Chapter 377: High-Spirited Advance, One Against Four

In the first half of this year's New Year Slot, with no other major directors involved, it was entirely the domain of *Mojin: The Lost Legend* and *The Flowers of War*.

Benefiting from the novel's massive fan base, high-quality special effects, and the immense popularity of the lead actress, Yifei, the performance of *Mojin: The Lost Legend* was quite formidable.

The next day, the box office surged, breaking the 50 million mark for a single day and closing at 54.7 million.

Entering the weekend, it seemed to experience a massive explosion, breaking the 60 million mark for a single day and closing at 62.6 million and 60.9 million respectively.

Over the four-day opening weekend, *Mojin: The Lost Legend* raked in 227 million at the box office.

Although the New Year Slot is the hottest period, with the film market capable of absorbing nearly 100 million in daily box office, *Mojin: The Lost Legend* occupied the market so aggressively that *The Flowers of War* was inevitably affected.

From raking in 259 million in its first 6 days of release to now, after 10 days, the box office has only reached 361 million.

This means that, including the weekend, the box office for *The Flowers of War* over the last 4 days barely exceeded 100 million.

More crucially, due to its subject matter, the daily box office for *The Flowers of War* has entered a bottleneck, barely maintaining over 20 million.

Following this trend, the box office for *The Flowers of War* will likely not be able to match *Mojin: The Lost Legend*.

This immediately reminded the industry of Wu Ershan's statement when *The Flowers of War* was scheduled for the New Year Slot—that he had the confidence to go head-to-head with Zhang Yimou.

As the saying goes, blessings do not come in pairs, but misfortunes never come alone.

Perhaps Zhang Weiping offended too many people, and this tribulation was fated.

Although he repeatedly downplayed the box office situation in overseas markets, resourceful media still managed to dig up the North American box office data for *The Flowers of War* and reported it.

"Zhang Yimou suffers another defeat in the North American market; *The Flowers of War* has been released for 10 days with less than 200,000 USD in North American box office, setting a new personal record low."

"*The Flowers of War* encounters a cold winter both domestically and abroad; losses are inevitable, and New Picture may have fallen into a debt crisis."

"Low North American box office may affect the Golden Globe Awards judging results."

Once the news broke, public opinion was in an uproar.

One must know that *Curse of the Golden Flower*, which was generally considered a bad film domestically at the time, was able to achieve tens of millions in box office in North America.

Yet now, while the domestic performance of *The Flowers of War* is still quite eye-catching and its online reputation is fairly good, the box office situation is actually this dismal.

For a time, the industry felt that the tastes of overseas audiences were truly difficult to grasp.

Regarding this, Wei Jin did not find it strange at all.

In terms of subject matter, war history films like *The Flowers of War* were destined never to be favored by overseas audiences.

After all, when it comes to war films, there are simply too many global classics; *The Flowers of War* definitely wouldn't make the cut, let alone being a domestic war film.

More crucially, Zhang Weiping was completely courting his own death this time.

I don't know if the pressure was truly too great, but this guy even wanted to save money on overseas distribution.

Relying on the fact that Zhang Yimou's films had never failed at the overseas box office, Zhang Weiping actually kicked away Jiang Zhiqiang, New Picture's long-term partner, and signed a distribution agreement directly with a British film company.

When he received the news from Hunter, Wei Jin exclaimed, "Good man, impressive!" Although Jiang Zhiqiang might not rank at the top domestically, he had been doing overseas distribution for decades, and his connections were very strong. The films he had operated and distributed in North America over the years, such as *Hero*, *House of Flying Daggers*, and *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, were not necessarily massive box office hits, but they were at least commendable.

It is a pity that Zhang Weiping saw small gains and forgot righteousness; when the film was released in the North American market, he didn't cooperate with Jiang Zhiqiang, who was familiar with local operations, but instead sought out a European distribution company.

This is simply moronic. One must know that even Hollywood films entering Huaxia have to come and pay their respects to China Film Group and share high distribution profits with the internal parties of Huaxia.

Who does Zhang Weiping think he is? Trying to eat the whole pie even in distribution; he can truly be said to be courting his own death.

One must know that such a poor North American box office means that it will likely be difficult to sell the overseas rights for *The Flowers of War* at a good price.

Banks are not charities; Zhang Weiping borrowed money to make the film, and he is likely in trouble this time.

At this moment, many industry peers jumped out to badmouth him. It is truly because Zhang Weiping has offended too many people over the years. In the past, relying on Zhang Yimou's invincibility, everyone dared to be angry but dared not speak. Now that they had caught an opportunity, why wouldn't they decisively beat a dog in the water? Yu Pangzi of Bona was the most active among them; he and Zhang Weiping had long since developed a grudge.

