Deceiving Chinese Entertainment Industry for Thirty Years 80

Chapter 80: Liu Bo, You’re Nothing! I Only Used One Move (Combined Chapter).

2025-01-24

Chapter 80: Liu Bo, You’re Nothing! I Only Used One Move (Combined Chapter).

“Taichi Master is coming soon to Hunan Economic Television!”

“This drama, starring young actors Wu Liang, Hao Li, and others, tells the story of young Yang Yuqian…”

“Real kung fu! The fight scenes are amazing!”

“Zhou Billy is a real-life boxing champion…”

Director Ouyang from the station didn’t want to waste a single second, immediately launching the publicity campaign for Taichi Master.

Strike while the iron is hot.

And indeed, Taichi Master was incredibly popular right now.

And several of the actors…

“Sister Hao, you’re really a big star now.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, just so-so.”

“Alright, alright, don’t be humble with us.”

“Haha…Yuanyuan, you’ll be a star too. By the way, how’s the filming of Love’s Spicy Soup going?”

“It’s alright.”

Yuanyuan and Hao Li came to Hunan Economic Television together to do a show.

Li Xiaoran obviously didn’t come; she was busy filming. Besides, although her role was also attracting attention, it wasn’t as hugely popular.

Hao Li played the female lead.

Yuanyuan played her cousin in the drama.

They were like sisters in real life, and now their relationship mirrored their roles in the drama.

Therefore, they had a lot of things to talk about during the show.

Hunan Economic Television also dispatched all their top talents.

Sun Mingjie, Qiu Xiao, and a new glasses-wearing employee.

Hao Li and Yuanyuan certainly didn’t know.

This new glasses-wearing employee soon won Qiu Xiao’s heart, and then rose rapidly to become a prominent figure in the hosting world.

His name was Wang Han.

However, you could also feel that this guy was a smooth talker.

And his thinking was very quick.

A host really needs to have a quick mind.

When Wang Han heard that Hao Li and Yuanyuan were like sisters in real life, he immediately started to use that angle.

“You two are so young now, the future of the entertainment industry belongs to you two sisters, right?”

This guy really dared to say anything.

But, it was just a joke, so it was fine.

The show was actually pretty good.

Everyone was relaxed and having a good time.

Next, they just had to wait for the airing of Taichi Master on Hunan Economic Television.

However, Hao Li and Yuanyuan both had a strange feeling.

It felt like a premiere.

It seemed that everyone was looking forward to this drama.

Even if it was a rerun, people still looked forward to it.

But their feelings as sisters were a little different.

“Did you hear?”

“Sister Hong and the others seem to be going to the Tokyo Film Festival.”

“What do you think?”

“Me? What can I think?”

Yuanyuan thought, if others are going to the Tokyo Film Festival, let them go.

It’s not like I filmed that movie.

But Hao Li felt differently.

“You! You should think about why we weren’t invited.”

“Ah?”

Yuanyuan pointed at herself, looking completely incredulous.

“What ‘ah’?! Shouldn’t you think that way? Why couldn’t we two be in that movie?”

“Well…doesn’t it depend on the movie’s needs?”

“Idiot! That’s what you say, but if you don’t fight for it, how will any movie choose you?”

“This…”

Yuanyuan didn’t speak, but Hao Li immediately thought of Love’s Spicy Soup.

Yes, Yuanyuan in that film was not competitive, but she still got the role.

Wow, Yuanyuan’s silence was deafening.

Hao Li felt slightly embarrassed. She didn’t really have any good ideas right now, she just hoped Yuanyuan would fight for things with her.

“You need to understand, we two are Sister Hong’s real signed actors! If that Chen Hao gets to be the Best Actress first, don’t you think we’ll feel bad?”

“This…it seems like it would indeed be very upsetting.”

Only then did Yuanyuan show a sudden realization, making Hao Li even more helpless.

But that’s all she could say.

Their main focus now was Taichi Master.

Even if they wanted to fight and compete, they could only wait for the company’s next film.

Fortunately, good news came immediately.

“Amazing! It got almost 30% viewership share right from the start!”

“My god! This drama is a huge hit!”

“30%? How high will it go?”

“The director’s vision is amazing!”

The rerun’s viewership share was even higher than the premiere!

It was totally unexpected.

Hao Li and Yuanyuan never expected such results.

This meant…a real, massive hit!

And it had a special meaning for the two sisters.

“Sister Hao, you’re a huge star now, so the Best Actress award doesn’t matter that much anymore, right?”

“You, you don’t understand.”

Yuanyuan’s statement was reasonable.

However, Hao Li’s obsession with the Best Actress award…Yuanyuan truly didn’t understand.

