Chapter 337: Tang Yan's Thoughts, Liu Shishi's Tenderness

In the film market, thanks to word-of-mouth fermentation, the box office for *The Piano Tuner* continued to rise.

It rose to 22.6 million on the second day, and reported 22.2 million on the third day.

A low-budget film, it actually managed to tear over 61 million in box office revenue from Hollywood blockbusters in its first three-day weekend.

The media directly labeled this film a dark horse, and there were simply too many related reports.

"Gold-medal screenwriter Wei Jin's script *The Piano Tuner*, first-week box office 61.4 million, directed by Beijing Film Academy professor Cao Baoping, expected to join the 200 million box office club."

"Following *The Raid*, the August film market sees another low-budget hit!"

Shanghai, *Heart Surgery* film crew.

Watching the news online, Zhang Songwen clenched his fists tightly, feeling incomparably excited.

"Brother Songwen, congratulations, you're the lead actor of a 200 million box office film."

Zhang Yi hooked his arm around Zhang Songwen's shoulder, happy for him.

"That's right, A-Yi, I, old Zhang, have had my day too, haha."

"Congratulations, Brother Songwen."

"Congratulations."

The rest of the main cast of the crew also walked over one after another, wearing smiles. —— Beijing, Huayi Brothers headquarters.

"Zhonglei, are they really not letting it pass?"

As Wang Zhonglei nodded silently, Feng Dapao's face turned livid; he truly hadn't expected that even after multiple revisions and months of meticulous preparation, those old guys still wouldn't let it pass.

"Xiaogang, why not just make a comedy? The film market is so big now, there's no need to go against money."

"Zhonglei, this isn't about money. This is the third time already. Those old guys really don't do a damn thing all day, they only know how to hold us back."

Regarding Feng Dapao's stubbornness, Wang Zhonglei no longer knew what to say.

Nearly ten years ago, after Wang Shuo saw the book *Recalling 1942*, he recommended it to Feng Dapao, who became interested and even found the original author, Liu Zhenyun, to complete the adaptation work.

Huayi also put up 60 million in startup capital, prepared to support Feng Dapao's new film.

Unfortunately, as soon as the script was submitted, it was rejected. At the time, Wang Zhonglei was secretly relieved, as the film market had just started and couldn't support a 60 million production.

It wasn't until after *A World Without Thieves* made money that Feng Dapao got the urge to film it again; Huayi even raised the budget to 80 million, but unfortunately, the script still couldn't pass censorship.

Wang Zhonglei had thought that after two blows, Feng Dapao would extinguish this idea.

Unexpectedly, the box office explosions of *Aftershock* and *If You Are The One 2* last year made Feng Dapao want to launch *1942* again, with the budget raised to 200 million, yet who would have thought it still couldn't pass.

However, looking at Feng Dapao's appearance, he truly didn't intend to let go easily. After pondering for a moment, Wang Zhonglei helped come up with an idea.

"Xiaogang, don't be anxious yet. I'll go communicate again. After all, since it wasn't returned, there is still room for maneuver."

Hearing this, Feng Dapao felt his heart settle slightly; after all, the weight of the Wang Brothers was not something he could compare to, and perhaps there might be a different result.

As for whether the Wang Brothers would put effort into this matter, Feng Dapao believed that given his ability to earn money, they would weigh it clearly.

"Zhonglei, please put in the effort for this matter."

"Hey, what are you saying? Aren't we family?" —— When Wei Jin arrived at the *Xuan-Yuan Sword* film crew, Miss Cai had already been waiting for a long time.

"President Wei, long time no see."

"It has been a long time. President Cai is still as elegant as ever, haha."

Looking at the radiant Miss Cai, Wei Jin teased her, unable to help but sigh in his heart: nourished by love, a woman truly appears younger.

Previously, when Wei Jin was chatting with Liu Shishi, he had already learned that Miss Cai was in a relationship. The man was said to be a senior technical manager at a certain game company; indeed, otaku have no resistance to a mature woman.

"President Wei is joking. Let's head this way; the actors are all waiting to catch a glimpse of the great director's demeanor."

Miss Cai wore a smile as she led the way.

Soon, Wei Jin met the main cast of *Xuan-Yuan Sword*.

The director, Li Guoli, was an old acquaintance. Wei Jin greeted him, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then greeted the familiar actors on set.

"Lao Hu, long time no see."

"Director Wei, it has been a long time, haha."

Looking at the bright smile on Hu Ge's face, Wei Jin felt some regret; being tied to Tangren was truly difficult.

Hu Ge had already starred in several films, yet he came back to shoot this kind of fantasy drama, and the key was that he was still paving the way for newcomers.

However, regarding the internal affairs of someone else's company, Wei Jin couldn't say much, so he just mentioned it in passing.

"Lao Hu, *Thieves* will be released during the National Day Slot. You'll need to follow the crew for promotions then, remember to clear your schedule in advance."

