Chapter 465

Every year as soon as the New Year period comes, the internet erupts like a bomb, and everywhere are videos and photos of celebrities returning home.

Lin Mo scrolls Douyin, and the homepage feed is all acquaintances—Deng Chao handing out Zhonghua cigarettes to villagers at his hometown, Huang Bo wearing a floral cotton jacket playing mahjong with relatives, and Wang Baoqiang's video of setting off firecrackers at the village entrance all trending.

Lin Mo has many group chats.

It was mentioned before.

As soon as the New Year arrives, the messages in those groups never stop.

They're all 99+.

So, Lin Mo is idle at home with nothing to do, chatting and bragging with them in the group.

As for Re Ba,

she is accompanying her grandmother and aunt, playing mahjong.

Actually, she really wants to play Da Er, but there's no table; a few of her grandfathers are going elsewhere for the New Year this year.

In the group.

Everyone is discussing this year's Spring Festival slot.

Huang Bo: "Luckily the movie I acted in was released in mid‑January; by the time Director Lin's Fast & Furious 2 comes out, it will probably already be off the screens!"

Xu Zheng: "No kidding, my junior brother already told me earlier that Fast & Furious 2 is slated for a February release; who would dare clash with that schedule?"

Deng Chao: "Indeed, many movies this year have been released early!"

Huang Lei: "@Lin Mo, Director Lin, when are you coming to Yanjing?"

Huang Bo: "Right, the neighbor who bought a house with Director Lin in Yanjing—we haven't met yet!"

Shen Teng: "My Boss's new movie is about to be released; you all have to book ten shows, eight shows, okay~"

Sun Honglei: "That's a must, Director Lin's film—I will definitely book a few screenings!"

Seeing the group, these guys are each praising themselves.

Lin Mo also said: "Fine, the more you drift away, when the Batman premiere comes, all of you come to support a screening; I'll arrange it properly!"

Fast & Furious 2 is about to premiere soon.

As for the premiere, Lin Mo won't invite them.

Perhaps by then Lin Mo himself won't have time to attend.

He's with his parents in his hometown; anyway, he'll return to Mo Du after the 15th day of the New Year.

As for the editing of Batman: The Dark Knight, it hasn't started yet.

But it's not urgent.

With him overseeing it, the editing will still be fast.

After all, he already has the visuals in his mind.

In the group, everyone saw Lin Mo speak up.

Instantly, everyone became active.

Each one said that as long as Lin Mo calls, they'll come even if they're busy.

After all, showing support is still important.

He chatted casually with everyone in the group for a while, then went to give Re Ba some pointers on her mahjong skills.

Suddenly, the phone rang.

He picked it up and looked.

Seeing the caller ID, he was momentarily stunned.

It was Han San Ye calling.

Usually, Han San Ye rarely calls him.

He walked into his room before answering.

"Hello, San Ye!"

On the other end, Han Canping's bright laugh rang: "Xiao Lin, I heard you went back to your hometown and got blocked by reporters at the neighborhood gate?"

Lin Mo laughed helplessly: "Please don't tease me. Those reporters are like groundhogs; the moment I stick my head out, they all pop up, with long guns and short cannons, almost blinded me."

"Haha, who gave you such fame? An internationally renowned director!" Han Canping laughed.

On the phone, the two chatted about everyday matters for a while.

Han Canping's voice grew serious: "Here's the thing, I'm calling because the higher-ups specifically asked me to film a realistic drama this year reflecting the anti‑corruption struggle; it will have a larger scope, but its significance is great..."

Lin Mo raised an eyebrow: "An anti‑corruption drama? That's a sensitive subject."

"Precisely because it's sensitive, we need to handle it carefully," Han Canping explained. "The drama must showcase the Party Central Committee's resolve against corruption while maintaining artistic quality. You were the first person I thought of—you have commercial film experience and can handle serious subjects."

On the other end, the sound of pages turning was heard: "Tentatively titled 'The People's Name', the screenwriter is Zhou Meisen, who has extensive research on anti‑corruption topics."

How could Lin Mo possibly not know about this drama?

Lin Mo leaned by the window, thought, and said: "San Ye, is a main‑theme drama like this suitable for me? After all, I've always been making commercial films..."

"Precisely because of your success in commercial films, we need you even more. This drama must not become a preachy piece; it needs flesh and blood, and must appeal to young people. You proved in 'Medicine God' that you can balance commercial appeal with social significance."

Lin Mo continued: "Any thoughts on the cast?"

"We plan to employ a group of veteran actors, such as Zhang Fengyi and Wu Gang, who are under consideration," Han Canping paused, "If you're interested, you can read the script. This time it's led by the Supreme Procuratorate."

In the living room, Re Ba's cheering could be heard; it seems she won the hand.

Lin Mo smiled: "San Ye, send me the script to look over. But I have to say up front, if I take part, I'd prefer to be the Producer; I don't have that much time to direct..."

"No problem!" Han Canping replied cheerfully, "With you, Director Lin, overseeing it, quality is guaranteed. By the way, if you have any suitable actor recommendations, feel free to suggest them."

After hanging up, Lin Mo thought that perhaps he should just directly use those familiar actors when the time comes.

Re Ba slipped in at some point, hugging him from behind: "What's wrong? Got a phone call and looking all pensive?"

Lin Mo turned, pinched her nose: "San Ye just called, saying the higher-ups want to make an anti‑corruption drama this year~"

Re Ba's eyes lit up: "Anti-corruption drama? Can I act in it?"

"You?" Lin Mo laughed, "Play the daughter of a corrupt official?"

"Get lost!" Re Ba made a move to hit him, but Lin Mo grabbed her in one swoop.

"How so, you won money?" Lin Mo asked with a smile.

Re Ba proudly lifted her chin, her eyes curving like crescent moons: "Of course! Grandma always says I have good luck~" She shook her phone, "Look, my aunt just sent me a red packet!"

Lin Mo glanced over; this girl had won about a hundred yuan.

The stakes weren't that high to begin with.

"I'm not talking to you anymore, I'm going to help make the New Year's Eve dinner!"

Saying that, Re Ba gave Lin Mo a kiss on the cheek.

Her cooking skills had long been honed.

It's the New Year, after all.

That's just how it is.

Eating the New Year's Eve dinner while watching the Spring Festival Gala.

Then, hand out red packets to these little ones.

The Spring Festival Gala is still the same, nothing much changed.

Online, there are still a bunch of people complaining.

After finishing the New Year's Eve dinner, Lin Mo's phone just wouldn't stop.

All kinds of New Year greetings messages, phone calls.

No way, his network, his social circle is too big.

He can't even return the calls, let alone these private messages.