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Chapter 479: Chapter 479: Parents Pressuring Marriage
However, although they knew the Xu Brothers were spouting nonsense,
no one in the industry could figure out the purpose behind the Xu Brothers’ schedule change.
After all, from their perspective, a big production like "The Granting of Immortality" couldn’t possibly be afraid of Chen Yan’s small production.
Thus, from the beginning, they subconsciously eliminated this answer.
Afterwards, no matter how much they pondered, they of course couldn’t ascertain the real reason.
Among them, some people suggested in group chats or on social media that "The Granting of Immortality" might have changed its schedule to avoid "Hua Qian Gu".
However, this suggestion was quickly dismissed by others and the idea did not spread.
Nevertheless, things do not change just because people wish them to.
The day after the schedule change of "The Granting of Immortality", Chenlu Film Company also issued a brief statement announcing that "Hua Qian Gu" would change its schedule as well.
Moreover... the new date was exactly after the adjusted schedule of "The Granting of Immortality".
Seeing this, people’s interest was piqued.
After all, the provocative intent of Chenlu Film Company was too obvious.
Everyone was waiting to see how the Xu Brothers would respond.
To everyone’s surprise, the Xu Brothers changed their schedule again.
Moreover, this time, they changed four productions.
All projects that clashed with Chenlu Film Company were rescheduled to new dates.
Some even specifically gave up prime time slots.
This caused quite a stir in the industry.
Indeed, if one show changing its schedule could be an accident or coincidence, all shows making way could be seen as concrete evidence that the Xu Brothers were indeed avoiding Chenlu Film Company.
Could it be... that after dominating the film industry for twenty years, the Xu Brothers were now faltering?
Or... could it be that all these productions from Chenlu Film Company were potential blockbusters?
Immediately, well-connected individuals in the industry started to gather specific information.
Chenlu Film Company’s internal screenings were not kept secret, so it wasn’t long before a surprising fact was revealed: several of Chenlu’s upcoming series had been rated S or higher on satellite channels, platforms, and cinemas.
All satellite channels, platforms, and cinemas listed these series as potential major hits.
This surprised many people.
Four blockbusters? Surely that was a joke?
In their own company, it took hard work over five or six years to produce a single blockbuster. And now, Chenlu Film Company had easily found three or four?
While everyone was astonished,
Chenlu Film Company, indeed boldly, and despite the Xu Brothers continuously avoiding them, changed the broadcast dates of all their series the next day.
They moved them to the same dates as the Xu Brothers’ four projects.
Now, Chenlu Film Company’s intentions were clear to everyone: they were determined to challenge the Xu Brothers, and no one could persuade them otherwise.
Many shook their heads, feeling that Chenlu Film Company was being irrational.
After all, given the high risks in the entertainment industry, doesn’t every company have its low periods and failed projects?
Chenlu Film Company was being too aggressive, but let’s not forget, they still had seven or eight projects in hand.
Should any of these perform averagely, the Xu Brothers might just seize the opportunity to strike back.
It was unclear if the Xu Brothers had considered this possibility.
Thus, after changing their schedule twice and still being deliberately targeted by Chenlu Film Company, they gave up on further changes and started focusing on preparing these projects.
Exemplifying the demeanor of industry leaders.
However... internally at Xu Brothers Film Company, things were not as calm as they appeared on the outside.
Xu Brothers Film Company, the Chairman’s office.
Xu Zhaorong lit a cigar, squinted his eyes as he smoked, and listened to his brother complaining.
Xu Zhaoqing, "Damn Chen Yan and Lu Man. Are they out of their minds?!"
"Do they no longer care about face?"
"We intentionally cleared the schedule, yet they aggressively force a head-on clash!"
"Do they really think they can outperform us?"
Hearing his brother, Xu Zhaorong nodded and responded, "Indeed, they are outperforming us."
Xu Zhaoqing’s expression stiffened, and he looked incredulously at his brother, asking, "Brother. Is it really that bad?"