On the night of ‘Presenting the Fireworks’, Hao Li actually told Ma Xun something else.

“Are you worried that if I win Best Actress I’ll leave? Don’t you think that if I win Best Actress, I’ll be grateful to you, and I’ll choose to renew my contract after four years?”

“No, it has nothing to do with gratitude or anything. You’ll definitely leave after four years.”

“You, how…”

“The reason is simple. You need to leave me to truly prove yourself; that’s what you believe in your heart.”

“How do you know what I’m thinking?”

“Hao Li, you can argue with me, but you don’t need to argue with yourself. Whether I’ve hit the mark, you know very well.”

Their conversation ended there, but it was already enough.

Hao Li never expected that Ma Xun would be the one who understood her best.

He even surpassed her parents.

I still don’t want to think about that guy.

Now I’m really a big star!

The Best Actress award… I’ll definitely fight for it!

Hao Li’s competitive spirit was far beyond Yuanyuan’s.

…

Capital City.

“Wow! I didn’t expect it! Taichi Master is so popular there too!”

Bai Daqing was very excited. He had been hesitant about spending 15 million yuan to buy the rerun’s advertising rights.

Ma Xun and Sun Donghai also laughed and said a few words of congratulations.

In fact, Ma Xun understood Bai Daqing’s thoughts better.

He probably also wanted to help his brother’s business.

But it didn’t matter. The deal was done, and the rerun’s viewership share could crush most others.

15 million yuan, well spent.

Ma Xun hadn’t forgotten that this drama could reach 44% viewership share.

He was very confident.

The three of them went out to dinner, not just to celebrate Bai Daqing’s successful business deal.

“Did you hear?”

“What? Tell me!”

“It’s about Liu Bo.”

“What happened to him?”

“He started a new company.”

“What does that have to do with us? Isn’t he just a book seller?”

“No, this new company is aiming to aggressively enter the film and television industry. They say there’s a powerful big boss behind him.”

“Ah? Taking our jobs?”

Sun Donghai realized that things were serious.

Ma Xun remained silent. He immediately understood.

Liu Bo’s new company was targeting me.

He must be trying to use this company to promote Xu Qing and compete with me.

Damn it!

I was just about to get rid of him, and now he’s also brewing his counterattack.

Good, bring it on!

“What are they going to name it?” Ma Xun asked.

Bai Daqing immediately said, “It’s the original name plus…”

“Chengcheng Film and Television?”

“Yes, yes.”

Chengcheng was the current name of Liu Bo’s company; it was originally called Jinyue, and later the company would be renamed ‘Aoyuan’.

This was indeed a publicly listed company, originally operating in the cultural sector. However, after Liu Bo’s collapse and disappearance, the company changed its main business to real estate.

Guys from Shenyang would definitely see their ads many years later; the location of the housing development… wasn’t exactly deserted, since there were quite a few cornfields nearby.

Ma Xun was more curious about the mysterious big boss Bai Daqing mentioned.

“I really don’t know, but they say he’s incredibly powerful.”

Sun Donghai couldn’t help but say, “How powerful can he be? A few hundred million? So pretentious!”

Bai Daqing smiled, “I heard it’s more than a few hundred million.”

“Ah?”

Only then did Sun Donghai feel that things were quite serious.

But, let’s eat and drink first.

After a while, Bai Daqing left first.

He of course didn’t forget to leave a sentence.

“I haven’t forgotten about The Return of the Pearl, our big business is still to come!”

Ma Xun and Sun Donghai nodded.

Then…

“Brother, that Mercedes-Benz looks familiar.”

Damn it, this guy guessed it!

“No, do you think I’m afraid of Liu Bo?”

“Wow! That’s right! Brother, we are indeed rivals, but you…did you really…get Xu Qing?”

“Sun Donghai! Why are you so sarcastic?!”

“Hehe…tell me, how does it feel?”

“Scram!”

Ma Xun was really angry, and Sun Donghai dared not say anything more.

He only said at last, “You’re really awesome! Xu Qing is definitely from one of the highest-ranking families in the compound, you…”

“Get lost! Get out of here!”

Although he was scolded quite badly, Sun Donghai didn’t get angry at all, but left with a smile.

It can be said that Sun Donghai looked up to Ma Xun even more now.

This brother of mine definitely has a powerful background!

He must be from an even higher-ranking family in the compound!

Not all compounds are equal; there are barriers between them.

To be honest, Ma Xun felt a little smug.

But he didn’t leave, because he had noticed someone sitting at a nearby table, who kept glancing at them.

His attire was a bit unusual, a hooded sweatshirt covering his face.

Although it was no longer the hottest time of the year, he must have been sweating in that outfit.

