Chapter 101: Miss Liu, Miss Fan
“It is reported that 'ip man,' a biographical action film co-produced by Rongchen Film and Television, China Film Group Corporation, and Emperor Entertainment, after half a year of preparation, will begin filming in Tianjin on the eighth of next month.”
“'battle of wits' lead actors' looks revealed for the first time: Andy Lau with a beard, Fan Bingbing in simple attire.”
“'The Promise' Premiere tickets priced at 1880 yuan, possibly scaring off audiences.”
“'the deer and the cauldron' casts Liu Yifei, Little Dragon Girl becomes Wei Xiaobao’s wife.”
“Director Zhang Jizhong stated that the casting for Wei Xiaobao will begin with a nationwide open audition.”
“The four little dan actresses are reshuffled every year, with Liu Yifei, Sun Li, Yang Xin, and Zhao Xue continuously emerging.”
Early in the morning, there was a flood of entertainment news online, with Liu Yifei alone occupying half of it.
On Saturday, Shu Chang, Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, and Tang Yan were invited by Miss Liu to her home as guests.
“Xiao Zhu, how did you get so dark? You’re hideous,” Liu Yifei complained with a look of disdain.
“Can you blame me? If you were thrown into the old forests of the Northeast for ten days to half a month, I guarantee Director Li would be scared away when he saw you.”
“By your tone, it sounds like you’re blaming Director Li for recommending you to audition? Tangtang, when your boss arrives later, remember to tell on him.”
“Hey, hey, hey, Old Luo, don’t cause trouble. When did I ever say that? Xiao Tang, Old Luo is full of bad intentions, you need to keep your eyes open.”
“Mm, okay, I’ve noted it down.”
Tang Yan smiled. She was still a bit unaccustomed to Zhu Yawen’s overly familiar manner; he was younger than her, yet he kept calling her “Xiao Tang” so smoothly.
“Do you guys want to go to The Promise Premiere?” Zhu Yawen asked again.
“Tangtang shouldn’t have a problem; I estimate Director Li will definitely take her.”
“As for the rest of us, Old Zhu, could you please buy the tickets?” Luo Jin said with a laugh.
“Exactly, you at least have the salary from Crossing the Guandong, buying a few tickets isn’t too much, is it?” Miss Liu also teased.
“Not too much!” Shu Chang interjected, the two of them playing along.
“Stop, stop, I’m just a small actor, all my earnings are hard-earned money. I wouldn’t even spend money to buy tickets to attend any Premiere myself,” Zhu Yawen complained.
“What’s the point of a Premiere? When it’s released, I’ll buy a few movie tickets for you guys, watch as much as you want!” Zhu Yawen chuckled.
“Shameless!” Luo Jin retorted.
The group collectively looked at Zhu Yawen with disdain.
“Oh, is that so? I was originally thinking of inviting you all to the Premiere of those years, but now it seems, Xiao Zhu, you don’t need to go. Anyway, Premieres are boring!” Liu Yifei said with a smile.
“Hey, hey, hey, how can that be the same? At The Promise Premiere, I don’t know anyone, and I have to spend money! those years stars you and Director Li, and I heard there’s even a kiss scene, how can I miss that!” Zhu Yawen said shamelessly.
Liu Yifei looked at Zhu Yawen with a smile, an expression that said, “I knew you’d say that.”
After joking around for a while, Shu Chang remembered the gossip online and asked curiously with a smile.
“Hey? Xixi, you’re not really going to the deer and the cauldron, are you? Does Director Li agree?”
“No way, the company is already preparing to reply to the media for me, it’s completely unfounded.”
Liu Yifei and Shu Chang leaned against each other, very intimately.
The other three each sat on a single sofa.
“I knew it, Director Zhang still has this style. I estimate this casting won’t settle down for at least half a year.”
Liu Yifei smiled and didn't continue the topic.
“Xiao Zhu, you’re graduating soon, has any company approached you for a contract?” Liu Yifei asked again.
“I wish, but unfortunately, no. Why don’t you ask Director Li to take me in?” Zhu Yawen said cheekily.
“It’s not out of the question, but how will you repay me?”
“I’ll give myself to you, work like an ox or a horse, change your diapers, however you say to repay, I’ll do it.”
