Chapter 381: Ning Hao's Joyous Occasion, Sister Li's Tears

One morning, Wei Jin had just arrived at the company when he bumped into Zhao Liying, who had her hair in buns and a lively, round face, at the elevator entrance.

"Hello, President Wei."

Seeing Wei Jin, Zhao Liying was very excited and immediately bowed to greet him; this was the first time she had encountered the big boss since joining the company over half a year ago.

"Hello, has 'Chuqiaozhuan' wrapped filming?"

Facing the boss's question, Zhao Liying smiled and immediately replied, "Yeah, just wrapped yesterday."

Wei Jin nodded and then curiously asked, "Then why aren't you resting properly? Why did you come over today?"

"Oh, President Wei, I need to report my schedule to Director Zhang."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin understood; this should be a habit Zhao Liying developed during her time at Huayi. Since Starry Sky Culture doesn't have many artists yet, there's no such rule in place now.

"Well, with the New Year coming up, take a good rest. After the holidays, new projects will arise, and your schedule will gradually increase."

Wei Jin's impression of Zhao Liying was still quite good, so he offered a few words of encouragement.

"Thank you, President Wei. I will work hard."

Zhao Liying's tone was full of gratitude; she had suffered greatly at Huayi before, and now, having a point of comparison, she naturally felt deeply grateful.

"Alright, you go attend to your work. I'll head out first."

After seeing Zhao Liying off, Wei Jin arrived at his office, handled some company documents for a while, and not long after, Assistant Huang Mengying knocked and entered.

"Boss, the front desk reported that Director Ning and Xu Zheng have arrived. Where would you like to meet them?"

Wei Jin nodded; this had been arranged beforehand.

"Yeah, let them come directly to the office."

Not long after, Wei Jin saw Ning Hao still wearing his big gold chain, dressed like a laid-back socialite, and Xu Guangtou, whose head was completely bald and shiny enough to reflect light.

"Senior Brother, congratulations, hahaha."

Wei Jin stood up and gave Ning Hao a hug, then greeted the two and had them sit on the reception sofa in the office.

Just last night, the first batch of nominees for the Main Competition Section of the Berlin International Film Festival was announced, and Ning Hao's 'The Great Buddha' was on the list! This signaled that Ning Hao's first shot in his campaign for the European Big Three had officially fired.

"Haha, it's still all thanks to your script. I hope we get a good result this time."

A long-held wish was about to come true, and Ning Hao was also quite happy.

"No problem. When the time comes, the company will arrange everything; just wait to receive the award."

Wei Jin was quite confident; the core of this film was much harder than 'Search', and with reasonable PR, while he couldn't guarantee a grand prize, winning a secondary award should be no problem.

"Alright, then I'll take your good words. Haha."

Seeing Ning Hao and Wei Jin chatting happily, Xu Guangtou felt a bit envious and became even more determined in his idea of transitioning.

Finding the right moment, Xu Guangtou interjected into their conversation.

"President Wei, this is the storyboard for 'Lost on Journey'. Would you like to take a look?"

As he spoke, Xu Guangtou handed over a stack of documents. Wei Jin didn't say much, took them, and began to read silently.

Wei Jin had to admit that in comedy, Xu Guangtou's skill was still impressive, and being the original director, this storyboard almost completely matched the image in his mind.

Under Xu Guangtou's expectant gaze, Wei Jin gave his evaluation.

"Not bad. One can tell you put heart into it. This project is entrusted to you."

"Thank you, thank you, President Wei."

Xu Guangtou felt a bit excited, his heart also eased, and then he began to probe: "President Wei, for the main cast, are we still using the original team?"

"Yeah, for a series, it's best to stick with the original cast. Bao Qiang's side has already been contacted, and this time we'll also add Huang Bai—just good acquaintances. Let's see if you three comedy actors can spark something new. As for the other actors, you decide yourself."

This film doesn't have many roles, and Wei Jin had no intention of interfering. He then turned his gaze to Ning Hao.

"Senior Brother, I called you over this time to have you serve as a producer on this film, also as a warm-up. You can't stay idle in the second half of the year—what do you think?"

Ning Hao thought for a moment, nodded, and did not refuse.

"Alright, I'll follow your arrangement."

Xu Guangtou, standing nearby, had no objection to Wei Jin's arrangement; Ning Hao was the director of 'Lost on Journey', and they had a good relationship, so he thought Ning Hao wouldn't interfere with the filming of 'Ex Machina'.

Moreover, having him around could also serve as a safety net, after all, this was Xu Guangtou's first time directing.

