Chapter 423: 2 million RMB a day?

When the "click" of the door closing came, Guli Nazha opened her eyes instantly.

Her first reaction was that the soundproofing was really poor, and the next thought was,

Who?

This time she had gone back to Xinjiang to rest for half a month, and her jet lag hadn't fully adjusted yet. Plus, the "little accident" that had just happened caused her to have a bit of insomnia, and she was trying hard to clear the distractions from her mind, never expecting such an "unexpected joy."

Guli Nazha first ruled out Director Zhang Yimou or Bale, because she had seen them both drunk when she returned earlier.

Then it could only be one of the two women.

Either the old classmate or the old friend.

Guli Nazha flipped up abruptly, her snowy skin suddenly shining brightly in the darkness. What a huge display of spring, it's just a pity no one could see it, not even a picture, sigh.

Since there was no one, the girl didn't need to worry about her image.

She no longer had any guilt about eavesdropping, pressing her ear against the wall, her naked body sticking to the wall like a gecko.

This posture allowed the cold air from the air conditioner to blow right onto her, licking her smooth waist and abdomen and the slightly blooming roots of her thighs, but youth is good; not only did she not feel cold, but she felt increasingly hot.

But after listening for a long time, there was only a little bit of talking. Guli Nazha felt a bit disappointed, yet also a bit happy.

"Could it really just be talking? This isn't the boss's style."

"This shows the boss isn't what you thought; there can be some pure male-female friendship, and just now was just an accident."

"What accident, I saw him open his eyes."

"People also open their eyes when they die; that doesn't mean he was deliberately taking advantage of you, it could also be that he was about to die."

"Whose side are you on?"

"In short, although the boss grabbed your boobs, it's very likely it wasn't on purpose; his hand just happened to be there, and he squeezed it casually, possibly treating it like a toy."

"Your boobs are the toy."

"Right, mine are, but aren't I you?"

"Damn you."

Cursing was cursing, but in the end, Guli Nazha convinced herself, because until the person next door left, she really hadn't heard any movement.

This made her feel a bit happy.

After all, no one would want to work for a stallion whose brain was filled with sperm and who would drill into any hole he saw, especially when this person was impeccable in other aspects; she even less wanted him to be such a person.

This was Guli Nazha's mindset.

The popularity of *Inception* had brought a large number of Chinese and foreign tourists to all parts of Xinjiang during this period, and it had made someone's name resound inside and outside the Tianshan Mountains.

So much so that the treatment she received after returning home this time could truly be described as "exhilarating."

Every time she went back in the past, she had to face various overt and covert urges to marry, sarcasm, and ridicule—

"What's the point of a girl drifting outside alone," "the model circle is too messy," "better to come back early and find a young man to marry."

This time, all of it was gone.

In these ten-plus days, there was an endless stream of visitors to her home every day.

Some of the original rumors and comments urging her to marry had all disappeared. Whether it was the cousin who grew up with her or the aunt who loved to gossip behind her back, every word was about how this daughter of Baihetiyaer had made something of herself.

Every time guests came to her house, she would come out to entertain them, and telling them about some of her experiences in the past few months would cause countless exclamations.

The various local specialties she brought back—Brazilian coffee beans, Cannes souvenirs, Japanese beauty and skincare samples, Singaporean medicated oils and small appliances, etc. —given out as small gifts, made her family earn enough face among relatives and friends.

Even if she sometimes let something slip, no one questioned her drinking or anything else. Even her eldest uncle, who had to pray before every meal and was extremely strict about how girls dressed and ate, acted as if he hadn't heard.

This time, it could truly be said to have made her feel like she had unloaded a heavy shackle, and the whole person felt like she had gained freedom from a cage that had imprisoned her for more than 10 years. At that moment, she really wanted to scream out loud.

A child who didn't grow up in that kind of environment simply couldn't understand her mood at that moment.

When she returned to Beijing after her vacation, she had a meal in the capital with Sister Li Ai, the host from Jiangsu Satellite TV who had originally introduced her to participate in the *The Last Supper* auditions. This first noble person in her life was also very happy about her current situation at the table, offering much encouragement in her words.

