Chapter 1248: Big Event

The meeting between Wang Zhonglei and Zhao Fusheng ultimately did not result in any agreement.

Simply put, both knew that Wang Zhonglei's purpose was merely to inform Zhao Fusheng; the rest would be discussed with Ye Jing.

Zhao Fusheng had no objection to this. Since he had entrusted Future Film to Ye Jing, he trusted him, and the next steps would be handled by Ye Jing.

Ye Jing's approach was straightforward: he directly contacted Dong Guoxiang at Future Technology to launch a counterattack against the online trolls from the British Yellow side.

Suddenly, the internet and media were in turmoil.

The entire assault incident, from its outbreak to heated discussion, lasted over half a month. During this time, debates across the country, whether in media or on the internet, never ceased.

On March 15th, coinciding with Consumer Rights Day, the capital's media suddenly broke a piece of news.

To be precise, it was a bombshell.

Many mainland film and television stars issued a joint statement, the content of which was as follows:

"In recent days, we have learned from newspapers and online media about the incident in the TV series 'The Legendary Siblings' crew, where actors Zhang Weijian and Xie Tingfeng injured actor Wang Bochao during filming. As colleagues in the performing arts, we express strong concern.

First, as colleagues, we express solidarity with the injured actor Wang Bochao.

Second, regardless of the cause, if harm has been done to Wang Bochao, the perpetrators must apologize.

Third, we call on all production crews (whether mainland, Hong Kong, or Taiwan) to respect human rights and the law, and to have the obligation to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all practitioners from infringement. Whether famous actors, unknown actors, extras, temporary actors, or all staff, they should be respected.

Fourth, as actors with years of experience, the artistic ethics we follow are 'acting first, being a person second' and respecting teachers and elders. Our rule in martial arts scenes is that both parties in a role must fully respect, communicate, and understand each other, striving for artistic truth. But if personal grudges lead to real harm under the guise of acting, that is an insult to art, an insult to the actor's dignity, and is not tolerated by the law.

Fifth, we also hope that both parties can properly resolve the issue through negotiation. Currently, judicial authorities have intervened, and we express concern and believe that the law will deliver justice to the parties, society, and public opinion.

Sixth, we should cherish the environment of mutual exchange and cooperation established between Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the mainland, and not let the actions of a few individuals cause damage. We call on all actors to cherish the expectations, love, and tolerance of the audience, and not to think that today's fame allows them to ignore the law and act arbitrarily.

Signatories: Chen Dao, Ma Dajun, Zhang Guoli, Zhao Baogang, Ge You, Jiang Wen, Yu Feihong, Gong Li, Chen Baoguo, Zhang Fengyi, Zhang Tielin, Wang Gang, Chen Peisi, Xu Fan, Pu Cunxin, Liu Wei, Liu Xiaoqing, Li Xuejian, Jia Zhangke, Lou Ye, Wang Xiaoshuai, Hua Xiaoming, Zhou Xun, Xia Gang, Yang Jie, Liang Tian..."

A full forty or so names, all big shots in the industry, their mere names enough to make one's heart tremble.

This time, the media was shaken, the film and television circle was in an uproar, and both the public and officials were stunned.

As for the 'The Legendary Siblings' crew, they were completely dumbfounded. It was said that Wang Jing smashed his phone, and Yang Shoucheng in Hong Kong smashed his favorite antique vase.

One had to admit, this move was truly ruthless!

It is often said to strike a snake at its vital spot. This 'coup' by the mainland film and television circle, without exaggeration, pushed the General Administration and the Hong Kong-Taiwan side to the forefront of the storm.

Most importantly, those who stepped forward were artists from various companies, not the agencies or film companies. The capital magnates, through the artists' statements, were telling the authorities to set the rules for how things would be played from now on.

Clearly, the higher-ups understood the message from the capital side.

Thus, a notice was directly delivered to Zhao Fusheng's desk.

...

...

"Do I need to go?" Zhao Fusheng asked Ye Jing and Zheng Yao, who were sitting in front of him.

"As you wish."

Ye Jing said nonchalantly, "All film companies have received the notice. I plan to go and listen. As for you and President Zheng, at least one of you should go, since Feihong was injured and the higher-ups know we put in a lot of effort behind the scenes against the Hong Kong-Taiwan side."

Zhao Fusheng exchanged a glance with Zheng Yao. Just as he was about to speak, Zheng Yao stood up, waved her hand, and said, "Then I won't go. You go. I have to fly to Shenzhen."

"Huh?"

Zhao Fusheng looked bewildered, staring at Zheng Yao in confusion.

Zheng Yao shrugged: "No choice. Ma Huateng has a project he wants to collaborate with us on. I'll go check it out."

