Chapter 467: Project Announcement: The Assistant's New Attempt

North America, Beverly Hills.

After the matters regarding *Edge of Tomorrow* were finalized, Wei Jin's life in North America stepped onto the right track.

Today is the day the private doctor from the Mayo Clinic makes a house call to perform a prenatal check-up for Da Meiyuan.

It is worth mentioning that, for the sake of caution, Wei Jin specifically did not invite Professor Roosevelt, the family doctor who had been in charge previously.

After all, Li Jie's "reverse aging" was already surprising enough; if another one came along that was even more exaggerated, Wei Jin was truly worried about being taken away for dissection.

Fortunately, there are enough obstetricians at the Mayo Clinic, and not every one of them likes to get to the bottom of things.

The female doctor who came this time, Jenny, did not care much about this issue; perhaps in her view, indicators like biological age are too heavily influenced by external factors to be accurate.

At this moment, this female doctor in her early forties with a head of blonde hair is holding the report, explaining the situation to Wei Jin in detail, and giving instructions on some precautions during pregnancy.

Although he had already been through that experience with Li Jie and was no longer a novice, everyone's physical condition is different, so he still listened very carefully.

About half an hour later, Wei Jin saw the medical team off and went to the second floor with the report.

Seeing that Da Meiyuan was on the phone, he did not interrupt, but quietly sat down beside her, vaguely hearing some of the content.

Before long, Gao Yuanyuan hung up the phone, her gaze falling on the documents in Wei Jin's hands.

"Don't worry, Yuan Yuanjie, the doctor said that you and the baby are both very healthy."

Wei Jin stroked Da Meiyuan's belly with one hand while sharing some of the doctor's instructions with her, then felt a bit curious.

"Yuan Yuanjie, was that Yu Shijie on the phone just now? She isn't asleep yet this late?"

"Mm, she is still filming; she only just finished work."

"Hm? Still that *The Great Southward Migration*? Filming for so long?"

Ever since that matchmaking in 2008, the best-friend relationship between Da Meiyuan and Yu Feihong had progressed further, making them close friends who talked about everything, and Wei Jin usually knew a little about the movements of this Beijing Film Academy senior.

As far as he knew, this project was approved at the end of last year and started filming in February this year; for a TV series of less than 30 episodes, how long had they been filming?

"Mm, she said the crew's filming hasn't been very smooth. Looking at the photos she sent, she has lost so much weight she looks unrecognizable, but it's finally almost wrapped up. She said she would come over to keep me company then."

Wei Jin nodded; not every crew is like the team at Shanhe Media, with such thorough preparation in the early stages. Sometimes, when unexpected situations arise, it can delay quite a bit of progress.

He then remarked with some emotion: "Yuan Yuanjie, you said Yu Shijie is already forty, right? She has been single all these years, and there is no one around to care for her."

Da Meiyuan rolled her eyes at Wei Jin upon hearing this: "What? You want to offer some warmth? Aren't the young girls enough for you to mess around with?"

This remark left Wei Jin unable to laugh or cry, and he reached out to pinch Da Meiyuan's slightly rounded, pretty face.

"Good grief, my Yuan Yuanjie, what are you thinking about in that little head of yours all day?"

It must be said, the thought process of a pregnant woman is truly explosive.

Back in the country, Ye Ning, Zhang Wei, and their entourage had just walked out of the airport when they were intercepted by the media.

"President Ye, is this trip to Hollywood for a new movie?"

"President Ye, besides China Film Group and Wanda, who exactly are the other investors?"

"President Ye, is it a co-production?"

"President Ye..."

A huge crowd of reporters, a barrage of questions, and rows of microphones were almost shoved into Ye Ning's mouth.

Seeing this formation, the staff accompanying Ye Ning and Zhang Wei immediately pushed the reporters aside to make space.

"I can tell everyone that we are indeed in Hollywood to discuss a movie project. In a few days, the news will be announced to the public."

Both Ye Ning and Zhang Wei felt that it was better to leave this opportunity to be in the spotlight to Han Sanping.

But the reporters were clearly unsatisfied, still surrounding them, hoping to get first-hand information.

Zhang Wei and Ye Ning managed to break free from the media's encirclement with great difficulty and went their separate ways.

Yet, before either of them had even returned to their respective offices, the news had already spread throughout the industry.

"Wanda confirms that this trip to Hollywood is for a new movie collaboration."

