Chapter 371

On the film market, Love is Not Blind was a black horse all the way.

As of now, after 18 days of release, it has grossed a frenzied 412 million, with daily box office still hovering around ten million, truly showing strong staying power.

In contrast, that Hong Kong film touted as a 60 million investment, East Meets West 2011, can be said to be extremely weak.

After four days of release, its box office merely reported 50 million.

This would have been forgivable, but after word-of-mouth fermented online, the curses could not be contained, and on the fifth day it plummeted directly, reporting only 1 million.

"Is Liu Jeffrey writing the script with his feet? Even if a dog were tied behind the monitor, it wouldn't be filmed this badly, would it?"

"I really believed in evil, actually still believing in Hong Kong directors, damn it."

"Are the investors all blind? How could they be so easily fooled?"

Not only is mockery rampant online, but even industry insiders have started cursing.

These Hong Kong directors keep reheating leftovers, and yet there are truly mainland investors who fall for it—this really leaves me speechless.

You know, how many mainland directors want to attract investment but can't?

In one word, it's stifling!

As for this, Wei Jin takes it in stride; the Hong Kong directors' brand won't last two more years. On the 29th, the first big film of the New Year slot, the 200 million investment Legend of the Hongmen Banquet, was released.

It must be said, the production company's strength is still formidable; there are not a few star artists in the industry who are waving flags and shouting for this film, actively taking the stage.

As the female lead Yang Mi, she even posted multiple Weibo updates in a single day, calling on fans and moviegoers to enter theaters to support it, after all, this is her first major production film as lead.

Moreover, the effect is quite good, after all, Love is Not Blind is still showing now; as the female lead of a 400 million box office, Yang Mi's pulling power is still not bad.

This film has attracted attention since its inception, firstly because the cast is strong, secondly because it is also a rare 200 million historical epic in the industry.

Now that it has premiered, the theater chains attach great importance to it, offering as high as a 30% screening rate.

Many industry insiders are waiting to see the first-day results, though the data will only be available the next day.

But from the partial theater photos leaked online, even though it's a weekday, everyone's movie-watching enthusiasm is still quite high.

The feedback on attendance from the theater chains is also not bad; the producers of Legend of the Hongmen Banquet are increasingly fortunate, feeling that choosing Yang Mi to star in this film brought truly immense support.

Upon receiving Miss Cai's call, Wei Jin was somewhat surprised, but since distant guests should be treated well, he still made time that evening to arrange a private restaurant and entertain her.

However, Wei Jin did not expect that Rouba would also be accompanying her; it seems tonight will be lively.

Under Miss Cai's guidance, Rouba sat beside Wei Jin, offering attentive service.

Miss Cai is also not a newcomer in the workplace; naturally, upon sitting down, she began talking about Liu Shishi's matter, after all, this is the final bridge between the candy people and Wei Jin.

"Wei Jin, Liu Shishi's filming there is going quite smoothly; her scenes are expected to wrap by mid-January, and as for the film, roughly when would it start?"

Saying this, Miss Cai inwardly marveled at Liu Shishi's cleverness—seeking no resources, only sincerity, and finally moving this man.

But this way, when Liu Shishi's contract expires, she probably won't choose to stay at the candy people.

"Probably around March; at that time, I'll go to Hong Kong to film."

The film Wei Jin arranged for Liu Shishi is Witch—a female lead film that is decisive and ruthless from start to finish, devoid of expression, which she can absolutely handle.

However, such films cannot pass review in mainland China at all; they can only be made as Hong Kong co-productions.

Even so, some shots still need to be adjusted.

"In that case, timing-wise, it's actually quite suitable."

It seems she noticed Wei Jin's confusion, so Miss Cai proactively spoke up to explain.

"It's like this, Wei Jin, the fiber optics side sent over a film invitation, wanting Liu Shishi to play the female lead."

"Oh? What film?"

"Heartbroken Fairy Tale."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin was immediately stunned; he had no impression of this film, couldn't tell if it was a flop, but surely it hadn't made any waves, so he decisively shook his head, refusing on Liu Shishi's behalf.

"Miss Cai, just forget about this film."

"Why?"

Miss Cai was somewhat puzzled; she didn't know anything about the script, is it really that arbitrary? "Miss Cai, regarding films, I understand better than you; trust my judgment."

Wei Jin's tone was somewhat forceful; although Liu Shishi is an artist under the candy people, as his own woman, he doesn't mind showing a domineering side.

"Then, that's fine."

