Chapter 247: The Battle of the Four Dan Actresses and the Fairy's Benefactor

Shanhe Building, Chairman's office.

"President Wei, Jiang Xuerou from Zhouyi wishes to meet with you to discuss an investment."

Wei Jin was somewhat surprised to hear this; that woman was incredibly strong-willed, so had she finally softened her stance?

Seeming to notice Wei Jin's confusion, Chen Zhiming explained: "Zhouyi released three dramas in one go, and two in a row have flopped. The first one was sold at a loss, and the second one didn't even get interest from first-tier platforms; only small local stations are offering quotes. Their capital must be running dry."

Wei Jin gasped; this was truly miserable.

"Only discussing investment? Nothing mentioned about shares?"

"No, they hope to do it through project-based investment."

In earlier years, they wouldn't agree to project cooperation, but now that Wei Jin was the one holding the purse strings, he decided to turn up the heat.

"No rush. Let's wait until their third drama is sold before we talk."

Wei Jin remembered that Zhouyi's third, and final, television drama was called *Peacock Feather*? It was better to wait until they were at their most desperate before moving in to acquire them.

"Understood, President Wei."

"How is that 'quick-transmigration' drama coming along?"

What Wei Jin was asking about was the female-oriented script that the screenwriting department had been tinkering with.

One day, several female editors started chatting about this topic, saying that many television dramas or novels were too brainless, with characters lacking proper values and all sorts of cliché plot points, which was practically an insult to the audience's intelligence.

So, these female editors started working on it, and Wei Jin hadn't really interfered.

"The script is finished, but I'm afraid this type of drama can only go the route of video websites."

Chen Zhiming had already read the script; it was in the format of an anthology series with few episodes, so even with the Shanhe Media brand, television stations might not necessarily buy it.

"It doesn't matter, let's test the waters first."

As for whether Fan Bingbing would refuse a web drama, Wei Jin didn't consider that at all; there were plenty of company artists who could take the role.

"Fine, I'll arrange for the television production department to launch the project immediately."

Seeing that Chen Zhiming was about to leave, Wei Jin seemed to remember something.

"How are the ratings for *Ghost Blows Out the Light: The Ancient City*?"

"Oh, it's only been airing for a few days, so I hadn't reported it to you yet. The premiere rating was 2.8, with a peak of 3.4."

Wei Jin felt a bit emotional upon hearing this; as the internet age arrived, television ratings were getting worse and worse.

*Snow Leopard*, which aired on Hui Province Satellite TV in mid-May, only had a premiere rating of 2.1 and a peak of no more than 4.3. Although it was first in its time slot, it was indeed far behind the figures of over 10 that were common in previous years.

The performance of *Ghost Blows Out the Light: The Ancient City* couldn't be called excellent, but it could be considered a high-quality production. He believed that as the subsequent plot unfolded, breaking 4 shouldn't be difficult, which meant the *Ghost Blows Out the Light* series could continue, and the film also had a foundation to start.

"Alright, let's leave it at that." — Time moved into mid-August, and Jing Tian had already headed to North America; *Now You See Me 2* was ready.

News had already come from Lu Yang's side that the cast for *Brotherhood of Blades 2* had been selected, and Zhang Yi and Lei Datou had indeed been chosen.

Wei Jin was not surprised by this at all; both were talented actors who fit the role requirements perfectly, so under "fair" competition, it was impossible for them not to be selected.

Furthermore, the characters from the previous installment still used the original actors; Jin Shijie's Wei Zhongxian was simply too imposing, and as for the other supporting roles, Wei Jin couldn't be bothered to pay attention.

However, the male lead Huang Xiaoming's schedule was a bit tight; *Flirting Scholar 2* was rumored to start filming in November.

This film was following the Hong Kong co-production route, and Huang Xiaoming had finally made connections with the Hong Kong Circle, which meant his ill-fated relationship with Yang Ying was about to begin.

But as for his schedule, he would have to coordinate it himself; Wei Jin believed he could handle it.

It was funny to think that Xiao Hei Pang Zi, who had made a name for himself in the crosstalk world over these years, was actually starting to get involved in the film industry. He used to only make cameos, but now he was starting to invest and produce.

And right from the start, Xiao Hei Pang Zi was going to serve as both the general director and the lead actor—two important positions—and the subject matter he chose even clashed with Huang Xiaoming's *Flirting Scholar*.

Even the invitation had been sent to Wei Jin. It had to be said, these crosstalk performers really had a way with words; the invitation was written with such flair.

