Chapter 211: A New Attempt at Celestial Immortality: Creating a New Era

The box office for *The Martian* remains strong; even after being in theaters for ten days, the daily box office is still over 20 million, immovable as a mountain.

Every film and television company in the circle is green with envy, regretting only that they couldn't get on board, especially Huayi, which is currently seeking to go public; such a sci-fi blockbuster with global influence is simply the best gimmick for hype.

Wanda and Fiber are looking quite glorious lately; they have made a fortune following Wei Jin this time.

However, Wei Jin has a premonition that subsequent cooperation with Wanda might not be as harmonious, because they are also officially entering the film and television industry next year.

As for Fiber, cooperation can continue; Wang Changtian still has some tricks up his sleeve, as he managed to secure the *National Drama Ceremony* event, which means Fiber has another good card in its hand.

Wei Jin was still somewhat surprised to receive a call from Han Sanping.

"Wei Jin, it's a good thing I listened to you back then and didn't sell the copyrights; otherwise, the profits would have been at least halved."

Just by hearing the voice on the phone, Wei Jin knew Han Sanping was in a very good mood.

This is no wonder; two days ago, the leaders of the Film Bureau publicly stated that *The Martian* is a benchmark for sci-fi films, which has greatly saved face for Han Sanping.

"If Summit Entertainment hadn't taken over the distribution, I really would have preferred to sell the copyrights."

Wei Jin's words were not false; the distribution capabilities of the Big Six are strong, but they are also quite treacherous. Cooperating with the Big Six and selling out the copyrights is the most worry-free way.

However, he didn't earn little this time either; at the very least, the distribution fees were collected according to the standards of the Big Six.

"Indeed, you borrowed that ship very well. By the way, for *The Founding of a Republic*, would you like to come and have your name attached as a director for a small segment?"

"I was wondering why you called me; so you were waiting for me here."

Two days ago, China Film Group officially announced the project, with Han Sanping personally taking the lead and multiple directors co-directing.

This is actually different from what Wei Jin understood before. It is estimated that Han Sanping, firstly, wants to win people over—after all, it is an honor to participate in a project with such special significance—and secondly, he wants to share the pressure; if any mistakes happen, the law does not punish the masses.

Currently, Feng Dapao, Chen Shiren, Chen Kexin, and others have all accepted the invitation and will join the directing team for zero pay, under the leadership of Han Sanping.

In addition, as many as a hundred stars have joined, also appearing for zero pay; this is not entirely Wei Jin's fault, as they were all voluntary.

"I'll pass; if you submit my name, it will probably just be suppressed."

Wei Jin is truly too lazy to participate; it would be hard to handle if he were targeted by the old stubborns later. However, him not participating doesn't mean the company can't participate.

"But I can recommend someone for a role: Zhang Yi. What do you think?"

After the roadshow ended, Wei Jin signed Zhang Yi. That guy was so moved; after struggling for so many years, he finally had a backer.

"Hmm, this person was in the military before, right?"

"Yes."

"Alright then, have him come for an audition."——Over the course of more than half a month, Wei Jin finally finished the post-production of *The Hunt*.

After arranging for people to send it to Berlin, Wei Jin attended the wrap-up press conference for *Sword of Fairy III*, which he had promised to do beforehand.

There were many film and television companies, media, and artists present. Miss Cai was very happy; relying solely on Tangren's influence wouldn't have been enough to invite so many people. Inviting Wei Jin was truly a brilliant move.

Inside the venue, stills of the various protagonists from *Sword of Fairy III* were printed on large promotional posters.

Facing the reporters, Miss Cai spoke eloquently and was full of confidence in the TV series.

She stated bluntly that *Sword of Fairy III* would not be inferior to *Sword of Fairy I*, a point Wei Jin agreed with.

Then, she focused on introducing Liu Shishi to the media; her resume of a cameo in *The Martian* was also repeatedly mentioned. It was clear that Tangren intended to strongly promote Liu Shishi.

But constantly bringing out Liu Yifei for comparison was a bit muddle-headed. As of now, the gap between the two is too large; this kind of hype will only bring hate to Liu Shishi.

Wei Jin didn't stay long. After making an appointment with Liu Shishi to meet up later that night, he left. There were simply too many artists and film companies at the scene trying to get his attention, and he was too lazy to deal with them.

Soon, news about *Sword of Fairy III* appeared online, with various stills and behind-the-scenes footage released one after another, attracting the attention of a large number of *Sword of Fairy I* fans.

With such high popularity, even though the TV series hadn't finished post-production, many TV stations had already come to negotiate, and they were all satellite channels. This was much better treatment than *Sword of Fairy I*.