"China Film Group and Wanda Pictures confirm collaboration on a new movie."

"Specific details of the project are unknown."

Arriving in North America, Wei Jin had intended to invite Matt and Leon to get together, as they hadn't seen each other for a long time.

Unexpectedly, the first call he made started off poorly; Matt was in Las Vegas filming a movie, a biopic titled *Behind the Candelabra*.

However, listening to Matt's description, Wei Jin felt a bit worried, as this was a movie about homosexuality.

"Matt, after you finish filming, remember to see a psychologist. I don't want your orientation to have changed the next time I see you."

"Oh~~ Wei, are you underestimating the strength of a Berlin Film Festival Best Actor? I not only get into character quickly, but I also get out of it quickly. By the way, Wei, my good brother, the director Steven said this movie will participate in next year's Cannes Film Festival. I have a strong premonition that I might win a big award this time. When that happens, I must treat Leon to a good meal, hahaha..."

Wei Jin shook his head while listening; the drama of these two loving and killing each other was truly too interesting.

"Alright, Wei, I won't talk to you anymore. The filming here is about to start. Let's get together properly next time you come over."

"Alright then, Matt. I should be staying in North America for a few months at the end of the year, let's meet up then."

"Wait... you're staying in North America for a few months? Do you have a new movie? An awards-contender?"

"Yes, but unfortunately, Matt, this is a female-led script, so..."

"Phew, that's good then. Leon won't have a chance, hahaha..."

This remark left Wei Jin unable to laugh or cry. After hanging up, he called Leon.

Unexpectedly, Leon was also filming, and in Geneva at that, for a comedy titled *The Wolf of Wall Street*.

Over the phone, Wei Jin began to tease him.

"Leon, you've been a bit too diligent these past two years. *The Great Gatsby*, *Django Unchained*, *The Wolf of Wall Street*—that's three whole movies. Do you even have time to date those Victoria's Secret models?"

"Oh, Wei, time management is an important course. Next time we meet, I think we can discuss it properly. Speaking of which, we haven't seen each other for over two years. Where is the script you promised me?"

"Hey, brother, don't be anxious. It's already in the works. Once I refine the script, I'll let you know."

In fact, ever since he promised Leon at the Oscars the year before last, Wei Jin had kept it in mind.

"Really? I'm looking forward to it. By the way, don't tell Matt about this; he's very busy." "Hahaha."

Hearing this, Wei Jin thought of Matt's phone call just now and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Rest assured, I keep my word; if you don't want it, I'll consider him."

"Then it's a deal."

"Good."

Back home, the new projects from China Film Group and Wanda continued to attract attention.

Everyone in the industry was guessing that this was likely a co-production, because with the success of *Pacific Rim* as a precedent, co-productions were the mainstream.

It was just that no one expected China Film Group's efficiency to be so high; they really submitted the project in just two days, and the complete information was published on China Film Group's official website.

"Record Name: *Edge of Tomorrow*; Project Type: China-US co-produced sci-fi disaster film;

Project Investment: 170 million USD; Director: Doug Liman; Screenwriter: Wei Jin; Lead Actor: Tom Cruise;

Producers: China Film Group, Shanhe Media, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, Wanda Pictures."

Published along with it were the investment shares held by the five major producers.

Once the news broke, the industry was in an uproar.

It was the same familiar formula, the same familiar taste; it was the same five major producers as *Pacific Rim*, and the same script by Wei Jin.

The difference was the 170 million USD, a larger production budget; the addition of Tom Cruise and the direction of Doug Liman made for an even stronger lineup.

What did this mean? It meant the final results were highly likely to surpass *Pacific Rim*; this temptation was too great.

You have to know, Tom Cruise is known as the highest-grossing man in the world; having him basically meant the risk had been reduced to the extreme, and such a project was absolutely a top-tier project.

Production companies in the industry were green with envy and began taking action through various means.

At this moment, Ren Zhonglun and Yu Pangzi were in a bit of a bind; they had previously felt the project was unreliable, but now they were thinking about how to get on board.

And just as excited as the production companies were the stars and artists in the industry.

After all, co-productions would definitely have Chinese actors participating; even if it wasn't a high-quality role, the opportunity to act alongside a top Hollywood superstar was too rare!

North America, Beverly Hills.