Wei Jin naturally had no interest in attending; over the years, he had only occasionally gone to listen to a few crosstalk shows with Yuanyuan, and they had only met a few times.

Wei Jin didn't know where these people got their confidence; did they really think anyone could just pick up money in the film and television industry? — *Lucy* continued to rake in 113 million in its third week. Sixteen days after its release, the domestic box office reached 379 million, with a global box office of 237 million USD, remaining at the top of the global box office charts for the week.

For a time, Jing Tian's fans cheered online and proclaimed her the head of the "Four Dan Actresses."

It had to be said, this claim gained recognition from many netizens; after all, other actresses simply couldn't compete with her domestic and international box office figures.

But Liu Yifei's fans weren't having it; their own "Fairy" was the head of the Four Dan Actresses, so how could Jing Tian dare to challenge her? But they were troubled by the lack of strong works to support their claim; after all, whether it was *The Forbidden Kingdom* or *Bodyguards and Assassins*, neither could compare to the dazzling data of *Lucy*.

For a time, Liu Yifei's massive fan base, facing the provocations of Jing Tian's fans, actually fell into a disadvantage and retreated steadily.

However, soon, a piece of news appeared that made Liu Yifei's fans rejoice.

*Inception* began its pre-promotion, and the first full-cast poster appeared online.

Leonardo appeared in the center position as expected, with Zun Long on his left, and Liu Yifei and Sophie Marceau on his right; the rest of the actors were further back.

The background of the poster was an inverted and overturned urban space, full of a magical and gorgeous feeling.

Suddenly, Liu Yifei's fans seemed to have found their conviction and blew the horn for a counterattack.

The battle for the Four Dan Actresses became rampant, and the fans of both sides, who were fighting fiercely, actually ran to Wei Jin's Weibo to ask him to judge who was the head of the Four Dan Actresses.

Wei Jin was so scared that he quickly closed the Weibo comment function; he didn't want to answer this death-trap question.

Many media outlets also came to Shanhe Media to block him, but unfortunately, Wei Jin had already headed to Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Kai Tak Airport.

"Wei Sheng, Miss Liu, long time no see."

The one who came to pick them up was Shi Nansheng; the success of *Bodyguards and Assassins* had made her very prominent in the Hong Kong circle.

"President Shi, thank you for your hard work."

After some pleasantries, the three of them got into a business car, followed by quite a few paparazzi who had been lying in wait.

Although Liu Yifei had been to Hong Kong before, she had never seen such a scene, and she kept patting her chest while sitting in the car.

"Brother, isn't this too crazy?"

Before Wei Jin could reply, Shi Nansheng spoke first.

"Miss Liu, it's quite normal. Wei Sheng's influence in Hong Kong is no less than it is in Mainland China."

"President Shi, how is the situation at Golden Harvest now?"

Generally speaking, unless there was a major event, Shi Nansheng would report on work every two or three months, but now that the *Bodyguards and Assassins* project had been a success, there would probably be some new changes.

"Very good. In terms of cinema chains, everything has been updated and replaced, and our market share continues to rise. Furthermore, since the film's release, the stock price has been climbing steadily; it reached its peak when we broke 300 million, and currently, the market capitalization is stable at around 7 billion."

Speaking of this, Shi Nansheng also felt full of drive; bringing the dying Golden Harvest back to life in his own hands was definitely a highly fulfilling achievement.

Wei Jin expressed his satisfaction upon hearing this. When they first purchased it, the circulating market value was only one or two hundred million, and the total market value did not exceed 1 billion. Over two years, it had already increased seven or eightfold, surpassing Golden Harvest's peak market value. Looking at the investment returns alone, the profit was quite substantial.

"Very good. I estimate that once the subsequent films are released, breaking 10 billion will not be a problem."

Speaking of this, Wei Jin also felt some emotion. Once a film becomes associated with capital, its profits are no longer pure.

In fact, Wei Jin had also found it strange before why Hong Kong capital always liked to hold celebration banquets just a few days after a film's release; it turns out the reason lies here.

However, by comparison, Hong Kong capital is considered to play a relatively low-end game, which is nothing more than releasing news to hype things up and drive up stock prices. When real capital enters the entertainment industry, that is what you call blatant.

They even dare to fake profits; a film that is clearly losing money is simply packaged, touted as a box office smash, and claimed to have made such-and-such profit, all to ruthlessly harvest a wave of stock market leeks.

