Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 167 Xiao Liu, do you want to be the most beautiful girl in the audience?
On the evening of July 2003, 7, the first "Harper's Bazaar Star Charity Night" event was officially held!
It sounds so grand, but in fact it is just a makeshift team.

Before Liu Yifei came, she wanted to pose beautifully and wear a luxurious dress, but she was persuaded by Boss Lu.

Just wear a T-shirt and jeans!
"Harper's Bazaar" was only founded in 2002, and this year is the first edition. It was Yingzi who persuaded Su Mang to organize it on a whim.

Many years later, the editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine recalled the scene of the first Harper's Bazaar and was moved:

"That day was a rainy night, and we welcomed the first guests of the celebrity charity night: Naying, Hu Bing, Qu Ying, and Wu Ruofu..."

But he didn't say how much money he donated.

After all the donations, so many people donated 16.8 yuan.

The second round raised 61 yuan, which was used to buy six ambulances and donated to the China Women's Foundation.

Is this money enough for you to hire newspapers and media to take photos and write soft articles?
Admittedly, charity and love cannot be measured by the amount of money, but compared with her obvious hype and marketing purposes, charity is obviously a low priority.

However, this year, by chance, Eagle King Huo Wenxi will be attending with a group of stars, and with the appeal of Anita Mui and Jackie Chan, perhaps the situation will change.

If it weren't for Mei Yanfang, Lu Kuan really didn't want to bother with this matter.

Qiu Ku Mang called him more than a dozen times in the past two days, it was so annoying.

Don’t you know what’s going on if I don’t answer your call? Don’t you have any idea what’s going on?

In his previous life, Lu Kuan's company had handled Su Mang's case. Simply put, their approach was to guide her from being criticized for her statement of "not wearing thermal underwear" to self-deprecating humor, in order to ease her embarrassment.

Su Mang had some power during his tenure, mainly because he controlled the cover of Harper's Bazaar.

At that time, there was an unwritten rule in the domestic entertainment industry that only if you appeared on the cover of "Harper's Bazaar" could you be considered a top star.

Apart from the long johns, her out-of-the-box remarks are undoubtedly about the materialism that she has always talked about.

It is not an exaggeration to say that she is the best marketer in the fashion circle, but she herself has nothing to do with fashion and her vision is also questionable.

Another fashion editor, Chen Kaige's ex-wife, Ms. Hong Huang, who lived in Shijia Hutong as a child, commented sharply on Su Mang:

What she advocates is not fashion, but vanity and materialism. She has led the Chinese people's lifestyle and fashion aesthetics astray.

She herself does not deny this and is proud of it.

Or to put it another way, her understanding of fashion is "what successful people are using", which is fashionable.

Coincidentally, she passed this avant-garde fashion concept to her good friend Guo Degang, who became a brand destroyer.

A Fei drove to Zangku Bar on Workers' Stadium North Road, Chaoyang District.

Yes, this is the venue for tonight’s “Harper’s Bazaar Star Charity Night”…

As mentioned earlier, it was common for celebrities to open bars in the early 2000s.

In addition to Zhang Tianshuo who has already been imprisoned, tonight's charity night host Ke Lan and her friends Ren Quan and Geng Le also opened a bar called 1969, which was later converted into a hot pot restaurant.

Zangku Bar was opened by domestic installation artist Lin Tianmiao, and Nayoung has shares.

"Hello? Are you there yet? Is the road wide?"

Lu Kuan looked at the little girl wearing sunglasses in front of the door looking around.

"Oh, I have something urgent to do, so I won't be coming."

"what?!"

The voice suddenly rose an octave. It would be great if I could sing at this level in an EP.

Boss Lu got out of the car and saw the girl, who was wearing only a T-shirt and jeans, fixing her hair. He inexplicably felt that she looked more pleasing to the eye than seeing her wearing luxurious haute couture.

"Just kidding, look to the right."

She watched Lu Kuan approach with a beaming smile. Pingting turned around and asked, "How about it? Is this okay for me to wear?"

There is a saying in the countryside: A tall guy standing in front of the door looks good even with his bare butt.

The truth is, tall people can hold up their clothes.

Concubine Liu Yi's simple and elegant dress is much more refreshing than the flashy ones worn by women with makeup.

"Okay, why not? I told you not to take them seriously."

