This celebrity became even more popular after being exposed of having multiple girlfriends-Chapter 619 - 421_2

As we get closer, we can see the situation over in the small lounge area.

Lin Xueming is indeed sitting on a sofa a little towards the center, holding a wine glass as if he’s saying something.

Around him sits quite a few people, two of whom look just like big bosses, with a few of their artists’ subordinates standing nearby, along with another middle-aged man.

Director Tang Wei, wearing a cotton beret to cover something, clearly wants to hide his bald spot but to no avail. Director Xie Chunfang, whose name misleadingly suggests elegance, towers over everyone present.

And then there’s...

Wu Mu halted his steps.

A woman, probably in her forties, dressed in a black fitted suit and wearing a pearl necklace, was quietly chatting and laughing with someone beside her, exuding an air of elegance and high status.

Lin Qingyue’s mother is here too?

This is actually the first time Wu Mu has seen Lin Qingyue’s mother in person; he has always missed her during his visits to Lin Qingyue’s house before.

However, since Lin Qingyue’s mother Du Lan is an old-school movie queen from the last generation inside the circle, he recognized her from photos.

After pausing, Wu Mu continued to walk forward.

He barely walked a few steps before running into another familiar face.

Off to the edge of the small lounge area, there was a man in his thirties, intently listening to Lin Xueming while holding a plate in one hand and sitting upright.

It was Geng Wei.

The original boss of Xiao Yi Company, who wanted to sign him and then, being rejected, angrily attempted to blacklist him.

But Wu Mu wasn’t really concerned about him, so he kept walking without stopping.

As he got closer, Lin Xueming’s voice became audible, "The film market situation this year could be described as shocking. The National Film Bureau has not officially announced the data yet, but I have already gotten detailed numbers from their director Cao Guang. This year’s total annual box office for the film market is 42.5 billion, which is a 21% decline compared to the same period last year."

Lin Xueming paused his serious speech when he saw Wu Mu approaching.

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

The expressions of people in the lounge were varied; some were slightly surprised seeing this unexpected guest, notably the stars and artist subordinates who were merely there for show.

The big-shots in the room like the two major company bosses and directors Tang Wei and Xie Chunfang gave a glance but paid it no mind.

Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, initially seemed not to react until her gaze lingered for half a second on Wu Mu’s face and then suddenly comprehended.

And then... Geng Wei.

Upon seeing Wu Mu, his face visibly clouded over, and when their eyes met, he managed a forced smile. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Wu Mu, of course, didn’t bother about him, casually sweeping a glance across before moving on.

This indifferent attitude undeniably made Geng Wei’s face even more sullen.

"The total number of moviegoers also dropped significantly this year, with 1.01 billion this year compared to 1.299 billion last year, nearly 300 million less. Compared to 2019, the situation is even worse; in 2019, the total box office was 64.2 billion, showing a 33.9% decrease. Over these five years, instead of growth, our total film box office has declined year after year."

After a slight pause, Lin Xueming continued speaking without ending his address, particularly after glancing at Wu Mu.

Unconcerned, Wu Mu stood at the edge of the small lounge.

"Even at this level, it’s lower than it was ten years ago in 2015, where the total annual box office was 44 billion. The overall industry’s revenue has directly retreated to levels from a decade ago. Such chilling figures, I believe, are worth us filmmakers reflecting on what exactly has caused such results."

Lin Xueming was talking about the shrinking film market.

This has indeed been the trend in recent years; rather than experiencing a golden age as anticipated some years back, the film market has regressed to ten-year-old figures.

Because the data is so clear and exaggerated, showing not only a lack of progress over a decade but even a regression, it’s no wonder everyone present with vested interests in the industry felt a bone-chilling sensation, each bearing somewhat heavy expressions.

The decline in box office revenues was bad news, no matter if they were bosses or stars.

If the decline continues, how many more years can they earn money in this industry?

After Lin Xueming concluded, Tang Wei continued the conversation, "The issues Director Lin mentioned are also something I’ve been pondering over frequently this year, like why audiences no longer enjoy watching films, or why people are reluctant to spend money at theaters now..."

Wu Mu was not in a hurry, continuing to stand and listen.

But Lin Qingyue’s mother didn’t keep him waiting long; she proactively gestured for him to come over.

Wu Mu walked over lightly from the edge.

Sitting on the sofa, Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, slightly raised her head and looked at him, speaking gently, "Is it Wu Mu?"

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

"You know me?"

"Director Lin has mentioned you," Wu Mu habitually referred to Lin as Director Lin, and another Director Lin nearby glanced at him.

"Why didn’t she come?"

"She’s still tied up with matters on set and can’t get away."

Du Lan’s attitude toward Wu Mu was surprisingly affable.

She chatted with Wu Mu like any ordinary elder.

They exchanged some simple words, when suddenly, a bejeweled woman sitting on the sofa interrupted, "Alan, aren’t you going to introduce us?"

Du Lan beamed, "Does he even need an introduction? Just look at how distinctive he is."

However, joking aside, she proceeded to introduce Wu Mu, "Wu Mu, this is Yao Ping, the wife of Boss Ji from Light Shadow Media."

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

The woman called Yao Ping glanced at Du Lan and teased, "Why do you call Alan "Aunt Lan" but addressed me as Mrs. Yao?"

Wu Mu was quick to adapt, "Aunt Yao."

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

--------

As Wu Mu was getting ready for his second entry, the broadcasting of the Six Seven gala finally began after a half-hour delay.

In Zhang Li’s small apartment, both Zhang Li and Han Yan were undoubtedly eagerly awaiting in front of the computer screen.

Originally, they had no interest in the Six Seven gala, and even if they did watch, it would be the overwhelming guest lineup and grander production at CCTV Six Seven, or the more entertaining and youth-oriented Shacheng Six Seven.

Beijing TV Station’s mediocre position truly failed to inspire any interest.

However, having Wu Mu on the show changed everything.

As Wu Gou’s "black fans," how could they possibly miss such a show, especially when there’s big gossip to follow!

Han Yan had the bullet screen open, and as soon as the broadcast refreshed, people began frantically spamming anti-Wu Mu comments.

Han Yan laughed heartily, "Haha, they are really persistent, considering Beijing TV Station is clearly pretending dead to protect Wu Mu, yet they’re still here boosting the program’s view count."

Zhang Li also chuckled, "Since it’s already started, they can’t just leave it unfinished."

Indeed, most casual spectators wouldn’t continue to follow this indefinitely, but the fans of Xiao Yi and the anti-Wu Mu crowd, once involved, wouldn’t just leave the matter unresolved.

---------

Xiao Yi stood beneath the gray shades of the mountains and seas of China, singing emotionally:

"That year, you were my age, as young as a fledgling song."

"But to create that new world of dreams, you turned swiftly into the storms and rains."

Hmm?

Du Xingguo instinctively glanced at his family’s granddaughter.

Just this?

Even though he isn’t a professional, he could tell that this person couldn’t compare to the previous singer, even though he’d already been autotuned, keeping the pitch and sound quality acceptable, but the voice felt weak, lacking any sort of infectiousness.

What’s so spectacular about this?

Hu Qing also didn’t see what was so great about it.

Xu Zhichun continued into the second verse:

Beijing TV Station’s mediocre position truly failed to inspire any interest.

However, having Wu Mu on the show changed everything.

As Wu Gou’s "black fans," how could they possibly miss such a show, especially when there’s big gossip to follow!

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