"By the way, the company has already worked out the budget: a production cost of thirty million yuan, with promotion expenses to be calculated separately. I'll arrange for the script to be submitted for review. Before the New Year, you can start preparing the crew's groundwork."

"Alright, President Wei."

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangtou became even more excited; a production cost of thirty million yuan counts as mid-tier production, and for a newcomer director like him, this was already quite generous treatment.

After wrapping up the main topic, Ning Hao and Wei Jin began chatting about this Berlin matter.

"Junior Brother, do you think 'White Deer Plain' can make it in time for this Berlin?"

The film 'White Deer Plain' began shooting in September of Year 10, took five months to film, and had already wrapped long ago.

Unfortunately, no one expected that due to review reasons, this film had wrapped several months ago but still couldn't obtain a public screening permit.

Not only did it miss the Oscar submission deadline, but this Berlin event is also now full of uncertainty.

One must know that in mainland China, if you participate in an international film festival without obtaining a public screening permit, it counts as an underground film, and upon return, you will face punishment—just like Lou Ye back then.

Therefore, this matter has made Wang Quanan feel disgusted enough to curse; reportedly, he's been scolding his mother at home all day.

"Hard to say; those review people are really confused."

Although Wang Quanan is a Golden Bear Director, Berlin should give him special treatment there, but if he still can't obtain the public screening permit before the opening ceremony, this Berlin edition is destined to miss out.

Regarding domestic review, Wei Jin truly has nothing to complain about; even 'Qian Xuesen', such a mainstream film, got stuck in review, with the given reason being that the film allegedly leaked secrets—this is pure nonsense.

All one can say is, when it comes to shady operations, it's still these people.

"Just wait a bit longer; these people will be gone soon."

Wei Jin recalled the news Han Sanping had mentioned earlier, plus this time's import film liberalization, which should become an opportunity.

"Hopefully so."

On the set of 'Ex Machina'.

From the start of filming to now, it's almost been a month, and in these last few days, Wei Jin's words kept echoing in Guo Fan's mind—going over time means the director isn't capable enough.

Fortunately, today we finally wrap up.

"Thank you everyone for your support during this time, thank you!"

Guo Fan sincerely thanked everyone present, after all, this is his first time directing, and being able to wrap up in such a short time is entirely thanks to the crew's cooperation.

"Director Guo, you're too polite, this shoot was very enjoyable, I hope we get a chance to work together again in the future."

Zhang Luyi's attitude was very proper.

"Director Guo, thank you instead, I didn't expect to even catch the premiere of 《Flying Swords of Dragon Gate》, haha" Wan Qian said with a laugh. "That's true, speaking of which, you're busier than me this director, haha."

Guo Fan was somewhat speechless, Wan Qian appeared in both New Year Slot films, but luckily neither were important roles, just attending the premiere, not running promotions, otherwise it would have wasted a lot of time.

"Alright, let the crew tidy up, Wei Zong has arranged a wrap-up banquet tonight, we won't return until drunk!"

"Great!"

Before the wrap-up banquet even started, the news of 《Ex Machina》 wrapping up was reported by the media.

"Beijing Film Academy newcomer director Guo Fan, the first sci-fi thriller 《Ex Machina》 has officially wrapped!"

"The sci-fi film 《Ex Machina》, directed and written by Wei Jin, directed by newcomer director Guo Fan, is about to enter post-production and special effects."

After Wei Jin and the 《Ex Machina》 crew did a simple team-building, he returned to Yanjiao Villa under Wan Qian's resentful gaze.

It's undeniable that mature sisters know how to be considerate, as soon as Wei Jin entered the house, Zeng Li came over with a bowl of lotus seed and silver ear soup.

"Xiao Jin, drink it while it's hot, sober up."

Seeing Li Jie, already bathed and changed, like a lotus rising from water, Wei Jin couldn't help but embrace her slender waist, lightly kissing her delicate cheek.

"Li Jie, you're really good."

Although he didn't need to sober up, but Zeng Li's way of getting along like a couple made Wei Jin feel very relaxed, he picked up the bowl and drank it all in one go.

"Li Jie, has Dudu fallen asleep?"

Giving the man a glance, Zeng Li said unhappily, "You don't even see what time it is now, your daughter has long been asleep."

While speaking, Zeng Li took the bowl from the man's hand.

"Alright, I've prepared hot water for you, go take a shower quickly, I'm going back to my room."

Watching Li Jie step by step upstairs, Wei Jin sighed, he had originally planned to mandarin duck play in water.

