Chapter 378
Guan Yu Opens His Eyes, and All Horses Remain Silent!
Chapter 378 Guan Yu Opens His Eyes, and All Horses Remain Silent!
Northeast China, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, the Qinling Mountains and Hengduan Mountains...
The provinces that received Fang Xinghe's strong support for education responded to his kindness in an extremely simple way.
On the evening of the 28th, after three days of arguing, twelve provincial local TV stations suddenly broadcast videos of the celebration, causing an uproar in public opinion across the country.
Did Fang Xinghe insult his senior?
I cursed him.
Is the criticism reasonable?
Opinions vary.
The biggest difference between video and text is that previous text reports involved a lot of taking things out of context and fabricating reality to provoke readers.
The video fully captures Fang Xinghe's posture, tone, thoughts, and logic. Although he was indeed very impolite, viewers could feel the authenticity of him.
Whether you like it or not is one thing, whether it's as hateful as described in the text is another.
After the video footage was released, many of the distortions could no longer be substantiated.
……
15-year-old Zhang Yuxi is sitting in front of the TV with her friends, waiting for the rebroadcast of "The Return of the Condor Heroes".
It was summer vacation, and four channels were broadcasting the second run of "The Return of the Condor Heroes." While waiting for the show to start, they chattered about the pace of the past two days.
"Fang Fang definitely isn't with her!"
"It's normal for them to be together, right? Otherwise, why keep casting her as the female lead?"
"Pah! Shut up! It's just that we've had a very pleasant working relationship!"
"Yes, he cares about the quality of the film, and Americans happen to be very hardworking, so he used her for the sake of the effect!"
"But they really make a good couple, aren't they?"
"Can't!"
"You just can't accept reality. Then tell me, why did Fangfang get so worked up over her? Why did she fire a tirade at the banquet?"
"I don't know! The media is just making things up. Maybe things weren't like that at the scene?"
"Where could this be... Hey, let's go back, let's go back. Was that channel playing Fang Xinghe just now?"
One of her friends was flipping through channels when, in a fleeting glimpse, Zhang Yuxi thought she saw Liu Yifei speaking on stage.
The channel was quickly switched back to the provincial station, and a group of girls suddenly widened their eyes and exclaimed "Wow!"
"Is this a recording of the birthday celebration?!"
"I think so? The princess dress and crown are exactly the same as the photos in the newspaper."
"Wow! Our Jiji is awesome!"
"Has Fang Fang made a statement?"
"Shut up, there definitely is!"
"Hey, Xixi, where are you going?"
"Before Fang Xinghe appears, hurry up and call Yueyue and the others to let them know!"
In those days, not every child had a mobile phone, but almost every family had a landline. Upon discovering this, Mantianxing immediately began to call on his friends and family.
On Xingwang's official fan cafe, fans from all twelve provinces began posting messages manually to spread the word.
They turned on the TV in a panic; some people were overjoyed, while others were furious.
"Damn it! Why didn't our Guangzhou TV station broadcast this?"
"Waaaaah, it's not even in Shanghai!"
"Haha, Shan A is broadcasting it!"
"Qing A is also broadcasting, but as a fellow native of Mantianxing, I can count the number of people online on one hand..."
"Who cares if they're online or not? Those of you who can see them, hurry up and notify your friends offline!"
"Ahhhhh! Fang Fang is so handsome! Black shirt!"
Where? Where?
"It's over. The camera just flashed across his face, like a flashbang went off!"
"Damn it! Why can't we see our crescent-shaped stars?!"
The posting and replying speed in the official fan forum is getting faster and faster, but most of them are from provinces that can't see the program and are making noise, while the fans in the twelve provinces have long been calling for people or focusing on watching the program.
After several days of hype, everyone is curious about what exactly happened.
The same scene unfolded on Nenxian's official fan cafe, a chaotic mess.
Even on the outermost layer of Weibo's public platform, the topic "Local TV stations in multiple provinces are broadcasting Liu Yifei's birthday celebration video" quietly appeared on the cover and was heavily promoted.
Dong Ge thought to himself: So what if they cause trouble? Who have we at Xingwang ever been afraid of!
StarNet isn't afraid, and neither is Brother Teng.
All QQ software programs logged in across the country were immediately bombarded with a rogue pop-up window, linking to the latest trending news from Tencent News—"Fang Ge's Outburst Live Recording!"
Although we are not yet in the era of extremely convenient mobile internet, this kind of trending topic can still spread very quickly.
Before long, the exclamation "Holy crap!" had spread to most parts of China.
……
While Liu Yifei was speaking, Zhang Yuxi and her friends chattered away, offering their comments.
"Actually, she has a lot of class."
"Yeah, it's Long Ling'er. She's such a good actress. Almost all the boys in the class like her."
