Chapter 198: Ning Hao

It was rare for Ning Hao to invite Wei Jin to dinner, and even rarer that it was at his home.

Xing Aina cooked in person, preparing the Sichuan cuisine that Wei Jin liked; the taste was quite good.

"Li Lianjie's drawing power is truly strong."

Wei Jin and Ning Hao were both directors, so they naturally talked about the film market; among the films released recently, the most prominent one was *The Mummy 3*.

This film was released on the 2nd, with a first-day box office of 18 million; now, five days into its release, the box office had already reached 70 million.

"The domestic market doesn't even count for much; you have to look at the overseas box office to realize his drawing power—it's quite a bit higher than the previous two films."

To be fair, while Li Lianjie's status in Huaxia might not compare to Cheng Long's, his drawing power internationally was no less impressive.

*The Mummy 3* had already been released in North America in August, with a final box office of 100 million and a global box office of nearly 400 million, which was already much higher than the first two films. Moreover, this was an achievement attained under the heavy suppression of *Now You See Me*, which showed Li Lianjie's drawing power.

"If we're talking about drawing power, it has to be you, Junior Brother. You created a new series out of thin air and actually took the box office crown. Impressive."

Ning Hao's words were full of envy; although he was now a 200-million-director, he was still far behind in terms of both commercial achievements and awards.

"By the way, Junior Brother, are you really just going to let that script matter go?"

*The Hunt* had been under review for over a month; logically, the results should have been out long ago, but the other side just kept dragging it out—neither approving it nor rejecting it—which was sickening.

Originally, with Wei Jin's status, he could have just found someone to pull strings and the matter would have passed, but Ning Hao knew that his junior brother was feeling disgruntled and couldn't bring himself to bow his head.

"I'm done with it. At the latest by October, I'll arrange for the North American side to start preparations. To be honest, an English-language film is even better for chasing awards, heh."

Wei Jin was truly speechless regarding these people. If they had just rejected the script outright, he might have even respected them a little more. The way they were acting now was clearly a case of being penny-wise and pound-foolish, and being timid when it came to doing big things—a bunch of losers.

"Sigh, it's only you who can do this, shooting an English film just for fun. Others have no way to deal with their methods. With the review process in the hands of these people, it's truly become a foul mess."

"Who's to say it isn't?"

The two men clinked glasses and began to drink. Xing Aina, who was on the side, couldn't help but roll her eyes at Ning Hao—was Wei Jin's alcohol tolerance something a blockhead like you could challenge? Halfway through the meal, Ning Hao finally began to talk about business.

"Junior Brother, I have a script here for award-chasing. I hired someone to write it. Take a look; you have more experience in this area than I do."

Ning Hao seemed to be a bit excited from the alcohol, which also indirectly showed that he thought highly of this script.

"Wei Jin, help him take a look. Ever since he got this script, he's been almost obsessed."

Xing Aina, with her large belly, complained from the side.

Wei Jin nodded and took the script to flip through it.

Whether it was *Crazy Stone* or *Crazy Racer*, both were multi-line narratives, but this script was a single-line narrative; it was indeed not Ning Hao's style.

As he continued reading, Wei Jin began to frown.

After ten-plus minutes, he closed the script, and Wei Jin said helplessly, "Senior Brother, we were just talking about the review process earlier. I'm afraid there's a high probability that this script won't pass."

A script full of criticism and resistance was something almost no director could resist; it was a fairly typical type of award-chasing film.

Whether it was the alcohol going to his head or not, Ning Hao was somewhat dismissive. "I think it can."

Wei Jin didn't know what to say. Ning Hao's temper was quite stubborn; once he made up his mind about something, it was hard for him to turn back.

"Hmm, why not revise the script? Make the ending a bit more optimistic, like *A World Without Thieves*."

Wei Jin offered his own suggestion; it was just that Ning Hao wasn't alone anymore, and because he walked too closely with him, it was inevitable that he would be targeted.

Moreover, this script itself was quite depressing; submitting it would likely result in it being rejected.

Ning Hao didn't say anything, and the atmosphere became a bit stiff. Xing Aina decisively changed the subject. —— After Wei Jin left, the couple began to discuss it.

"Haozi, I think what Wei Jin said also makes sense. I'm just afraid those old fogies will target you too. Why don't you revise it a bit?"

Objectively speaking, Xing Aina agreed with Wei Jin's suggestion, and the latter had always been very skilled at avoiding review pitfalls.

"No revisions. If I change it, it won't have that flavor anymore. I'll shoot it just like this."

"But what if it really gets stuck in review?"

Xing Aina had no way to deal with her husband's stubborn temper and could only try to persuade him with kind words.

"Hmm, this time I'll seek investment from China Film Group. They can't possibly cover the sky with one hand, right?"

Ning Hao thought for a while and made a decision.

Wei Jin was unwilling to pull strings because he didn't want to bow his head, but Ning Hao didn't care; as long as he could win an award, he didn't mind these things.

Bringing in China Film Group could both diversify investment risks and help with communication regarding the review process; it was a good plan. —— On the other side, after Wei Jin left Ning Hao's home, he arrived at Ceng Li's villa; it had been a while since he had "flipped the sign" of Li Jie.

"Why did you come? You didn't even say anything beforehand."

Seeing Wei Jin appear, Ceng Li was very pleasantly surprised.

