Chapter 208: Shishi's Startup Was Not Even Halfway Through, When It Collapsed Mid-Way

After the premiere, it was time for the banquet.

Wei Jin was surrounded by quite a few industry investors; his new film was a hot commodity, but fortunately, Han Sanping rescued him.

Following Han Dong to a small circle, the leaders from the Film Bureau and the China National Space Administration were all there.

"Director Wei, this film was shot very well; don't take the minor criticisms to heart. But are you really going to start another sci-fi film next year?"

The leader from the Film Bureau spoke very pleasantly, and Wei Jin understood what he meant. He stated his position directly: "Yes, leader. Only after making The Martian did I realize how much sci-fi films promote the film industry. And what I said just now was not empty talk; we really can do it ourselves."

What Wei Jin said was truly not just polite talk. The original technical field had already seen breakthroughs, and with this batch of new equipment, Shanhe Ink had almost closed the gap with Digital Domain; it could completely be called a top-tier global special effects company.

"Then what type will the new film be? If it is still a space or planet-themed film, we will definitely support it vigorously."

The leader from the China National Space Administration chimed in, and it was clear he was very satisfied with this cooperation.

"Leader, that would be great. This time, I really will have to trouble your bureau. We can discuss the specifics in detail later."

The film Wei Jin was preparing this time really was a space sci-fi film; many models and equipment would still require theoretical and data support from the China National Space Administration.

After chatting for a few sentences, the several leaders left first, and Han Sanping started plotting about the new film again.

"Wei Jin, how much is the investment this time? You kid better not think about cutting out China Film Group."

The investment for a sci-fi film could not possibly be small; if he didn't get a piece of the pie, Han Sanping would be unworthy of his nickname, Zuoshandiao.

"Han Dong, don't worry. After I finish this busy period, shall we find time to talk in detail?"

Launching a project was not something that could be done overnight, and Han Sanping naturally understood this principle. Seeing that Wei Jin had already stated his position, he stopped pestering him.

Having walked only two steps, Wei Jin was stopped again by several big shots in the industry, all concerned about the new film plan.

"Everyone, this is a film premiere. The Martian hasn't even been released yet. Shall we talk another day?"

Wei Jin was truly regretting a bit at this moment why his mouth had to be so fast. It was all that hack reporter's fault, MLGBZ.

Having shaken off the pestering crowd, Wei Jin finally had some leisure to eat something.

Just as he stuffed two pieces of bread into his mouth, he saw Xu Laoguai walk over.

"President Wei, can it really be done to this extent?"

Xu Laoguai was undoubtedly the person who most hoped for the progress of domestic special effects technology, as this meant many of his ideas could be realized, and at a lower cost.

"Director Xu, you will know once you try your project this time."

There were also a large number of special effects shots in Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame, including the statue of Wu Zetian. Originally, Xu Laoguai intended to build a physical set, but because of the project budget, it was cut, which had made him depressed for a long time.

Liu Tianwang walked over holding a wine glass, the expression on his face very excited.

"Director Wei, it was shot too well. In the future, if you have a project, please don't forget me. Even if I don't take a salary, it's fine, haha."

It was clear that Liu Tianwang was very happy, but Wei Jin had to pour cold water on him.

"Hua Ge, if you continue to act in those low-quality films, I think it will be very difficult to have a chance to cooperate in the future."

Some time ago, Liu Tianwang joined Wang Pangzi's Future Police, a sci-fi blockbuster touted to have a 200 million budget; Fan Bingbing also participated.

Wei Jin didn't even need to read the script to know it was a rotten film. Liu Tianwang was completely exhausting his own fame, and it might very well create a repellent effect in the future; he really wouldn't dare to easily ask him to cooperate later.

"Cough, Director Wei, debts of gratitude are hard to repay."

"Debts of gratitude can be repaid with investment; what is lost is only money. Forget it, I have said all I can."

Although the two had a good friendship, it hadn't reached the point of being completely open and honest, so Wei Jin didn't say anything more.

On the contrary, Liu Tianwang nodded, looking thoughtful. — Today's occasion was destined to be a feast for everyone in the circle, with many people on the scene chatting and exchanging resources.

From afar, Wei Jin saw Yang Mi skillfully mingling among many companies; she was indeed someone good at socializing.

"Brother Wei Jin, congratulations."

Liu Shishi walked over holding a glass of juice, a sweet smile on her face.

"Thank you, Shishi. You look really beautiful tonight."

Clinking glasses lightly, Wei Jin looked at the young girl with a hint of appreciation; simple and elegant, she indeed had a unique charm.

The man's praise made Liu Shishi a bit happy, but she still remembered Miss Cai's instructions.

"Brother Wei Jin, do you have time to attend the wrap-up press conference for Chinese Paladin 3?"

"Hmm, the film has just been released, and I still have to be busy with the post-production of The Hunt. I might not have time."

Wei Jin wasn't making excuses; he was really very busy recently. Although he was the producer of Chinese Paladin 3, it didn't mean he had to be there in person.

"You can set the time, and the press conference will be held in Beijing; it won't delay you."

Fearing that Wei Jin wouldn't agree, Liu Shishi hurriedly blurted out Miss Cai's arrangement.

"Hmm, alright then. Let's schedule it for the latter part of the month; I should be mostly done with my work by then."

After considering it, Wei Jin agreed. He would just go and make an appearance then; it was only half a day's work anyway.

"This is only for your sake, Shishi. How do you plan to thank me?"

On such an occasion, Wei Jin didn't dare to really do anything, so he just teased her verbally to satisfy his craving, while incidentally watching the young girl's embarrassed look.

