This celebrity became even more popular after being exposed of having multiple girlfriends-Chapter 617 - 420

He and Yang Rongfa walked toward the small lounge.

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

Lin Xueming was indeed there, sitting on a sofa in the center, holding a wine glass as if he was saying something.

There were a lot of people sitting around him, two of whom had a very boss-like demeanor, and next to them stood several middle-aged men who looked like they were handlers of artists.

Wearing a cotton beret, obviously trying to cover something, but still unable to hide the bald spot on his head, Director Tang Wei. Named with the word "Fang" in it, but towering over everyone else present, Director Xie Chunfang.

And...

Wu Mu paused in his steps.

A woman in her forties, wearing a black fitted suit and pearl necklace, quietly chatting and laughing with people nearby, looking elegant and dignified.

Lin Qingyue’s mother is here too?

This was his first time seeing Lin Qingyue’s mother in person. He’d never encountered her during his visits to Lin Qingyue’s home before.

However, Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, was an established actress from the last generation in the industry. He had seen photos of her, so he recognized her.

Wu Mu paused for a moment before continuing to walk forward.

He hadn’t taken two steps when he saw another familiar face.

On the side of the small lounge, a man in his thirties was standing with a plate in one hand, listening intently to Lin Xueming.

It’s Geng Wei.

The original boss of Xiao Yi Company, who wanted to sign him, and then turned hostile, vowing to blacklist him when he refused.

But Wu Mu didn’t really care about him, so he kept walking forward without stopping.

As he got closer, he could hear Lin Xueming’s voice, "This year’s film market situation can be described as shocking. The official data from the National Film Bureau has not been released yet, but I have received detailed information from their director, Cao Guang. This year’s total box office in the film market is 42.5 billion, a 21% decline compared to last year’s same period."

Lin Xueming paused in his serious tone; he noticed Wu Mu approaching.

He wasn’t the only one; everyone in the small lounge had seen him by now.

The faces of people in the lounge varied, some of whom were only there for show, looked slightly surprised, as if wondering why this unexpected guest was here.

The big shots like the two major company bosses and directors Tang Wei and Xie Chunfang glanced at him but didn’t pay much attention.

Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, initially seemed not to recognize him, staring at Wu Mu’s face for half a second before her expression indicated realization.

And... Geng Wei.

When he saw Wu Mu, his expression visibly darkened, and when their gazes met, he forced a grin that didn’t reach his eyes.

Wu Mu naturally didn’t care about him; he barely glanced at him before looking away.

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

"This year’s total number of moviegoers also saw a substantial drop; this year’s number is 1.01 billion, compared to last year’s 1.299 billion, nearly 300 million less. Compared to 2019, it is even worse; the total box office in 2019 was 64.2 billion, a 33.9% decline. Five years later, our total film box office hasn’t increased but continuously declined."

After a brief pause, Lin Xueming didn’t finish his speech; just after looking at Wu Mu, he continued speaking.

Wu Mu didn’t pay attention, standing on the edge of the small lounge.

"It’s fair to say that this level is even lower than a decade ago in 2015; in 2015, the annual total box office was 44 billion. Our industry’s overall revenue has directly regressed to the level of ten years ago. This alarming figure, I believe, is worthy of reflection from us filmmakers as to what reasons caused such a result."

Lin Xueming was talking about the shrinking film market.

This has indeed been the trend for the past few years. The film market has been declining year after year and, rather than heralding a golden age as everyone expected a few years ago, it has directly regressed to the level of a decade ago.

Because the data is so obvious and exaggerated, the fact that there’s been no growth in ten years but rather a regression undoubtedly made these individuals related to the industry feel a chilling realization, and each face bore a bit of heaviness.

The decline in film box office is a huge problem for them, whether they are bosses or celebrities.

If it continues to decline like this, how many more years can they make money in the industry?

Tang Wei picked up the conversation after Lin Xueming, "The issues brought up by Director Lin are also topics I often ponder this year. Why do audiences no longer enjoy watching movies? Why are people unwilling to spend money going to the cinema?"

Wu Mu wasn’t in a hurry, continuing to stand and listen.

However, Lin Qingyue’s mother didn’t make him wait long, as she took the initiative to wave him over.

Wu Mu walked over quietly from the edge.

Sitting on the sofa, Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, slightly lifted her head to look at him, her tone light and gentle, "You’re Wu Mu, right?"

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

"You recognize me?"

"Director Lin mentioned you to me." Wu Mu habitually referred to Director Lin, and another Director Lin glanced at him from the side.

"Why didn’t she come?"

"She still needs to handle things for the production crew and can’t get away."

Du Lan’s attitude was surprisingly kind, counter to Wu Mu’s expectations.

She chatted with him like an ordinary elder.

While they chatted briefly, a woman adorned in jewels sitting on the adjacent sofa interjected, "Alan, aren’t you going to introduce us?"

Du Lan smiled, "Does he really need my introduction? He’s so recognizable."

Although she said that, she still introduced Wu Mu, "Wu Mu, this is Boss Ji from Light Shadow Media’s wife, Yao Ping."

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

The woman named Yao Ping glanced at Du Lan, teasingly, "Why do you call her Aunt Lan but address me as Mrs. Yao?"

Wu Mu smoothly replied, "Aunt Yao."

Just as Tang Wei and the others finished speaking, Du Lan simply began introducing Wu Mu to everyone.

--------

When Wu Mu was preparing for his second performance, after a half-hour delay, the six-seven evening gala broadcast finally began.

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

Initially, they weren’t very interested in the six-seven gala. Even if they wanted to watch, they would prefer the CCTV six-seven, which had stronger guest line-ups and higher production values, or the more entertaining and youth-oriented Shacheng six-seven.

Beijing TV Station, being so mediocre, really didn’t pique any interest.

But if the show featured Wu Mu, that would change things.

As ardent "anti-fans" of Wu Mu, they couldn’t possibly miss such a show, especially as there promised to be some excitement.

Han Yan had the live chat open, and as soon as the gala refreshed, the chat was flooded with people spamming messages to boycott Wu Mu. ƒreewebɳovel.com

Han Yan chuckled at the chat, "Haha, they haven’t given up yet. Beijing TV Station is clearly intent on playing dumb and protecting him, yet they still come over to increase the program’s view count."

Zhang Li also laughed, "After all, it’s already started, they can’t just stop abruptly."

Hmm, most bystanders wouldn’t continue following this matter, but Xiao Yi’s fans and Wu Mu’s haters, once they’ve started, wouldn’t end it so quickly.

---------

Xiao Yi stood against the grey backdrop of the country’s landscapes, singing with apparent emotion:

"That year you were as young as me, young like a fresh song."

"But to create that new world of dreams, you turned and walked swiftly into the stormy winds."

Hmm?

Du Xingguo instinctively glanced at his own granddaughter.

Just this?

Even if he’s not a professional, he could tell this person couldn’t compare at all to the previous performer on the program. Despite being tuned, the pitch and effect had no major issues, yet the voice felt faint and lacked any infectiousness.

What’s so impressive about this?

Hu Qing didn’t understand what was so good about it either.

Xu Zhichun continued with the second verse:

"I see countless lovely people like you, running into the smoke and flames without looking back."

"Many youthful silhouettes disappeared into the night, bringing dawn in return."

Du Xingguo completely lost interest, shaking his head, "I really can’t appreciate you youngsters’ things."

Hu Qing couldn’t help but chuckle, "Qingyue, this level shouldn’t be yours."

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