Seeing Wei Jin's tone left no room for doubt, Miss Cai also abandoned this thought.

However, she was meanwhile pondering in her heart whether she could push Rouba to take on this film, although she knew the chance was slim.

After finishing the opening topic, Miss Cai pondered a bit, then proactively spoke to clarify her purpose.

"Wei Jin, it's like this: Jingjiang has a work I think highly of, but after our communication."

Wei Jin smiled; he knew Miss Cai couldn't possibly have invited him out for no reason.

Thanks to prior arrangements, having acquired large stakes in Jingjiang and Qidian, Shanhe Media has already stockpiled not a few related copyrights.

Over these years, many companies have come to discuss these matters, but unless the company evaluation finds no adaptation value, otherwise the copyright cannot be transferred at all.

It must be said, Miss Cai really plays a good hand.

"I don't know which work Miss Cai has taken a liking to?"

"That 'The Thousand Mountains of Evening Snow' from 'Not I, Who Else?'—does Shanhe Media have any development plans for it recently? We two companies might as well cooperate again?"

Saying this, Miss Cai gave Rouba a glance, whereupon the latter immediately leaned close to Wei Jin.

Feeling the softness of the young girl, Wei Jin's lips curled upward.

"Miss Cai, how do you want to cooperate?"

"Just like before with Sword and Fairy 3—joint production, equal role division, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin seemed to understand Miss Cai's plan.

"You want Old Hu to act in this film?"

"Yes, if Hu Ge wants to make something of himself on the big screen, he still needs to try different types of roles."

Miss Cai sighed, the Sugar Man Temple is small, but Hu Ge never leaves or abandons, after all, it is still necessary to have the intention to take care of him.

"Indeed it is."

Wei Jin nodded, discovering that Miss Cai had finally opened her mind.

Hu Ge, eyeing his 30th year, has always maintained that on-screen image of a clownish, slapstick, buffoonish, comedic role.

Including this big-selling 《Thieves》, although Hu Ge has a substantial role, he still belongs to this type of character.

If it continues like this, I'm afraid there won't be two good years left.

As for the male lead of the novel 《Qianshan Muxue》, he is a somewhat perverted domineering CEO, with a mercurial and unpredictable temperament, often liking to press the female lead and choke her neck, which is actually quite suitable for changing Hu Ge's on-screen image.

"Wei Zong, what do you think?"

Miss Cai's eyes revealed hope, her tone also carrying a sense of urgency.

"Mm"

Wei Jin's fingers lightly tapped on the table, each tap seeming to strike Miss Cai's heart. The adaptation work of this novel has long been completed, but within the company's internal priority order, it is not high; if development truly begins, it's unknown when it will be, perhaps not until the Year of the Monkey and Horse Month.

Entrusting it to Sugar Man for responsibility, joint development is also not a bad option.

Upon thinking this, Wei Jin gave his response.

"Yes."

"Then good, I will initiate it as soon as possible on my end."

After receiving the response, Miss Cai's face directly broke into a smile, and Rouba beside her also showed a smile.

The following atmosphere became very harmonious, Miss Cai and Rouba frequently toasted.

However, what surprised Wei Jin was that this girl Rouba had an exceptionally rare tolerance for alcohol, drinking several cups with him, yet only her face slightly reddened, showing no sign of drunkenness.

Glancing at Miss Cai, he discovered she was also looking bewildered, as if saying the script wasn't written this way.

Inside the Golden House, watching the flustered and somewhat at-a-loss Rouba, Wei Jin smiled.

No matter how she later uses tactics to suppress and belittle Tang Yan, but for now, she is ultimately just a 19-year-old girl.

"Rouba, don't be nervous, come sit."

Wei Jin patted the sofa beside him, speaking gently.

Upon hearing this, Rouba very obediently leaned and sat beside Wei Jin, but just as she settled, she began to feel nervous again.

Wei Jin saw it—this girl has little initiative, but when told what to do, she does it well.

However, when not given instructions, she doesn't know what to do, appearing at a loss.

"Rouba, let's chat about your affairs—how did you come to consider applying to Shanghai Theatre Academy?"

Indeed, after Wei Jin raised the topic, Rouba clearly relaxed considerably and began talking about her experiences.

Originally, Rouba had a decent piano foundation, planning to apply for a related major at the Central Conservatory of Music, but her piano teacher thought her appearance was lovely and suggested she study performance instead.

At that time, both the Central Academy of Drama and Shanghai Theatre Academy were recruiting, and thus she was admitted to Shanghai Theatre Academy in a daze.

