TLN: Black Hand = 黑手 (hēi shǒu) – (fig.) malign agent who manipulates from behind the scenes / hidden hand
As the film festival awards ceremony drew nearer, online abuse and discussions about Ye Zhou intensified.
It was impossible that no one was fanning the flames, after all, Ye Zhou was just a director, lacking the exposure and entanglements of celebrities.
Unlike acting, directing was renowned for success through work quality, with awards and box office relying on film merit.
Admittedly, Ye Zhou was criticized in the industry for his exceptional luck, but his success was inimitable and difficult to replicate.
True, Ye Zhou was fortunate, but could one, two, or three blockbusters be attributed solely to luck?
This seemed to underestimate both Ye Zhou and market choices.
Anyone with a discerning eye recognized that while luck played a role in Ye Zhou’s success, he was undeniably talented, even exceptionally so.
However, luck was more palatable to the public than acknowledging his talent. Dismissing his success as mere luck seemed to negate his abilities, conveniently labeling his phenomenal box office performance.
Ye Zhou, characteristically too lazy to explain, lacked competitiveness and interest in fame. He lived freely and nonchalantly, merely smiling when questioned about succeeding through ‘luck’, never defending himself.
His silence was misconstrued as guilt by some, emboldening their criticisms.
The current controversy stemmed from a veteran director who had collaborated with Director Sang years ago. His film was released alongside “The Most Beautiful”.
Reports suggested frequent conflicts during their collaboration. Though neither addressed these claims, they never worked together again, even until Director Sang’s passing.
When asked about “The Most Beautiful” and its director in an interview, this director smiled ambiguously.
“It’s undoubtedly an excellent film. After all, Director Sang’s works are always masterpieces,” he said sincerely. However, his next statement took a pointed turn.
“If you’re asking about Director Sang, undoubtedly, we’ve all witnessed his abilities over the years.”
Though he didn’t explicitly state anything, the journalists present were sharper than monkeys, easily detecting the subtext.
A reporter promptly followed up, “What about Director Ye?”
The director, previously smiling, paused upon hearing Ye Zhou’s name. His voice tinged with mockery, he carelessly asked, “Director Ye? Which Director Ye?”
“Ye Zhou, who collaborated with Director Sang on ‘The Most Beautiful’…”
The director interrupted, gesturing for silence. Shaking his head, he lowered his voice, “The bar for directors seems to be getting lower. Can anyone be called a director now?”
Though hushed, his words reached nearby reporters.
Sensing potential controversy, the journalists grew excited, pressing forward eagerly to ask questions.
“Could you repeat what you just said?”
“Are you implying Ye Zhou doesn’t deserve to be called a director?”
“Director Qian, is there conflict between you and Director Ye Zhou?”
…
Director Qian feigned embarrassment, shaking his head. “Oh my, don’t report that part. I was just surprised and misspoke. Alright, one more question. This is ‘Storm’s’ press conference, why are we discussing other films?”
A reporter boldly asked, “Can you elaborate on your opinion of Director Ye Zhou?”
“My opinion of Director Ye Zhou…” Director Qian pondered briefly, then smiled at the camera, concluding, “He’s incredibly lucky.”
With intention in speaking and attention in listening.
Once exposed, the interview video instantly stirred up a storm online. “The Most Beautiful” and Ye Zhou, already under scrutiny due to Director Sang’s sudden passing, became the focus of public attention and the hottest topic.
To capitalize on this trend, numerous marketing accounts joined the fray, further amplifying the discussion.
While seemingly coincidental, such perfectly timed occurrences are rarely accidental but rather meticulously orchestrated.
The mastermind behind this was none other than the CEO of Summit1I realized I started translating Summit as Peak in the past few chapters huhu, I’ll correct that later when I’m not too lazy..
Mentioning Summit’s CEO inevitably brings up Jiang Yu, the main protagonist who had been out of the spotlight for some time.
Since “Battle City 2” flopped, Jiang Yu’s life had been extremely difficult. Not only did he lose a fortune, unable to cover debts even after selling his company, but he also engaged in a months-long feud with his white moonlight, Yu Qiuze.
Despite Yu Qiuze’s usual frail appearance, when his interests were at stake, he nearly leaped from his sickbed to devour Jiang Yu alive.
Since the Yu family’s downfall, Yu Qiuze’s life had entered hell mode. He returned to China intending to cling to Jiang Tingyuan for support. Though unsuccessful, he didn’t lose out entirely.
After all, Jiang Tingyuan had given him a substantial sum to repay a favor. Before the Yu family’s troubles, Yu Qiuze might have disregarded such an amount, but years abroad had taught the young master the value of money.
Fifty million wasn’t much, but it was enough for Yu Qiuze to live comfortably for a long time, possibly worry-free for life if managed well.
Originally, Yu Qiuze planned to invest a third with a professional advisor, use another third for medical treatment and living expenses, and the final third to search for a suitable heart donor.