After this experience, Guli Nazha, who was already quite satisfied with her work, could be said to be even more devoted, with no other intentions, just wanting to work well for Boss Chen.

But girls, after all, still have a natural resistance to heartless stallions.

Now the facts proved that Boss Chen wasn't a beast who would eat anyone he saw, and her heart immediately settled down. She originally couldn't sleep no matter what, but this time, as soon as she lay down, a thick drowsiness swept over her.

By the time she was woken up by the alarm clock, it was already 7:30.

The flight to Shanghai today was after 11 AM, so she hurriedly got up, and after washing and putting on makeup, she went to knock on the door next door.

As a result, there was no answer.

The door opposite opened, and Linghu appeared at the door, looking at her coldly: "You're five minutes late. The boss went to find Director Zhang."

Guli Nazha was surprised: "Ah! So early?"

Linghu didn't speak, just looked at her faintly.

Guli Nazha didn't say anything more; she knew Zhang Yimou's room was on the third floor, turned around, and hurried over there in her high heels.

Arriving at the door of 302, when she heard the faint sound coming from inside, she finally breathed a sigh of relief, didn't knock on the door, and stood at the door with a smile on her face.

Inside the room, Chen Nuo had actually just arrived. Having just finished the pleasantries, he was telling Director Zhang the reason why he hadn't slept much and had gotten up early in the morning.

Of course, people who haven't slept well usually don't have a very good tone.

So after listening to him finish, Zhang Yimou's face also became a bit ugly.

Could it not be ugly?

Director Zhang got up early in the morning, hadn't even brushed his teeth, and was found at his door by someone, lectured for a while, and was almost pointed at his forehead and told: "Zhang Yimou, what are your intentions?"

If it were someone else, Old Mouzi would have turned his face long ago; he wasn't incapable of saying the three words "get out."

However, could the person in front of him be counted as someone else?

In today's Chinese film industry, it seemed that no matter how you calculated it, you couldn't count him as someone else.

Besides, he was indeed a bit guilty about this matter.

"Sigh, Nuozi, you don't know, I'm also in a very difficult position."

"Oh?"

"Originally, there was indeed no such scene in the script, but Weiping told me it was for subsequent promotion."

"Director Zhang, do you think such promotion is appropriate?"

Chen Nuo asked calmly.

After speaking, he looked at Zhang Yimou quietly, waiting for his reply.

Zhang Yimou met his eyes, and for a moment was speechless. When he came to his senses, he found that although the air conditioner was on and the space was cool, a layer of fine sweat had broken out on his back, and he couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart. Was this "speechless, sweating profusely?"

He sighed and said: "I know, it must be somewhat inappropriate..."

Chen Nuo still didn't speak.

Perhaps he should say something to give Director Zhang a way out?

After all, Zhang Yimou saying this could be considered as backing down. As a junior, shouldn't he express understanding for his helplessness?

Moreover, does this whole thing have anything to do with him?

What is the relationship between Miss Ni Ni and him?

Calling them old friends is all nonsense. At best, they are acquaintances with some feelings, not even friends. To offend the national master Zhang Yimou for such a person, a fledgling little actor?

Anyone with rationality wouldn't do that.

However, Chen Nuo still didn't offer a ladder; he still looked at Zhang Yimou without saying a word.

Zhang Yimou saw this and was slightly embarrassed, then thought for a moment and said: "How about I call Weiping over, and we can discuss it together to see how to solve it?"

Zhang Weiping had drunk too much last night and hadn't woken up when he received the call. Hearing Zhang Yimou finish speaking in a daze, he sat up abruptly, feeling a bit unable to believe his ears.

"What does this have to do with him? He took the initiative to find you? He's next to you now?"

"Yes." The voice on the receiver sounded very solemn. "Weiping, I think you'd better come over."

"Okay, immediately."

Zhang Weiping agreed, immediately rolled out of bed, feeling really angry in his heart.

No matter how big a star, no matter how awesome a person, no matter how much they manage the heavens and the earth, could they manage their way into his crew? Could they run over to question them for no reason?

Does it have anything to do with him whether the scene should be filmed this way?

