Chapter 388: Ni Ni Wants to Take a Shortcut, Paying Off Debts with Her Body

As Han Sanping said, the efficiency of the film was very high, and the script for *Lost in Thailand* was approved quickly.

To avoid trouble, Wei Jin directly arranged for the company to announce the project.

"Film: *Lost in Thailand*; Total Investment: 30 million; Production Company: Shanhe Media;

Director: Xu Guangtou; Screenwriter: Wei Jin; Executive Director: Han Jianv;

Main Cast: Xu Guangtou, Wang Baoqiang, Huang Bai."

Looking at the news online, the industry was immediately abuzz with discussion.

*Lost on Journey* had originally achieved over 100 million in box office with a cost of 6 million, which had left a quite profound impression on the industry.

Ning Hao had also relied on this film to firmly secure his position as a 100-million-yuan blockbuster director.

What would the box office be for this film, which was clearly a sequel at a glance? But why did this film change directors? Was Xu Guangtou also crossing over? Besides, who the hell is Han Jianv? Is it necessary to list an executive director separately?

Regarding this question, Xu Guangtou was also very curious and came to the company specifically to ask. After all, there were many shady operations in the entertainment industry; in case it was Wei Jin's... Seeing this guy's sleazy expression, Wei Jin knew he had thought wrong and glanced at him.

"This is Han Dong's own daughter, a first-year graduate student in the Director Department at Beijing Film Academy. She doesn't have much experience, so you should guide her well."

With a buzz, only one sound echoed in Xu Guangtou's mind.

"This is Han Dong's own daughter, Han Dong, own daughter."

Coming back to his senses, a flash of inexplicable brilliance appeared in Xu Guangtou's eyes. This was incredible networking, so he immediately patted his chest to express his stance.

"Don't worry, President Wei, I will definitely take good care of her."

After paying his respects to Han Dong through the air, Xu Guangtou changed the subject.

"By the way, President Wei, for the goddess role in the script, can we invite Miss Gao Yuanyuan to make a cameo?"

Wei Jin smiled. This guy really had an eye for it; the Hupu Goddess, wasn't she the goddess herself? He nodded immediately.

"Yes."

After sending Xu Guangtou away, Wei Jin took a midday nap in his office. Just as he woke up, his Assistant Huang Mengying came to knock on the door.

"Boss, Director Zhang is waiting for you in the reception room; he has been there for a while."

"Oh? Why did he come over?"

Wei Jin was still a bit dazed at this moment, so he was too lazy to guess.

"Fine, let him come over."

Before long, he saw Zhang Yimou leading a few people as they knocked and walked in.

"President Wei."

"Sorry, Director Zhang, kept you waiting, please sit."

"It's fine, it's fine, I came in a hurry and didn't give a heads-up."

Although he was a famous big director, Wei Jin gave him respect, and Zhang Yimou was not someone who couldn't read the room; his words and actions were not exactly reverent, but they were very polite.

After all, regardless of net worth, industry status, or even box office awards, Wei Jin almost completely crushed him in every aspect.

What's more, just for the help Wei Jin had provided with money and effort during this period, Zhang Yimou had to be grateful.

"President Wei, you have met Zhou Dongyu and Dou Xiao before; this is Ni Ni."

"Hello, President Wei." X3 Zhou Dongyu, Dou Xiao, and Ni Ni all bowed to greet him, their attitudes very proper.

"Hello, everyone, no need to be formal."

Wei Jin first sized up Zhou Dongyu and Dou Xiao. Although he had met them before at the premiere of *Hawthorn Tree*, on that occasion, they didn't even have the qualifications to speak.

As for the reason Zhang Yimou brought them over, it wasn't hard to guess; it was nothing more than to get them familiar faces, and see if they could get some support later, or even sign with Starry Sky Culture when their contracts expired.

But Wei Jin was not very optimistic about this.

Dou Xiao followed the style of a rugged young actor, and there were quite a few similar artists at Starry Sky Culture; even if he came over, he wouldn't get any top-tier resources.

Zhou Dongyu's type was relatively scarce, walking with her two short legs, looking obedient and cute.

It could be seen that Zhang Yimou must have planned a route for her, following the loli style, focusing on being innocent, naive, and outspoken.

Similar to that kind of tilting the head, with a question mark appearing above: "How can it not count?"

I have to say, Zhang Yimou's aesthetic, tsk tsk... It's just that this persona wouldn't last long; didn't you see that in later generations, Zhou Dongyu only kept the outspoken persona?

Or rather, that wasn't a persona; she was just purely brainless.

Immediately, Wei Jin turned his gaze to Ni Ni, who was tall, curvy, and both pure and seductive.

I have to say, in terms of looks, Ni Ni might not be particularly outstanding, but her figure and temperament were excellent. If matched with a good director and costume styling, she would be a proper female star killer, easily outshining others.

In addition, it could be seen from the dispute with New Picture that in Zhang Yimou's heart, Ni Ni's importance was definitely higher than Zhou Dongyu and Dou Xiao's.

