Chapter 118: The Huge Threat Fan Bingbing Poses to Jing Tian

"Brother Wei Jin, are you very close with Liu Tianwang?"

On the way to the premiere of *A Battle of Wits*, Jing Tian asked with some curiosity. The location scenes for *Brotherhood of Blades* were not extensive, and filming was completed in less than three days, which also meant the movie had officially wrapped. Afterward, Wei Jin returned to Beijing.

After resting for two days, Wei Jin received a call from Liu Tianwang, inviting him to attend the premiere of *A Battle of Wits*. Since Fan Bingbing had also invited him earlier, Wei Jin agreed.

"Not too close. We met in Hong Kong. He acted in my script, so you could say we've collaborated."

As an internationally renowned director, many film premieres would invite Wei Jin to show his support.

Under normal circumstances, as long as he wasn't tied up or had no grudges, Wei Jin would give them the courtesy. Besides, Liu Tianwang was one of the few Hong Kong stars he actually approved of.

In fact, *Miami Vice* had also invited Wei Jin to attend its premiere, but he was busy filming at the time and truly couldn't spare the time.

That film failed at the North American box office, and it was only allowed to be screened domestically after Gong Huang's passionate scenes were cut.

One must know that Gong Huang's drawing power was the film's biggest selling point in the country; after the cuts, it naturally disappointed the audience immensely, and the box office plummeted.

"Oh, I don't know when I'll be able to collaborate with Liu Tianwang. I really like him."

Jing Tian carried a hint of longing; she seemed to be imagining the scene of working with a big star and actually started to smile.

"Tian Tian, that's very simple. Once *Beauty's Rival in Palace* and *Zhu Xian* air, you will definitely gain some popularity in the film and television industry. In two years, I'll arrange some movies for you, and there will be plenty of big stars then."

Even now, Wei Jin couldn't understand why Jing Tian entered the entertainment industry, but since the little girl liked it, he would pave the way for her.

"Really? Brother Wei Jin, you're so good to me, mua."

Jing Tian was pleasantly surprised. This was the first time Wei Jin had indicated he would let her film a movie. Disregarding her makeup, the little girl planted a kiss on his face.

"Of course it's true. When have I ever lied to you? But you haven't really attended classes this semester; you need to hone your acting skills properly from now on."

Wei Jin wasn't joking; he had indeed arranged a movie project suitable for Jing Tian. He then wiped his face: "Look at you, your lipstick is smeared. Don't let the reporters catch that when we walk the red carpet later."

"I was just too excited. I'll listen to you and practice my acting skills well."

Jing Tian stuck out her tongue, looking quite playful, and then asked: "By the way, Brother Wei Jin, my new song is already recorded. Do you want to listen to it?"

Jing Tian had received the song *Dream It Possible* several months ago.

To sing it well, she had put in quite a lot of effort and even filmed the MV according to Wei Jin's guidance. Seeing that the finished product was out, how could she not let the man she loved see her results? "Sure, shall we listen to it at your place later?"

"Okay, but you can't do anything bad, okay?"

The two chatted and laughed all the way, and soon arrived at the premiere venue.

There is a strange phenomenon in the entertainment industry: it is even harder for actors who are beautiful or handsome to prove themselves through awards.

Liu Tianwang is such an example. Although he had previously won Best Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards, everyone still felt he was an idol-type star.

"Director Wei, thank you for coming to show your support."

"Hua Ge, you're too kind. I've already said I'm your fan."

After shaking hands with Liu Tianwang, Wei Jin looked at Fan Bingbing: "Bingbing, you look very beautiful today."

"President Wei, is there any day I don't look beautiful? Is this little sister Jing Tian? She looks so cute."

It must be said that this woman was truly a femme fatale with a world-toppling beauty. A simple sentence made Jing Tian, who was following beside Wei Jin, perk up with extreme vigilance.

"Miss Fan, Liu Tianwang, hello. I am Jing Tian."

The little girl had already raised her internal alarm. Unlike her feelings toward Gao Yuanyuan, this woman's beauty made even the naive Jing Tian feel a huge threat.

"Hua Ge, you go ahead and greet the other guests. Leave Director Wei and Miss Jing Tian to me. I am an old friend of Director Wei, right, Director Wei?"

Fan Bingbing seemed to intentionally highlight her relationship with Wei Jin and said to Liu Tianwang.

"Miss Jing, Director Wei, then please forgive my neglect. I haven't hosted you well, please excuse me."

Indeed, many guests were arriving one after another. After some consideration, Liu Tianwang apologized to Wei Jin.

"Director Wei, why haven't you been in touch lately?"

Once Liu Tianwang left, Fan Bingbing began to flirt with Wei Jin, leaning her body a bit too close, completely disregarding Jing Tian at his side.

"Haven't I been busy filming lately? And there haven't been any projects suitable for you."

Wei Jin wore a smile and subtly increased the distance between them.

"Then do you have time tonight? I have many questions I'd like to ask Director Wei."

