Chapter 321: with translation of chapter title

In 2008, the North American film market had no major releases in December.

In 2008, the North American film market had no major releases in December.

Check: we must not add explanatory words. That's fine.

Among the top ten box-office films historically for a year, the only winter releases were Twilight, Madagascar 2, and 007: Quantum of Solace, all of which came out around November.

Among the top ten box-office films historically for a year, only those released in winter were Twilight, Madagascar 2, and 007: Quantum of Solace, and they all came out around November.

Throughout December, there wasn't a single worthwhile film.

Translate: "The whole of December could be said to have not a single competitive film." More natural: "In December, there wasn't a single film worth mentioning." Let's do: "Throughout December, there wasn't a single film that could compete."

Even though some Hollywood media were pessimistic about Hero Soldiers League, many viewers still went to the cinema to see it.

Translate: "Therefore, despite some Hollywood media 'bad-mouthing' *Heroic Soldiers League*, many audiences still went to theaters to watch it." Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "Thus, although some Hollywood media were 'bad-mouthing' *Heroic Soldiers League*, many viewers still went to the cinema to watch it."

The main reason is naturally Jiang Heng's strong reputation built up over many years, and of course the hype surrounding the world's second truly meaningful 3D blockbuster also draws audiences into theaters.

Translate: "The main reason is naturally Jiang Heng's good reputation built up over many years; of course, the hype of being the world's second truly meaningful 3D blockbuster also attracted audiences into theaters." Let's do: "The main reason is naturally Jiang Heng's good reputation built up over many years; of course, the hype of being the world's second truly meaningful 3D blockbuster also drew audiences into theaters."

The main draw is the fresh 3D viewing experience, which makes even new fans eager to see the next installment, whether it's a sci‑fi military film or a fantastical one. Consequently, when Hero Soldiers League opened on December 19, it was immediately swamped with audiences, and many popular theaters in major cities were packed to capacity.

Translate: "Mainly because the 3D viewing effect was truly novel, making newcomers eager to see the next installment, whether it was a 'sci-fi military film' or a 'delusional film'! Thus, on December 19, as soon as *Heroic Soldiers League* premiered, it drew crowds like a tide; many popular cinemas in hot cities were packed to capacity." Let's refine: "The main reason is that the 3D viewing effect was truly fresh, making newcomers eager to see the next installment, whether a 'sci-fi military film' or a 'delusional film'! Thus, on December 19, as soon as *Heroic Soldiers League* hit theaters, it drew crowds like a tide; many popular cinemas in hot cities were packed to capacity."

Hero Soldiers League also grossed an impressive $91 million in its opening three‑day weekend, surpassing Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven's $78 million, likely due to the goodwill the latter generated for 3D films.

Translate: "*Heroic Soldiers League* also took in a good $91 million in its opening weekend, surpassing *Havoc in Heaven*'s $78 million, likely because the latter left a good reputation for 3D films." Let's do: "*Heroic Soldiers League* also grossed a strong $91 million in its opening three-day weekend, surpassing *Havoc in Heaven*'s $78 million, likely because the latter left a good reputation for 3D films."

Of course, this result still can't compare to The Three-Body Problem Part 1's opening weekend of $115 million.

Translate: "Of course, this result still cannot compare to *Three Body 1*'s opening weekend of $115 million." Let's do: "Of course, this result still cannot compare to *Three Body 1*'s opening weekend of $115 million."

Nevertheless, the news reaching domestic audiences remains uplifting.

Translate: "However, when the news was transmitted back domestically, it remained exhilarating." Let's do: "However, when the news was transmitted back home, it remained exhilarating."

Jiang Heng is more curious about the Japanese and Korean markets, wanting to know how those two countries received Hero Soldiers League.

Translate: "Jiang Heng was more curious about the Japanese and Korean markets; he wanted to know how those two countries viewed *Heroic Soldiers League*." Let's do: "Jiang Heng was more curious about the Japanese and Korean markets; he wanted to know how those two countries viewed *Heroic Soldiers League*."