Miss Cai felt more and more that the benefits of cooperating with Wei Jin were truly too many, and she was pondering whether to add a few more chips to strengthen the relationship.

"Hmm, the art exams are starting again; let's see if we can find some good talent."——Emperor, inside an office.

"Danny hasn't replied yet?"

It has been over a month since the celebration banquet for *Ip Man 2*. Zhen Zidan neither agrees nor refuses the 10 million salary, just dragging it out like this. Boss Yang is running out of patience.

"No. His Agent said he has had too many announcements lately and is too busy to handle it, and that he will come to visit you in person when he has time."

Huo Wenxi also couldn't understand Zhen Zidan's strange behavior. Does he really think the *Ip Man* series can only eat hairy pigs without him, the butcher?

Moreover, Zhen Zidan is just a Hong Kong actor. To show such disrespect to Emperor—let alone a quasi-first-tier star who just became popular, even if Cheng Long came, he would have to weigh the consequences.

"Heh, then I'll wait for his personal visit."

Although Boss Yang spoke lightly, there was already some anger on his face. Some people really don't know what's good for them after becoming famous.

"By the way, what did Jiang Wen say?"

Boss Yang is still very concerned about Jiang Wen's project.

"Oh, I was just about to report to you. Director Jiang said the script still needs some polishing, but this time, he intends to use big-name stars."

"Does that mean the cost of this film might be very high?"

Boss Yang nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this, then added a sentence.

"Tell him that I support him as long as it's within 150 million."

*The Martian* made Boss Yang see the potential of the Mainland film market. A single film's box office can truly exceed 500 million. Unfortunately, Wei Jin's ship is not that easy to board; at the very least, Emperor currently cannot offer equivalent value.

"Mani, you need to strengthen your connection with Shi Nansheng."

Huo Wenxi nodded upon hearing this. She understood the boss's meaning. The projects at Golden Harvest were all provided by Wei Jin's scripts; if they really got going, they wouldn't be worse than the *Ip Man* series. And if Golden Harvest directly proposed multi-party cooperation, Wei Jin surely wouldn't refuse. The boss is truly clever. ——In late December, Jiangsu TV launched a large-scale life service program, *If You Are The One*.

Since its launch, due to its novel program format, numerous hot topics, sharp and spicy language, and many attractive female guests, it quickly became the most prominent variety show at the end of 2008.

After only two episodes, the ratings had already broken 4 and sparked widespread social discussion.

The entire Jiangsu TV station was very satisfied with this. Following this trend and popularity, *If You Are The One* is very likely to become a phenomenal variety show.

Although they gave up 50% of the advertising revenue, after two episodes, Jiangsu TV's advertising quotes had already risen by 30%. As the ratings continue to rise, it is entirely possible for them to double or triple; it's simply a huge profit.

More importantly, this program can be broadcast weekly throughout the year and can completely serve as a trump card variety show to support Jiangsu TV.

One must know that a trump card variety show with huge marketing power doesn't just increase advertising revenue; it also has great benefits for other aspects of the TV station.

For example, the reason Mango TV ranks first among local satellite channels is largely due to the reputation accumulated by *Happy Camp* and *Super Girl*.

The recent strong rise of Modu TV is inseparable from the support of the hit variety show, *The Voice*.

For many viewers, it is possible for a TV series to be broadcast on any channel; apart from the period when they are actively following a show and deliberately remembering the channel, they do not pay attention at other times. However, most variety shows are broadcast exclusively, and this is the hallmark of a TV station and the capital for a stable viewership.

However, what made Wei Jin feel somewhat between laughter and tears was that Beijing TV was actually jealous. A Department Head from the station specifically came to Shanhe Media to complain that life at the station was difficult now, asking why the two consecutive high-quality variety shows were not offered to Beijing TV, and whether they were still good partners.

It is no wonder Beijing TV is anxious; *I Love Remembering Lyrics* has been lukewarm for two years with low potential, and *Boys and Girls Rush Forward* cannot be broadcast weekly all year round. They are desperate to continue cooperating with Shanhe Media.

But this is not because Wei Jin is fickle; he has his own considerations. The nature of Beijing TV is different—it is too serious, and there are really not many variety shows suitable for them. ——The popularity of the variety show *If You Are The One* made Huayi Brothers and Feng Dapao overjoyed. They believe that taking advantage of this tailwind, the film's box office will surely be a big hit.

