Chapter 176: Warner's Intentions and the First Shura Field

*Crazy Racer* achieved eye-catching results during this not-so-hot release window, and the promotion for *The Forbidden Kingdom* also officially kicked off.

Yifei also took leave from the *Bodyguards and Assassins* crew to head to Hong Kong with Huayi, where Huayi held a grand Asian media meet-and-greet.

At the meet-and-greet, Wang Zhonglei spoke with great ambition: "For *The Forbidden Kingdom*, we have already made preparations for global distribution. This is Huayi's first time collaborating with Hollywood on a project; there will be more cooperation in the future, and Huayi will become an international film company."

The cast and crew naturally faced interviews, with Cheng Long and Li Lianjie naturally being the subjects the media vied to interview.

However, both of them were very restrained when facing reporters, not as confident and shocking in their words as Wang Zhonglei.

Yifei was also among them; when asked which Hong Kong actor she most wanted to collaborate with, she chose Liu Tianwang without hesitation, as she knew Wei Jin admired Hua Ge very much.

Watching Yifei on TV, speaking eloquently and confidently before the cameras, Liu Xiaoli had to admit that her daughter had truly grown up and no longer needed her to intervene.

As of April 16, *Crazy Racer* had been in theaters for 18 days, with a cumulative box office of 167 million; the box office potential had not yet been exhausted, with three to four million still coming in every day, and Ning Hao had already started celebrating in advance.

At the same time, the global premiere held by Huayi for *The Forbidden Kingdom* also officially began, and Wei Jin was naturally on the invitation list.

However, just as he was about to depart that day, Wei Jin received an overseas call. — "Hunter, are you saying Warner Bros. has taken a liking to my script? *Inception*?"

Wei Jin's voice rose involuntarily; he hadn't watched many Hollywood movies in his past life, but this film was world-famous, so how could he not have seen it?

As early as the year before last, he had already written and registered the script, and incidentally, he had also bought the rights to Japan's *Red Pepper* to avoid any future disputes.

It was just that this film required a large amount of 3D filming techniques, and Wei Jin wasn't confident in self-financing it, so it had been shelved; he had originally planned to take this time to study it, but who would have thought it would be targeted by the Hollywood Six Majors.

"Yes, Boss, the people from Warner Bros. are right here. Do you need to speak on the phone?"

It was early morning in North America, which showed just how urgent the other party was.

After receiving Wei Jin's consent, Hunter handed the phone to the people from Warner Bros.

"Wei, hello, this is Christopher Nolan."

The person on the other end of the phone was the director of the famous *Batman*, but at this time, *The Dark Knight* had not yet been released, so in front of Wei Jin, he couldn't claim to have a very high status.

"I really like your script, and I hope you can hand it over to me."

Nolan's mood at this moment was also very complex; he had similar ideas a long time ago, but he had been busy with the projects in his hands and hadn't formed any written material, let alone registered it.

He had just finished post-production during this period and was preparing to register the script, only to be told by the Writers Guild that this creative idea already existed.

Refusing to believe it, he applied to check the script registration time, only to find that someone else had registered it two years earlier, and had even explained the source of inspiration and provided supporting evidence for the relevant copyrights.

At this, Nolan couldn't sit still and hurriedly contacted the top brass at Warner Bros.

At first, Warner Bros. didn't take it seriously, as there were many cases of script theft in Hollywood, but when they learned that the owner of the script was Wei Jin, Warner Bros. didn't dare to act rashly.

One must know that Wei Jin was no unknown figure; not to mention his status as a Palme d'Or winner and Oscar Director, his achievements in business alone could not be ignored.

Once Warner Bros. stole his script, the subsequent trouble could be fully foreseen, and it could even cause an earthquake; no company would stand up to speak for Warner Bros. Some things could only be done, not said, and certainly not brought out into the open.

Calling Wei Jin this time was also done with a "try it and see" mentality; the other party would very likely direct it himself, but even if there was a one-in-ten-thousand chance, Nolan didn't want to miss it.

"Director Christopher, hello. I also like this script very much. In fact, I am already studying 3D filming techniques and plan to start the project at the end of this year or early next year. I really have to say I'm sorry."

To be honest, Wei Jin hadn't decided yet whether he wanted to direct it himself; this film was too exhausting to shoot, but by properly handling the other party, the subsequent negotiations would be more favorable.

"Wei, don't be in such a hurry to refuse, okay? Listen to me, we are very sincere. How about we meet and talk?"

Nolan also knew it was difficult to persuade Wei Jin over the phone, so he hoped to make him feel his sincerity through face-to-face negotiation.

"In Huaxia, or in North America, both are fine, Wei."

"Hmm, alright, Director Christopher, you are right. Perhaps meeting to talk will have a good result. I will give you an answer after I consider the specific details."