"I’ve seen the final product. It’s actually quite good."
Xu Zhaorong asked, "Which one did you think was good?"
Xu Zhaoqing said, "’The Granting of Immortality’ and ’The Destiny of White Snake’ are not bad."
"Of course, my favorite is still ’Magic City Fortress’. I think it could pioneer a new era of sci-fi films in our country."
As he mentioned this, Xu Zhaoqing became somewhat excited.
He said, "Brother, you haven’t read that novel, that movie."
"I tell you, it encompasses all the popular elements."
"Although it’s sci-fi, its core is a romance film."
"Plus, it includes themes of patriotism, war, action."
"I can only find one film in cinematic history that matches its caliber."
Hearing his brother so full of praise, Xu Zhaorong’s expression turned a bit strange.
However, seeing his brother making such a comparison, he curiously asked, "Which one?"
Xu Zhaoqing proudly said, "Titanic!"
Xu Zhaorong: .....
Xu Zhaoqing confidently said, "You see, don’t these two works share a similar core?"
"Both have the appearance of disaster films."
"Both have the core of romance films."
"Both have moving, heartfelt love stories and a patriotic spirit during times of disaster."
"Most importantly, both feature a handsome man taking on the lead role, which could lure countless young women into the cinemas."
Hearing his brother describe it this way, Xu Zhaorong remained motionless for more than ten seconds.
After a long while, he slowly uttered a few words, "Have you lost your mind?"
He looked at his brother with disbelief, "Do you know what you’re talking about?"
After Xu Zhaoqing finished, he didn’t feel there was anything wrong with what he had said.
But his lack of tact didn’t mean he couldn’t read the room.
Especially concerning his brother, whom he had known very well since childhood.
His response clearly showed he had a differing opinion.
Thus, Xu Zhaoqing fell silent immediately.
Xu Zhaorong took a few deep breaths, then placed the cigar on the table, and said earnestly, "Zhaoqing. Never say these things outside."
"Otherwise... I’m afraid others will..."
Xu Zhaoqing slowly formed a question mark above his head: ?
Xu Zhaorong: .....
After a moment, Xu Zhaorong said, "Forget it. Let’s not talk about this anymore."
"Let’s talk about Chen Yan instead."
He said, "Since Chen Yan doesn’t want to let us off."
"Let’s just let them win a few rounds."
Xu Zhaoqing softly said, "It might not necessarily be a loss...."
Xu Zhaorong ignored the fool.
He said, "In any case, we’ve already made our money. What’s losing a bit of face?"
"As long as we can still produce quality work, and the actors we work with continue to support us, we won’t fail."
"Business wars are long. Only winning in the end counts as a victory!"
Hearing his brother’s words, Xu Zhaoqing had his reservations, but still nodded and agreed.
Then, he asked, "So, how do we handle those few films?"
Xu Zhaorong picked up his cigar, then nonchalantly instructed, "’The Granting of Immortality’ continues as usual. Let’s just give up on the others for now."
He paused, "Oh. Don’t give up directly. You can talk to the broadcasting platforms and cinemas, and have them invest resources."
Saying this, he looked at his brother, "Just use that rhetoric you just mentioned. That state you were in."
Xu Zhaoqing: .....
"Alright...."
......
Nothing remains a secret in the industry: especially when facing a vengeful woman like Yang Rou.
The news of the Xu Brothers conceding spread quickly through certain channels to Yang Rou and also reached Chen Yan’s ears.
Upon learning that the Xu Brothers had decided to give up, Chen Yan was very pleased.
After all, he needed the Xu Brothers to back down.
Only then could Chen Yan and Yang Rou continue their planned series of maneuvers aimed at taking down the company.
Chen Yan’s company.
After Yang Rou reported everything, she looked at the man much younger than herself.
Ever since she drank Chen Yan’s "water," Yang Rou felt she had become somewhat different.
