Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 140 Online Discussion

12 month 25 day.

A week has passed, and the discussion surrounding "A Bloodbath Caused by a Steamed Bun" has not subsided; in fact, it seems to be escalating.

More and more netizens who have watched "The Promise" online are joining the ranks of parodies and satires.

Poet Chen was also forced to say the classic line, "No one will be able to understand 'The Promise' within ten years."

Netizens, always eager for a good spectacle, even compared "Painted Skin" and "The Promise".

Although the plot of "Painted Skin" is just a melodramatic love triangle between humans and demons, at least the audience can understand it. In addition, the amazing special effects and the actors' accurate performances have made it a hit.

As for "The Promise," the plot was completely incomprehensible, the visuals were dazzlingly beautiful, and the special effects were poorly made, which led to its continued decline in reputation.

Along with its declining reputation, box office revenue has also plummeted.

After ten days in theaters, the cumulative box office has barely exceeded 1 million yuan.

Daily box office revenue has now plummeted to 200 million.

And it continues to fall.

This epic production, which cost 3.4 million yuan to produce, may not even finish its theatrical run before being abandoned by theaters.

Now, theaters are giving it less than 10% of their screenings, which is less than "Painted Skin," which has been showing for 25 days.

Although "Painted Skin" has passed its box office boom period, it is still able to maintain a daily box office of four to five million.

It is steadily moving towards the 300 million mark.

On December 28, the box office of "Painted Skin" officially surpassed 300 million yuan.

It became the third film in Chinese film history to break the 300 million yuan mark at the box office, and the first domestic film to do so.

When this news appeared online, it caused another huge uproar.

Netizens have shifted their focus from parodying "The Promise" to "Painted Skin" and Fu Yibai.

"Damn! It's already broken 3 million?"

Is Boss Bai really that successful this year?

"Just came from the Telecommunications Institute, and watched 'Painted Skin' for the second time. To be honest, the special effects of 'Painted Skin' alone are worth the box office."

"Boss Bai is really awesome, making two movies in one year, one worth over 400 million and the other over 300 million."

That adds up to almost 800 million.

"The key point is that he wrote and directed both films himself! Is he even human?"

"I've been following him since 'Black Coal, Thin Ice,' when he was just an art-house film director. Who would have thought that in less than three years he would become the box office king?"

"Let's have a rational discussion: Is Fu Yibai currently the top director in China?"

"Is there even a question? The box office numbers speak for themselves, and the awards speak for themselves."

If not the first, then what?

"Zhang Yimou must be crying in the bathroom. The record of 2.5 million yuan for 'Hero' has just been broken, and now it's been stabbed again."

"Poet Chen is in an even worse situation. 'The Promise' had a 3.4 million yuan investment, and its box office has barely surpassed 1 million yuan. Aren't those investors going to eat him alive?"

"Don't mention 'The Promise,' I just came out of the movie theater."

All I want to say is, "Give me back my ticket money!"

"Speaking back to Director Fu, I just want to ask one question—is Fan Binbin actually his girlfriend?"

"Ask the same question.

This is outrageous! She's the lead actress in both "Inception" and "Painted Skin."

"Why would someone treat someone who isn't your girlfriend like this?"

If I were Fan Binbin, I'd just marry him.

"Hehe, you guys are too naive."

I have a friend who works in the industry, and I heard that Director Fu has had affairs with several female celebrities... never mind, I won't say more, I'm afraid my post will be deleted.

"Damn it, just finish what you were saying."

"There's nothing to say, those who know, know."

Director Fu is never short of women around him: Fan Binbin, Zeng Li, Hu Jing, Tang Yan—you can count them yourselves.

"Holy crap, Tang Yan too?"

"Nonsense, they're filming right now. It's an idol drama personally directed by Director Fu, specifically to promote her."

"I'm so envious! I also want to be promoted by Director Fu."

"You're a man, why are you praising me?"

"What's wrong with men? Can't Director Fu try something different?"

"Something's not right upstairs."

"I'm a 21-year-old female, a senior at Beijing Film Academy, please give me your support, Director Fu!"

DM me your contact information!

"Hey upstairs, wake up, the sun's already high in the sky."

"Tell me, how come Director Fu has such a good eye for talent? Whoever he promotes becomes famous."

"Nonsense, what resources do they have?"

The female lead in *Inception*, the female lead in *Painted Skin*, the female lead in *My Love from the Star*—even a pig could become famous if it were in those roles.

"You can't say that. Fan Binbin has acted in quite a few movies before, but he wasn't very popular."

"I only got up after following Director Fu."

"That's why the director's guidance is so important."

"I have a question, how old is Director Fu this year?"

"Born in 80, around 25 years old, I think."

"??? 25 years old? Two years younger than me?"

"Yes, you read that right, he's already an internationally renowned director at the age of 25."

"Comparing people will only lead to misery, and comparing goods will only result in them being thrown away."

"Stop talking, or I'll become withdrawn."

"Just wondering, does Director Fu have a girlfriend?"

"Upstairs, take a look at the comments on the 14th floor above."

"I don't believe it! Unless I see it with my own eyes!"

"Saw what with your own eyes? Saw him with another woman?"

"I'm a woman, and I don't mind sharing."

"??? Something's starting to go wrong with this building."

"Hilarious, where's your integrity?"

"What's the point of having any moral principles when facing a man of this caliber?"

"Indeed, he's talented, good-looking, rich, and has resources. I would have done the same."

"So the question now is, how can I get Director Fu's attention?"

"First of all, you have to be a woman."

"Secondly, you have to be good-looking."

"Again, you need to have some acting skills."

"Finally, you have to be lucky enough to meet him."

"Saying it is the same as saying nothing."

"I've decided to start staking out the entrance of Chenxi Media tomorrow."

"Remember to call me when you find a spot."

"+1"

"+1"

.........

This thread is getting increasingly off-topic, and the discussion is heading in an indescribable direction from which there is no turning back.