Chapter 195: 《Inception》 and Stabilizing the Harem

If it could be said that *The Voice* made the music circle lively, then this news from across the ocean made the entire film and television circle boil over.

On August 24, Warner announced the project news: "The sci-fi suspense film *Inception*, co-invested by multiple Chinese and American parties, has officially launched. The total project investment is 250 million USD. Director: Christopher Nolan. Screenwriter: Wei Jin. It has currently been confirmed that Leonardo DiCaprio will lead the cast."

At the same time, China Film Group also released an announcement:

"The Chinese-American co-production *Inception*, co-invested by Warner Bros. Pictures, Summit Entertainment, Shanhe Media, Appian Way Productions, and China Film Group, will hold open auditions in the country in early September. Character requirements: female, age 20-30."

These two pieces of news were like deep-sea bombs, instantly detonating the entire entertainment industry.

A 250 million USD investment project—this is the most top-tier resource even in Hollywood, right? Director Nolan, whose previous work *Batman: The Dark Knight* has already exceeded one billion USD in global box office, is a top-tier Hollywood commercial director.

The lead actor, Leon, is a top Hollywood male star; partnering with him would be an immense boost to one's status.

Screenwriter Wei Jin—since his debut, every script he has written has been a masterpiece, either exploding at the box office or winning countless awards. His scripts are absolutely high-quality projects.

A 250 million USD major production, Nolan + Wei Jin + Leonardo, global distribution—these points combined are a super poison with extreme temptation for actresses; they have absolutely no resistance.

The entire circle was stirred up. Only those within the entertainment industry know how fierce the competition among actresses is. Faced with such an opportunity, no one is willing to miss it.

As the screenwriter and an investor, Wei Jin was destined to be the primary target for everyone's lobbying. Once the news broke, his phone never stopped ringing.

Basically, they all expressed the same meaning: wanting to know the script content or the setup of the female character.

The heads of Huayi, Fiber, Bona, Emperor, Hairun, and Xingmei all called, and even the on-bad-terms Cheng Tian came to join in the fun.

Wei Jin could only deflect, saying he was not participating in the auditions and the script could not be revealed. Later, it became truly annoying, so he simply handed his phone to his Assistant for safekeeping.

A large number of talent agencies and actors could not contact Wei Jin directly and could only wait silently for the next notification from China Film Group, preparing to give it their all.

Zhang Ziyi inquired about the news from Warner through her fiancé. In her eyes, she should be the closest to the production side; after all, her fiancé is the largest individual shareholder of the Warner Group.

But the feedback was not very satisfactory. The Time Warner Group is too large, with internal factions everywhere, and the project's lead authority is in the hands of Director Nolan. Plus, there is a layer between the group and Warner Bros. Pictures, so she simply couldn't intervene.

However, Zhang Ziyi is confident. At worst, she will audition. Looking at the country, in terms of strength and status, she ranks at least in the top five or even top three. As long as it is fair and just, she believes no one can compete with her.

Although she has already appeared in quite a few Hollywood films, they were neither critically acclaimed classics nor box-office-smashing commercial blockbusters; she basically hasn't made a name for herself in Hollywood.

But Leonardo is different. In Hollywood, he is a box-office guarantee, which means *Inception* is destined to be a box-office smash. If she can participate this time, Zhang Ziyi believes she will definitely achieve a new breakthrough in box office. —— "Xixi, can Wei Jin make the call on this project?"

The temptation of *Inception* is too great. A 250 million USD project—even excluding marketing costs, the production cost alone is over 150 million. It is an absolutely high-quality project.

Moreover, Liu Xiaoli has always been full of longing for Hollywood, and she naturally hopes her daughter can get the role.

"I don't know. He didn't say, and I don't feel comfortable calling to ask."

Liu Yifei is relatively shy. Since they met, she has never asked Wei Jin about project matters. She feels that by interacting this way, the man won't look down on her.

"What's so hard about asking? That girl has already joined the crew; shouldn't this opportunity be given to you? Unless he doesn't have you in his heart at all."

"That won't happen, Mom. Brother Wei Jin definitely has arrangements. I'll just listen to him."

Although the matter of *Lucy* previously made Liu Yifei a bit sad, for so many years, whenever Wei Jin had any good things, he never forgot her. In her heart, she trusts this man.

"You..."

Looking at her daughter's lack of ambition, Liu Xiaoli was a bit frustrated, pondering that when Wei Jin comes over later, she must give him a good talking-to. Her own daughter has entrusted her body and heart to him, and he is just being this irresponsible? —— "Yifei, happy birthday."

Wei Jin took out the first pendant he won at the Bazaar night auction, came behind Liu Yifei, and personally put it on her.

Seeing Wei Jin's gift, Liu Yifei was very happy, but Liu Xiaoli's expression didn't look too good. Didn't he used to give scripts and songs?

"Wei Jin, about *Inception*..."

"Mom."

Liu Yifei interrupted Liu Xiaoli. To capture a man, one cannot be utilitarian. Even if a project is missed, as long as one has a place in Wei Jin's heart, there will never be a lack of resources.

"Auntie, Yifei, don't worry, there's more."

