This celebrity became even more popular after being exposed of having multiple girlfriends-Chapter 625 - 424_2

She paused for a moment, her face rarely showing a trace of a smile, "We were just in the venue too, my friends almost wanted to cover their ears at your first song." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

Wu Mu laughed heartily, "Well, that’s not on me. There was nothing wrong with my singing."

Wu Mu chatted casually with Su Meng, quickly sending Su Meng home, a large courtyard not far from the Forbidden City in the Upper City District.

Hmm, confirmed, another Heavenly Dragon People.

Wu Mu was quite surprised, although from daily words and actions, it could be seen that Su Meng’s family seemed quite wealthy.

But didn’t expect them to be this wealthy.

Just this courtyard, estimated to be at least

The host was temporarily unseen, Yang Rongfa asked, "Quite a few influential directors and bosses from film companies came today. Do you want me to introduce you?"

This is an opportunity for normal insiders.

Getting to know more people is always good.

But... recalling the experience from that previous gala, Yang Rongfa wisely chose to ask first.

Wu Mu shook his head, "No..."

However, halfway through shaking, his gaze swept past a figure in a small guest lounge next to the main living room that was obscured, his pace paused slightly.

"Director Lin is here too?" Wu Mu asked Yang Rongfa.

He naturally wasn’t referring to Lin Qingyue, but Lin Qingyue’s father Lin Xueming.

Though Lin Qingyue could come back tonight, but needed to deal with crew matters and wouldn’t appear here.

Moreover, he had mentioned to Lin Qingyue during their morning chat about attending this gala, if Lin Qingyue were also coming, it would be impossible not to tell him.

"Yes, Tang Wei and Xie Chunfang are also here." Yang Rongfa nodded.

Wu Mu thought for a moment, these two were also high-level directors in the circle like Lin Xueming, belonging to the top figures in the circle.

But he didn’t expect to cozy up to these directors for resources, so it was no big deal with these two.

However, with Lin Xueming here, not going up to greet would be inappropriate.

"I’ll go say hi to Director Lin." He directly stepped toward the small guest lounge.

"Director Lin and the others are here, are you going to say hi?" Yang Rongfa leaned over and whispered.

As he spoke, he pointed with his finger toward the small guest lounge next to the main living room.

The small guest lounge seemed to be a regular private meeting place, blocked in the middle with decor, making it hard to see the full view, only showing that it was smaller and more compact than here.

Over there, couches were closer, where many people were chatting.

Director Lin?

Wu Mu thought for a moment in his mind, immediately knowing it was Lin Qingyue’s father Lin Xueming.

Though Lin Qingyue might return tonight, she still had to handle crew matters and wouldn’t appear here.

Moreover, he talked with Lin Qingyue that morning about attending this gala; if Lin Qingyue were coming, he couldn’t possibly not be informed.

"I’ll go say hi." He nodded.

With Lin Xueming here, he definitely needed to go say hello.

"Light Shadow Media and Yahua Film and Television’s bosses, along with Directors Tang and Xie are also here." Yang Rongfa whispered again.

Light Shadow Media, Yahua Film and Television?

Even if Wu Mu wasn’t deeply engaged in the circle, he knew these two companies. If Yang Rongfa’s company was mid-tier in the industry, these two were undoubtedly upper-tier.

Not only were they listed companies, but they also produced major films annually, and had artist management, with many star clients.

No explanation needed for these two.

As for Director Tang and Director Xie?

Certainly worthy of Yang Rongfa’s specific mention, definitely not simple figures.

Wu Mu thought for a moment and immediately knew who they were.

They were Tang Wei and Xie Chunfang.

At the same level as Lin Xueming, well established in the circle, veteran with status and fame.

All the big shots are over there.

He and Yang Rongfa walked toward the small guest lounge.

Once closer, he could see the situation over there.

Lin Xueming was actually there, sitting on a central couch, holding a wine glass, seemingly speaking.

Surrounded by many people, including two with boss vibes, a few men with artists by their sides.

Director Tang, wearing a cotton beret seemingly to cover something, yet unable to hide his balding head, and towering figure Shie Chunfang, taller than anyone else present.

And...

Wu Mu’s pace paused.

A woman around forty, in a fitted black ensemble, pearl necklace, talking softly and elegantly with a person next to her.

Lin Qingyue’s mother is here too?

It’s the first time Wu Mu saw Lin Qingyue’s mother in person, never encountering her before at Lin Qingyue’s home.

Yet Lin Qingyue’s mother, Du Lan, a veteran actress from a previous generation, was recognizable from photos.

Wu Mu paused then continued moving forward.

But after two steps, another familiar face appeared.

Near the edge of the small guest lounge was a man around thirty, holding a plate, straightening up, seemingly listening attentively to Lin Xueming speak.

Geng Wei.

The initial boss from Xiao Yi Company who wanted to sign him, then was angered after rejection and tried to ruin him.

Though Wu Mu was uninterested, he didn’t stop and continued forward.

Getting closer, Lin Xueming’s voice could be heard, "This year’s film market situation can be described as alarming. The National Film Bureau’s official data isn’t released yet, but I’ve asked their bureau chief Cao Guang for details. This year’s total box office is 42.5 billion, a 21% decrease compared to last year’s same period."

Lin Xueming’s solemn voice paused as he noticed Wu Mu approaching.

Not just him, but everyone in the small guest lounge also saw him.

The attendees had varied expressions; a few apparent celebrities tagging along looked slightly surprised, as seeing him, a rare guest.

The two major company bosses and the big shots like Director Tang and Director Xie glanced over indifferently.

Lin Qingyue’s mother Du Lan hadn’t initially reacted, her gaze lingered on Wu Mu’s face for half a second before recognition dawned.

Also... Geng Wei.

Upon seeing Wu Mu, his complexion visibly darkened, his forced smile a façade as his eyes met Wu Mu’s.

Wu Mu paid no mind, simply glancing by.

This indifferent demeanor undoubtedly made Geng Wei’s expression even sourer.

"This year’s total viewing also declined noticeably, 1.01 billion this year, compared to 1.299 billion last year, dropping nearly 300 million. It’s even worse compared to 2019, with a total box office of 64.2 billion, a 33.9% fall. Five years on, and our total box office hasn’t increased, instead, it’s been shrinking annually."

Lin Xueming slightly paused but didn’t stop speaking, continuing once seeing Wu Mu.

Wu Mu didn’t mind, standing at the small guest lounge edge.

"It’s even lower than ten years ago in 2015, where the full-year box office was 44 billion. Our industry revenue has regressed a decade. These alarming numbers are worth contemplation by us filmmakers, looking into the causes of this result."

Lin Xueming discussed the subject of the shrinking film market.

Indeed, this has been the trend for several years, with the market declining annually, contrary to earlier expectations of a thriving era, even regressing a decade.

The stark, exaggerated data made these closely involved insiders feel a penetrating chill, each showing traces of heaviness.

Box office decline is considerable bad news whether for bosses or celebrities.

If the decrease persists, how many years of profit remain in the industry?

Tang Wei picked up after Lin Xueming, "The issues Director Lin mentioned have been my thoughts this year as well, why audiences no longer enjoy watching movies, why people are reluctant to spend on cinema..."

Read 𝓁at𝙚st chapters at (f)re𝒆we(b)novel.com Only