Chapter 509: Face Remains, Country Remains: Educating Nazha
Comrade Wei Jin came in a hurry and left in a hurry; the weekend had just ended, and he boarded a plane back to his hometown.
Liu Yifei also seized this day to begin recording for *Flowers and Youth*.
Meanwhile, in the film market, the first-week results for several newly released films were out, and the landscape of the New Year Slot was basically set.
*The Guillotines* had been in theaters for four days, with a box office of only over 34 million, making it absolutely hopeless to recoup its costs.
*The Last Tycoon* was no better; after the first three-day weekend, it reported a box office of 46 million, which could be called a bloodbath of a loss.
The dedicated Huang Xiaoming had completely collapsed, and some netizens had even labeled him a "box office poison."
By comparison, Big Brother Cheng Long could be described as being at the height of his success.
*Chinese Zodiac*, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, broke 100 million in box office in just its first two days, making him the center of attention for a time.
However, Huayi Brothers might be feeling a bit uncomfortable.
When they signed the agreement with the theater chains back then, they had chosen *Back to 1942*.
Who would have thought that this film, fully produced by Huayi itself, would be pulled from theaters at just 268 million, failing to even touch the 300 million threshold.
On the contrary, *Chinese Zodiac*, which they co-produced, was sweeping everything before it and might even climb the ladder to 800 million.
At this moment, many people in the industry were watching Huayi Brothers make a fool of themselves.
And due to the diversion of audiences by the three films, the momentum of *Dixing Yinxing* was also curbed, with a total box office of 389 million in its third week.
Although it remained the undisputed hegemon of the New Year Slot, compared to the previous week, the drop exceeded 40%.
As of now, *Dixing Yinxing* had been in theaters for 17 days, with a cumulative Mainland China box office of 1.296 billion.
With at least two weeks left before the film was pulled from theaters, even looking at the current daily revenue of 40 million, breaking the record of *Pacific Rim* was a foregone conclusion.
In addition, the overseas box office situation was also quite good.
Despite the sniping from *The Hobbit*, it still raked in 262 million USD over the week, firmly holding onto the title of global weekly box office champion.
With this, the global box office of *Dixing Yinxing* reached 854 million USD, leaving only the final push to the 100 million journey.
"President Wei, the script for *Battle of Changsha* is out. Daylight Entertainment is asking if we need to arrange any roles."
Not long after Wei Jin returned to the company, Jiang Xuerou walked in with a stack of documents.
"Let me look at the script first."
As he spoke, Wei Jin took the script and began to flip through it; about a few minutes later, he closed the documents.
"Which roles are available currently?"
"Except for the male lead, the others haven't been decided yet. President Hou's meaning is that we can decide the female lead directly; as for the rest, they need to be recommended for auditions."
When Jiang Xuerou said this, her eyes were a bit unfocused; her boss's preferences had already spread within the industry. Anyway, no matter what the script was like, keeping the female lead for themselves was definitely the right move.
"Then who is set for the male lead?"
Wei Jin didn't catch the meaning of his female subordinate and asked casually.
"Huo Jianhua from Taiwan."
"Hmm? Letting an idol drama actor act in a war drama? Is that Hou Hongliang's idea?"
"That's not it. I heard that the actor's agency wanted him to transition, so they took the initiative to reach out. Director Kong Sheng also thought highly of him, so it was decided."
"Is that so?" Wei Jin's furrowed brows relaxed slightly.
Honestly, he didn't have any opinions about Huo Jianhua; he just didn't have a very good impression of his woman, but at this moment, there was nothing between the two of them yet.
Besides, *Battle of Changsha* was not a drama controlled by his own company after all, so there was no need to show too much desire for control. This was their first collaboration, and it wouldn't be good to scare people away.
Of course, more importantly, the internal evaluation of this drama in the company was very average, so there was no need to spend too much effort on it.
"Alright then, for the female lead, let Yang Zi take it."
This girl had joined the company for half a year, and he hadn't given her any resources yet. Having owed quite a bit of money from buying stocks previously, it was time to consider it.
"Good, I will arrange it right away."
Jiang Xuerou had just intended to leave when she seemed to remember something else.
"By the way, President Wei, the post-production for *Boss & Me* and *The Best of Us* is all done. When should you organize the screening?"
