Chapter 331: Shortlisted, Straight Man, Miracle

Just as the industry was still speculating about the release date of *Pacific Rim*, the Venice Film Festival officially announced the first list of films shortlisted for the Main Competition Section.

*Whiplash* was prominently on the list! Once the news broke, the entire film circle was abuzz, and a massive number of media outlets instantly shifted their focus onto Wei Jin.

"The musical art film *Whiplash*, directed by director Wei Jin, has been confirmed to be shortlisted for the Main Competition Section of the Venice International Film Festival."

"Following his wins of the Cannes Palme d'Or and the Berlin Golden Bear, director Wei Jin is launching his first assault on the Venice Golden Lion. Will he become the first Chinese director to complete the Grand Slam of the top three highest honors in Europe?"

The media was reporting in full swing, and directors, artists, and friends familiar with him in the circle also sent congratulatory messages.

"Old Wei, awesome! Sister's acting is really great. For the next art film, consider taking me along to tour the European Big Three."

"Boss, congratulations to you."

"Brother, you are truly amazing."

"Little Jin, keep it up!"

"Uncle, sister-in-law wants it now."

"."

Even his mentor, Tian Zhuangzhuang, made a rare phone call.

"Wei Jin, I have taught students for so many years, and you are the most dazzling among them. Having a student like you makes me very proud."

The mentor's words moved Wei Jin deeply.

"Thank you, Teacher. You have put in a lot of effort for me over these years. I will not forget your teachings, nor will I forget my promise to you. I will definitely bring back the trophies for the European Big Three and the Oscar."

After hanging up the phone, he saw Liu Yifei jump and ride on his back. Fortunately, Wei Jin was strong and sturdy; he swayed twice before standing firm.

"Smack! Yifei, are you trying to murder your husband?"

As he spoke, Wei Jin slapped the young girl's round and firm buttocks.

"Brother, I'm just too happy. We are going to Venice soon, mua, mua."

Wei Jin smiled and hugged the young girl's slender waist. It was clear she was very excited, and the beautiful legs wrapped around his waist were very powerful.

"It's not that soon, there's still over a month left."

"I don't care, I'm just happy."

Wei Jin freed one hand, flicked the girl's nose, and then took the opportunity to touch her conscience.

"Yifei, since you're so happy, we must celebrate properly tonight."

"Mmm~~ Brother, tonight, I want you to be a little wilder."

With a beauty extending an invitation, how could Wei Jin refuse? In a few swift moves, he untied the restraints and hoisted the young girl's legs onto his shoulders.

"As you command, my lady."

Not long after, sounds of celestial music drifted from the room. —— In the film market, *The Raid* stood alone at the top.

As of now, three weeks into its release, the film's box office has successfully broken through 300 million, reaching 348 million.

For a time, Wu Jing became the most appealing Kung Fu star, and his status soared straight up.

All kinds of commercial endorsements and press releases drifted toward Wu Jing like snowflakes, and his team was instantly busy beyond measure.

But as the core of the team, Wu Jing was busy with his own private matters at this moment.

Wu Jing mustered his courage to ask Xie Nan out, and as soon as they met, he held her tightly in his arms, reluctant to let go.

"Nan Nan, I succeeded. I am the lead actor of a 300-million-box-office film. I finally succeeded."

Breathing in the masculine aura coming from Wu Jing and feeling his heartfelt excitement, Xie Nan, who had intended to break free, quieted down and silently shared in this "big boy's" joy.

Come to think of it, Xie Nan was a fan of Wu Jing, but she liked that elegant youth in white, performing Tai Chi on the Great Wall, with red lips and white teeth.

After coming into contact with Wu Jing, Xie Nan's idol filter shattered into pieces.

Wu Jing was not only blunt and outspoken, but he also gave her the impression of being slightly frivolous; that time on the show made Xie Nan so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole in the ground.

But she couldn't resist this guy's persistent pestering. After nearly a year, Xie Nan had been worn down to the point of having no temper left, and the two were in a state of "more than friends, less than lovers."

Seeing Wu Jing's film achieve results this time, Xie Nan was also genuinely happy for him.

"Ouch!"

The warm and quiet atmosphere was broken, and Wu Jing let out a cry of pain out of the blue.

"Nan Nan, why did you pinch me?"

"What do you think? Where was your hand just now?"

A blush appeared on Xie Nan's slightly heroic face, and even she herself didn't notice that the tone of her reprimand just now carried a bit of the coquettishness between lovers.

"Hehe, I couldn't help myself just now, Nan Nan, don't be angry."

Wu Jing scratched his head and said somewhat embarrassedly; his hand had indeed slipped just now.