Hearing this, before Hu Ge could speak, Miss Cai hurriedly promised.

"President Wei, don't worry about that, it absolutely won't be delayed."

Wei Jin nodded upon hearing this, then turned his gaze toward Liu Shishi, his eyes instantly softening.

"Shishi, long time no see, you've become even more beautiful."

Wei Jin was telling the truth. As she grew older and matured, Liu Shishi's beauty was truly stepping toward its peak step by step. If not for the many people on set, he would have loved to pin the girl down and dote on her fiercely.

"Thank you for the compliment, Director Wei."

Liu Shishi had a slight blush on her face and winked at Wei Jin somewhat playfully. At this moment, the scene of them being intimate tonight had already surfaced in her mind; she had been single for too long.

After a silent exchange between the two, the other unfamiliar actors also walked up one by one under Miss Cai's lead to greet him.

"Director Wei, hello, I am Tang Yan."

Looking at the tall, sweet-faced girl before him, Wei Jin felt some emotion. Zhang Li had already taken her fortune, yet Tang Yan could still emerge; sometimes one has to admit that there is such a thing as destiny.

Withdrawing his thoughts, Wei Jin spoke with a smile.

"Hello, Miss Tang. I remember you. 7 years ago, you came to the *Those Years* crew for an audition, right?"

"Yes, Director Wei, your memory is truly good."

Hearing this, Tang Yan's face showed surprise; she never expected that Wei Jin would actually remember her.

"It's not that my memory is good. *Three Daughters of the Xia Family*, which you starred in, was so popular this year that I ended up watching several episodes myself. It would be hard not to remember you, haha."

Wei Jin gave a hearty laugh; this dog-blood drama, labeled as "silly, white, and sweet," aired on Hui Province Satellite TV at the beginning of the year and had quite eye-catching ratings. Perhaps that was exactly why Miss Cai brought her into the *Xuan-Yuan Sword* cast.

To be honest, among the great Tang poets of his past life, Tang Yan was the one with the least presence. She was clearly suited for the "imperial sister" style, yet she insisted on spinning around in "silly, white, and sweet" character tropes; her brain really wasn't being put to good use.

"Thank you for the compliment, Director Wei, and thank you for your support, Director Wei." A sweet smile appeared on Tang Yan's face, and her heart stirred slightly.

"President Wei, let me introduce you. This is our company's newly signed artist, Rouba."

After Miss Cai finished speaking, she pulled Rouba over, "Rouba, hurry up and say hello."

Wearing a loose period costume, Rouba was slightly nervous at this moment. She carefully sized up this man she had heard about countless times from President Cai, then took a deep breath to calm her mood and revealed a sweet smile.

"President Wei, hello. I am Dilraba Dilmurat. It is a pleasure to meet you, please take care of me."

Wei Jin naturally wouldn't fail to recognize this soft and glutinous girl before him, but he hadn't expected her to be pocketed by Tangren. He had to admit, Miss Cai's eye for talent was still decent.

"Hello, Rouba."

Afterward, Miss Cai introduced the newcomers of the cast one by one: Lin Genxin and Jiang Jinfu. He had to admit, "Lin Gou" was truly tall; Wei Jin personally verified that this guy didn't lie about his height.

Jiang Jinfu, who had the nickname "Farmer's Three Punches," was currently just a sunny big boy and hadn't yet become a violent maniac.

After some pleasantries, taking advantage of the time when the crew wrapped up for the day, Wei Jin and Miss Cai went to the side to chat.

"President Wei, what do you think of Rouba?"

After Miss Cai finished speaking, she looked at Wei Jin with burning eyes, terrified of hearing any negative evaluation; this was someone she had scouted with great difficulty.

"Not bad. President Cai's eye for talent is truly excellent. The little girl is quite good and has the potential to become a huge star."

Wei Jin was telling the truth. Unlike the stunning, even slightly aggressive beauty of Nazha, Rouba's looks carried a bit of cuteness; in terms of looks alone, she couldn't be counted as a top-tier beauty.

But this type of look would have better audience appeal, just like the newcomer Zhao Liying whom the company had just signed.

Moreover, in Wei Jin's memory, Rouba and Zhao Liying did indeed both develop very well.

Although their development trajectories seemed different now, as long as someone backed them, it was only a matter of time before they became famous.

"Hearing you say that, President Wei, I'm relieved. Your eye for talent is famously accurate, haha." — Inside a VIP hotel suite at Xiangshan Film and Television City.

At Wei Jin's table, it was all women—Liu Shishi, Tang Yan, Rouba, and others. Miss Cai had truly grasped his preferences perfectly.

"Rouba, don't just stand there, hurry and toast President Wei."

Miss Cai made no secret of her intentions; she wanted to push Rouba to the top. Even if she couldn't replace Liu Shishi's position, at least she needed to establish another line of connection.