"We'll just donate a little money as a token of our respect, have a couple of drinks, and then run away. That Su Mang is so annoying."

"Do you know her?"

"Too ugly, I don't know him."

Su Mang was setting up the venue in the bar and kept looking towards the door.

Nayoung and Kelan came over leisurely: "Where's my lyrics? Give them to me quickly."

Ke Lan and Wu Dawei were the hosts today, and later it became a convention to host many sessions together.

Naying said nonchalantly: "What's the matter? Sister Mei and Brother Fang Long from Hong Kong are here. Who are you waiting for? Which master?"

Su Mang looked forward to it: "Lu Kuan, don't you know him? You drank with him last time when he was bragging about not becoming successful yet."

Ke Lan burst out laughing: "She really wasn't lying to you. Back then, Lu Kuan didn't look like someone who could become a big director. He even broke his voice when he sang. It was hilarious."

Su Mang's phone rang. It was Zhao Yanzi.

"I'm sorry, Su Mang. I really can't spare the time today. There are a few leaders here, yes, leaders from the Film Bureau. Isn't our movie 'Green Tea' about to be released..."

Before Su Mang could even open his mouth to persuade her, Na Ying, a dog-brained person, howled, "Here we go! Is that Lu Kuan? Next to him is that heroine from his movie? That Wang Yuyan?"

Zhao Yanzi on the other end of the phone was feeling very nervous.

"How about this, I'll check with the boss later, have a few more drinks with them, and then rush over, okay?"

Su Mang was of course overjoyed and hung up the phone with many thanks.

Today's lineup is so exciting, and she feels very accomplished. The only drawback is that the items are not prepared yet. The previous suggestion was that the stars should bring some daily necessities and costumes from performances.

This was also the reason why the first charity night only raised 16.8. It was just Nayoung's spur-of-the-moment suggestion and the preparation was not thorough.

By chance, so many big names have come to this life, working in movies, TV and music!

As they walked, Lu Kuan explained to Liu Yifei the true nature of such public welfare activities.

"Today is the first edition, and they may not be properly prepared. Look at next year and the year after, and it will soon become pure commercial and fashion brand hype."

Liu Yifei liked to listen to Lu Kuan telling her these inside stories the most, just like the day when she listened to him talking about the Hong Kong film world at home.

She has been in this big dye vat for nearly two years. Although she is well protected, Zhupao has seen a lot and knows that everything she sees is fake.

“How to hype it up?”

"Look, luxury brands donate their products to auctions to wealthy bosses, who then give them to female celebrities. They agree that the auction price is slightly higher than the market price, and they can pay as they please."

Concubine Liu Yi was stunned: "Is this possible?"

"Of course, this way the luxury goods get publicity, the wealthy get the female stars, the magazine editors get the profits and performance, and the charities get the money."

"It's just that the money is set in advance and won't exceed too much. It's basically for the first three."

Liu Yifei was lost in thought, feeling that she had just discovered a new world.

The real world.

The two of them walked closer and closer, and Su Mang came over to greet them enthusiastically.

"Director Lu, Princess Yi, welcome. Thank you for your contribution to charity and your love."

Lu Kuan greeted her as usual, but Liu Yifei beside him had a strange look in her eyes.

It is indeed hard to tell from face to face that the founder of such a "philanthropic" fashion magazine is actually the pimp that Lu Kuan mentioned?
A mama-san who specializes in creating "cooperation" conditions for entrepreneurial bosses and actresses?
Mei Yanfang in the bar stood up and waved to him: "Xiaolu, this way."

Fang Long brought his son Fang Zuming today. The latter was drinking whiskey boredly. He looked in the direction Mei Yanfang was looking and couldn't look away after just one glance.

Are there girls like this in the mainland?

Lu Kuan approached with Concubine Liu Yi.

"Hello, Brother Fang Long, I'm Lu Kuan."

In his previous life, he had never met Fang Long himself. This person was a typical person with a lot of negative news, but because of his own talent and united front values, he had always been active at the top of the film and television industry.

I have achieved the state where I myself am a ruin, so there is no such thing as a landslide.

Of course, Fang Long had also heard of his name. Not only was he a rising star who dared to challenge the Hong Kong film industry, but his two works also won major awards at film festivals in succession.

He is a kung fu superstar who has brought genre films to the pinnacle, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have ambitions to try more in film themes.

The last time I heard about this young director was from Li Shoucheng. He said that he had officially left Golden Harvest and established a film company with Eagle King.