Wei Jin was very satisfied with Nolan's attitude; as for where to meet, he hadn't thought it through yet.

"Of course, in any case, I look forward to our meeting very much. Goodbye, Wei."

"Goodbye."

Hanging up the phone, Wei Jin's mind was filled with thoughts, and Jing Tian, who was to the side, reminded him: "Brother Wei Jin, we should be going."

Looking at Jing Tian, Wei Jin's facial muscles twitched involuntarily; the Shura field was coming. — Upon learning that Wei Jin was going to attend the premiere of *The Forbidden Kingdom*, Jing Tian begged to go along, for no other reason than to stake her claim.

So the young girl had dressed herself very carefully early today, in a light blue camisole pleated skirt, paired with exquisite earrings and wavy, slightly curled hair, looking particularly charming.

The shoulders exposed by the camisole straps were even more fair and smooth, and the special design on the chest of the dress also made Jing Tian's proud figure faintly visible.

She was determined to outshine Yifei; regardless of whether there was anything going on between her and Wei Jin, she at least wanted to make Yifei fully realize that Wei Jin was already taken and that she was the true mistress.

After all, books said that properly showing one's possessiveness would make a man cherish one more.

Along the way, Wei Jin didn't speak; he was still thinking about *Inception*.

"Brother Wei Jin, what's wrong? Was it wrong for me to come today?"

Sensing that Wei Jin seemed to have a Heart's Secret, Jing Tian thought it was her own doing that had put him in a difficult position, and her tone was a bit sad.

"No, Tian Tian, I was still thinking about that phone call just now..."

Shura fields and the like were things he would have to experience sooner or later; Wei Jin was also testing the bottom line step by step.

"By the way, Tian Tian, let me ask you a question. Suppose there is a film that you know for sure will have a high box office, and you are a director, would you want to film it yourself?"

With his mind unsettled, Wei Jin simply asked Jing Tian; perhaps he was too close to the situation to see it clearly.

"Of course, as long as I like the script, then I definitely have to film it myself."

Although she didn't understand what Wei Jin meant, Jing Tian quickly gave her answer, believing this was also the view of most people.

"But, what if your ability is temporarily insufficient, and it just so happens that a very suitable director wants to film it?"

This was actually the point Wei Jin was most conflicted about; he wasn't sure if he could film this movie well.

"Hmm... then in that case, just let him film it."

Jing Tian tilted her head and thought for a moment before answering; her train of thought was very simple.

"But, don't you feel it's a pity?"

"How can there be so many pities? There are so many movies in the world, it's impossible for me to film them all. Since there is someone more suitable, then let him film it. I also want to see this work released sooner." Jing Tian seemed to have understood Wei Jin's troubles; it must be said that the courage to let go is more easily found in simple and innocent people, as they are often better able to see what their hearts truly want.

Jing Tian's words made Wei Jin suddenly enlightened. That's right, why struggle with it? Just pursue the maximum benefit. Although this film had a high box office, it wasn't the number one in the world, and besides, his own reputation was already big enough.

He was not just a director, but also capital; the latter identity was where his true foundation lay.

Thinking this through, Wei Jin suddenly held Jing Tian's small face and kissed her rosy, fragrant lips: "Tian Tian, you really are my lucky star."

"Oh, brother, you've smudged my lipstick; we still have to walk the red carpet in a moment."

Seeing that her words could help her lover, Jing Tian was somewhat happy, but she still hurriedly took out her lipstick to touch up her makeup.

Wei Jin laughed and kissed her cheeks twice; he just liked teasing the little girl. — The venue chosen by Huayi was quite special, located at Chaoyang Park near the Wei Jin headquarters building.

The open-air launch event was mainly prepared for the large number of guests and media, and by this time, many foreign actors and filmmakers had already arrived.

As Wei Jin held Jing Tian's hand and just appeared at the front of the red carpet, the reporters' flashbulbs began to flicker.

After all, Wei Jin's status was set here; he was not like other celebrity artists who still needed to queue and wait for notification to walk the red carpet.

However, these artists might have preferred to wait a bit longer, as there was, after all, quite a lot of media exposure.

The host of the organizer's red carpet also had a sharp eye and came over directly to invite Wei Jin to walk first.

Without standing on ceremony, Wei Jin led Jing Tian directly onto the red carpet, the latter of whom even drew the envy of quite a few female artists.

While waving politely and moving forward slowly, Wei Jin only felt that the short distance was being covered a bit sluggishly.

Conversely, Jing Tian was very well-adjusted; with an elegant smile on her face and a proud figure, she looked beautiful from every angle, and she already had a premonition that tomorrow's headlines would be about her outshining everyone else.

After simply accepting an interview, Wei Jin brought Jing Tian into the inner venue; just as they entered, Ning Hao came over to greet them.

