Chapter 175: Lu Yang Tries His Hand, Ning Hao Commits His Heart

"Brother, do you really think the box office can reach 200 million?"

After the pleasure, Jing Tian's face was flushed with a hint of red; the young girl had tasted the fruit and found it delicious, and her body was becoming increasingly sensitive.

"It shouldn't be a problem. Comedies have the broadest audience, and unlike Feng Dapao's comedies, which clearly have a regional style, Ning Hao's comedies can be understood by audiences both north and south."

Wei Jin stroked Jing Tian's delicate, smooth skin with both hands, finding it hard to pull away.

In terms of the fairness and delicacy of her skin alone, Jing Tian was definitely in the top three among all the women Wei Jin had ever seen; the only one who clearly surpassed her was Li Xiaoran, known as "Big White," whose skin was so white it practically glowed.

"Besides, there's basically no competition in this release window, and the theater chains have given us plenty of screenings, so it shouldn't be an issue. By the way, Tian Tian, how are things at school?"

"Hmm, it's pretty good. After spending so much time together, my relationship with my classmates is better now."

Jing Tian changed to a more comfortable position; she loved Wei Jin's caresses, which made her feel full of security.

She had always been a bit special at school, and whether it was the teachers or her classmates, there was a certain distance between them and her, which caused the young girl some distress.

However, as time passed, everyone felt that Jing Tian's personality was excellent; she never put on airs and was gentle and polite to others, so slowly her friends began to increase, and Gao Ye was the one she was closest to.

"Hmm, that's good, but you must be discerning when making friends. You are so innocent..."

Jing Tian's personality was truly such that she easily trusted people, and Wei Jin did not want her to get hurt.

"Hmm, I know, Brother. I'm not stupid."

Greedily breathing in Wei Jin's scent, Jing Tian enjoyed the man's pampering, her heart full of sweetness.

"In my heart, you are just a little fool."

"Then Brother, do you like it?"

"Of course, you will be my little fool for the rest of your life."

"Brother, you are so good, mmm." — The media's coverage of *Crazy Racer* was quite positive, not only because the film's quality was good and the actors' performances were on point, but also because the "transportation fees" were very generous.

Wei Jin had never been stingy in these aspects; even at his current status, he still believed that one should try not to offend those who hold the pen.

The audience attending the premiere were those who already had very high expectations for the film online, so the reviews they gave were uniformly positive. On Yinxiang Net, the rating for *Crazy Racer* had already reached 8.1, and netizens all understood what that meant.

Since the launch of Yinxiang Net, they had put a lot of effort into the rating mechanism, striving to be fair and impartial, so netizens also trusted this judgment.

Generally speaking, anything above 6 points meant it was worth watching, above 7 points meant it was not to be missed, and 8 points meant highly recommended.

Benefiting from the theater screenings and the word-of-mouth from the premiere, the film's first-day box office reached 19 million, the second day reached 18 million, and the total box office for the first two days was nearly 40 million. Ning Hao was very satisfied with this.

According to these figures, breaking 100 million would be easy, and 200 million was also well within reach.

Many companies noticed the box office potential of *Crazy Racer* and were somewhat envious.

"Wei Jin has scored again. It's a pity he's already signed."

Han Sanping felt a bit emotional; if it really crossed 200 million at the box office, that would be an achievement entering film history.

"Director Ning is already a big director now. Wei Jin shouldn't be able to keep him tied down, right? I heard their contract expires next year. What do you think..."

The secretary proposed an idea that made Han Sanping feel tempted.

Wei Jin and Ning Hao might not be as solid as the "Two Zhangs" duo, but this would likely offend people. For a moment, Han Sanping was indecisive. — It wasn't just China Film Group that had designs on Ning Hao; many companies in the industry saw his potential and were offering olive branches.

At this moment, a conversation was also taking place at Ning Hao's home.

"Xiao Na, do you think I should sign again when the contract expires?"

The increasing number of compliments from the industry and the sky-high signing fees left Ning Hao feeling at a loss, and he wanted his wife's guidance.

"Haozi, how has Wei Jin treated you?"

"Of course, I have nothing to complain about."

