Chapter 321: Premiere and Opening Day Box Office

On the day the premiere of *Sanshan* was held in Yuming, both Li Zhibai and Yan Liang came to show their support for Lu Yanhe.

Nowadays, movie promotions love to include a "celebrity audience sharing their thoughts" segment, and they even upload what they say to short-video platforms for promotion.

Therefore, these premieres usually invite many celebrity artists to bolster the event, using their fame and fan power to expand the movie's reach.

Because this was not a movie starring Lu Yanhe, and he didn't intend to make a huge spectacle of it, he simply asked Li Zhibai and Yan Liang if they were free. Since they happened to be available, he invited them both.

After all, it was a movie he had acted in. Regardless of how much conflict there had been with the publicity team in the early stages, on the eve of its release, Lu Yanhe ultimately hoped the film would achieve good results.

After the screening ended, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.

This was standard procedure.

Negative feedback rarely appears at a movie premiere.

Basically, it's either paid shills or personal favors; even if it's bad, you have to praise it a little.

Many people from the film industry were present, especially several big-name directors who had attended.

Lu Yanhe went up on stage with everyone else.

Chen Jiang and the others tried to yield the center spot next to Director Wang Zhong to him, but he refused and let them take it, standing at the very edge himself.

The host even asked with a smile why Lu Yanhe was so afraid of standing in the center.

Lu Yanhe said, "They are the leads; I'm just here for a cameo. This is their moment to receive everyone's applause."

As soon as Lu Yanhe finished speaking, the entire venue broke into applause.

The host first interviewed the main creators one by one.

When it came to Lu Yanhe, the host asked, "We heard you only filmed your scenes for this movie in one night. Why did you decide to make a cameo in this film at the time?"

Lu Yanhe said, "To be honest, my agent helped me accept it, so I came. Before that, I hadn't watched any of Director Wang Zhong's movies. After accepting it, I watched all of Director Wang Zhong's films. Once I finished, I understood why my agent helped me take this role. Even if it was just one shot, it was worth coming. That was my feeling after watching Director Wang Zhong's films at the time."

The host smiled and said, "It seems Director Wang Zhong treated you quite well, giving you ten minutes of screen time."

"Indeed," Lu Yanhe immediately said with a smile, "I will treasure these ten minutes of footage."

The host asked again, "Your previous response to Director Wang Zhong's film style at the Xitu'er International Film Festival sparked heated discussion in the global film industry. When you said those words, did you ever think it would have such a huge impact?"

Lu Yanhe shook his head. "How could I?"

After he finished speaking, he looked at the host. The host had an expression that said, "Ah? Is that all?" Lu Yanhe had no choice but to continue: "As an actor, I believe that being able to feel the charm of different styles, themes, and types of films is a very important foundation. My interpretation was not necessarily the 'true' Director Wang Zhong; it was just the Director Wang Zhong in my eyes. A thousand people see a thousand Hamlets. A film like *Sanshan* must be the same; different people will see different content. This is the moment I find most enjoyable as a participant in a film."

When it came to the audience's turn to share their thoughts, the host called Li Zhibai's name first.

"I heard Li Zhibai is also here today. Where is Zhibai?"

Li Zhibai stood up from the audience and waved at the people on stage.

Many in the audience immediately took out their phones to film him.

Li Zhibai said, "Hello, Director Wang Zhong. I am Li Zhibai, a friend of Old Lu. Let me first recommend myself: I am also an actor. If you have any roles in the future, please consider me. Even a single shot will do."

As soon as he finished, everyone laughed. There are many actors who recommend themselves, but it is rare to see an actor do so at someone else's movie premiere.

However, Li Zhibai has always been unconventional, and everyone had already formed that impression of him, so they weren't surprised.

Director Wang Zhong nodded and said, "I've seen your acting."

"Ah?" Li Zhibai was startled. "It wouldn't be *Accompany You to the End of the World*, would it? Director, do you watch idol dramas too?"

Director Wang Zhong nodded again and said, "My daughter is your fan. She dragged me along to watch two episodes."

Many in the venue were shocked, mainly because no one expected that Director Wang Zhong, an artist with such thick eyebrows and big eyes, would actually watch an idol drama like *Accompany You to the End of the World*.