Wei Jin guessed that Zhang Yimou wanted to build her into the third "Mou Girl" to go international after Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi.

It's just that no one would have thought that Zhou Dongyu, whose acting skills and external conditions were not outstanding at the time, would instead become the third Golden Horse Best Actress with a Three Gold Grand Slam.

Although there was the credit of latching onto the Hong Kong Circle, it cannot be denied that she did indeed walk her own path.

Conversely, Ni Ni, who had more outstanding conditions, would have a much bumpier road ahead.

The so-called timing and fate, it is nothing more than this.

Withdrawing his thoughts, Wei Jin chatted with the three of them for a few sentences each.

Learning of Dou Xiao and Zhou Dongyu's plans, Wei Jin was quite impressed by Zhang Yimou's way of handling things; dealing with such people was still very worry-free.

Dou Xiao and Zhou Dongyu were also very sensible. Knowing that their contracts had not yet expired and that Shanhe Media's resources could hardly be opened to them, they took the initiative to propose that if there was a need, they could perform for 0 salary without signing a contract.

In this way, Zhang Weiping's side would have absolutely no way to deal with them.

This statement made Wei Jin look at them with new eyes, pondering that he could give Zhang Yimou some face.

Of course, during the casual chat, the beautiful Ni Ni received relatively more attention; after all, whether she becomes famous or not has nothing to do with Boss Wei, it's just pleasing to the eye.

"Have you studied dance?"

"Yes, I practiced ballroom dancing for a few years."

Ni Ni answered very obediently. Although she had already signed a contract, this was her first time meeting the big boss, and she didn't want to leave a bad impression.

"President Wei, this child studied broadcasting in university, has won a provincial championship in dance, and is also a national second-tier swimmer. Her talent is quite good."

Zhang Yimou also chimed in with a few words of praise; he was very invested in Ni Ni's affairs.

Although Ni Ni had already signed her contract, Starry Sky Culture had many artists, and she would only have more opportunities if she could make the boss think highly of her.

"I can tell, her temperament is quite good," Wei Jin praised.

Zhang Yimou was a man whose tastes were always quite consistent; he had a great fondness for girls who had practiced dance.

Furthermore, he liked using amateur actors, feeling they were easier to mold and made it convenient for the audience to get immersed in the story.

Gong Li was selected while still a student, Zhang Ziyi was the same and also had a background in dance, Dong Bailian was also a dancer, Zhou Dongyu practiced gymnastics, the Ni Ni before them also had a dance foundation, and even Liu, who would be criticized to shreds in later generations, was also a dance student.

So, the Mou Girls truly were cut from the same cloth.

However, now that Ni Ni had become his own artist, and since Zhang Yimou was willing to use his own face to help pave the way, Wei Jin was also willing to do a favor, just as a signing gift.

"Director Xu's next film plans to reboot the *Detective Dee* series. There are quite a few female roles in it; you should go and audition for one when the time comes." "Why aren't you thanking President Wei yet?"

Zhang Yimou, standing to the side, hurriedly reminded Ni Ni. He hadn't expected Wei Jin to be so straightforward, and he felt he had gained quite a bit of face.

"Thank you, President Wei."

Ni Ni hurriedly bowed to express her gratitude. Wei Jin waved his hand, indicating he didn't mind, then looked at Zhang Yimou, who immediately understood and gestured to the three young ones.

"You all go back first; the President and I still have some things to discuss."

"Ni Ni, congratulations."

After leaving Wei Jin's office, Zhou Dongyu and Dou Xiao spoke up to congratulate her.

Xu Laoguai's films might not compare to Zhang Yimou's in terms of influence, but the box office for *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate* was heading toward 1 billion.

Added to the attitude Wei Jin had displayed, Ni Ni's future development was bright, which made the two of them quite envious.

"Oh, it's just an audition; I don't know if I'll get it yet."

Ni Ni found it hard to respond to this, so she could only be humble.

Although the three of them came from the same mentor, their actual relationship wasn't very close.

Plus, with the teacher's favoritism, Ni Ni could feel the small emotions of Zhou Dongyu and Dou Xiao, so naturally, it was hard to say much.

She immediately found a suitable excuse and said:

"You all go back first; I'm going to report to Director Zhang's side."

Zhou Dongyu and Dou Xiao exchanged a glance, also understanding what this junior sister meant.

"Alright, then we'll go first. Goodbye."

"Mm, goodbye."

Watching the two leave, Ni Ni let out a sigh of relief; at this moment, she felt completely dizzy.

Although she had spoken lightly just now, she hadn't expected Wei Jin to be so generous, giving her Xu Laoguai's film right off the bat.

Although it was said to be an audition, since Wei Jin had spoken, the matter was set in stone.

However, she knew this was for Zhang Yimou's sake; otherwise, with how many artists Starry Sky Culture had, why would they give it to her?

