CHAPTER 350: CHAPTER 343: YOUR WIFE IS IN MY HANDS

The scenes in the vast desert are heavy, mostly action scenes, and occasionally the weather is still a bit hot. Being wrapped tightly in costumes from head to toe, it’s hard to describe how uncomfortable it is.

But for Qi Hao, it’s not a problem.

He’s young.

Plus, he’s someone who practices martial arts regularly.

In contrast, Li Lianjie is truly getting old. Slightly overexert himself, and he’s gasping for air, and for slightly complex movements, he requires a stunt double.

However, his skill level is evident, and his shot approval rate is still very high.

Qi Hao’s shot approval rate is even higher than his.

Whether it’s a literary scene or a martial arts scene, it gives Li Lianjie a sense of being outshone by the newer generations.

He can’t help but wonder, if Qi Hao had debuted earlier, in the same era as him, who would have stood out?

So his feelings towards Qi Hao are quite complex.

On one hand, there’s jealousy.

Not all the elderly feel comforted upon seeing young people continuing the legacy of the industry.

They glance at the young, then look at themselves.

Deep down, jealousy starts to brew.

Of course, the premise is that this young person must be very successful, matching his success.

Otherwise, in his eyes, you’re just a clown.

He’d be full of superiority, with no reason to be jealous of you at all.

On the other hand, there’s exploitation.

Li Lianjie set up a charity fund, but so far he’s only been in contact with people like Jack Ma.

However, people in the entertainment industry are seen as mere actors by these groups, and they don’t take him seriously.

Even gaining Singaporean citizenship hasn’t helped him.

He simply can’t integrate into their core circles.

But Qi Hao is different. Qi Hao is also in the entertainment industry; he couldn’t possibly look down on his own background.

If he could collaborate with Qi Hao, then Qi Hao’s network could be beneficial for him.

Panda, Sina, Maotai, BYD...

Thus, Li Lianjie is very considerate towards Qi Hao on set.

Often chatting and laughing together with Qi Hao.

And Qi Hao also gives him face, addressing him as Brother Jie at every turn, but when it comes to cooperation, he makes no promises at all.

He does charity all by himself.

At most, he just channels funds through some public welfare foundations, and it’s absolutely impossible to cooperate with private equity funds.

Public welfare funds are full of tricks, let alone private ones—especially those closely tied to big capital.

Using a line from "Let the Bullets Fly," it’s just like "returning the gentry’s money fully, splitting the common folks’ money seven to three."

On October 16, the 30th Public Film Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony was held at the Jiangyin International Convention and Exhibition Center, and Qi Hao left under the wistful gaze of Xu Ke.

Qi Hao is playing two roles, nearly having scenes every day.

Moreover, Qi Hao is also an extremely skilled director who can step in as the execution director without any pressure.

Qi Hao is also willing to help for free.

Additionally, for some unknown reason, Xu Ke feels Qi Hao truly understands him.

Qi Hao knows exactly what he’s thinking.

Many times, a single glance can convey everything.

Having Qi Hao around saves Xu Ke a lot of effort, to the point he feels he can’t do without Qi Hao for even a day.

Even if taking just a two-day leave, Xu Ke feels like he’s being cut.

However, he can’t not let Qi Hao leave.

Given Qi Hao’s identity and status, his appearance as Yu Huatian is already a favor.

Nevertheless, he didn’t let An Feng leave.

Your wife is in my hands, you’d better hurry back to work.

Qi Hao walked the red carpet with the "Hello! Mr. Tree" film crew.

At the interview area, it was unsurprising that someone asked if An Feng was pregnant.

The reason being An Feng was recently photographed wearing a very loose-fitting dress.

Previously, when An Feng was captured by paparazzi, people’s attention was on her face.

Now everyone is looking at her belly.

"Everyone’s overthinking it."

Qi Hao wasn’t entirely sure either, after all, precautionary measures aren’t foolproof.

Additionally, the frequency of their intimate sessions had indeed increased.

Many times, it’s three times a day.

But such private matters don’t require a direct response.

The media doesn’t expect a straightforward answer from Qi Hao either.

How they write the news is all based on their own imagination; all they need is to snap photos.

Or best, capture an unusual expression from Qi Hao.

Then, various interpretations can naturally follow.

"There’s a rumor that you collaborated with Li Lianjie and starred in Xu Ke’s new film. Are you the male lead?"

The media had limited time, trying to ask everything they wanted as much as possible.

The secrecy around Xu Ke’s film was well-maintained.

All everyone knows is that it has some connection with "New Dragon Gate Inn," quite possibly a continuation of the storyline.

But how it’s arranged, no one knows.

It might still feature Zhou Huai’an as the protagonist, but it’s also possible Zhou Huai’an has trained a successor to continue the fight against the Eastern Depot. In that case, Qi Hao could likely be the main character.

Li Lianjie playing a supporting role for Qi Hao would also be a good news headline.

Under normal circumstances, Li Lianjie wouldn’t do supporting roles.

You’re not a Hollywood star.

But Qi Hao is not just any star; he’s a major player in the entertainment industry. Anyone being cast alongside him is not impossible.

"The lead male role is definitely Jie."

Qi Hao was speechless; these media are just hoping to see them go at each other day and night.

He truly has no beef with Li Lianjie.

They’re not even in the same league.