Zhu Yawen immediately transformed into a sycophant, half-kneeling in front of the two-seater sofa. One might have thought he was proposing.
Liu Yifei and Shu Chang ate snacks, looking at Zhu Yawen with amusement.
“Old Zhu, you’re too shameless!” Luo Jin cursed with a laugh.
“My apologies, I left my face at home today, didn’t bring it. Old Luo, don’t stand there talking without feeling the pain.”
“Don’t think I don’t know, you begged Director Li to sign you back then, but he brushed you off with a ‘my company doesn’t run a husband-and-wife business,’ hehe.”
Luo Jin shut up this time, glanced at Tang Yan beside him, and smiled without speaking.
“What are you talking about? I heard someone left their face at home before I even stepped in,” Li Chen said with a smile as he entered.
Zhu Yawen quickly got up, enthusiastically greeted him, and said with a smile, “Director Li, I finally see you. After more than half a year, I’m practically heartbroken.”
The people on the sofa were amused by Zhu Yawen’s effeminate demeanor.
Li Chen bypassed the overly enthusiastic Zhu Yawen and sat down next to Miss Liu, saying, “He went to the Northeast, how did he become like this?”
“How did I become like what, Director Li?” Zhu Yawen squeezed next to Luo Jin, grinning.
Li Chen looked Zhu Yawen up and down.
His face was dark red, clearly from sun exposure, but he had just acted effeminately, a huge contrast to his naturally masculine appearance.
Li Chen asked curiously, “How do you manage to be both full of vigor and have regular periods?”
Pfft! Shu Chang couldn’t hold it in, and all the snacks in her mouth sprayed out.
The others also laughed, even Zhu Yawen himself.
Miss Liu laughed while playfully hitting her boyfriend.
“Director Li’s remark is brilliant, Old Zhu, stop being disgusting,” Luo Jin added, twisting the knife.
“Sigh, alright, alright, you all have no sense of humor,” Zhu Yawen said.
“No, Xiao Zhu, maintain your style. Perhaps there will be such a role waiting for you in the future,” Li Chen said with a smile.
“Really? Director Li, don’t lie to me,” Zhu Yawen started acting again.
“You want me to sign Zhu Yawen? Xixi, this is a harem interfering in politics! Isn’t that too much?” Li Chen said with a laugh.
“Interfering in politics? Harem? Do you want to be an emperor, or do you want to have women on both sides?” Miss Liu reacted quickly and said fiercely.
“Slip of the tongue, just an analogy. To put it another way, you haven’t even married in yet, and you’re already exercising the rights of the boss lady?” Li Chen’s reaction wasn’t slow either.
“What? No? Just tell me if you agree or not?” Miss Liu said haughtily.
“Alright, since you’ve opened your mouth, what else can I say?” Li Chen shamelessly compromised.
“That’s more like it. So, I’ll have Xiao Zhu come find you?”
“Wait until he graduates, no rush.”
In fact, Li Chen had already considered it. Zhu Yawen’s acting was good, so signing him was fine.
Moreover, in that instant, Li Chen remembered the bet with Zhou Xun. Zhou Xun was bound to lose.
At that time, the red sorghum project with Zhou Xun and Zhu Yawen could be put on the agenda.
Next, Wu Bin would have to talk to Mo Yan, the author of red sorghum.
Presumably, with his company’s current reputation, getting Mo Yan on board shouldn’t be a problem.
The next day, a Sunday, Wang Changtian and Cao Guowei invited him to play golf.
Li Chen wanted to take Miss Liu with him, and Miss Liu was, of course, a hundred percent willing.
The two wore baseball caps and were heavily bundled up before heading out.
Upon arriving at the golf course, Wang Changtian and Cao Guowei were already there.
Sitting together, Cao Guowei immediately recognized the female companion next to Li Chen and said with a smile.
“Changtian, what’s being spread online seems to be true. Indeed, youthful admiration.”
Wang Changtian smiled without speaking, seemingly not surprised.
When Li Chen and Miss Liu approached, the two didn’t get up for pleasantries, but both smiled as they scrutinized Li Chen and Liu Yifei.
“Brother, not hiding it anymore?” Wang Changtian said with a smile.