"Whoa, Tian Tian, you're dressed quite beautifully today."

"Not at all, Senior Brother Ning, you flatter me."

Although she was humble with her words, the smile on Jing Tian's face could not be faked.

Before the few of them could exchange pleasantries, someone from the organizer had already come over to greet them; after all, Wei Jin was the focus wherever he went.

The person who walked over was Li Bingbing; her attire today was somewhat bold, with her entire back completely exposed.

"Director Wei, Director Ning, Miss Jing, please come this way; Wang has been waiting for a long time."

Wei Jin followed along readily, and following Li Bingbing, he soon met the creative team and Huayi's Wang; Liu Yifei was naturally among them, though her expression was somewhat unnatural.

"Everyone, thank you for coming to support us. Please forgive me for any lack of hospitality, haha."

Wang Zhonglei appeared high-spirited today; such a grand scene truly highlighted Huayi's strength, and Wei Jin even suspected they had set up the Beijing Film Studio's soundstages right here.

"I wish Wang a big box office success in advance; no need to worry about us, we're all familiar with each other."

"Yes, yes, I had forgotten; Yifei and President Wei are old acquaintances. Then Yifei, please help host President Wei and his group; excuse me."

Seeing Wang Zhonglei walk away, Liu Yifei changed her expression, pulling Jing Tian as if they were good sisters who hadn't seen each other in years.

"Tian Tian, long time no see; you look truly beautiful today."

"Sister Yifei, you look very beautiful today too, though it seems we've had a bit of a clash in our outfits."

Liu Yifei was wearing a light blue petal-shaped strapless gown today; at first glance, it was somewhat similar to Jing Tian's.

"Is that so? My mother helped me pick it out; I said it felt a bit awkward, but she insisted I wear it."

"That's true, if you picked it out yourself, you don't really wear dresses that often."

Jing Tian's words caused Liu Yifei's face to freeze; this was a dig at her fashion sense.

Sensing the somewhat frozen atmosphere in the air, Ning Hao left behind a look of "every man for himself" and ran off to the side.

Wei Jin, however, had been mentally prepared for a long time; it was a small scene, nothing that could stir up big waves.

"Yifei, today's gown suits you very well; it's quite beautiful."

Wei Jin also had to offer a compliment; Liu Xiaoli's aesthetic was still on point.

"Right, Sister Yifei? I said it looked good; my aesthetic and brother's are very consistent."

As she spoke, Jing Tian took Wei Jin's arm, the expression on her face very natural, as if she were supposed to be in this position all along.

"Cough, Yifei, are you getting used to the film crew? You still need to be careful with the action scenes; don't get hurt."

Sensing Wei Jin's concern for her, Liu Yifei took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay steady; there was plenty of time, and it was not yet known who would emerge victorious.

"Mm, I've been doing action training, and the crew takes good care of me too. Thank you, Brother Wei Jin."

After finishing, she revealed a sweet smile, and the look in her eyes as she gazed at Wei Jin was not concealed in the slightest.

Jing Tian felt a bit stuck at this moment; she hadn't expected this woman to be so patient. She secretly warned herself not to be too hasty; if she caused a scene on an occasion like today, the man would be angry.

"Sister Yifei, you're really amazing, but if you film action scenes for a long time, your body will have hidden injuries, right? Look at you, your skin seems to have gotten worse."

Your skin is good, you're amazing, where is my skin worse? Liu Yifei continued to maintain her smile and unleashed her trump card: "Brother Wei Jin, I've already bought back the shares from Red Star Dock; when will our Studio issue a statement?"

What? Liu Yifei wanted to open a Studio with brother? Jing Tian felt her Dao heart was somewhat in turmoil and forcibly circulated her energy for one cycle:

"Ah, Sister Yifei, then will you be an artist under Brother Wei Jin in the future? Wouldn't you have to call brother 'Boss'?"

These words were to warn Liu Yifei that the boss's lady was here, so she should figure out her own position.

Liu Yifei was just about to retort, but the host had already taken the stage, so she had to temporarily end this round of competition. However, before leaving, she struck back: "Brother Wei Jin, I'll head over first; you should come to the house for a meal when you have time. Mother's Sichuan cuisine is even more authentic than last time; you'll definitely like it. Well, Tian Tian, see you in a bit."

"Brother, as someone from Shaanbei, why do you like eating Sichuan cuisine?"

Jing Tian had lost her target for attack and felt somewhat uncomfortable; she hadn't expected Sichuan cuisine to become her stumbling block.

"Tian Tian, aren't you the one who likes eating spicy hot pot and hot pot?"

Wei Jin looked innocent, but he was still quite satisfied with the result of this probing. The Celestial and the Wealthy Flower are both mine. Today's first update, I beg all book friends for subscriptions, follow-up reads, favorites, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets. Thank you all! (End of chapter)