Chapter 140: From Now On, the Path of Black and Red.
With the opening of the Cannes Film Festival,
Xiao Gang Pao also led the the banquet couple group onto the Cannes beach.
From now on, he couldn't be called a well-known domestic director; he had to be called an internationally renowned director.
Many blonde-haired, pale-faced foreigners eagerly shook hands with Feng Xiaogang.
The couple group's Wu Yan brought his girlfriend Lisa S and publicly displayed their affection.
Li Chen's artist, Zhou Xun, also brought her Big Qi Ge, showing off their love.
And she boldly declared: "I'm determined to marry this man!"
Li Chen could only sigh softly, shaking his head: "May they live long and happily."
Given Zhou Xun's current deeply in love demeanor, Li Chen would not do anything thankless.
Only Zhang Ziyi was alone.
When asked by the media why the Huo family's young master from Hong Kong had not appeared, Zhang Ziyi immediately frowned.
the banquet and flash point arrived in Cannes one after another, and Wang Zhonglei and Huang Baiming both looked triumphant.
The domestic entertainment industry was not idle either; the focus was on Rongchen Film and Television's casting.
After a month of speculation, the casting for the three films was finally revealed.
Sina Entertainment News:
"The two female leads for father's love is like a mountain 2 are confirmed as Fan Bingbing and Chen Shu."
"The leads for genius gunner are confirmed as Tang Yan, Luo Jin, Shu Chang, and Xiang Zuo, who played Qin Ye's godson in fearless."
"For the youth romance film adapted from the best-selling novel To Our Youth That Is Fading Away, there's been endless debate online about the male lead."
"The highly anticipated male lead, Chen Xiaozheng, will surprisingly be played by Pan Yueming, the mainland actor who plays Xu Xian in the recently popular drama the legend of the white snake."
"The campus belle Ruan Guan will be played by Jing Tian, the female lead in Xu Zheng's MV, and Lin Jing will be played by the popular young actor Hu Ge."
The casting immediately sparked heated discussion among netizens.
"How did they cast? Chen Xiaozheng played by Pan Yueming? Are they blind? Am I, Huang Xiaoming, not as famous as him or what?"
"Chen Shu managed to edge out Zhao Wei and Xu Qing! As expected, she takes an unconventional path, worth scrutinizing!"
"Fan Bingbing? Li Chen wouldn't be putting in extra effort, would he? Shen Jiayi has a strong rival; her position as the main wife is in danger!"
"She hasn't even cleared up the plastic surgery and sugar daddy rumors, and Li Chen can't wait? As expected, men are lustful!"
"Who is this Jing Tian? Xu Zheng shot an MV for her? Li Chen also buys into her?"
"I Googled her! Her family background is unknown, and her background is even more unknown, instantly understood. It's not strange that Li Chen buys into her; Li Yanhong also has to, doesn't he!"
"Behind every newcomer who doesn't seem like a newcomer, there stands a man whose name is only known!"
Li Chen's current situation was that any move he made could draw cheers.
At the same time, there was no shortage of curses.
He knew he had stepped on other people's toes, and he was prepared for it.
Rongchen Film and Television's casting made some happy and some sad.
Pan Yueming didn't know how to comfort his girlfriend.
Having just signed a contract at Splendid Diamond, he could only look straight ahead and drive carefully.
Dong Jie, in the passenger seat, crossed her arms, turned her head, and frowned, saying, "Do you think Director Li has a problem with me?"
"In these past few years, I've never been cast in any of his company's projects!"
Pan Yueming didn't dare to look at his girlfriend, as if he had done something to displease her.
They went for an audition together; he passed, she didn't.
He didn't even dare to show any joy, afraid of upsetting his girlfriend.
"Um, Xiao Jie, you're overthinking it. Director Li hasn't even seen you, so how could he have a problem with you?"
"If he really has a problem, it's probably with the 'Mou Girl,' it certainly isn't directed at you alone."
Pan Yueming's words made Dong Jie feel a little better.