"Look at your silly look. You asked me out, what are we doing now?"

Looking at Wu Jing's straight-man appearance, Xie Nan rolled her eyes and asked crossly.

"How about we go watch a movie?"

Xie Nan had a bad premonition in her heart and asked tentatively:

"Watch what?"

"Let's watch *Transformers 3*. The robot battle is just too exciting."

"."

Xie Nan patted her forehead, her mind full of black lines; he really was a big straight man.

After some disguising and dressing up, the two arrived at the flagship store of Shanhe Cinema Line.

"There are so many people, I'm afraid we won't be able to buy tickets, right?"

Xie Nan looked at the long line in front and was actually a bit relieved; she wasn't interested in robots or anything like that.

"Hehe, do you think I'm stupid? Ta-da! Look at what this is?"

As if presenting a treasure, Wu Jing fished two movie tickets out of his pocket and added with a smug expression on his face.

"The previous two were so popular, so I specifically booked them online."

"Alright, you really are a 'big smarty'."

Xie Nan was already beyond speechless; she followed Wu Jing into the screening hall. The scene inside the hall left her quite shocked, as even the usual corner seats were already filled with people. It seemed there really were a lot of straight men.

Following the numbers on their tickets, the two found their seats and sat down side by side.

Taking advantage of the time before the movie started, Xie Nan and Wu Jing began to chat in low voices.

"Since your results this time are so good, you must remember to thank President Wei."

"Mm, I know that in my heart. Director Wei has truly been nothing but excellent to me."

Wu Jing's tone carried a hint of emotion; the entertainment industry requires noble people to offer a helping hand, and without a doubt, Wei Jin was his noble person. *The Raid* hadn't even finished its theatrical run, and an invitation for *SPL: Sha Po Lang 2* had already been sent over. He didn't know when he would be able to repay this favor.

"When Director Wei returns from Tianjin, let's invite him to a meal."

"What 'let's'? I'm not anyone to you."

"This..." Watching Wu Jing's deflated expression, Xie Nan pursed her lips and smiled; the big boy was actually quite interesting. Wu Jing didn't yet know that the noble person he was concerned about, Wei Jin, was currently in Beijing.

Inside the China Film Group office.

"Han Dong, the special effects shots are finished. I have already arranged for them to be sent to North America."

Wei Jin picked up his teacup and took a sip; he had to admit, the tea at this old guy Han Sanping's place was truly excellent.

Returning this time was mainly to discuss the release schedule for *Pacific Rim* with Han Sanping. After all, it was a 150 million USD co-production; it deserved a good slot. For this, he had even specifically given the crew a day off to let everyone have a good time in Tianjin.

"Mm, then what are your thoughts regarding the schedule?"

"I think there's no need to rush. The domestic film market is expanding every day; we can afford to wait."

Wei Jin then voiced his considerations. Warner Bros. did have some ideas about releasing it at the end of this year, but he felt that wasn't a good choice. For this kind of film, whether domestic or abroad, young people were the true target audience, so it was best placed in the Summer Slot.

"Hmm."

Listening to Wei Jin's words, Han Sanping fell into deep thought. He had to admit that what Wei Jin said had a certain logic to it.

"But if we do this, considering the recovery cycle, it will be a full two and a half years before I see a return on this investment. My pressure will be very high."

"Han Dong, it's only a matter of half a year at most. The return of funds will definitely be within next year's accounting cycle, so the impact won't be significant."

Wei Jin had to painstakingly persuade Han Sanping, as he did have his own selfish motives involved.

"Besides, believe it or not, if this film is scheduled for this year's New Year Slot or Spring Festival Film Season, our peers outside will immediately be in an uproar. The cautionary tale of *Avatar* is not far off."

Hearing this, Han Sanping couldn't help but frown. This was indeed a major problem. If the box office results were quite brilliant, he could use this political achievement to withstand the pressure, but before the release, who could say for sure? Thinking of this, Han Sanping decided to play it safe.

"Fine, then let's set it for next year's Summer Slot."

Hearing this, a smile appeared on Wei Jin's face; he had finally persuaded this glory-seeking old guy.

"Han Dong, believe me, there will definitely be surprises in the Summer Slot. The *Transformers 3* releasing today will be the best example."

"Oh? You're that optimistic?"

"Facts speak louder than words. In another ten or so hours, it will all be clear."

Wei Jin thought of the grand scenes at the entrances of various cinemas on his way to China Film Group. He had a premonition that the first-day box office for this film would set a shocking record.

"Fine, then let's wait and see."

Han Sanping didn't argue, and then he remembered one thing.

"By the way, that *Source Code*, I've arranged for it to be released at the end of next month. Do you think there's any potential?"