Li Lianjie belongs to the veteran league, while he’s still considered a young face.

"Do you and Zhou Xun have any daring scenes in the movie?"

The media knows the likely cast but doesn’t know which roles each actor is playing.

"Director Xu Ke hasn’t disclosed that to everyone, so it needs to be kept secret. I can’t say."

Qi Hao chuckled sarcastically.

An Feng is also in the film, and you want me and Zhou Xun to play some bold scenes in front of her.

Who wrote this script, some Neon screenwriter?

"Today Zhou Ruifa is here. It’s said he originally had a chance to star in Jiang Wen’s new movie ’Let the Bullets Fly,’ but you vetoed it. Is there any truth to this?"

The media dug another pit for Qi Hao.

One pitfall after another, betting you can’t escape being buried.

"That’s definitely a rumor..." Qi Hao denied it without hesitation, clarifying seriously, "Every decision regarding ’Let the Bullets Fly’ is made by Director Jiang Wen. Whether he intends to invite Zhou Ruifa, I don’t know. I only cameoed in the movie and at most participated in production. You all should know that Director Jiang Wen can’t easily be swayed."

"However..."

The media was not satisfied with this explanation.

You’re kidding yourself. You’re the biggest producer; if you refuse Zhou Ruifa, he’s out.

"I know everyone might often hear some industry gossip, but it’s clearly unreliable. Whether Fa wants to act or Jiang Wen wants to invite him, it’d be mutually desirable. What’s the reason cooperation couldn’t happen?"

Qi Hao retorted.

"Could it be because Zhou Ruifa is too expensive?"

The media steered the narrative towards "Qi Hao found Zhou Ruifa too expensive, rejected his role in ’Let the Bullets Fly’."

It could even imply Qi Hao deemed Zhou Ruifa’s reputation unworthy.

"Expensive? There’s a reason for being expensive. I think Fa is underestimated; he hardly asks for a high fee. At Fa’s level and status, money is no longer his main criterion for choosing roles; he certainly has deeper considerations."

Qi Hao looked reverent.

If Zhou Ruifa were to pass by now, he might be moved.

"There’s news that Zhao Yanzi’s ’Hua Mulan’ was withdrawn from the nominations, mainly at Qi Hao’s instruction. Is there any truth to this?"

The media refused to give up and decided to involve another popular figure.

They actually didn’t know Lu Yu was also manipulated by Qi Hao’s side; otherwise, she could be a topic as well.

"Zhao Yanzi? I’m not familiar with her!"

This time, Qi Hao didn’t bother smoothing things over.

But he didn’t directly say Zhao Yanzi joined Ming Guang Association and colluded with foreign capital.

That would easily provoke counterattacks.

Because there’s no evidence at all.

Being associated with bad people doesn’t necessarily mean you are bad.

In modern law society, even being friends or lovers with bad people doesn’t implicate you.

So, Qi Hao just lightly said he wasn’t familiar.

It showed distance and wouldn’t give opponents ammunition.

As for whether people might feel he has animosity towards Zhao Yanzi.

Who the hell cares.

As Zhanqi Laiden said, sometimes Qi Hao indeed needs to realize he’s mighty.

He can fully express hostility towards Zhao Yanzi in public.

Because he doesn’t need to care about Zhao Yanzi’s thoughts.

After a while, with time almost up, Qi Hao, along with Han Jie and Tan Nao, headed backstage.

There were already quite a few people inside.

Not sure if it was an illusion, but Qi Hao felt everyone’s gaze was a bit off.

Seemed to have some apprehension and reverence.

Thinking of today’s media questions, ones involving An Feng and Zhou Xun can be disregarded, so it’s about Zhou Ruifa and Zhao Yanzi.

Zhou Ruifa is a Xiangjiang big shot actor.

Years ago, Zhang Yimou paid 40 million to invite Zhou Ruifa to star in ’Curse of the Golden Flower,’ but Zhou Ruifa made a request: "Rent me a 5 million luxury trailer with a private bathroom; I don’t like public toilets."

Zhang Yimou had no choice but to agree.

But Zhang Weiping was furious, seeking Zhou Ruifa for reasoning: "When you shoot in Xiangjiang and Hollywood, why not demand a luxury car rental there? Once you come to the mainland, you start with all sorts of special requests?"

Regardless, the luxury trailer was there.

Just for a toilet.

This time when Jiang Wen filmed a new movie, he intended to collaborate with Zhou Ruifa... a historic moment many anticipated.

However, the movie ended up featuring Liang Jiahui.

Zhou Ruifa didn’t even join the crew.

How can Liang Jiahui compare with Zhou Ruifa?

It’s said when Liang Jiahui starred in ’The Burning of the Yuanming Garden’ and ’Regent,’ he refused to write a letter of remorse, getting banned by Taiwan.

It’s said Zhou Ruifa helped lift it.

But now Liang Jiahui snagged Zhou Ruifa’s role.

There are rumors Liang Jiahui’s participation gained support from ’Let the Bullets Fly’ producer Qi Hao.

Qi Hao disliked Zhou Ruifa and kicked him out of the crew.

Times change; once a giant, now getting troubled by a newcomer.

Double-week one Cheng, during Zhou Ruifa’s reign over Xiangjiang’s entertainment circle, Qi Hao hadn’t even debuted.