That Zhang Ziyi also seemed to have never appeared in any of Rongchen Film and Television's works.
Compared to the other two 'Mou Girls,' Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi, who were already hugely popular, she was definitely far behind.
But while not as good as the best, she was better than many, and with the title of 'National First Love,'
After signing with Wang Jiawei's company, she also had continuous film offers.
flash point, in which she participated, was also about to be released.
But Director Li seemed to be completely uninterested in her.
She had met Director Li twice, but he always gave her a feeling of keeping his distance.
As if she were a monstrous flood.
Fan Bingbing came to Splendid Diamond with her agent.
After signing the contract, Fan Bingbing was in a great mood and sent her agent away.
Then she followed Yang Siwei to Li Chen's office.
At the door, Yang Siwei smiled at the assistant and said, "Is the boss in?"
"CEO Yang, Tangtang and Luo Jin just went in."
Yang Siwei thought for a moment; Tangtang and Luo Jin's matter couldn't be known by Xiao Fan yet.
So she said to Fan Bingbing, "Let's go to my office for a bit, then we'll come back."
Fan Bingbing didn't suspect anything, nodded, and followed Yang Siwei to her office.
In Li Chen's office, Luo Jin smiled and cupped his fists, saying, "Thank you, Director Li, for making this happen!"
"Alright, enough of that, sit down." Li Chen walked around the desk and sat on a nearby sofa.
Tangtang and Luo Jin waited for Li Chen to sit down before they sat together opposite him.
Li Chen poured a cup of tea for each of them, and Luo Jin took his with both hands.
He took a small sip: "Good tea."
Tangtang bumped Luo Jin and smiled, saying, "Thank you, Boss."
Li Chen smiled and said, "No need to thank me. Choosing Luo Jin wasn't entirely because of you; I do recognize Luo Jin's acting skills."
Li Chen was telling the truth; Luo Jin's crying scene in his starring role in Ashes Reborn could at least score 8 points or higher.
Luo Jin immediately seized the opportunity: "Director Li's words are truly heartwarming."
Li Chen smiled: "Alright, we're so familiar, no need to be so polite."
"From now on, don't be awkward when you see me! The truth about Tangtang's rumored boyfriend is out."
Tangtang pursed her lips and smiled, while Luo Jin's old face looked a bit embarrassed: "What are you saying, Director Li? I, I don't have..."
Li Chen scoffed: "Alright, no need to explain. We're all men; I understand."
"After filming starts, don't steal the show too much. If you overshadow Tangtang's female lead aura, I'll cut your scenes!"
Tangtang covered her mouth and chuckled, then bumped Luo Jin again: "Did you hear what my boss said!"
Luo Jin smiled: "Don't worry, even if Director Li didn't say it, I'd know what to do."
This genius gunner was clearly a representative work Director Li had prepared for Tangtang.
He wasn't stupid; how could he try to take over?
After a few casual words, the two knew Li Chen was busy, so they got up and left.
A moment later, Yang Siwei and Fan Bingbing arrived.
Fan Bingbing wore light makeup today, simply a white headband and a white dress.
Her appearance was elegant and pure, but her natural beauty was still undeniable.
As soon as she entered, she proactively extended her hand and said to Li Chen with a smile, "Director Li, I finally have the opportunity to act in your film."
Li Chen shook her hand: "Sit down. You have to thank Yang Siwei for this."
Yang Siwei and Fan Bingbing sat down. She wasn't surprised that her boss knew about the casting tricks.
With so many people in the company, the boss certainly wasn't short of informants.
Fan Bingbing and Yang Siwei exchanged a smile, and Yang Siwei said, "Boss, don't say that. Without your final approval, Xiao Fan wouldn't have passed."
Fan Bingbing smoothed her long hair by her temples, quickly interjecting with a smile, "Yes, yes, yes, Siwei needs to be thanked, but Director Li even more so."
"I think there's no time like the present; give me a chance to treat you both to a simple meal today."
"Not today, perhaps another day. You've got the script; filming starts in about ten days, so familiarize yourself with the script."
