At the Oscar ceremony, Li Yi stood onstage in a suit and tie, holding the award for Best Director and answering questions from reporters.
"Director Li Yi, congratulations on winning the Oscar for Best Director. But gossip says that you and the actors Chen Haonan and Zhao Shanhe are all members of Hong Kong gangs, and that you control other gang businesses as well. Is that true?"
"Everyone, keep your eyes open. Those are all fake reports. I'm a respectable director, and Chen Haonan and Zhao Shanhe are respectable actors too. Please don't believe or spread rumors."
Li Yi said with a smile.
A short while later, in another corner of the venue:
"Mr. Depp, first of all, congratulations on winning this year's Oscar for Best Performance. May I ask what made you agree to appear in Director Li Yi's film? Was it because the movie was so good?"
"No, I didn't want to!"
Depp clutched his award and said indignantly, "I never wanted to act in this movie. I thought it was an absolute disaster, a bona fide piece of garbage. I only agreed after they pointed a gun at my head..."