"Hmm, after the New Year. With the end of the year approaching, the major TV stations don't have much profit to spare; let the pig grow a bit fatter first."
Jiang Xuerou found it interesting upon hearing this and covered her mouth to smile.
"Understood, President Wei."
Wei Jin didn't expect that Yang Zi was quite thoughtful; after receiving the notice of the company's job transfer the next day, she specifically came to his office to thank him.
Following along with her was the little girl Nazha.
"Brother, Xiao Zi said she wants to treat you to a meal."
Listening to Nazha's crisp voice and looking at Yang Zi, who had a high ponytail and appeared cheerful and sunny, Wei Jin couldn't help but laugh or cry.
"I'm your boss, isn't it normal to arrange resources? You still want to treat me to a meal for this?"
"That, President Wei, I just want to thank you."
Yang Zi had always had a straightforward personality, but after being told this by Wei Jin, she also reacted.
The boss wasn't Zhang Yishan, whom she could treat as a good brother; the people who wanted to treat him to a meal could probably circle the Beijing Film Academy.
"It's fine. Professionally, you work for me and I give you resources; this is an equivalent exchange. Personally, you are my junior schoolmate, so it's only right to take care of you. Put more effort into this drama and film it well."
Honestly, Wei Jin had a good impression of Yang Zi. Although she wasn't particularly beautiful, she had strong affinity, which could be considered a talent for an artist.
This girl had very upright values; when she was still in school, she dared to stand up against "backstabbing" online, which was truly full of personality.
Moreover, having debuted for many years, she hadn't caused any trouble. It was hard not to have a good impression of such a person.
"President Wei, don't worry, I will work hard and definitely won't let you down."
Yang Zi debuted as a child star and had deep feelings about how deep the waters of the entertainment industry were; back then, her role in *Home with Kids* was snatched by a wealthy investor's daughter.
Being able to meet a boss like Wei Jin who was willing to take care of people, she was very moved, so she said this with a feeling of being willing to die for someone who truly understands her.
"Hmm, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Also, when we are in private, call me Senior Brother." "Alright, Senior Brother."
Yang Zi followed the suggestion, then shifted her gaze between Wei Jin and Nazha, and said with great tact, "Then, Senior Brother, I'll head back to school first."
"Mm, go ahead."
Once Yang Zi left, Nazha had no more reservations; she sat directly on Wei Jin's lap, wrapped her hands around the man's neck, and a layer of mist welled up in her large eyes.
Wei Jin's hands wandered over the girl, "How did you two end up together?"
"Brother, Xiao Zi is my junior schoolmate; we have a very good relationship."
Feeling the man's tenderness, Nazha bit her red lips lightly, her clear eyes full of foolishness.
"Don't I know you are alumni? I mean, aren't you preparing for your graduation play? How come you are participating in training at the company with her?"
In the entertainment industry, for someone like Nazha who has put all her talent into her looks, it is indeed not easy to achieve success in acting.
After all, what the audience notices first is their faces.
Whether it is Jing Tian or Liu Yifei, their acting talent is actually quite average; it's fine when they encounter roles that fit them, but they are basically lost when there is a contrast in personality.
They either rely on temporary acting teachers on set, or they rely on the director to polish them shot by shot.
After all, as long as enough opportunities are given, there will always be one or two shots that flash with brilliance and meet the requirements.
However, these two young girls have aspirations; over the years, through stage play performances, practical training, and self-improvement, they have made great progress.
As for Nazha, she never had the idea of becoming an acting powerhouse; she only wanted to be beautiful as a flower and be a good little sister to her brother.
Especially after Wei Jin indicated that her acting range was too narrow, this idea became even more firm.
Therefore, Wei Jin was truly a bit surprised that this girl actually ran to the company for acting training; after all, she is a player whose status depends on her face.
"The class monitor said that I have the most fame in our class, and if I want to be the lead in the big play but can't carry it, he won't let me graduate."
Speaking of this, Nazha was a bit unhappy, her little mouth pouting high, but Wei Jin laughed; the methods of the Beijing Film Academy teachers are still so simple and crude.
"So you ran to the company to find Teacher Liu Tianchi to sharpen your spear at the last minute?"
"Mm~~ but..."