Li Chen pulled Miss Liu to sit opposite the two and didn’t bother with formalities.
“Hiding what? What’s there to hide in front of you two?”
“Wang Dong must have known all along.”
“You two don’t need me to introduce this one, right? Be sensible and introduce yourselves,” Li Chen said with a smile.
Miss Liu frowned slightly, not daring to be presumptuous, and took the initiative to speak, smiling generously, “Wang Dong, General Manager Cao, I am Liu Yifei, Li Chen’s girlfriend.”
Wang and Cao were very polite, lightly shaking hands with Miss Liu.
Cao Guowei didn’t say much; it was mostly Wang Changtian speaking.
“I’ve known for a long time that Li Chen had ill intentions towards you,” Wang Changtian said, glancing at Li Chen with a smile.
Miss Liu smiled and said, “Is that so? Did he tell you?”
“Does it even need to be said? Yang Siwei specifically appeared on our Enlight Media’s Entertainment Live for your matter. Who instructed her from behind? It’s obvious,” Wang Changtian said.
“There was such a thing? Why didn’t you tell me?” Miss Liu turned to look at her boyfriend, smiling brightly.
“What’s there to tell? You’ve met these two today.”
“If there’s any negative report about you in the future, just ask these two for advice,” Li Chen said with a smile.
Wang and Cao smiled without speaking. They clearly understood what Li Chen meant by bringing Liu Yifei to meet them today.
“I feel that General Manager Cao is more composed than Wang Dong, and also seems to have a stronger personality,” Miss Liu, sitting in the passenger seat, said to herself.
A woman’s intuition, or rather, her sixth sense, was quite accurate.
If he wasn’t strong-willed, how could he have made Sina Weibo ride the waves later?
Li Chen offered no comment.
Miss Liu then said, “Where are we going now? This doesn’t seem to be the way home?”
“I ordered three outfits for you; I’m taking you to try them on,” Li Chen said with a smile.
“Why are you buying me clothes for no reason?” Miss Liu asked curiously.
“Haven’t you always wanted to attend a Premiere? You can’t possibly wear what you’re wearing now to the Political Consultative Conference Auditorium, can you?”
“You’re taking me to the painted skin Premiere?” Miss Liu’s face lit up with surprise.
“It’s not me taking you, it’s me inviting you. You’re barely a first-tier star, aren’t you? Everyone’s been calling you one of the four little dan actresses these past few days, so you should be qualified,” Li Chen teased.
“Then at the Premiere, this humble maiden will rely on you for care, Director Li,” Miss Liu said happily.
Back home, Liu’s Mother, hearing that her daughter was going to the painted skin Premiere, hesitated and said, “Li Chen, is this appropriate?”
“There’s nothing inappropriate about it. At the painted skin Premiere, basically everyone influential in the industry will be there. Auntie, you and Xixi should come together.”
“Since you’ve decided to go for the big screen, these connections and social interactions are essential,” Li Chen said.
Miss Liu smiled sweetly and offered no opinion.
Liu’s Mother understood. Li Chen was paving the way for her daughter, so she immediately smiled and said, “Okay, then the day after tomorrow, I’ll bring Xixi to support you early.”
Li Chen nodded and said, “There’s one more thing, Auntie, I hope you and Xixi seriously consider.”
The mother and daughter said in unison, “What is it?”
Li Chen chuckled, “It’s nothing major. It’s just about Xixi’s nationality, which people have always used to make an issue.”
“I don’t care. Let others say whatever they want. I just won’t pay attention to them,” Miss Liu said with a smile.
Liu’s Mother also shared this sentiment.
Li Chen held Miss Liu’s hand and said to the mother and daughter, “Auntie, you haven’t understood my meaning.”
“Xixi and I will eventually get married, and that will involve a property issue! We can’t just split everything clearly, can we?”
“These two years, Xixi and I are both at the peak of our career development.”
“Perhaps by the time we get married, our combined assets might be dozens, or even hundreds, of times what they are now.”
“How much tax would we have to pay America every year then?”
“I wouldn’t bat an eye giving Xixi as much as she wants, but I can’t accept paying taxes to America.”
The mother and daughter hadn’t expected Li Chen to think so far ahead.
