Chapter 277: Yang Mi Exposes Unspoken Rules; Project Launches

As time entered the middle of July, the promotion for *Aftershock* suddenly began to gain momentum.

Relying on the state media, television stations, and even CCTV to build hype, it was truly overwhelming.

The state media even issued a "Viewer Initiative," hoping that the vast number of film fans and audiences would walk into cinemas to support *Aftershock* and not forget the disaster.

"This kind of treatment is truly enviable."

In Wei Jin's office, Wang Changtian said with some emotion; one couldn't help but be jealous of such free promotional channels for *Aftershock*.

"There's no comparison; you don't look at who the production company behind it is."

Wei Jin was not surprised by this; in the future, many mainstream-themed works would have this kind of promotional method—it was perfectly normal.

"But this is unfair to other films; it feels a bit like unfair competition."

"Chairman Wang, we've only just begun. I can guarantee that subsequent official buyouts and cinema scheduling will definitely give it special care. Let's just wait and watch Feng Dapao be in high spirits."

Wei Jin had seen this news in his past life and knew the film's box office, but he didn't know if it could reach new heights in this life after his expansion of cinema chains and the cultivation of the audience.

"By the way, Chairman Wang, you don't visit without a reason. What advice do you have for me today?"

It was rare for Wang Changtian to visit in person, and Wei Jin had no time to beat around the bush with him, so he went straight to the point.

"It's like this: *Painted Wall* is set to start filming at the end of this month. Regarding the special effects, I wanted to chat with you..."

Wei Jin understood in his heart; Enlighten Media had really dug up a script from *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*. However, just hearing the title, it was clearly trying to ride the coattails of *Painted Skin*. Although he hadn't seen it in his past life, he could judge with high probability that it was a bad film.

"These matters can be left to the people below; there's no need for you, Chairman Wang, to show up in person, right?"

Seeing that Wei Jin wouldn't take the bait, Wang Changtian deliberated before speaking.

"Well, Brother Wei, I won't hide it from you. The cost of this film is 30 million. Regarding the special effects fees, the budget isn't very high. Could you give your old brother a discount?"

Seeing that Wei Jin didn't reply but instead lowered his head to drink tea, Old Wang continued.

"Of course, if you, brother, have any roles you fancy, just say the word."

Wei Jin really had no interest in *Painted Wall*, but it was film resources after all. If the artists under his banner were willing to go, he would let Zhang Xu decide for himself.

"I will notify the people below about the special effects; just charge the cost price. For the specifics, have your people go to Shanhe Ink to discuss it. As for the roles, just give a notice when the auditions happen."

"Then many thanks, brother. I'm hosting today; would you do me the honor? It just so happens we should call Liu Yan; come to think of it, we haven't gathered in a long time."

"Fine." — After the gathering ended, Wei Jin and Liu Yan returned to the villa.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing that Liu Yan was somewhat silent, Wei Jin couldn't help but ask. Weren't they chatting quite happily at the table just now? "Oh, it's just that I feel like times have changed, and it feels a bit unreal."

Liu Yan couldn't claim to have much of a friendship with the people from Enlighten Media, but those people had been too enthusiastic. As for the reason, she knew it very well in her heart.

Although she couldn't be called a superstar these years, a show like *Keep Running* had directly made her famous outside her circle, becoming a national-level variety host. Plus, as Wei Jin's first assistant, she could get a word in at any time, so her status in the circle was truly not low.

"It's normal; isn't the entertainment industry just like this? They fawn over the high and trample the low. But you don't need to be close with these people; just treat them like guests on a show."

To be honest, the artists at Enlighten Media were a mixed bag. Only Xie Nan made Wei Jin think highly of her; she maintained respect while not appearing sycophantic, and she had no utilitarian motives.

By comparison, that Bao Guangtou was very off-putting. A student from the Beijing Film Academy's continuing education class, calling everyone "Senior" at every turn—his skin was quite thick.

However, if one really had to say, a personality like Xie Nan's might not necessarily be popular in the entertainment industry, while someone like Bao Guangtou was actually more adaptable.

But when it came to being friends, no one would choose someone sycophantic and utilitarian.

"Mm, I understand."

Liu Yan had also been in the entertainment industry for many years and quickly adjusted, asking another question.

"By the way, Boss, should we call Xiaobai and Zixuan over?"

"Hm? What, you're given the chance to enjoy exclusive favor, yet you're rushing to share it with others?"

A playful look was on Wei Jin's face, his hands already gripping the Innate Spiritual Treasure.

"Mm~~ I'm afraid I can't handle it alone."