Li Zhibai laughed twice and said, "Then I must thank your daughter for letting the director get to know me."

Wang Zhong said, "Next time there's a suitable opportunity, I'll look for you."

"Great!" Li Zhibai's eyes lit up.

They started chatting casually for no reason.

After the pleasantries, Li Zhibai finally got to the point and shared his thoughts on the film.

"I don't usually watch this kind of movie. I'm a vulgar person; I like films that make my blood boil. But just now, sitting in the cinema, I watched from beginning to end, fully focused. It's no exaggeration—my attention was firmly gripped by the film's visuals the whole time. I didn't lose focus once. I really thought I wouldn't be able to sit through it." Li Zhibai held the microphone with both hands. "Actually, I had never watched Director Wang's films before, but it seems that because of how everyone described him in the media and online, I had some stereotypes—that his films were obscure, hard to understand, not good, and so on. Today, I felt like I received a huge surprise. I don't think this movie can't be defined as a commercial film—if the standard for measuring commercial versus art films is whether they are good to watch, then without a doubt, this is a very good film. I truly feel that way."

A fan of Wang Zhong immediately cheered, meaning Li Zhibai spoke well.

Li Zhibai continued, "The performances of the actors are all excellent. Before watching the movie, it felt like Old Lu's ten minutes of acting were the essence of the film. In reality, after watching it, I realized there are too many brilliant parts in this movie, and the actors' performances are also very good. That's why I had the impulse to ask Director Wang for a role just now. They are all very young actors, about my age, and seeing them deliver such outstanding performances in *Sanshan* makes me envious."

After Li Zhibai finished, he returned the microphone to the staff.

Host: "Thank you, Zhibai. Your sharing really lets us feel your love for this movie. How about you, Yan Liang?"

Yan Liang was sitting right next to Li Zhibai.

After being called, Yan Liang stood up and greeted everyone.

"Li Zhibai said everything I wanted to say, so I don't know what else I can add," he said with a smile.

Host: "No worries, just say a few words. Li Zhibai was praising everyone else just now but didn't praise your good brother. Why don't you talk about Lu Yanhe?"

"There's nothing good to say about him," Yan Liang said immediately.

Lu Yanhe let out a "Damn."

The whole venue burst into laughter.

Yan Liang: "After watching it, I felt very shocked—the kind of shock that touches the soul. I haven't seen a movie like this in a long time. Maybe after I go back, I'll need a long time to digest the stimulation it gave me."

"What kind of stimulation?"

"Facing desire, facing temptation—what kind of choices should a person make?" Yan Liang said. "This movie is like a dream rendered in unpredictable, ghostly colors, full of bizarre and grotesque things. It's far from our real lives, yet it seems to vaguely echo the shadows in our hearts. Will saying this make people think I'm a bad person? Hahaha."

Lu Yanhe immediately chimed in: "Who told you to say there's nothing good to say about me? People must have already thought you were a bad person."

More laughter.

Yan Liang smiled.

"In short, I will definitely watch this movie again. It's incredible that a movie can bring such an experience after watching it."

After the premiere of *Sanshan* ended, Sanhe held a small media interview session.

Lu Yanhe followed the crew to accept interviews and was busy until very late.

Wang Zhong arranged for everyone to go out for a late-night snack. Lu Yanhe said that Li Zhibai and Yan Liang were still waiting for him, and they had agreed to go eat something together.

Wang Zhong said, "Then just call them over to join us."

Lu Yanhe thought to himself, that would be a good thing.

Li Zhibai and Yan Liang were both acting. If they could participate in Wang Zhong's movies in the future, that would certainly be a good thing. Even if they couldn't, getting to know Wang Zhong might lead to a suitable opportunity being recommended to them by him someday.

Lu Yanhe immediately called Li Zhibai and Yan Liang to join them.

Chen Ling arranged for everyone to go to a Chaoshan hot pot restaurant.

The release date for *Sanshan* was two days away. Today, the feedback from the premiere had already started coming out, and many media outlets had given it positive reviews. Li Zhibai and Yan Liang's remarks at the premiere had also been pushed to the trending topics by Sanhe.