"Alright, I'll listen to Director Li. There'll be plenty of opportunities in the future, after all."
Fan Bingbing didn't insist; there would always be opportunities during filming.
Li Chen didn't need to give her many other instructions; Fan Bingbing wouldn't dare to mess with the script or anything.
Yang Siwei must have already briefed her on everything.
After only a few words in Li Chen's office, Fan Bingbing and Yang Siwei left.
In the elevator, Fan Bingbing frowned and said, "Don't you think Director Li looked at me strangely?"
Yang Siwei couldn't help but laugh: "Are you alright? You mean my boss fancies you? But your enchanting looks are indeed very attractive."
Fan Bingbing pushed Yang Siwei: "What nonsense!"
"I always feel that Director Li's gaze at me is very conflicted. How do I put it? Like regret, and also pity."
Yang Siwei wasn't as sensitive as Fan Bingbing, she nodded and said, "Perhaps. Think about how unlucky you've been this year."
"Sugar daddy, abortion, plastic surgery, throwing tantrums, lip-syncing—you're involved in everything! My boss might indeed have felt compassion."
Fan Bingbing felt a warmth in her heart but also sensed something was off.
However, she was still very grateful that Rongchen Film and Television could help her during her difficult time.
Yang Siwei saw Fan Bingbing to the first floor: "I'll see you off here. Don't push yourself so hard. Count how many films you've taken this year; you're catching up to Hua Ge."
Fan Bingbing smiled and counted on her fingers. Including Director Li's father's love is like a mountain 2, and two upcoming films, apple and flash point, she had taken six films this year alone.
She also had a TV series, Investiture of the Gods: The Phoenix Cries at Qishan. As Yang Siwei said, it was true.
Moreover, with Director Li's consistent style and strength, father's love is like a mountain 2 was definitely going to appear at film festivals.
Director Li's other film, apple, was also an award-contending film.
As long as she was nominated, she would have at least two films next year that could put her on the international stage.
Thinking of this, no matter how hard it was, she felt it was worth it.
When Li Chen arrived home that evening, Miss Liu had already been waiting for a long time.
Seeing Li Chen enter, she ignored him and continued to read her book.
Sitting quietly on the sofa, flipping through the pages.
Li Chen smiled, walked over, and sat beside her.
The fragrance from the girl's body melted away half of his day's fatigue.
"What's wrong, Miss Liu? Who upset you? Could it be Director Li?" Li Chen asked, leaning in with a smile.
"Who else but you! Tell me, what was your intention in choosing Fan Bingbing?" Miss Liu put down her book, looking unhappy.
Li Chen thought it was something else. It seemed the online comments had gotten to his girlfriend.
Li Chen held her hand and smiled, saying, "I thought it was something serious. Is it just this?"
"Just this? Haven't you seen how netizens are cursing you? Saying you're lust-crazed, and also that your lower..."
She was too embarrassed to say the rest. In truth, she believed Li Chen would never be unfaithful.
But he could have chosen someone else! Why did he have to choose Fan Bingbing, who was embroiled in negative news?
Or, he could have chosen Fan Bingbing for other films that he wasn't directing. But he chose Fan Bingbing for the one he was directing.
That was clearly telling the outside world that Li Chen was on Fan Bingbing's side.
Li Chen was very patient: "So if I didn't choose Fan Bingbing, no one would curse me?"
Miss Liu was stunned, secretly thinking that her boyfriend was right.
Ever since Li Chen won the Golden Palm and became famous overnight,
The casting of any of his films received much attention from the industry and the media.
And no matter who he chose, there would always be fans of unchosen artists who would attack Li Chen.
Just like how she herself had been subjected to countless curses and slanders since her debut.
the story of a noble family, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and later Chinese Paladin and The Return of the Condor Heroes, these dramas.
Had she been cursed any less? Even now that those years is a hit, there are still people who can't stop.
Seeing her lost in thought, Li Chen smiled and said, "The center stage not only has flowers and applause, but also boos and jeers!"