It is said that when *Curse of the Golden Flower* and *Confession of Pain* were released at the same time, Zhang Weiping signed a one-month monopolistic screening agreement with the theater chains, which forcibly drove the screen allocation for *Confession of Pain* to below 20%, causing Bona to suffer a huge loss.

Therefore, not only did Yu Pangzi previously refuse to let *The Flowers of War* land in Bona's theater chains, but at this moment, he frequently mocked him in front of the media: "The boss of a certain famous domestic film and television company—I won't mention his name, but everyone knows him anyway—has very poor character. He is a typical example of seeing small gains and forgetting great righteousness. This time he has encountered Waterloo, and having borrowed a lot of money from the bank, I'm afraid he might even lose his company."

Although he didn't name names, who in the circle didn't know he was talking about Zhang Weiping? The latter was in a fit of rage; how could he possibly tolerate Yu Pangzi? He turned around and leaked information to the media.

"If we're talking about character, I don't think the chairman of a certain listed group has any right to speak. After all, he has no character to speak of. It's rare in the industry to see someone like him who immediately abandons his wife of many years once he becomes successful. As the old saying goes, 'The son of the Zhongshan wolf, arrogant once he gets his way'—that is exactly how to describe such a person."

Both sides traded barbs, and they publicly went at it in the media, which added quite a bit of amusement to this heated New Year Slot.

The efficiency of the Film Bureau was higher than Wei Jin expected; Xue Xiaolu's script was quickly approved and announced.

"Director and screenwriter Xue Xiaolu: *Beijing Meets Seattle*, announced as approved!"

The circle immediately thought of *Love is Not Blind*, and the media began scrambling for interviews, either going to Beijing Film Academy to find Xue Xiaolu or running to Shanhe Media to find Chen Zhiming.

Xue Xiaolu did not hide anything:

"This film will be written and directed by myself, and the casting is currently finished."

Chen Zhiming's side appeared much more formal, updating the news directly on the company's official Weibo to avoid more media coming to block the door.

"Shanhe Media and Guangxian Pictures will jointly produce Director Xue Xiaolu's new work: *Beijing Meets Seattle*. Starry Sky Culture artist Yang Mi has been confirmed to play the female lead!"

Subsequently, Xue Xiaolu also followed up by announcing the film's casting situation to the media:

"Male lead: Yu Hewei; Female lead: Yang Mi; Second female lead: Hai Qing."

As the news spread, many talent agencies and actresses were sighing that the secrecy for this project was handled too well.

The circle had only just learned the news, and yet all the actors had already been finalized.

"Why is it Yang Mi again? She's almost become Xue Xiaolu's designated female lead."

"Exactly. *White Vengeance* was so bad, why choose her? They aren't even giving others a chance."

"Sigh, another one who has latched onto a big shot."

It's no wonder the actresses in the industry are bitter; the shock that *Love is Not Blind* brought to everyone was simply too great.

Wang Kai established his first-tier position because of it, and Yang Mi's market value skyrocketed as a result.

So what about this *Beijing Meets Seattle*?

*Dawangdang* film crew. Seeing that the film's roles were completely finalized, Yang Mi and Ceng Jia finally felt truly relieved.

"Congratulations to you. This shoot hasn't even finished, and the female lead for your next film is already arranged."

Zhao Wenzhuo smiled and congratulated Yang Mi, while also sighing in his heart that having the backing of a big company is just different.

"Thank you, Brother Zhuo. I saw you were also discussing your next film a couple of days ago; how is that going?"

Although they hadn't spent much time together, Zhao Wenzhuo was a senior, and since she had received quite a bit of care from him regarding the action scenes in this production, they still got along quite well.

"Hmm, the situation is fine; it's basically been negotiated, and I'll sign the contract in a few days."

"Then congratulations, Brother Zhuo."

"Haha, congratulations to you too."

Beijing, Yanjiao Villa.

Wei Jin and several assistants began their year-end team-building activities.

After all, the new assistant had been on the job for two months but hadn't yet integrated into the assistant corps, and Wei Jin felt it was very necessary to deepen the sisterly bonds between them.

At this moment, Wei Jin was lying on the massive waterbed, his body spread out in an 'X' shape; Bai Bin was working diligently beneath him, while on his left and right thighs, Wang Zixuan and Liu Yan were using an Innate Spiritual Treasure to massage him.

In front of Wei Jin's chest was Huang Mengying, who was participating in the assistant team-building for the first time, somewhat clumsily learning the posture of her seniors.

"Meng Ying, keep your hands steady and press in closer; if it feels like there's too much friction, you can add some oil."

As the eldest sister, Liu Yan would occasionally offer pointers to the rookie newcomer Huang Mengying, who, despite her pretty face flushing red, followed the instructions very obediently.