"Director Xiaolu, it's great to meet you. You're truly a handsome man!"

"Zuming, you and Director Lu should also meet each other, and this beautiful lady?"

Lu Kuan glanced at Jaycee Chan's infatuated eyes and said nothing. He then introduced Liu Yifei. "Liu Yifei, a mainland actress who has just entered the industry."

Liu Yifei shook hands with Fang Long and greeted him gracefully, and nodded to Fang Zuming.

Anyone could tell that something was wrong with this kid, and his thoughts were written all over his face.

Fang Long gently poked his son.

More and more celebrities came in from outside, most of them were in casual clothes.

Su Mang felt a great sense of accomplishment, welcoming guests like a rural waiter, and was very happy!
She felt like she had become the core of the social and entertainment circles overnight. So many people gathered because of her appeal. What a strong appeal she had!

But she inexplicably felt that something was missing.

Yes! Fewer wealthy individuals, fewer big-name sponsors!
Having no experience the first time, she now feels both apprehensive and proud. In her eyes, these celebrities are just trading entities, and then add the second generation and the wealthy to the food chain...

A complete ecosystem is formed.

And she will be the one who gets commission from every business in this secretive and high-end circle!
Lu Kuan glanced at the scene which was gradually becoming lively. Fan Bingbing was out of town for an announcement, but Zhou Xun had made an appointment to join them. Where was he?

"Director Xiaolu, long time no see!"

Lu Kuan looked back and saw, oh shit, Li Daqi!
It’s been a long time no see.

After "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", Li Yapeng continued to stay in his TV drama circle and soft fan circle, while Boss Lu was busy expanding and planning his own entertainment empire. The two really have no intersection yet.

In addition to the link of Zhou Xun.

Naying suddenly came over: "Yapeng, Wang Fei is looking for you backstage."

Li Yapeng smiled innocently at Lu Kuan, turned around and left.

Boss Lu finally understood why Zhou Xun didn't show up. It seemed that the two of them had seriously broken up.

After "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", Li Yapeng wrote, directed and starred in a fashion drama "Baywatch", in which Zhou Xun played the female lead. Their relationship quickly heated up and they even discussed marriage.

I don't know why it came to an abrupt end around 2003. Some say it was because Zhou Xun appeared in a full-frontal nude role in "Baby in Love", and some say it was because of differences in career directions.

But in this life, because Zhou Xun starred in the more valuable "Shoplifters", she gave up "Love" produced by Rong Xingda, so this reason is obviously invalid.

Perhaps the biggest reason is that Li Yapeng has already entered the circle of "Class 1, Grade 6" and found a new goal.

As mentioned before, there are small circles within each big circle. Class 1, Grade 6 is a group of celebrities organized by the class monitor Wang Fei, most of whom are native Beijingers.

Naying, Liu Jialing, Zhao Yanzi, director Zhang Yibai, Aunt Zhao who later turned against Zhang Ziyi, and singers Jinggangshan and Zheng Jun.

Wang Fei has a generous and open-minded personality. He usually organizes everyone to eat, drink, play mahjong, and organizes theme parties for fun and entertainment.

They also frequently supported each other in their careers. Later, when Zhang Yibai's "Love to the End" premiered, Wang Fei organized Naying and others to wear red scarves to show their support.

Among the members is also Vice President Feiqi, who has been working in Huayi for many years. He is in charge of the star brokerage section within Huayi.

Pants' wives Xu Fan, Wang Baoqiang, Zhang Hanyu and Su Youpeng later became his artists.

Later, Huayi actress Luo Haiqiong joined Class 6, Grade 1, just because she married this Fei Gu.

This group of older generations set an example, and later Yang Mi, Qin Lan, Huo Siyan and others also formed a Teddy Sisters Group, but that’s a story for another time.

At this time, Huo Wenxi also arrived and came to greet Lu Kuan with the Twins sisters.

"Tingfeng didn't come?"

Boss Lu really wanted to appreciate Nicholas Tse's expression when he watched Wang Fei and Li Yapeng interacting.

But since Duck House has hooked up with the queen now, Nicholas Tse’s wind must have blown.

Or she is already in a relationship with Zhang Baizhi.

There were many stars gathered, everyone was chatting and greeting each other, building relationships and friendships, only Lu Kuan sat there motionless.

