Chapter 358: Another New Project

The Thieves Alliance grossed over 1 billion yuan with strong momentum, stirring up a huge wave in the film industry.

Major internet media and official media outlets are all competing to report on it.

The entire film industry seems to have agreed in advance, with both major state-owned enterprises and private companies offering congratulations.

Whether sincere or not, it cannot be denied that this is indeed a major event for the industry.

Actors and entertainers have also reacted with extreme frenzy, spontaneously posting on Weibo and tagging Wei Jin.

From morning till night, Wei Jin's phone hardly stopped ringing—either congratulatory messages or blessing calls.

Even Instructor Tian Zhuangzhuang called him.

"Wei Jin, your choice is correct. In balancing art and commerce, awards and box office, you must grasp both—your path will go far.

But you must remember: the more the outside world praises you, the more you must stay low-key. Remember to guard against arrogance and impatience."

"Teacher, rest assured, I understand."

Although it was over the phone, the instructor's words still made Wei Jin feel warm inside.

To be honest, the entertainment industry is truly a big dye vat—especially for someone like Wei Jin, with such wealth and industry standing. Even with four legitimate wives as anchors, he still fears he might one day lose himself.

But Instructor Tian Zhuangzhuang seems like a guiding light. Although he cannot help Wei Jin in his career, his rich life experience and philosophy of conduct bring Wei Jin a deep sense of peace.

Wei Jin withdrew his thoughts, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Sorry, Teacher Xue, for keeping you waiting."

"It's nothing. Many teachers at our school envy your relationship with Department Head Tian."

Xue Xiaolu smiled, indicating she didn't mind, her eyes carrying a hint of envy. Having a student like Wei Jin, Department Head Tian is truly blessed.

"Hehe."

Wei Jin smiled, finding this comment awkward to respond to.

"By the way, Teacher Xue, why did you come today?"

"It's like this: I'm promoting *Love is Not Blind*, but I have classes at school, so I might not be able to attend many roadshow events."

Wei Jin nodded, showing understanding. As a literature department teacher, Xue Xiaolu has many classes and cannot follow the film crew around like full-time directors such as Lu Yang and Ning Hao.

"It's fine, Teacher Xue. This time's promotion plan has already been set—mainly featuring actors on variety shows. As for subsequent roadshows, they'll depend on the situation. As a director, you don't need to attend too many events."

For this promotion, Wei Jin hardly got involved—first, because it's a low-budget film, and second, because the company's promotion department is already very mature. He also found the submitted promotion plan quite satisfactory.

"That's good."

Xue Xiaolu put her mind at ease, then pulled out a stack of materials from her bag and handed them to Wei Jin.

"Wei Jin, regarding market awareness, you're more professional. I have a manuscript here—could you take a look?"

Wei Jin took the script, somewhat surprised. Has Xue Xiaolu become this efficient?

"Did Teacher Xue write this herself?"

"Yes, I wrote it during my free time between classes. It's still a semi-finished product."

"Alright, I'll take a look first."

Wei Jin didn't say much, just took the script and began flipping through it.

After about ten or so minutes, Wei Jin closed the script, feeling somewhat moved.

Although it's only a semi-finished product, the complete outline and framework are still there—literature department teachers really do have a couple of tricks up their sleeves.

"How is it? Do you think it has market potential?"

Xue Xiaolu's eyes held a hint of anticipation. As an aspiring director yet to prove herself, she very much hopes her manuscript will gain recognition from industry veterans.

"This manuscript is quite good—at least female audiences will definitely love it."

Wei Jin's words were no mere flattery; Xue Xiaolu's manuscript is pure commercial fare, telling the story of a materialistic woman who loses her way, then finds her way back to true love.

In Wei Jin's view, although the plot is somewhat cliché, telling a story from the female protagonist's perspective is still relatively fresh these days, and it definitely has market potential.

"Then that's good, that's good."

Women's emotions are always more outwardly expressed. Hearing Wei Jin's evaluation, Xue Xiaolu visibly let out a sigh of relief—her months of polishing this work have not been in vain.

Wei Jin smiled. He naturally understood Teacher Xue's purpose and stated his position directly.

"Teacher Xue, I've invested in this script. Specifically, we'll discuss details after the script is completed."

"Good."

After receiving Wang Baoqiang's call, Wei Jin was somewhat surprised. After exchanging usual congratulations, he stated his purpose.

"Director Wei, my film *Mr. Tree* will be released on April 4th next month, with the premiere set for the 1st. If you have time then, I'd still welcome your candid feedback."

