Chapter 114: Zhang Yimou's Worry and Princess Yu Shu's Devotion

Wei Jin's counterattack came very quickly; in less than a week, Wei Jin Fengliu Film and Television Company released the news:

The biographical Kung Fu film *Ip Man*, scripted by Wei Jin and produced by Emperor Group, is scheduled for release on December 8th;

The realistic film *Room*, written and directed by Wei Jin himself, is scheduled for release on December 22nd.

Once the news broke, the industry was in an uproar; everyone knew that Wei Jin was dissatisfied with Zhang Weiping.

Quite a few people were waiting to see the show, as everyone knew that Zhang Weiping, with his big mouth, had offended quite a few peers in the industry.

It was only because Zhang Yimou had been collaborating with him all along that others mostly dared to be angry but dared not speak; after all, the reputation of the "National Master" was still very significant.

But this time, having offended Wei Jin, the consequences were hard to predict. Did Zhang Weiping not know that Shanhe Cinema Line already occupied 15% of the theater market share? Did he think Wei Jin was just an ordinary director? Compared to the schadenfreude of industry insiders, movie fans were extremely looking forward to this New Year Slot.

The buzz for the film *Room* had lasted for nearly half a year. When it won awards back then, everyone was looking forward to its domestic release, but Wei Jin had kept it under wraps, truly whetting the audience's appetite. After all, it was a film that had won the Palme d'Or again after more than a decade; how could the audience not look forward to it? As a Kung Fu film scripted by Wei Jin, *Ip Man* also held great appeal for some Kung Fu film enthusiasts.

*Curse of the Golden Flower*, touted as a 360 million investment, a historical epic crafted by the National Master Zhang Yimou, and featuring a cast of big-name stars like Zhou Dong, Gong Huang, and Fa Ge—how could movie fans not look forward to it? In short, the smoke of the New Year Slot had already begun to spread, and the media was also predicting who would be the final winner.

"Weiping, I'm telling you, why on earth did you go and offend him for no reason?"

Regarding Zhang Weiping's reckless maneuvers, Zhang Yimou felt very weary; the key was that this wasn't the first time.

Almost every time Zhang Yimou had a film to be released, Zhang Weiping would always find ways to find an opponent, whether it was a peer or a cinema chain; he had even cursed at distributors.

"What's there to be afraid of? Your film couldn't possibly have an opponent in the country. As for *Painted Skin*, that was just his good luck that he didn't run into you; otherwise, what would he even have to talk about?"

Zhang Weiping had started out in pharmaceuticals and then made his fortune in real estate; his current status was all built up over time, and he somewhat looked down on someone like Wei Jin who had become famous overnight and ascended to a high position so suddenly.

"Then have you thought about it? With Shanhe Cinema Line in his hands, plus his relationship with Wanda, over 30% of the theaters are influenced by him. Why bother?"

Zhang Yimou truly felt it was unnecessary. Since the overseas rights had already been sold, there was no need to fuss over whether or not they could chase an Oscar. Although he had always been obsessed with chasing an Oscar, deep down, he didn't have much confidence in *Curse of the Golden Flower* doing so.

"Then I just don't like him. That spot clearly should have been yours. With all the preparation we did in the early stages, why on earth should we let it go to him?"

From Zhang Weiping's words, one could tell that he was someone who was somewhat impulsive and reckless; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to do something like using *Hero* to force theaters to adjust their profit-sharing ratios back then.

"Chasing an Oscar still depends on the quality of the film. Since his film *Room* was able to win the Palme d'Or, it shows that it is quite high-level."

Zhang Yimou was a pure filmmaker; having been in the industry for decades, he had always maintained his passion for film. Now that he had basically swept the European Big Three, he still had some obsession with the Oscar. However, regarding the competition for the spot, he still stood on a relatively objective standpoint.

"Alright, things are already like this, forget about him."

Zhang Weiping was still indifferent; he didn't believe that theaters would refuse box office revenue just to help Wei Jin schedule screenings. When the time came, wouldn't it just be a battle of film quality? He was truly full of confidence in Zhang Yimou.

"You... sigh."

Seeing that he couldn't persuade Zhang Weiping, Zhang Yimou was already considering whether to ask Han Sanping from China Film Group to step in and mediate. After all, he truly appreciated Wei Jin, this rising star in the country.

The hustle and bustle of the outside world had nothing to do with Wei Jin; after giving instructions, he immersed himself in the filming of the movie.

For nearly half a month, Wei Jin had been filming dramatic scenes. It had to be said that watching veteran actors show off their acting skills on set was truly a feast for the eyes.

"Cut! This take is good. Everyone, take a break."

Staring at the image on the monitor, Wei Jin exclaimed after repeated observation: "Teacher Jin, this scene was fantastic. The performance was so vivid."

For the role of Wei Zhongxian, Wei Jin had contacted the original actor, Teacher Jin Shijie. This veteran actor was truly both excellent and affordable.

"Director, you flatter me. An actor's job is to earn a living; it's only right."

Jin Shijie, from Taiwan, said modestly with his unique tone:

"Teacher Jin is too modest. Young actors today really should come and see what an actor is, what an artist is."

