Chapter 305: Setting the Schedule, Slapping Lu Chuan

China Film Group's efficiency was high; in just a few days, they announced the release dates for all six of Shanhe Media's films on their official website.

"Produced by Shanhe Media, directed by Cao Baoping, *The Piano Tuner* is set for release on August 12."

"Produced by Shanhe Media, directed by Wei Jin, *The Thieves* is set for release on September 29."

"Produced by Shanhe Media, directed by Xue Xiaolu, *Love is Not Blind* is set for release on November 11."

"Produced by Shanhe Media, directed by Wu Ershan, *Mojin: The Lost Legend* is set for release on December 15."

"Jointly produced by Shanhe Media and Emperor Motion Pictures, directed by Wilson Yip, *Ip Man 3* is set for release on April 22."

"Jointly produced by Golden Harvest and Meitao Entertainment, directed by Lin Chao-xian, *The Raid* is set for release on June 30."

Upon seeing this news, companies in the industry let out a collective wail; Wei Jin wasn't even leaving them a way to survive. With these six works, he had directly monopolized the May Day, Summer, National Day, and New Year slots.

Xu Laoguai's *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate* was still in production, and judging by the progress, it seemed the Spring Festival Film Season for next year was already booked. Shanhe Media had truly become a dominant force in the film industry.

Many production companies with films scheduled for release this year began to carefully reconsider their release dates. — Receiving a call from Teacher Jiang, Wei Jin felt a bit of a headache; the school's calculations were too clever.

"Teacher Jiang, I won't be able to go. I have to be busy with the preparations for new projects these two months, and the company still has a huge pile of matters to handle."

Every year in January, the two things that attract the most attention in the entertainment industry are the box office for the New Year and Spring Festival film seasons, and the art school entrance exams for the three major academies.

It was just that Wei Jin hadn't expected that even after graduating as a Graduate Student, he would still be summoned to serve as an art exam judge.

Actually, he wasn't opposed to this matter, but unless he was given decision-making power, he would absolutely not participate if it were just to go through the motions and play a bit part.

"Fine, fine, fine, you're busy. Then Lu Yang should be no problem, right?"

"Hey, Teacher Jiang, look at what you're saying. Lu Yang signed a cooperation agreement with the company, not an indentured contract. As long as he's willing, do you really think I'd tie him up and stop him from going?"

"Alright, I'll call him myself. You kid are no longer someone I can count on."

After listening to Old Jiang's rambling, Wei Jin hung up the phone and shook his head. The way Beijing Film Academy prioritized quick success and relied entirely on connections really made him feel repulsed.

Wei Jin could understand the school's original intention of cultivating celebrities to increase its industry reputation. It was also a fact that whether an actor could become famous depended to a large extent on their own circle and connections.

But they couldn't abandon admission standards just because of that. The art exams hadn't even started this year, yet some people were already implicitly guaranteed to be admitted.

For example, the newly emerged Mou Girl Zhou Dongyu, who was already red-hot, or the daughter of China Film Group's leader, the industry's Zuoshandiao, Han Sanping.

Compared to ordinary candidates who had to go through layers of screening and then struggle in a fiercely competitive industry to fight for that ethereal chance to defy their fate, these second-generation heirs or those with connections were standing at a completely different starting point from the very beginning.

For them, the threshold for the art exam was truly much lower. — After obtaining investment from Emperor Motion Pictures and Stellar MegaMedia, that scoundrel Lu Chuan became active again, directly declaring to the media that he would create an epic-level commercial blockbuster.

One moment he let out word that he intended to invite Fan Bingbing to star as Yu Ji, and the next he said Gao Yuanyuan was also suitable for the role.

Basically, all the popular actresses in the industry had been used by that scoundrel Lu Chuan for clout.

Immediately after, this idiot also indicated that he wanted to learn from Zhang Yimou, "giving newcomers more opportunities," and was preparing to hold nationwide auditions just to find the most suitable and beautiful Yu Ji.

However, the slap in the face came very quickly. Gao Yuanyuan, who was still attending an event, directly posted on Weibo: "Is Lu Chuan a director? What works does he have?"

It had to be said that this scoundrel Lu Chuan had a constitution that attracted mockery. Once Gao Yuanyuan's Weibo post came out, netizens immediately boiled over and began to stir the pot in various ways.

Heavenly Wind Vast Sea: "Lu Chuan, why don't you go take a piss and look at yourself in the mirror? Is Gao Yuanyuan someone you can try to latch onto?"

Little Cat-Wearing Knight: "Yuanyuan did great, worthy of being my wife. Dealing with an idiot like Lu-tarou, you just can't give him any face."

Diving While Watching: "To be fair, if Yuanyuan really plays Yu Ji, I've already reserved my ticket for this movie."

Family Picture Name 0: "Lu-tarou, get lost! Hands off Da Meiyuan!"

