Chapter 85: Premiere and Film Festival

At this moment, inside the screening hall, many industry insiders and celebrity artists had already gathered. Seeing Wei Jin, they came over one after another to greet him. There were also quite a few actresses secretly whispering about who the woman beside Wei Jin was, and consequently, their gazes toward Jiang Shuying were somewhat unkind.

Jiang Shuying naturally sensed this vague hostility; she held Wei Jin's arm even tighter, which actually allowed Wei Jin to experience a pair of vibrant, soft peaks.

"President Wei, for the North American project, I must thank you. Huayi Brothers appreciates it."

The one speaking was President Wang of Huayi. In the nearly half-year period, plus participating in the investment for the *Rescue Hurricane* project, Huayi Brothers had finally calmed the impact caused by Wang Jinhua's departure. Recently, there were even rumors that Zhou Xun and Deng Chao were about to join Huayi, and for a time, their prestige was actually even greater than before.

"President Wang is too polite. Our two companies have always cooperated very happily. Bingbing, don't you think so?"

Wei Jin looked at Fan Bingbing, who was standing to the side, his eyes somewhat playful.

"That goes without saying. I still have to thank President Wei for giving me this opportunity this time."

Fan Bingbing had a smile on her face, her beautiful eyes blinking.

Fan Bingbing had not told Huayi that she had already conquered Wei Jin; this time, appearing in the television series from Wei Jin's company, Huayi Brothers only assumed it was a normal cooperation between the two parties.

"How can mere artist cooperation be enough? Next time, let our two companies join forces to do a big project, President Wei?"

Huayi Brothers had wanted to cooperate with Wei Jin for a long time. Although most of Feng Dapao's projects made money, the efficiency was too low—unlike Wei Jin, who had three films this year alone, and that was not even counting the Hollywood projects.

"That is easy to discuss. Huayi has had quite a few big moves this year; I have been looking forward to Director Feng's *The Banquet* for a long time."

"Haha, it cannot compare to President Wei's grand scale—both cinema chains and films; industry peers are truly envious."

Seeing the two of them flattering each other, Fan Bingbing and Jiang Shuying, who were on the side, also sized each other up and began to compete in secret.

But the result was obvious: how could the novice Jiang Shuying be a match for the battle-hardened Fan Bingbing? Before long, she was defeated, her eyes flickering, not daring to look at the radiant Fan Bingbing.

Fan Bingbing, on the other hand, was like a victorious peacock, confident and dazzling.

Before long, the host stepped onto the stage. After a simple opening, they invited the cast and crew to share on stage; Wei Jin, as the screenwriter, was also invited along.

"May I ask Director Wei, how did you think of creating such a subject?"

"I think many people have experienced the troubles of the Spring Festival travel rush. I believe this kind of subject will resonate with the audience."

"May I ask Director Wei, your company frequently produces low-budget films. This does not seem to match your remarks at the press conference about pursuing Film Industrialization."

This reporter's question was somewhat sharp, and for a moment, everyone on stage looked at Wei Jin in unison.

"I believe that excellent low-budget films can cultivate the audience's viewing habits, so that later, big-budget films can achieve better box office results, thereby promoting the development of Film Industrialization."

Wei Jin's answer was watertight, and in fact, that was the case. Why do domestic low-budget comedy films frequently achieve high box office? It shows that the audience loves to watch them. If they come a few more times, the viewing habit is formed, and this is also a kind of promotion for the industry."

"May I ask Director Ning..."

Subsequently, the reporter asked others questions, and the cast and crew answered carefully, but all of them unanimously expressed their optimism about the box office.

The interview segment ended, and Wei Jin returned to his seat. As the lights dimmed, a familiar sound rang out, the Dragon Mark flashed by, and the film officially began screening. As the plot progressed, the sound of the audience's laughter rang out in the hall from time to time; Wei Jin knew this film was a success.

The industry companies that came to observe the ceremony looked at the audience's reaction with both envy and jealousy, knowing that Wei Jin was going to make money again.

