Chapter 81: Picking Up a Stone Only to Drop It on One

This left Manager Lei somewhat puzzled, as he said:

"Why are you so stubborn? Delaying the release by a few months won't hurt you much and will help you avoid competition."

"It's not that I'm stubborn—I've been wronged, and I must get revenge. I'm not doing this to prove I'm great, but to show them I'm not someone to be trifled with," Fang Hong declared firmly.

Manager Lei understood: there was a conflict, a grudge.

No wonder he insisted on this exact date!

Conflicts in the film industry are normal, since everyone is in competition—like these four films currently slated for release, all vying for attention.

Especially Zhao Dashu and Chen Daren, constantly throwing barbs at each other!

But he didn't know the specifics of the grudge between Huayi and Fang Hong.

Still, he knew Liu Tianxian's situation—this girl was too popular with the public and refused to follow the entertainment industry's rules of obedience, so she was ostracized.

"What if you can't get revenge? What if you lose the box office battle?"

What Manager Lei didn't say: Don't bring shame upon yourself!

"If I fail, I accept it. I'll try again next time," Fang Hong said.

Manager Lei shook his head. "Too full of fire. Can't you just calm down, endure a little, and build up your strength?"

Now he was speaking as an elder, not as a business partner.

"If endurance and concession worked, there wouldn't be so many conflicts in this world. Stepping back doesn't open up a vast horizon—it only encourages the other side to push further."

Manager Lei fell silent. He didn't disapprove of Fang Hong's words—he just wasn't in the arena.

He held titles like Manager of the Distribution Department and Director of China Film Group, Deputy Chief Engineer, Vice President of the Projection Association—so many titles.

These titles allowed him to watch the entertainment world's storms from afar, untouched.

"Conflict is inevitable, but you must assess whether your strength is truly adequate," Manager Lei said.

"There's no absolute equality of power—he's a whole circle, I'm just one person, one company. Right now, I'm barefoot and unafraid of those wearing shoes."

Manager Lei sighed. "Xiao Fang, I'm not telling you to give up. I understand the entertainment industry well—there are many hidden sordid dealings. You've just started to gain momentum, and now you want to smash your own hard-won film against them? That's not wise."

If you win, fine. But if you lose, and the box office flops, the financial loss would be fatal for such a small team.

Getting back up afterward would be extremely difficult—who knows what tricks those people might pull next?

"Manager Lei, I've already decided. Let me test how much I'm really worth."

Fang Hong's words echoed his earlier plea: "Let me give it my all."

"Alright then, since you insist on smashing into it, I'll make it harder for you—give you a real challenge," Manager Lei said, tossing Fang Hong's own words back at him.

He added: "The policies have changed. The domestic film market is shifting. We must raise our standards—we can't use last year's benchmarks. This month has too many releases; carving out space for you won't be easy."

The environment really is different now—due to piracy crackdowns and equipment upgrades. After all, upgrading equipment and fighting piracy costs money. Where does the money come from?

And with so many films scheduled this month, freeing up space and resources requires sufficient profit—this is the only month of the year that brings in massive revenue.

He also wanted this man to realize the difficulty and back down, so they wouldn't all cram into December.

Intense competition easily leads to failure; China Film Group must also consider whether it can profit.

"What's the standard?" Fang Hong asked.

"Fixed model: if you hit 150 million, I give you 10%. If you surpass 300 million, I reduce it to 8%. You handle your own promotion."

That meant China Film Group would earn 15 million if the film hit 150 million, and 24 million if it surpassed 300 million.

If you fail to meet the standard, the split ratio reverts to 12%!

In other words, only if China Film Group stands to earn tens of millions can it carve out space for you amid the flood of big films.

You want to fight? Then fight hard—raise the box office, earn more, and reclaim your dignity.

I've given you the chance. Now see if you're up to it!

Fang Hong lowered his head, thinking. Honestly, he felt like he'd picked up a stone only to drop it on his own foot.

It weighed heavily on him: last film, with all that turmoil, such high quality, and no strong competitors, he'd barely pulled in 130 million.

Now he had to surpass 150 million.

He'd actually hoped to stick with last year's terms.

But how could he? Last year's slot couldn't compare to this one.

This is the best slot of the entire year—highest box office potential. If you can't bring in hundreds of millions, you might as well quit.

Also, don't think these film people can't see the future—cinemas are visibly multiplying, and the pie is growing.

Since 2011, films crossing 100 million have become common.

So sticking to last year's standard is impossible—it was only granted because they saw him as a small workshop, a newcomer, and offered support.

That won't happen again!

"If it's too hard, forget it. Pick another slot—it'll benefit you too," Manager Lei urged.

He genuinely liked this young man, even if he was combative—he had talent.

Those who aren't combative? They're powerless!

"I accept Manager Lei's proposal," Fang Hong decided.

Manager Lei shook his head and smiled. He didn't know how to describe this young man—too stubborn, determined to smash into it.

"Alright, since you've said so, we'll set it for December 22nd."

"Thank you, Manager Lei."

Fang Hong bowed slightly, then asked: "If my box office keeps surging, is there another tier beyond this?"

"For a low-budget film like yours? Impossible."

Manager Lei didn't believe he could reach the next tier—300 million was already the ceiling!

"A person must have dreams," Fang Hong said.

Manager Lei silently calculated: "Fine. If you surpass 600 million, I'll drop it to 6%."

Meeting this standard, they can earn 36 million.

Of course, he didn't truly believe Fang Hong could reach the 600 million standard—it was just a casual remark.

"Alright, thank you, Manager Lei, for your support."

Fang Hong seemed to remember something: "By the way, Manager Lei, I need to tell you about the piracy issue—I suspect the source is your 1.3K digital projectors being cracked. If possible, try playing with 2K projectors."

He had seen this piracy case in a news report from his past life—the 1.3K encryption technology was weak and easily cracked.

The 2K encryption technology is strict and cannot be decrypted or copied.

"We've already looked into this and are in the process of upgrading," Manager Lei said.

That meant they had known about it already, but as a state-owned enterprise, their actions were slower—they needed time to respond.

Fang Hong said no more and stood up: "Are you still going to watch the movie?"

"No, take it back!" Manager Lei had no interest and no time.

This month was their busiest time.

(End of Chapter)