Chapter 199: The Release Date of

Today, Wei Jin gave the crew a half-day off for no other reason than to go and confirm the specific release date of *The Martian* with Han Dong.

At the beginning of the month, employees from Shanhe Ink returned to the country with the finished film, and Wei Jin took the time to watch it; it was perfect.

With the New Year Slot approaching, he arranged to meet with Han Dong to discuss the specific release time.

However, what Wei Jin did not expect was that several investors were also waiting there; logically, this had nothing to do with them.

"President Wei, we don't care about the release date; we mainly just want to get a taste of it first and see the film. Hardcore sci-fi, the first of its kind in the country."

The people from Aerospace Technology Group spoke up first, and the other two parties nodded busily; it seems the gimmick of domestic hardcore sci-fi is truly useful.

"Alright, everyone, Han Dong, let's move over and take a look."

Several people went together to the pre-prepared screening room, and under the operation of the staff, the movie soon began to play.

The original version of *The Martian* was 130 minutes long; Wei Jin had deleted and modified some of the darker plot points, so his version was only 120 minutes.

Two hours passed, the film came to an end, and the group of viewers, including Han Sanping, were all shocked beyond measure.

"President Wei, it's done so well; it truly reflects the standard of a great nation's aerospace industry. This is the direction we should strive for in the future. It's too good."

The people from Aerospace Technology Group were somewhat excited. After the filming was completed, although they had seen the raw footage, it was just a rough draft at the time, and it was impossible to see anything special.

But after the post-production special effects were added, it was completely different. The shocking visual effects, the grand base scenes, and the high-spirited background music were absolutely an audiovisual feast.

"Indeed, President Wei, I really didn't expect it to reach this level; it's truly shocking."

Wang Changtian was very relieved. This film was one he had strongly advocated investing in—70 million, and after more than a year without seeing a return, it would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous.

But now, seeing the finished film, his hanging heart was set at ease; he had a premonition that this film would make history.

"Regarding the release date, what are your thoughts?"

Han Sanping handed the schedule to Wei Jin, who browsed through it rapidly and nodded; there was indeed no competition in this year's New Year Slot.

"Let's set it for December 12th."

*If You Are The One* is on December 28th, so they are basically completely staggered.

*Forever Enthralled* is released on December 5th; Wei Jin has already left a week of buffer time for Chen Shiren, so he shouldn't have any objections, right? "Alright, are you confident about breaking the record? I've been under quite a bit of pressure these past few days."

*Now You See Me*, an imported film, set the highest record in history; although it was Wei Jin's work, it still made people feel uncomfortable.

As China Film Group, which controls the approval authority for imported films, they also bore a lot of pressure, and Han Sanping urgently hoped that *The Martian* could reclaim the box office championship.

"Han Dong, the quality of the film is right here; let's wait to enter the 500 million era."

Wei Jin's words were full of confidence. Unlike the foreign film status of *Now You See Me*, *The Martian* had an all-Huaxia cast. On this land of the country, it could absolutely explode with astonishing box office potential; he even felt that 500 million in box office was a bit conservative.

Normally, in a mature film market, a top-tier film can take more than 10% of the annual box office; of course, if there is external assistance, this amount will be even greater.

You must know that when *Hero* was released back then, it took more than a quarter of the annual film box office. Although there was a lot of external assistance at the time, could it be that *The Martian* won't have any?

To put it bluntly, in terms of momentum, *The Martian* is not inferior to *Hero* at all, and perhaps even higher; there is a great hope of taking 15% of the annual box office.

Even calculating based on last year's total national box office of 4.6 billion, a box office of 600-700 million is entirely possible, not to mention that the box office ceiling is still increasing this year.

"Good, if it really hits 500 million, I will hold a celebration banquet for you at the Great Hall of the People."

"That would be great, I won't decline this time, haha."

The first domestic hardcore sci-fi blockbuster is worthy of this honor. —— This year's Hundred Flowers Awards seem to have been held for Huayi; *Assembly* almost swept all the awards.

Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor; Best Actress was also won by Li Bingbing for *The Knot*, which made her overjoyed; she finally had a decent award to her name.

Feng Dapao was also in high spirits, saying many good things about the Hundred Flowers Awards, making it seem as if he had been recruited by the government.

But everyone in the circle knows that this guy is like a dog; don't look at him praising the Hundred Flowers now, if they don't give him an award next time, he will start firing cannons again.

Han Sanping's efficiency was very high; the next day, the China Film Group official website updated the information on the films that had been scheduled.

*The Martian* is scheduled for December 12th.

This news swept through the entire Mainland China film and television circle like a hurricane.

A sci-fi blockbuster with a cost of 400 million has been scheduled, with only 3 months left until the release. Opening the news webpage, the news about *The Martian* was pinned at the very top, suppressing all other news in the film, television, and entertainment circles.

