted: "Hello, Director Xue, I am Wang Kai."
Facing the first-line star, Xue Xiaolu did not put on airs at all. He stood up and shook hands with Wang Kai with a friendly attitude.
After a brief greeting, Liu Rong got straight to the point: "Wang Kai, the company plans to cooperate with Director Xue on a movie, filming her self-written and directed work "Peking Meets Seattle", and we would like to invite you to be the male lead."
After saying that, he quickly added: "The company has evaluated the script and the quality is quite good."
Wang Kai looked embarrassed when he heard this. The president's words clearly hinted that he wanted him to take on the male lead role and strongly recommended it. It seemed that this movie had great box office potential.
Seeing that Wang Kai had not yet expressed his opinion, Liu Rong asked, "What are your concerns?"
"I am grateful for the trust of Director Liu Rong and Director Xue, but I have already accepted the filming of 'All Quiet in Peking' directed by Kong Sheng, and I am afraid there will be a schedule conflict." Wang Kai told the truth.
When he was filming "Silent Shorthand" before, he was appreciated by Kong Sheng and had already booked the leading male role in the next TV series of Noon Sunshine.
“When will the filming of All Quiet in Peking start?”
"Director Kong is currently busy with the post-production editing of his wife's drama Silent Shorthand. The filming of this drama will probably not start until winter."
Liu Rong nodded: "That schedule is good enough! Peking Meets Seattle is a love movie, and it's easy to film. It can be finished in about three months, and it won't interfere with your filming of Director Kong's movie."
"Thank you, Mr. Liu! Thank you, Director Xue!" Upon learning that there was no schedule conflict, Wang Kai readily agreed. After all, no one wants to miss the opportunity to be the leading actor in a high-quality movie.
Xue Xiaolu was feeling helpless. Her favorite male lead was Qiao Zhengyu, who had just won 700 million yuan at the box office with "Painted Skin 2" starring Zhao Yanzi and Zhou Xun, and was very popular.
However, the investors strongly recommended Wang Kai to play the male lead. Considering that Wang Kai is also a first-line male star and has starred in box office hits such as "Love Is Not Blind", they reluctantly agreed.
"Mr. Liu, Director Xue, may I ask, who is the heroine of the movie?"
Liu Rongping looked at Xue Xiaolu. Since the investors had chosen the male lead, the female lead would be up to the director.
Xue Xiaolu hesitated for a moment and said the best candidate in his mind: "Mr. Liu, I wonder if we can ask the wife of your company's chairman to perform?"
Liu Rong was stunned. He didn't expect Xue Xiaolu to have the idea of hitting on the boss's wife. "I'm sorry, Director Xue. I'm sure you've heard that Director Song and his wife are getting married soon. She won't take any roles during this period."
"Could you please trouble Mr. Liu to help me meet Mrs. Song?" Xue Xiaolu still didn't give up.
According to her original plan, if "Peking Meets Seattle" was starred by the 700 million box office male lead Qiao Zhengyu and the top actress Liu Shishi, the box office might not be able to reach 1 billion.
Liu Rong spread his hands and said, "Director Xue, you'd better stop wasting your time. Your wife has flown to London to watch the Olympics."
"Okay." Xue Xiaolu had to give up. Others were busy enjoying their lives, so it would be better not to disturb them.
(End of this chapter)
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