Seeing this news, Wei Jin secretly gave Da Meiyuan a thumbs up. She was worthy of being his own wife; he casually clicked 'like' under her Weibo post.

Fan Bingbing, who was filming far away in Hollywood, also posted a Weibo to join in the fun.

"Sorry, I'm not familiar with you. Refusing to be used for clout."

Although she didn't name names, everyone, including the netizens, knew who Fan Bingbing was talking about.

For a time, Lu Chuan was mocked by the entire internet again and became a laughingstock. — In Beijing, inside a tea room, Wei Jin was enjoying a massage from Nazha.

"Boss, who exactly is it that has such a big face, making you wait for them?"

Nazha asked with some curiosity. She was very happy to be able to accompany her boss out to meet a guest today, but it had been almost half an hour; wasn't the guest being a bit too arrogant? "You'll see in a moment, what's the rush?"

As he spoke, Wei Jin reached back and pinched the young girl's perky buttocks, beginning to exert force.

"Mmm~~ Boss, not here."

After being developed by Wei Jin, Nazha's body had become increasingly sensitive, and she couldn't help but clench her legs together.

"Don't worry, we have time to play slowly tonight."

Hearing the man's words, Nazha seemed to recall the pleasure of the previous few times; a flush of shyness appeared on her face as she responded softly.

"Mmm~~"

Before long, a group of people walked into the private room, accompanied by the iconic voice of Big Brother.

"Director Wei, sorry, kept you waiting. The process over there was too long..."

Looking at Cheng Long, who was travel-worn and dressed in work clothes, Wei Jin stood up to greet him.

"It's fine, Big Brother. I just arrived not long ago. It was I who delayed you from running back and forth. Please, sit."

Today was the premiere of *New Shaolin Temple*. As one of the main creators, Cheng Long naturally had many social obligations. Wei Jin certainly wouldn't mind that he was able to rush over so quickly.

The premiere of this film was held at the InterContinental Hotel, and the scene was made very grand; after all, Shaolin Group was not short of money.

Whether it was his status as the head of Shanhe Media or as a top-tier director in the industry, the organizers had no reason not to invite Wei Jin. It was just that the latter was too lazy to deal with this bunch of monks and used an excuse not to attend.

After the host and guests were seated, looking at Nazha standing prettily behind Wei Jin, a flash of amazement crossed Cheng Long's eyes, and he then asked with some curiosity: "And this is?"

Hearing this, Nazha didn't wait for her boss to speak and took the initiative to introduce herself. Compared to when she was at the premiere, she appeared much more poised and graceful.

"Hello, Big Brother Cheng Long, I am Guli Nazha, a signed artist of Starry Sky Culture."

"The little girl is so beautiful. Director Wei has a good eye, haha..."

Cheng Long gave Wei Jin a thumbs up, looking like a man who understood everything.

"Bringing her out to see the world. Big Brother, you flatter me."

Wei Jin smiled and replied, not minding Cheng Long's somewhat teasing tone at all.

Big Brother had quite a few romantic affairs; it was said that the most outrageous ones happened while playing on set. Wei Jin asked himself if he could reach that level and could only sigh in admiration and concede defeat. After some pleasantries, Wei Jin got straight to the point and began chatting with Cheng Long about the script.

Cheng Long wore a smile throughout, listening with great interest.

Half an hour later, both sides agreed on the cooperation, and Wei Jin returned to the Golden House with Nazha.

After pressing Nazha down to serve him, Wei Jin pondered the gains and losses of the night.

As expected of a character who climbed up from the bottom and has remained popular for forty years, Cheng Long is truly impeccable in his conduct.

This meeting went more smoothly than Wei Jin expected; Cheng Long took the initiative to lower his salary from 10 million USD to 8 million USD.

According to Wei Jin's estimation, if he weren't afraid his team would disagree, he might have lowered this figure even further.

As for the reason, it is not hard to guess; it is nothing more than wanting to build a good relationship with him and deepen their bond.

One must know that it is not just a day or two that Big Brother has wanted to boost his son's career.

Previously, he used all sorts of connections and resources to pave the way for his son, but unfortunately, the Dragon Prince is not up to the task; he is nearly thirty years old and still lukewarm.

And as the head of Shanhe Media and a top commercial director in the industry, Wei Jin has countless resources at his disposal; even a little bit leaking out would be enough to gild his son.

To be honest, regarding the Dragon Prince, Wei Jin has seen him several times at cocktail parties, and he cannot say he has any ill will.

It is just that the arrogance and the cocky attitude the kid inadvertently reveals are destined not to win Wei Jin's favor.

What's more, this kid will have big trouble later on, and Wei Jin is too lazy to get involved, so naturally, cooperation is impossible; Cheng Long's plans are destined to fall through.