Wei Jin took the script out of his bag and handed it to Liu Yifei. He was very satisfied with the young girl's performance just now.

Holding the script, Liu Yifei felt a little smug. It seems Ruyi was right: in all things, if you don't fight or scramble, the man will naturally cherish you.

"So, does this mean Xixi is already internally confirmed? Then why hold public auditions?"

Seeing Wei Jin's actions, how could Liu Xiaoli not understand? She was just a bit puzzled. "Basically confirmed. Going is just a formality; it's mainly because Nolan wants to see her in person again. As for the public auditions, that's Han Dong's idea. China Film Group gets the lion's share of the split in the Asian region, and he wants to hype up this movie in advance."

Subsequently, Wei Jin informed the mother and daughter about the investment matters of the various parties, which made Liu Xiaoli's heart flutter.

She really didn't expect that Wei Jin could actually hold a 25% stake. This is much higher than China Film Group and Leonardo. It seems Wei Jin's status in Hollywood exceeds her imagination.

"In these few days, Yifei, you need to familiarize yourself with the script, otherwise you won't pass Nolan's test, and there will be some trouble."

Since he said there would be public auditions, at least on the surface, it must be done openly, fairly, and justly so that others have nothing to say, otherwise it would have side effects.

"Then, will you be leading the auditions at that time?"

"No, I'm about to join a crew. This time it's the people from Summit Entertainment and Warner, and China Film Group is just cooperating."

*Lucy* has already completed all pre-production preparations and will start filming in these two days. By then, Wei Jin won't have the time to manage the auditions.

"Then will there be any accidents?"

Liu Xiaoli was a bit worried. If Wei Jin isn't there, and some unexpected changes occur, and the role in hand flies away, she would be left crying without tears.

"Mom, you're overthinking it. Brother already said it's just a formality, plus I have the script."

Liu Yifei is full of confidence in Wei Jin; this man never does things he isn't sure about.

"Auntie, Yifei is right. Just rest assured, Summit Entertainment will ensure Yifei gets the role."

Wei Jin's words caused a monstrous wave in Liu Xiaoli's heart. He can even intervene with the Hollywood upstart Summit Entertainment?

For a moment, Liu Xiaoli felt that Wei Jin's philandering was quite normal. Many wealthy people she knows play much wilder than Wei Jin. She just doesn't know when this kid will settle down, but her daughter is still young, so there's no need to be overly anxious.

"However, the matter of Yifei's Studio will have to be delayed, otherwise it will be too obvious, and Han Dong will lose face."

Wei Jin was also quite annoyed with Han Sanping, insisting on holding some damn public audition. Now he has lost his chance to show off, and how are the actresses supposed to seek progress?

"These are small matters. Wei Jin, stay for the night; Auntie will make you something delicious."

With her daughter's role confirmed, Liu Xiaoli's attitude changed very smoothly. She has already planned to help her daughter devise strategies to tie Wei Jin down.

"By the way, there's one more thing. Auntie, Yifei's nationality must be transferred back. This is a Chinese-American co-production. Do you understand what this means?"

Only by making *Inception* a Chinese-American co-production can Wei Jin's interests be maximized; otherwise, the benefits of the domestic market would all be split by China Film Group.

And the three prerequisites for a co-production are: the investment ratio must not be lower than one-third, it must be filmed on location in Huaxia, and it must have Huaxia actors in major roles.

Whether ethnic Chinese actors count as Huaxia actors has no official definition yet, but Wei Jin does not want to leave any handle for others to grasp in this regard.

Moreover, changing her nationality back holds significant benefits for Liu Yifei; after all, her core base is entirely within the country.

Although an artist's nationality does not affect their popularity or ability to rake in money domestically, with the future growth of national self-confidence, foreign artists will ultimately not have as good of a public reputation as local artists.

"Mm, I understand. I will handle this matter as soon as possible."

Although Liu Xiaoli hopes her daughter can develop in Hollywood, she is also clear that only under the protection and support of Wei Jin will her daughter's career achieve better development.

Not to mention that with the wealth Liu Xiaoli has accumulated over these years, even if she needs to change nationality again in the future, it would be a very easy matter. —— "Brother, I miss you so much."

After a bout of intimacy, Liu Yifei's face was flushed as she poured out her longing for the man.

"I miss you too, Yifei. There have been many miscellaneous matters during this time, so I haven't been able to attend to you. You won't blame me, will you?"

This was the first time Wei Jin had spent the night at Liu Yifei's home, and it was even at Liu Xiaoli's invitation; it seems he has basically passed her test, and coupled with the devotion the young girl has shown, Wei Jin feels his harem is now secure.

"Mm, I don't blame you, but Brother, you can't make me wait this long in the future."

While speaking, Liu Yifei's legs began to wrap around Wei Jin again; she had been keeping an empty room to herself for nearly a month.

"Yifei, one must use their own hands to ensure they have plenty of food and clothing."

Wei Jin rested his hands behind his head, leaning comfortably against the headboard; the meaning in his words could not be clearer.

Rolling her eyes at the man, Liu Yifei began to slowly move downward, starting to do warm-up exercises for the man. Second update of the day, I humbly request all readers to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up reads, bookmarks, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets. Thank you, everyone! (End of chapter)