Chapter 290: Awards-Bait Film: Liu Yifei's Roleplay

With its stunning visual effects and novel, imaginative concepts, *Passengers* has become the hegemon of the National Day Slot.

There is even a high probability that it will become the uncrowned king of the entire month of October.

The terrifying result of 436 million in 8 days has filled the cast and crew with confidence in the film's box office.

Qiao Zhenyu, Gao Yuanyuan, Lei Jiayin, and others have all stated bluntly on Weibo that they hope *Passengers* can break the one-billion box office mark.

Regarding this, many companies in the industry have expressed skepticism; normally, the National Day Slot box office accounts for about 60% of a film's total, and based on current data, the final tally will likely land around 700-800 million, still a significant gap from the slogan Wei Jin shouted.

However, what the industry did not expect was that after the holiday ended, the daily box office of *Passengers* still remained above 30 million, which is truly terrifying.

This means that the first domestic film to exceed one billion in box office is very likely about to be born.

But everyone has also discovered that the daily box office capacity of the film market has indeed expanded significantly, and the industry is very clear about what this means.

Domestic films seem to have truly entered the era of blockbusters. Upon receiving the audition invitation sent to the company by Zhang Yimou, Wei Jin was somewhat surprised.

"Wasn't it said that *The Flowers of War* would lean entirely toward newcomers?"

This was news Zhang Yimou revealed at the premiere of *Passengers*; Wei Jin believes he wouldn't slap his own face.

"President Wei, I heard that Director Zhang and Zhang Weiping had a disagreement. The latter wanted to force actresses into the cast. Later, I don't know what happened, but it turned into open auditions for the remaining supporting roles."

As soon as Wei Jin heard this, he understood; Zhang Weiping had started interfering with Zhang Yimou again.

"Fine, let the artists the company is interested in go and try out."

Wei Jin doesn't care about these kinds of supporting roles; whether they get selected isn't important, the key is whether they can receive guidance from Zhang Yimou.

One must know that with Zhang Yimou's ability to coach actors, an actress who can receive his guidance will definitely benefit immensely.

Watching Zhang Xu leave the office, Wei Jin shook his head and chuckled. The two Zhangs have collaborated for so many years, yet Zhang Weiping still acts like a big brother, treating Zhang Yimou like a lackey; he truly has no self-awareness at all.

However, this "divine assist" from Zhang Weiping has given Wei Jin hope; the day to recruit the National Master is not too far off. The post-production for Enlight Media's *Painted Wall* has wrapped, and the Shanhe Ink effects team assigned to the crew has brought back the negatives.

It's just that Wei Jin didn't expect Wang Changtian to come along for a visit.

"Brother Wei, I must thank you this time. Your employees offered many suggestions and helped us solve quite a few problems. Truly, a strong general has no weak soldiers, haha..."

Perhaps it is the box office performance of *Passengers*, but Old Wang seems to be in a good mood.

"Taking money to get things done, Chairman Wang is too kind."

Guests are guests; Wei Jin instructed his secretary to brew some tea, and the two sat down in the reception area.

"I wonder what brings Chairman Wang here today?"

Wei Jin's straightforward approach made Old Wang somewhat unaccustomed to it; after deliberating for a moment, he stated his purpose.

"Brother Wei, I won't hide it from you. Enlight is seeking to go public, and the pressure on profitability is relatively high."

Seeming to be thinking about how to persuade Wei Jin, Wang Changtian paused before continuing.

"I heard that Huayi purchased a share of *Mojin: The Lost Legend* from you. I wonder if Enlight could follow suit?"

Wei Jin understood; sure enough, there are no airtight walls in the world, but Old Wang is likely thinking too much.

"Chairman Wang, you only heard the news but don't know the price. A 10% share for 25 million—can you accept that?"

"This..."

Wang Changtian was stunned; Huayi is driving up the prices. There is no way Enlight can keep up. It seems this plan is going to fall through.

Composing himself, Old Wang began to chat about other topics; otherwise, leaving immediately would seem too utilitarian. "Brother Wei, why do you think these Hong Kong directors are no longer up to the task?"

Speaking of this, Old Wang felt a pang of regret. After finishing the National Day Slot, the box office for *Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen* was only a meager 62 million, and it had to be pulled from theaters early in disgrace.

Compared to the 120 million production cost, it was a bloodbath. As the lead controller, Enlight naturally bore the most losses; tens of millions went down the drain, likely not even enough to be covered by the profits from *Passengers*.

"The inertia of Hong Kong directors' thinking is too strong. They are still immersed in past glories and cannot cater to Mainland China audiences, so naturally, they aren't recognized by the audience."