After a while, this person came over.

“Mr. Ma, do you remember me?”

Ma Xun nodded, “Wang Changdian, right?”

As soon as he said this, the other party was overjoyed, “Thank you, Mr. Ma, thank you!”

It seemed that being remembered was a great honor.

In fact, Wang Changdian had been watching these people for several days.

He had felt that these people weren’t ordinary.

Now…they weren’t ordinary at all!

This person in front of him was indeed just as he had imagined at Hukou Waterfall.

He was the real big BOSS!

Low-key, not many people knew him outside.

His appearance was even more unexpected. Who would have thought that such a big boss would be so young?

And…what were they talking about just now?

Xu Qing???

My god!

Big shots are big shots, the women around them are all at this level!

The key is, he looked so calm.

Just standing in front of Ma Xun, Wang Changdian thought of so many things in his mind.

And at this time…

“Have a seat, have a seat and chat.”

Ma Xun looked at Wang Changdian’s state and smiled inwardly.

He’s still a small fry now, not the later entertainment tycoon who would dominate the industry.

“Thank you, thank you, Mr. Ma.”

Wang Changdian sat down, still feeling a little nervous.

Ma Xun smiled and asked, “How much did you hear just now?”

“This…” Wang Changdian’s mind suddenly became sharp, “Nothing, I didn’t hear anything.”

Ma Xun nodded, “You’re a smart man.”

Yes, this was a good answer.

Wang Changdian was happy.

Of course he should say he didn’t hear anything!

Even if the big shot knew he had heard a lot, he should still say he didn’t hear anything!

Ma Xun continued, “I know you’ve been following me for a few days.”

As soon as he said this, Wang Changdian’s expression changed.

“So…”

“I let you follow me on purpose.”

Wang Changdian’s heart was pounding!

What did the big shot mean?

Ma Xun smiled, “Let me introduce myself first. My name is Ma Xun. What I do, you don’t need to ask or guess. I don’t have my own company, I only work with others. Cooperation for mutual benefit, you know. I’ll get straight to the point. Do you want to work for me?”

As soon as he said this, Wang Changdian’s nervousness turned into excitement!

But before he could agree, the other party raised his hand to interrupt him.

“Don’t rush to agree, listen to me first. I never like to force people to do things they don’t want to do. I need to tell you the risks involved. You probably heard just now about that guy Liu Bo, you know him, right?”

This time he couldn’t deny it. Wang Changdian nodded heavily.

Of course he knew Liu Bo, he was a financial news host.

Ma Xun continued, “He wants to get rid of me, you should have heard that. Actually, I want to get rid of him too. This time I plan to use your advantage. I’ve seen your financial program, it’s pretty good. But sometimes, it lacks some shocking elements. You should have studied journalism, right?”

Wang Changdian immediately replied, “A dog biting a man is not news, a man biting a dog is news!”

“Good.” Ma Xun then handed him a file bag, “The information inside is enough for you to do a program. And I can guarantee that the viewership share will explode. But the risk is also high. If you do this program, Liu Bo will probably hate you to death. Now make your choice.”

Ma Xun’s question was very tricky.

He asked about a choice.

Choose who?

Ma Xun or Liu Bo?

Wang Changdian was a smart man and immediately understood!

There was still some wine left on the table, he picked up a bottle and drank it down in one go.

“Mr. Ma! I’ll work for you!”

“Good!”

Ma Xun nodded.

Then he said, “I don’t let people work for free.”

He took out a set of keys.

“I can hear your accent, let’s call each other fellow countrymen. Fellow countrymen need to take care of each other in the Capital City. Going to the TV station to work must be very troublesome. Driving and taking the subway wastes a lot of time. I happen to have an apartment near the TV station. I’ll rent it to you first. We are fellow countrymen, the rental contract is already signed, you just need to fill in your name. And later…I’m actually very eager to sell it, you understand what I mean, right? The real estate market isn’t very good these days, I’m afraid it will be stuck on my hands. So, if you have the money, buy it for 100 yuan per square meter.”

This…Wang Changdian was so excited he almost wanted to call him Father!

Father Ma?

“Mr. Ma, I understand! Don’t worry, I’ll definitely do a good job on the program!”

“Good, I’ll definitely watch it then.”

“Yes, yes.”

Wang Changdian was about to cry.

Ma Xun stood up, patted him on the shoulder, and left.

This gesture was very warm.

Wang Changdian wiped away his tears.

100 yuan per square meter?

It’s practically a gift!

Rent first, meaning that once you’ve done the program and the effect is good enough.

Then the apartment is yours.

I get it! Of course I get it!

And, consider this, think carefully.

This method would be considered an illegal transaction in the future.

