Chapter 455: Borrowing Chen Xi for a While? Meeting Da Meiyuan's Parents

The Suspect X was about to start filming, and Wei Jin met with the creative team in the company conference room.

"Director Wu Ershan, how long is the expected shooting schedule this time?"

"President Wei, according to the shooting plan, it should be about 3 months, but as you know, I'm not particularly skilled with this kind of drama, so there might be some discrepancies."

As Wu Ershan spoke, he scratched his head, which had a remarkably high hairline, clearly feeling a bit embarrassed, because if a director cannot control the shooting time, they are actually somewhat unqualified.

However, Wei Jin was very understanding about this; after all, everyone has moments of inspiration, and the actors' performances are also very important, so he really couldn't be too demanding regarding the shooting progress, and immediately spoke up to comfort him, telling him not to feel pressured.

Afterwards, Wei Jin started a conversation with Han Jianv.

"This is your first time working independently as a Producer, and the pre-production preparations were done quite well, but the situation will be much more complicated after joining the crew. I hope you perform well so that I have a reason to argue with your old man."

Han Jianv's expression turned serious; she patted her not-so-broad chest and immediately made a statement.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother. Sister Chen Xi has already taught me a lot, and I will communicate in a timely manner if there are any problems, so I won't let Han catch me in any traps."

Han Jianv knew very well that if it weren't for Wei Jin speaking up, she would have been thrown into another crew by her own father to work as an assistant director two or three months ago.

Although many people saw this as a very good resume, she really didn't like it.

So this time, she was determined to show her talent in production and leave Han with nothing to say.

After communicating with the director and producer, Wei Jin talked with several actors for a while, but when it was Pan Yueming's turn, he always felt that the actor had something to say but held back.

However, Wei Jin didn't take it to heart; after seeing the crew off, he returned to his office and opened his computer to search for relevant information.

With the meeting with Da Meiyuan's parents imminent, Wei Jin hoped to leave a good impression, or at least be able to keep the conversation going so it wouldn't be awkward after meeting, so he prepared to cater to their interests.

According to Da Meiyuan's description, her father was immersed in Peking Opera and liked to sing a few lines whenever he was free.

Honestly, this touched upon a blind spot in Wei Jin's knowledge; in his past and present lives, he had never been interested in this thing known as the "national quintessence of Huaxia."

But for the sake of Da Meiyuan, or rather for himself, Wei Jin felt he could still spend some effort cramming.

Wei Jin naturally prioritized learning the pieces Gao's father particularly liked: Dingjun Mountain, Empty Fort Strategy, Farewell My Concubine, and Mu Guiying Takes Command.

He didn't intend to let go of other classic repertoires like The Beauty of Xi Shi, Legend of the White Snake, and The Concubine Is Intoxicated.

Wei Jin was confident that with his super memory, by the time he met the old man in two days, he wouldn't dare say he was an expert, but chatting with him for a few sentences shouldn't be a problem.

As for Gao's mother, her interests were simpler: just tending to flowers and plants and watching TV dramas; there was no need to spend too much effort on that.

While Wei Jin was burying himself in his studies, Wu Ershan took the crew to the airport.

The media was quite attentive to the movements of the "billion-dollar director," and reports were already out while the group was still in the air.

"Produced by Shanhe Media, China Film Group, and Wanda Pictures, directed by billion-dollar director Wu Ershan, and adapted from Keigo Higashino's bestselling mystery novel, the suspense film The Suspect X crew headed to Harbin Province today and is expected to start filming soon."

"Fan Bingbing, Wang Kai, Pan Yueming, and other actors appeared at the airport, looking spirited."

At the same time, in the film market, Zhou Xun's The Silent War was released.

With the support of a Golden Horse Best Actress and a Best Actor, as well as the original work and production team, the cinema chains were relatively optimistic, generally giving it a screening share of over 20%, which was considered quite good treatment among Hong Kong films.

Plus, Zhou Xun had a great personality and a good reputation in the industry, so many acquaintances in the entertainment circle helped promote it, and even many artists from Starry Sky Culture posted on Weibo to help recommend it.

Under the influence of various external forces, the first-day box office for The Silent War reached 21.7 million, which was quite good for a pure Hong Kong film.

For a time, it seemed as if the Hong Kong Circle was doing well again, and related articles and reports were flying everywhere.

Although the Summer Slot was considered a popular period and the daily box office ceiling was quite high, other films were still inevitably affected.

Storm bore the brunt, dropping directly from over 10 million a day to less than 8 million, a daily decline of over 30%.

Currently in its 15th day of release, the box office had already exceeded 258 million; breaking 300 million was no problem, but achieving better results was likely impossible.