Speaking of this, Wei Jin seized the moment and took the girl's hand.

"Five fingers slender and long—it seems you really practiced piano diligently as a child; unfortunately, I haven't prepared anything here, otherwise I would truly like to listen."

Although already brainwashed by Miss Cai for over a year, having mentally prepared herself, but when the moment came, Rouba found she still couldn't avoid nervousness.

Just being held by this man's hand, she felt her heart pounding wildly, her palms continuously sweating.

"Rouba, you've sweated a lot—you seem hot; come, take off your outer garment."

Watching the girl somewhat shy yet compliant in removing her clothes, Wei Jin grasped the key to guiding this girl: only need to give orders.

"Rouba, turn around—I want to see how your buttocks are so perky; did you pad them?"

"Rouba, squat down, mm~~~"

"Rouba, mm, very good, can be a bit more."

"Rouba, come, lie on the pillow, yes, just like that, lift it up a bit."

"Hiss Rouba, don't be nervous, relax a bit."

"Mmm~~ Rouba, now I want to hear you sing."

Soon, the room filled with the song from Xiyu, enchantingly beautiful. Next morning, Wei Jin woke on time, the woman beside him still asleep.

Looking at Rouba's somewhat three-dimensional features, Wei Jin placed his hand on her astonishingly elastic buttocks.

Pulling back the blanket, seeing the faint traces on the bedsheet, Wei Jin's heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.

Perhaps the movement of pulling the blanket was too large, letting in a cold draft, Rouba woke up, sleepy-eyed, looking at Wei Jin, as if realizing what had happened, the girl's pretty face visibly blushing.

Unlike Nazha's unrestrained passion, Rouba is easily shy; when playing poker last night, she desperately turned off the lights.

Now, looking at the man who took her first time, Rouba's heart harbored an indescribable complexity.

But thinking of last night's pleasure, she again felt becoming a woman was quite good, her resentment toward Miss Cai unconsciously lessening.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

Wei Jin extended his arm to draw the girl into his embrace, one hand placed on her conscience, wanting to hear the truth.

"Mm, quite good, Wei Zong."

Entering the Q&A session, this girl's shyness suddenly vanished, truly miraculous.

"Still calling me Wei Zong? Call me Uncle."

Wei Jin's face showed a teasing smile.

"No, you're only how many years older than me? Less than ten?"

Contrary to Wei Jin's expectation, in terms of address, this little girl actually had her own insistence.

"Do you know our company has a Xiyu girl just like you?"

Speaking, Wei Jin had already used his long-unseen hand Kung Fu.

"Mm, I know, 《Passengers》's Nazha, right?"

Thinking of his old fellow townsman, Rouba's face showed an envious expression—she had film resources from her debut, and now she was even the female lead in an eighty-million-yuan TV drama; compared to that, he felt like a clown.

Seeing the longing on Rouba's face, Wei Jin lifted the blanket and patted her pert buttocks.

Unfortunately, this girl had not received a good education and didn't react at all; helpless, Wei Jin could only press her head down with one hand.

"Mmm, do you know what Nazha calls me?"

"Wuu wuu wuu"

One hand stroked the girl's back of the head, the other played with her pert buttocks, Wei Jin continued speaking.

"At times like this, she calls me Daddy."

Hearing this, Rouba's body froze, as if she couldn't believe it.

Wei Jin reached down to press, and soon felt it continue, while his mind dwelled on what they had talked about the previous night.

Wei Jin truly hadn't expected Miss Cai to be so ruthless—a fifteen-year contract with hefty liquidated damages.

One must know that a female star's prime years are 18 to 35; Reba's contract like this had firmly tied herself to the sugar person.

Miss Cai could completely manipulate her at will, unless Rouba harbored the idea of fading from the entertainment circle, or unless a benefactor stepped in to promote her.

This also indirectly showed that Rouba was truly stupid enough to be suitable, and very fit to be cultivated as a secret lover.

Wei Jin pondered finding an opportunity to introduce her to Nazha to get acquainted, so the two could become good sisters.

Just thinking of the North Xinjiang Twin Pearls both kneeling and bowing beneath him, softly accepting favor, Wei Jin began to swell.

Originally, morning fire was already relatively strong; last night he had restrained himself because the little girl was experiencing it for the first time, so Wei Jin hadn't gone too far.

After just a few minutes of warm-up this moment, Wei Jin felt the heat was just right, reached out and pulled the girl up, pressing her beneath him, and whispered softly by her ear:

"Rouba, now you should call me Daddy."

(End of chapter)