Chapter 134: A Three-Way Standoff and a Backstab from China Film Group?

"President Wei, the adaptation work for *Legend of the Condor Heroes* is complete."

Inside the office, Chen Zhiming was reporting to Wei Jin on the preparations for the company's main television series this year.

Last year, the company achieved extremely eye-catching results in the television field, and naturally, the company's management hoped to maintain that this year, so they had been launching new projects since the beginning of the year.

Following the memories in his mind, Wei Jin screened these works and finally settled on *Legend of the Condor Heroes* as the main production for this year.

Wei Jin intended to use this drama to promote his Assistant, Bai Bin; having been developed for so long, Xiaobai had completely become molded by Wei Jin, so it was time to give him some benefits.

What? Xiaobai isn't professionally trained and has no acting skills? What kind of acting skills does this drama need? It's all about the drama promoting the person.

As for Shishi, then he could only say he was sorry; he would look for an opportunity to compensate her with a film later.

"Hmm, then prepare to initiate the project; let Lin Yufen be responsible for it."

Lin Yufen joined the company last October. This Hong Kong female director was originally directing Tangren's *Legend of the Condor Heroes*, but after Hu Ge had an accident and the project stalled, she didn't want to keep wasting time on the crew, so she simply made it clear to Miss Cai; this really couldn't be blamed on her.

It was just that Wei Jin felt a bit embarrassed facing Miss Cai; her team was poached, her project was snatched, and later on, her artists might even be swallowed up—it was truly too miserable, and Wei Jin was even pondering how to compensate her.

However, Wei Jin's thoughts were redundant. While Hu Ge was recuperating, Tangren's Miss Cai followed Wei Jin's advice, scoured for scripts, and pulled together a small team; she actually managed to cobble together a low-budget suspense drama, and it had already wrapped filming, likely to be released in June. ——In mid-March, China Film Group announced its latest film schedule; *Spider-Man 3* was set for the May Day holiday, and the domestic release date was actually three days earlier than in North America, which had no precedent internationally.

For a time, many fans of Hollywood blockbusters were thrilled, but Wei Jin was a bit angry. Was China Film Group trying to discard the horse after the harvest? Or was Han Sanping retaliating because *New World* didn't include China Film Group? Or perhaps because he had won an Oscar and his status in the industry was rising, causing China Film Group to be wary? Just as Wei Jin was pondering how to test the waters, another piece of news shocked the industry: the China Film Emperor talent agency was officially established.

Currently, the most famous talent agencies in the country were undoubtedly Huayi and Orange Sky, which were also the top choices for many artists in the industry.

The former had film and television resources and connections in the Beijing Circle, and over the years, it had cultivated many popular stars; even half of the Four Dan Double Bing were at Huayi.

The latter emerged suddenly last year, poached the Wang Jinhua team from Huayi, and relied on Japanese capital, with extremely abundant cash flow; over the past year, it had made frequent moves and was very ambitious.

Since Wang Jinhua's departure, Orange Sky and Huayi had formed a feud, and the battle for artists between the two companies had been back-and-forth and intense.

However, those with a discerning eye knew that this pattern of two tigers fighting was about to be broken, and the future would be a three-way standoff.

Although China Film Emperor had a shallow foundation, it relied on the behemoth that was China Film Group and had the support of resources from the Hong Kong Circle, making its rise unstoppable.

Wei Jin was invited to attend the press conference, which was held in a five-star hotel in Beijing.

There were many reporters at the scene, Han Sanping and Yang Dong were both there, and many people in the industry had come to show their support.

Cheng, Sun Honglei, Rong Zu'er, Xie Feng, and others were all among the first batch of signed artists.

Yang Dong was smiling on stage accepting interviews, and on the spot, he made a bold claim: "Whoever I promote will become famous."

Once these words were spoken, there was a round of applause, and Han Sanping, not wanting to be left out, added: "Then promote me; I want to be famous, haha."

However, neither of them was the most dazzling today; the most conspicuous was Zhao Yanzi, who made her stance known on the spot.

Zhao Yanzi was truly capable of causing a stir; her contract hadn't expired yet, but she stated directly at the scene that she would join China Film Emperor.

Yang Dong was also very generous, claiming on the spot that he would spend 100 million to vigorously promote Zhao Yanzi, which shocked the entire room. ——After the press conference ended, Wei Jin and Han Sanping met; he needed to probe this old friend's stance.

"President Han, shouldn't you give me an explanation regarding the schedule?"

Wei Jin spoke with a hint of seriousness; these words were not very polite, but there was a reason for them. Without an explanation for this move by China Film Group, Wei Jin could not feel at ease.