As for the film The Four from Enlight, it was even worse; the box office had struggled to reach 248 million, but the daily box office was cut to under a million.

However, despite this, Enlight was quite satisfied; after all, there were still the last two days of the weekend, so breaking 250 million was a sure thing, and invitations for the celebration banquet had already been sent throughout the industry.

On the other hand, the animated film Ice Age 4 was not affected at all, raking in over 200 million in box office in one week, becoming the undisputed hegemon of August.

After all, except for Pacific Rim, the trend of other films compared to Ice Age 4 was not even in the same league.

According to industry estimates, the final box office for this animated film might even exceed 500 million, which was truly terrifying.

Even Ning Hao couldn't help but sigh on the phone.

"This movie for kids is really something; 500 million! How many 500-million directors are there in the country? Even an animated film is beating us; who can you reason with about this?"

Wei Jin knew that Ning Hao wasn't targeting Ice Age 4, but rather felt insecure because the results of the 200 Million Club had been shrinking over the years, so he offered some comfort.

"Senior Brother, this is normal. The tracks are different, so they can't be lumped together. After all, when a kid watches a movie, don't they have to bring one or two adults or even more? It's only right that it has this box office. But don't worry, when A Cool Fish is released, the results definitely won't be worse than this."

"I do believe that."

Ning Hao was very sharp in his judgment of scripts; currently, the domestic box office ceiling was constantly rising, and with the brilliance of A Cool Fish, 500 million was definitely not the end point.

"By the way, Senior Brother, how did those actors feel after the auditions?"

Speaking of this, Ning Hao perked up.

"Hey, Junior Brother, you really are amazing. These people each have their own unique skills; not only do they fit the roles, but they are also damn cheap. It's such a great deal!"

"Heh, as long as you're satisfied."

Wei Jin smiled and skipped over the topic.

"Senior Brother, the pre-production is almost done, right? When do you plan to start filming?"

"Yeah, I called today to talk to you about this. The start date is set for ten days from now, but I want to borrow Chen Xi from you."

"Hmm?"

Wei Jin was stunned. What happened to the husband-and-wife team? "Senior Brother, you wouldn't be..."

"Hi, what are you thinking? Didn't the child get sick before? Now the weather is hot, and with the air conditioning blowing all the time, Na Jie is afraid that if we are both away, what if something happens..."

The filming location for A Cool Fish was in Qiannan, which was remote and far away; if something really happened, it would take a day or two just to rush back. Xing Aina's consideration was not unreasonable, so Wei Jin nodded and said, "Alright, Senior Brother, I will notify Chen Xi to hand over her work to Na Jie." "Haha, good."

On Sunday, Gao Yuanyuan took Wei Jin, and Wei Jin brought gifts, heading to the aerospace family compound where Da Meiyuan's parents lived in Yun'gang, Fengtai, on the outskirts of Beijing.

It was clear that Gao Yuanyuan was very popular there; after entering the residential area, elderly people out for a walk kept greeting her, and there was even an old woman who gave a motherly smile after seeing Wei Jin.

"Yuanyuan, are you bringing your husband home? The young man is so handsome; your parents are going to be overjoyed..."

"Yes, yes, the young man is a perfect match for Yuanyuan, a great pair!"

"."

It was fortunate that this was an old residential complex with few residents; otherwise, Gao Yuanyuan and Wei Jin might not have even been able to make it up the stairs.

Arriving before the door, Wei Jin began to take deep breaths, while Gao Yuanyuan at his side took out the key with one hand to open the door, and with the other, she squeezed the man's hand, as if to cheer him on.

As the door slowly opened, Wei Jin felt as if he saw flashing swords and shadows. "Mom, Dad, I'm back, this is Wei Jin."

The moment Gao Yuanyuan finished speaking, Wei Jin felt two gazes fixed upon him, and he hurriedly squeezed out a smile.

"Hello, Uncle and Auntie, I am Wei Jin, Yuan Yuanjie's boyfriend. Actually, I should have come to visit you two long ago, but I have been busy with work and was negligent."

While speaking, Wei Jin was also sizing up Gao's father and mother; the former had graying hair combed into a slicked-back style, and a pair of eyes that were bright and piercing, putting a lot of pressure on him.

The latter was somewhat thin and small, and looked quite aged, but her expression was very kind.

"Little Wei, don't be nervous, come over and sit."

Gao's mother pointed to the sofa opposite, greeting Wei Jin to take a seat, then looked at her husband, "Old Gao, Yuanyuan, you two go to the kitchen and get busy first; I'll chat with Little Wei. By the way, Little Wei, you don't have any dietary restrictions, right?"