"Isn't that because they clung to Fangfang's coattails?"
"Fang Xinghe is willing to let her hug him, so why do you have a problem with that?"
Everyone turned their heads in unison, staring at the unexpectedly exposed fairy fan.
"me……"
The fan, quick-witted, retorted, "I just think Fangfang should be dating. He's so old, it's pitiful for him to still be single. Nobody is good enough for him, only Long Ling'er is barely acceptable..."
In fact, both Wei Xing and Wei Xian disagreed with this viewpoint, and could even be described as deeply disgusted by it.
Wei Xian: Fang Xinghe is arrogant, conceited, and full of scandals. He is ruthless, cold-blooded, and heartless. How could he be a good match for a woman?
Wei Xing: Get lost, you little thing! In terms of wealth, status, ability, and intellect, what do you have that's worthy of Fang Fang? Just be a good maid and stop dreaming of being the queen!
The core toxic stans have a clear stance.
But the problem is... "The Return of the Condor Heroes" is too popular, it's a huge hit.
The popularity of the Dragon and Carving CP is unstoppable. In addition to their respective core fanbases, a large number of drama fans and casual fans have also emerged, most of whom have a strong inclination to ship the CP.
The Legend of Sword and Fairy was extremely popular in China, but the Lingxiao CP (couple pairing) never really gained any traction. It remained a niche, unorthodox story. Only the shameless Hong Kong media used the "young fairy" to promote Nicholas Tse.
The popularity of the Dragon and Carving CP has even affected the stability of the Starry Sky CP, causing great dissatisfaction among female fans.
Then, Fang Xinghe went on stage.
The moment he opened his mouth... who was dissatisfied? We were full of complaints the moment we saw him!
Domestic female fans have never witnessed Fang Xinghe lose his temper in person—that debate on Jilin TV can't be considered losing his temper; he was too reasonable, too logical, and too courteous.
This time was completely different; Fang Xinghe cursed in public.
Is this a bad thing?
To some middle-aged people, that arrogance is indeed unsettling.
But in the eyes of young boys and girls... this is fucking cool, okay?!
When Fang Xinghe leaned forward and looked down at the audience, in a snapshot taken from the front, it looked as if a mountain was pressing down on him.
The bulging muscles on his forearms, the slightly bulging veins on his neck, the fatherly authority on his handsome face, and the undisguised ferocity and domineering nature in his eyes...
Daddy, kill me!
Zhang Yuxi screamed loudly, her mind went blank, she raised her hand to cover her burning cheeks, only her eyes were exposed, staring intently at the screen.
Xie Rong was too wild; he used all his foul language without any censorship, and just let everyone know it so bluntly.
When the words, "What can you do? What do you dare to do? Spreading rumors about me, you've really gone too far!" were uttered with resounding force and mountain-like weight, half of China's middle-aged people were stunned, while half of China's teenagers screamed.
Holy crap! Holy crap! Holy crap!
The strict father has gone mad!
Is this really something you'd see on TV?!
Shock swept across the world.
Beyond the shock, the exhilaration made the young people feel as if they had been struck by an electric current, leaving them trembling all over.
He's handsome, but I want to praise him a million times.
"I can't take it anymore, I'm going to faint! How can Fangfang be so manly!"
The girls were screaming excitedly—by the way, the one screaming the loudest was a former fan of the original series.
In this day and age, there is no rap, no shouting, and no reality shows. Regardless of their private lives, celebrities always present a proper image in public, and fans cannot sense any wildness in them.
It's not that being polite is bad, but rather that it lacks a more direct and authentic stimulus, always making people feel like something is missing.
This stimulation can be simply and crudely explained as sexual tension, but it is actually something on a higher level.
It is a powerful feeling born from authenticity and vividness. Young people see in Fang Xinghe an undisguised desire to conquer and control, as well as an unyielding sense of authority and a vengeful pride.
There are two Chinese idioms: "A kind heart cannot command an army, and a righteous heart cannot manage finances."
Why is it that only those who are tough enough can be good leaders?
Because it puts people at ease.
At this moment, Fang Xinghe gave the fans a sense of security that they could trust and follow him wholeheartedly.
……
Although the scene was extremely violent, Fang Xinghe's statement had a generally satisfactory effect on all fan groups. Wei Xian saw Fang Xinghe standing up for his goddess, being righteous but not ambiguous, which, considering Liu Yifei's previous situation, was particularly satisfying to hear.
What Wei Xing saw was that Fang Xinghe hardly mentioned Liu Yifei's name. He mainly acted as the person in charge to rectify the atmosphere in the industry, displaying a grand vision and domineering aura.
CP fans see Yang Guo protecting Long Er. Regardless of whether she is mentioned or not, the fact is that he was furious for her, which is more fairytale-like than a fairytale and incredibly sweet.
