Chapter 276: Will Wei Jin Not Be Drained Dry?

Time had just entered July when two Hong Kong films announced their September release dates.

One was the martial arts film *Reign of Assassins*, produced by Wu Baige, with joint investment from Xiaoma and Media Asia.

The other was *Jingwu Storm Riders 2*, directed by Liu Weiqiang, with joint investment from Guangxian, Media Asia, and Shanghai Film Group.

Especially the latter's promotional slogan, which was quite confident, even benchmarking against *Ip Man 2*.

To be honest, seeing this news, Wei Jin didn't know what to say—was Media Asia looking for death? Even Old Wang from Guangxian got involved? Didn't they know *Passengers* was already scheduled for National Day?

"By then, I'll teach these Hong Kong companies how to behave in mainland China."

On the 2nd, besides *Now You See Me 2* premiering in North America, several domestic films were released in a cluster, such as *The King of Fighters* and *Journey to the West*.

As a close friend and loyal viewer of *Happy Camp*, Gao Yuanyuan pulled Wei Jin to support the Mango TV-produced film *Journey to the West*.

Although knowing it was likely a dud, Wei Jin didn't expect it to be this bad—he dragged the beauty out after just half an hour.

"Yuan Yuanjie, you must compensate me tonight—I feel my tender soul has suffered immense trauma."

Wei Jin felt as if he had been force-fed excrement—truly nauseating to the extreme.

"I didn't expect it to be this outrageous either—they're quite funny on the show, after all."

"Forget it—from now on, no matter what film, I must check its Yinxiang Net rating before watching; I refuse to be a guinea pig."

Wei Jin felt indignant, opened his computer to post a review on his alt account, only to find that many netizens had already started complaining.

"Choosing matters more than effort": "This is a pile of dung, force-fed into the audience's mouths—pure fraud!!!"

Ah Xier: "Friendly reminder: if you haven't bought a ticket, or bought one but haven't entered yet, hurry up and refund!!!"

The above two are Wei Jin's genuine thoughts—he casually liked them, then kept reading.

Many netizens, while cursing, ended up cursing lead actor Xu Guangtou—his Weibo was nearly collapsing.

Wei Jin was also about to curse him, but unexpectedly, this guy replied.

"Sorry, everyone—*Journey to the West* really is a super terrible film! To all friends who came to the cinema because of me, sorry."

Xu Guangtou explained on Weibo that he took this role on a whim, and the specific reasons were inconvenient to explain.

Gao Yuanyuan also watched the netizens' feud from the side, curiously asking:

"Xiao Jin, why did he still take the role after reading the script?"

"Just the usual favor-trading, though this guy still cares about his reputation."

Wei Jin shook his head—Xu Guangtou's move wasn't smart; the lead personally stepping in to explain would inevitably shift blame to the producer, leaving favors unpaid and possibly sowing enmity—a classic case of trying to please both sides and ending up pleasing neither.

"Yuan Yuanjie, you'd better not learn from him."

"I won't—I'm now very selective about scripts."

Gao Yuanyuan spoke the truth—at her current stature, most scripts truly don't catch her eye, plus she has to consider avoiding kissing and bed scenes, so her options are genuinely limited.

"Alright, let's not talk about this—it's upsetting. Yuan Yuanjie, let's do something fun."

"It's broad daylight now."

"Then how about we close the curtains?"

"Mm"—*Now You See Me 2* officially premiered in North America.

Opening day: 3,500 screenings, box office grossed $17 million; first weekend (three days), cumulative box office reached $52 million.

Compared to the first film, this result is slightly worse—Hunter expressed some concern over the series on the phone.

Wei Jin, however, thought it quite normal—after all, the director changed, and the script wasn't as polished as the first; achieving this result was already quite good.

"By the way, what did Warner say?"

"They're still evaluating the project—likely to have news by this week."

"Hmm, that'll do."

After hanging up, Wei Jin was about to resume post-production editing when the phone rang again—it was Zhao Feng from Shanhe Cinema Line.

"Mr. Wei, Huayi's demand to raise ticket prices—should we implement it? Many cinema chains are waiting for our move."

This matter occurred two days ago, as *Aftershock* was about to premiere—Huayi unilaterally notified all national cinema chains to raise ticket prices.

The minimum ticket price increased by five yuan, with other tiers adjusted proportionally.

As the nation's largest single privately-owned cinema chain, Shanhe Cinema Line Alliance naturally serves as the industry's wind vane.

"Why not? Anyway, they've already taken the blame—cinema chains don't bear responsibility."