Wei Jin hurriedly stood up, "No, none at all. Or perhaps I should do it; my cooking is decent, or I could help Uncle out."

"Enough, you just sit here. If you want to show off, wait until you pass this hurdle first."

Regarding the bluntness of Gao's father's tone, Wei Jin had long been mentally prepared and didn't mind at all. On the contrary, Da Meiyuan, unable to bear seeing her man suffer a grievance, tugged on her old father's arm and shook it, acting as if she were coquettishly pleading: "Dad~~ we had an agreement."

"Alright, alright, you only know how to favor outsiders. Watch your step."

"Mm, I knew Dad loves me the most."

Watching the father and daughter turn into the kitchen, Gao's mother then looked at Wei Jin.

"Little Wei, don't mind him. Your uncle just has a mind that hasn't quite turned the corner yet; he's not usually like this."

"Auntie, what are you saying? It was my fault to begin with. I've been with Yuan Yuanjie for so long and haven't come to visit you two; I deserve to be scolded."

Gao's mother was quite satisfied with Wei Jin's attitude, and then she became a bit curious.

"Little Wei, I heard from Yuanyuan that you two have been together for almost four years?"

As soon as Wei Jin heard this, he knew that Gao Yuanyuan regarded the National Day of 2008 as the day they committed to each other for life, so he nodded busily.

"Yes, we confirmed our relationship on Yuan Yuanjie's 29th birthday, but we actually met quite early, back then..."

Listening to Wei Jin talk about the story of their acquaintance, Gao's mother nodded from time to time.

In fact, she had already learned many things from her daughter, but hearing Wei Jin tell it now, she felt it was from another perspective.

Moreover, from Wei Jin's narration, Gao's mother could also see whether this man truly cherished her daughter.

After chatting for about half an hour, Gao's mother had her answer.

"Little Wei, you and Yuanyuan are both adults, and you are both in the entertainment industry with your own ideas. As for when exactly you get married, just follow your own plans. Auntie won't rush you, but I hope you won't let Yuanyuan down. Can you do that?"

"Auntie, rest assured, I promise, in this life, I will absolutely never let Yuan Yuanjie and the child in her belly suffer the slightest grievance!"

After settling the mother-in-law, the subsequent matters fell into place naturally. Wei Jin took the initiative to go to the kitchen to help, showing off his skillful techniques.

Although a man who can cook doesn't necessarily mean he is a good man, it at least counts as a plus, especially since Wei Jin was a big boss with a net worth of ten billion (in Gao's father's perception). With his posture lowered to this extent, Gao's father didn't have much to say.

Plus, Wei Jin had done his homework in advance, and taking advantage of the time spent cooking, he asked Gao's father for advice on Peking Opera, which really scratched the old man's itch.

One was fawning and the other was fond of playing the teacher; the atmosphere suddenly became harmonious. The two chatted from the kitchen all the way to the dining table, getting more and more excited as they talked.

Gao Yuanyuan and Gao's mother had also been deeply influenced by Gao's father's Peking Opera cells over the years, and occasionally chimed in.

The four people at the table truly had the feeling of a happy family.

Two hours later, Gao Yuanyuan and Wei Jin returned to Yanjiao Villa, and she finally couldn't help but ask.

"Little Jin, how do you know so much? I've been listening to my dad talk about it for over a decade, and I feel like I can't keep up a lot of the time."

Wei Jin reached out and wrapped his arm around Da Meiyuan's lower back, gently pulling her forward, and her exquisite, peerless, and beautiful face was within reach.

"Yuan Yuanjie, as long as you are willing to put in the Kung Fu Hustle to learn, this stuff is actually quite simple."

Wei Jin wasn't showing off; Peking Opera, as a form of artistic performance, has a certain degree of similarity to stage plays and dramas.

Although Wei Jin hadn't dabbled in it before, with his accumulation in film over these years and his understanding of performance, as well as his cramming of relevant repertoire over the past two days, simply handling a night of conversation was entirely doable.

"Then what did you and my dad talk about in the study later?"

"Uncle said that if I treat you and the child badly in the future, he will break my legs, and if he can't do it, he'll have your brother do it; in any case, he won't let me have an easy time."

"Pfft."

Da Meiyuan giggled, "Then you'd better treat me well in the future; I don't want the child's father to be a cripple."

Wei Jin gently cupped the beauty's exquisite face with both hands and immediately expressed his loyalty.

"Of course, I will never give them the chance. Yuan Yuanjie, believe me, I will do my best to give you and the child the best."

"Mm, I believe you. Little Jin, kiss me."

Looking at the beauty's flower-like face and her beautiful eyes filled with deep affection, Wei Jin kissed her gently. (End of chapter)