Chapter 193: Chapter 166: Luncheon (Part 2)
Gu Bai certainly knew what was going on, but he didn’t give any explanation, taking their speculation as a matter of course.
"Alright, the luncheon has already started, let’s go and dine first."
Under Gu Bai’s invitation, everyone returned to the high-level banquet hall once more.
The table was already laden with sumptuous food.
Truffle and wild mushroom soup, herb beef, creamy shrimp balls, double vegetable in superior broth, boiled cabbage in consommé, sauce-grilled cod, and a series of national banquet-level dishes appeared extraordinarily luxurious.
As the host, Gu Bai also toasted the guests.
But each time he merely touched his lips to the glass in token, otherwise, going around to dozens of tables, he would surely end up sprawling on the floor.
Wang Zhongjun’s mind was filled with what Cui Hong just said, unable to eat peacefully, he couldn’t help but probe Gu Bai: "Chairman Gu, you’re vigorously developing cinemas now, you must have a high opinion of the current entertainment industry, right?"
Gu Bai also sensed Wang Zhongjun’s probing, put his chopsticks on the ceramic rest, and wiped his mouth.
"Of course, now as living standards improve, the entertainment industry is naturally thriving, I can’t think of a reason not to be optimistic."
Hearing Gu Bai’s smooth answer, Wang Zhongjun couldn’t help but ask again: "Then what insights do you have on the current entertainment industry, President Gu?"
"I wouldn’t call it insights, the entertainment industry itself is a reflection of culture, it’s a cultural industry that people focus on during their leisure time. As long as the country becomes stronger, the entertainment circle will develop better, but..."
Gu Bai left it hanging.
"But what?"
"But it’s important to ensure that this cultural output is healthy and uplifting. Just because no one touches certain things now, doesn’t mean no one will ever touch them. By saying this, Chairman Wang, do you understand what I mean?"
At this point, Gu Bai didn’t know if Angela’s Photoshop head-swapping incident had occurred, but it’s undeniable that currently, none of Huayi’s artists are clean.
"Chairman Gu, could you be more explicit?"
"I can’t say too much but I can tell you, don’t be fooled by the calmness of the entertainment circle now, next year it will face its first major upheaval."
It’s not that Gu Bai was speaking without basis, next year’s so-called industry upheaval refers to the sensational event...
But don’t think it’s just one, she was merely made the scapegoat.
Who dares to claim that any of these stars have clean hands?
At this point, it was no longer a hint but a clear indication.
Wang Zhongjun, a titan in the industry, instantly understood Gu Bai’s meaning and secretly resolved that once he returned, he’d issue orders to keep his artists in line.
The wine had gone around three times, and the dishes had showcased all five flavors.
Gu Bai stood up and somewhat apologetically said to Secretary Li, Wang Zhongjun, Qi Jianhong, and others, "Please continue enjoying the meal, I need to excuse myself for a moment, as this is a company-wide banquet, as chairman, I need to express my gratitude to the other guests."
Secretary Li adjusted his glasses and smiled, "Chairman Gu is being too polite, it’s what’s expected."
Qi Jianhong and Wang Zhongjun also smiled and said it was alright.
After speaking, Gu Bai, along with Mr. Shao, Xiao Qiang, and five other board members, headed to the regular banquet hall.
Upon reaching the regular banquet hall, Gu Bai first approached a table full of celebrities. Although their fame was immense, only Huang Xiaoming and Li Yin Yin, as shareholders of Huayi, were invited to the high-level banquet hall; the others weren’t eligible for such an invitation.
In the face of capital, no matter how famous you are, it will always be insignificant.
Mao Buyi was also seated at this table as a representative artist from Black Swan Entertainment. Currently, Black Swan Entertainment doesn’t have many artists under its wing, so as the artist Gu Bai specifically wanted to promote, Mao Buyi naturally became the number one artist in the company.
Seeing Gu Bai approaching, Mao Buyi promptly stood up.
"Chairman Gu!"
Hearing his greeting, Gu Bai smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
Beside Mao Buyi were a few other artists from Black Swan Entertainment, who also stood up to greet Gu Bai.
