This celebrity became even more popular after being exposed of having multiple girlfriends
Chapter 629 - 426_2

Chapter 629: Chapter 426_2

"Bosses from Light Shadow Media and Yahua Film and Television, along with Director Tang and Director Xie, are also present," Yang Rongfa whispered again.

Light Shadow Media, Yahua Film and Television?

Even if Wu Mu hasn’t been in the industry for a while, he’s aware of these two companies. If Yang Rongfa’s company is considered mid-tier in the industry, then these two are genuinely top-tier.

They’re not only publicly listed but also consistently release major films every year and have celebrity management services with numerous stars under their belt.

No further explanation is needed for these two.

As for Director Tang and Director Xie?

For Yang Rongfa to mention them specifically, they must be significant figures.

Wu Mu quickly figured out who they were.

It’s Tang Wei and Xie Chunfang.

Directors at the same level as Lin Xueming.

They are seasoned veterans in the industry, having achieved fame and status long ago.

All the big names are over there.

Wu Mu and Yang Rongfa walked over to the small lounge.

As they got closer, they could see the situation in the small lounge clearly.

Lin Xueming was indeed there, sitting on a sofa slightly toward the center, holding a wine glass and seemingly talking.

Around him were quite a few people, two of whom had a noticeable boss demeanor, while several middle-aged men, who seemed to be artists’ agents, stood nearby.

Tang Wei, with his cotton beret hat, was obviously trying to cover something, but still couldn’t hide his balding head. Director Xie Chunfang, despite his name sounding gentle, was towering and taller than anyone else present.

And...

Wu Mu paused his steps.

A graceful and dignified woman in a black fitted suit with a pearl necklace, who looked about forty years old, was conversing in a low voice with someone beside her.

Lin Qingyue’s mother also came?

It’s Wu Mu’s first time seeing Lin Qingyue’s mother in person; he never encountered her before when visiting Lin Qingyue’s home.

However, Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, is from a previous generation in the film industry, a veteran actress he recognized from photos.

After a brief pause, Wu Mu continued forward.

After just a few steps, another familiar face appeared.

On the outskirts of the small lounge, a man in his thirties, with a dish in hand, stood with a straight posture, seemingly attentively listening to Lin Xueming.

It was Geng Wei.

The former boss of Xiao Yi Company, who initially wanted to sign him but later, out of spite, intended to blacklist him.

Wu Mu wasn’t particularly bothered about Geng Wei, so he didn’t pause and continued walking forward.

As he got closer, Lin Xueming’s voice became audible, "The situation in this year’s film market is quite alarming. While the National Film Bureau hasn’t released its official data yet, I managed to get detailed figures from their director, Cao Guang. This year’s total box office revenue was 42.5 billion, down by 21% compared to the same period last year."

Lin Xueming paused his stern tone as he noticed Wu Mu approaching.

Not just him, everyone else in the small lounge also noticed.

The people in the lounge reacted differently; some, who appeared to be just tagging along, showed slight surprise at seeing Wu Mu, as if curious as to why he, a rare guest, was present.

The bosses of the two major companies and directors Tang Wei and Xie Chunfang, on the other hand, just glanced briefly and paid little attention.

Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, seemed initially unresponsive, but after half a second of staring at Wu Mu’s face, she eventually looked as if she recognized him.

And... Geng Wei.

Upon seeing Wu Mu, Geng Wei’s expression visibly turned sour, and when his and Wu Mu’s gazes met, his face twisted into a forced smile.

Wu Mu naturally didn’t care about him and simply glanced around before moving on.

This indifferent attitude undoubtedly made Geng Wei’s expression even gloomier.

"This year’s total cinema audience also showed a marked decrease, with 1.01 billion people this year compared to 1.299 billion last year, a shortfall of nearly 300 million. Compared to 2019, the issue is even worse. The total box office in 2019 was 64.2 billion, a drop of 33.9%. Five years have passed, and instead of increasing, our total box office revenue has continued to decline year after year."

After a slight pause, Lin Xueming continued speaking, not ending the speech after glancing at Wu Mu.