Wei Jin showed great respect for this veteran actor. The 55-year-old Jin Shijie had been in the film and television industry for nearly thirty years. He still possessed the integrity of actors from the last century—not for fame, not for profit, and not caring about the size of the role, just to bring the character to life. He was worthy of the title of artist.

"That's right, Teacher Jin. Even I feel a lot of pressure when acting opposite you. You truly have that aura of someone who has held a high position for a long time."

Huang Xiaoming, who was acting opposite Jin Shijie, was also feeling a bit emotional at this moment. He had always felt his acting skills were not bad, but encountering a veteran actor this time, he really felt some pressure.

"Eh, Xiaoming, your performance is also good. When I watched *The Prince of Han Dynasty* before, I felt you had a lot of spirit. That is very important; don't lose it."

Jin Shijie was quite easygoing with humble and motivated young people. For a moment, the few of them were actually complimenting each other on set.

"Cut! Xiaobai, your expression is wrong. It needs to be slightly shy."

Standing behind Lu Yang and peering at the monitor, Wei Jin issued the instruction.

Lu Yang was a junior from the Director Department of the Beijing Film Academy 05 Class, and he had joined the company after Wei Jin's graduation ceremony.

As the director of the original film, Wei Jin intended to let him direct the simple scenes while he supervised from the side. Lu Yang was very grateful for this. As a sophomore student with no works yet, being able to receive Wei Jin's appreciation and promotion was incredibly lucky.

"And you, Wu Jing, have you never seen a beautiful woman before? Restrain yourself a little. I want that kind of affection that stops at the right point."

Wei Jin had been mentally prepared for Bai Bin's immaturity, but he hadn't expected Wu Jing to perform poorly. Could this kid be lovesick?

"Sorry, Director, let me prepare."

Wu Jing was also blushing a bit. He had indeed been moved upon seeing how beautiful Bai Bin was; he was already 32 years old, after all.

"Alright, don't rush. Life Assistant, arrange for the meal. Everyone, find your state."

Seeing that it was noon, Wei Jin didn't intend to continue grinding on this shot and arranged for lunch.

When on set, Wei Jin ate with everyone else and didn't pull any special treatment. Besides, in Wei Jin's crew, could the living conditions be bad? Would the Producer even want to keep his job?

Everyone grabbed their boxed lunches, gathered in twos and threes to eat, and chatted along the way.

"I'm telling you, kid, you don't actually have ideas about that girl, do you?"

Hu Jun, who was playing the eldest of the three brothers this time, had been getting along with Wu Jing for over a month and teased him:

"Big Brother, what are you talking about? This is just a normal reaction."

Wu Jing, as if his Heart's Secret had been exposed, explained anxiously:

"Let me tell you, this girl is an artist under President Wei, and also President Wei's Assistant. Think it through."

Hu Jun wasn't afraid that Wei Jin would mind; with Wei Jin's status, it was completely beneath him.

What he was afraid of was that Wu Jing, this guy, would rashly do something and leave a bad impression.

"Don't worry, Big Brother, I'm really just admiring her."

Wu Jing promised helplessly. The spark of affection that hadn't even started was extinguished just like that.

Finishing the day's filming, Wei Jin had just returned to his room when he heard a knock on the door.

"Xiaobai, why are you here?"

Looking at the pretty Bai Bin outside the door, Wei Jin felt a bit strange, but he still invited her into the room immediately after.

However, Liu Yan had been helping Wei Jin release stress these past few days, so he didn't have any thoughts about this young woman for the time being.

"President Wei, could you give me some acting pointers?"

A slight blush appeared on Bai Bin's face, as if she were embarrassed, and she handed over the script with both hands.

Seeing that this young woman was truly here to ask for advice, Wei Jin became a bit more serious; it seemed this artist of his still had some ambition.

Taking the script, Wei Jin immediately felt something was off; he opened it to take a look, and good heavens, a pair of sheer black stockings was tucked inside—had she already opened up her Ren Du Meridian so quickly?

"Are you sure you want me to teach you? Have you thought it through?"

Wei Jin was afraid the young woman was acting on a momentary impulse, so he asked one more question.

"Mm, please teach me, President Wei."

When Bai Bin said this, her face was already covered in a blush, clearly still a bit green.

In fact, Bai Bin had also thought it over carefully; she had joined the company for two or three months now and had a fair understanding of the current situation of the company's female artists. Why Liu Yan could have different resources from the others—this time on set, she had found the answer.

She also understood what the opportunity Zhang Xu told her to seize was. As a newcomer, if she wanted to go far on this path, her starting point had to be high. Dragging it out further might not necessarily be beneficial, and besides, given Wei Jin's conditions, she wouldn't be at a loss.

Seeing that Bai Bin's determination to seek progress was so great, Wei Jin no longer hesitated; he scooped the young woman up by the waist and walked into the bathroom—a sense of ritual was still very important.

This night, Wei Jin felt the happiness of Yi Xiaochuan. I worked my fingers to the bone today; the third update is presented. I beg you big shots to subscribe to the latest chapter; the editor needs to look at the follow-up reading data to give recommendations. Nineteen bows in thanks.

(End of this chapter)