Especially Liu’s Mother. Her daughter was now over eighteen, and indeed had the eligibility to renounce her citizenship.
Moreover, Li Chen’s assets had always been a mystery.
If it were as he said, and he and her daughter married in the future, their assets would be shared.
Then her daughter’s annual tax bill would also be an astronomical figure, and it would most likely fall to Li Chen to pay.
Otherwise, with her and her daughter’s assets, they would probably go bankrupt immediately.
But would her daughter really marry Li Chen?
If not, then renouncing citizenship would be unnecessary, because it would be too uneconomical.
Someone once said that to renounce American citizenship, one had to spend every last penny in their pocket.
But then, thinking back, the gifts Li Chen had already given her daughter, just the Crystal Wu alone was worth 200 million yuan.
Her hesitation seemed a bit too petty.
“Li Chen, I will seriously consider the issue you raised.”
“That Crystal Wu should still be registered under your name; it’s not appropriate for Xixi,” Liu’s Mother added.
Li Chen understood her meaning. If the Crystal Wu was considered Liu Yifei’s asset, then the renunciation tax would be another large sum of money.
Li Chen smiled and said, “Auntie, I wanted to say it at the time: just register it under your name for now. It’ll be Xixi’s sooner or later anyway.”
Liu’s Mother was surprised, “That’s not appropriate.”
“What’s not appropriate about it, Auntie? It’s settled,” Li Chen said with a smile.
“Look at you, so rich and powerful. I’m also very rich, you know,” Miss Liu said, quite displeased with her boyfriend’s domineering style.
“Hahaha, yes, yes, yes, from now on, Auntie and I will rely on you to support us,” Li Chen said with a laugh.
Even now, there was already a significant disparity between his and Miss Liu’s wealth.
In another ten years or so, Miss Liu’s wealth might be just a few coins to him.
“No problem then, but Director Li has to arrange acting gigs for me, otherwise, I won’t support you!”
“Don’t worry, 365 days a year, I’ll schedule you for 366 days!”
After dinner, the two walked their dog.
Miss Liu silently leaned against Li Chen, enjoying the lingering glow of the setting sun.
Li Chen dotingly flicked her nose and said with a smile, “Once this matter is resolved, let’s see who dares to bring up your nationality again!”
“I really don’t understand how these people think. Your uncle and aunt are both true-blooded China people.”
“These people, full and with nothing to do all day, constantly attack you, a young girl!”
Li Chen spoke up for Miss Liu.
Miss Liu’s heart was as sweet as honey, and she held Li Chen even tighter.
Li Chen had long been considering Miss Liu’s renunciation of citizenship.
After all, the process of obtaining citizenship in China was not as troublesome and demanding as it would be in later generations.
Look at Jet Li; he couldn’t even return now.
Two days quickly passed, and finally, it was time for the painted skin Premiere.
Father’s Love Is Like a Mountain consequently ended its run, with a box office of 138 million yuan, second only to Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu last year, ranking as the runner-up for Hong Kong film box office.
This established Li Chen’s scriptwriting reputation in Hong Kong.
If new world was just luck, then Father’s Love Is Like a Mountain was proof of his skill.
...
From 4 PM onwards, large crowds of fans and media gathered on both sides of the red carpet outside the Political Consultative Conference Auditorium.
Beijing in late November was already very cold, but it couldn't deter the enthusiasm of the fans.
The red carpet wound, and stars glittered.
Zhang Xiaofei, Yuan Shan Shan, and the other three, walking the red carpet for the first time, felt uneasy.
The discussions and comments from the fans on both sides reached their ears, not a single word missed.
“Who are these three? Never seen them before!”
“They look like students, probably from the Central Academy of Drama or Beijing Film Academy.”
“Not necessarily. They could also be those lucky moviegoers. I heard that painted skin selected thirty lucky fans from all over the country to attend the Premiere, with all travel expenses covered.”
“Xiao Fei, my teeth are chattering a bit.”
“You’re wearing so little, how can they not chatter?!”
“But you’re not wearing much either!”
“I’m from that part of the Northeast, I’m resistant to cold!”
“I’m also chattering a bit, but it’s from nervousness.”