The four delicate bodies, each with different charms but all quite well-endowed, made Wei Jin feel incredibly inflated, and soon Xiaobai felt the working environment becoming increasingly difficult.

"Who's going first tonight?"

Facing their boss's inquiry, the four assistants looked at each other, and in the end, the head big sister Liu Yan spoke up.

"Let Zixuan and Xiaobai go first; they are about to join their film crews."

Wei Jin nodded upon hearing this; the preliminary preparations for *Joy of Life* and *Candle in the Tomb: The Lost Caverns* had already been completed, and they were about to start filming.

*Joy of Life*, this alternate-history drama, had many characters; aside from the male lead role given to Chen Xiao, almost all the female characters were artists under the company.

Wang Zixuan, bearing the title of Wei Jin's former assistant and being a proper graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, plus having practiced martial arts since childhood, successfully secured the role of Si Lili in *Joy of Life*.

Bai Bin's period costume looks always had a very distinct charm, and this time she also successfully secured the role of Fan Ruoruo.

It is worth mentioning that Wei Jin, who rarely intervened in the company's casting, personally appointed Li Xiaoran to play the role of the Eldest Princess this time, as her charm in the original version was simply too overwhelming and unforgettable.

Additionally, because *Candle in the Tomb: The Lost Caverns* was a series, the creative team continued to use the cast from the previous installment.

"Alright, then Liu Yan, you and Meng Ying can get intimate for a while; I'll take care of Zixuan and Xiaobai first, and I'll come to dote on you two in a bit."

As soon as Wei Jin finished speaking, Bai Bin lay down on the waterbed, and Wang Zixuan, with great tacit understanding, crawled onto her, pressing tightly against her just like that.

Wei Jin didn't say much more and immediately started today's game; soon, the sound of the three of them playing Landlord could be heard in the room.

Off to the side, Huang Mengying watched the three of them playing Landlord with her own eyes, and she couldn't help but involuntarily fantasize about how she would play her cards if she were in a seat at the table; her legs began to clamp together unconsciously.

"Don't be impatient, Meng Ying; you can get on the table in a while. For now, let's practice a bit..."

Liu Yan began to teach the newcomer the techniques of playing cards, focusing her attention on the latter's perky buttocks.

"Ah~~ Sister Liu Yan, you..."

When Liu Yan's hand slid toward a certain spot, Huang Mengying couldn't help but moan out loud.

"Hehe, you're quite conservative, aren't you? It seems the boss hasn't taught you this yet..."

Although Liu Yan's words were vague, combined with their current posture, Huang Mengying understood instantly; her pretty face flushed red with shyness, yet she was also somewhat curious.

"Ah? Is this fun?"

"You have to try it yourself to know; anyway, I think it's quite good. Let me tell you..."

While the two were exchanging insights over there, the Landlord game between the three over here was already drawing to a close.

Although the offensive wasn't concentrated enough, firstly, Wang Zixuan and Bai Bin were out of practice and their card skills were a bit rusty; secondly, Wei Jin not only had superb card skills but also immense card power, and his speed of playing was fast, so the two assistants didn't hold out as long as imagined and soon threw in the towel.

Relying on his good physical condition, Wei Jin didn't hold back his ammunition and gifted several hundred million in funds to Wang Zixuan; after all, she was slightly older, and taking extra care of her wasn't a bad thing.

"Little White Tiger, Meng Ying, it's your turn next; are you ready?"

As he spoke, Wei Jin ended this round of the game, but soon he sensed a wave of warmth; it turned out that Liu Yan had already begun shuffling the cards.

"Mm~~~ nice."

Seeing that Liu Yan was so sensible, Wei Jin patted her head to show encouragement, then looked toward the new assistant.

"Meng Ying, you need to learn more from your sisters."

Huang Mengying was somewhat shy; she hadn't experienced everyone playing cards together before, so she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

"Boss, I... I will."

Wei Jin didn't say much more; while taking control of the situation, he let his hands roam over the slippery, oiled thighs, confident that after adapting a few more times, the new assistant would get used to it.

A few minutes of shuffling time passed, and under Wei Jin's encouraging gaze, Huang Mengying followed Bai Bin's example and lay down on the waterbed.

Soon, she felt a huge sense of oppression—coming from Liu Yan.

Huang Mengying believed that any woman in her position would feel inferior; Liu Yan's advantages were simply too great, no wonder she could firmly hold the position of the head assistant.

However, soon Huang Mengying had no time to let her mind wander, because the new game had already begun, and she had to devote herself entirely to it.

That night, Huang Mengying, along with the three seniors, took turns playing against their boss, learning many new things, and her card skills improved significantly.

That night, Wei Jin used almost all of his card skills and card power, finally making the four assistants "convinced and satisfied."

That night, the connection between Wei Jin and his assistants became increasingly tight. (End of chapter)