The exterior and interior of the event venue were like two different worlds.
Outside, the red carpet was brightly lit and bustling with people, but inside, the venue was dimly lit and the atmosphere was rather quiet.
Apart from the central stage, the surrounding audience seats were relatively dimly lit. The large screen displayed the words "XXth Cannes Film Festival," and most of the people coming and going were dressed in elegant attire and had outstanding demeanor. Even those sitting in the audience communicated in hushed tones. Apart from the rustling sounds of guests walking around, there was no other noise.
As soon as Xiao He and his group entered, they attracted subtle glances from those around them, and then followed the staff to their seats.
Their location wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst either; it was somewhere in the middle, or in a sense, the very center of the venue.
Not long after they sat down, other people began to sit down around them.
Here, they also encountered another group of Chinese film crews who came to participate in the event.
"Director Ning, it's been a long time."
An old man with thick, black hair smiled and shook hands with Ning Jiaqi. Ning Jiaqi smiled and shook hands with him in return. "Director Sun, I didn't expect to meet you here."
Xiao He glanced at the person and immediately found the corresponding person in his memory.
Sun Gong is a well-known director of art films. Like Ning Jiaqi, he belongs to the group of directors with high visibility and ability in the industry. I heard that he has been aiming for international awards in recent years and has achieved some success.
Xiao He heard from Liu Rulan that this person had been traveling around recently, frequently dealing with the capital of the organizers. He wondered if she would be able to win the favor of the judges and successfully get what she wanted.
Ning Jiaqi had naturally heard about what Xiao He had heard, but he didn't show it on his face. He just exchanged a few words with Sun Gong in a lukewarm manner, and then they both returned to their seats.
"Director Ning and that person don't get along well; they've been bitter enemies for years."
Someone whispered in Xiao He's ear.
Xiao He paused for a moment, then turned to look at the person beside him.
Ding Wanyu, the female lead of "No Bait," was wearing a beautiful purple dress at this moment. She covered her mouth with her gloved hand and looked at Xiao He.
Xiao He asked, somewhat puzzled, "How did you know about this?"
After all, from the outside perspective, Ning Jiaqi and Sun ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) Gong's relationship wasn't too bad.
However, it seemed that Xiao He's question touched on some unpleasant memories, and Ding Wanyu's face showed some worry. In the end, she shook her head and said, "The opening ceremony is about to begin."
Faced with Ding Wanyu's attempt to change the subject, Xiao He did not expose her, but turned to look at the stage.
...
The main attraction on the first day of the Cannes Film Festival is actually the Cannes red carpet.
The opening ceremony at the gala was actually not that interesting. It usually consisted of introducing the organizers and the judging panel, briefly explaining the awards, playing an opening video, and then it was over.
Like countless other parties Xiao He had attended before, there was nothing new about it.
By the time the event ended, it was only around 10 p.m. local time.
There will also be an opening dinner and a small party later on, which are not mandatory and guests can choose to attend.
The crew of "No Bait" naturally decided to participate.
After all, their purpose in coming to Cannes this time was not just to win awards, but more importantly, to discuss the sale of the overseas rights to "No Bait".
Such social occasions allow them to meet more big bosses and get in touch with potential investors in advance.
As the lead actor, Xiao He naturally followed Director Ning.
Ding Wanyu received a phone call midway through the event and then politely indicated that she needed to go back first and would not be attending the banquet with them.
Xiao He and Director Ning didn't mind. After a brief greeting, they led the rest of the crew to another hall.
The hall was magnificent, with dazzling crystal chandeliers hanging above it. Luxurious carpets stretched all the way to the banquet area, and long tables were set with champagne and exquisite cold dishes. In the center, there were also many high-end decorations resembling candles. At the far end of the hall, there was even a small pool and rockery with a flowing fountain, adding a touch of elegance to the lively banquet.
This place has long since transformed into a social hub for the elite. Guests come and go in glittering gowns, their whispers mingling with the clinking of glasses. Uniformed waiters, carrying trays, walk with impeccable poise, their hands behind their backs. In the distance, the champagne tower is constantly being replenished, one glass missing at a time.
This place, compared to the grand banquets Xiao He had previously attended in China, felt more like a capitalist's world, a paradise of fame and fortune.
Upon entering, Director Ning took the initiative to chat with several distributors.
Xiao He stood aside as an ordinary mascot.
However, even though he was just standing there, his strong aura was still impossible to ignore, and almost everyone who talked to Director Ning couldn't help but ask him a few questions.
Thus, Xiao He smoothly integrated into everyone's conversation.
The dinner lasted a long time.
Director Ning is already elderly, and this high-intensity social interaction has left him looking tired.
After discussing it with Xiao He, they prepared to leave.
Before they even reached the door, they were stopped by a junior assistant.
"Excuse me for bothering you, but our husband would like to speak with you alone."
Xiao He looked in the direction his assistant pointed and saw a somewhat thin middle-aged foreign man.
Director Ning narrowed his eyes: "They're from Shield Curtain Company."
As one of Hollywood giants, Shield Screen is not only a producer and distributor, but also responsible for many theater chains in Europe and America. It has a vertically integrated model in the film market, producing and distributing its own films.
However, their xenophobia was truly formidable. Ning Jiaqi had never considered discussing the overseas release of "No Bait" with the people from Shield Curtain.
Unexpectedly, the other party suddenly became interested in them.
Xiao He also frowned slightly.
His impression of the shield was not very good.
Moreover, if Xiao He remembered correctly, Shield Curtain Company had recently co-produced "The Twelve Evil Surnames" with Han Zaiyu's side.
Although they only had a conflict with Han Jae-woo at the time, Shield Screen Pictures was no good either. There are still some news reports online about them inserting their own ideas and expressing inappropriate thoughts into their works.
However, it must be acknowledged that their film and television works still occupy a large market share in China.
Xiao He couldn't understand why Shield Curtain would suddenly become interested in "No Bait".
He certainly didn't want the publisher of "No Bait" to be a company like that.
However, the assistant quickly interrupted Xiao He's thoughts, saying, "You can stay."
Xiao He: ?
Ning Jiaqi: ?
Xiao He glanced at Director Ning, then pointed to himself: "Am I the only one?"
"right."
Director Ning understood and winked at Xiao He.
It turns out she wasn't interested in "No Bait," but rather in Xiao He.
That's great, what a relief.
...But it doesn't seem to be much better.
Xiao He: "...Alright, I understand."