Now they were just waiting for the official release to see what kind of results it could achieve.

While eating together at this time, it was inevitable to indulge in fantasies about the box office and the situation after the film's release.

Especially Chen Jiang and the others.

Wang Zhong specifically and earnestly exhorted them: "You must act well, ponder your acting skills in a down-to-earth manner, and don't get carried away just because of some praise from people around you."

Chen Jiang and the others nodded immediately.

In front of Wang Zhong, Chen Jiang and the others were very well-behaved.

Lu Yanhe was different from them.

Chen Jiang and the others were all people discovered by Wang Zhong himself; that kind of bond was something Lu Yanhe couldn't compare to.

Just as Director Luo Yuzhong held a status for Lu Yanhe that no other director could compare to.

It could be said that as long as Luo Yuzhong needed him, Lu Yanhe would definitely go to help, regardless of the pay or the size of the role.

Wang Zhong said again, "You are all people who came out of the movie *Sanshan*. In the future, you must support each other. Don't argue or fight over petty gains. Learn from them—friends who met in their youth, even if not necessarily the most solid, are the purest. Help each other, and you can walk much further."

Once he finished saying this, Lu Yanhe exchanged a look with Li Zhibai and Yan Liang, and they smiled.

Knowing each other in youth is a rare friendship. The older you get and the more people you meet, the more you feel this sentiment.

In the middle of the meal, Wang Zhong went outside to take a call.

Lu Yanhe went to the restroom and happened to run into Wang Zhong, who was also walking back, in the corridor.

"Director."

"Little Lu, thank you for today, for inviting Li Zhibai and Yan Liang over."

Li Zhibai and Yan Liang might not have high status in the film industry, but they were currently popular stars with significant appeal. Being able to appear at the *Sanshan* premiere together was entirely thanks to Lu Yanhe.

Lu Yanhe shook his head and said, "Director, you are too kind. I also had my own selfish motives, hoping to introduce them to you."

Wang Zhong smiled.

He said, "You are truly a very good young man. Regarding the film, I only worked with you for one night, but outside of the film, I've experienced quite a few things. Your response and your spirit have both surprised me."

Lu Yanhe hurriedly shook his head and let out a soft, embarrassed laugh.

"Not at all. You praise me so much, I'm almost too ashamed to show my face."

"Chen Jiang and the others were chosen by me to act in this film. From selecting them to training them, and now, it's been three or four years, and they've only acted in this one film of mine. I don't know if I've delayed them; after all, many films came looking for them in the meantime, and they had to turn them down," Wang Zhong said. "Besides acting, you also write scripts and produce. If there are good opportunities, please help support them a bit more."

"Director, I will definitely do my best," Lu Yanhe said.

Wang Zhong nodded.

"After winning Best Director at this Xitu'er Film Festival, everyone looks at me with respect, as if I were a master. It seems like some huge change has occurred, but in reality, I am still me; nothing has changed," Wang Zhong smiled. "It's shameful to say, but I'm only now experiencing and facing the impact brought by this huge fame and fortune. In this regard, you are actually my senior. Your calm demeanor truly makes me look at you with new eyes; you don't seem like a young man in his early twenties."

Lu Yanhe: "Director, you are overstating it. You have always put all your thoughts and focus on making movies, so you didn't spend time dealing with these things before. I am often forced to the edge, having to face them, forcing myself to change, making myself look calm. In reality, that's not the case at all."

Wang Zhong looked at Lu Yanhe deeply and smiled slightly.

On the first day of *Sanshan*' release, the box office pre-sale was 3.72 million, with a 12% screen share.

Li Zhibai and Yan Liang both bought out screenings to invite their fans to watch the movie.

*Jump Up* launched a review of *Sanshan* and started a "Sanshan Viewing Essay" contest. Winners could receive payment and have their work published on *Jump Up*'s self-media platform.

Lu Yanhe, while filming on the set of *Late Spring*, held a ten-minute livestream to share some behind-the-scenes stories about his experience with the movie *Sanshan* at the Xitu'er Film Festival.