"I missed you, so I came over to see you. How have you been lately?"

After changing into slippers, Wei Jin took Ceng Li's hand and walked into the house.

"I'm fine. Teaching at the school is quite leisurely. In my spare time, I read books and drink tea. I even went back to my hometown during the summer break."

Ceng Li was also very satisfied with her current life—slow-paced, respected, and free. "Mm, as long as you like it. Go run the water; it's been a long time since we bathed together."

"Mm."

In the steam-filled bathroom, everything was hazy.

After their intimacy, Ceng Li looked even more moving, currently leaning against Wei Jin's chest with a flushed face.

"Xiao Jin, Jingjing is getting married. Do you have time to go with me?"

"Oh? Sister Jing is getting married so soon?"

Hearing the news suddenly, Wei Jin felt a bit dazed. Was that woman who had burst into his room wearing black silk and a short skirt really getting married? She was his ideological guide when he first entered the entertainment industry.

"What do you mean 'so soon'? They've been dating for two years, and besides, Jingjing is already thirty; it's time to get married."

"Forget it, I won't go. The film crew is busy too. When the time comes, let Lao Zhu go with you. You still need to be careful about safety when you're out and about."

Wei Jin felt a bit afraid to face Hu Jing, even though he knew this woman was incredibly free-spirited.

"Alright then." —— The 250-million-dollar Hollywood production not only stirred the hearts of all the actresses, but there was also much discussion online.

This time, they didn't keep everyone waiting too long. On the 10th, China Film Group announced the final audition results to the outside world through reporters.

Director Christopher Nolan and the investors, after consultation, finally chose Liu Yifei.

The reason is also very simple: the age is appropriate, the English is fluent, and there is experience participating in major Hollywood productions.

As the news spread, the internet instantly became exceptionally lively.

The happiest were none other than the fans of Liu Yifei; Tieba, forums, and blogs—wherever they could run wild, were filled with their joy.

"Why is it her?"

Although the result was a foregone conclusion, the fans of other female stars were still unwilling to accept it.

Many actresses felt the same way, and some even raised doubts, suspecting that Wei Jin had pulled strings for her.

Regarding this, China Film Group directly displayed the notes and manuscripts left by director Nolan during the audition that day; if such a matter were truly dug up, Han Sanping would lose face.

The most embarrassed was Zhang Ziyi; she had even privately told several fan club leaders that she had secured the role, and now that the slap in the face had come so quickly, she truly could not stay in the country, which did fulfill her original words.

Yang Mi looked at the news online, feeling somewhat unwilling; she also felt that it was most likely Wei Jin who had intervened, otherwise there was no reason to choose Liu Yifei over Zhang Ziyi. — Inside the villa.

Liu Xiaoli looked at the contract in pure English in her hands and nodded with great satisfaction; this kid Wei Jin was indeed reliable.

"Xixi, was there any notification about when to join the crew?"

"Mm, in 10 days."

"Then how about we go over early? It just so happens there are some procedures we can take care of."

Going abroad to film, Liu Xiaoli was definitely going to follow.

"There's no rush, right? I want to spend time with Brother Wei Jin; once I leave, it will be another two or three months."

"Hmm, that's true, but he is filming right now, is it convenient?"

Although she had already obtained the Hollywood role, Liu Xiaoli knew in her heart that the role in that girl's film still offered a greater boost to an actor—a solo-lead heroine, and furthermore, it was personally directed by Wei Jin; it was truly a rare opportunity.

"It's no problem, I'm not going to visit the set, he will come over at night."

Speaking of this, Liu Yifei felt a bit embarrassed; Wei Jin's physique was too good, and last time she couldn't help it and cried out so loudly, she didn't know if her mother had heard. — "Junior Brother, I really thank you this time."

On the phone, Yu Feihong kept saying words of gratitude, making Wei Jin feel a bit embarrassed.

"Love Has a Lifetime" has finished its run, with a box office of 31.7 million; the distributor can probably get over 12 million, and after deducting the 15% distribution fee and 5 million in promotional costs, the production side is left with only over five million.

Yu Feihong's dream of being a director was completely shattered; this film lost over ten million, but at least the house was saved, so at the very least, she didn't lose everything.

"Senior Sister, no need to be so polite; I am just doing business for money, I haven't taken less than what I should earn."

The distribution business is just like this; unless the film flops completely, it is basically a steady profit without loss, which is why China Film Group has such great confidence to let Han Sanping go all out on big films.

"That's different; in any case, Senior Sister accepts this favor, and if there is anything you need in the future, just speak up."

"Cough, there is actually one thing I need to trouble Senior Sister with; that, Yuan Yuanjie is still giving me the cold shoulder."

Hu Jing getting married did move Wei Jin somewhat; Gao Yuanyuan's thoughts were completely reasonable, and in the end, he was the one who had failed the beauty.

But to let Wei Jin just let go like this, he asked himself if he could be that detached; after all, there were already real feelings involved.

And whenever he thought about Gao Yuanyuan marrying someone else in the future, Wei Jin felt a sense of loss; one has to admit that men are truly greedy.

"Mm, I understand, but for this matter, I can only help to persuade her; it still depends on yourself."

"I understand, Senior Sister."

The second update of the day, I earnestly request all book friends to provide subscriptions, follow-up reads, favorites, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets. Thank you everyone! (End of chapter)