Chapter 583: The End of an Era: Following Precedents

Since "Witch," Lin Chao-xian has become the third big director in Hong Kong to enter the 500 million club, following Chen Musheng and Zhou Xingxing.

Therefore, the theater chains gave "Unbeatable" great respect, with an average first-day screening share as high as 28%.

It is a pity that the early promotion for this film did not seem to be done very well, so the first-day box office only reported 24.6 million.

This result does not look too bad, but compared to the production cost of over 150 million, there is clearly pressure to break even.

However, the film's word-of-mouth online is quite good, with an Yinxiang Net rating as high as 7.8.

But there are not many reports about this film, because all the entertainment headlines were given to "About Time" and Guo Fan.

"Jointly produced by Shanhe Media and Enlight, and directed by director Guo Fan, 'About Time' has exceeded 500 million in total box office after 15 days of release, reporting 503 million!"

"'About Time' single-day box office has dropped to around 15 million, with two weeks left until it leaves theaters, 600 million is in sight!"

"."

Another 500 million box office club director in the circle has been born! And it is still a director from Shanhe Media.

Counting them up, Shanhe Media's director lineup is becoming increasingly luxurious.

The reaction from Beijing Film Academy was even faster than Shanhe Media; before the company could even issue a congratulatory post, the school's official website had already pinned the news.

"Warmly congratulate our school's outstanding graduate Guo Fan for directing 'About Time', which has successfully broken through to 500 million in box office."

A large number of stars and artists in the circle also began to offer various congratulations on Weibo, what a lively scene.

Wei Jin also received a call from Wang Changtian; this guy was so happy, having secured a 20% share for 10 million, he could be called full to the brim with profit.

Especially since Enlight's stock price has also soared significantly with the warming of the stock market during this period, Old Wang's net worth has increased by at least 30%, so he must have had a few extra drinks.

After a bout of boasting, the topic Old Wang brought up next was something Wei Jin had not expected.

"Brother, you mean, President Cao from New Classics wants to invite me to dinner?"

"Yes, the cooperation on 'The Patriot Yue Fei' this time was very pleasant, and Old Cao also wants to thank you."

"Hehe, Brother Wang, there is no need for thanks; I only joined because of your face and the subject matter of Yue Fei."

The refusal in Wei Jin's words was very obvious; Cao Hua-yi inviting him to dinner is fake, it is likely more about wanting to establish a connection with him and seek cooperation.

It is a pity that Wei Jin cannot even be bothered to pay attention to Huayi Brothers, let alone a small Beijing Circle faction like Cao Huayi's. The so-called "those with different Daos do not plan together" is nothing more than this.

Wei Jin did not expect that after just refusing the dinner invitation from New Classics' Cao Huayi yesterday, someone else would actually call to invite him to dinner, and it was Han Sanping.

"Hmm? Han Dong, inviting me to dinner? The small auditorium?"

Wei Jin thought he had misheard and asked again.

Because the small auditorium at China Film Group is different from the small cafeteria; the former is specifically for external hospitality, while the latter is where Wei Jin often goes to cadge a meal.

Choosing the small auditorium should mean something major, but it couldn't be that Old Han is leaving now? "Yes, that's right, the small auditorium, inviting you all to dinner."

Han Sanping's slightly complex tone made Wei Jin have some guesses in his heart, and he couldn't help but ask, "Han Dong, who are these 'you all'?"

"You, Ye Ning, Wang Changtian, just the three of you."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin secretly said to himself, "As expected."

Shanhe, Wanda, Enlight, and China Film Group—these four companies are almost the core partners that have cooperated long-term in recent years.

This is not a dinner; this is likely a handover of power.

"Han Dong, has there been a decision from above?"

"Hehe, your brain really turns fast, kid. That's right, you have already met the person, but..."

Wei Jin naturally understood the meaning left unsaid; the Chairman of China Film Group cannot sit firmly just by changing a person; connections, resources, and circles all need to be handed over.

So he nodded immediately, "Okay, I will be there on time."

"Hmm, then see you tomorrow."

Hanging up the phone, Wei Jin sighed; the era belonging to Zuoshandiao had completely ended. The next morning, Wei Jin went to China Film Group as promised.

Just as he arrived, he saw Ye Ning and Wang Changtian chatting in the parking area; they actually hadn't gone in yet.

"What are you two doing?"

"Hey, brother, Han Dong said he was inviting us to dinner, but you are the core, haha."

Wang Changtian's explanation had no flaws, and Wei Jin nodded with a smile.