The Zhenhua University Youth Association announced that in seven days, they would hold a "Wang Zhong and His Films" forum, inviting Xitu'er Film Festival Best Director winner Wang Zhong to be the keynote speaker.

Ye Mai Network joined forces with many film bloggers under its banner to organize a viewing event.

These were not promotional activities arranged by Sanhe; they were entirely the result of Lu Yanhe's influence.

Chen Siqi posted on Weibo, saying: "I didn't want to spend so much effort helping to promote a movie that Lu Yanhe didn't star in, but he said one thing that was very right: even if this movie doesn't feature him as the lead, he feels honored to have participated in its filming, and that makes it worth our while." With the help of all parties, the first-day box office for *Sanshan* reached 19.27 million. Adding the 860,000 from previous screenings, the first-day box office broke 20 million, far higher than the 10.5 million predicted by professional box office forecasting agencies.

Only then did Lu Yanhe post an official congratulatory image for the first-day box office breaking 20 million, saying: "Thank you."

Many fans celebrated from afar.

However, there were also some haters mocking and ridiculing Lu Yanhe, laughing that this movie with such great momentum only had a first-day box office of 20 million, not even as high as an old movie released last Friday.

Lu Yanhe didn't say anything.

The fans, however, angrily fought back, emphasizing what a great box office result this was for an art film.

The next day, Saturday.

The box office pre-sale figures and growth were not obvious.

By 3:00 PM, the daily box office had only just crossed 10 million.

It looked like Saturday's box office would be even lower than Friday's.

This box office figure gave more haters a point of attack, and they started saying that Lu Yanhe's fans lacked staying power, as the box office showed a downward trend the very next day.

Generally speaking, Saturday's box office is usually much higher than Friday's.

Lu Yanhe and his team actually felt it was strange too.

However, after research by professional box office data agencies, a conclusion was reached: yesterday's box office mainly relied on Lu Yanhe's fans watching the movie to reach that figure. Today, having lost that portion of the audience, the true market situation of the movie was revealed.

This data analysis spread throughout the industry. On one hand, people regretted that the movie didn't achieve better box office results, but on the other hand, they were surprised by Lu Yanhe's ability to drive the box office.

For a movie he didn't star in, the first-day box office relied mainly on him to prop it up.

This was too inconceivable and hard to believe.

If a movie where he only made a ten-minute cameo could have such results, what would happen when it came to a movie starring Lu Yanhe?

This question subconsciously appeared in many people's minds.

In the end, the box office for *Sanshan* on Saturday settled at 15.3 million, with a total box office breaking 35 million.

This was already the best domestic box office result for a Director Wang Zhong film.

The film's box office was expected to break 50 million, which surprised even Sanhe.

They had originally almost given up.

So many issues had arisen before the release, and Lu Yanhe and Wang Zhong had repeatedly failed to cooperate with their promotional strategies, leaving them helpless and causing them to lose face, resulting in poor word-of-mouth.

They hadn't expected this.

Those in the industry who understood were pleasantly surprised by such a figure.

But those who didn't understand went around discussing whether Lu Yanhe's popularity was fake.

"It's simply a joke. Before, the momentum made it seem like he was a superstar, but I didn't expect that as soon as the movie was released, it would show its true colors. The box office might not even break a hundred million."

Chen Siqi forwarded her Weibo post and said: "On the ability of a person to lie with their eyes open—the domestic first-day box office record for art films is still held by Director Zhang Haizhou, at 84.2 million. What kind of 'hundred million' are you breaking? Are you breaking the 'hundred million' of being unable to see others succeed, jealous like a sour pickle, and exuding a sour stench?"

A group of people flooded Chen Siqi's Weibo comments:

——Sister 66666!

——I just love watching Sister roast this old witch.

——I really want to know, what kind of grudge do you have with Teacher Yu Jiang that makes her keep staring at you and won't let go?

At this time, *Film Jianghu* magazine disclosed a piece of data: the production cost of *Sanshan* was only 17 million, and the promotion cost was only 3 million, totaling 20 million. Long before the domestic release, it had already achieved profitability through overseas copyright sales. Now, the theatrical box office sales were pure profit.