A rosy flush had already appeared on Liu Yan's face, but thinking of her boss's superhuman stamina, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to satisfy him.

"You, you're just not confident. Tonight, let your master properly develop your potential."

To tell the truth, an Innate Spiritual Treasure like Liu Yan was truly a top-tier treasure in bed; there were too many tricks one could play.

Seeing that Wei Jin's mind was made up, Liu Yan said no more and crouched down. — Huayi held a premiere for *Aftershock*, and invitations had been sent throughout the film and television circle.

But because of the location, very few people went to show support, and Wei Jin was no exception.

However, there was plenty of news from the premiere, all exploding on the front-page headlines.

On the scene, Feng Dapao and Huayi shouted out a new goal.

"Our previous box office goal was 500 million, but now that cinema ticket prices have changed, 600 million is expected."

Once these words were out, the reporters on the scene were excited, hurriedly asking if there was hope to break the domestic film box office record.

Perhaps it was because he had half a bottle of white liquor in his stomach, but Feng Dapao was drunk.

"*The Martian* is a mature science fiction film, but film art still needs to trigger empathy in the audience. On this point, *Aftershock* will definitely bring everyone a different feeling. What's more, it's time for the record from two years ago to take a big step forward."

After the premiere, the internet was full of reports.

"*Aftershock* aims at the domestic film box office record; the chances of winning are not small."

"The box office record held by Director Wei Jin for two years is in jeopardy!"

"Huayi is confident; *Aftershock* box office breaking 600 million is just around the corner!"

Wei Jin, who was buried in editing at Shanhe Ink, noticed that the two editors beside him were looking at him with strange expressions.

"If you want to ask something, just ask; don't hold it in."

"Boss Wei, are you really not worried at all?"

One of the editors asked after hesitating for a moment. It wasn't just him who was concerned; there were many concerned media personnel surrounding the building downstairs.

"Is worrying useful? Besides, records are meant to be broken. Furthermore, *Avatar* is still hanging up there."

Regarding the domestic box office record, Wei Jin had never cared. What he wanted was the domestic film box office record, or even the global film box office record. Of course, the latter was out of the question—being in the top ten would be considered impressive—but for the former, he hoped to take it down as soon as possible.

"Alright, get back to work. Try to finish it today; the rest will be left to you."

After editing on and off for over ten days, Wei Jin was finally about to finish the first fine cut of *Thieves*; the subsequent dubbing and scoring did not require him to keep watching over it.

"Alright then." — Inside the Golden House, while enjoying the warmth and softness of the woman, Wei Jin gave his assessment of *Red Chamber* on the television.

"The netizens are right; the visuals are indeed gloomy, looking like the underworld."

This drama had been in the works for several years and finally started airing at the end of last month, but unfortunately, the online reviews were overwhelmingly negative.

"But we were acquaintances after all, and Rong Xinda has treated you fairly; are you really not considering the consequences of what you say?"

These days, with the airing of *Red Chamber*, the inside story of the original casting change had also been dug up.

As one of the creators, Yang Mi admitted during a media interview that there were indeed some problems with the *Red Chamber* production team, and she was replaced precisely because she refused certain demands.

For a time, the internet was buzzing, and the unspoken rules of the entertainment industry were once again brought into the light.

Rong Xinda was in an uproar; everyone should have just parted on good terms. You, Yang Mi, started backstabbing your old agency not long after leaving; that is too much.

Li Xiaowan was refuting Yang Mi on behalf of the company while simultaneously contacting Starry Sky Culture.

Wei Jin originally did not want to get involved in this matter; after all, with the departures of Zhou Xun, Yang Mi, Chen Kun, and others, the decline of Rong Xinda was inevitable, and it had no status to speak of in the circle. However, he could not resist the fact that the general producer of *Red Chamber* was Han Sanping, so he still had to give some face.

That was why there was this "stick education" for Yang Mi tonight; some things could be said, but not in public.

Perhaps feeling that Wei Jin's words were too harsh, Yang Mi stopped her work, feeling a bit aggrieved, and defended herself: "Senior brother, I have endured these words for many years. This time, it was because the reporter asked that I couldn't hold back."

"Enough, I didn't say anything about you. Let this matter pass. Just act like you don't know about the *Red Chamber* affair. In the future, pay attention to the occasion when you speak; only by being cautious in speech and action can you flourish in the entertainment industry."

Seeming to realize that his tone was a bit heavy, Wei Jin softened his voice.

"I think you are just bored. *Snow Sword Stride* is about to start filming, and you have quite a lot of scenes; just stay in the production team and behave yourself."