"Alright, then let's go together. What were you talking about just now?"

"Oh, we were talking to President Wang about the new leader. It's a bit unexpected; this person seems very low-key, and I don't know how they got the position."

Ye Ning explained; it was clear he already knew the successor was the former La Vice Chairman, but Wei Jin was not surprised by this.

Although there are many vice chairmen at China Film Group, and according to the rules, the official document will not be announced until the beginning of next year, Old Wang and Ye Ning are both heads of top companies in the circle and clearly have their own channels.

"President Ye, this person used to be the Vice President of the Import and Export Branch of China Film Group, responsible for overseas copyright matters. Later, when they became Vice Chairman, they also served as the General Manager of the co-production company."

"Logically speaking, Brother Wei's several co-productions should have been their responsibility, but they were all handled by Han Dong. Perhaps the relationship between the two..."

Wang Changtian stopped at the point, then lowered his voice and asked, "Brother, do you think this person is easy to deal with?"

"After contact in North America, it felt okay. But now that the position is different, it's hard to say."

Hearing this, Wang Changtian and Ye Ning both nodded. The so-called "where you sit determines how you think"; there are plenty of people who change their temperament completely once they gain power.

"Alright, let's not guess anymore; we should be able to see them at noon."

"Hmm, that makes sense."

The evaluation of Han Sanping in the circle can be described as mixed.

Some think he is a legend of Huaxia cinema, while others think he is too overbearing, hence the title of Zuoshandiao.

But it is undeniable that Han Sanping has made an indelible contribution to promoting the development of the Huaxia film industry.

It was just that when Wei Jin walked into Han Sanping's office again after a few months, he suddenly felt a bit sad.

The office was still the same office, but it lacked many books and ornaments.

Those must all be Han Sanping's own things, right? Is he already starting to clear the space?

"It's actually quite good. Retiring at my age, I can still do some things I like. After so many years, I had forgotten that I also have the status of a director and Producer. If I have ideas in the future, I'll have to come to you all to beg for funds, hahaha."

Seeming to have discerned the emotions in Wei Jin's eyes, Han Sanping cracked a joke after personally brewing tea for the group, his usual overbearing aura seemingly having receded quite a bit.

"Of course, Chairman Han is a 400-million-director, don't forget about us when the time comes, haha."

Before Wei Jin could speak, Wang Changtian teased with a smile; those who were older and had seen more of such things were simply different. "Right, Chairman Han, how many tables are you planning to set up then?"

After Ye Ning chimed in, he began to joke as well.

"The scene advocates diligence and thrift, it's better not to be extravagant and wasteful, just set up a few tables casually."

"I'm just afraid that too many people will show up uninvited, and there won't be enough seats, haha."

After the group chatted like old friends for a while, Han Sanping began to talk about serious business.

"After the National Day, I will officially step back to the second line, and future work will be handed over to the new chairman. As for the candidate, you should all know by now, it is La Peikang.

At noon, he will come over, and you can all get to know each other then, especially you, Wei Jin. Although you have met before, you haven't truly collaborated yet. I hope that in the future, you will support him just as you have supported me."

Hearing these words, Wei Jin's emotions were somewhat complex; even though Han Sanping was about to retire, he was still considering China Film Group as always.

Wang Changtian and Ye Ning, however, could very well understand the thoughts of Han Sanping, or rather, La Peikang.

The collaboration between Wei Jin and China Film Group had already been going on for a full ten years, starting from their first dealings on *Buried*.

Excluding a limited number of works, almost the vast majority of Shanhe Media's projects had the participation of China Film Group, and not a single co-production had been left out.

From an industry perspective, China Film Group and Shanhe Media were deeply bound together.

But Wang Changtian and Ye Ning both knew clearly that rather than saying the two companies were deeply bound, it was better to say that Han Sanping and Wei Jin had a very good relationship.

Because for many projects, whether China Film Group was involved or not actually made little difference; Wei Jin was entirely just looking out for Han Sanping's feelings.

What was even more critical was that the projects led by Shanhe Media were truly profitable.

If the incoming Chairman La did not want China Film Group's performance to decline, then maintaining the relationship with Wei Jin was absolutely necessary.

Even Enlighten and Wanda could only be considered as side dishes.

"Chairman Han, I can't make a statement right now, let's wait and see. However, *Operation Mekong* will not change."

How to deal with the new head of China Film Group was something Wei Jin still needed to observe further, but this project was a birthday gift promised to Han Sanping in advance and would not be affected.