Thinking that Big Brother is nearly 60 years old and still has to hustle and toil for his career and the next generation, Wei Jin felt some emotion.

Fortunately, he has already earned enough of a family fortune; even if his descendants are incompetent in the future, as long as they don't engage in blind investments and reckless operations, it is absolutely no problem for generations to enjoy wealth and glory.

Withdrawing his thoughts and looking down at the diligently serving Nazha, Wei Jin felt the time was ripe.

"Nazha, you received the news from the *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons* crew, right? How will you thank me?"

Nazha caught her breath and said with a shy face:

"Boss, I will listen to everything you say, okay?"

Reaching out to pull the girl up, Wei Jin patted her perky buttocks, and Nazha immediately understood, turning around.

"Nazha, will you be my exclusive little lover? Hmm~~"

In just an instant, Nazha felt joy and made a promise without hesitation.

"Oh~~ Boss, Nazha is willing."

"Nazha, sing me a song, in your hometown language, a little louder."

"yaqshilik, māilī"

In short, one word: superb! — After entering January, the film market appeared somewhat sluggish.

After the box office of *If You Are The One 2* reached 450 million, the single-day box office had already fallen below one million, and its potential was almost exhausted.

On the contrary, *Let the Bullets Fly* had reached a box office of 680 million, but its single-day box office could still reach three or four million, and the chance of breaking 700 million was very high.

"Director Wei, in this final sprint stage, please don't cut the screenings. If it can really break 700 million, I, old Jiang, will throw a grand banquet and welcome you with open arms."

Listening to Jiang Wen's high-spirited and somewhat unreliable voice on the phone, Wei Jin found it a bit funny. This guy is truly strange; he actually called him to ask for screenings.

Wei Jin also knew what he was worried about; although *If You Are The One 2* had not yet been pulled from theaters, the cinema lines had already kept only the minimum number of screenings.

"Director Jiang, rest assured. I dare not speak for other cinema lines, but for Shanhe Cinema Line, your screenings will be kept until the end of the run, okay?"

"That's great, Director Wei. Please do me the honor of attending the celebration banquet, haha."

"We'll see when the time comes."

Hanging up the phone, Wei Jin felt some emotion. The achievement of being a 700-million-box-office director is enough to make Jiang Wen leap into becoming a top commercial director in the circle. From the end of his "banned director period" to now, over 4 years, he has finally been able to hold his head high.

Before long, Chen Zhiming came to report.

"President Wei, the contract for *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons* has been signed. Zhou Xingxing intends to announce the cooperation and is asking for our opinion."

"Hmm, then announce it, and let the market get lively." — The next day, Shanhe Media and Bi Gao Film jointly issued an announcement: "Shanhe Media invests 80 million, is the main investor, and has full distribution rights for Director Zhou Xingxing's new film, *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons*."

Just as Wei Jin expected, once the news came out, all the production companies in the industry were unsettled.

That is Zhou Xingxing, the most appealing existence among all Hong Kong directors.

Although the box office of *A Chinese Odyssey* back then was not good, with the fermentation of time, it eventually established a classic reputation.

After many years, Zhou Xingxing is personally handling a Journey to the West theme again; no matter from which angle you look at it, this film is guaranteed to make money.

Many companies in the industry were very envious. According to the announced investment cost, Shanhe Media holds a 60% share and is the largest investor; it seems they are going to make a fortune again this time.

At the Huayi Brothers headquarters, looking at the news on the internet, Wang Zhonglei was burning with rage.

"Brother, Zhou Xingxing is taking us too lightly, isn't he? He clearly said he was still considering it, but turned around and threw himself into Wei Jin's arms. Who has been supporting him all these years? Has he forgotten?"

Although Wang Zhongjun was angry, he could still remain rational and analyzed:

"Wei Jin offered better terms. Given Zhou Xingxing's personality of only recognizing money and not people, it is normal. This is also to blame on us for not keeping an eye on him."

After a pause, Wang Zhongjun continued.

"However, according to the announced plan, if the box office does not exceed 500 million, Wei Jin will only make a little money. I don't know what he is thinking, but let's not worry about that so much. Let's think about how to persuade Xiaogang."

Thinking of Feng Dapao's new plan, Wang Zhonglei didn't know what to say and could only sigh: "Sigh, I'm afraid it's going to be difficult."

Seeming to remember something else, Wang Zhonglei said to his brother:

"Brother, news came from Cheng Long's side that he might not be able to participate in the early preparations for *Chinese Zodiac*."

Wang Zhongjun was startled upon hearing this: "Hmm? What's the situation?"

"He is going to star in Wei Jin's new film, so it will probably take up some time."

"Hmm, that's no problem. Maybe we can even borrow the momentum of Wei Jin's new film when the time comes."

"I'm afraid that's difficult; the production cycle for a sci-fi film is too long."

Second update of the day (End of this chapter)