Chapter 218: Mature Beauty: The Dispute Between Judges

Upon learning the news of Wei Jin's arrival in Berlin, many film distributors came to visit that very afternoon; most were acquaintances he had collaborated with before.

However, these people were all aware of Wei Jin's habits and did not rush to make offers. They simply offered their greetings in advance, expressed interest in the film, and said they would discuss the details after the awards ceremony.

People from China Film Group also came; most of the foreign films released domestically each year are purchased in this manner.

"I say, why are you all joining in the fun? Can you even get it released if you buy it back?"

Wei Jin's words were not without cause; the original script had already been rejected. If changing the packaging were enough to get it imported back home, wouldn't those censors explode with rage? "President Wei, you're joking. The censorship of imported films or Flat-fee Films is not something they have the final say on."

The people from China Film Group were not being polite. That group of people only acts tough domestically; they cannot interfere in matters of foreign films. Besides, this is a normal commercial transaction, and Han Dong can handle the pressure.

"Heh, since you have the guts, I certainly have no problem with it. But let's be clear: our two companies may have a good relationship, but business is business. The film copyright is in my hands, but it is ultimately produced by Summit Entertainment. If the price is too outrageous, I won't be able to answer for it."

Up until now, Han Sanping still did not know that Wei Jin was the major shareholder of Summit Entertainment; this actually provided help for negotiations at certain times.

"President Wei, rest assured, the price will definitely not put you in a difficult position. However, you also know that this type of film has a limited market domestically..."

"Alright, just give me your offer."

Wei Jin couldn't be bothered to engage in small talk with him; after all that talk, wasn't he just trying to drive the price down?

"How about thirty million?"

Wei Jin thought for a moment. This price was ten times that of *Buried* back then. China Film Group was quite sincere. For a domestic release, it would basically need to reach a box office of over one hundred million to break even. The status of a big director is still very useful.

"Fine, I'll give Han Dong some face. We're winning an award in two days, so you guys are going to make a killing."

"Hehe, then I'll wish President Wei a win in advance. It's a win-win for both our companies."

The people from China Film Group were very happy. With Wei Jin's reputation and Matt Damon's fame, *The Hunt*, with the support of China Film Group's distribution and theater chains, could not lose money. If it really won an award, they would make at least tens of millions.

"That works. I'll mention it to Han Dong when I go back. You, brother, are wasted running around overseas, haha."

"That would be great. If I really can get a promotion, I'll treat President Wei to a drink, haha." — That evening, Wei Jin accompanied Gao Yuanyuan to stroll around the film festival.

It wasn't that Wei Jin wanted to spy on the enemy; it was mainly because Gao Yuanyuan had a rather heavy literary and artistic streak. He was pondering whether to dig up a better script to help Yuan Yuanjie go for an award as well.

After accompanying Gao Yuanyuan to watch *The Milk of Sorrow*, a film from Spain and Peru, the plot was actually somewhat similar to *Room*, both telling stories of children born from assault walking out of their predicament.

However, *Room* focused more on the redemption of mother and son, while *The Milk of Sorrow* expressed more of the sorrow of the era.

Just as they returned to the hotel entrance, Wei Jin saw a group of people walking out. Whoa, talk about a narrow path for enemies.

At this year's Berlin International Film Festival, a total of 26 films were shortlisted for the Main Competition Section. *Forever Enthralled* was the only Huaxia film, so it was no surprise to run into them here.

"Director Wei, Yuanyuan, long time no see. Did you just come back from watching a movie?"

From afar, Zhang Ziyi saw Wei Jin and walked over quickly to greet him. *The Martian* was the highest-grossing commercial film she had ever participated in. Even though it was a role obtained through a transaction, she accepted this favor.

"Yes, we just arrived today and came out for a stroll."

Wei Jin was truly impressed by Zhang Ziyi now. It had been less than a month since the beach incident on New Year's Day, and she was already appearing in public again, and quite high-profile at that. It was truly "What does it matter to me if they destroy me or slander me?"

According to Hunter, Zhang Ziyi had celebrated her 30th birthday in Berlin two days ago. Her fiancé had sponsored a scrolling screen at the film festival's "Shooting Star" award ceremony to wish her a happy birthday.

Although the film festival officials publicly claimed this was a blessing for a special guest, smart people knew that there's no such thing as a free blessing.

However, perhaps it was this "unmoved by favor or humiliation" personality that allowed Zhang Ziyi to break into Hollywood without any background.

"It's a pity you came too late. Our screenings are already over, and we are leaving soon."

*Forever Enthralled* only had two screenings arranged this time. It was really because the reviews after the premiere were not high, and some audience members even left halfway through, so there was no need to waste resources.

"Oh?"

This move was something Wei Jin hadn't expected. Normally, one would at least wait until the day of the awards ceremony; otherwise, it would be too lacking in grace.

As they spoke, the rest of the *Forever Enthralled* crew also walked over. The others greeted Wei Jin, and both sides exchanged pleasantries, except for Chen Shiren, who remained silent with a dark expression.

Observing from a close distance, Wei Jin felt that Li Tianwang was not handsome in terms of facial features; he carried a very scholarly temperament, a feeling of a graceful young master like jade, peerless in the world.

Chen Hong was truly very alluring. Although she was already 40, she still couldn't hide her beauty.