Wei Jin picked up his teacup, took a sip, and paused before continuing.

"Furthermore, whether it's the project manager or the main cast, there are problems. You should be clear about this."

Wei Jin was telling the truth. The *Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen* project was managed by Zhang Zhao of Enlight, and this person has always been a bit extreme in his methods.

Last year, the film *Astro Boy* that he was responsible for distributing caused quite a stir due to inflated box office reports.

In addition, as the lead controller, Enlight actually handed over all casting rights to a Hong Kong director. Golden Horse Best Actor Huang Bai could only play a small supporting role, acting as a foil for Hong Kong actors like Huang Laogou and Yu Wenle—it's simply incomprehensible.

"Sigh."

Regarding internal matters at Enlight, Wang Changtian couldn't say much to an outsider, so he could only sigh and then bring up another topic.

"Then Brother Wei, do you think *Painted Wall* can be profitable?"

Regarding profitability, Wang Changtian is more concerned than ever before.

"It's hard to say right now; we'll know after post-production is finished. However, for this type of subject matter, as long as the special effects pass muster, it shouldn't end up losing money."

Wei Jin didn't lie. Although the plot of *Painted Wall* is a bit melodramatic, by using the name of *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio* and riding the coattails of the *Painted Skin* series, there is hope for profit.

Wei Jin knew Old Wang's thoughts clearly, but he had no reason to help him bottom out; he truly couldn't help.

What's more, *Passengers* had already let Enlight take full advantage.

Wang Changtian naturally understood this too, so he didn't continue to pester him and took his leave after some small talk.

In the evening, Wei Jin went to see Liu Yifei. He had spent less time with her last month; only by treating everyone equally can the harem remain stable.

After finishing dinner, under Liu Xiaoli's helpless gaze, Liu Yifei pulled Wei Jin upstairs.

After some intimacy, the two entered the bathtub for a full-body relaxation.

Liu Yifei enjoyed the time they spent soaking in the tub, lazily leaning against Wei Jin's chest.

"Yifei."

"Hmm?"

Liu Yifei replied somewhat absent-mindedly.

"How did you feel at the press conference for *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* today?"

Juli Pictures had sent an invitation before the National Day, but Wei Jin didn't want to deal with Yang Zi and had directly declined. He just didn't expect that Huang Shengyi would actually use her connections at Beijing Film Academy to pull Liu Yifei in to show support.

This film had been causing a stir since its inception. Juli's Yang Zi high-profilely shouted "no cap on production budget," drawing ridicule from the industry. Wei Jin was also curious about what exactly they were up to.

"Oh, stop it, I already regret participating. That Yang Zi is just like a nouveau riche, talking about 200 million big productions every other sentence, one moment he wants to find Shanhe Ink for special effects, the next he's saying Li Lianjie is joining."

Wei Jin nodded; it was indeed consistent with Yang Zi's style. This guy didn't have much money, but his tone was huge, and he loved to show off, acting as if he were the most important person in the world. As for finding Shanhe Ink for special effects, Wei Jin was afraid he couldn't afford the price; not everyone could enjoy cost price, and that certainly didn't include Juli Yang Zi.

"But Brother, they seem to have really gotten Li Lianjie to make a cameo as Fahai."

"The film producer is Cui Baozhu; it's no surprise she could get Li Lianjie."

Wei Jin wasn't surprised; Cui Baozhu was a Gold Medal Producer in Hong Kong and had collaborated with many stars in the Hong Kong Circle.

The films *Fong Sai-yuk*, *Tai Chi Master*, and *Once Upon a Time in China* starring Li Lianjie were all produced by Cui Baozhu. Not to mention the two had even partnered to open a company, so their friendship was quite deep; it was just a matter of a few days of filming, so he naturally wouldn't refuse.

"Brother, how do you think Huang Shengyi took a liking to him? He has such a horse-face."

Liu Yifei really couldn't understand it. Huang Shengyi had a very good appearance, so why would she carry the reputation of being a mistress to be with such a man?

"To each their own, but Yifei, your tongue is quite sharp."

Wei Jin teased, pinching the young girl's softness.

"What do you mean? I'm just speaking quite directly."

Liu Yifei pretended to be fierce, leaning in toward Wei Jin as if threatening him.

"Or is it that you don't like it, Brother?"

"How could that be? Of course I like it; it reminds me of when we first met."

Wei Jin was telling the truth. Although the two had gotten along harmoniously over the years, it seemed they had lost the joy of their initial bickering.