The general public didn't care about their past grievances, but felt that Fang Xinghe had spoken his mind.
The entertainment industry deserves to be criticized!
Is there a problem? No!
In an instant, internal conflicts disappeared, outsiders came to understand, and public opinion shifted dramatically.
"Although Xiao Fang's words sound a bit impulsive, every single one of them makes sense! The government should have taken action long ago to properly regulate the entertainment industry!"
Tan Songyun's father has always disapproved of his daughter's idol worship, but today, he not only patiently watched Fang Xinghe's outburst, but he was also particularly excited.
Her mother's focus was more down-to-earth: "You can get a reward for reporting this? Is it true?"
Xiao Tan proudly raised his chin: "Our Fang Shen always keeps his word!"
“That’s true.” The father nodded in agreement. “This kid is so quick to donate money, we can’t lie about that.”
"But now many newspapers are criticizing him, what's going on?"
"They're scared!"
Old Tan's words revealed the truth, which also meant that the rumors spread by the media were self-defeating.
"Xiao Fang is absolutely awesome! He should fight those scoundrels to the very end!"
"Of course, he's my only idol!"
Xiao Tan proudly held her head high, feeling as if she had never been so triumphant at home.
Ordinary people have very simple likes and dislikes. If you speak out and criticize something we don't like, then we're one of them.
In addition, Fang Xinghe already had an excellent reputation in the twelve provinces, and most of the ordinary people in remote and impoverished areas became his supporters, leaving no room for further slander.
What is visible to the outside world is the strong backlash from more than 50 local official media outlets and tabloids.
In an instant, this spontaneous sentiment from the people terrified some.
Hua Yi Da Wang flipped through the provincial newspapers collected by his subordinates, his anger and fear rising in waves, his expression frozen like a rock.
"Damn it, what are you all doing here making a scene?!"
Xiao Wang kept pacing back and forth, feeling agitated and his eyes were bloodshot.
After a long silence, the king slowly spoke: "How is the self-inspection of the tax authorities going?"
"It should be fine..."
Xiao Wang dared not be certain; these days, every household has a mess of accounts, and no one can guarantee that everything will be in order.
"Hurry up, don't let your guard down." The king sighed deeply. "This hurdle won't be easy to overcome..."
He is not afraid of the issue of spreading rumors.
Even if we find evidence, so what? It's just a matter of reviewing and apologizing.
It's okay to let netizens criticize you; there are plenty of entrepreneurs with bad reputations, and netizens can't control their own future.
The real problem is... the company was made an example of by its superiors to quell public anger.
At that time, the industry and commerce bureau and the tax bureau will come knocking on your door, nitpicking and finding fault. If they really find any problems, you might be finished on the spot.
Upon realizing this, the king immediately made a decision.
"Then make a budget to see how big the shortfall in public relations expenses is, and tell those media haters to hold on. No matter what the higher-ups think, at least we can't lose in terms of public opinion."
If we lose in public opinion, then we will lose everything and become a pawn to be discarded.
If public opinion isn't against them, at least they can still complain to their superiors and preserve the company's core business.
Xiao Wang replied through gritted teeth, "Don't worry, the voices of these twelve provinces aren't loud enough, and their influence is lacking. They can't bring us down!"
Indeed, economically developed provinces are where entertainment is highly active, but these places are not currently broadcasting videos and are still dominated by the brainwashing propaganda of capitalist media.
However, Xie Rong's actions ultimately had a devastating effect.
The influence of twelve families, which are old, young, remote and poor, is limited. What if it becomes sixteen families?
Twenty companies?
What if the situation crosses the line and some highly influential satellite TV stations also risk following suit?
Therefore, it's not just Huayi who's filled with fear; the entire industry is living in a state of panic.
Yang Yinghuang immediately issued a stay-at-home order to Xie Biwang: "Don't go anywhere recently, stay at home obediently, and especially don't say anything to the media, keep your mouth shut!"
Xie Biwang stopped pretending and looked worried.
"If a blacklist system is really implemented, won't Fang Xinghe bring up my past mistakes later?"
"So you know fear now?"
"I knew I was wrong a long time ago, really!"
Compared to the year before last, Xiao Xie has really matured a lot.
He's living a very comfortable life now. Although every movie he makes loses money, he managed to get his masterpiece thanks to Sister Xian. Li Xiaoyao is enough to set him apart from all his peers in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Even if he loses money on ten more movies, he'll still have work.
So right now, he really doesn't want to cause any more trouble; he just wants to focus on his work and relationships and move into a new phase of his life.
"It's good to know how to be in awe."
Although Yang Yinghuang didn't look pleased, his tone was one of satisfaction.
