Look, everyone saw it, he threw the first punch.

Cao Cheng and Bald Xu had no personal grudges against each other.

After suppressing him once before, doing it again would seem unreasonable.

It’s not like he could treat Bald Xu like some insignificant nuisance, nor could he lash out at him as if he were a hot-tempered troublemaker.

But just as Cao Cheng was pondering his next move, August arrived in the blink of an eye—half of summer vacation already gone.

While carrying out routine promotional work, Cao Cheng took some time to check in on Little Zifeng and Little Jinmai, who had gone abroad to work on a detective comedy.

Mostly for learning purposes, of course.

Naturally,

Young Master Cao spent most of his time relaxing.

By mid-August, the editing for Goodbye Mr. Loser was nearly complete, and it passed censorship with almost no revisions.

The release date was also confirmed: September 30th.

Cao Cheng spent a million to have drone companies put on aerial light shows in major city squares.

Even in this day and age, it was still a jaw-dropping spectacle.

It served two purposes: advertising the drone companies and promoting the movie.

The results were outstanding—after all, money talks.

Even buying trending topics came at an insider’s discount.

By the end of August, with just one month left until the premiere,

Cao Cheng was ready to start firing shots.

Two weeks of verbal sparring would suffice.

His eyes darted between Bald Xu and another hot-tempered director, both with films coming out.

The latter’s movie wasn’t part of the National Day lineup but was slated for year-end—still fair game for criticism.

However, considering the bet Cao Cheng had with him, which still had a year left, suddenly attacking him now felt a bit underhanded.

Just as Cao Cheng was wrestling with the dilemma,

Bald Xu made the first move.

……

Bald Xu had also submitted his film for censorship and secured his screening slots.

His movie, Lost in Hong Kong, was set for release on September 25th—five days ahead of Goodbye Mr. Loser.

But here’s the catch:

While other theaters were willing to give Lost in Hong Kong a hefty share of screenings—thanks to the massive success of its predecessor, Lost in Thailand—many investors and cinemas had even signed guaranteed screening agreements, ensuring a minimum number of showtimes regardless of performance.

Except for one party: Young Master Cao.

The theaters under Miracle Media’s control and those invested in by Miracle Capital accounted for 40% of the nation’s screens.

Though they still allocated a significant number of screenings to Lost in Hong Kong,

their contract didn’t include any guarantees. In other words, Cao Cheng’s theaters would only give Lost in Hong Kong a large share for the first five days.

Come September 30th, regardless of how well Lost in Hong Kong performed, screenings would be drastically cut to make room for Goodbye Mr. Loser and Mr. Wu.

This was explicitly communicated to them.

And it didn’t sit well.

Were they just leaving money on the table?

When the investors behind Lost in Hong Kong and Bald Xu himself got wind of this, their expressions darkened.

Sure, the first five days had plenty of screenings—seemingly a courtesy—but it was only because no other National Day films were out yet, forcing them to prioritize Lost in Hong Kong.

Who did they think they were dealing with?

Among the National Day releases, which film could possibly outperform the Lost series?

Were they really turning down profits?

Was this a deliberate snub?

……

Old grievances and new grudges piled up.

Bald Xu was now an established director with a reputation to uphold—and a temper to match.

He didn’t hold back, posting a lengthy statement:

“When Lost in Thailand was targeted, I swallowed my anger. But now Lost in Hong Kong is being sidelined again—I won’t take it lying down… blah blah blah.”

The post was detailed, methodical, and thorough.

Starting with the Lost in Thailand incident, he laid out how Miracle Theaters’ screening allocations had cost the film at least 300 million in lost revenue.

Now history was repeating itself.

He meticulously recounted every detail, never once naming Cao Cheng directly—yet every word pointed squarely at him.

Fans familiar with the drama chimed in, filling in the gaps for newcomers.

They dissected the feud between Bald Xu and Young Master Cao, though no one could pinpoint exactly how it began. Still, the mutual animosity was undeniable.

And at the end of his rant,

Bald Xu added:

“Mr. Wu is based on a true story, with a star-studded cast—I get why it’s getting priority. But what even is Goodbye Mr. Loser? Some no-name, no-budget, no-star project…”

“It’s not that I’m against supporting indie films. But just because certain people are backing it, does that give them the right to blatantly suppress competing releases?”

“I don’t know where I crossed certain individuals, but this repeated targeting, this blatant market manipulation—I refuse to believe there’s no one to hold them accountable.”

……

His outrage was palpable.

And the Lost series had its fair share of loyal fans.

While many agreed the first film was the peak and the second a step down, when faced with a common enemy, they rallied hard.

They turned their fire on Goodbye Mr. Loser.

Some even mistook it for a detective film—thanks to the title’s misleading Sherlock vibe.

They were criticizing it without even understanding it.

As the drama escalated, Miracle Media’s PR team responded—though their tone was far more measured.

First, they denied any behind-the-scenes manipulation of screenings, refusing to shoulder blame for market interference.

Young Master Cao could handle the heat, but why bother?

Then they explained that screening allocations were based on the number of films.

On September 25th, with only a handful of releases, Lost in Hong Kong naturally got a larger share—just like A Third Love and others.