Wei Jin thought this was actually good—whether production or exhibition side, both could gain considerable benefits from the price hike, and future box office ceilings would rise significantly.

It's just that Huayi's approach is truly ugly—*Aftershock* was already due for special treatment, and now raising prices? They're practically begging for a windfall.

"Alright, I'll notify them right away"—*Tang Bohu Points Autumn Fragrance 2* held its premiere in Beijing, with lead actor Huang Xiaoming calling to invite Wei Jin.

Wei Jin had seen this film in his past life—it's a reheated leftover dud, no doubt—so he had to decline attendance.

Wei Jin could tell with his toes that reporters would surely ask him about box office prospects—telling the truth would be too humiliating, lying would seem hypocritical and unbecoming of his status, so he simply refused.

Although Wei Jin didn't attend, it didn't hinder on-site news from being transmitted back.

During the interview, reporters brought up Huang Xiaoming's earlier starring role in the *Brotherhood of Blades* series, asking him to compare it with *Tang Bohu 2*.

Huang Xiaoming, true to his clever nature, didn't beat around the bush this time as he usually did.

"You guys are just looking for trouble, aren't you? Haha—the *Brotherhood of Blades* series is the pinnacle of martial arts films, plus it's Wei Jin's script—its scale is vastly larger than *Tang Bohu 2*, incomparable."

Although he didn't say it outright, the meaning was already clear.

"Then do you think there's hope to catch up with *All People Witness*?"

Before Huang Xiaoming could speak, other reporters laughed—*All People Witness* is already nearing 200 million, with a full-force cast of heavenly kings and emperors—how could *Tang Bohu 2* compare with its head?

"I won't answer this question—after tomorrow's premiere, everyone will know."

Huang Xiaoming's inner self was already cursing at these Hong Kong reporters, who were chasing clout and should at least find something comparable to compare.

Sure enough, the day's press release came out—it was all about riding the coattails of *Brotherhood of Blades* and *All People Witness*.

"Director Li Lichit's *Tang Bohu 2* will directly compete with *All People Witness*."

Huang Xiaoming chatted about "Tang Bohu 2" and the "Brotherhood of Blades" series.

After reading the news, Wei Jin could only shake his head—"All-Eyewitness" was about to leave theaters, what competition was there to speak of?

In Hong Kong, only a handful of directors could find work in Mainland China, but this Li Lichit certainly wasn't one of them—he simply didn't understand Mainland audiences. —July 11, Liu Yifei returned to Beijing.

The film "Mojin: The Lost Legend" took over four months, from the grasslands to Beijing, then to New York, covering over twenty thousand kilometers, and finally wrapped production.

In the villa, seeing Liu Yifei's noticeably darkened complexion, Wei Jin regretted letting her take this role—was the tanned celestial beauty still a celestial beauty? Sensing the ache in his eyes, Liu Yifei curled the corner of her mouth.

"Don't worry, brother, I'll turn fair again after resting a while—my skin is fine." "Mm, I naturally know Yifei's skin is good, smooth and slippery."

As they spoke, Wei Jin's hands slid to her slender waist—originally just a normal affectionate gesture, but it made Liu Yifei, who hadn't felt flesh in months, burn all over.

"Brother, I... I want to go to the room."

Amid Liu Xiaoli's head shaking, Liu Yifei pulled Wei Jin upstairs.

This intimacy lasted a long time—Liu Yifei seemed to pour all her months of longing into sweat, tireless.

Only after Liu Xiaoli had shouted several times outside the door did they briefly come downstairs to replenish their strength.

Who would have thought—right after finishing dinner, Liu Yifei pulled Wei Jin upstairs again, leaving Liu Xiaoli truly speechless—didn't even have such strong desires when she was young? At this rate, Wei Jin would be drained dry by his own daughter before he even reached middle age? Dawn, a sliver of sunlight pierced the floor-to-ceiling glass, waking Wei Jin.

Feeling his vibrant body, Wei Jin thought it necessary to do another morning workout.

Just as his hand touched Liu Yifei's upturned buttocks, the little girl had already woken up.

Although last night had been extraordinarily wild, her sleep quality was quite good—after just a few hours, she had already regained her energy.

Seeing the man had needs, the little girl was very understanding, slowly slipping into the blankets to help him warm up.

Wei Jin was comfortably enjoying the little girl's thoughtful service when the phone beside him rang.

"Boss, regarding the project, Warner has already made an assessment—they think highly of it, but they want to meet you in person."

"What do you mean? You can fully represent my attitude—why do we still need a meeting?"

Wei Jin's voice wasn't low, and Liu Yifei under the blankets heard it clearly—her movements began to slow down.