Even the freshly baked Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony was suppressed; poor Feng Dapao had only been on the headlines for a few hours.

There were already many sci-fi fans and book fans online starting to look forward to it, preparing to go to the cinema to support it when the time comes.

According to the details previously announced by China Film Group, the actors' salaries for this film were not high, and the vast majority of the funds were used on hardware facilities, props, and special effects, especially the special effects, which cost a huge amount; it is absolutely an audiovisual feast not to be missed.

Wei Jin also posted a blog while filming, confirming the film's release time.

Looking at the news online, Chen Shiren felt a bit stifled; this little brat Wei Jin is truly like a lingering ghost.

Thinking of the humiliation suffered by *The Promise*, Chen Shiren angrily slapped the table:

"Simply too bullying."

Hearing the commotion, Chen Hong naturally knew what her husband was angry about, and hurriedly spoke to comfort him: "Lao Chen, it doesn't matter, isn't there a week of buffer time?"

In her view, the two films were completely different in type and target audience, so there was not much competition to speak of.

"A week? A week is useless. This kid must be doing it on purpose. And that old guy Han Sanping, is he not going to manage China Film Group's investment either? Truly a short-sighted person."

Chen Shiren's impotent rage could naturally not be heard by Han Sanping, but even if he had heard it, he could only offer him a cold sneer.

Although *Forever Enthralled* was invested in by China Film Group, after the photography exhibition incident at the beginning of the year, Han Sanping had already given up hope for its box office. Compared with *The Martian*, it was not difficult to choose which was more important.

"How about we change the release date?"

Chen Hong was truly afraid of Wei Jin; his films had never failed in these few years. If Lao Chen were to be crushed again, it would be really difficult for him in the future.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible. I, Chen, will absolutely never be cowardly before a battle. Notify them to increase the intensity of the publicity. I don't believe that he, Wei Jin, never has a time when his horse stumbles." —— After some intimacy, Liu Yifei felt that her whole body was falling apart, and she didn't even want to move a finger.

Lighting a cigarette, Wei Jin puffed away while one hand gave the young girl a massage.

Noticing that the man's hand had been exercising in a certain place, Liu Yifei felt a bit sad.

"Brother, do you think I'm too small?"

Liu Yifei believed that the reason she was temporarily losing to Jing Tian was because of this; otherwise, there was no reason why she had known Wei Jin first but couldn't snatch him away from that woman.

Hearing this, Wei Jin felt a bit amused, stubbed out the cigarette butt fiercely, and comforted her: "How could that be? A handful is just right; don't mention how cute it is."

Wei Jin is not a fool; how could he say what was in his heart? Besides, the young girl is not too small, and the shape is quite good.

"But, Sister Ruyi says that men all like them big, is that right?"

In this regard, Liu Yifei was actually a bit insecure; recently, she had even been following what the books said and having her mother give her dietary supplements, but unfortunately, it had only been a short time, and the results were minimal.

"Hmm, how should I put it? Big has its advantages, and small has its charms. Yifei, there's no need to be so demanding. Besides, it's you as a person that I like; the size isn't that important."

As long as it wasn't completely flat, and as long as it was all-natural, his standards weren't that high. Wei Jin didn't want to continue this topic with the young girl: "By the way, when you get to the film crew, remember to stay away from Leonardo. That guy is no good; he loves to deceive young girls the most."

Leonardo's romantic history was far too rich; he changed girlfriends even more frequently than he changed underwear. The key was that every single girlfriend was no older than 23. Wei Jin was also afraid that the young girl would see a Hollywood superstar and, under the influence of his halo, end up suffering a loss.

Of course, foreigners had different aesthetics, and Leonardo might not necessarily take a fancy to Liu Yifei, but to prevent this guy from seeking novelty, Wei Jin had specifically asked Hunter to give him a heads-up.

"Hehe, Brother, are you worried that I'll have a change of heart?"

The man's words made the young girl feel very sweet inside; it seemed she still carried quite a bit of weight in his heart.

"That's not it. I believe in our relationship, but you're so cute—what if that guy pesters you relentlessly? No, how about you just don't act in it?"

Wei Jin acted very exaggeratedly, trying his best to amplify his possessiveness; a young girl who had fallen into the river of Amour would definitely fall for this.

"I won't, Brother. As long as you have me in your heart, I will always belong to you."

Liu Yifei adjusted her posture, slowly pressing down on Wei Jin, looking at the man with intoxicated eyes:

"Brother, I still want more."

With the beauty extending an invitation, how could Wei Jin refuse? He kissed the girl's delicate lips fiercely.

That night, the two seemed to know no fatigue, vowing to melt their longing for each other into one another's bodies. Third update today, I earnestly request all readers to grant me subscriptions, follow-up reads, bookmarks, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets. Thank you all! (End of chapter)