The premiere ended. Wei Jin arranged for Jiang Shuying to leave, and under the watchful eyes of Zhu Wei, he entered the Golden House, where Fan Bingbing had long been waiting to be favored.

That night, Wei Jin enjoyed a different kind of pleasure; it seemed this woman was increasingly able to grasp a man's G-spot. April 29th, inside the venue of the Beijing College Student Film Festival.

"Old Wei, how many awards do you think we can take this time?" For this year's Beijing College Student Film Festival, *Painted Skin* received five nominations, including Best Director, Best Viewing Effect Award, Best Actor Award, Best Actress Award, and the Organizing Committee Award.

However, Wei Jin was not very optimistic; films with box office that were too high were usually not favored by the judges, and he did not know if it was deliberate to show that their aesthetic was different from the audience's.

However, considering his mentor's suggestion, and since there were no other urgent matters, Wei Jin decided to attend.

"I don't know how many awards *Painted Skin* can take, but you, Young Master Zhou, might have a big harvest today."

Wei Jin said teasingly. Zhou Xun also had a starring film shortlisted in this film festival, which was Director Chen Kexin's *Perhaps Love*. It was a musical, and it had almost no achievements at the box office, but the judges were very likely to fall for that.

"If that's true, then I'll take your auspicious words."

Zhou Xun was also very happy; both films were nominated for Best Actress, so her probability of winning was high. She then cared about her good friend.

"By the way, do you think Kun has a chance?"

Chen Kun, who was on the side, also pricked up his ears to hear Wei Jin's opinion.

"It's hard to say. In terms of performance depth alone, the tension of the performance of Wang Sheng in *Painted Skin* is still not enough."

Wei Jin said realistically. It was not that Chen Kun did not act well, but that the space the character left for him was only that much.

Hearing this, Chen Kun nodded unconsciously. He also knew that compared to the other shortlisted films, his performance depth was indeed a bit inferior.

It was the first time Ceng Li had attended such an occasion with Wei Jin. She had been sitting quietly beside Wei Jin with a smile on her face, watching the three of them chat. After a period of adjustment, she seemed to have basically walked out of the character.

"Lizi, you can barely hide that look in your eyes; you're almost drooling. Restrain yourself a bit."

Zhou Xun smiled and teased Ceng Li. The two of them got along well when they were in the crew, and she also knew about her relationship with Wei Jin.

"How could that be? I think you and Brother Kun are the ones with perfect rapport; good news is coming soon, right?"

Ceng Li naturally fought back. When she was in the crew, she discovered that Chen Kun seemed to have unusual feelings for Zhou Xun, but the relationship between the two seemed too close, which was inexplicably strange.

"Kun and I are good brothers, you know? How could he possibly have designs on me? Right, Kun?"

"Ah, yes, yes, yes..."

Just as the few of them were laughing and joking, the awards ceremony officially began.

The result did not exceed Wei Jin's expectations; *Painted Skin* only won the Organizing Committee Award and the Best Viewing Effect Award. The real heavyweight awards were a complete shutout.

Best Feature Film was awarded to *Sky Dog*, starring Fu Dalong, the guy who once pursued Ceng Li.

The Best Director award was given to the director of *Little Red Flowers*, Zhang Yuan.

The Artistic Exploration Award was given to *Infinite Mountains and Rivers*, a film Wei Jin had never even heard of.

Best Actor was awarded to Pu Cunxi for *A Moon*.

Best Actress was awarded to Ni Ping for *Loach is Also a Fish*.

Seeing this result, Young Master Zhou could not hide her disappointment. Wei Jin also felt it was a bit excessive; the seniority-based ranking was too serious.

In the end, Zhou Xun only won the Most Popular Actress Award, which counted as a consolation.

After the awards ceremony, the group left the venue and found a place to drink, which could be considered a rare team-building event for the *Painted Skin* crew. New book is on the shelves, three updates are presented. I earnestly ask all book friends to reward a subscription and collection. Thank you, everyone! (End of chapter)