Chapter 32: Premiere Ceremony and Opening Week Box Office

The premiere was hosted by China Film Group, and the location was set at a cinema under their banner.

On the evening of December 2nd at 6:30, Wei Jin arrived at the cinema located in the Dongcheng District wearing a proper suit to attend the premiere.

After *World's Number One* wrapped up some time ago, Ceng Li began to immerse herself in the script for *Lurking*, saying she wanted to go to the countryside to experience life and strive not to embarrass Wei Jin, so she did not attend this premiere.

The team responsible for the reception was from China Film Group; they were already very familiar with this type of work, so Wei Jin did not need to worry.

Entering the cinema, Wei Jin noticed that many reporters had already arrived, as well as a small number of local Beijing audience members; most of them were book fans and music fans who wanted to see the effects of the film adaptation at the first opportunity.

At this moment, Wei Jin also began to get busy. The entertainment industry is also a social circle; as a Silver Bear Director, a rising star in domestic film, and a company boss, Wei Jin's status determined that many people in the circle were destined to revolve around him.

Many industry insiders came today, including Li Xiaowan from Rongxinda, who brought her artists Young Master Zhou and Yang Mi.

Huayi Brothers, who love to join in the excitement, were also very supportive; the Wang Brothers, Feng Dapao, and Wang Jinhua all came. The accompanying artists included Fan Bingbing, who had auditioned for Wei Jin's film, and the entertainment industry's "nice guy" Huang Xiaoming.

"Director Wei, it's our first meeting, but I've known of you for a long time. Congratulations in advance on the box office success, and I hope we have a chance to collaborate in the future."

The big boss of Huayi greeted Wei Jin with a smile on his face.

"You are too kind, President Wang. As the big brother of private enterprises, if Huayi and I could have the opportunity to collaborate, that would naturally be for the best. There are many guests today; if there is any lack of hospitality, I hope you will forgive me, President Wang."

After a few brief pleasantries, Wei Jin chatted with Feng Dapao for a bit, then turned to Fan Bingbing, who was standing to the side, and said politely:

"I haven't seen you for a while, Miss Fan; you've become even more beautiful."

"What's the use of being beautiful if Director Wei doesn't cast me in your films?"

Her voice was somewhat resentful; she was indeed a seductress. At 24, Fan Bingbing already had the shadow of someone who could charm the world.

"Miss Fan is joking. We will definitely collaborate if there is an opportunity. Is this Sister Hua?"

Wei Jin laughed it off and changed the subject.

"Hello, President Wei. I am Wang Jinhua. In the future, if you need any actors, just call me directly. I guarantee you'll be satisfied. Also, I wish you a great box office."

As she spoke, Wang Jinhua handed over her business card. As a well-known investor in the industry, Wei Jin had access to many projects, so as an Agent, Wang Jinhua naturally kept her attitude humble enough.

"You are too kind, Sister Hua. As long as there is a suitable project, I will certainly trouble you."

Wei Jin Studio did not currently have any signed actors, so collaborating with a well-known Agent was the expected thing to do.

"Hello, Director Wei. I am Huang Xiaoming. Please give me your guidance."

Huang Xiaoming also handed over his business card with a respectful look.

At this time, Huang Xiaoming was still relatively green. He had appeared in a few TV dramas and had a certain reputation in the industry, but he was still a long way from capital. Today, he had specifically asked for leave from the *Return of the Condor Heroes* crew to rush over.

"Brother Xiaoming, hello. We are alumni. When I first entered school, I heard quite a few stories about you. Let's collaborate if there's a chance."

Facing this alumnus, Wei Jin's attitude was relatively casual. After exchanging business cards and chatting with Huang Xiaoming for a few more sentences, he saw Li Xiaowan walking over with her artists from afar, so he signaled an apology to the people from Huayi.

"Hello, President Wei. I am Li Xiaowan from Rongxinda."

Li Xiaowan started as an actress and climbed her way up to become the founder of a well-known production company. She was very good at seizing opportunities. Coming today was both to give face to China Film Group and because she was optimistic about Wei Jin and wanted to build a good relationship.

"Hello, President Li. Please forgive any lack of hospitality."

Wei Jin didn't have much to talk about with Li Xiaowan. Both were production companies, so they were considered competitors, and Wei Jin didn't think much of the resources Rongxinda possessed.

"President Wei, these are our company's artists, Zhou Xun and Yang Mi."

Li Xiaowan then introduced them.

"Hello. I know Miss Zhou; your acting is excellent."

Wei Jin looked at the petite Young Master Zhou, wondering why her romantic history was so rich.

"Director Wei is too kind. I hope I have the opportunity to appear in your film."

Young Master Zhou's voice was already a bit raspy at this moment.

"Director Wei, hello. I am a newcomer, Yang Mi. Please take care of me."

Yang Mi was still a young girl at this time, speaking with an authentic Beijing accent, appearing very carefree. At this moment, she had just wrapped up filming for *Return of the Condor Heroes*; of course, her role wasn't very large to begin with.

