Chapter 246: Release, Box Office Like a Rainbow, and the Thoughts of Women

After brewing for several days, *Lucy* was officially released.

Jing Tian was exceptionally excited today, even a bit impatient; after all, this was the first film she was carrying on her own.

Seeing the young girl pacing back and forth in the courtyard, Wei Jin did not know what it was all about.

"Tian Tian, you're making me dizzy with your pacing."

"Ah? Is that so? My dad likes to pace back and forth when he's anxious, so I thought it would be effective for relieving anxiety."

This young girl's train of thought was indeed a bit strange.

"Sit down, relax. You'd be better off posting on Weibo with this time."

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian's eyes lit up; she ran hurriedly into the study and brought out her laptop.

Watching the young girl pondering her post, Wei Jin nodded.

Counting Jing Tian's works over these years—*Beauty's Rival in Palace*, *Zhu Xian*, *Now You See Me*, and *The Martian*—plus numerous popular classic songs, she had truly accumulated a massive amount of popularity.

All these accumulations would bloom in this female-led film, *Lucy*. —As for the female-led film directed by Wei Jin, the media and industry insiders were also quite attentive, and there were even more actresses waiting to see the results.

One must know that this film was not complicated in terms of script or production; if it really succeeded, it meant there would be one more template for genre films in the circle, and many actresses would have more ways out.

It was foreseeable that for the future financiers of the entertainment industry, the most affectionate sweet talk to actresses would be: "I'll film a female-led movie for you."

By noon, a large number of fan reviews for *Lucy* had already appeared online, and the number was still increasing.

Silent Night Wind: "The beginning was too miserable, but the latter part was so cool; it just boils down to being satisfying. Good watch."

Under the Thousand Searches: "The fight scenes are excellent, decisive and ruthless, not dragging at all. Jing Tian is so cool."

Lonely Tea Drinker: "A female-led script is indeed extraordinary; Bi Yao is invincible all the way!"

At the same time, the promotional Weibo post Jing Tian made in the morning had already exceeded 100,000 likes, and a large number of friendly celebrity artists helped repost it; the promotional effect was truly explosive.

Jing Tian was also very polite; for the celebrity artists who reposted and liked it, she even ran to their Weibo comment sections to reply with thanks, which actually caused many fans who were not very familiar with her to instantly become fans.

Relevant reports from the media had also already come out:

"The sci-fi action film *Lucy*, written and directed by Wei Jin and starring Jing Tian, has been released today, and the first batch of viewers have given it favorable reviews."

By the evening, a lot of news and netizen comments about *Lucy* had already appeared online.

Jing Tian sat alone in the garden, browsing the reviews on Yinxiang Net, reading with great interest; without realizing it, the time was already approaching midnight.

With another refresh of the page, the opening day box office for *Lucy* appeared on Yinxiang Net.

"Brother, it's out, 43.8 million."

Seeing the number, the young girl jumped straight up and hung on Wei Jin like a koala.

"Tian Tian, since you've seen it, we should rest too. You promised me something, but you haven't done it yet."

The young girl had slept like a little pig after returning last night, so Wei Jin naturally couldn't have played any other programs.

"Mm, Brother, I'll serve you tonight." —Just as Wei Jin and Jing Tian were entangled in passion, the media's reports on the opening day box office also came out.

"*Lucy* opening day box office closes at 43.8 million, momentum is strong!"

"Female-led action film, expected to become a new domestic film genre."

"Jing Tian will ascend to the ranks of top-tier female stars by virtue of this film."

Once the data was out, the circle immediately began to lose its composure.

"Looking at this data, *Lucy* breaking 400 million is truly easy."

"The film quality is good, directed by Wei Jin and starring Jing Tian, and the scheduling is treated generously, so it's not surprising to have this result; I just don't know if it can touch the 500 million threshold."

A large number of private film production companies began to discuss this film; although it had only been released for one day, it was basically declared a success, and now it just depended on how the data for this type of film would be overseas.

Many actresses in the circle felt sour in their hearts; they could see that this type of film was the role elevating the person, and it didn't have any requirements for the actors. Jing Tian's luck was just too good.

This night, countless people in the circle suffered from insomnia—Shanghai, Tangren Media.

"Shishi, don't be so stubborn. Entering this circle, what kind of love are you looking for? Once you're as famous as Jing Tian, what kind of man can't you have?"

Miss Cai was somewhat frustrated; it was not easy to get on Wei Jin's bandwagon, and this was an opportunity that countless actresses in the circle envied but could not obtain.