Wu Mu didn’t mind and stood at the edge of the small lounge.

"In fact, this level has dropped below that of ten years ago, in 2015, when the annual box office was 44 billion. Our industry’s overall revenue has regressed to the level of ten years ago. These shocking numbers, I believe, are worthy for us filmmakers to reflect upon and consider what has led to these results."

Lin Xueming was discussing the shrinkage of the film market.

This has been the trend in recent years; the film market has declined year on year, not achieving the prosperity everyone expected a few years ago, and instead regressing to the level of ten years ago.

Given the obvious and drastic data trends, over such a long period without growth but rather regression, those present, who are directly affected by this, felt a chilling sense of foreboding, with everyone showing some level of concern on their faces.

The decline in box office revenue is undoubtedly a major issue for them, whether they are bosses or celebrities.

If this decline continues, how many more years can they profit from the industry?

Tang Wei, following Lin Xueming’s speech, took over the conversation, "Director Lin’s concerns are also ones I’ve often pondered this year. Why don’t audiences like watching movies anymore? Why aren’t people willing to spend money on going to the cinema?"

Wu Mu wasn’t in a hurry and kept listening.

However, Lin Qingyue’s mother didn’t let him wait for long, as she proactively waved at him.

Wu Mu gently walked over from the edge.

Sitting on the sofa, whilst looking slightly up at him, she softly spoke, "It’s Wu Mu, right?"

Wu Mu nodded, "Yes, hello Aunt Du."

"You know me?"

"Director Lin has told me about you." Wu Mu habitually referred to Director Lin, prompting another Director Lin to glance at him.

"Why isn’t she here?"

"She still has to deal with matters in the crew and can’t leave."

Du Lan’s friendly attitude surprised Wu Mu.

She spoke to Wu Mu as if she were an ordinary elder.

While they chatted casually, a lavishly dressed woman sitting on the nearby sofa interjected, "Alan, won’t you introduce us?"

Du Lan smiled, "Does he need my introduction? He stands out so much."

But despite her words, she proceeded to introduce, "Wu Mu, this is Yao Ping, Boss Ji’s wife from Light Shadow Media."

"Hello, Mrs. Yao," Wu Mu greeted politely.

The lady named Yao Ping looked at Du Lan and teased, "How come you call Alan Aunt Lan but call me Mrs. Yao?"

Wu Mu smoothly adapted, "Aunt Yao."

Just as Tang Wei and others finished speaking, Du Lan conveniently introduced everyone to Wu Mu one by one.

--------

While Wu Mu was preparing for his second appearance, the live broadcast of the Six-Seven Gala, delayed by half an hour, finally aired.

In Zhang Li’s small apartment, both Zhang Li and Han Yan had long been waiting before the computer screen.

Initially, they had little interest in the Six-Seven Gala, and if were to choose, would prefer watching the CCTV Six-Seven Gala with a stronger guest lineup and bigger production, or the more entertaining and youth-oriented Sha City Six-Seven Gala.

Beijing TV Station, being somewhat mediocre, hadn’t caught their interest.

But having Wu Mu in the program made things different.

As "anti-fans" of Wu Gou, they wouldn’t possibly miss such a program, especially when there was drama to watch.

Han Yan had the public comment section open, and as soon as the gala went live, there was an immediate flood of comments opposing Wu Mu.

Han Yan laughed, "Haha, they sure haven’t given up. Beijing TV Station is clearly choosing to play dead while hard-hidden; yet, they still come to contribute to the program’s viewership."

Zhang Li also laughed, "After all, it’s already started; it can’t just end without a conclusion."

Indeed, most bystanders wouldn’t keep following up on this, but Xiao Yi fans and Wu Mu’s critics, having already struck, wouldn’t just let it end inconclusively.

---------

Xiao Yi stood against the gray landscape of the nation, emotionally singing:

"In that year, you and I were the same age, as young as a fresh song."

"But in pursuit of the dream’s new world, you turned and rushed into the storm."

Hm?

Du Xingguo instinctively glanced at his granddaughter.

Just this?