Among these people, Gu Bai only found Xiao Zhan somewhat familiar, the others he didn’t recognize, but as employees of his own company, he naturally greeted them with a smile.
Yi Jiahui handed a filled wine glass to Gu Bai.
"Your presence at this luncheon is a token of your respect for our company, so as the host, allow me to toast to all of you."
After speaking, he lightly touched the glass to his lips before handing it back to Yi Jiahui.
Seeing Gu Bai being so cordial, none of these celebrities dared to act arrogantly, they all stood up, drinking from their glasses in a rush, overwhelmed by courtesy and fear.
With Gu Bai’s status, he could afford just a slight acknowledgment, but if they dared to do the same, it would be equivalent to not giving him face; in such a setting, it would be akin to seeking death.
Mr. Gu Bai watched Xiao Zhan for a couple of seconds, this top-tier celebrity from his past life behaved very reservedly around him.
"Your name is Xiao Zhan, right?"
Hearing Gu Bai’s question, Xiao Zhan quickly replied, "Yes, I didn’t expect Chairman Gu to recognize me."
Gu Bai smiled faintly. Xiao Zhan becoming a top celebrity wasn’t without reason, his appearance alone gave him the capital to rise to fame.
"Improve your acting skills, and the company won’t treat you poorly."
Since Wajijiwa was acquired by Gu Bai, he wasn’t just going to follow the traffic-only route; capturing both traffic and works is the right way.
"Thank you, President Gu, for your concern, I’ll definitely strive to improve my acting!"
Although he knew Gu Bai was merely making casual remarks, Xiao Zhan understood that given Gu Bai’s status, even his casual words could bring him great benefits, as the company’s resource allocation was just a matter of Gu Bai’s command. Gaining a bit of favor in front of him would greatly benefit his development.
Gu Bai once again smiled and nodded, then turned to Zheng Kai standing on the other side, and said with a smile, "Senior, do you remember me?"
Zheng Kai knew Gu Bai was joking and smiled back as he answered, "For Chairman Gu to remember me, it’s quite astonishing. How could I dare to forget Chairman Gu?"
The big star before others now seemed like a humble little person, but no one showed disdain, and there was even a bit of envy because at least Zheng Kai could speak with Gu Bai.
"It won’t be long before our alma mater, Shanghai Theatre Academy, has its annual anniversary celebration. As the head of external liaison, I’ll be in the organizing committee. Please don’t refuse my invitation for you, senior, to attend. Oh, and senior Chen Chichi too."
"Although we’ve graduated, we’re still part of the school, as we should be,"
Chen Chichi quickly answered, not expecting Gu Bai to mention him.
"Alright, enjoy your food and drink. If you need anything, feel free to contact our public relations department."
After saying this, he left the table, watched by a throng of celebrities.
"Zheng Kai, is Chairman Gu from our Shanghai Theatre Academy?"
Chen Chichi asked Zheng Kai in surprise.
Zheng Kai, casting a sidelong glance at Chen Chichi, helplessly replied, "You’re only finding out today? You know those seniors and alumni from our school in the entertainment industry have long been scheming to get onto Chairman Gu’s great ship."
After Zheng Kai spoke, Chen Chichi got excited.
"I heard Chairman Gu’s film projects are set to dominate next year’s screens, do you think I might have a chance at a role? You know I’m almost typecast as a comedian now, if I don’t chase transformation, there won’t be any development later on."
Zheng Kai: "I don’t know, if you have the guts, go ask Chairman Gu yourself."
The two not only were classmates but also artists in the same company, currently partners in a popular variety show, so they spoke very candidly.
"Then forget it... even having the label of an alumni doesn’t matter much."
After Chen Chichi finished speaking, he looked at Mao Buyi and Xiao Zhan with some envy. As artists under Gu Bai’s company, the resources naturally fell into their laps, for a moment, he even contemplated switching companies.
But Mao Buyi and Xiao Zhan didn’t take it to heart, somewhat embodying the "blessed but unaware" mindset.
Mao Buyi only wanted to focus on making music, while Xiao Zhan was still a completely new face who wouldn’t ask for such things.
Now, Gu Bai had clearly become a major player in the entertainment industry wielding significant resources.