Now, with the strong debut of *Lucy*, Wei Jin would be even more popular in the circle, and Miss Cai absolutely would not allow Liu Shishi to cut off this relationship.

"Shishi, regardless of whether Wei Jin has you in his heart, you are happy when you are with him, right?"

Seeming to recall the happy days spent with the man, a glimmer of light flashed in Liu Shishi's dim eyes.

"Mm."

"Then that's it. Doing things that make you happy, why must you ask for a return? Loving someone can also be a silent vigil."

In order to achieve her goal, Miss Cai began to instill fallacious reasoning, but the woman who was trapped in entanglement really bought into this; Liu Shishi actually began to think seriously.

On the other side, two other women began a conversation.

"Mimi, don't think about these things."

Ceng Jia could see that Yang Mi's emotions were somewhat out of control; they were both Four Dan Actresses, but the difference was just too great.

There were already predictions online that this film's 400 million box office was stable. What did this mean? It meant that Jing Tian, as the female lead, carried 400 million in box office on her own. Among the younger generation, including the Four Dan Double Bing, and even more senior big-name actresses, this was unique.

Don't look at the fact that Yang Mi had already secured the female lead for *Brotherhood of Blades 2*, but a film's female lead and a female-led film were completely different concepts.

"Tell me, do I still have a chance to catch up?"

Yang Mi, who never accepted her fate, began to waver for the first time.

"There is a chance. You are still young, and Wei Jin is also still young. Who can say for sure about the future?"

Ceng Jia did not want the trump card in her hands to just fade away like this.

"Right, Jia Jie, you're right. I'm only 23, and Wei Jin is only 26. He can still make countless films, and I can always become his female lead."

Fighting spirit ignited in Yang Mi's heart; Wei Jin undoubtedly liked her body. As long as she grasped this man, she hadn't lost yet.

"Jia Jie, help me take on more announcements."

"That's right, Mimi." —The second day box office for *Lucy* continued to maintain its strength, with a single-day take of 41.6 million.

For the first weekend of two days, the box office reached as high as 85.4 million.

At the same time, overseas box office data also began to be compiled.

Japan's opening week box office was 8.5 million USD, South Korea 3.5 million USD, Hong Kong 11 million, Taiwan 13 million, and North America reported 23 million USD. Two days after the release of *Lucy*, the global box office reached as high as 55.8 million USD, topping the global box office chart for the week.

If the domestic box office had already made quite a few people restless, then the arrival of the overseas box office was even more exciting.

"Inside the wall and outside the wall, blooming on both sides!"

"Numerous Hollywood stars are recommending *Lucy* to their fans one after another."

"Shanhe Media, continuously exporting to the outside world."

"After *Lucy*, Jing Tian will truly step onto the international stage!"

Looking at the data and news on the internet, Liu Yifei felt unsettled.

Although she had told herself countless times that there was plenty of time, she still couldn't help but feel her Dao heart wavering at this moment.

*Lucy* not only achieved beautiful results, but also suppressed *Bodyguards and Assassins* to the end, with its single-day box office even falling below 3 million.

"Xixi, no need to envy. *Inception* is a big production of 250 million USD. Didn't Wei Jin say it? The global box office will very likely break 800 million USD."

Liu Xiaoli now did not want her daughter to leave Wei Jin. Things had already reached this point; if she didn't hold on until the end, wouldn't it be a huge loss? Besides, the resources Wei Jin was giving now were not few.

"Mom, don't worry, I won't admit defeat."

Although Liu Yifei's career ambition was not strong, when facing Jing Tian, she did not want to bow her head.

Thinking of the cast of *Inception*, she reignited her confidence.

"That's right. By the way, Bazaar sent an invitation; you must go and make an appearance."

"Mm, I know." — Throughout the first ten days of August, almost all the news was about *Lucy* and Jing Tian.

Among the crowd of news reports, Wei Jin actually saw the shadow of the Beijing Film Academy.

"Jing Tian is an excellent student from our school's class of '06, and her representative works include..."

Regarding this, Wei Jin actually expressed understanding. In the current domestic environment, the yearning for Hollywood films was something people of later generations could not imagine.

From artists to production companies, to directors, and then to art academies, the entire circle took pride in moving toward the international stage.

This time, since they had finally produced a performance student who was heading international, wouldn't they blow it up with all their might?

It could be foreseen that next year's art entrance exams for the Beijing Film Academy would be even more fiercely competitive.