After a simple hot bath, Wei Jin only felt quite relieved of fatigue, his whole body filled with strength.

After washing up, Wei Jin went straight to the bedroom, preparing to fully enjoy the green-clad beauty.

But he didn't expect that after not seeing her for just over half an hour, Li Jie's eye sockets were still hanging with tears.

"What's wrong, Li Jie? What happened?"

Wei Jin took three steps in two to reach the beauty's side and sat down, gently embracing her slender waist.

"Xiao Jin, look at this"

While speaking, Zeng Li handed over her phone, Wei Jin took a look and understood.

This is a missing child Weibo post, already posted for a long time, but because it's a civilian account, it hasn't attracted much attention.

As a mother, Zeng Li empathizes, being moved by this is completely normal.

"Xiao Jin, why do those traffickers do such heaven-defying, reason-less things, aren't they afraid of karmic retribution? Don't they have children themselves?"

For this question, Wei Jin truly finds it hard to answer.

Domestic laws, the punishment for traffickers is indeed too light, the cost of crime is so low, naturally someone will take risks.

More importantly, in the domestic environment, such behavior has a large survival soil.

So-called no buying no harming, but the preference for sons over daughters is deeply rooted in Huaxia, many people would rather buy, and want to buy a male descendant to continue the ancestral incense, impossible to eradicate.

Zeng Li obviously also understands this principle, but she can't bear to see the human tragedy of flesh and blood separation.

"Xiao Jin, can you help them?"

Zeng Li has already carefully browsed the Weibo, knows this isn't an isolated case, many parents of lost children have formed small circles, helping each other, she also wants to contribute.

"I already forwarded the Weibo earlier, but"

Speaking to this point, Zeng Li became somewhat annoyed, she usually stays indifferent, even though the Weibo has been out for over two years, but almost no one has managed it, the follower count is barely anything, this forward can only be said to be slightly better than nothing.

Seeing Li Jie's annoyed expression, Wei Jin found it hard to imagine this is a 35-year-old mature woman, immediately dove into the covers, embracing the beauty in his arms.

"Li Jie, leave this matter to me."

Upon hearing this, Zeng Li lifted her head to look at Wei Jin.

"What do you plan to do? Have artists forward it? Or donate money?"

"These certainly need to be done, but I hope more to draw social attention, only when more people know about this matter will their hope of finding their children be greater, so."

Before Wei Jin finished speaking, Zeng Li reacted, "Xiao Jin, are you planning to make this into a movie?"

"Yes, this effect should be the best."

Wei Jin nodded, donations can only improve these parties' search conditions, helping with publicity can only boost temporary heat, only by bringing the story to the big screen can we maximally arouse audience resonance, even help these broken families move toward reunion.

In fact, 《Lost and Love》 and 《Dear》 are both adapted this way, and both achieved satisfying endings.

Of course, not all efforts yield results, Wei Jin is mentally prepared for this.

But having reached the current scale of Shanhe Media, we should also bear some social responsibility.

"That's great, this will definitely help them."

Seeing Zeng Li's face light up with joy, Wei Jin held the beauty tighter, kind people always evoke pity.

"Li Jie, the handling of this matter needs to be done step by step, but I hope you won't let these things affect your mood, okay?"

While speaking, Wei Jin's hands had already been rubbing back and forth on the green-clad beauty's smooth silk pajamas.

"There's no, I just."

Before Zeng Li could finish speaking, Wei Jin interrupted her, "Still saying no, usually at this time, you're all shouting 'Brother, I want'."

Listening to the young man's teasing, Ceng Li seemed to recall the scene of herself demanding endlessly on the bed, her exquisite, picture-perfect face flushing with a rosy hue as she lightly bit her red lips.

"That big brother, can you now dote on me?"

"Of course, my beauty."

Gazing at Ceng Li's charming, picture-perfect visage, Wei Jin grasped the big orange with one hand and covered her upturned buttocks with the other, leaning in to kiss her.

Ceng Li responded while using her two small hands to rub back and forth across Wei Jin's body.

In no time at all, the mature older sister could no longer hold back, taking the initiative to extend her wicked hand toward Wei Jin.

Sensing the beauty's urgency, Wei Jin was understanding and quick to undress, and soon the two were naked before each other.

Having been together for many years, Ceng Li and Wei Jin's默契 was evident without words; she actively lowered herself, beginning the shuffling work.

Wei Jin was not idle either, holding the big orange while beginning to instruct.

After a few minutes, Ceng Li lifted her head, her eyes alluring and silk-like.

"Big brother, I want"

(End of chapter)