The three girls walked quickly on the red carpet. Before they reached the middle, they suddenly heard the fans scream in surprise!
The three of them jumped in fright. They looked back and saw it was Andy Lau, Fan Bingbing, and another man.
“It’s Andy Lau!” Yuan Shanshan exclaimed excitedly.
“Let’s hurry and go, don’t block the way.” Zhang Xiaofei was also excited, but she hadn't lost her head. She quickly pulled Yuan Shanshan and continued walking forward.
The three of them found Yang Mi, who then found Yang Siwei, to get the tickets for the Premiere.
Yang Mi also wanted to come, but she wasn't in Beijing.
Andy Lau and Fan Bingbing were stopped by the media, who asked them all sorts of questions.
Next to them, Boss Xiang remained stern-faced.
He didn't care about being ignored by the media reporters.
Immediately after, Wang Jinghua, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Rosamund Kwan, Chen Hao, Hu Jun, and other Orange Sky Entertainment artists also appeared together, instantly causing another frenzy among the fans.
“Look quickly! Liu Yifei is here too!”
“Holy cow, really. It seems only Yang Mi isn't here today. Only Liu Yifei and Tang Yan are left. Liu Yifei isn't here to cause trouble, is she?!”
“What nonsense are you spouting? Hurry up and take pictures! What great material!”
Liu Yifei and Liu's Mother got out of the car and waved to the fans on both sides of the red carpet.
The fans on both sides became completely agitated, shouting: “Yifei, Yifei.”
“Ling’er, Ling’er.”
All kinds of shouts could be heard.
Some even shouted “wife.”
This shows how popular Liu Yifei was.
In 2005, when it came to popularity among female stars, Liu Yifei was probably among the top of the pyramid.
All of her dramas were huge hits, deeply loved by young people.
Moreover, her beauty surpassed many post-80s actresses, with only Fan Xiaopang barely able to contend.
The other four Great Tang Poets either hadn't fully developed yet, hadn't had plastic surgery, or had a strong rustic feel.
When they reached the end of the red carpet, the media immediately surrounded Liu Yifei and Liu's Mother.
“Yifei, are you and Director Li in a relationship? Is it convenient to disclose anything?”
“Yifei, were the kissing scenes in those years real?”
“Yifei, are you and Tang Yan really friends, as she said?”
Today, Liu Yifei wore a pink coat with a green scarf, her thick long hair draped over her shoulders.
Facing the microphones that swarmed her like dumplings being dropped into water.
Liu Yifei feigned ignorance, saying cutely: “You’ve asked so many questions, I don’t even know which one to answer.”
Yang Siwei, who had come out from the inner venue specifically to pick up Liu Yifei and Liu's Mother, saw them being besieged by reporters.
She quickly stepped forward to help: “Dear reporters, the Premiere is about to begin. Everyone should hurry and enter the venue.”
“Why are you only just arriving, Yifei?” Yang Siwei muttered, then greeted Liu's Mother.
How could the reporters let go of Liu Yifei? Now that they encountered Yang Siwei, they wouldn't miss this opportunity even more.
“Miss Yang, is Rongchen Film and Television going to sign Yifei? Please respond, Miss Yang!”
The reporters surrounded the three of them. Yang Siwei had no choice but to face them.
Yang Siwei affectionately linked arms with Liu Yifei and smiled in front of the media: “Of course, we want to sign Yifei, but that depends on Yifei and Auntie nodding their heads. Otherwise, you should ask Yifei.”
Liu Yifei was not shy either, smiling at the media and saying: “That depends on how sincere Director Li is.”
“Yifei, was the sincerity in those years enough?” a Sina reporter asked with a smile.
“Maybe not enough?” Liu Yifei replied with a smile, then squeezed out of the crowd with Yang Siwei and Liu's Mother and entered the inner venue.
The inner venue was already Starlight Splendid at this time, with big names from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the mainland visible everywhere.
Liu Yifei saw Yu Chengqing, the singer of those years from Taiwan, who apparently hadn't left after attending the Golden Rooster Awards.
“Your boss sent you to pick up my mom and me. Where is he?”
Liu Yifei had actually already seen Li Chen, but asked this deliberately.