After four months of preparation, this drama was finally going to start filming, and this time Yang Mi had secured the role of the female lead.

"I understand, senior brother."

Wei Jin patted the woman's bottom, and Yang Mi immediately understood and got down.

"Mm~~ mm~~ mm."

Wei Jin knew in his heart that she did not resist unspoken rules; it was just that the people back then had not offered a suitable price.

Now that Yang Mi was in his bed, her standards would likely be even higher, right? In that case, the classic quote "Where is my husband?" would very likely never be born. — Approaching its release, the news about *Aftershock* was truly overwhelming. Huayi emphasized once again that this film was not a disaster movie and that they did not make money off of pain.

Industry insiders scoffed at this; it sounded nice, but when the time came, wouldn't they still be buying out screenings and controlling the schedule?

At the same time, *Silent Witness* had finished its run, with domestic box office stopping at 217 million and Hong Kong box office at 39 million.

Including promotion and distribution, the cost of this film was only 60 million, so it was definitely profitable; this could also be seen from Jiahe's stock price.

Less than a month after the film's release, Jiahe's stock price had already risen by 30%; even Wei Jin felt it was somewhat unreal.

Jiahe sent an invitation to the celebration banquet as usual, but this time Wei Jin did not participate.

With the expansion of the group's scale, perhaps he would no longer attend premieres for films with costs under 100 million or celebration banquets for box office under 300 million.

Inside the office, Assistant Zixuan was working hard under the desk; she knew that if she just persisted for a little longer, the boss would exercise with her.

Wei Jin was organizing his thoughts while feeling the assistant's service.

Teacher Xue replied two days ago; she was very interested in *Love is Not Blind* and had already started working on the storyboards.

Regarding this female-led film, Wei Jin had some ideas about the roles, but they were not yet mature; he had to find a time to communicate with Teacher Xue.

After educating Yang Mi last night, he received a call from Hunter; Warner would be sending representatives early next month to discuss matters regarding the co-production.

On the phone, Hunter also took the opportunity to report the results of *Now You See Me 2*.

Two weeks after the film's release, it had grossed 273 million USD globally; it looked like it would not compare to the first one.

But Wei Jin did not care about this; as long as it was profitable, that was enough.

Withdrawing his thoughts, he was just about to have an office workout with his assistant when the front desk called to say someone was visiting.

Wei Jin could only continue to press her down amidst Zixuan's somewhat resentful gaze.

Before long, Cao Baoping knocked on the door and walked in.

"Wei Jin, I've kept you waiting a long time this time. That previous TV series was a bit sudden, which is why it was delayed for so long."

Cao Baoping was wearing a Zhongshan suit with a crew cut; he looked very spirited and had the air of an old cadre, much better than when they first met. It was clear that the entertainment industry really did nourish people with its "red energy."

"It's fine, good things are not about being in a rush. By the way, has Teacher Cao done the budget?"

Wei Jin lit a cigarette on his own; since there was a fresh air system in the office, he was not afraid of smoking out his guest.

The reason he considered letting Cao Baoping direct this project was, first, that his style was a good fit, and second, that there were some difficulties in the script review, as it involved "bad guys in the police force."

And with Cao Baoping's status as an academic, he had some connections with those people, so Wei Jin did not need to worry.

"I've done it. This script doesn't have any big scenes, so 10 million is enough, provided we don't hire big-name actors. Actors are too expensive now..."

Speaking of this, Cao Baoping sighed with emotion; in the past year or so, the pay for actors in the industry had really risen too much.

As a capitalist, Wei Jin felt the same way. When filming *Painted Skin*, Zhou Xun's asking price was only 1 million; for *Painted Skin 2*, it only rose to 4 million, and for *The Message*, it had already risen to 6 million.

This time, *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate* had even fetched a salary of 8 million, and the key was that the major investors all accepted this price, which was absurd.

"Hmm, then let's make the budget more generous, 15 million. Try to find capable actors as much as possible."

The current domestic market is not like before; for Wei Jin's script alone, getting 50 million at the box office is easy, so there is no need to be stingy.

As for the roles, Wei Jin did not intend to interfere. As for Fan Bingbing, if she was willing to take it, she could; if she didn't like it, he wouldn't force her. This woman's ambitions were a bit wild now.

"Alright, I will redo the budget here and then submit the script."

Seeing that Teacher Cao had already left, Wei Jin patted his assistant's shoulder, and the latter stood up with a flushed face, waiting for the man's favor. Today's second update (End of chapter)