Chapter 184: Is there any law that says a person cannot be arrogant?

Beijing, inside the Chairman's office at Shanhe Media.

"Teacher Xue, so has Li Lianjie agreed?"

Wei Jin looked at the Beijing Film Academy teacher opposite him with some pleasant surprise; it was originally just a casual move, he hadn't expected the other party to actually agree.

"Yes, after Chen Xi showed him the script, he was very moved and expressed his willingness to star for 1 yuan."

Ocean Heaven mainly tells the story of a father suffering from a terminal illness who, in the final months of his life, exhausts all his strength to protect and care for his autistic son.

The entire script focuses on "autistic patients" and the bond between father and son; from a commercial perspective, it naturally doesn't count as a mature script, but given Shanhe Media's current status, there are many times when one cannot simply consider commercial interests alone—reputation, social responsibility, and other soft power aspects are all in urgent need of improvement.

"However, he is about to start promotions for The Mummy 3, so I estimate filming won't be able to begin until after National Day."

Xue Xiaolu was also very excited; this was Li Lianjie after all. If he participated in this film, it would certainly attract more attention, and it wouldn't be a waste of all her painstaking efforts.

"It doesn't matter, good things are worth the wait. Him being willing to star is already the best news. As for the budget, let's set it at 8 million."

Regarding costs, Li Lianjie was willing to star for 0 salary, but one couldn't expect everyone to do the same; otherwise, no one would be willing to participate in public welfare films in the future.

Therefore, Wei Jin still provided a relatively generous budget. Besides, The Equation of Love and Death had already brought Wei Jin surprises and returns; even if this project lost money, it would just be a wash between the two.

It was already late June, and The Equation of Love and Death had been in theaters for 17 days. Under the vigorous promotion of Shanhe Media, the box office reached 27 million, basically breaking even. The overseas rights could be considered pure profit, which was nearly 10 million. —— "Brother Wei Jin, don't you think they are going too far? Can this kind of thing also be used for hype?"

Today, Jing Tian was wearing a fresh dress, her hair casually draped over her shoulders, looking full of vitality.

Beijing Film Academy was already on break, and the young girl had been coming to Shanhe Media often these days. Although she knew Wei Jin had things to do, just watching him in the office made Jing Tian feel happy.

But at this very moment, a trace of anger appeared on Jing Tian's little face.

In the past few days, some netizens had ranked the donations made by people in the entertainment industry. After setting aside the donations from sponsors, the real donation figures of many celebrities were laid bare.

Wei Jin and Jing Tian were both at the top of the list. The young girl was kind-hearted, and since she didn't lack money at all, she had spontaneously donated quite a lot without needing Wei Jin to remind her.

However, quite a few A-list stars and big directors became targets of public criticism. Although it is said that love knows no size, some people used this to build their image and gain favor, but when they were exposed, the backlash of public opinion followed.

"Tian Tian, we can't control others. Don't get angry for irrelevant people; we just won't collaborate in the future."

Wei Jin was very open-minded about this. In a big forest, there are all kinds of birds, let alone the entertainment industry, this gathering place for the "uneducated"? However, he was also a bit fortunate at this moment. In his past life, he was from Shudi, so he was very clear about the ins and outs of the Zhang Ziyi "donation fraud incident." He had reminded her to make up the donation; otherwise, if her reputation were damaged, it would have implicated The Martian.

"Mm, I'm not angry. But, Brother, you are truly kind-hearted, you actually donated to so many primary schools."

Since all the celebrities were being picked apart, Wei Jin naturally couldn't escape. The dozens of primary schools he had donated to over the years were all exposed, including the previous donation of royalties for the snow disaster, which was also revealed. For a time, Wei Jin was practically being praised to the heavens on the internet.

While speaking, Jing Tian's little face was filled with admiration. Her man was talented, wealthy, kind, and physically strong; except for being a bit of a playboy, he was simply perfect.

"Just doing what I can. Alright, shouldn't we be heading out?"

Wei Jin didn't talk much more about this topic. Seeing the young girl still looking a bit dazed, he couldn't help but remind her.

"Ah, right, right, the time is almost up. Brother, let's hurry."

Jing Tian looked at the time and felt anxious; the movie tickets were already bought, and she didn't know if they would make it in time.

"I told you we could just watch it in the screening room, but you insisted on going to the cinema. Forget it, I'll call the manager there and find a smaller hall so we don't get disturbed by others."

If possible, Wei Jin certainly didn't want to be watched like a panda. Accompanying a girl to a movie, isn't it better to be a bit more private? He called the Shanhe Cinema Line and quickly arranged everything.

"Alright, no rush, let's head over slowly." —— Kung Fu Panda had just been released and was very popular domestically. Although it was a thorough Hollywood film, the Chinese elements in the film were truly numerous: scrolls, Hanfu, bamboo hats, temples, palaces, etc., and of course, the most important ones: Kung Fu and pandas.

It is said that the idyllic landscape in the film's background was inspired by the scenery of Lijiang and the mountains and waters of Guilin.

From a professional perspective, it was indeed done very well. Wei Jin had to admit that in terms of animation effects, the domestic industry was still far behind; at least Shanhe Animation couldn't produce it.

"Brother, A Bao is so cute, I really want to rua it. When shall we go to Shudi to take a look?"

Walking out of the cinema's special exit, Jing Tian's little face was still filled with excitement. Soft and cute creatures were indeed a killer for women.

