Chapter 136: 136 Trouble Arises

That day,

the General Manager of Yang Xin Investments, Ma Yangrong, reported that suing Hua’an Film and Television was useless; Xue Zhanhua still managed to push forward the initiation of “War Panther 2” through his powerful network of connections.

Xu Yang couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

It seemed that Xue Zhanhua, such a mogul in the film industry, really wasn’t easy to deal with.

Other tactics had to be deployed.

As he was about to inform Xiao Dongsheng to have the Fengcai Guild’s live streamers launch a counterattack, his cell phone rang.

It was Jiang Yuheng calling, and Xu Yang answered.

“Xu Yang, we—Lao Su, Lao Lin, and I—are all aware of the situation with Hua’an Film and Television. We’re together right now. If there’s anything you need us to help with, just say the word, and we won’t hesitate,” Jiang Yuheng said directly.

“That’s right, Xu Yang, us four brothers are united as one now. Your issues are our issues. Whatever you need us to do, just speak up,” Su Wenbin said.

“Xu Yang, I might not have as much clout as those two in the world of connections, but I, a digital influencer, still have quite a number of fans,” Lin Junyi said.

“Junyi’s capabilities, I understand. Lao Jiang, Bin Ge, the two of you, I’m not quite sure how you can help; why don’t you tell me?”

Xu Yang hadn’t originally expected their help, but since they had called, there was no need to decline.

Such matters, taken on together with brothers, would only strengthen their relationship.

“Our Southwestern Chamber of Commerce’s member companies have hired a few stars from Hua’an Film and Television as spokespersons. We can terminate those spokesperson contracts and announce through the Southwestern Chamber of Commerce that our member companies will not engage Hua’an Film and Television’s stars for endorsements in the future. This will have a significant negative impact on Hua’an Film and Television and give Xue Zhanhua a tough time,” Jiang Yuheng explained.

“Xu Yang, I can exert some effort on my end and block the approval of ‘War Panther 2.’ My connections are in official circles,” Su Wenbin said.

With a little use of connections, blocking a film’s approval was all too easy.

“Then let’s proceed with that plan. I will promote it through the Guild. Junyi will take charge of the publicity. With a three-pronged approach, let’s see how Xue Zhanhua copes.”

Originally, Xu Yang had only planned to have the Fengcai Guild do some publicity.

Now, with Su Wenbin and Jiang Yuheng joining, the effect would be even better.

…

In the office of the President of Hua’an Film and Television,

Xue Zhanhua ended a call, with a smile creeping onto his lips.

“Thinking that with legal disputes, I wouldn’t be able to get ‘War Panther 2′ off the ground? How naive!”

“Against my powerful network, your investment agreement is nothing but waste paper!”

“Had you simply agreed to my terms, you could have retained a five-percent investment stake. Now, you don’t even have that five percent left.”

“I really want to see what tricks you have up your sleeve to contend with me.”

“What does it matter if you’re a shareholder of a huge film company? You’re just a greenhorn. If I can’t handle you, I might as well not be the President.”

Xue Zhanhua was extremely smug.

He couldn’t even remember the last time he had to take action.

In the past, his status alone was enough to overpower others.

Even someone like Fang Pengtao had to show him some respect.

This time, taking action would also show others his capabilities.

Otherwise, going too long without making a move could lead others to forget his existence.

And any Tom, Dick, or Harry might pop up, challenging his authority.

He had just lit a cigarette, enjoying a deep inhale, when the door to his office burst open and his assistant ran in, flustered and panicked.

“What’s going on? Not even a knock on the door? If you don’t give me a convincing reason today, then pack your things and get out!”

Xue Zhanhua was extremely strict with his subordinates.

This assistant was very capable in handling affairs; everything he had been tasked with had been done perfectly.

Yet today, he was so reckless. If there wasn’t a reasonable explanation, Xue Zhanhua would still deal with the situation mercilessly.

“President Xue, there’s been an incident. Our company’s artists Wang Xiaohua, Chen Donglai, Guo Ya, and Feng Chen have all had their endorsements canceled at the same time!” the assistant said.

“What!” Xue Zhanhua was shocked, “What happened? How could their endorsements be canceled at the same time? They’re endorsing products from different companies.”

He was somewhat baffled; how could such a thing happen.

Even if there were scandals, they shouldn’t all erupt simultaneously.

This matter was indeed serious enough that the assistant could be spared from dealing with it for now.

The assistant said, “President Xue, all of these artists were endorsing products from member companies of the Southwest Commerce Association, which has also issued a statement. They claim that Hua’an Film and Television has infringed upon their partners’ interests, with all faults lying on our side. They demand we compensate for losses, and they also said that no member company will invite our actors for endorsements in the future!”

Xue Zhanhua frowned, “Our company has infringed their partners’ interests? Whose interests have we infringed upon? How come I don’t know about this?”

The assistant remained silent.

Xue Zhanhua glanced at the assistant, “You said our company has infringed upon their interests? Is it some young actor or actress who has stepped out of line and offended someone?”

The assistant replied, “President Xue, no.”

“No?” Xue Zhanhua frowned again, “Then what’s the situation? The statement from the Southwest Commerce Association must be true. If they made such claims, there must be a reason. Didn’t the statement specify?”

“It didn’t,” the assistant shook his head.

“You go out first; I’ll make some calls to inquire,” Xue Zhanhua waved his hand, signaling the assistant to leave.

He first went online to look at the statement issued by the Southwest Commerce Association, before calling the boss of one of its companies.

This company was the one whose product was endorsed by the artist from Hua’an Film and Television, Feng Chen.

Soon, the call connected.

Xue Zhanhua said, “President Liu, what’s the situation on your end? Why would you suddenly terminate our collaboration and even demand compensation from our company? The Southwest Commerce Association has issued a statement that they will no longer collaborate with our artists in the future, greatly damaging our company’s reputation. To the uninformed, it seems like there’s something wrong with our artists.”

President Liu said, “President Xue, of all people to offend, why did you have to mess with a friend of our Young Master Jiang?”

Xue Zhanhua frowned, “Young Master Jiang? Are you talking about the son of your association president, Young Master Jiang?”

President Liu confirmed, “Yes, who else could it be?”

Xue Zhanhua was puzzled, “I haven’t offended his friend.”

He truly hadn’t offended any friends of Jiang Yuheng.

Knowing someone like Jiang Yuheng was not something he could afford to provoke.

The friends of Jiang Yuheng would be people of his calibre.

Although he was a local magnate, that was only relative to the average person.

Compared to Jiang Yuheng and his friends, he was far inferior.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Offend a friend of Jiang Yuheng?

Unless he went mad, he would never provoke a friend of Jiang Yuheng!

President Liu expressed surprise, “Didn’t offend? If that’s so, then why would he give the word to break off collaboration with us and demand compensation from you? Think carefully, have you recently offended anyone? That person might very well be a friend of Young Master Jiang.”

Xue Zhanhua thought hard, and a name flashed through his mind. He exclaimed, “Could it be him?!”