Huayi held a grand premiere for *If You Are The One*. As an investor, Wei Jin was naturally on the invitation list. The female companion he brought this time was Yifei, as the young girl had just returned yesterday after finishing her scenes for *Inception*.

At the premiere, Feng Dapao appeared very confident when facing reporters' questions about the box office.

"Returning to the New Year Slot this time, it is still the comedy I am good at. I believe there will definitely be a new breakthrough in the box office."

"Director Feng, but *The Martian* is still a hot hit. Won't you be under pressure?"

Some media reporters raised doubts. By competing for box office with Wei Jin's film, has Feng Dapao become arrogant?

"Of course there is pressure, but I think the target audiences for the two films are different. Moreover, the domestic daily box office has already exceeded 50 million, which can fully accommodate two blockbusters."

Feng Dapao's words were reasonable and well-grounded, which made many reporters and audience members at the scene nod frequently.

"Director Wei, may I ask what you think of the box office for *If You Are The One*?"

Everyone at the scene, including the brothers Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei, Feng Dapao, and the film's creators, looked at Wei Jin, wanting to hear his opinion.

Wei Jin felt a bit helpless; he knew he couldn't escape this topic. Who told him his previous predictions were all too accurate?

"With Director Feng's attainments in comedy films, 200 million should be no problem, and 300 million is also possible to touch."

After the premiere, Wang Zhonglei found Wei Jin and said jokingly, "President Wei, you are also an investor in this film. You were a bit conservative today."

Wei Jin originally thought he had been supportive enough, but he didn't expect Huayi and Feng Dapao to still be dissatisfied; their expectation was to break 300 million.

"Hey, I'm just saying it; it won't really affect the box office. We'll see when the time comes." ——After the premiere, Wei Jin naturally came to Yifei's place to spend the night.

Yifei lay lazily in Wei Jin's arms, letting the man play with her long legs.

"Brother, it's a good thing I listened to you before. This time, I can be considered to have avoided a disaster."

In the past two days, Gong Huang and Li Lianjie were successively exposed for having changed their citizenship to Singapore. The former's oath photo was disclosed by the media, and although the latter had no direct evidence, he never came forward to clarify in the face of outside questioning and discussion.

Gong Huang and Li Lianjie were subjected to a lot of abuse and boycotts online, and their reputations were significantly affected.

These two have such high status that the citizenship change incident instantly caused public opinion to boil over, leading to various speculations about others in the entertainment industry, with rumors spreading and showing signs of intensifying.

Yifei was naturally also a target of attacks. Fortunately, her nationality had already been changed back before. The young girl didn't have to swallow her pride this time; she directly posted her ID card on her blog. In an instant, all the gossip disappeared, and she even gained a large number of fans.

That this matter could be handled so smoothly was thanks to Wei Jin's "father-in-law," whom he had never met.

"Hmph, know now that your man has foresight?"

The young girl's legs were indeed worthy of long-term exercise—round and full—and Wei Jin simply couldn't keep his hands off them.

"Mm-hmm, you are the best, okay? But Brother, how long are you going to touch them?"

Wei Jin touched them for a long time without making any further moves, and the young girl started to get anxious; after all, she hadn't "eaten meat" for several months.

"Hehe, Yifei, you want it already?"

"Brother, you are so annoying. If you do this again, I won't talk to you."

"Don't be impatient, Yifei. Today I want..."

Wei Jin took the opportunity to make a request; one must know that a life without a home run is imperfect.

"Mm, then you have to be gentle."

Yifei grew up in North America since she was a child, so she was not that resistant to this aspect.

This night, Wei Jin once again conquered a difficult pass. ——*If You Are The One* was released. Feng Dapao's comedy films still have drawing power, with a first-day box office of 25 million. In contrast, *The Martian* only had a daily box office of over 10 million.

The market potential of comedy films is still very large. In the last four days of 2008, *If You Are The One* raked in 80 million at the box office.

The film and television circle seemed to see again the scenes where Feng's comedies swept the New Year Slot in those years.

This film claimed an investment of 50 million, but it was actually only 30 million. As for publicity, it's all about blowing it up.

As long as Feng Dapao doesn't mess with sentimentality, comedy films are still very profitable. Currently, just from product placement and trailers, the costs have already been recovered; whatever the box office is, it's pure profit.

However, the film's word-of-mouth is not very good. The summary online is very incisive: Advertising + Crosstalk + Skits = *If You Are The One*.

As 2008 ended, *The Martian* had been released for 20 days, and its domestic box office officially broke the 600 million mark, creating a new era. Today's second update, I earnestly request all book friends to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up readings, collections, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets. Thank you all! (End of chapter)