The specific manifestation is that she always felt energetic every day, and her stamina was also very sufficient. It seemed like she could go up 18 floors in one breath without getting tired.
Oh... that’s because of the elevator.
But at least, Yang Rou did not feel especially exhausted after handling a day’s work.
During this period, she had been wanting to ask Chen Yan about the secret behind it, but she didn’t know how to start the conversation.
Now, seeing that Chen Yan was in a good mood, she hesitated for a moment then asked, "President Chen, I’ve been feeling very comfortable these past few days."
Chen Yan looked up at her, smiled, and said, "Well... congratulations."
Chen Yan’s unexpected reply stifled Yang Rou’s next words.
She fell silent for a while, then tentatively added, "It started after I napped in your office."
Chen Yan blinked with a puzzled look and said, "Is that so?"
"That... It seems that you indeed need more rest."
"Just catching some sleep in my office made you feel better; that indicates you’re too worn out."
Seeing that Chen Yan was impervious to hints, Yang Rou closed her mouth.
She felt she shouldn’t have brought it up.
She was naturally reticent, and with just a few words, Chen Yan easily blocked her attempt.
At this moment, Chen Yan almost burst out laughing internally.
He found Yang Rou’s temperament extremely amusing; clearly curious about that day’s event, but due to her quiet nature, she preferred not to ask, thus keeping it to herself.
Eventually, she couldn’t hold back, yet didn’t get any answers.
If she had some sort of obsessive-compulsive disorder, Chen Yan guessed it would drive her to jump off a building...
After chatting with Yang Rou for a bit more, Chen Yan had her leave the office: Yang Rou had always been somewhat distant, and Chen Yan felt that ’playing hard to get’ was the best strategy to win her over.
Especially with the "Stamina Pills and Energy Pills" hanging over her, it made things even more convenient.
After sorting through Yang Rou’s matters, Chen Yan couldn’t help but think of Yu Qiao Qiao, who had also taken the "pills."
Compared to the "Stamina Potion" and "Energy Potion" given to Yang Rou, the "Constitution Pill" that Yu Qiao Qiao consumed was something precious.
The former were one-time supplements; once used, that was it.
The latter, however, worked directly on the body, permanently enhancing one’s constitution.
If placed in a game context, the first two were like health and mana potions, while the latter was like a stat point.
This also demonstrated the value of the "Constitution Potion."
During this time, Chen Yan had been secretly administering this potion to Yu Qiao Qiao.
And the effects were quite remarkable.
Although Yu Qiao Qiao was beautiful, she had always been frail and thin.
Except for certain areas, she was practically a skinny pole, almost malnourished-looking.
But now, with the improvements from the "Constitution Potion," her body was noticeably getting better.
She looked not only radiant but also her skin had become glossier and plumper.
Her natural beauty was slowly emerging.
And with it, she became noticeably more outgoing. Sometimes she even dared to look at Chen Yan directly or call him.
Occasionally, Chen Yan could see her humming a song, cheerfully watering the flowerbed downstairs.
Looking down from upstairs, it was a picture of peaceful times.
Thinking about Yu Qiao Qiao made Chen Yan miss her, so he called her, saying he’d return home for dinner tonight.
Shortly after, Yu Qiao Qiao sent back a cute cat gesture "ok~" with her hand.
She would have never sent something like that before.
Having mild social anxiety, she responded to matters at hand and would never use emoticons.
That was "too cute" for her and felt unsafe.
After reading Boss Qiao Qiao’s text, Chen Yan put down his phone.
Just as he did, his phone suddenly rang again.
Chen Yan looked at it, puzzled.
Then... he froze for a moment.
Because it was a call from his mother...
When Chen Yan first started renting, he was actually in close contact with his family, and his father, Lao Chen, had even been his landlord for a while.
Back then, Lao Chen bragged daily about his son founding a gaming company and gave him a lot of support.
Eventually, as Chen Yan’s business grew bigger and bigger, the contact between him and his parents dwindled.