"Then what are you struggling with? Benefits? Your junior brother isn't a stingy person."

"But... his business is getting bigger and bigger, and I also want to achieve something of my own."

This was where Ning Hao's struggle lay; he was no longer content to remain a wage earner, and he also wanted to become capital.

"The risks in this industry are so high. Without a backer, do you think it's really that easy to make it?"

Xing Aina stroked her belly with one hand while advising him: Actually, she was very satisfied with their current life. They could film their own movies, receive generous returns, and didn't have to bear excessive risks. Crucially, Wei Jin respected the two of them very much and never interfered with their filming, which was giving them enough trust.

"If you really have ideas, why not just lay it out for Wei Jin? I believe in his magnanimity."

Once these words were spoken, Ning Hao was enlightened. After all, he and Wei Jin had known each other for nearly five years; what couldn't they talk about? "Xiao Na, you're still the smart one, hehe."

"Look at you, you're not allowed in the bedroom tonight." — "You mean you want to direct a film?"

In the office, Wei Jin looked at the junior brother in front of him, his face expressionless.

"Yes, President Wei. I feel I'm ready to start, and I hope you can give me a chance."

Lu Yang was a bit nervous at this moment. Seeing that several directors in the company had started their own projects, and his senior brother Ning Hao had achieved such huge success, he couldn't sit still anymore.

"Do you have a script? You should know that with me, if the script isn't up to standard, there's no chance."

Lu Yang had been with the company for nearly two years, and if possible, Wei Jin wouldn't mind giving him a chance.

"President Wei, I saw a script at the screenwriting center that they say you wrote. This..."

Lu Yang looked a bit embarrassed. Wanting to make a movie without a script or funding was practically trying to get something for nothing.

"Ho, you kid, which script did you set your eyes on?" Wei Jin was also amused by his junior brother's move; he was trying to get a free ride on him.

"*Eye for an Eye*. I liked this script the moment I saw it. I ask Senior Brother to grant this. If I can't film it well, I'll work for you for the rest of my life."

Lu Yang's emotions were a bit agitated; he really didn't want to miss the opportunity.

"Alright, alright, don't be so mushy. If you really can't film it well, I don't want to support you for the rest of my life either."

Wei Jin couldn't stand sentimental words and quickly stopped Lu Yang's train of thought:

"How about this, you finish the storyboard first. If I'm satisfied, this project is yours."

"Senior Brother, don't worry, I'll do it right away and guarantee you'll be satisfied."

"Alright, alright, go get busy."

Ignoring Lu Yang's excitement, Wei Jin waved his hand to let him get lost, though he did appreciate this kid's eye for quality.

The movie *Eye for an Eye* had followed the path of a web movie in his previous life, with a production cost of only 8 million, but the online revenue share reached over 20 million.

It looks quite ordinary, but you have to know that paid online movies are different; you can watch them for 6 yuan, which means over 3 million people chose to pay to watch, and this is an incredible number.

If one can use their own fame and massive promotion and distribution to convert all online users to offline, the box office potential could possibly break 100 million.

Moreover, when Wei Jin was writing the script, he already made improvements to certain details, so the quality will definitely be higher than the original version.

Added to the current production costs, which are far lower than they will be years from now, perhaps the cost can be compressed even further; the probability of losing money should be very small, so it can just be considered as cultivating new talent for the company. — "Junior brother, are you busy?"

A voice interrupted his thoughts, and looking up, a smile appeared on Wei Jin's face:

"Senior brother, why are you here? Sit down first."

Wei Jin walked out from behind his desk, gestured for Ning Hao to sit, and called the secretary to brew some tea.

"Why aren't you busy continuing your promotion? What are you doing here at my place? You aren't here to show off, are you? Haha."

"Crazy Racer" has been in theaters for a week, with a cumulative box office of 82 million; it is estimated that the box office will break 100 million this weekend, and the box office potential is still very strong—this can be seen from the online pre-sales, and the possibility of breaking 200 million is extremely high.

Logically, at this time, Ning Hao should be frantically running promotions, struggling to enter the Million Director Club as soon as possible.

"Um, I... just..."