Not paying too much attention to the news on the internet, Wei Jin began to devote himself to the post-production of *Passengers*. The time he could stay in the country was already running out. — The promotion for *The Founding of a Republic* had already begun, but Wei Jin did not expect that Han Sanping's call would come to him. Inside China Film Group, in Han Sanping's office.

"Wei Jin, I called you over because there is a matter to notify you of. The General Administration hopes that all directors of the Billion Yuan Club can gather as guests at this year's Huabiao Award Award Award Award Award Awards."

Just as Wei Jin intended to say something, Han Sanping did not give him the chance.

"All the billion-yuan directors in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China will be notified."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin's eyes brightened. The word "notify" used by Han Dong was very clever.

"Mm, I know, and you have also notified me."

"You should at least act along a little."

"I'm sorry, Han Dong, may I ask what the date is?"

I, who should cooperate with your performance, will try my best to perform.

"August 29th."

"Oh, then I can't go."

Wei Jin shook his head, thinking to himself that it really wasn't that he wasn't giving face, but he had to go to North America after finishing the rough cut on hand.

"Why not go? Is there anything more important than this?"

It could be seen that Han Sanping was trying his best to complete the task; at the very least, he had to know the reason.

"There is a project in North America, is that okay?"

"Oh? What project is it this time? Can China Film Group join?"

For Han Sanping, there was indeed nothing more important than a project.

"Uh, a project from Summit Entertainment. The specific situation is not yet clear, but I will help you communicate if there is an opportunity."

Wei Jin could only walk down this path to the end and continue to bluff.

"Fine then. Remember to notify me if there is news. As for the Huabiao Award Award Award Award Award, I have notified you anyway; you handle it yourself."

That was more like it. Han Dong was still very sensible. Just as he was planning to leave, Wei Jin suddenly thought of something else.

"Han Dong, is there really no way for *No Man's Land*?"

Han Sanping had even cut the special film fund, yet those people still hadn't softened their stance. Wei Jin also clicked his tongue in wonder.

"Forget it, some things are not easy to tell you. Those people are now unscrupulous. Just let Ning Hao pretend he never filmed this movie."

Han Sanping's words made Wei Jin shut his mouth. Some things were truly better left unknown.

Until he left China Film Group, Wei Jin still hadn't agreed to the Huabiao Award Award Award Award Award matter, and Han Sanping also tacitly did not bring it up. — North America, Beverly Hills.

The villa where Ceng Li was recuperating during her pregnancy welcomed its first strange visitor.

Sitting on the sofa and looking at Ceng Li, who was already six months pregnant across from him, the middle-aged man's expression was complex.

"Lizi, how many months?"

"More than 6 months."

Ceng Li touched her belly with a smile on her face. The child was very healthy, and she would be able to see it in a little over three months.

"Your mother doesn't know yet, right?"

"She doesn't. Calling you this time is just to hope you can help me persuade her."

The man in front of her was none other than Ceng Li's father, the man who had divorced her mother when she was young and had abandoned his wife and child to venture out into the world.

Upon hearing this, Ceng Li's father lowered his head in silence. Over these years, he had wandered everywhere and had originally built up a decent family business, but unfortunately, before he could return home in glory, he encountered the financial storm. Years of hard work were wiped out in an instant, and now he had even less face to face his former wife and daughter.

"You know that your mother and I don't have a good relationship. If I speak up, it might even have the opposite effect."

Ceng Li felt a bit sad upon hearing this. What she had wanted was for her mother to be by her side when she gave birth.

"Then let it be; once the child is born, she will eventually accept it."

"Whose child is it? Wei Jin's?"

It was no wonder Zeng Li's father began to speculate; although he had not been by his wife and child's side all these years, he had still watched his daughter's development in the entertainment industry with joy in his heart.

He was naturally no stranger to the man who had single-handedly propelled his daughter to stardom.

"Mm."

"."

Opening his mouth, Zeng Li's father swallowed the words of persuasion he had prepared.

In his view, the age gap between the two was too large, and it was destined not to have a good outcome; it was a pity for his daughter and her child, who might never be able to see the light of day in this lifetime.

But thinking of the luxury and location of this villa, as well as the sentry posts arranged everywhere, and the look of happiness his daughter revealed, Zeng Li's father suddenly felt that everything else was unimportant; at least Wei Jin had her in his heart.

"As for your mother, I will do my best."

