Chapter 199 A Watch (1/2)
The grand opening of the 19th Peeza Star Charity Night began at eight o'clock, at Shang Hai Grand Theater. Tremendous changes had been made in the rules of this year's Peeza Star Charity Night. There would not be celebrities on red carpets and photography sessions. It was all reverted to its roots, charity. The event only focused on providing medical and educational aid to poverty areas, and was thus highly commended by the netizens.
200 tables were placed in the big hall that could accommodate 2,000 people. All the tables were filled. All of the guests were rigged out in their best outfits for the event.
”This year, we are honored to have Xing Hai Technologies' founder Mr. Chen Jin and our well-known local movie director, Ms. Shi Xiao Tao, with us… welcome, both of you,” said the host from Jiangzhe Television, Hua Shao.
The sound of applause rose.
Chen Jin and Shi Xiao Tao, who was holding his arm, walked out from backstage. In an instant, all eyes were focused on them. Looking down from the stage, Chen Jin identified many familiar faces. They were all familiar faces that one could often see on television programs. There were A and B-list celebrities, pop singers, variety show hosts, and all kinds of bigshots. It was certain that lineups for hundreds of television series and thousands of movies could be assembled considering each of them present at the event.
”Mr. Chen, you are a renowned entrepreneur. Your company has developed many world-changing products. May I have the privilege of asking you why you are willing to set aside your busy schedule and attend tonight's charity event?” Hua Shao questioned.
”This main reason I'm here is to help the sick and the children in impoverished areas. Xing Hai Technologies is an enterprise that possesses a high degree of social responsibility. Every product we make is meant to serve all of our people and bring about health and happiness to every family. But due to various reasons, there are many families in poverty-stricken areas that did not get to enjoy the convenience brought upon by technology, and are not financially capable of purchasing Xing Hai's products.” Chen Jin shook his head and said according to the script he was given, ”This is very regrettable and sad. We must not be indifferent towards the situation we are now facing. Although I myself do not have the ability to eradicate poverty, I could still give out some contributions and bring about light and hope to as many families as possible. Just as fish stranded on the beach, when the others question me whether they could be saved, I'll be picking up the fish while I tell them, 'I saved this fish, I saved that fish as well'. In the end, I'll get to save a lot of fish. If there were more imbeciles like me on the beach, perhaps all of the fish could be saved, by us.”
The crowd burst into thunderous applause.
”Very well said!”
”This makes a lot of sense!”
”Mr. Chen has such a kind soul.” Many female celebrities had tears glittering in their eyes as they wiped them off with handkerchiefs.
Hua Shao applauded and nodded his head as he said, ”When it comes to charity, we must have the spirit of an imbecile. We must learn from Mr. Chen. Tonight, we will all be imbeciles picking up fish by the beach!” He faced Shi Xiao Tao and said, ”Director Shi, I had a look at Wa-wah 2's local box office just now, it was already at 6.1 billion. It might very well tie the records that Wa-wah 1 set last year. Box office overseas had also accumulated as much as 2.8 billion dollars. Therefore, it is certain that your second movie will not have any problem breaking the 10-billion-dollar mark… with two consecutive movies exceeding 10 billion dollars, everyone here is curious, how do you feel about this?”
Shi Xiao Tao smiled as she said, ”I do not have any feelings in particular. Thank you, everyone, for your love and support for my productions. Xiao Tao will work harder and strive to produce more excellent works as gratitude for your support.” Upon finishing, she bowed.
The audience offstage applauded.
After another two questions, Hua Shao steered his hands towards an empty table off the stage and said, ”Alright, both of our VIPs tonight, please take a seat!”
The 19th Peeza Star Charity Night, officially begun!
...
At VIP table number one, after Chen Jin and Shi Xiao Tao had taken their seat, they slightly scanned through their surroundings. They discovered that at this table that had 10 seats, aside from the two reserved seats, all the other eight seats were occupied. They were all A-list celebrities within the Z nation. For example, Da Mimi who had tens of millions of fans, Fairy Sister who was 33 but was still single, and celebs that Chen Jin was fond of like Deng Chao, Sun Li, and her husband. There were also old faces in variety shows like Guo Jizhang, Li Bing Bing, and two other young female celebrities who were new to the entertainment field that Chen Jin did not know very well. Besides, Chen Jin thought that the atmosphere at this table was a little strange. He could distinctly feel the cold and hostile glares from his surroundings.
Chen Jin turned his head and noticed many faces fuming with rage between their gritted teeth. But once those people noticed that Chen Jin was looking around, they immediately swapped into a bright smile and threw winks at him. Only then did Chen Jin realize that those hostile glares were not aimed at him, but instead they were aimed at the other eight people at the same table with him.