Chapter 63: An Unprecedented Grand Premiere

On December 2nd, the premiere of *Painted Skin* was officially held; this time, the location chosen was the Great Hall.

Before 4 o'clock, a crowd of reporters was already packed into the red carpet photo area and interview zone. On both sides of the red carpet, fans were already densely packed, craning their necks in anticipation. There was no other reason: the number of stars attending today was simply too high.

One could see stars and artists from all walks of life spending a great deal of time dressing themselves up, styling their hair, and wearing haute couture, walking elegantly and slowly along the red carpet. They posed in various ways for the media's camera flashes. Some female stars were even more eager to grab attention, wearing revealing outfits that novels wouldn't dare describe, while having to cover themselves with one hand—afraid that the losers would see, yet also afraid that the big shots wouldn't.

Wei Jin had no heart to pay attention to the vanity on the red carpet. When the time reached 6 o'clock, many colleagues from the industry had already arrived at the venue one after another.

Huayi Brothers had no films screening during this New Year Slot, so they were under no pressure and congratulated Wei Jin with smiles on their faces.

As investors, Wang Changtian and Yu Dong could also be considered half-hosts, and they were busy greeting guests everywhere. Looking at them, it seemed as if the box office had already become a massive hit.

Companies based in Beijing that had previous business dealings, such as Hairun and Rongxinda, naturally would not be absent. What Wei Jin didn't expect was that Miss Cai from Tangren had also made a special trip from Shanghai.

Miss Cai had come this time to seek cooperation. Tangren had always been looking for a breakthrough in the film direction, and since they had managed to collaborate with Wei Jin a few times and had a bit of a connection, she naturally had to seize the opportunity.

Numerous stars and artists were also chatting within their respective circles; whether for collaboration or exchanging resources, this was the best occasion. Of course, many also hoped to gain Wei Jin's favor, but they simply couldn't squeeze into the circle around him.

Lu Zheng from Starlight Splendid also brought Jing Tian. It was the young girl's first time attending a major entertainment industry event, and she looked at the various stars with curiosity. If not for Lu Zheng reminding her to mind her image, the girl would probably have been running around asking for autographs by now.

At this moment, Wei Jin was chatting with President Yang from Emperor Group, President Fu, the person in charge of Yindu Institution, and President Han from China Film Group.

"President Yang, President Fu, I'll leave the distribution in Hong Kong to the two of you."

"President Wei is too polite. Everything has already been arranged in Hong Kong; there will absolutely be no problems with the screening schedule."

President Fu of Yindu Institution was very magnanimous; he considered his distribution capability in Hong Kong to be number one.

"That's right, President Wei. Although this is our first time working together, I am very much looking forward to future collaborations. This time, just watch the sincerity of Emperor Group."

President Yang of Emperor Group was also full of confidence, which showed that everything had been properly arranged in Hong Kong.

"Rest assured, Wei Jin, these two have quite a lot of influence in Hong Kong."

The investment for the film *Painted Skin* was quite large, and the various investors had decided to release it simultaneously in Hong Kong.

In the middle of last month, during the few days Wei Jin helped Jing Tian record songs, China Film Group held a screening. Emperor Group and Yindu Institution had participated back then and were responsible for the distribution matters in Hong Kong.

Also participating in the screening were film distributors from all over the world. These were the connections Wei Jin had accumulated previously in Berlin. However, the offers from overseas distributors were generally not very high, so Wei Jin planned to sell the overseas rights after the official release.

As the time drew near, staff members came to notify that the premiere was about to begin, and the various big shots and stars took their seats one after another.

A host wearing a long black dress walked onto the stage with a figure that was quite explosive. Only then did Wei Jin realize that today's host was actually Liu Yan.

Liu Yan had participated in the *Catman Super Charm Hosting Show* held by Enlight Media this year and officially signed with them after winning seventh place.

However, she had already served as a host at several television stations before, so an occasion like today was not a major challenge for her, though she was still a bit nervous looking at the many big shots in the audience.

After adjusting herself and delivering an opening introduction, Liu Yan invited the opening guest, Zhang Jingying, to sing the theme song, *Painted Heart*.

