Chapter 389

It was just a week until the Spring Festival, and red lanterns could be seen everywhere on the streets, the festive atmosphere growing stronger by the day.

The rehearsals for the Spring Festival Gala had reached their final stage, and it was worth mentioning that Qiao Zhenyu, a non-professional singer from Shanhe Media, had actually received an invitation from the gala's production team.

The song "Not a Hero," which had become a nationwide hit this year, would be his performance piece at the Spring Festival Gala.

At the box office, "Mojin: The Lost Legend" had reaped the benefits of its final weekend, continued its run, and reported box office earnings of 1.046 billion yuan.

Overseas box office revenue was in line with industry expectations, reporting over 67 million US dollars.

At the same time, the Spring Festival film season was entering its final promotional push, with "Once Again" being no exception.

Wei Jin did not participate in the film's promotion, but he directly invested thirty million yuan in publicity funds—comparable to the entire film's production cost—after all, it was his woman's movie.

So online, the marketing was everywhere, and at obvious high-traffic spots like bus stops and subway entrances, Liu Yifei's exquisite face could be seen constantly.

Now, the young actress and the main creative team were running all over the country.

Aside from Shanhe Media's production of "I Am a Singer," Hui Province Satellite TV's "Very Close Distance," Fiber Optic's "Entertainment Live" and "Best Live," and Mango TV's "Happy Camp" and "Tian Tian Xiang Shang"—almost all of China's top variety shows—had been arranged.

Wei Jin arranged everything that could be arranged, directly maximizing the film's exposure.

Adding to that, Wei Jin's years of accumulated influence, combined with Liu Yifei's massive popularity built over the years, and the lingering heat from Huang Mengying, the female lead of "Mojin: The Lost Legend,"

"Once Again" had become the most anticipated film of this Spring Festival for everyone.

The success of "Mojin: The Lost Legend" naturally called for a celebration banquet.

However, with the year-end approaching, Huayi was busy with its annual meeting, so this time, Wei Jin did not hold a grand celebration.

He simply found a place with authentic flavor and good privacy—a private restaurant—for everyone to celebrate.

One large private room, with five full tables, was already quite lively and warm.

But Wei Jin hadn't expected that Pan Yueming would actually bring his wife, Miss Dong.

After a round of polite greetings, everyone took their seats.

Before the meal began, Wei Jin signaled Assistant Huang Mengying to distribute the red envelopes prepared in advance to everyone.

From the director, producer, actor Li Dazui, Xia Yu, Pan Yueming, Wan Qian, and others, down to the crew staff, everyone received a red envelope.

"Thank you, Mr. Wei."

"Mr. Wei is so generous."

The rising and falling cheers made the atmosphere of the celebration banquet even more joyful.

Then came the toast session; since Wei Jin abstained from alcohol, he raised a glass of juice in return.

Everyone also understood—bosses always have some privileges—so the core of the drinking table shifted to Wu Ershan and the main cast.

Pan Yueming performed bravely today, accepting nearly every toast, raising his cup frequently, to the point that Chen Xi beside him couldn't help but advise:

"Old Pan, drink a little less."

The two had met through the TV series "The Magistrate" in 2005, and after five or six years, they had become very good friends.

"Producer Chen, the film's success made him happy, so drinking is fine—just leave him be."

Miss Dong interjected with a remark, unexpectedly drawing Chen Xi's displeasure.

"What do you mean by coming here today?"

"Producer Chen, I am his wife—attending the celebration banquet is only natural, isn't it?"

"Don't think I don't know."

"Alright, Producer Chen, stop talking."

Pan Yueming lowered his voice, gave a reminder, and then turned to look at Miss Dong.

"I hope you keep your promise and let me see the child on the weekend."

"Fine, I won't go back on my word—let me see the red envelope."

Miss Dong showed no courtesy, directly snatching the red envelope from Pan Yueming's hand.

The envelope felt light in her hand, but Miss Dong understood well—this kind of red envelope is better the lighter it is.

Opening it, she found, as expected, a check—but the amount made her heart skip.

"Really generous."

Although she didn't know what others received, Pan Yueming, as a lead actor, getting a 500,000 yuan check suggested the other actors weren't far off, and the director and producer were likely even more generously rewarded.

After these few tables today, it's probably going to be several million, or even tens of millions, right?

Thinking this, Miss Dong's thoughts became increasingly lively—and indeed, as she had guessed, for this red envelope distribution, Wei Jin was extremely generous, after all, he had earned too much.

"Mojin: The Lost Legend" completed its 1 billion yuan box office bet, earning a 46% share, with domestic box office alone reaching 440 million yuan.

The overseas box office share also reached as high as 27 million US dollars.