"Thank you for your understanding, Dad." — Since the broadcast of *Keep Running* began, the ratings had climbed steadily, and there was already a group of loyal viewers; Ma Wei and Ma Ling, a brother and sister, were faithful fans of the show.

On Friday night, the two siblings waited early in front of the television for the show to air; after all, the college entrance examination was over, and days without anyone to supervise were simply too comfortable.

"You two watch this show every week; is it really that good?"

Lao Ma was a local of Beijing, and in his forties, he was already living the life of a retired cadre, spending his days carrying birdcages, playing a few rounds of chess, or playing mahjong with old friends; his days were incredibly fulfilling.

It was a coincidence today that his old brothers all had things to do, which was why he was staying at home in this sweltering heat.

"Dad, why don't you watch it with us? I guarantee you'll like it."

Ma Wei's words were suggestive; they were both men, and he believed his dad would like the star player, right? "Tch, brother, who doesn't know you want to watch Liu Yan? Isn't she just a bit bigger? Hmph."

Ma Ling looked down at her own flat chest, her tone a bit sour, but thinking of her "Brother Jin," a smile appeared on the young girl's face; that man was too handsome.

His daughter's words aroused Lao Ma's curiosity; his aesthetic was very ordinary, he just liked them big, and in this regard, his son had perfectly inherited it from him.

"Fine, it's rare to have free time tonight, I'll watch it with you."

As the family of three chatted, the show began, and Lao Ma's attention was indeed captured; Liu Yan was truly a Dharma Treasure for ratings.

"Mm, the show is quite good, very innovative."

Watching Liu Yan dressed in tight sportswear, those perfect curves completely struck Lao Ma's heart.

"Dad, it hasn't even started yet."

"Ahem, I meant, um~~ they are filming the show outdoors, which is very innovative."

"Haha, Jing Tian is so funny, she's actually looking at the acupressure mat; she feels so cute and silly."

Ma Wei looked at the youthful, beautiful, and well-endowed Jing Tian, feeling as if he had fallen in love, and said to himself: Sister Liu Yan, I'm sorry, our age gap is too big, we won't have happiness.

"Wow, Wei Jin is so handsome, his body is so strong; he feels no worse than Liu Feiren."

"Wei Jin must have cheated, but Jing Tian's looks are truly top-tier; she's so pretty even without makeup."

Little Ma had less and less immunity to Jing Tian, but Lao Ma's attention was entirely on Liu Yan; the older one gets, the more one knows how to follow the preferences of their heart, while young people are easily swayed.

"Hahaha, Wei Jin was eliminated at the start; it's too miserable, but he and Jing Tian definitely have something going on; that reach for a hug felt so genuine."

Lao Ma didn't care about any of that; he was still focused on the battle between Liu Yan and Jiang Shuying, the surging waves rising and falling were simply too spectacular; Lao Ma was already thinking about digging up past episodes to watch; his old brothers should like them too, right? "Jing Tian plays games so seriously, decisive and ruthless; is this the heroine of *Lucy*? Little sister, let's go watch it tomorrow?"

"Okay, but brother, you have to treat me."

"Fine." — The promotional effect of *Keep Running* was very good, and there were many viewers like the Ma siblings who walked into the cinemas.

This also led to an explosive growth in the box office for the second weekend of *Lucy*, with 78 million earned in two days.

As of August 9th, *Lucy* had been in theaters for 9 days, with a cumulative domestic box office of 266 million and a global box office of 168 million USD.

Breaking 400 million at the domestic box office was a certainty, and breaking 300 million globally was also highly likely.

The industry couldn't help but recall Wei Jin's prediction at the premiere; it was truly divine.

At the same time, after reaping the final weekend of box office dividends, *Bodyguards and Assassins* chose to end its run, with the domestic box office stopping at 337 million and the Hong Kong box office at 58 million.

This film had a production cost of 80 million; according to the profit-sharing ratio for co-productions, Golden Harvest received at least 130 million from the domestic box office alone.

Throughout the entire project, Golden Harvest made a profit of at least 75 million, a return rate of nearly 100%; it was a huge gain.

More importantly, as a listed company, Golden Harvest's stock price had kept rising since the film's release; Wei Jin's way of revitalizing Golden Harvest could be considered to have truly entered the right track.

Shi Nansheng also sent an invitation, hoping Wei Jin could attend the celebration banquet for *Bodyguards and Assassins* to show support for Golden Harvest.

Considering that he had not set foot in Hong Kong for nearly two years since acquiring Golden Harvest, Wei Jin agreed.

First update of the day.

(End of this chapter)