Noticing the little girl starting to drag her feet, Wei Jin pressed the bulge under the blankets—pleasure surged back immediately.

On the phone, Hunter was still explaining: "Boss, co-productions are inherently troublesome, requiring more communication—they feel it's safer to meet in person."

Hearing this, Wei Jin understood—it was nothing more than a matter of interest division.

"Tell them, talks can happen—come to Huaxia to talk."

Wei Jin said this with full confidence—since Warner wanted to cooperate, they should lower their stance; this project wasn't something only they could do.

Noticing Hunter's hesitation on the other end, Wei Jin shook his head and sighed—truly, they had grown accustomed to being ruled by the Hollywood Six Majors.

"Hunter, you need to adapt to your identity—whether it's Summit Entertainment or me, we're no longer nobodies. If Warner wants to cooperate, they must treat us as equals."

"Oh, sorry, boss—I overlooked that. I'll relay your opinion to them."

"Mm, just like that."

After hanging up, Wei Jin pulled back the blankets—having warmed up this long, it was time to release.

"Brother, is this a Hollywood project?"

Liu Yifei stopped her work, curious.

"How so—are you interested?"

As they spoke, Wei Jin adjusted the little girl's position, placed a pillow under her, and prepared to set off.

"Mmm~~~brother, mmm~~~"

Liu Yifei gradually forgot about the project—compared to this pleasure, nothing else mattered. —After a long bout of intimacy, Wei Jin began explaining the project's specifics.

"This is a pure popcorn commercial film, focusing on special effects, mecha, and monsters, plus stunning visuals and sound effects—who the actors are isn't that important."

Wei Jin wasn't lying—this film relied little on star power; even after watching the whole thing, audiences might not remember the actors at all.

"But after all, it's a big production—by star power, it's a match. Are you interested?"

To be honest, scheduling four women's roles now is really difficult—though such mecha films don't rely much on star power, they're still enough to boost someone's fame.

"Well, forget it—I just finished wrapping, I still want to rest a while longer."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei lost interest—compared to something like "Inception," mecha battles offer no room for actors to shine.

Besides, she already has impressive box office results, and with her naturally somewhat laid-back personality, she'd rather stay home reading—plus, she can keep Wei Jin company.

"Mm, that's fine—just as long as you're happy."

The two lingered a while longer, then Wei Jin got up to browse movie news—this had already become his habit.

"Tang Bohu 2" was undoubtedly a reheated leftovers flop—opening day box office under six million.

This film was invested by the Heung Family—doomed to lose money.

Wei Jin recalled the grudge between Boss Yang and the Heung Family—he must be chuckling about this now.

"Xiaoming Brother really isn't suited for comedy."

Liu Yifei didn't know when she had appeared behind Wei Jin, resting her head on his shoulder, eyes on the computer.

"Heyo, you just returned to the country—probably haven't even seen a movie yet, so subjective?"

Wei Jin was somewhat surprised—"The little girl's acting hasn't improved, but her eyesight has? 'Back when we were on the set of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes,' I already thought his portrayal of Yang Guo laughing was fake.'"

Liu Yifei didn't hold back—she bluntly criticized Huang Xiaoming's acting.

"Your feeling is very accurate."

Wei Jin nodded in agreement—Huang Xiaoming's forced comedy looked just like his portrayal of a domineering CEO: stiff.

"But Xiaoming Brother really has it rough—these people are criticizing him too harshly, right?"

The little girl scrolled through online reviews, feeling a pang of sympathy for her "lifesaver."

"Normal—audiences are just like that, which is also why I insist you choose scripts carefully—actors' reputations matter."

The online backlash for "Tang Bohu 2" was indeed severe—within two days, it had received the same treatment as "The Westward Journey."

But "The Westward Journey" itself was merely a cameo role—aside from Xu Guangtou as the lead, everyone else was just crossing over to make up numbers, so reputation didn't matter.

What's more, that big flop relied entirely on favors to get its actors, costing no more than three million, and the production company definitely made a profit.

Compared to that, Huang Xiaoming's solo starring in "Tang Bohu 2" probably squandered all the drawing power the "Brotherhood of Blades" series had brought.

"Hmm, I know that—didn't the Hong Kong side of 'A Chinese Ghost Story' just refuse it?"

Liu Yifei sat sideways on Wei Jin's thigh, her arms wrapped around the man's neck, looking a bit coquettish.

"Hmph, was that you refusing? Clearly, I reminded you after reading the script."

"Oh, brother, don't worry about those details, hehe."

Today's first chapter

(End of chapter)