But the teacher's face would eventually be used up; how should she grasp her subsequent resources? At this moment, she suddenly wanted to take a shortcut—the feeling of winning while lying down was just too great.

Wei Jin didn't know Ni Ni's thoughts, but if he did, he would only tell her she was naive.

The company had spent 10 million to buy out her contract this time; if they didn't give her resources later, how would they make money?

But if she really couldn't be cultivated, "repaying with her body" would also be a decent method.

Ordering his secretary to brew two more cups of tea, Wei Jin asked a question.

"Director Zhang, you came over today—are you planning to start work?"

"Mm, coming up empty-handed at the Golden Globe Awards, it's time to start a new project."

Wei Jin found it hard to respond to Zhang Yimou's words; the news of *The Flowers of War* failing at the Golden Globe Awards had already spread throughout the industry.

And since the Golden Globe Awards served as a bellwether for the Oscar, it meant the chances of *The Flowers of War* making an impact at the Oscars were slim to none.

Counting it up, this was already Zhang Yimou's eighth attempt at the Oscars; he was truly persistent.

But since a worker was so dedicated, Wei Jin was happy to oblige.

"Alright then, Director Zhang, are you considering a commercial film or an art-house film?"

"An art-house film, I suppose. Ning Hao has already gone to Berlin, and I also want to go to the Cannes Film Festival for a turn, haha."

Since winning the Golden Bear in 1988 with *Red Sorghum* and the Golden Lion in 1992 with *Ju Dou*, Zhang Yimou had always dreamed of collecting the top prizes of the European Big Three.

After all, the honor of the European Three Major Film Festivals Grand Slam had only been achieved by four people in the whole world; it could be called the supreme honor in the film industry, even more scarce than the Oscars.

It was just that scripts had always been his weakness, and he had never been able to fulfill his wish.

Now that he had joined Shanhe Media, he naturally had to make good use of the resources; after all, the quality of Wei Jin's scripts was renowned in the industry.

Additionally, in terms of commercial box office, it was hard for him to catch up to Wei Jin's achievements, so it was better to continue deep-plowing in the field of art-house films.

Of course, he wouldn't refuse if there was a suitable commercial film script.

"Alright, since Director Zhang has an idea, I naturally support it. Wait a moment."

After saying this, Wei Jin stood up and went to a wall safe, picking out a few scripts.

Zhang Yimou, watching Wei Jin's actions from the side, was a bit stunned.

"President Wei, this... is it safe to keep scripts here?"

Hearing this, Wei Jin laughed directly, instantly remembering Ning Hao's initial reaction—it was exactly the same. He had to say, great directors really cared enough about their scripts.

"Haha, Director Zhang, you aren't the first to say that. Back then..."

After hearing the explanation, Zhang Yimou also smiled, but soon he shifted his attention to the scripts in Wei Jin's hands.

"Director Zhang, take a look at these scripts first."

To be honest, Wei Jin wanted Zhang Yimou to start with commercial films, but since the latter wanted to continue chasing awards, he had no objections.

After all, art-house films were what Zhang Yimou excelled at; provided the budget was managed well, they would definitely be highly profitable.

However, aiming for the Cannes Palme d'Or is truly no easy task.

Just thinking about how, over all these years, only Wei Jin and Chen Shiren from the country have taken home the Palme d'Or grand prize, one can see just how high its value is.

Even back then, the reason Wei Jin was able to win the Palme d'Or was not without the persistent meddling of Wong Kar-wai.

The few scripts Wei Jin provided this time, while all art-house films, don't really have many that suit the Cannes taste; after all, the stock in his brain is limited too.

"The Distinguished Citizen", "Black Coal, Thin Ice", "Hidden in the Dust", "Shoplifters". Zhang Yimou picked up "Shoplifters" first, and just like that, he read for ten minutes or so.

"This script, it's not about things in our country, is it?"

"Great eye, Director Zhang."

Wei Jin gave a thumbs up, "This is adapted from a true event in Japan; I made some adjustments and localization, and it should be one of the films in my mind that best suits the Cannes taste."

Zhang Yimou nodded; he liked this script very much, and it did indeed fit the Cannes aesthetic, but it didn't quite match his style, so he still needed to ponder it carefully, otherwise, it would be a pearl covered in dust.

Afterward, he picked up the remaining few scripts, reading each one for nearly ten minutes.

He had to admit, Wei Jin's scripts were truly formidable.

In the end, Zhang Yimou clutched "Hidden in the Dust" in his hand; this was the one that best fit his style.

"Let's go with this script; I'll take it back to ponder for a while."

Wei Jin nodded; he had guessed that Zhang Yimou would like this script—aren't the Fifth Generation Directors just good at these paths? "Alright, Director Zhang, no need to rush; spend the New Year well with your family, good things don't come from haste."

Zhang Yimou nodded; art-house films are different from commercial films, and he didn't consider himself to have Wei Jin's efficiency, so he would rather thoroughly digest the script first.

"Good."

(End of this chapter)