Sure enough, he saw Liu Shishi's little face turn slightly red, as if she were really thinking about how to thank Wei Jin.

"Brother Wei Jin, you..." "Brother, who is this?"

A voice interrupted Liu Shishi's words. Wei Jin turned his head to look, and it was Jing Tian who had walked over at some point.

At this moment, Jing Tian was holding a wine glass in her hand, her eyes scanning Liu Shishi with scrutiny, and the tone of her voice was also somewhat playful.

"Cough, Tian Tian, let me introduce you. This is Liu Shishi from Tangren Media."

When filming The Martian, Liu Shishi had made a cameo in one scene, but the two hadn't met face-to-face.

After finishing, Wei Jin turned to Liu Shishi:

"Shishi, you should know Jing Tian, right?"

"Miss Jing, hello."

Liu Shishi felt very awkward now, like a mistress caught in the act. She wasn't prepared to confront the women around Wei Jin head-on.

It wasn't her fault for being timid; look at her competitors: Oscar Best Actress Ceng Li, first-line big star Gao Yuanyuan, the number one post-85s young star Liu Yifei, and Jing Tian, who developed in film, television, and music.

None of them were people she could challenge right now; her level was simply too low, equivalent to encountering a big boss right after leaving the novice village, and a big boss with an innate intimidation aura at that. Liu Shishi naturally felt timid before the battle even began.

"Ah, Miss Liu, hello, thank you for coming to show your support tonight."

Jing Tian intentionally displayed her status as the hostess; there were simply too many butterflies and bees around Wei Jin.

"Ahem, Tian Tian, Shishi actually made a cameo in our film, so she doesn't count as a guest."

"Oh, is that so? Sorry, I didn't notice."

Jing Tian's words made Liu Shishi feel a bit aggrieved; her screen time was short, but surely not to the point of being invisible? This wasn't Jing Tian targeting Liu Shishi; when watching the movie just now, her attention had been entirely on the special effects, so who would care about a cameo role in the background?

"Shishi, the screen time this time was indeed too little. Next time, if there's an opportunity, I'll arrange one for you. Besides, stay in Beijing for two days this time; I'll treat you all to a meal. It's been a while since I've seen Lao Hu and President Cai."

Wei Jin felt a bit embarrassed; not only were the shots in the movie cut down to almost nothing, but he was also caught red-handed by the main consort and subjected to a round of mockery—it wouldn't feel good for anyone.

"Right, right, next time let Brother arrange a role with more screen time for you."

Jing Tian also felt she might have gone too far just now; the woman before her was so meek and submissive, she probably wasn't one of those vixenish sluts, right?

"Then Wei Jin, Director Wei, you two talk first, I'm going to find K Jie."

Liu Shishi had never felt so humble before; only at this moment did she realize how vast the gap in status was between her and Wei Jin, and she felt a bit shaken regarding the claims made by her good best friend, Miss Cai.

"Shishi, then let's keep in touch by phone."

Wei Jin also had a good impression of this gentle-as-water young girl; for so long, she had never asked for resources, which was quite worry-free.

After Liu Shishi walked away, Wei Jin turned his head to look at Jing Tian again. The latter stuck out her tongue and said somewhat playfully:

"Brother, I'm sorry, I was just too nervous about you."

"Hmph hmph, I'll see how you perform tonight."

"Mm, I'll do whatever you want." — The premiere ended, and the news online was already updating.

"《The Martian》— The most shocking sci-fi blockbuster in history is coming."

"A passionate work by the great director Wei Jin, not to be missed."

"Shocking! Liu Tianwang is actually growing potatoes on Mars?"

"Wei Jin boasts that domestic special effects have made remarkable progress, not inferior to Hollywood!"

"Wei Jin reveals new film plans, still a sci-fi blockbuster!"

This premiere was held very successfully, and the news released further mobilized the audience's desire to watch the film.

At the same time, the audience lucky enough to attend the premiere spontaneously gave ratings on Yinxiang Net, with over a thousand people giving a high score of 9.1.

Wuli Xihua: "Too shocking, I recommend watching it in an IMAX theater; only then can you enjoy the ultimate visual feast."

Yibing Erfei Sanmi: "Although I have already read the original work, I have to say, watching it on-site is far more shocking than imagining it in your head. Highly recommended!"

Youhai Fengwu: "Wei Jin, the eternal god of cinema, will absolutely not let you down!"

Xiaoba Tianya: "Everyone stop commenting, hurry up and grab tickets; the pre-sales for the first day are already full."

For a time, many netizens who were still browsing the comments began to enter the ticketing page. Sure enough, the first-day pre-sale tickets were sold out, and they couldn't help but exclaim: Isn't this too exaggerated?

Subsequently, tickets for the second and third days also began to be snatched up in large quantities, and for a time, it actually caused Yinxiang Net to almost crash.

《The Martian》, which had not yet been released, set a pre-sale box office miracle that night.

Upon receiving the backend information from Yinxiang Net, major cinema lines also began to urgently adjust their screenings.

The Shanhe Cinema Alliance went without saying; they had to support their own boss's movie, so they directly gave a 75% screening share.

Wanda, as one of the producers and having always had a friendly relationship with Shanhe Media, also gave a screening share of over 70% this time.

The major cinema lines under China Film Group all gave a 60% screening share, and the remaining cinema lines were also almost all above 50%.

This night, everyone was looking forward to the release of 《The Martian》.

It was also this night that Jing Tian wore a maid outfit for the first time and unlocked new knowledge. The new book is on the shelves, the first update is presented, I earnestly ask all book friends to reward a subscription and add to your collection, thank you everyone!

(End of this chapter)