“Let’s go. I’ll settle Auntie first, then take you to see the boss.”
On site, groups of three and five people were common sights.
Many people saw Liu Yifei, but they didn't expect Director Li's rumored girlfriend to actually come.
At the very front, as the producers of painted skin, Han Sanping, Wang Changtian, and Li Chen had naturally arrived early.
The three of them were busy entertaining guests.
Li Chen and Andy Lau chatted and laughed like old acquaintances, and Fan Bingbing, who interjected from time to time, didn't seem to feel awkward.
Both of them had rushed from the set of battle of wits.
Recently, the battle of wits crew spent ten million yuan in Beijing to build a city just for filming battle of wits.
“Hua Ge, you look much better. I’m relieved.” Li Chen said with a smile.
“I still have to thank you for finding the psychological counselor.” Andy Lau said courteously.
Fan Bingbing next to them was a bit confused. What was happening? Why was even a psychological counselor involved?
“Director Li, Hua Ge, what are you talking about? Did I miss something?” Fan Bingbing asked with a smile.
“Nothing, I asked Hua Ge to film a movie a while ago, which made Hua Ge suffer a bit.” Li Chen didn't intend to hide it.
It's estimated that in about a month, Berlin will announce the list of nominees.
By then, even if it's not nominated, buried will begin its promotion.
“Director Li, please don’t say that. Otherwise, I’ll really be ashamed of myself.” Andy Lau said humbly.
Fan Bingbing was even more surprised. Her delicate, oval-shaped face swept back and forth between Li Chen and Andy Lau: “I haven’t heard anything about it.”
“The filming was rushed. After filming, Hua Ge and I went our separate ways. The film has already been sent to Berlin. We’ll know soon if it gets nominated.” Li Chen said.
Fan Bingbing was extremely envious, it was another award-contending film.
Yet, there was no word about it in the industry. She had no idea when it was filmed or what genre it was.
She really didn't know what to say. Based on the timeline, it must have been filmed after the Venice Film Festival.
At most, it was about ten days. Then Hua Ge came back to attend the Premiere of “A Chinese Tall Story,” and then joined her in the battle of wits crew.
“Director Li, next time, you must consider me. I can also endure a lot of suffering.” Fan Bingbing managed a charming smile, suppressing the turmoil in her heart.
Li Chen also felt playful, smiling and saying to Andy Lau: “That’s true, Bingbing was pricked by Mama Rong’s needles! Who dares say she can’t suffer.”
Andy Lau also smiled and said: “Director Li is truly humorous.”
Fan Bingbing didn't mind, and said playfully: “Who says not? So, Director Li, next time there’s a suitable role, you really must consider me.”
“I’m not a vase, you know.”
Andy Lau also chimed in: “Indeed, Director Li can consider Bingbing’s acting skills.”
As the three of them were talking, Yang Siwei and Liu Yifei walked over.
“Hua Ge, Bingbing.” Yang Siwei greeted them.
The two nodded to Yang Siwei and also saw Liu Yifei next to Yang Siwei.
“Yifei is here.” Andy Lau was the first to speak, smiling.
“Hello, Hua Ge.” Liu Yifei said sweetly.
She naturally stood beside Li Chen, everything flowed seamlessly.
Fan Bingbing was momentarily stunned by the sight. A woman's intuition is terrifying.
Miss Liu’s unintentional gesture made Fan Bingbing instantly understand something.
Fan Bingbing took the initiative to smile and say: “I’ve wanted to meet Yifei for a long time. Your wedding photos were so beautiful.”
She knew she was referring to the material given to the media for those years.
Liu Yifei was happy and also smiled: “Thank you, Sister Bingbing. Your Yiyue (Fan Bingbing’s role in battle of wits) is also very beautiful.”
Miss Liu and Fan Bingbing standing together was truly a delight to the eyes, not an insult to one's vision.
One was utterly pure, the other incomparably stunning.
Fortunately, Miss Liu's outfit today was chosen by Li Chen for her, otherwise, in terms of aura, she might indeed have been suppressed by Fan Xiaopang.
Both beauties possessed extreme confidence. This scene probably represented the peak of Chinese entertainment female stars' beauty.
Among beauties, especially top-tier ones, there's no such thing as