"Good."

Han Sanping also understood that when suddenly changing a partner, everyone had to observe the other's style of doing things first; this collaboration could also be considered as creating an opportunity for everyone.

"By the way, President Wei, what is the situation with this *Operation Mekong*? Can a mainstream theme really be done?"

Just as Ye Ning finished speaking, Wang Changtian and Han Sanping also cast inquiring gazes.

One had to know that mainstream themes had previously been linked to mission films and had never had good results.

Even films like *The Founding of a Republic* and *Aftershock* had relied on administrative power to achieve a leap in box office.

It was just that Wei Jin had always been creating miracles, and Wang Changtian and Han Sanping chose to believe in him, but that did not mean they had no doubts.

Regarding this, Wei Jin did not mind; it was only human nature, so he began to explain:

"The three of you, first we must clarify a concept: mainstream theme is not a genre, it is just a label; there is no need to overly demonize it.

As long as it is not the kind of film that just preaches empty logic and shouts empty slogans, in essence, it is still a commercial film.

In other words, do you think elements like cross-border pursuit, cross-border conflict, and hunting down drug traffickers can attract the audience's attention?"

"Of course."

Wei Jin spread his hands: "Isn't that it? Not to mention the gimmick of being adapted from a real major case, the audience will definitely love to see it.

In addition, I have prepared quite a few big scenes and grand formations this time, and it will also be filmed in 3D and IMAX giant screen versions. I dare not say it will surpass *Gravity*, but the box office will definitely start at 1 billion."

Hearing this, everyone on the scene felt confident; Wei Jin never shot without a target, and there had never been a box office result he called out that wasn't realized.

"Then what is the budget this time?"

This question from Han Sanping could be considered as asking what everyone was most concerned about.

"The detailed budget is 240 million; we can discuss the specifics another day."

"Good."

Everyone had no objections; today was indeed not the time to discuss business.

For the whole morning, Wei Jin and the others drank tea, chatted, and reminisced in Han Sanping's office.

It wasn't until nearly noon that the secretary came to knock on the door, indicating that the small auditorium was ready, and the group then left the office.

Seeing La Peikang again, Wei Jin felt that his temperament had changed somewhat, being a bit less scholarly and a bit more sharp than before.

If one had to describe it, it was somewhat like a combination of Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun.

However, seeing Wei Jin and the others, Chairman La still immediately put on a smile and invited everyone to take their seats.

After some pleasantries, La Peikang went straight to the point.

"Speaking of which, our four parties have maintained a cooperative relationship for a long time, and they are all high-quality projects; we have never lost money. I, for one, hope to continue the cooperation established by Chairman Han.

There is a saying that goes well: follow the established rules; how things were done when Chairman Han was here will not change in the future. Especially for the projects of President Wei's company, the support from China Film Group and myself will only increase, not decrease."

La Peikang's words had a sense of differential treatment, but Wang Changtian and Ye Ning had no objections—who told Wei Jin to be so capable? In fact, this straightforward statement from La Peikang greatly increased their favor, including Wei Jin's.

He never worried that La Peikang wouldn't understand the situation, but rather that this person had stayed in the system for too long and would speak in circles, leaving things vague.

But now it seemed that the worry was superfluous.

"Hmm, Chairman La said it well. China Film Group's performance in recent years has been very good, and Wei Jin has contributed to it. However, professional people do professional things; Wei Jin's achievements in film are obvious to all, and what China Film Group needs to do is to provide protection from behind."

Han Sanping's words sounded like he was praising Wei Jin, but in reality, he was giving La Peikang a preventive shot.

He knew very well Wei Jin's desire for control over projects; he still remembered clearly how Bona fell behind.

However, this face-to-face operation made Wei Jin feel a bit embarrassed, and he immediately waved his hands: "Chairman Han, you are killing me with kindness. I am still young and still need guidance from experienced leaders like Chairman La."

"How about that, I told you, this kid is slippery. You'll know in the future, haha."

"Chairman Han has eyes like torches, haha."

Looking at the smiles on the faces of the two old fogies, Wei Jin was stunned; so they were singing a double act for him, putting on a show?

However, after this bit of banter, the atmosphere at the table was much better, and La Peikang drank with Wei Jin and the others without any airs at all.

The meal, which took the time of a Kung Fu Hustle, was truly a delight for both host and guest.

The new head of China Film Group could also be considered to have barely integrated into Wei Jin's core circle.

As for the future, we shall see about that slowly. (End of chapter)