Adding overseas copyright revenue of 22 million US dollars, plus income from pre-roll and embedded advertisements, total revenue reached as high as 770 million yuan.

After deducting production and publicity costs, net profit approached 500 million yuan! Even after deducting Huayi's premium investment, Shanhe Media's net profit still approached 450 million yuan.

So how could Wei Jin possibly be stingy? He directly took out ten million yuan as red envelopes for the crew.

Of course, Wu Ershan's share was the largest—four million yuan.

The reason for this was also Wei Jin's psychological compensation.

Unlike studio-contracted directors who have investment shares in their projects, Wu Ershan, Lu Yang, Guo Fan, and others are personally contracted directors, receiving only base salary and project fees.

So for their films, Wei Jin compensates them through red envelopes.

Looking at the people present, after secretly pulling out a red envelope and glancing at it, the joy on his face and the admiring gazes directed at him made Wei Jin quite pleased.

But not drinking alcohol and only drinking juice really made him feel a bit suffocated, so Wei Jin left his seat to go to the restroom.

After relieving himself, Wei Jin felt refreshed throughout his body; just as he stepped out of the restroom, he caught a whiff of fragrance, and upon looking up, saw it was her.

"Mr. Wei, thank you for giving Yueming the opportunity, and thank you for your big red envelope."

Miss Dong had drunk quite a bit tonight; at this moment, her fair skin was slightly flushed, paired with the carefully chosen light-colored, form-fitting V-neck long dress, she resembled a ripe honey peach.

"Miss Dong, there's no need to be polite."

Wei Jin exchanged pleasantries, but he realized the distance between himself and this woman had already crossed a line, so he instinctively pulled back a little.

In a melon field under a plum tree, he didn't want to stir up any big scandal.

Noticing Wei Jin's small movement, Miss Dong didn't mind at all; her face even showed admiration.

"Mr. Wei, I'm your loyal film fan. I love every movie of yours. Look, my phone is full of your movie ticket stubs."

While speaking, Miss Dong pulled out her phone and pointed it at Wei Jin, as if to prove she wasn't lying.

"Haha, really, thank you, Miss Dong, for your support."

While speaking, Wei Jin grabbed a piece of paper and dried his hands. "Miss Dong, please make yourself at home. I'll head back first."

"Mr. Wei, let's go together."

Miss Dong quickly followed up. "Mr. Wei, I'm also an actress. If you ever need someone, please keep me in mind."

Wei Jin nodded as he walked toward the private room.

"If the chance comes, I'll consider it." "Then I don't know, Mr. Wei, do you have time tonight? I have some performance doubts and would like to ask for your advice."

Miss Dong wore a serious expression, completely that of a diligent and eager actress—exactly how one should react when meeting an internationally renowned director.

"Sorry, Miss Dong, another day."

After saying that, Wei Jin walked into the private room, leaving Miss Dong standing at the door, somewhat dazed.

She asked herself whether her earlier hint had been obvious enough. She hadn't expected this playboy Wei Jin to not take the bait. "Or maybe today really just wasn't meant to be?"

Miss Dong comforted herself, not believing there existed a man who wouldn't cheat—especially when someone else's wife was delivered right to his door.

Besides, this man hadn't even left his contact information. How would she ever arrange to meet him again? After all, in the entertainment industry, many want to cling to Wei Jin, but few ever get the chance to actually approach him.

After all, ordinary actors are simply too far below Wei Jin's level.

This time, she had struggled hard to find this opportunity and attend this celebration banquet.

It's a pity Miss Dong feels regret, and Wei Jin also feels regret.

To be honest, Miss Dong was once, in Wei Jin's past life, the white moonlight in his heart.

Whether it was her role as the Spring Festival Gala bride working with the Film Emperor Xie, or her portrayal of Leng Qingqiu in *The Patriot Yue Fei*, both were stunningly beautiful.

Wei Jin had paid considerable attention to her in his past life, and precisely because he had noticed her, he understood her qualities very well—so he could only politely decline.

Essentially, this woman is a green tea bitch skilled at fishing for men! After *The Patriot Yue Fei* became a hit, Miss Dong signed with Wong Kar-wai's agency and became the second mainland artist to sign with Zhedong Film Industry, the first being Gong Li.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong to develop her career, Miss Dong quickly latched onto Liang Yingdi, a fellow agency artist and big-name film emperor, and the two often checked into hotels back-to-back.

Later, she was exposed by Hong Kong paparazzi, triggering Liu Jialing's blacklisting, which forced Miss Dong to return to mainland China for development.

Soon after, she latched onto Pan Yueming, the rising young male star of the mainland, and quickly entered the hall of marriage.

If the earlier events could still be explained by her being single, then what happened after marriage completely confirmed her reputation as a green tea bitch.