Maybe to avoid impacting Chen Yan’s work, besides a monthly call, they only asked Chen Yan to come home for a meal during holidays.
And when eating together, the old couple strictly avoided discussing Chen Yan’s business affairs, clearly for fear of putting pressure on him.
Usually, they tried to contact Chen Yan as little as possible, not wanting to burden him.
Chen Yan occasionally heard from old friends that Lao Chen had become very proud; acting unfazed in front of Chen Yan but practically boasting about him constantly in the village.
Chen Yan’s mother was the same; when chatting with neighbors, she always mentioned Chen Yan.
The only problem was, they were always worried about Chen Yan’s marital prospects.
No matter how much money you have, how famous you are, or how many people know you,
When you reach a certain age, your parents will always worry about your marriage and try to find out indirectly if you have a partner and when you plan to get married...
It seems like an unavoidable issue.
So, these past two years, whether coming home or calling, Chen Yan always faced his parents’ inquiries.
Asking if Chen Yan had found a girlfriend.
Asking when he planned to get married.
What could Chen Yan say...
He dared not say anything.
Therefore, he could only hem and haw without really answering.
Every time this happened, although his parents didn’t speak up, their faces clearly showed concern and worry.
Chen Yan was also troubled.
After all... it’s not that he didn’t have a girlfriend. He had several...
So, he couldn’t get married.
He couldn’t satisfy one and then let down the other girls...
Every time his parents brought up this topic, Chen Yan felt incredibly stressed.
He thought: So even with a fortune of billions, I can’t escape the pressure to get married.
And whenever he ridiculed himself this way, his father, Lao Chen, would always add solemnly: Even if you have a fortune of hundreds of billions, what’s the use if you have no one to inherit it?
So, Chen Yan could only: ...
Recalling his parents’ actions over the past two years, Chen Yan picked up the phone with trepidation.
The call connected, and Chen Yan’s mother’s voice came from the other side, "Son, are you busy?"
Chen Yan replied, "No, Mom, what’s up?"
Chen Yan’s mother said, "Oh, nothing. I just saw it was lunchtime, called to ask if you’ve eaten."
Chen Yan half trusted his mother’s approach, so he said, "Mom, if there’s something, just say it..."
Then, Lao Chen’s voice came from the other side, "Chen Yan, how can you speak like that. We’re calling because we care about you, what could possibly be the matter?"
Chen Yan: ...
"Oh. I’ve eaten. So... should I hang up?"
"Ahem." Lao Chen coughed a couple of times, then remarked, "Since you’ve eaten, I’ll just casually ask."
"I’m just casually asking."
He added, "Your mom and I recently really like that actress from your company, what’s her name..."
"Lu Man..." Chen Yan’s mother whispered softly.
Lao Chen said, "Oh. Right. Lu Man."
"Could you bring us to meet her?"
Hearing his parents’ request, Chen Yan immediately became wary.
He asked, "Have you guys seen some news or gossip again?"
Lao Chen and Chen Yan’s mother quickly denied, "No, you’re talking nonsense. We’re just genuinely fangirling."
Chen Yan: ...
Facing this obviously abnormal situation, Chen Yan, of course, chose to turn it down, "Lu Man is a bit busy lately. Probably won’t have time."
"Wait a bit longer, then you guys can meet her."
"Deal!"
Lao Chen and Mrs. Chen agreed cheerfully.
After hanging up the phone, Chen Yan felt more and more that something was off.
It wasn’t that he was being sensitive, but wasn’t it too coincidental?
The person his parents wanted to meet was one of his girlfriends...
And his parents had previously pressured him to marry...
Something was not right!
...
At the same time, at Chen Yan’s parents’ house.
After hanging up, Lao Chen and Mrs. Chen were muttering and discussing.
Mrs. Chen looked skeptically at Lao Chen, and asked, "Are you sure our son’s current girlfriend is that actress?"
"Why do I remember he has always been with a very pretty, very demure girl from Qin Island University?"