As she spoke, Nazha's slender jade fingers moved downward, biting her red lips, her eyes charming like silk, whispering close to Wei Jin's ear: "Brother, I'd rather sharpen yours."
Hearing this, the corners of Wei Jin's mouth hooked upward: "Hmph, you little vixen, I'll feed you full today."
Winters in the north have heating, so indoors, the young girl wasn't wearing much, and Wei Jin reached out and lifted her knit sweater slightly.
After a round of caressing through her steaming camisole, Wei Jin's hand reached behind her back and gave a light pinch, and that touch of youthful, fair softness had nowhere to hide.
The flawless, warm, and fragrant jade seemed to emit an alluring scent, making Wei Jin unable to resist lowering his head to kiss her.
"Mm~~ Brother~"
Nazha tilted her head back, her hands circling Wei Jin's neck, biting her red lips, her face flushed crimson.
Perhaps it was because she hadn't eaten meat for too long, or perhaps Wei Jin's tongue skills were too strong, but after only two or three minutes, the young girl couldn't hold back and actually took the initiative to gently push him away.
"Brother, it's my turn."
Spinning and jumping, she closed her eyes, every movement gentle and warm.
"Hiss~~~ Nazha is getting better and better; should Brother find an opportunity to introduce you to a good sister?"
"That young girl, you might even know her; she's also your fellow countrywoman from Xiyu."
Seeing Nazha not speaking, Wei Jin reached out to stroke the girl's exquisite cheeks, continuing to probe.
The thought of having the North Xinjiang Twin Pearls both submit beneath him had long existed, but Nazha was, after all, a 20-year-old girl and a bit of a romantic fool; Wei Jin didn't want her to have any resistant thoughts.
Nazha's pretty face flushed red as she slowly let go of Wei Jin, looked up and rolled her eyes at him, coquettishly saying: "Brother, am I not beautiful?"
"How could that be? North of the Yangtze River, Nazha is the most beautiful."
Wei Jin reached out to grasp her proud breasts, giving an answer with practical action.
"Then why do you have to bring up other women at a time like this?"
"Silly, I'm just afraid you can't handle it, right? Besides, playing with three people is so much fun."
"Really?"
Foolishness flashed once again in Nazha's clear eyes, but then she tilted her head and proudly stated: "Brother, my body is very good; which time wasn't it you who admitted defeat?"
"."
Oh my, Wei Jin felt his temper rising; he was actually mocked by a 20-year-old girl, could this be tolerated? "Nazha, usually Brother lets you win, but today, I will let you know my power."
As the sound of applause started on the scene, the great director Wei Jin's training of the young actress Nazha officially began. A ray of sunlight passed through the floor-to-ceiling glass of the second Golden House, reflecting into the large bedroom, waking Wei Jin up.
Feeling the weight pressing on his arm, Wei Jin turned his head to look at the woman beside him, only to see Nazha in deep sleep, her face bare, yet unable to hide her natural beauty.
Looking up slightly, Wei Jin saw the mess on the floor and couldn't help but smile.
In order to train Nazha, from afternoon until evening, Wei Jin had been in the office, relentlessly teaching her a lesson for two hours without a moment's rest.
Who would have thought this young girl had such a stubborn temperament and actually refused to admit defeat? Could Wei Jin tolerate this? So he immediately brought her to the Golden House, and after dinner, taught her a lesson for several full hours; by the end, the girl's voice was almost hoarse from shouting.
As expected, after deep communication and education, Nazha finally knew Wei Jin's power and obediently accepted the request to play together.
As for Rouba, she had already been severely trained on the plane that day, so presumably, there wouldn't be much of a problem.
Next, it was just a matter of choosing a suitable time to pick these North Xinjiang Twin Pearls together.
"I can follow behind you~~ like a shadow chasing the light in a dream~~ I can wait at this intersection~~ no matter if you pass by or not."
Just as he was fantasizing about the taste of the North Xinjiang Twin Pearls joining forces, the sound of Jing Tian's singing suddenly rang out from the phone, giving Wei Jin a big fright.
Looking at the caller ID, Wei Jin frowned slightly.
"What's the matter so early in the morning?"
After muttering a bit, Wei Jin answered the phone, but he didn't expect something even more surprising; through the phone, he actually heard crying. (End of chapter)
End of Chapter