However, Jiang Yu’s appearance shattered these plans. He painted a beautiful picture for Yu Qiuze, easily persuading the business-naive young master to invest the money, and then…
Total loss.
Yu Qiuze went nearly mad. Since “Battle City 2” bombed, he coughed up blood daily while feuding with Jiang Yu, exemplifying a rare case of indomitable spirit despite physical weakness in modern society.
Jiang Yu hid constantly, dealing with both Yu Qiuze and Liu Yunlan’s hatred.
Liu Yunlan had finally saved enough to escape her abusive financial backer, but Jiang Yu’s sweet talk left her penniless overnight.
She lost all savings and owed debts from additional investments. Reportedly, her financial backer hired thugs to stalk Jiang Yu, determined to ruin him.
Jiang Yu deserved to be the man with the biggest golden finger in the whole book. Even though he was in such a difficult and dangerous situation, God still left him a way to survive.
Fearing Summit’s CEO’s tactics, Jiang Yu gave him most of the meager box office earnings from “Battle City 2”. This placated the angry CEO, temporarily easing their relationship and averting the biggest threat.
Jiang Yu knew this peace was fleeting. He desperately needed an opportunity to make a comeback.
Having swindled everyone possible with “Battle City 2”, even his parents, Jiang Yu was lucky not to be hunted down, let alone given another chance.
After days of contemplation, Jiang Yu set his sights on the dangerous but promising Summit CEO.
Their relationship wasn’t great, especially with “Battle City 2’s” losses unresolved. Making moves now seemed suicidal.
Most would give up and seek alternatives, but Jiang Yu was different – he had plot armor!
Jiang Yu decided on a risky strategy.
To quickly befriend someone, find a common enemy to unite against, diverting attention from their own conflicts.
As Jiang Yu searched for a suitable target, “The Most Beautiful” was released.
Watching online praise and discussions for “The Most Beautiful” soar, envy and resentment consumed Jiang Yu. He decisively chose Ye Zhou as the scapegoat to mend fences with Summit’s CEO.
Jiang Yu embellished, blaming Ye Zhou for Summit’s past scandal. He spoke without certainty, but his protagonist’s luck prevailed. He accidentally hit the mark – traces of Ye Zhou and Jiang Tingyuan’s involvement existed.
Though Jiang Tingyuan had covered his tracks, actions always leave traces, some detectable, others not.
If anyone else were to investigate this matter, nothing out of the ordinary would be found, but Jiang Yu, with his plot armor, discovered clues.
Despite disliking Jiang Tingyuan, Jiang Yu knew his elder brother was formidable. After careful consideration, he pinned all blame on Ye Zhou.
With mixed truths and lies, Jiang Yu convinced Summit’s CEO of Ye Zhou’s involvement, leading to the subsequent smear campaign.
Jiang Tingyuan sat, fingers caressing a jade ring—Ye Zhou’s gift from last month. His aura was menacing, and his face coldly furious as he looked down at a beaten, semi-conscious middle-aged man. “Are you done?” he asked.
The man, barely conscious, couldn’t answer. A bodyguard immediately doused him with cold water.
“Aah!” The man violently shuddered, pain shocking him awake.
His wails ceased abruptly upon meeting Jiang Tingyuan’s cold, deathlike gaze. He fell silent like a strangled chicken.
The dim warehouse grew quiet, only dripping water evidencing recent events.
Moments later, the middle-aged man hoarsely pleaded, “Mr. Jiang, this was all Jiang Yu’s idea. I didn’t know he was your man. If I’d known you valued such a…”
Before he finished, Jiang Tingyuan paused twirling the ring. He stood, approached the man, and kicked him to the ground amid fearful glances.
His spotless black shoes suddenly stepped on the man’s face.
Expressionless, Jiang Tingyuan’s voice grew colder. “If your mouth can’t speak properly, you don’t need it.”
A cold knife touched the man’s thick lips, seemingly ready to slice them off with the slightest movement.
Suddenly, an incongruous ringtone broke the tension.
“It’s raining, it’s thundering, Zhou Zhou wants you home for dinner2This is a parody of the line in A Chinese Odyssey Part Two. The original should be: 打雷了，下雨了，回家收衣服啊!” which translates to “There’s thunder, it’s raining, go home and bring in the laundry!” !”
Middle-aged man: “…”
Bodyguard: “…”
Jiang Tingyuan: “…”
Jiang Tingyuan dropped the knife, calmly taking the phone from his secretary under everyone’s gaze.
“Don’t move; this is a checkpoint! I will be lenient if you confess, but I will be strict if you resist. Understand?”
Jiang Tingyuan: “Mm, go ahead and check.”
“Where are you? Are you done with your work? When are you coming home? Will you still love me when you’re home?”
Jiang Tingyuan: “I’m coming. Right away.”
“I’ll love you whether I come home or not.”
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