"If you can't understand this, then just be a Mrs. Li and stay at home, never stepping out." Li Chen pinched her delicate nose.
Miss Liu finally reacted, holding Li Chen's big hand: "Don't change the subject. You still haven't said why you chose her?"
Li Chen shrugged: "I chose her, of course, because she's popular. Black-and-red is still red, and when people are popular, there's more controversy."
"Besides, Teacher Baoguo, Chen Shu, and Hua Ge, among the three, Hua Ge is known as a box office poison."
"Teacher Baoguo and Chen Shu are from the TV industry; their box office appeal remains to be tested."
"Don't I need to find a controversial figure like Fan Bingbing to boost attention?"
"Also, Fan Bingbing has many fans, which can only benefit the box office."
Miss Liu felt much more comfortable now. She poked Li Chen's nose with her finger: "You're so full of schemes; look at how clever you are!"
Li Chen scooped up Miss Liu: "If I weren't full of schemes, how could I shield you from the wind and rain!"
Miss Liu, flustered, quickly wrapped her arms around Li Chen's neck: "What are you doing? The servants are still here! Put me down quickly."
"This is my home. Do I have to worry about the servants when I'm intimate with my girlfriend?"
Li Chen ignored the looks of others and carried Miss Liu upstairs to the bedroom.
Entering the bedroom, he gently placed Miss Liu on the bed, then leaned over and kissed her.
One hand skillfully unzipped Miss Liu's jeans; the light pink, ultra-thin lace panties made Li Chen's breathing quicken.
His other hand was not idle either.
He casually lifted her white short-sleeved top; the matching pink bra further enhanced Miss Liu's creamy complexion.
Miss Liu subconsciously curled her plump, rounded calves.
She said shyly, "You, your eyes are red..."
Li Chen couldn't be bothered to say anything more!
Kisses rained down on Miss Liu's neck and cheeks.
In an instant, Miss Liu's breathing also quickened, and she blindly fumbled to unbutton Li Chen's shirt.
"Mmm, turn off the lights."
"No! If I turn them off, I won't be able to see you!"
The two were as if in a vacuum, seeing nothing but each other.
After a long while, the perspiring Miss Liu finally snuggled tightly into Li Chen's arms, not wanting to move at all.
Li Chen really wanted to smoke a cigarette afterwards, but having lived two lives, he had quit both smoking and drinking.
He kissed Miss Liu's forehead, and the room instantly fell silent, with only the sound of their heartbeats.
Li Chen gently stroked her flawless, jade-like face with one hand, his index finger lightly touching her long eyelashes.
At this moment, Miss Liu resembled a docile kitten, completely defenseless.
Allowing her boyfriend's hand to caress her face.
She enjoyed this caress and could feel her boyfriend's deep affection for her even more.
She also quietly drew circles on her boyfriend's chest.
Neither of them spoke, enjoying the rare moment of tranquility.
The next day, no one expected it.
Fan Bingbing, the day after receiving the Rongchen Film and Television contract, announced to the media that in three days,
Under the supervision of the media and staff from the Chang'an Notary Office, she would personally go to the China-Japan Friendship Hospital for a plastic surgery identification.
To give a truthful account to those who followed her.
When Miss Liu learned of this news early in the morning, she exclaimed, "She's truly courageous!"
Li Chen had nothing to say. Was this courage? It was more like foolishness.
A plastic surgery identification might help you get the label of a naturally beautiful star.
But what about the thousands of other actresses who have had plastic surgery? How should they deal with themselves?
Would they dare to undergo identification? Perhaps only Miss Liu would dare.
Looking across the entire entertainment industry, those who have been in the industry for ten years and still look the same can be counted on one hand.
As for those beyond that one hand, they wouldn't dare to undergo identification, but wouldn't they dare to resent you, Fan Xiaopang, in their hearts?
Fan Xiaopang's path of black-and-red was finally set.
There was no on-time update, no request for leave, which meant he was in the small dark room.