Chen Siqi @-ed Yu Jiang in the comments section: "Teacher Yu, does any movie adapted from your work have such results? Oh, sorry, I forgot, your work hasn't been adapted into a movie yet, so you don't even know how movies work. No wonder you can only watch the fun as an outsider, eating sour grapes and saying they're sour."

Seeing this message from Chen Siqi, Yu Jiang was so angry she almost dropped her phone.

"A young girl, how can she speak so meanly and viciously?" Yu Jiang's friend Jin Huixiu saw Yu Jiang's impending rage and immediately said.

Yu Jiang sneered and said, "Girls of this age are the ones who are truly rude and lack upbringing."

"Sigh, don't blame her for that; after all, she hasn't had a biological mother by her side to discipline her since she was young," Jin Huixiu said.

"Hmm?" Yu Jiang was stunned for a moment upon hearing this and asked, "Sister Jin, do you know her?"

"I don't know her, I've just heard of her. Her family has business dealings with my husband's," Jin Huixiu smiled and said. "I met her stepmother once before; she's someone who is used to acting. You know, I hate those kinds of people the most, so after meeting her once, I didn't have any further contact."

Yu Jiang smiled and said, "Sister Jin, I hate those kinds of people the most too, but every time I get satirized by this girl, I get angry just thinking about it. I really wish there was a way to teach her a lesson."

Jin Huixiu glanced at her. "Why are you lowering yourself to the level of a young girl? She's riding high right now, speaking recklessly. In a few years, when she hits a few walls, her temper will naturally improve. Someone will teach her a lesson. You, a great writer, are reaching out to do this..."

"Sigh, Sister Jin, I've been provoked by her time and again. How can I hold back this fire?" Yu Jiang said immediately.

Jin Huixiu: "I can't help you with that."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jiang's heart sank instantly.

But Jin Huixiu wasn't someone she could afford to offend. If the other party couldn't help, she couldn't show her displeasure either.

"Alright, then I'll think of a way myself," Yu Jiang sighed, putting on a helpless and pitiful look.

On Sunday, the box office for *Sanshan* fell slightly again, only getting 13 million in daily box office. The first weekend box office reached 48 million, just missing the 50 million mark.

Although this figure wasn't much to look at in the entire film market, *Sanshan* celebrated its own.

Every time it broke 10 million, it would release a celebratory poster.

Looking at it this way, *Sanshan* already had hope of breaking 60 million in total box office.

This figure was enough to shock the industry. After all, this movie didn't have a single star as a lead, and the production cost was only 17 million.

Lu Yanhe was also very happy. He didn't have specific expectations for how high the box office would be; he just hoped the projects he participated in wouldn't lose money.

No matter how much he pursued art or ideals, Lu Yanhe didn't want things to turn into losing money just to gain fame.

Wang Zhong had said that everyone called him an art film director, but he controlled the budget very carefully for every movie, wishing he could split one dollar into two, just to reduce the pressure to break even and let the investors make at least a little money.

He wasn't the kind of director who, upon receiving investment, only cared about filming the movie he wanted to film, completely ignoring the life or death of the investors.

Fortunately, the cost of each of his movies was not high, and he could take the route of international copyright sales, so he had never let investors lose money. Basically, every movie could make a profit through subsequent long-term copyright revenue. It was just that the profit wasn't much.

*Sanshan* was the most profitable movie Wang Zhong had made since becoming a director.

Overseas copyright revenue had already reached 20 million, and the current domestic theatrical box office looked like it could earn another 20 million.

Adding copyright sales from video platforms, television stations, and other aspects, the expected revenue for this movie could actually reach over 50 million.

For a movie with a production cost of only 17 million, this was a very high profit.

Industry analysis attributed the success of this movie to Wang Zhong winning an award at the Xitu'er Film Festival and Lu Yanhe's participation.

Because of the success of *Sanshan* at the theatrical box office, Director Wang Zhong also gained a new batch of fans.

His previous movies also welcomed a wave of new viewers on video platforms, bringing him new revenue shares.

Just at this time, Lu Yanhe received a bonus from Chen Ling, totaling 5 million.

Lu Yanhe was extremely surprised.

When Chen Ziyan heard, she was even more surprised.