Although he had been mentally preparing for several days, when it came down to it, Ning Hao still found it hard to speak; after all, it was ultimately a bit ungrateful.

"Senior brother, why are you being so hesitant? Uh... is it because other companies came to you? How much did they offer?"

Seeing Ning Hao's expression, Wei Jin basically guessed the situation; it was nothing more than poaching, and he himself had done such things many times.

Regarding Ning Hao, Wei Jin did not have any intention of forcing him to stay tied to the company; seeing that the contract was about to expire, Wei Jin had also made new adjustments, just waiting to see if he could accept them.

"Forget it, don't say it either. You should look at what I've prepared first..."

Watching Ning Hao's embarrassed and hesitant appearance, Wei Jin stood up directly, walked to the desk, took out the drafted contract, and handed it to Ning Hao.

"Junior brother, you've done too much, I..."

After reading the contract, Ning Hao was somewhat moved; by comparison, with Wei Jin having done this much, what else was there to be dissatisfied with? According to the new contract, the company would help Ning Hao establish a film Studio, invest 20 million, hold a 40% stake, and the Studio would enjoy all company resources.

The Studio is just an empty shell; the 20 million is actually equivalent to a signing bonus Wei Jin is giving Ning Hao. If the Studio really starts a project later, Wei Jin will still need to follow up with investment according to the proportion.

For future projects, Wei Jin Company still enjoys the right of first refusal for investment, but can participate in at most 40%; for the remaining shares, Ning Hao can choose the investors himself, which can be considered opening a window for him to interact with the outside world.

It looks like there isn't much difference from before, but for Ning Hao, this is completely different.

This means he is no longer a director under Wei Jin Company, but a partner; for future works, he himself will be the producer. For a Vanity Fair like the entertainment industry, sometimes fame is more important than Billy.

"Senior brother, we have known each other for so many years; saying these things is too formal. Let's make money together. Besides, I have to prepare some gifts for the little nephew in Na Jie's belly, right?"

This contract of Wei Jin's actually references the satellite company model of Golden Harvest back in the day; it can both control the artists and directors signed under him and grant a certain degree of autonomy, which will not cause rebellion.

Moreover, according to the contract, Wei Jin basically won't suffer a loss; assuming it's a movie he is optimistic about, he will have at least a 50% investment share no matter how you calculate it.

Conversely, if he is not optimistic about it, he can even choose not to invest, greatly reducing the risk. He knows that Ning Hao's pretentious artistic tendencies sometimes cannot be changed.

Of course, Ning Hao also has the right not to start a project in the name of the Studio, but then he would not be able to enjoy all the resources of the company. One must know that when it comes to promotion, distribution, and post-production capabilities, Wei Jin Company is second to none, and he wouldn't be that unwise.

With the matter resolved satisfactorily, Ning Hao also relaxed; he was in no hurry to leave, but instead started chatting with Wei Jin.

"Zhang Ziyi is really something, is she about to enter a wealthy family?"

During this period, Zhang Ziyi and Ms. Deng have frequently appeared in public; it is said that they have already partnered to open a company.

Ms. Deng also announced to the public the news that Zhang Ziyi had become engaged to a Warner shareholder, and for a time, the buzz was maxed out.

"For this kind of excitement, just watch it. Foreigners are not that easy to fool; even if they really get married, do you think a prenuptial agreement could be missing?"

Regarding Zhang Ziyi, Wei Jin really doesn't know what to say; her acting is beyond reproach, it's just that she has no brains. Partnering with Ms. Deng, she doesn't even look to see if she is a match.

"That's true, foreigners don't go for our way of doing things. How many married couples end up with nothing after a divorce? Tsk tsk."

Ning Hao prides himself on being loyal and expresses particular disdain for the ways of foreigners.

"Senior brother, don't even think about such things; Na Jie is still pregnant..."

"What nonsense are you spouting? I am self-disciplined. It's you, how long do you plan to drift?"

"Hehe, no rush, I'm still young. The vast landscape and beauties are still waiting for me."

The third update today, I earnestly request all book friends to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up reads, collections, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets. Thank you all! (End of chapter)