However, when Wei Jin heard her words, he was stunned. Shudi, he had never returned there in this life. Was it because he didn't dare? Or didn't want to? It should be that he didn't dare, afraid of seeing his past self, and afraid of not seeing his past self.

If his past self really existed, he would only be fifteen years old right now, still living under someone else's roof. He shook his head, forcing himself not to think about these things, and Wei Jin patted Jing Tian's little head with some doting.

"Okay, when we have time, we'll go together."

Wei Jin wasn't lying; some things had to be faced sooner or later. Besides, now that he had a private jet, traveling back and forth couldn't be more convenient. —— The atmosphere of the Olympics was getting stronger, and Beijing was becoming even more lively; one could see many foreign friends coming and going.

After all, it was a global event. Many Hollywood blockbusters wanted to be released in August to seize the Olympic slot, believing that the consumption willingness of the Chinese people would be very high at that time. The ones already scheduled were The Incredible Hulk and Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon.

It was unknown if the producers of Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon were anxious to recoup their funds, but with two Hollywood blockbusters already in August, they still stubbornly set their release date. Director Li Rengang even used the slogan Wei Jin shouted last year: "Battle against Hollywood blockbusters."

Regarding this, Liu Tianwang called Wei Jin, laughing that last year the two were joining forces to fight against Hollywood films, and this year they were going to have a showdown. He said they should compare box office results. Wei Jin only hoped that Liu Tianwang's mentality was strong enough not to cry when the time came.

The promotion for Now You See Me had also begun. Wei Jin planned to start his new film after the movie was released; he had rested long enough this year.

However, sitting at home, disaster came from the sky; Wei Jin was on the headlines once again.

For this year's Shanghai International Film Festival, not a single film produced by Shanhe Media had signed up. One must know that Brotherhood of Blades and Crazy Racer were both box office hits of several hundred million; this was a direct slap in the face to the organizers.

Quite a few old-timers spoke bluntly in front of the media, saying Wei Jin was unorganized, undisciplined, lacked the big picture, and didn't value unity.

Wei Jin had long been unable to stand these people. This time he didn't swallow his pride either; anyway, he didn't plan to play with this group in the future, so he directly posted a blog:

"Is there any law that says movies must participate in film festivals?"

As the most famous director in the country, many fans followed Wei Jin. Before long, many netizens saw this message and left comments one after another:

Hurry and Grow Up: "Director Wei is domineering, so arrogant. What kind of back-alley award is Shanghai, trying to take advantage of our Director Wei."

Sha Gang Lang: "Hey, 110, someone here is acting cool."

One Soldier Two Planes Three Meters: "Is there any law that says a person cannot be arrogant?"

BBVC Power Source: "Is there any law that says you can't carry two umbrellas when it rains?"

The joy of netizens always arrives very quickly, and before long, the thread started to go off-topic.

This time, many directors who had been wronged at the Golden Rooster Awards last year also stood up to support Wei Jin.

Jiang Wen directly retorted: "Men, the times have changed. Those who have no achievements and are just occupying a position without doing any work had better shut up."

Ning Hao, as a newly minted 200-million-box-office director, wasn't afraid of offending people either, and said bluntly: "The organizers should reflect on themselves instead of blaming others. The European Big Three have never said such things."

Successively, many directors began to speak out, expressing more or less the same meaning: if you could be fair and just, why wouldn't people come? For a time, Wei Jin seemed to have sounded the horn for a counterattack against the stubborn forces. This made those old guys a bit uncomfortable; they hadn't expected the resentment to have accumulated to such a degree. Was this still the film circle they were familiar with? —— "You were a bit reckless this time. At worst, you could just not associate with them. Why go through the trouble of tearing off the mask in a public statement?"

Mentor Tian Zhuangzhuang spoke with earnest advice. He wasn't blaming Wei Jin; he sincerely hoped that his student's future path would be smoother. Although these old guys didn't have any achievements, their connections and networks were still there. If they secretly caused trouble, it really wouldn't be easy to deal with.

"Teacher, please set your heart at ease. They won't be active for much longer, and they wouldn't dare to target me."

Wei Jin's status and position were set here; these people could at most make sarcastic remarks, but they couldn't cause any real harm. One must know that the descendants of these old things still had to make a living in the circle; they didn't have the guts to target him directly.

"Fine, I had forgotten that you are no longer a weak seedling, but a towering tree."

The tone of Tian Zhuangzhuang carried a hint of gratification, yet also a touch of melancholy; it was very complex.

"Right, regarding your graduation project, you must keep it in mind. Do you have any ideas this time?"

"The script is already finished. Please take a look, Teacher. It is too late for this year's Venice, so I will strive for next year's Berlin."

As he spoke, Wei Jin handed the script to his teacher; this was also the main purpose of his visit today.

Tian Zhuangzhuang took The Hunt and began to flip through it. Once he started reading, ten minutes or so passed.

"This script of yours is quite interesting. It is somewhat similar to Search, but even more cruel and profound. Not bad, not bad."

It was evident that Tian Zhuangzhuang was very satisfied with this script; had it not been his own student's graduation project, he might have asked for it himself.

Having gained his mentor's approval, Wei Jin felt even more confident. This time, he wanted to take home the Golden Bear. The second update of the day. I humbly request all readers to provide subscriptions, follow-up reads, bookmarks, monthly tickets, and recommendation votes. Thank you all! (End of chapter)