Today, Zhang Jingying was also dressed very dazzlingly in a snow-white, half-tube-top long dress, appearing elegant, solemn, and beautiful.

As the music started, the ethereal voice and the sorrowful melody intertwined. The entire venue seemed to be moved by this mournful and lingering song. Zhang Jingying was even more intoxicated; seeing the audience immersed in her singing, her heart was filled with excitement.

After the song ended, Zhang Jingying bowed to exit, and Liu Yan continued to invite the film's main creators onto the stage.

Wei Jin led the main creators onto the stage and stood in the center, with Ceng Li and Zhou Xun standing on his left and right respectively. Chen Kun and Zhen Zidan stood on the sides, and Huang Bai stood at the very edge. The group talked about stories from the film's production, and the media interviewed them one after another.

"Director Wei, may I ask why you chose Zhou Xun as the lead?"

"I think Zhou Xun's acting is excellent; the Xiao Wei she portrays is very vivid."

"Director Wei, how does it feel to work with Zhen Zidan?" Zhen Zidan had been exposed for being a "drama bully" while filming *Dragon Tiger Gate* a while ago; this media outlet had malicious intentions.

"Zidan is a very good actor, very professional, and he cooperated with my work very well on set."

Wei Jin did not give the media room to maneuver. Regardless of how Zhen Zidan was, exposing it would affect the reputation of *Painted Skin*.

Zhen Zidan, standing to the side, was also somewhat moved upon hearing this; recently, the media seemed to be hounding him.

"Director Wei, are you and Ceng Li really dating?"

"This is the premiere of *Painted Skin*; I don't want to answer unrelated questions."

"Director Wei, how much do you think the film's box office will reach?"

"I naturally hope the higher the better. I also hope to take back the box office record that has been occupied by foreign films for seven years."

Once Wei Jin said this, the entire venue erupted. A box office record of 360 million—was he really that confident?

"President Wei, what if the box office is not that satisfactory?"

"Then we'll try again. I am still young, Huaxia filmmakers are still young, and the Huaxia film market is still young."

Wei Jin ended the interview with a very inspiring statement. As the lights gradually dimmed, the film officially began screening.

After a familiar sound, the Dragon Mark flashed by, and the story unfolded.

Nearly two hours later, the film came to a close, and thunderous applause erupted in the venue. Many media members only truly believed at this moment that the film's investment might have really reached 100 million. There was no other reason: the special effects were simply too shocking; it was truly burning production budget in every frame.

"Xiaogang, what do you think?"

Wang of Huayi looked at Feng Dapao beside him. Although they were not competitors for this time slot, they would clash sooner or later.

"This kid's filming technique is improving. The plot's development is very coordinated, and the special effects are also done very well. There has been no such precedent in the country. Even Xu Laoguai, who is known as the special effects fanatic, is a notch below. It is worthy of being top-tier Hollywood technology."

Currently, domestic special effects technology was indeed very backward. Most film special effects were sent to South Korea for production because it was cheap.

A small portion went to North America for production, but due to being unfamiliar with the place and not knowing how many times it was outsourced, they never touched top-tier special effects teams. Therefore, the quality of many so-called special effects blockbusters was simply hard to describe.

"Then how much do you think the box office will be?"

"Hard to say. I can't get a read on this kid..."

After being slapped in the face several times, Feng Dapao did not dare to make judgments easily.

"It was truly too shocking. Uncle Lu, Brother Wei Jin is really amazing. I must appear in his movies in the future."

Jing Tian, sitting in the audience, was also full of satisfaction after watching the film; it was indeed a visual feast.

"Yes, Tian Tian, there will definitely be opportunities. Hone your acting skills well. I believe that as long as there is a role suitable for you, Wei Jin will never forget you."

Lu Zheng realized that Jing Tian still carried weight in Wei Jin's heart, so it shouldn't be a big problem.

"Yes, I will work hard."

Jing Tian said with a determined look and even waved her little fist. She had been studying acting according to Wei Jin's instructions all along.

As the guests and media left one after another, the premiere came to an end. Wei Jin had a premonition that with the release of this film, his own era of film was about to arrive. New book is out, three updates today, thank you all for your support!

(End of chapter)