"Wei Jin, you know, I also have my difficulties; this was Yang Dong's decision, I..."

Han Sanping was not angry; instead, he looked troubled. He also felt that this matter was not handled properly, but he didn't know how to bring it up.

One had to know that China Film Group had made a lot of money following Wei Jin; with this incident, the industry thought the two had parted ways, and anyone would feel disheartened.

"As far as I know, this film is also being released in North America on May 4th; how could it be earlier in the country?" Generally speaking, overseas Revenue-sharing Films are either released globally at the same time or delayed in other regions; there has never been a case of an earlier release.

"There are some things I cannot tell you; you only need to know that it is absolutely not targeting you."

Looking at Han Sanping's expression, Wei Jin knew there might be some complications involved. Knowing it was a done deal, he pondered how to break the deadlock.

To be honest, he wasn't too worried about the Hollywood blockbuster, as long as it wasn't malicious intent from China Film Group.

"Is there really no room for maneuver at all?"

"Wei Jin, don't be anxious; let me think of a way."

Han Sanping fell into deep thought for a moment; he truly didn't want any conflict between the two sides. The current Wei Jin was no longer someone who could be easily manipulated.

"President Han, if it's really difficult, it's fine; it just so happens that I can weigh the heft of a Hollywood blockbuster."

Seeing that Han Sanping couldn't make up his mind, and sensing that China Film Group had no malice toward him, Wei Jin let it go. It was just a matter of competing at the box office; Hollywood blockbusters were strong, but he wasn't a soft persimmon either—he would only know after fighting. ——"President Wei, what did President Han say?"

Seeing Wei Jin walk into the private room, President Yang of Emperor asked somewhat urgently. Although he had a good relationship with President Han, he was, after all, Hong Kong capital, and there were some things he couldn't rashly ask about.

"The schedule is a done deal; let's prepare for a head-on battle."

Wei Jin didn't mince words and went straight to the point, but he also gave President Yang some reassurance.

"You don't need to worry about the theater chains; Wanda and Shanhe will definitely protect the screenings for *New World* at all costs."

Hearing Wei Jin's statement, President Yang breathed a sigh of relief. At least they still had the strength to fight; one had to know that many peers in the industry would simply surrender when facing Hollywood blockbusters, either moving their release dates or delaying them.

"Since that's the case, let's trade a few blows with our guests from across the ocean."

President Yang of Emperor had been an impulsive person in his early years, but after so many years, he had developed a refined temperament. Seeing that it was unavoidable, a sense of heroism arose in his heart—so what if it's a Hollywood blockbuster? Just do it.

"Right, President Yang, that's the spirit. It's not time to decide the winner yet; we can't be cowards, haha."

President Yang's words also suited Wei Jin's temperament. He had basically fought all the domestic directors, and now that it was Hollywood's turn, it was not necessarily a bad thing.

"President Yang, for this distribution, Japan and Southeast Asia will depend on you."

"No problem, President Wei. The promotion and distribution in Mainland China should also be put on the agenda, right?"

The distribution of *Ip Man* in Mainland China was done well, which made President Yang very appreciative of the distribution capabilities of Wei Jin's side.

"Hmm, I have it in mind; it has already been arranged."

Now the company's promotion and distribution department was basically mature and didn't need Wei Jin to worry too much.

"President Wei, no matter the outcome of this battle, don't forget Emperor for any future projects; as for funding, there is absolutely no problem."

Seeing that the business was finished, and having finally established this connection, with Wei Jin now being an Oscar-winning director, he naturally hoped that both sides would continue to cooperate.

"President Yang is too kind; we are friends. I was very happy during my last trip to Hong Kong. If there is a project suitable for Hong Kong, I will certainly not forget President Yang."

Wei Jin's words were very slippery; as for whether it was suitable or not, wasn't that for him to decide?

Moreover, the contact with Golden Harvest had already made substantial progress, and soon Wei Jin would become the new owner of Golden Harvest. By then, the honeymoon period with Emperor might end, and they would enter a competitive stage.

Wei Jin had handled this matter very secretly, and the initial contact was all done by Xiang Wenlong, also to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

As far as Wei Jin knows, Orange Sky is currently also in contact with Golden Harvest, but by comparison, Boss Zou is still more willing to sell Golden Harvest to Wei Jin Company, which has film and television production capabilities; he knows that this is the true way out for Golden Harvest.

The second update for today, I earnestly request all readers to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up reads, and collections. Thank you everyone! (End of chapter)