The newcomer Rouba stood up somewhat timidly, holding her wine glass, and said in a soft, glutinous voice.

"President Wei, I toast you."

Wei Jin looked at the little girl who had changed into casual clothes before him, a flash of amazement crossing his eyes. Previously on set, Rouba was wearing loose period costumes, so her figure was impossible to judge.

But now that she had changed into casual clothes, it immediately highlighted her enchanting figure, especially her bottom, which was shockingly perky and quite suitable for certain positions.

Wei Jin couldn't help but ponder that he really should accept Miss Cai's honey trap, but unfortunately, there was no opportunity this time.

Under the deliberate fawning of several women, the meal ended with both host and guests feeling satisfied.

The dinner party ended, the crowd dispersed one after another, and Wei Jin took Liu Shishi back to his room.

As soon as they entered the room, Liu Shishi kissed him passionately, and Wei Jin responded with a smile.

It was midsummer, and the few clothes they had on were quickly stripped away, leaving them refreshed. A game of cards where they bared their hearts to each other began.

To Wei Jin's surprise, Liu Shishi, who had been in a "dry spell" for over half a year, erupted with powerful card-playing skills tonight. Despite not having the advantage in card strength, she fought him to a draw.

Unfortunately, human strength has its limits, but Wei Jin's stamina was infinite. Half an hour later, Liu Shishi was defeated and threw in the towel.

Right there on the hotel sofa, Wei Jin injected hundreds of millions in capital into her, filling the void of this period of time completely.

Afterwards, Wei Jin carried the physically exhausted Liu Shishi into the bathroom to enjoy a rare moment of soaking in the tub.

"Shishi, when will this drama of yours roughly end?"

Playing with the little girl's perky bottom, Wei Jin brought up a topic.

"According to the filming schedule, we still have to go to Dunhuang, the Yellow River Stone Forest, and other places. Probably mid-to-late September."

Liu Shishi, whose afterglow had not yet faded, leaned against Wei Jin's chest with a peach-blossom flush on her face and answered lazily. She then quickly realized the meaning behind the man's words, looked up, and looked at him with some surprise.

"Brother, are you going to arrange a role for me?"

"Mm, there's a period drama with a pretty large investment. You come and play the female lead."

Since the role in *The Patriot Yue Fei* was delivered to his doorstep anyway, Wei Jin decided to treat it as compensation for Liu Shishi.

"Brother, thank you."

Liu Shishi took the initiative to offer a sweet kiss. She knew very well that when Wei Jin said "pretty large investment," it definitely wasn't small-time play like Tangren's; it was at least a major production with an investment of over a hundred million. For her, it was definitely a high-quality resource.

"Shishi, when expressing gratitude, remember to show your sincerity."

Looking at Wei Jin's slightly playful smile, Liu Shishi's pretty face flushed slightly, and her snow-white swan neck slowly bowed downward.

"Mmm~~~ Shishi is truly amazing."

Having received the praise, Liu Shishi worked even harder.

That night, Wei Jin enjoyed Liu Shishi's tenderness to the fullest. — Just as Wei Jin and Liu Shishi were entangled in passion, in the same hotel, Tang Yan was tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

She was born in '83 and was already 28 years old this year. Compared to the younger post-'85 actresses, she no longer had an advantage in age.

Come to think of it, her experience and starting point were higher than most artists.

Coming from the 2002 acting class of the Central Academy of Drama, she was chosen by the National Master as an Olympic Baby in '04, starred in *Zhenguan Long Song* in '07, and subsequently signed with Cheng Tian Entertainment; it could be said she was sailing with the wind.

After joining Cheng Tian, she was also strongly supported by her boss, Wu Kebo, and appeared in quite a few films.

Although in most of the films she was just a supporting role or a bit player, it was already a resource that many people could only dream of.

Unfortunately, following the failed strategy of acquiring Golden Harvest and the departure of Wang Jinhua's team, Cheng Tian went downhill, and Wu Kebo had no heart to manage the company.

The current Cheng Tian could no longer provide her with any high-quality resources.

Therefore, she was already in the process of negotiating the termination of her contract with Cheng Tian, and the progress was currently going quite smoothly.

It was just that, with her current fame, if she went out on her own, she might not necessarily do well in the circle. Following the example of Fan Bingbing and Zhou Xun to seek Wei Jin's protection might be a good way out.

But what reason would this man have to promote her? Did she really have to climb into his bed?

But if things went this way, how would Qiu Ze view her? No, no, absolutely not.

Seemingly thinking of the days spent with her boyfriend on the film set, a sweet smile appeared on Tang Yan's face, and for a moment, her mood couldn't help but improve quite a bit; in a daze, she actually fell asleep just like that.

It was just that the man in her dream tonight seemed a bit different. (End of this chapter)