But now, it’s completely legal.

Moreover, this doesn’t count as Wang Changdian using his position to help Ma Xun.

It’s Ma Xun providing Wang Changdian with program inspiration.

Yes! That’s it!

So, what was in that file bag?

Wang Changdian opened it…he didn’t need to look at the rental contract.

There were a few pieces of paper and some newspaper clippings.

And this…I understand!

Wang Changdian, who worked in financial news, immediately understood.

Liu Bo’s Chengcheng Culture Company, inflated profits!

This is a publicly listed company!

This was truly a big news story in the financial world!

Wang Changdian’s heart was screaming.

Mr. Ma…no, Father Ma!

Even if you don’t give me the apartment, I can do this program!

…

Ma Xun gave Wang Changdian an apartment.

It was certainly a case of playing the long game!

An apartment, it’s nothing to Ma Xun!

Especially now, apartments in the Capital City were cheap.

In the future, Ma Xun would have great use for Wang Changdian.

An apartment could make him completely loyal, that’s a great deal, isn’t it!

Moreover, this apartment really struck a chord with working-class people.

Wang Changdian wasn’t young, but he was still a working-class man in the Capital City.

In those days, units like the Capital City TV station didn’t pay much, and housing was allocated.

Housing allocation = you can wait.

Those who understand, understand.

In other words, Ma Xun’s apartment directly solved Wang Changdian’s biggest pain point as a worker in a state-owned unit.

As for the contents of that file bag…

From the first day of the year, Ma Xun had started to collect information slowly.

Um…yes, right after that night with Xu Qing.

Ma Xun knew that he would use it someday.

The information collected was quite simple.

It was all from newspapers, and the publicly available information of Chengcheng Culture.

Some people might think.

This information is public, so what?

Don’t underestimate it!

Don’t think that public information is useless.

Just like almost thirty years later, we Chinese live our lives, and Americans live theirs.

This is all public, our daily lives.

It couldn’t be simpler.

But one day, suddenly many TT refugees came to our simplified Chinese websites.

At first, everyone just thought it was interesting.

But soon…let’s settle the accounts.

Yes, how are you Americans doing? What we heard was like paradise.

Dollar fried chicken, free medical care…

But then we compared!

It turns out you’re not that rich!

That’s right, public, surface-level information is scary when you compare it!

Another similar example.

Like Yang Zi participating in a show wearing a Saint Seiya costume, he never expected to encounter two talented contestants, his scripted plan was useless.

But even worse was Wizard Finance.

After a thorough investigation, Yang Zi’s family was almost ruined!

Wizard Finance used information that was readily available.

And now, although the internet wasn’t yet developed, it did exist.

Ma Xun only spent a little bit of his spare time.

That was enough!

Soon, Wang Changdian didn’t disappoint him.

The Capital City TV station’s financial program was here!

“Viewers, this program is particularly special…”

The host looked serious; it wasn’t just an interview.

Then various documents were presented.

These documents included.

Liu Bo’s ‘Classic Books’, originally printed 5000 sets.

Now only over 1000 sets remained.

But these remaining sets were included in Chengcheng Culture’s assets.

And the price of a set of books was the price marked on the back.

68,888.

Don’t worry about how high this price is.

The question is, who buys books at their original price now?

Another thing was Chengcheng Culture’s public financial reports.

Once you compared them!

The inflated profits of over 50 million yuan were clear as day!

The audience was shocked!

This was explosive!

All the ‘evidence’ were actually publicly available information.

Want to refute it?

Hehe, go ahead then.

Ma Xun stopped watching.

He knew someone wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

…

A high-end office building in the Capital City.

“What’s going on?”

“Sue them! Sue the TV station!”

“Find a lawyer! We must find a lawyer!”

“Find what lawyer? Where are our legal staff?”

“They haven’t come yet!”

In the Chengcheng Culture office, everyone was going crazy.

Those who had already left work were called back by phone.

They rushed to work overtime.

But, what could they do?

They were in a panic!

Not just the employees, but also the current boss.

Liu Bo sat alone in the boss’s chair, he was completely numb.

He grabbed his head with both hands.

The documents from the program were on the table.

What to do?

What on earth should I do?

This is a disaster!

…

The airport.

“Cultural tycoon Liu Bo embroiled in scandal!”

“Is he a fraud or a scholar? Did the master of national studies make a mistake?”

“Regarding a certain company’s inflated profits…relevant departments have already launched an investigation!”

Ma Xun still had a backup plan.

To be honest, he was quite surprised.

With just this one move, Liu Bo seemed to have become completely deflated!

No, dude, I’ve just started.

Ma Xun read a few newspapers.

He felt listless.

Liu Bo was really weak.

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