But fortunately, it will be a few years before capital enters the film market on a large scale, which is enough time for him to lay out his plans. —— "Mainland entertainment hegemon, travels to Hong Kong with a beauty!"

"Great director Wei Jin arrives in Hong Kong, suspected to be attending a celebration banquet."

"Great director Wei Jin, and the fairy sister Liu Yifei, the story that must be told."

The celebration banquet for *Bodyguards and Assassins* was set for tonight, and the venue was The Peninsula Hong Kong.

Just as Wei Jin and his party arrived at The Peninsula Hong Kong, news about them had already spread throughout Hong Kong. When Wei Jin stepped into the banquet hall, the various stars who had heard the news were already waiting at the entrance.

"Greetings, Wei Sheng."

The continuous stream of greetings left Liu Yifei stunned. Aren't Hong Kong actors usually known for being arrogant? "Wei Zong, you, the host, have finally arrived, haha."

The only person on the scene who could converse with Wei Jin as an equal was Boss Yang of Emperor Group.

Although Emperor Group did not participate in *Bodyguards and Assassins*, the two companies would have many subsequent collaborations. As a firm ally of Golden Harvest, it was not surprising at all that Boss Yang appeared here.

Boss Yang was also quite crafty; this time, he had brought all the female artists under his banner to show their support. It was rare for Wei Jin to come to Hong Kong, so getting some guidance from the great director would be their good fortune.

Unfortunately, upon seeing Liu Yifei, Boss Yang knew his plans had fallen through and shook his head at Huo Wenxi without a trace.

"Yang Zong, thank you for coming to support us."

Seeing the big shots begin to chat, the actors who were not qualified to join dispersed one after another. Liu Yifei, however, held onto Wei Jin's arm, standing prettily to the side.

"Miss Liu, you are becoming more and more moving."

"Thank you, Yang Dong."

Liu Yifei rarely attended such occasions with Wei Jin, but she still carried herself with extreme grace.

"Yang Zong, how is the project situation?"

This time, *Silent Witness* and *Cold War* were collaborations between both sides, and the production teams were also cooperating with each other. He hadn't had a chance to chat about it in the car earlier, so now that he had run into Boss Yang, Wei Jin took the opportunity to start a topic to avoid awkward small talk.

"Not bad. *Cold War* has just wrapped up, and *Silent Witness* is more than halfway through filming."

Speaking of this, Boss Yang seemed to have some thoughts.

"Wei Zong, I heard that you still have several projects prepared for Golden Harvest? When will they be launched?"

"Yang Zong, your sources are certainly well-informed."

Boss Yang was a bit like Han Sanping—full of ambition and a bit greedy—and Wei Jin could only shake his head and smile bitterly.

"It's definitely not possible this year. In the future, we also need to slow down our pace."

"Why is that? Is two films a year considered fast?"

The effect of *Bodyguards and Assassins* on Golden Harvest's stock price was immediate. Although the entertainment sector accounted for a small portion of the Emperor Group, shareholders would believe it, and Boss Yang naturally wanted to play the capital game as well.

"Although the Mainland is developing rapidly, the capacity of the film market is still limited. There is no need to be in too much of a hurry for good scripts."

Wei Jin had also realized that although he had already raised the box office ceiling significantly and expanded the cinema chain landscape, overall, the film market had not yet reached the time for an explosion. Some blockbusters were still not suitable to be brought out now.

In fact, if it weren't to revitalize Golden Harvest, he wouldn't have launched two more projects this year.

"Wei Zong, does this mean you don't even look at 300 or 500 million in box office anymore?"

Boss Yang was somewhat surprised. The capacity of the Mainland had already far exceeded his imagination; he just hadn't expected Wei Jin's appetite to be even larger than he had imagined.

"Yang Zong, if you trust me, why don't we wait and see in two years."

"Fine, I still trust your judgment. Emperor Group and Golden Harvest will advance and retreat together."

Boss Yang said these polite words very openly; in reality, Emperor Group had other projects, so it didn't matter if Golden Harvest's development was delayed.

"By the way, Wei Zong, regarding television dramas, can we collaborate again?"

*The Myth* had started filming in February and, after five months, had finally wrapped up. It was currently in post-production. Boss Yang believed that with the brand of Shanhe Media, it would definitely sell for a good price. Since Wei Jin intended to slow down his pace on films, they should continue to collaborate on television dramas; he believed Wei Jin wouldn't refuse, right? "Yang Zong, as for television dramas, the company only produces about two or three projects directly a year. I'm afraid it's not possible this year. Let's talk in detail once next year's projects are confirmed."