"Yifei, you don't need to suppress your personality in the future; no matter what, I like it."

"Mm, Brother, I'll listen to you."

A smile appeared on Liu Yifei's face, and she immediately tackled the man. After the pleasure, Liu Yifei changed into a pink nightgown and was wiping her hair with a dry towel when she saw Wei Jin already sitting in front of his laptop.

Feeling a bit curious, she walked over, and Liu Yifei cast a glance with her beautiful eyes, seeing the open electronic document.

Having been with Wei Jin for so long, Liu Yifei naturally knew very well that the man was writing a script, so she very understandingly did not make a sound to disturb him.

Gently wiping her hair, she quietly admired Wei Jin's fingers moving flexibly and rhythmically across the keyboard, looking at the four bold characters at the top of the document title: "*Whiplash*."

Although very curious, Liu Yifei did not ask, waiting until the man finished a paragraph before asking: "Brother, what kind of script is this?"

Wei Jin turned around, his hands gripping Liu Yifei's perky buttocks.

"This is a musical art film, a somewhat dark inspirational film that expresses a core spirit of 'if you're not obsessed, you won't succeed'."

The Grand Slam of the European Big Three isn't easy to win, and Wei Jin intended to test the waters first; *Whiplash* was his first attempt.

"So, this is an art film you've prepared for Venice?"

Liu Yifei's beautiful eyes sparkled, not only because she would soon walk the Venice red carpet with Wei Jin, but also because the artistic youth attribute within her body was beginning to awaken.

"Brother, is there a role in the script suitable for me?"

"Uh, the whole script only has one female character; the age fits you, but the screen time is very little."

"That makes it the female lead, right? It doesn't matter if the screen time is short, Brother."

Looking at the young girl's excited appearance, Wei Jin didn't know what to say.

The film *Whiplash* was a solo performance between the male lead and his teacher; the rest was just the male lead's father having a little bit of screen time.

As for the so-called female lead, her main purpose was to break up with the male lead to show his determination to devote himself entirely to music, a bit like "killing one's beloved to attain the Dao."

"Fine, if you like it, then it's settled; it will also be more justifiable when we go to Venice."

Wei Jin pulled the girl to sit across his lap, his hands wandering over the silky, soft nightgown.

"But Yifei, the role is set, shouldn't you give this director some benefits?"

Regarding role-playing games, Wei Jin thought a young girl should be more receptive to them, and today was a good opportunity.

"Bad Brother, what kind of tricks do you want to play again?"

Hearing this, Wei Jin leaned close to the girl's ear and whispered a few words, drawing a flurry of little pink fists from the girl.

However, after venting her anger, Liu Yifei ultimately chose to resign herself to fate.

That night, Liu Yifei experienced a different life, but unfortunately, the young girl's acting skills were not enough; Wei Jin pondered letting her interact more with her good sisters so she could act vividly. Attentive media saw the latest list of approved scripts released by the Film Bureau.

Among them, a script named *Love is Not Blind* attracted widespread attention in the circle.

The filer and producer were both Shanhe Media, but the director column listed Xue Xiaolu.

Although not directed by Wei Jin himself, it was at least produced by Shanhe Media, so the quality definitely wouldn't be bad.

The media also received some information from the General Administration.

"*Love is Not Blind* is a female-themed romance film, adapted from the novel of the same name."

Once the media reported this, people in the circle became excited; a female-themed romance film meant the female lead had a lot of screen time, which was simply perfect.

A large number of talent agencies and actors prayed that Wei Jin wouldn't make internal appointments and would leave a path for industry actors.

Many people bought the novel of the same name to study it, hoping to gain an advantage in the audition process.

Xiangshan Film and Television City, *Snow Sword Stride* crew.

"Jia Jie, how should I choose between *The Flowers of War* and *Love is Not Blind*?"

Yang Mi didn't expect that one day she would face such a dilemma. Although she lost the role in *Pacific Rim*, both of these films were high-quality projects; if she were still at Rongxinda, she probably wouldn't even have a chance to audition.

"Mimi, I suggest going to audition for *The Flowers of War* first; if you get selected, you won't need to consider the other."

Although the other is a female-lead film, in terms of the ability to promote people, it might not compare to Zhang Yimou's art films.

Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi were all promoted by art films, and even the currently hottest Zhou Dongyu was no exception.

"What's more, the company's film hasn't notified casting yet, so there is plenty of time."

Yang Mi nodded upon hearing this; she would treat it as an insurance policy.

"Mm, Jia Jie, I'll listen to you and go try out for *The Flowers of War* first."

First update of the day.

(End of this chapter)