Chapter 144: Shocking Release

The news came back, Li Shaomo was very excited, and he hurriedly communicated with Yang Mi's parents, saying how rare this opportunity was.

Yang Mi's parents, however, were in a dilemma; because of their work, going abroad was not easy.

But since their daughter had already embarked on this path, as parents they certainly had to give full support.

They also inquired about the shooting schedule, estimated at most half a month, and finally decided that Yang Mi's mother would accompany her.

Upon learning she would star in Jiang Heng's new film, Yang Mi was overjoyed and couldn't contain her excitement.

She hurriedly called her childhood friends and sisters to gather for a hot pot meal at a restaurant near her home.

In the private room, seven or eight teenagers gathered around the table, raising their cups and drinking freely.

By the way, The Matrix Reloaded was released in the Asia-Pacific region on December 20.

"Let's go to the next show, we want seats in the back! Since we came to watch, we definitely want good effects, not missing a moment."

Although the increase was not large, Jiang Heng was very satisfied.

A little girl looked puzzled and asked, "How much is that then?"

Love Outstanding Rising Film Company, the secretary delivered a report showing the box office for the opening day: 41.3 million!

Because The Matrix series films are not mainly battled in China; North America, Europe, and Japan are their box office strongholds.

It must be said, the children in Jingcheng really have a lot of information; you never know who knows what.

"It's the whole industry chain!"

The Matrix Reloaded achieved such box office results thanks to the reputation of its predecessor and the director.

Then they talked about the screening the day after tomorrow, estimating tickets would be hard to get then.

When Yang Mi and the others arrived at the ticket counter, only front-row seats remained for the latest show.

"So awesome, so awesome!"

In the private room, they really didn't know this news, and someone said, "Director Jiang both makes films and owns cinemas— isn't that raking in all the money? How does that saying go?"

After waiting a while, ticket checking began, and Yang Mi and her companions entered the theater, sat down, looked around, and found everything very novel.

"One-stop service?"

Like the boy nicknamed Feng Kuzi, who looked like he was about to cry, he slowly stood up and said, "Da Mi Mi, I know you have me in your heart— don't say anything else; this time I'm going with you to the USA, even the heavenly king couldn't stop us!"

Someone said, "Mi Mi, you signed a contract with Director Jiang— can you get him a few tickets?"

Yang Mi imagined that scene, she was extremely excited, waved her small hand, and said a rushed line.

……

Some said, even without Mi Mi, Director Jiang's films are still worth watching!

"Don't digress; basically it's a lot of money. Comrade Xiao Lihai, just starting out, can participate in such a film— definitely a good omen; surely she'll become a big star in the future, everyone applaud and congratulate!"

That last sentence was addressed to her companions; since she was little, she had been the 'big sis', and also earned the nickname 'Xiao Lihai'.

Like the boy nicknamed Feng Kuzi, he said, "Da Mi Mi, maybe we'll meet again next year— you'll be a big star then; if you gain wealth, don't forget old friends!"

They had a great time eating and agreed to meet on Saturday the 21st, the day after the film's release, to go see The Matrix Reloaded together.

A little girl said, "I heard from my dad that China Film Red Ribbon Cinema Line, Director Jiang is the second-largest shareholder, so it's kind of his family's, right?"

After she finished, warm applause rang out in the private room.

Everyone said, definitely!

"Get lost!"

"Xiao Lihai, you won't need to pick on others anymore; take this chance to go to the USA to film, get on good terms with Director Jiang, and when you grow up, just marry over there!"

One boy who resembled Feng Kuzi from Days Related to Youth said, "Come on, let me say a couple of things, Comrade Xiao Lihai— she used to be a child star, having acted in several shows. But from this moment on, she's no longer a child star; she's officially a young actress who has debuted."

They didn't feel deeply about the film's plot setting, just thought the action scenes were too stimulating, far surpassing any action movies they'd seen before; even Cheng Long's 'Battling-to-the-death Style' kung fu comedy, in the face of the stunning visuals created by special effects, seemed a bit lackluster.

Like the boy nicknamed Feng Kuzi, he said, "Everyone understand? After the new film is released, we should all urge our classmates to support it!"

Yang Mi laughed and cried, "Director Jiang just makes films; the cinema isn't his!"

In the blink of an eye, that day arrived; several people gathered at a mall near their homes in the morning around nine, and upon looking at the cinema, they saw crowds of people everywhere.

It only exceeded the opening day box office of Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother by 800,000, the increase was not large!

The reason is, Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother is Jiang Heng's first self-directed, self-acted film, plus many celebrity cameos, which indeed is very attractive.

Yang Mi showed a surprised expression, "Oh, thank you so much, thank you so much; with your support, I'm really really happy!"

Do you know how much 100 million US dollars is? Converted to renminbi, it's over eight billion!

Especially in North America, the audience inherently likes sci-fi films; plus the film's style and cast are quite close to Hollywood movies, and being a sequel, it naturally bursts at the box office.

And the audiovisual effects displayed by the film were simply super shocking.

Yang Mi froze for a moment, then immediately smiled and said, "Rest assured, I won't forget you!"

Yang Mi said, "I definitely don't want to marry someone from Xianggang; if I'm to choose, I'll pick someone from Jingcheng, not even leaving the Third Ring Road, and just go back to my parents' home for a meal when I have nothing to do, hahaha!"

"Hey!"

The boy laughed heartily and sat down, and another burst of laughter rang out in the private room.

On the way back, they heatedly discussed the film's scenes, all feeling the Ghost Twin Stars were too cool.

Yang Mi was overjoyed, yet a bit shy, she said in a coquettish voice, "Oh, it's just a minor role, a minor role; still should keep a low profile, you guys know that's enough, don't go blabbing about it outside!"

Since she said that, everyone naturally had no objection; they all picked a later show with seats further back, and then chatted happily in the cinema's rest area.

Several people rushed to the end of the queue and honestly lined up to buy tickets.

But the occupancy rate was too high, so good seats were out of the question.

"Don't worry, Da Mi Mi, after I leave I'll promote it in my class and urge everyone to go to the cinema to see your new film!" a little girl said.

"Da Mi Mi, when your film is released in the future, there will surely be this many people!" a little girl said.

Because this cinema lacks an IMAX theater, there are relatively fewer people, and tickets can basically be bought for the nearest show.

As for the performers, it's Director Jiang Heng's new film, a special-effects blockbuster with an investment of over 100 million US dollars!

If you want to choose something else, you'll have to keep waiting.

And in Beimei and Europe, they chose December 24, because the 18th is the release of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'; both films are the second installments of their series, both are visual-effects blockbusters with superb effects.

Released in a cluster during the Christmas season, it had American audiences thrilled.

Since each film is excellent, with superb word-of-mouth, and their releases were staggered by a week, many viewers naturally chose to watch both.

(End of chapter)