Absurd, ridiculous.

What's wrong with the bed scene between Miss Ni Ni and Christian Bale?

Adding such a large-scale bed scene between a Chinese actress and a Hollywood big shot, whether it's for going abroad to compete later or for promotion, it's very easy to make a fuss about, and it will also be very eye-catching.

What's the problem?

Besides, if there really were a problem, it should be Miss Ni Ni herself saying it; was it his turn?

Zhang Weiping put on his clothes aggressively and walked out of the room.

His room was right next to Zhang Yimou's, so as soon as he came out, he saw a beautiful girl standing upright at the door of 302. Hearing the movement, she looked over instantly.

Zhang Weiping knew who she was.

Chen Nuo's new personal assistant. When he first met her yesterday, it made him unable to help but slander in his heart: bringing such a beautiful young girl by his side, isn't he afraid of rumors? You have to know he has a girlfriend now.

But he immediately reacted and laughed at himself in his heart.

Today is different from the past. Two years ago, when he made his relationship with Liu Yifei public, he would have been afraid.

But now, if anyone dared to say a word about him, I'm afraid they would be overwhelmed by public opinion in minutes.

Such a film, invested in by Chinese people and starring Chinese people, becoming a super masterpiece that reached the pinnacle of 2 billion USD in global box office after James Cameron, for the Chinese people, the significance of it could be said to have long exceeded the film itself.

Before coming to Nanjing this time, he had dinner in Beijing with Wang Changtian, Yu Dong, Jiang Zhiqiang, and others. Talking about this matter, they all held infinite sympathy for Han Sanping, and all believed that if Old Han had shown the courage he had when investing in *Red Cliff* two years ago, today, who knows how glorious he would be.

You have to know, since *Inception* was released domestically, every day's box office has been higher than the previous day. So far, two weeks have passed, and the second week sold 79.6 million USD, 510 million, rising against the trend, actually 10% higher than the first week's 470 million! It directly approached *Avatar*'s 1.4 billion, making all filmmakers' jaws drop to the ground.

Such a trend, such courage, even with 3D and IMAX bonuses, who has ever seen it?

Douban rating 9.8, 170,000 people rated it, topping the Douban Top 500 rating list.

Clicking in, whether short reviews or long reviews, you can hardly see a 4-star, all are various angles and various praises, one by one not water armies, but better than water armies.

Weibo is the same.

From media to film critics, from ordinary people to stars, everyone is rushing to check in and recommend it, those with ticket stubs showing them off, those writing long articles writing them, feeling that if they don't do this, they won't keep up with the trend.

In a word, in the online reality, it has simply reached the point where it is discussed in every street and alley.

This makes people have to think of *Avatar* from 2 years ago.

Back then, the Pandora people were also like this, sweeping the entire Chinese film market with the momentum of a crushing force, becoming a phenomenal work, and at the same time, with epoch-making filming technology, making Chinese filmmakers inside and outside the circle sweat profusely, feeling an indescribable shock.

Later, even if *Monster Hunt* was explosively modified into 3D and sold a lot of box office, the gap between them could truly be said to be worlds apart, making many viewers extremely disappointed.

As a result, who could have thought that two years later, when global fans were looking forward to the next *Avatar*—

A film dominated by Chinese capital was born, with an exquisite, interlocking plot, special effects polished to the extreme, creativity that broke the boundaries of imagination, and an international top-tier cast that was several notches better than *Avatar*, completely winning the hearts of global fans.

For the Chinese, saying it was like holding the 2008 Olympics again is not an exaggeration.

And this time's "Zhang Yimou," who is it?

Just look at whose middle school teacher recently became a celebrity in the media and you'll know.

When that teacher surnamed Wang said to the camera: "Diligent and eager to learn, steady and introverted, gentle personality, never causes trouble, has always been a good student and a good child in the teacher's mind. If he didn't become an actor, he could also be a scientist," and so on.

—Does he still need to worry about his assistant being too beautiful and causing rumors?

Guli Nazha saw Zhang Weiping suddenly come out from next door, wearing slippers and big shorts, and as soon as he saw her, he started staring blankly, and her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

This old man, could it be that he has taken a fancy to her?