Unlike young girls full of vitality, Chen Hong exuded a ripe, mature charm from head to toe, making one's heart itch unbearably. If he had met her a few years earlier, Wei Jin might have really wanted to play the role of Prime Minister Cao for once.

Seeming to notice Wei Jin sizing her up, Chen Hong gave a strained smile and said, "Director Wei, meeting is fate. It's a pity we are leaving. I wish Director Wei a Golden Bear." This woman, Chen Hong, lacked professional ability in film and was unqualified as a Producer, but she was adept at interpersonal relationships—at least much better than her husband, whose emotional intelligence was terrifyingly low.

"Thank you for your kind words, Madam. If I win, I will certainly host a banquet upon returning home."

Although this mature beauty was tempting, Wei Jin was only being polite. After all, she was already a mother of two. Wei Jin was indeed a romantic, but he didn't have the "legacy of Wei Wu."

"Then it's a deal. I'll really come to ask for a drink then."

Wei Jin didn't expect this woman to push her luck. The smile on his face stiffened, then he nodded: "Of course, I will personally send an invitation then to invite you and your husband for a chat."

Hearing Wei Jin's words, Chen Shiren, who hadn't made a sound for a long time, finally looked a bit better and squeezed out a nice sentence: "Although your film is a foreign language film, you represent the Huaxia people. You must bring back an award; don't lose face..."

Chen Shiren hadn't suddenly changed his nature. Originally, *Forever Enthralled* and *The Hunt* were in competition, and the domestic media had even compared their reputations. But now that *Forever Enthralled* was out of the running for awards, why not appear magnanimous? "Director Chen, rest assured. Then I wish you all a safe journey. Goodbye."

"Director Wei, goodbye." — "Ah, Yuan Yuanjie, why are you biting me..."

Just after returning to the hotel, Gao Yuanyuan pounced on Wei Jin and started biting him.

"You little bastard, Chen Hong is that old, and you still have ideas?"

Gao Yuanyuan could certainly distinguish the possessive desire in the look Wei Jin had given Chen Hong just now.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I was just appreciating her; after all, she was once the number one beauty in the country."

Wei Jin naturally wouldn't admit it. He picked up Gao Yuanyuan and placed her on his lap, his hands beginning to wander restlessly. At times like this, one must not give a woman time to think.

"Compared to my Yuan Yuanjie, she's far behind."

As he spoke, some things didn't need explanation; actions could solve all problems.

"Mmm..."

Gao Yuanyuan trembled all over, fine goosebumps rising on her skin.

A woman's voice is always a stimulant for a man, not to mention Gao Yuanyuan, who was about to enter her thirties and was full of charm. Wei Jin could no longer suppress his restless heart.

With his hands quickly stripping away the constraints of her clothing, Wei Jin hoisted the beauty onto his waist and stood up directly.

Before long, the room was filled with wonderful sounds. In the cold winter, a touch of vibrant spring suddenly appeared. — On the 13th, Wei Jin still accompanied Gao Yuanyuan to watch films everywhere. Many films were selling their copyrights, which made things convenient for the two of them.

During this time, he also received a call from the school, telling him that the banners had already been made, and two sets had been prepared, just waiting for the announcement to pick one to hang up.

This made Wei Jin feel a bit between laughter and tears; they were too confident, right? But then again, the script tutor had already seen it and could roughly judge the situation. The probability of winning an award this time was indeed quite high.

At the same time, inside a villa in the suburbs of Berlin, a group of Pingshutuan members were engaged in a heated debate.

"I disagree. If you do this, you will offend everyone in North America completely. Do you even want to host the next edition?"

The person loudly expressing her point of view at this moment was the North American actress Alice Waters; in her eyes, this decision was simply too crazy.

According to the chairman's ranking, North American films would come away empty-handed, and she could already foresee that the next Berlin International Film Festival would inevitably lack star power.

"Can the Berlin International Film Festival not continue to be held without the participation of Hollywood?"

The one who spoke up to refute this was the chairman of this year's Pingshutuan, Tilda Swinton; she advocated that the film festival should be younger and more feminine, and clearly, none of the North American films met those standards.

"Ahem, you two, I think we can be a bit more objective. To be honest, I don't think *The Milk of Sorrow* is qualified to take home the Best Film; compared to the Palme d'Or film with a similar theme, *The Room*, it seems to be a bit inferior."

As a Huaxia person, Wayne Wang's English was not particularly good, so he spoke very slowly, but the point he expressed was very clear.

"If we choose it, are we admitting to the outside world that, as one of the European Big Three, Berlin is not as good as the Cannes Film Festival?"

"No, it's not like that. There is no awards ceremony that can satisfy all parties; what the film festival needs to uphold is fairness and justice."

Chairman Tilda Swinton certainly would not admit it, but her words were interrupted before she could finish.

"Then do you think your ranking is fair? Was last year's lesson not enough?"

Last year's Berlin International Film Festival was mockingly called "suffering from a midlife crisis" by the media because the Pingshutuan's stance was too one-sided.

"Tilda, I think they have a point; perhaps we should make some changes."

The first update today, I humbly request all readers to provide subscriptions, follow-up reads, bookmarks, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets. Thank you everyone! (End of chapter)