Rolling his eyes, Zhao Fusheng naturally couldn't say anything more. He had previously instructed Zheng Yao to strengthen cooperation with Tencent Technology. To be honest, he had long coveted the wealth of the two Ma fathers. If there was a chance to get a piece of the pie, he couldn't afford to miss it.

Watching Zheng Yao leave, Zhao Fusheng said to Ye Jing, "Alright then, I'll go with you tomorrow."

The next morning, Zhao Fusheng and Ye Jing arrived at the Film Bureau. In the meeting room, they looked around at the people present and both couldn't help but smile.

"Quite a full house," Ye Jing muttered softly.

Zhao Fusheng nodded without speaking and casually found a seat.

Soon, the Wang brothers also appeared, along with others, filling the meeting room.

At ten o'clock in the morning, a group of people walked in, led by a middle-aged man wearing glasses, who looked quite scholarly.

Knowing Zhao Fusheng didn't recognize him, Ye Jing whispered in his ear, "Li Huai'an, Executive Deputy Director of the Film Bureau."

"Oh, oh," Zhao Fusheng nodded. He had heard of the name but never dealt with him.

Ye Jing introduced a few others, all leaders from the Film Bureau. Clearly, the higher-ups had already made a decision, which was why they had summoned all these heads of film companies.

"I've called you all here today mainly to chat and hear your thoughts," Li Huai'an began, his expression very serious. "Recently, the various news online and in the media have been chaotic. I believe that on this issue, all of you here bear significant responsibility."

Well, without saying anything else, he started by pinning blame—very bureaucratic indeed.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled inwardly. It seemed today would be a negotiation.

Sure enough, upon hearing Li Huai'an's words, Zhao Baogang from Xinbaoyuan coughed and spoke first: "Director Li, please understand our feelings. This incident was truly egregious."

"Yes, Director Li, it's too much to bully us like this," Wang Zhonglei chimed in, playing the victim.

Yu Dong directly said, "Honestly, it's a bit too much."

To be honest, everyone sitting here today were the magnates controlling the largest capital in the domestic film and television circle. Most of the annual film and TV productions were invested in and produced by this group.

Now, they had been summoned for a simple purpose: to calm things down.

For the higher-ups, maintaining stability was the main goal. As for the film and television circle's affairs, the leaders were well aware.

"You're all playing dumb," Li Huai'an said, clearly not dealing with this group for the first time. He stated flatly, "Let me set the tone for this matter. It ends here. No new developments are allowed. Otherwise, don't blame me for being harsh."

As he spoke, his gaze swept across everyone's faces, clearly seeking their assurances.

"What about Xie Tingfeng and Zhang Weijian?"

Ye Jing spoke up. After all, these two had caused Yu Feihong's injury and were the culprits; they couldn't be let off easily.

"Make them apologize," Li Huai'an set the tone directly. "I think Zhang Weijian is particularly bad, making arrogant remarks. Such actors, when they come to the mainland in the future, we must carefully consider their use..."

MMP!

No one spoke, but they all cursed inwardly.

Clearly, Xie Tingfeng had the backing of British Yellow, so this matter would be settled for him. As for Zhang Weijian, he was just a small fry—unlucky to be made an example of.

But in the eyes of these magnates, this wasn't a big deal. Their purpose in stepping forward wasn't out of any belief in justice prevailing. In fact, it was an opportunity—a chance to test the waters with the higher-ups.

After all, with the market opening up, the decline of Hong Kong's film and TV market was a foregone conclusion. More and more Hong Kong industry professionals would head north to make money. How to divide the territory, balance relations between the two sides, and ensure those big Hong Kong and Taiwan stars behaved—all depended on the higher-ups' intentions.

Now that the higher-ups had drawn the line, the rest was up to each company to follow the rules. As for whether Zhang Weijian and Xie Tingfeng apologized, or what happened to Wang Bochao afterward, what did they care?

"For products endorsed by Xie Tingfeng, our advertising company cannot provide planning," Zhao Fusheng said slowly, standing up. "Artists with blemishes have too great an impact on the next generation."

Li Huai'an was taken aback, frowning. He naturally understood Zhao Fusheng's meaning—the young man was unwilling to let Xie Tingfeng off so easily.

Looking at Zhao Fusheng, Li Huai'an's expression was subtle: "We must emphasize politics and the big picture. Now is the beginning of exchanges between the two regions. Any behavior that is not united is unacceptable. Do you have any objections?"

Meeting Li Huai'an's gaze, Zhao Fusheng insisted calmly, "I still believe that any artist with blemishes should not easily appear on screen, whether from the mainland, Hong Kong, or Taiwan."