"Although the revenue for this movie is about 50 million, to actually get that much money, the return of funds will probably take half a year, and the bulk has to be split with Sanhe and the others. Chen Ling and Wang Zhong's production company won't get half," Chen Ziyan said. "They are really generous."

Lu Yanhe said, "Sister Ziyan, should we return this money?"

"That won't be necessary. This is what you deserve. Without you, how could it sell such a high box office?" Chen Ziyan said.

"This bonus... should I report it to the company? For a split?"

"Actually, if you keep it to yourself and don't say anything, no one will say anything either. But to be safe, to avoid extra trouble in the future, I think it's better to split it with the company according to the contract. Anyway, with the money you earn every year, your current split with the company is already 7:3, with you taking the larger share."

"Okay."

The reason Chen Ziyan suggested Lu Yanhe do this was to avoid future trouble.

Bonuses, in the end, are a supplement to the salary, earned because of participating in this movie.

From the terms of the contract Lu Yanhe signed with the company, it falls into a gray area. It could be covered under salary and related income, or it could be explained as a bonus outside the contract paid by the production company's producer and director because of Lu Yanhe's personal performance, belonging to a private nature.

Chen Ziyan felt there was no need to leave such a hidden danger. The main reason was that Lu Yanhe was very popular now, and it looked like he would be even more popular in the future. His contract with Star Entertainment could be renegotiated and resigned within a year, so there was no need to leave a handle at this time.

The second week after *Sanshan* was released, on a weekday evening, work finished relatively early, and Liu Bige called everyone to go watch *Sanshan*.

Lu Yanhe bought out a screening and invited everyone to watch the movie.

Previously, because of filming, they hadn't watched the movie yet.

When everyone finished watching the movie, their expressions toward Lu Yanhe changed.

He Qingqing was the first to say, "Lu Yanhe, I finally know why everyone praises you as a genius. I'm filming *Late Spring* with you, and I only felt you acted well, but I didn't feel you acted *that* well. Those ten minutes you had in *Sanshan* made my hair stand on end. How can you act so well?"

"I've been hit hard," Kong Fan also said, dumbfounded. "I can't believe you only spent one night filming this scene."

Lu Yanhe: "Alright, alright, stop praising me."

His face was beaming with a smile.

Liu Bige patted Lu Yanhe on the shoulder with his right hand and said, "You're putting a lot of pressure on me."

Lu Yanhe let out an "Ah?"

Liu Bige said, "After watching *Sanshan*, I feel my requirements for you were still too low. You still have a lot of potential to be tapped?"

"What do you mean?"

Liu Bige said, "From now on, every scene of yours will be at least ten takes."

"Ah?" Lu Yanhe widened his eyes. "You're kidding, right?"

Liu Bige nodded, looking excited, his eyes revealing a fanaticism. "You have to deliver this level of performance in *Late Spring* too!"

Lu Yanhe: "... That's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Are you saying the script for *Late Spring* isn't good enough?" Liu Bige asked.

"They are completely different styles."

"But the ultimate goal is the same," Liu Bige said, then looked at Yan Lingyu and the others. "It's the same for you guys. Think about it: maybe a year from today, you will see your performance on the big screen. What kind of mood do you hope the audience sitting in the cinema will have when they finish watching this movie, and what kind of impression do you hope they will have of you? The leads in *Sanshan* are all young people, about your age. Can you leave as deep an impression on the film industry as they did?"

Yan Lingyu, Kong Fan, and the others looked at each other, seemingly lacking confidence.

Liu Bige said seriously, "Believe me, my requirements for you are no lower than Director Wang Zhong's requirements for them. Although I am just a rookie director and this is my first time filming a movie, I know what a good movie is, and I know what a good movie looks like. I tell you clearly: *Late Spring* will definitely be a movie that goes down in film history. Whatever you act like, that is how you will go down in film history."

Liu Bige's words were firm and resonant.

Lu Yanhe wanted to ask if that was a bit exaggerated, but seeing the firm light in Liu Bige's eyes, he wisely shut his mouth.

At this moment, it was Liu Bige's director moment.

As an actor, if he didn't support him now, when would he?