However, her attractiveness is only slightly less than that of Fang Long and Mei Yanfang.

I'm going back to China next week, and I don't know when I'll be able to see this director again, who has established his position in the literary and art circles with two award-winning films.

If you have the chance, come and get to know each other.

Concubine Liu Yi kicked Lu Kuan's feet under the table.

"When does the dinner start? I'm so hungry."

Boss Lu looked at her in surprise. "You don't think you can get anything to eat here, do you? Don't you see that all those people dressed up are here to socialize?"

Liu Yifei said with a bitter face: "I'm wearing a T-shirt that shows my belly button, and I don't dare to eat at home..."

The little girl's stomach suddenly growled twice. Lu Kuan felt in his pocket and took out a mint-flavored chewing gum.

That's because regular smoking keeps your breath fresh.

"Dian Dian, don't swallow it."

Liu Yifei looked hopeless when she saw Ke Lan and Na Ying walking towards her.

"Hey, Director, long time no see!"

Needless to say, Ke Lan's family background is outstanding. She is still working at Phoenix TV. In addition to hosting some music and travel programs, she also occasionally shoots movies, but she is not a professional actor.

Naying couldn't stop talking: "Director Xiaolu, you've been so busy today. We wanted to come over and say hello several times, but we couldn't move!"

Lu Kuan laughed and said, "Don't make fun of me, you two. I invited you to the last movie celebration party, but you didn't show up!"

Ke Lan and Na Ying laughed awkwardly.

At that time, Wang Fei was still in love with Nicholas Tse. Class leader Wang Fei called on them not to cheer for their boyfriend's arch-enemy, as no one wanted to destroy the unity.

All the guests gathered, and Su Mang went on stage first to greet the guests.

"Everyone, please take a moment. First of all, on behalf of Harper's Bazaar, I would like to apologize to everyone. Due to insufficient preparation, the venue layout and agenda arrangement today were rather hasty."

She really didn't expect to call so many people.

"But today, I am chatting and laughing with great scholars, and there are no unlearned people around. This is a humble room, but my virtue is fragrant."

"On behalf of the magazine and the organizers, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone for their charitable act."

"Now, let's hand the stage over to Ke Lan and Da Wei!"

Ke Lan and Wu Dawei are both authentic hosts. They were not shy in the face of such an occasion and began the auction process step by step.

First, there were some auction items contributed by the magazine, including some honorary medals and trophies from the predecessor of the fashion magazine.

Then there are the bags, watches, etc. of some industry agents, which don’t seem to be very popular either.

Most Hong Kong stars are also watching and waiting, thinking that the quality is too low and too inappropriate.

The highest bid was over 1 yuan for a dress that Nayoung paid to Su Mang.

Money is not important and it did not stop them from hugging each other affectionately on stage and expressing their dedication to charity with tears in their eyes.

I just don't know if this 1, after deducting the event budget, is enough to pay the royalties and travel expenses for the people in the audience.

Lu Kuan and Liu Yifei looked at each other, and the latter deeply understood the meaning of show and hype.

Boss Lu started to have bad thoughts again: "Xiao Liu."

"what?"

"Do you want to be the most beautiful girl in the room tonight?"

Concubine Liu Yi rolled her eyes at him and asked, "What do you want to do now?"

Lu Kuan gave her a meaningful smile in return.

Su Mang instructed Ke Lan in the background through the headset: "Let's start with the star items. The rest of the outsiders won't go on stage. The prices won't go up. They're too bland."

Ke Lan agreed.

"The next lot is the costume worn by young actress Liu Yifei in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Thank you, Yifei."

Because there were no luxury goods or sponsors at the first Bazaar Charity Night, most of the time celebrities bought each other commemorative items to show their respect.

In terms of process, it is important to have a big name as the finale.

When it came to the auction of celebrities' items, Liu Yifei was the youngest, debuted the latest, and is now very famous.

It can’t be said to be wrong to use her works to warm up the audience.

Two hostesses showed the audience this pink gauze dress, which was taken away by Concubine Liu Yi from the crew after the filming was completed.

The costume designer said that this costume cost over 5000 yuan and was hand-sewn by several experienced tailors. Liu Yifei was a little worried about whether she could recoup the 5000 yuan cost tonight...

Just as Lu Kuan was about to raise the sign, someone from the Hong Kong celebrity side got there first.

(End of this chapter)