Looking at the somewhat immature Yang Mi, Wei Jin couldn't imagine how such a big change would happen in the future, and couldn't help but sigh that it was all technology and ruthless work.

Just as he was planning to chat a bit more, a staff member came over to signal that the premiere ceremony was about to begin.

On the other side, in the crew waiting area, several main creators had already arrived, and Liu Yifei had also come. It was funny to say; in one crew, two leads asked for leave, and Zhang the Bearded was so angry that he simply gave everyone a holiday. The few of them were attending a film premiere for the first time, and seeing that everyone present were film and television company bosses and Producers, they couldn't help but feel a bit nervous until they saw Wei Jin's arrival, which made them feel as if they had a pillar of support.

At this time, the cinema hall was basically full. Soon, the host began to liven up the atmosphere. After Li Jian sang *Those Years*, Wei Jin and the main creators walked onto the stage. After expressing their gratitude to the guests, they began to accept interviews from reporters. After answering a few simple questions, the group took their seats.

The lights went out, and the cinema hall was suddenly shrouded in darkness.

The iconic sound lingered in their ears, the Dragon Mark appeared, and the film officially began.

More than an hour later, the film came to an end, and applause erupted in the venue. The audience who were lucky enough to attend the premiere shouted loudly. Wei Jin knew that the film was a success.

At this time, the Huayi Brothers and Feng Dapao in the audience were also whispering: "Xiaogang, what do you think?"

"A youth campus film, that's probably what it is. The story is told well. It might be a bit different from our generation, so there isn't much sense of immersion, but looking at the audience's reaction, it's not bad."

Feng Dapao explained from his own perspective.

"Since you also think the story is okay, Xiaogang, how much do you think the box office will be?"

Wang Zhongjun was more concerned about the box office.

"It's hard to say. The film doesn't have big-name stars, but the promotion is very methodical. It's hard to judge exactly how much it will be, but a rough estimate would be 40 million."

Feng Dapao also couldn't get a pulse on it, so he estimated a number, and even that was out of respect for Wei Jin's first film.

If Wei Jin heard their conversation, he would tell them that they didn't understand the terror of fan films.

After the premiere ended, the media and film critics left in a hurry, preparing to go back and write their articles. Of course, when they left, they all took red envelopes with them. Wei Jin was never willing to offend those who played with pens.

Sure enough, giving enough travel expenses was effective. Reports appeared online that very night, and the media was full of praise, one after another complimenting the film for creating the correct way to open domestic youth films. For a time, a large number of book fans and music fans were full of anticipation.

For this film release, China Film Group also spent a lot of effort. 300 copies of the film were made. You have to know that when *Hero* was released two years ago, there were only 300-plus copies, and those 300 copies alone cost 3 million in cash.

As the film was officially released, Wei Jin and the main creators also began to head to cinemas in various places for roadshows. This was something Wei Jin added when the distribution plan was determined earlier.

In this era, film roadshows had not yet become popular; usually, they would just run to a few cinemas in the premiere city and be done with it.

For the sake of the film's box office, Wei Jin spared no effort and started a nationwide tour of roadshows in major box office cities.

Because he knew that fan films were most likely to achieve results in the early stages, and 6 days later, *A World Without Thieves* would be released, which would squeeze out a large number of screenings. The golden time left for him was only one week. In this week, he had to scrape as much box office as possible and open up word-of-mouth.

On the morning of December 4th, as several of the main creators were preparing to start a new day of roadshows, Wei Jin received a call from Han Sanping of China Film Group.

"Wei Jin, 9.16 million, the first-day box office is 9.16 million. The film is a success, and the word-of-mouth is also full of praise."

Listening to Han Sanping's excited voice, the heart Wei Jin had been holding finally settled. After hanging up the phone, looking at the group of main creators who were gazing at him with anticipation, Wei Jin repeated:

"The first-day box office is 9.16 million."

Seeing the bewildered looks on everyone's faces, Wei Jin immediately explained:

"The first-day box office for 'Hero' was only a little over 9 million."

"Yeah, long live the director!"

"That's amazing!"

"."

The group cheered for a while, full of anticipation for the upcoming roadshows; such a beautiful first-day box office must be maintained.

The new roadshow began. Over the following two days, Wei Jin took everyone to Shanghai to continue the roadshow. During this period, he also received congratulatory calls from various parties, including, of course, Ceng Li's.

Li Jie showered Wei Jin with praise over the phone, to the point where he felt embarrassed.

China Film Group also continued to send over box office news.

December 4th, Saturday, the box office rose against the trend, closing at 15.21 million.

December 5th, Sunday, the box office was 13.85 million.

As of December 6th, the cumulative box office for the first three-day weekend was 38.22 million, exceeding the first-week box office of "House of Flying Daggers," which was temporarily ranked at the top of the annual box office list, by a full five million plus.

For a time, Wei Jin once again became the center of discussion. As a fledgling author writing a book for the first time, I humbly beg for collections, follows, reading updates, and recommendations. Thank you all. As a fledgling author writing a book for the first time, I humbly beg for collections, follows, reading updates, and recommendations. Thank you all.

(End of this chapter)