She felt a bit panicked, but immediately she remembered that today is different from the past; she is not that little model who needs to accompany people to drink, so she revealed a decent smile and took the initiative to greet: "Zhang Zong, good morning."

Zhang Weiping came back to his senses, and the original anger didn't know where it went, disappearing without a trace.

Hearing Guli Nazha's words, he suddenly bloomed with a smile and said: "Good, good, good morning. Your President Chen is inside, right?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll go in and discuss something with him."

Zhang Weiping walked to the door and pressed the doorbell.

After a while, the door opened, and Old Mouzi stood behind the door, seemingly wanting to tell him something in advance, but Zhang Weiping didn't want to listen, walked straight in, his voice like thunder: "Nuozi, what opinions do you have? Speak! What does this film have to do with you? I didn't expect you to actually worry about us; this friendship, I, Zhang Weiping, will remember it!"

Chen Nuo didn't expect Zhang Weiping to be easier to talk to than Zhang Yimou. At first, he thought it was Zhang Weiping, this commercial guy, who was causing trouble in the middle, but now... this thick-browed and big-eyed Old Mouzi would also do this?

It really is that you can't judge a book by its cover.

Since Zhang Zong wanted to listen and his attitude was good, he softened his tone and said it again from beginning to end, "... not only because Miss Ni Ni has acted with me, but also because I am also an actor. I understand what it's like for an actor to act. An actor, before acting, has some doubts in their heart and cannot be single-minded, that's not acting well, Zhang Zong, Director Zhang, don't you think?"

"Yes, yes, yes." Zhang Weiping said loudly, "I understand, I especially understand."

Chen Nuo nodded and said: "This time it wasn't her who called me to come; in fact, she even told me not to come, but I said don't worry, I have also filmed under Director Zhang, I know what kind of person Director Zhang is. Don't look at Director Zhang being serious usually, but if an actor has a problem in their heart and brings it up, Director Zhang will definitely not be angry, but will be very happy instead. Director Zhang, don't you think?"

Zhang Yimou laughed, pointed at him with his hand, and said: "Nuozi, why say it's still you who understands me."

Chen Nuo also laughed and said: "So I came. Based on my experience, I feel that in such a film of yours that tells of great love, suddenly adding such a bed scene of private love between a man and a woman seems somewhat contradictory, out of place, and will even give people a feeling that this priest has impure motives, which is very inappropriate."

"Of course, there may also be places I haven't thought of, so please tell me truthfully, it can be considered a learning opportunity for me. Director Zhang, Zhang Zong, what do you say?"

Zhang Yimou was stunned.

He had been pestered by Zhang Weiping and reluctantly agreed, but as a director, filming such a big production, it could be said that there were endless things to do every day. Filming was only a part of his work. Adding a bed scene or something was dispensable in his view, and he hadn't thought deeply about it. Now hearing Chen Nuo's words, and thinking about it carefully, another layer of sweat broke out on his back without him knowing.

"Well said!" Zhang Weiping said, "It makes so much sense. Mouzi, what do you say?"

Zhang Yimou looked at him deeply and said in a deep voice: "I think so too. I don't think this scene can be added."

Zhang Weiping touched his head and said: "If we don't add it, we don't add it. But... how should we do the promotion then? Sigh, it makes my head ache to think about it."

"What do you mean?" Chen Nuo asked, a bit confused.

Christian Bale, although he laughed at him for not being able to be the lead and indeed not being a member of the 20 million club in Hollywood, in fact, Batman could be considered a big shot in any country. With him acting in Zhang Yimou's film, would there be a lack of promotion? What the hell does this mean?

Zhang Weiping looked at him and said: "Nuozi, you don't know, it's like this..."

After listening to Zhang Weiping finish, Chen Nuo finally understood. It turned out that after Xiao Lizi rejected this side, Zhang Yimou and the others were also a bit anxious, fearing they wouldn't find a big shot to act. After getting Christian Bale's intention, when negotiating the contract, they couldn't help but give a bit too much. Besides the salary being an excess expenditure, in terms of promotion, they didn't make any restrictions on him. It could be said that besides the premiere, they didn't ask for anything.