"Sure, we'll see how the schedule works out then. By the way, Baoqiang, congratulations on winning Best Actor—haha."

"Thank you, Director Wei."

After hanging up, Wei Jin felt somewhat moved.

*Mr. Tree* can be considered the peak of Wang Baoqiang's acting prowess so far.

It's just regrettable that the Shanghai International Film Festival in June didn't help him win Best Actor.

However, losing in the east and gaining in the west—at the recent Vladivostok International Film Festival, this film shone brilliantly, helping Wang Baoqiang win Best Actor in one fell swoop.

This news caused quite a stir in the industry at the time.

Who would have thought that a mere extra from a group performance could actually win Best Actor at an international film festival?

Wang Baoqiang can be called an inspirational model for grassroots actors! To be honest, I greatly admire Wang Baoqiang—he always knows his place, no matter how famous he gets, he keeps himself humble, embodying the spirit of not forgetting one's original intention.

In this regard, he leaves far behind many actors, such as Zhen Zidan.

Wei Jin withdrew his thoughts and picked up the resumes screened by Chen Xi to flip through.

*Bottom-Tier Girl* doesn't have many roles—aside from the female lead, the most prominent parts are the male lead, the cram school teacher, and the mother of the second female lead.

However, Wei Jin's films are naturally hot property in the industry, so the number of submitted resumes is enormous.

Even after Chen Xi and the film crew's screening, there are still several dozen resumes piled on Wei Jin's desk.

After a careful selection, Wei Jin chose a portion from them.

"Mengying, hand these resumes to Chen Xi and arrange the audition for three days later."

"Okay, boss."

Looking away from the assistant's twisting, perky buttocks, Wei Jin browsed the amusing content online.

Sometimes, people really are different from one another.

Wei Jin still remembered how he almost became fellow disciples with Zhao Yanzi back then, but he had already graduated three years ago, while Zhao Yanzi was still preparing her graduation play.

Even a repeater's graduation ceremony had turned into a media press conference, which seemed utterly absurd; the key school even joined in the fun, setting the venue at the Beijing Film Academy's small auditorium.

Not a few celebrities from the industry came to fawn, and many teachers from the Performance and Director Departments attended as guests.

As expected, as a fellow graduate student of Wei Jin's cohort, Zhao Yanzi was frequently questioned by media reporters at the press conference about related topics.

"Your cohort's Director Wei Jin is already a top-tier director in the industry, and his graduation play 'The Hunt' even won the Golden Bear Award and the Berlin Best Actor award. Do you think your work can compare to Director Wei's 'The Hunt'?"

Upon hearing the reporter's question, Wei Jin could feel Zhao Yanzi's and her advisor's embarrassment even through the video link.

Asking such a question in such a setting—this reporter must have some serious issue? How on earth is one supposed to answer that?

Yet facing the media reporters, Zhao Yanzi still had to answer, otherwise it would be too embarrassing.

"To be honest, I definitely can't compare to Director Wei Jin; after all, before 'The Hunt,' he had already won the Palme d'Or, the Berlin Silver Bear, and the Oscar. In this regard, I still have self-awareness."

Her response was flawless, but the reporter clearly remained dissatisfied.

"Then, setting aside awards and honors, in terms of box office, do you think you could possibly catch up to Director Wei Jin?"

The reporter's words felt like a slap to Zhao Yanzi's face; domestically, Wei Jin's box office record had already surpassed 1.1 billion—wasn't that just making things difficult for people? Indeed, Zhao Yanzi's face had already darkened at that moment, though she forced herself to keep smiling.

"Director Wei's commercial achievements—I believe no director in China currently can match them, and naturally I am no exception, but I will learn from him."

What should have been a pleasant media meet-and-greet was twisted by reporters seeking drama into a comparison and concession press conference, making Wei Jin feel sorry for Zhao Yanzi and her teachers.

Moreover, Wei Jin also disliked the media's tactics—what qualifications does Zhao Yanzi have to be placed alongside him for comparison? Utter nonsense! Thanks to the boost from earlier sci-fi films, Wei Jin's sci-fi screenplay had indeed sailed smoothly through approval.

The approval process exceeded expectations—in less than ten days, 'Ex Machina' had passed review.

"'Ex Machina,' sci-fi suspense thriller, director: Guo Fan, screenwriter: Wei Jin!"

Screenwriter Wei Jin—those four words alone carried great weight.

After years of accumulation, Wei Jin's screenplays had already established a golden reputation in the industry; although the director is a newcomer, many in the industry still look forward to this film.