Wei Jin lay lazily in the bathtub, feeling the attentive service of his assistant Huang Mengying while answering a call from Old Wang.

In fact, this call from Old Wang was not the first transoceanic call Wei Jin had received.

Since China Film Group announced the project, Emperor Motion Pictures, Shanghai Film Group, Huayi, Bona, Western Film Group, and even Stellar Mega and Orange Sky had all called.

For the other companies, Wei Jin had brushed them off with the excuse that "shares are non-transferable," but facing Wang Changtian's appeal to their relationship, he pondered for a moment before laying it all out clearly.

"Brother Wang, at the celebration banquet earlier, what Director Ren said had some truth, but it didn't have much significance. Looking at the past, what conditions can domestic production companies get when participating in Hollywood projects? I believe you know clearly; in the vast majority of cases, it's just participating in the domestic box office split, at best getting the Asian box office split. But the few projects I've initiated have all been about global box office splits. How many companies do you think are qualified for that?

So it's really not that I don't want to bring you along, but if I do, and you can't bring any counter-value resources to the negotiation, you'll only be targeted, which would instead put our Chinese side at a disadvantage overall. It's too unwise."

Wang Changtian on the other end of the line was silent; although Wei Jin's words were a bit harsh, they were the truth.

China Film Group has theater chains and holds the power over imported films, while Wanda owns the number one theater chain in the country and the number two in North America, providing huge support for the project. Hollywood investors recognize this strength and are willing to share the global box office.

But what do the other production companies have? Just passion? All they can offer is nothing more than a premium.

But you have to know, in a mature film industry, money is just the lowest-level resource.

After realizing this, Wang Changtian had no more thoughts about the co-production project, and after chatting for a while longer, he hung up the phone.

Wei Jin also believed that after this incident, Old Wang probably wouldn't try to get any ideas about future co-productions.

At this time, Huang Mengying, who had been working hard beneath him for a long time, took the opportunity to rest and looked up to ask.

"Boss, I've also received inquiries from quite a few artists on the work phone. I followed your instructions and ignored them, but wasn't it said that the roles were already decided? Why not announce them together?"

Huang Mengying's slightly flushed face held confusion; it felt like her boss was teasing people's appetites, just like an Aquaman teasing a simp.

However, in Huang Mengying's view, this made no sense; if her boss wanted to, he could even be a groom every night.

As for those female stars seeking advancement, they wouldn't even need to be fished; as long as he opened a gap, they would all pounce on him, even if the boss hadn't cast any bait, or was even using a straight hook.

Looking at Huang Mengying, whose complexion was white with a rosy glow and whose eyes were full of charm, a playful look appeared on the corner of Wei Jin's mouth.

"Meng Ying, you can ask questions, but don't stop."

Noticing her boss's gaze landing on her chest, Huang Mengying understood in a second, reached out to cup her breasts, and leaned down.

It was a pity that some things really required talent; although Huang Mengying was okay, barely a C-cup, she was clearly struggling a bit with the operation.

After several attempts, Huang Mengying looked frustrated.

"Boss, I can't do it well."

Reaching out to touch the handful of softness, Wei Jin nodded.

"Alright, this is indeed a bit difficult for you, let's leave it at that for now; it's time for a midnight snack anyway."

Upon hearing this, Huang Mengying slowly turned around and raised her beautiful buttocks high.

Wei Jin stood up, knelt in the bathtub, and pressed forward against her.

"Oh~~ Boss~~~"

While feeling the warm tightness, Wei Jin slapped her perky buttocks and explained, "Not announcing it for now is the intention of Han Dong from China Film Group; he wants to take this opportunity to hype up the buzz a bit more."

To be honest, although Wei Jin felt Han Sanping's idea was unnecessary, he could understand it.

If you throw out all your trump cards at once, wouldn't the buzz fade away? Previously, *Inception* and *Pacific Rim* were both like this, and even many domestic film and television projects were the same.

For example, Zhang Dahu was the most skilled at hype; almost every casting decision would explode with a large amount of news to attract the audience's attention.

After all, it was a 170 million USD investment; no amount of promotion or hype would be too much.

However, at this moment, Huang Mengying clearly no longer cared about this issue; her pretty face was flushed, covered in fine beads of sweat, and it was unclear whether it was caused by the misty steam or because this game of cards had come too quickly.

Above the snow-white, round, and plump, bouncy perky buttocks,... (End of chapter)