But by the 30th, with a flood of new releases, including animated films, screenings had to be redistributed fairly.

Finally,

Miracle Media’s PR team concluded:

“This is how you maintain a healthy market—not by favoring established franchises or big names. Who do they think they are? Fame doesn’t entitle them to special treatment.”

“Maybe other theaters operate that way, chasing profits at all costs. But Miracle Media isn’t just about money.”

“As our CEO Cao Cheng once said, profits are endless, but the market must be nurtured for sustainable growth… blah blah blah!”

Their rebuttal was just as logical and well-structured.

It left many neutral observers and even some fans with little room to argue.

When you thought about it, they had a point.

Why should a third installment in a franchise automatically get more screenings? That wasn’t fair to newer films.

And let’s be blunt:

Their theaters, their rules. If you don’t like it, take your movie elsewhere.

Why sign up for their screens, then complain when they reduce your showtimes after five days?

……

The fan wars raged on.

And just like that, the hype exploded.

Cao Cheng was thrilled.

Before he could even strike, his opponent had thrown the first punch.

See? He started it.

Cao Cheng knew the truth.

Bald Xu’s outburst wasn’t just about the screenings—it was the culmination of past grievances. If this were their first clash, he might’ve let it slide.

But after losing hundreds of millions last time (which, after profit-sharing, meant tens of millions out of his own pocket), Bald Xu wasn’t about to take it lying down.

And let’s be real—for tens of millions, Bald Xu and Bao Qiang had even ended their partnership.

That said how much it meant to him.

It didn't matter to Cao Cheng what the reason was.

All he cared about was that the heat was up, and that was enough.

Cao Cheng took a two - day break, letting the situation develop on its own and allowing the fans to chatter away without giving any response.

It wasn't until the third day that Cao Cheng posted a long article.

"Before scheduling movies in my cinemas, my staff will watch the films, and professionals will evaluate them.

So, there's no such thing as suppression. I have no grudges against you, and we don't even have the slightest connection. Why would I go against money and suppress your movie? Not to mention you, I've been arguing with Pao'er for years. When have you ever seen me deliberately target his movies?

Don't always judge others by yourself. Don't think that others are as despicable as you, always using underhanded means to suppress peers. I disdain to do such things.

So, to put it bluntly, the reason I'm not giving your movie a large number of screenings is that your movie is rubbish. Is that clear enough?

Honestly, if the movies released on September 25th weren't all that bad, and if yours wasn't the best among a bad bunch, you wouldn't even have gotten this many screenings.

As for the movies on the 30th, I've read the viewing evaluation reports. I dare not say they are masterpieces, but *Goodbye Mr. Loser* and *Saving Mr. Wu* are definitely above the average level. If their scores on major rating websites are lower than seven points, I'll eat the film reels.

As for your movie, if it scores higher than seven points, I'll double your box - office revenue.

But remember, don't think about faking it. It's illegal to be caught faking.

That's all I have to say. Believe it or not, it's up to you. But stop chattering at me."

...

As soon as Cao Cheng's long article came out, his fangirls were excited.

They loved Mr. Cao's toughness.

He would go head - to - head with anyone.

Bald Xu was furious.

He had worked so hard on his movie, and it was being slammed as rubbish before it even hit the theaters.

This was unacceptable.

Bald Xu saw the cunning in Mr. Cao's words.

Was this an attempt to let *Goodbye Mr. Loser* rise above *Lost in Hong Kong*?

These words could easily influence the fans' initial judgment of the movies.

Before the movies were released, fans were very susceptible to such remarks.

As for *Saving Mr. Wu*, it seemed that Mr. Cao was just giving it a little boost.

A quick check revealed that he had invested in it.

Humph!

Bald Xu immediately responded, "Someone is talking big. Both this no - name *Goodbye Mr. Loser* and *Saving Mr. Wu* have your investment. Of course, you'll say they are good. Why bother with such tricks? Isn't it just to help the movies you've invested in rise above mine? And that seven - point thing... Hehe."

Bald Xu's counter - attack was effective.

The fans then realized, so that's how it was.

So, Cao Cheng had invested in those movies. No wonder.

They had almost been deceived.

This guy named Cao was really a scoundrel.

Cao Cheng replied almost instantly, "Look at what you're saying. You seem to be confusing cause and effect. You mean that because I've invested, I'm promoting them and even stepping on you. But have you ever thought that I invested because they are good and then promoted them? If they were bad, why would I invest in them?

So, don't try to change the subject. Do you think the fans are fools?

Moreover, do I need to step on you? My company invests in dozens of movies, big and small, every year, as well as TV dramas, variety shows, and music. If I had to step on someone for every movie or TV show, my feet wouldn't be able to take it.

You should know that you're a director, and I'm an investor. I won't go to so much trouble for just one movie.

Most importantly, you were the one who caused trouble for me in the first place. Now you're saying that I'm deliberately stepping on you? Are you sure your logic is okay? Maybe you should get your head checked first."

...

This long - winded response left Bald Xu speechless for a whole day.

The fans then realized again. Goodness, they had almost been deceived again!

This guy named Xu was really a scoundrel!