After listening, Chen Nuo really didn't know what to say.

He had been in Hollywood for so long and knew too well how deep the water was in promotion. It could be said that there was no actor who didn't hate the promotional period, and there was no film party that didn't want actors to increase promotional efforts and participate in all aspects, so they often fought to the death over this, and even breaking off negotiations was normal.

As a result, this is good; they signed such a rotten condition and actually gave the other party a daily salary of 2 million RMB a day (Note 1)!

If calculated according to a 2-3 month cycle of a film, it absolutely far exceeded Bale's market value in Hollywood.

If this isn't a living sucker, what is?

You say you are filming an art film, that's fine, but the problem is that this film, regardless of subject matter, investment, cast, or lineup, is all aiming for international awards and the global market. As a result, they actually let go of a large part of the actor's promotion—that is equivalent to twisting off one of their own legs, planning to go up the stairs on one foot.

However, things have reached this point, and Chen Nuo is also powerless.

He couldn't possibly go find Bale and ask him to change the contract, right? Even the best friends and brothers couldn't do that.

Finally, Chen Nuo looked at Zhang Weiping's eager look and could only agree to attend the premiere when *The Flowers of War* was released to support his acquaintances.

Then, the matter was settled.

When calling Miss Ni Ni to tell her, hearing the joyful voice on the other side sighing in relief and then thanking him repeatedly, Chen Nuo's mood couldn't help but become happy. Perhaps this is what's called giving roses, with fragrance remaining in the hand?

"No need, um, we have already set off for the airport... Hahaha, okay, see you in Beijing then, let's go to that roast duck restaurant again. Um, okay, bye-bye."

Hanging up the phone, Chen Nuo stepped out of the hotel gate and was suddenly stunned to see a thin, tall girl standing by the car door with a smile.

Zhang Xiaofei waved at him and said: "Hi."

Chen Nuo also waved and laughed: "Hi."

"Can we talk for a moment?"

"Of course."

Afterwards, Zhang Xiaofei took him to the side and said quite earnestly: "Thank you." Then she cupped her hands and bowed deeply to him.

Chen Nuo looked at the girl's back of the head and asked, puzzled: "What are you doing?"

Zhang Xiaofei slowly straightened her body and said: "From freshman year until now, I have actually always received a lot of your care. I know it in my heart, but I have never said thank you to you. Thinking about it these two years, I feel quite bad. Meeting this time, I don't know when I'll be able to see you again. So I thought about it all night and decided to say these two words."

Chen Nuo said helplessly: "What are you saying?"

Zhang Xiaofei chuckled, didn't respond, and brought up another matter: "Can you come to this year's class reunion? Last year we knew you were filming in the US, so we didn't dare invite you. This year? Do you have time?"

Chen Nuo thought about it; there had been no news from Tarantino, and he didn't know how it was going, so he probably wouldn't be able to start filming this year.

Before that, he didn't plan to take on other films. In the next few months, he would just be completing his cooperation with Netflix, and seeing what to film with Japan's Fuji TV to show in Japan. Of course, there was also some domestic work, as well as some awards ceremonies at the end of the year. Although there were many things, he shouldn't be too busy to find time like filming.

He nodded immediately: "Should be no problem. When you decide on the time and place, let me know."

"Really? That's great!" Zhang Xiaofei laughed loudly, "Wait until I say it in the group, someone will definitely be happy to death, haha."

Chen Nuo's trip to Nanjing ended just like that.

It seemed like he hadn't done anything, but it also seemed like he had done a lot of things, making his mood very good when he saw Liu Yifei at Tomson Riviera in Shanghai.

Seeing the woman sitting on the sofa with a blank expression, he even laughed and said: "What's wrong, pulling a long face for whom to see? Think I didn't buy you a birthday present?"

After speaking, he saw a photo of a little girl on the coffee table in front of the woman.

Alright,

How did he forget about this.

Note 1: Christian Bale's salary for filming *The Flowers of War* was 2 million RMB a day, this is true.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 424 =====