Especially upon seeing the screenplay's title, industry insiders could easily guess it tells the story of a female robot, prompting agencies and actresses to flock in interest.

Although casting had not yet begun, many had already taken action, yet Wei Jin never expected that even Yang Mi, who was at 'Bronze Sparrow Terrace,' had ideas.

"What are you thinking? Doing one play after another—your acting skills won't improve at all. Is there really a need to rush so much?"

Sensing Wei Jin's unfriendly tone, Yang Mi instantly recalled the time when 'Chinese Paladin 3' and 'Dream of the Red Chamber' schedules clashed, and that man left her with the words 'Take care of yourself,' so she quickly spoke up to explain.

"Senior brother, I'm just asking—I thought this drama would have many scenes for the female lead, so..."

Hearing the woman's affected, coquettish voice, Wei Jin shook his head; Yang Mi's career ambition was truly strong.

"Just forget about this drama—the schedule doesn't work."

Wei Jin wasn't being perfunctory; although Guo Fan is a newcomer, with the company team's support, filming will start at most by the end of next month—precisely when Yang Mi is busiest, juggling shooting and roadshows—how could he wait for her?

"Oh, okay, then senior brother, would you like to come visit the set recently? Zhuozhou is very close to Beijing."

How could Wei Jin not know Yang Mi's thoughts? Most likely she just wanted his body, but alas, several principal consorts in Beijing are waiting to be fed, so how could he leave his den to go out hunting? "Forget it, I won't come over—Is nobody bullying you on the set?"

"No, the director and several Hong Kong and Taiwan actors are quite courteous toward me."

Yang Mi's tone carried a hint of sigh—leaning on a big tree really is nice; back then at cocktail parties, seeing those Hong Kong and Taiwan stars, they acted so high and mighty, almost looking down their noses at people.

"Alright, just focus on filming; don't worry about anything else—I'll arrange it."

"Mm, thank you, senior brother."

After hanging up, Wei Jin sent Guo Fan a text message.

"A qualified director isn't just someone who can direct plays—they must also know how to cast. This is your first film; I won't interfere—you handle it well yourself."

For a subject like 'Ex Machina,' many would want to audition; Wei Jin doesn't plan to interfere, leaving everything to Guo Fan to decide.

As for company artists, given a script, if they still can't land a role, it simply means they truly don't meet the requirements—Wei Jin naturally won't act as a nanny managing them endlessly.

After finishing a day's work, Wei Jin arrived at Dongshanshu.

Upon entering the garden, he saw Jing Tian holding a notebook with a pink Hello Kitty cover, writing and drawing.

"Tian Tian, what are you busy with?"

"Brother, you're here."

Hearing the familiar voice, the little girl looked up in surprise, then immediately offered the notebook like presenting a treasure.

"Brother, this is the character biography I made for 'Bottom-Tier Girl'; please take a look."

"You're still writing character biographies?"

Taking the notebook, Wei Jin felt somewhat surprised.

"Hehe, of course."

The little girl raised her still slightly flushed cute face, her tone carrying a touch of tsundere; having reappeared in Wei Jin's film after three years, she naturally had to prepare well.

"Alright, let me see Tian Tian's level."

Ignoring the girl's little thoughts, Wei Jin took the notebook, sat down on the bench, held Jing Tian in his arms, and flipped it open.

It was clear the little girl had indeed put in considerable effort.

She had written down all kinds of details about the heroine's background, behavior, family, etc., including her own understanding of the script and character.

"Did you do all of this yourself?"

"Mm, I consulted Teacher Liu and Teacher Zhang; they taught me a lot."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin nodded—Teacher Zhang naturally refers to Zhang Songwen; Jing Tian has troubled this teacher quite a bit over the years.

As for Teacher Liu, he is Liu Tianchi, the performance teacher from the Central Academy of Drama, with a very solid theoretical foundation.

In order to train the company's artists, Wei Jin had her come to the artist training class set up by Shanhe Media as a performance teacher, and occasionally he would also let her appear in a scene or two in dramas produced by the company.

"Brother, how did I do?"

The little girl lifted her head, her exquisite pretty face filled with an expectant look.

"Not bad."

"Really?" The little girl's face lit up with surprise and joy.

"Of course it's true, Tian Tian performed so well, I want to properly reward you."

Wei Jin put down his notebook, one hand slipped into the girl's loose T-shirt, beginning to play with her perfect teardrop-shaped breasts.

"Brother, I haven't had dinner yet."

"You look good enough to eat, I want to eat you first."

"Then, then let's go back to the room."

(End of chapter)