Fan Bingbing was clearly saying this to Wei Jin, but her eyes were glancing at Jing Tian intentionally or unintentionally. At this moment, Jing Tian also realized this woman was provoking her. She held Wei Jin's arm tightly and said with a smile:

"That might disappoint Miss Fan. Brother Wei Jin is going to my place tonight to listen to the new song I recorded. By the way, the song was written by Brother Wei Jin, and it's in English too. Sigh, I don't know if it can make it onto the Billboard charts."

Feeling Jing Tian's grip on his arm gradually tightening and noticing Fan Bingbing's intentions, Wei Jin only felt that this woman was losing her sense of propriety and getting a bit too bold.

"Miss Fan, go and greet the other guests. We'll manage on our own."

After saying this, Wei Jin led Jing Tian toward the other main cast members.

Wei Jin's cold tone made Fan Bingbing panic slightly. She had always believed that Wei Jin was infatuated with her and that she had a chance to win him over.

Coming here today was meant as a probe, and she also wanted to see what was so special about Jing Tian, who could make Wei Jin stand up for her.

Unexpectedly, Wei Jin's reaction was more intense than she had imagined, and for a moment, she couldn't help but feel some regret.

"Brother Wei Jin, Fan Bingbing is really so beautiful. As a woman, I'm even envious."

Seemingly having completely forgotten what just happened, Jing Tian actually praised Fan Bingbing's beauty to Wei Jin.

"What's there to be envious of? In my heart, north of the Yangtze River, Tian Tian is the most beautiful."

Wei Jin was no novice; even if he acknowledged Jing Tian's words in his heart, on the surface, he had to treat Fan Bingbing's beauty as dirt.

One must know that for women, jealousy doesn't depend on age. He didn't want to be a fire chief, constantly putting out fires.

Seemingly having received a satisfactory answer, the smile on Jing Tian's pretty face grew even brighter.

*A Battle of Wits* had quite a few Hong Kong and Taiwanese crew members, but the one Wei Jin was most familiar with was his senior from Beijing Film Academy, Wang Zhiwen.

After greeting his alumnus, Wei Jin saw Wang walking toward him.

"President Wei, *Brotherhood of Blades* is already finished? Remember to let me know when it's being released. Our two companies shouldn't be fighting internally."

"Don't worry, Wang. If people don't offend me, I won't offend them. Zhang Weiping's mouth is just too foul."

It was no wonder Wang Zhonglei specifically mentioned this; Wei Jin's last-minute scheduling to ambush New Picture had truly shocked and frightened his peers in the industry.

"Hmm, next year, The Forbidden Kingdom starts filming. If President Wei has time, come and show your support."

Wang Zhonglei did not continue to delve into the previous topic, turning instead to chat about Huayi's new project.

The Forbidden Kingdom has officially confirmed Li Lianjie to play the Monkey King; it is a myth-themed film filled with Huaxia Culture elements, and the media is very optimistic about it, believing it to be a good opportunity to showcase Huaxia Culture to the world.

The actresses are naturally the focus of much attention, but they still haven't been announced; every major domestic star and well-known actress has been speculated about by the media.

"If I have time, I will definitely come."

Wei Jin was not being perfunctory, which surprised Wang Zhonglei a little.

Soon, the creative team began to accept interviews from reporters; Fan Bingbing performed very appropriately in front of the camera, clearly having done her homework.

After Liu Tianwang finished answering the reporters' questions, he actually steered the topic toward Wei Jin.

"For this premiere, I specifically invited Director Wei Jin. Although I have already starred in Director Wei's script New World, I hope that next time I can act in a film directed by Director Wei himself."

Seeing this scene, the reporters were also a bit excited; a Heavenly King personally inviting a famous director to cast him—what a great topic! The long and short lenses on their shoulders had already begun to flash.

"I am very serious. I heard that I missed the opportunity for Painted Skin before because my salary was too high, and I still regret it to this day—that box office record! If there is a chance in the future, I can guarantee that for Director Wei's film, I will halve my salary."

It was clear that Liu Tianwang was not joking, and a staff member had already handed a microphone to Wei Jin.

"On the way here, I was telling my companion Jing Tian that among Hong Kong actors, the one I admire most is Hua Ge. I guarantee here that there will definitely be an opportunity, and the time will not be too far off."

How should one describe the film A Battle of Wits? It is a bit awkward; at times Liu Tianwang is like a political commissar coming to do ideological work for the masses, at times he is like a missionary coming to teach everyone to practice Amour for every person, and at times he is like a martial arts hero with extraordinary skills who cannot see through the entanglements of love.

Overall, the plot has fatal flaws, the logic is problematic, the actors are also superficial, and it is full of preaching; it is not a qualified commercial film.

Walking out of the cinema, the morning news had already come out.

"In the eyes of a great director, the Hong Kong actor he most wants to collaborate with."

"A Battle of Wits premiere, Liu Tianwang and Director Wei Jin promise to collaborate."

The third update of the day, I earnestly request all book friends to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up readings, and collections. You must flip to the last page for the follow-up reading, thank you everyone!

(End of this chapter)