"You have to remember, we're no longer on the same level as Fang Sheng. What he wants is stability and transparency in the entire industry. We're on his side and have a friendly attitude, so why would he target you for no reason?"
"But..." Xiao Xie was still a little worried, "the Hong Kong media and some people in our industry..."
"Distance yourself from them!"
Yang Yinghuang's reply was firm and decisive, showing no trace of hometown sentiment.
"Wanting to eat someone else's food but not wanting to abide by their rules? There's no such thing as a free lunch. Fang Sheng isn't some kind-hearted gentleman who can be easily bullied. Just you wait and see, there will be news within half a month!"
Xiao Xie looked thoughtful, and after returning home, he gave Zhang Baizhi some more instructions.
As it turned out, Xiao Zhang couldn't control his mouth and immediately told Teacher Chen. Soon after, Yang Yinghuang's attitude spread throughout the Hong Kong entertainment circle.
The opposition alliance is wavering; many intelligent people have shut up, while others are stubborn and their stance is becoming increasingly aggressive.
……
The situation began to become delicate and strange.
From CCTV to satellite TV stations, no one mentioned the details of the birthday celebration, as if the microphone had been muted.
Local TV stations in most provinces were eager for the live video, and within two days, each of the 31 provinces had a copy.
However, most provinces are hesitant to broadcast it, or are reluctant to broadcast it—each province follows its own will, and not everyone likes Fang Xinghe, nor does everyone have to give him face.
It took two days for the twelve companies to become fourteen.
Three days later, it became sixteen companies, and then it came to a complete standstill.
At the print media level, the two sides are clearly distinct and have become completely opposed.
The media outlets represented by the "13 Ugly" (a derogatory term for 13 people) clung to their positions, taking advantage of the fact that no live footage was broadcast in most areas, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the facts, and engaging in all sorts of sophistry and unreasonable arguments.
Pro-Fang newspapers are trying to clarify the situation and are locked in a close battle with the other side.
The internet is hard to describe; it's a mess, everything is tangled together.
Younger viewers are still focused on gossip and swearing, ranging from "whether the two are having an affair" to "who is not good enough for whom" to "a donkey looking for a skinny horse," in all sorts of unrestrained self-expression.
Normal adults began discussing whether such a systematic censorship method should exist. The discussion quickly went beyond the mainstream and soon spread to the legal and economic circles, attracting heavyweight figures to speak out.
Professor He Moufang of Peking University Law School has been committed to promoting the rule of law through columns and lectures, focusing on procedural justice and judicial independence. He took the opportunity to launch into a lengthy and eloquent speech.
The theme is: "Before the judicial system is in place, relevant departments should not abuse their power and interfere with the free development of the market through administrative means."
Just then, a new article by Yu Mouping, deputy director of the Compilation Bureau, was published—titled "Democratic Practices Are a Good Thing".
The article itself did not mention Fang Xinghe at all, and the reasoning itself was sound, clearly explaining the advantages and disadvantages. However, the pro-democracy camp immediately labeled Fang Xinghe as a barbaric dictator in the entertainment industry, satirizing him for "having a morbid desire for control stemming from childhood trauma, which ultimately twisted him into the person he is today."
You know what, even the baby's breath seemed to have a damn good point about it!
Yang Moulin, the host of Phoenix TV's "Daily News Review," interprets the news from multiple perspectives and promotes interaction between public opinion across the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong. He also joined in this lively discussion.
The voices from Hong Kong and Taiwan were mostly filled with angry outbursts; Fang Xinghe's insults were too harsh.
What does it mean to be "low-quality, gangster-like, lacking in ideals, and a slave tool"?!
Fang Xinghe tore open someone's bloody wound, so he naturally received the most severe insults, which is not worth mentioning at all.
It's worth mentioning that the opinions from inland China in the program were also dealt with, and they were all fiercely opposed.
Okay, you guys have fun.
Fang Xinghe saw everything, but remained silent and did not utter a word.
His quietness was also noticed by his superiors.
Until September 1st, an elder casually mentioned during a chat: "The young comrade is quite sensible. Patriotism knows no age. We can guide him slowly in the future."
The next day, Brother Fang came to the General Chamber of Commerce for the third time for a meeting.
This time, the participants expanded to include all relevant departments such as the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Ministry of Culture, performing arts associations, and judicial organs.
Want to discuss the specific details? Well, then I have something to say.
Fang Ge went all out, refusing to give an inch, forcefully dominating the direction of the discussion, and once again brought a strong shock to the participants.
The meeting couldn't possibly be completed in one day, but news was being released little by little every day.
The entertainment industry gradually quieted down, and until September 6th, for a full 24 hours, not a single sound was heard from the vast entertainment circle.
This scene is called "Guan Yu opens his eyes, and all horses fall silent!"
(End of this chapter)