"Han Dong, it's a 3 million USD Flat-fee Film; there's money to be made regardless."

Wei Jin replied indifferently. The production cost of this film wasn't high, and he couldn't be bothered to expend the energy on it, so he simply sold it directly to China Film Group as a Flat-fee Film.

"Mm, that's true."

After chatting idly with Han for a while, Wei Jin brought up the second purpose of his visit today.

"Han Dong, I plan to place *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate* in the latter half of the New Year Slot."

This film had finished all post-production at the end of last month, so it was time to choose a slot.

"You clever kid, so this was your plan all along?"

Han Sanping laughed and scolded him, but he didn't mind. Although China Film Group didn't invest much in this film, even a small mosquito is still meat. He then teased him again.

"Fine, but *Mojin: The Lost Legend* is in mid-December. Are you trying to compete against yourself?"

"There's no help for it; there are only so many slots, it's unavoidable."

Wei Jin shrugged, expressing his helplessness. As Shanhe Media controlled more and more films, internal competition was only a matter of time; he could only stagger the dates in the schedule. Leaving China Film Group, Wei Jin arrived at Dongshanshu. Today was Jing Tian's birthday, so a sense of ceremony was still necessary.

After a warm dinner, Wei Jin personally put the birthday gift he had prepared—a platinum diamond necklace—on the young girl.

After carefully admiring herself in the mirror, a smile appeared on Jing Tian's face.

"Brother, I like it very much."

"Mm, as long as you like it. Tian Tian, come quickly and blow out the candles."

Wei Jin lit the candles on the cake and pulled the young girl to sit down.

"Mm."

Jing Tian looked at the candlelight, clasped her hands together, and made a silent wish in her heart. Then she opened her eyes and blew out all the candles in one breath.

"Tian Tian, what wish did you make?"

Holding the young girl in his arms, Wei Jin admired the beautiful face of the 23-year-old Jing Tian at close range. She truly had skin as white as jade and as smooth as grease, living up to the reputation of being a "human wealth flower."

"Brother, if I say the wish out loud, it won't come true. Why don't you guess?"

Looking at the young girl's large, dark eyes, Wei Jin smiled. A girl's thoughts were not easy to guess, but what harm was there in playing this childish game with her? "Hmm."

Wei Jin pondered for a moment, raised an eyebrow, and revealed a look of delight as if he had guessed the answer. Jing Tian, on the other hand, looked at the man with full expectation, hoping that the two of them were in sync.

"Tian Tian, I guess you must want to add a member to our Wei family as soon as possible and have a chubby baby."

As soon as Wei Jin's words came out, Jing Tian's pretty face instantly fell, and her weak, powerless fists landed on his body.

"What is that! Brother, you aren't sincere at all; you're just being perfunctory."

Wei Jin took the opportunity to pull the girl into his arms and kissed her delicate, luscious lips.

"Tian Tian, come home with me for the Spring Festival this year; even an ugly daughter-in-law should meet her in-laws eventually."

Upon hearing this, the girl was stunned into silence for a moment, her large eyes misting over.

"Alright, Tian Tian, cheer up. Today is your birthday, after all; you'll look terribly ugly if you cry."

Jing Tian broke into a smile through her tears at his words and gave the man a light punch.

"It's all your fault."

Watching the young girl crying and laughing at the same time, Wei Jin wore a playful expression and teased her.

"Well, if you don't want to, then forget it."

Jing Tian grew anxious at once, her pretty face flushing red, and her voice became barely audible.

"I didn't say I didn't want to... I—I miss Uncle Wei and Big Uncle Wei too."

Seeing the girl's shy appearance, Wei Jin truly loved her to death; he stood up and lifted her into his arms.

"Tian Tian, I only have one night; the beautiful night is short, let's rest early."

With her hands draped around Wei Jin's neck, Jing Tian nodded gently; having been lonely for over half a month, she wanted it too.

"Mm~~ Brother, I'll listen to you." — Just as Wei Jin and Jing Tian were making love, Yinxiang Net updated the opening day box office figures for Transformers 3.

122 million! Once this number was released, it completely blinded everyone; after confirming it was correct again and again, the entire film industry was in an uproar!

You must know, the previous single-day record was 59 million, held by Passengers, but this figure for Transformers 3 was more than double that; it was truly terrifying!

Based on this opening day performance, if the word-of-mouth doesn't collapse later on, neither the media nor industry insiders dare to imagine what kind of final results this film will achieve.

Even Han Sanping didn't expect this film to achieve such a box office, but after pulling the age distribution of the audience, he understood Wei Jin's plan a little, looking forward to Pacific Rim replicating this miracle next summer. (End of chapter)