Not to mention her infidelity with King Da Zhi during marriage; after divorcing, she even sued first, ruining Pan Yueming's reputation entirely.

Even when Pan Yueming's father passed away, she wouldn't let her son go see his grandfather one last time—truly vicious to the extreme.

If nothing unexpected happens, Miss Dong and King Da Zhi are already tangled in an adulterous affair right now.

And yet she still wants to flirt with him? Dream on! After the banquet, Wei Jin rejected Wan Qian's invitation and ordered Zhu Wei to drive him to Xishan Villa.

This is one of his many villas, now serving as his secret meeting place with Liu Shishi.

This girl's role in *The Patriot Yue Fei* has already ended. Wei Jin had just received her WeChat during the banquet.

As soon as Wei Jin entered the room, he saw Liu Shishi, already bathed and changed, standing gracefully before him—like a young wife waiting for her husband to return home.

"Brother, you're back."

"Yeah, don't stand there—it's cold."

While speaking, Wei Jin hurried to close the door. In January, Beijing is freezing cold, and the girl was wearing only a silk spaghetti-strap pajama—she couldn't be allowed to freeze.

"Mm."

Touched by his concern, Liu Shishi felt happy inside. She casually helped him take off his coat, hung it on the coat rack by the entrance, took his hand, and walked toward the inner room.

After that, things just fell into place naturally.

Liu Shishi, who had been single for over two months, showed exceptional enthusiasm. Though her physical stamina wasn't strong, she still gritted her teeth and played poker with Wei Jin for over an hour.

Even though she was constantly being pressured, she didn't mind at all. After all, the final winner was her—didn't you see this man lose hundreds of millions? During rest, Liu Shishi lay limp on Wei Jin's chest, utterly boneless and listless.

After who knows how long, the girl came to her senses, wearing an angry expression.

"Brother, you said you'd come visit the set this time, but you lied again."

"Cough, Shishi, this isn't my fault—your crew doesn't allow set visits."

When Wei Jin said this, he felt a little guilty. The crew doesn't allow outside visitors, but he's an investor, so he doesn't count as an outsider.

"Besides, things were really busy before the New Year. Please forgive me this time? Next time, when you go to Hong Kong to film *Witch*, I'll definitely come, okay?"

While speaking, Wei Jin used his martial arts skills to grip the girl's full, upturned buttocks.

"I remember certain people saying they'd trick me into being a little dog."

Liu Shishi's face bore a playful expression, matching the lingering flush—fair skin with a rosy tint, lovely as a flower.

"Great, then I'll become a dog right now and lick you to death."

Wei Jin wouldn't be manipulated by the girl. Saying that, he moved toward her milky-white snow-like skin and fulfilled his promise.

"Mmm~~~ Brother, it's so itchy—hurry up and stop."

Wei Jin wouldn't pay attention. He just ate grapes on his own, making Liu Shishi tremble all over as a hint of flirtatious red climbed up her snowy swan neck.

Though the investment had just been completed, the girl had only just recovered. Wei Jin wouldn't indulge without limit. After a light punishment and strict warning, he held her in his arms and tweaked her nose.

"Hehehe, let's see if you dare again next time."

"Bad person, you just know how to bully me."

Regarding this way of interacting between lovers, Liu Shishi wore an expression of enjoyment, couldn't help but act cute and coquettish, and kept rubbing her forehead against Wei Jin's stubble.

After a while, Liu Shishi seemed to recall something.

"Brother, do you have time these days?"

"Huh? What's up?"

"It's like this, Tang Yan, you still remember, right? She's coming to Beijing these days, saying she wants to treat us to a meal."

"Sure, just let me know when the time comes."

It's just a small matter, Wei Jin naturally had no objection, and immediately recalled something.

"Shishi, I remember your contract with Tang Yan is for six years? It's about to expire, right?"

Saying this, Wei Jin felt a bit emotional, since meeting in 2006 until now, he has known Liu Shishi for almost six years already.

"Yeah, it expires next year, K Jie mentioned it once before, wanting to extend it to ten years, but I refused."

Liu Shishi pressed her body against Wei Jin's, nodded, and replied.

"Yeah, you've done well. When the contract expires, you should still open your own studio, that way you'll be freer."

Tang Yan's circle is too small; Liu Shishi there hardly gets any decent resources, and still has to work for others being exploited and squeezed, which is really unnecessary.

"Yeah, then brother, will you invest when the time comes?"

Wei Jin's face showed a smile, his hand gripping her buttocks slowly slid down.

"Of course, I want to invest now."

Liu Shishi seemed to think of the scene later, her legs involuntarily clenched, and she let out a coquettish sound.

"Bad person."

"Then Shishi, do you like it?"

"Yeah~~~"

That night, Liu Shishi again felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and happiness. (End of chapter)