Over these years, although Shanhe Media had been scouting television production teams, apart from a few directors who were presentable, the behind-the-scenes team was still a bit thin. However, thinking of the predicament of Zhou Yi, Wei Jin was confident he could completely acquire them this year.

By then, Shanhe Media's production capabilities in television dramas would be even stronger. Coupled with policy guidance, the purchase prices from television stations would also take off; that would be the true golden age.

"Fine, Wei Zong, I'll be waiting, haha." —— Just as Wei Jin and Boss Yang were chatting, a commotion broke out in the crowd.

"Why did this person come?"

"I don't know. Wasn't it said that their relationship with Golden Harvest was not good?"

"Could they be coming with ill intent?"

"Are you kidding? Start a war with Golden Harvest and Emperor Group?"

The subordinates had already reported to Shi Nansheng, and the latter whispered in Wei Jin's ear.

"Forget it. Guests are guests; treat them well."

Shi Nansheng followed the instructions and went to greet them personally.

"Yang Zong, excuse me."

"Haha, not at all. Today is Golden Harvest's home turf; naturally, I will follow the host's lead."

Soon, Shi Nansheng brought the uninvited guest over.

"Wei Sheng, I came uninvited, please forgive me."

The short Jiang Zhiqiang was wearing a casual suit and looked somewhat scholarly, but his voice was quite loud.

"Yang Sheng, long time no see."

"Not at all, it is Golden Harvest's honor that Mr. Jiang could grace us with his presence."

Although Wei Jin did not really want to deal with Jiang Zhiqiang, since the man had come to offer his congratulations, he still had to maintain appearances.

"Mr. Wei, Edko has always been very sincere. For future projects, why not give us a chance? Let's collaborate. Rest assured, I understand the rules."

The box office of Bodyguards and Assassins was the best result a Hong Kong film had achieved in Mainland China in recent years. Seeing that Emperor Group was also participating in new projects, Edko naturally did not want to fall behind; even if it meant paying a premium, Jiang Zhiqiang did not want to miss out.

"You are too kind, Mr. Jiang. There are no new projects for the time being, but if there is an opportunity, certainly."

"Haha, then I shall wait for the good news."

Jiang Zhiqiang was a man of no small ability and vision. When Tang Nvxing was banned in Mainland China, he had put in a great deal of effort behind the scenes to help her make a comeback and build a new persona; otherwise, there would be no place for such a person in the entertainment industry.

"Easily said, easily said."

During the conversation, Wei Jin looked at Yifei beside him. In her past life, the young girl had stumbled time and again, and her ability to eventually land the Mulan project was largely due to Jiang Zhiqiang's support; the latter could be considered the Fairy's benefactor.

It was a pity that now she had him; as long as the Fairy did not sabotage herself, she would likely never have the chance to mingle in the Hong Kong Circle again—after the banquet ended, Wei Jin and Yifei did not leave and stayed at The Peninsula Hong Kong.

"Brother, let's stay and play in Hong Kong for a few more days."

Yifei wrapped her arms around the back of Wei Jin's head and said in a somewhat coquettish tone; heaven knows how jealous she was when she saw Gao Yuanyuan appear in Berlin.

"You haven't even spent any quality time alone with me yet."

"Alright."

Wei Jin did not refuse. In fact, among his women, he had indeed spent the least amount of time with Yifei. Plus, since he was going to North America soon and would likely not see her for several months, how could he have the heart to deny her this small wish?

"It just so happens your birthday is coming up soon, so let's treat this as celebrating it early."

"Why is that? Are you going somewhere?"

Yifei was a bit unhappy. It had been hard enough that her number one rival, Jing Tian, was not in the country, and she had planned to cultivate her relationship with Wei Jin properly, but now her plans were ruined.

"Yes, I have to go to North America. On one hand, there is a project, and on the other, there are some business matters that need to be handled."

As he spoke, Wei Jin wrapped one arm around the young girl's waist, and his other hand began to grow restless.

"Mmm~~~ Then Brother, when will you be back?"

The young girl was already becoming aroused, her youthful body beginning to heat up; it was evident that Wei Jin's development over these years had truly been highly effective.

"It's not certain yet. Alright, Yifei, let us enjoy the moment."

That night, while admiring the night view of Victoria Harbour, Wei Jin also admired the peerless face reflected in the floor-to-ceiling glass; it was truly a case of beautiful person and beautiful scenery complementing each other. Today's second update (End of chapter)