"The film is also a hit in Japan—I heard lots of people from the business and political worlds went to see it!" Yu Dong laughed in the office.

Translate: "\"The film is also hot in Japan; I heard many people from the business and political circles went to see it! \" In the office, Yu Dong said with a laugh." Let's do: "\"The film is also doing well in Japan; I heard many people from the business and political circles went to see it! \" In the office, Yu Dong laughed and said."

Jiang Heng laughed, "Does it even influence both the political and business circles?"

Translate: "Jiang Heng laughed, \"Does it even affect both the business and political circles? \""

"Of course, mainly because the aircraft carrier fleet you created in the film looks so impressive—almost like the real thing—some small countries even thought we actually had an aircraft carrier!"

Translate: "\"Of course, mainly because the aircraft carrier formation you created in the film is too impressive, almost like the real thing; some small countries even thought we actually had an aircraft carrier! \""

Jiang Heng laughed, "Definitely, we need to have one!"

Translate: "Jiang Heng laughed: \"Definitely, we need to have one! \""

Yu Dong nodded, "Of course!"

Translate: "Yu Dong nodded: \"Of course! \""

Yu Dong then shared the overseas feedback; domestically, aside from remarking on the astonishing opening‑day box office, he didn't have much else to say.

Translate: "Yu Dong then said the overseas feedback he had received; domestically, aside from marveling at the astonishing opening-day box office, he didn't mention much else." Let's do: "Yu Dong then related the overseas feedback he had received; domestically, aside from marveling at the astonishing opening-day box office, he didn't mention much else."

Given how popular it was, there was no need to elaborate further.

Translate: "Because the level of popularity is imaginable, there's no need to say more." Let's do: "Because the level of popularity is self-evident, there's no need to say more."

Furthermore, domestic media outlets all dispatched reporters to various theaters for interviews.

Translate: "Furthermore, domestic media outlets all dispatched reporters to various cinemas for interviews." Let's do: "Furthermore, domestic media outlets all sent reporters to various cinemas for interviews."

The basic situation is that, as soon as theaters in bustling commercial districts across the country open, large crowds eager to see Hero Soldiers League pour in. By noon and afternoon, the audience keeps swelling, and everywhere is packed.

Translate: "Basically, as soon as cinemas in prosperous commercial areas nationwide opened their doors, crowds of people wanting to see *Heroic Soldiers League* poured in. By noon and afternoon, the number of viewers kept growing, and everywhere was packed with people." Let's do: "Basically, as soon as cinemas in prosperous commercial areas nationwide opened, crowds of people wanting to see *Heroic Soldiers League* poured in. By noon and afternoon, the number of viewers kept growing, and everywhere was packed with people."

Every screening was sold out, even the front row; IMAX 3D showings were so hot you couldn't even think of getting a ticket—they'd be gone instantly.

Translate: "Every show was sold out, even the first row; the IMAX 3D screenings were unimaginable, snapped up instantly." Let's do: "Every show was sold out, even the first row; the IMAX 3D screenings were unimaginable, selling out instantly."

The theater staff, watching the crowd gathering outside the ticket counter, felt numb—there were simply too many viewers.

Translate: "Cinema staff watching the swelling crowd outside the ticket counter felt numb; the number of viewers was simply too great." Let's do: "Cinema staff watching the swelling crowd outside the ticket counter felt numb; there were simply too many viewers."

They were so swamped they had no time to eat, drink, or use the restroom; thankfully Director Jiang only puts out about two films a year, because if it were like this every month they'd literally want to die.

Translate: "They were so busy they had no time to eat, drink, or use the restroom; fortunately, Director Jiang's films only come out about twice a year, otherwise having to endure this every month would make one want to die." Let's do: "They were so busy they had no time to eat, drink, or use the restroom; fortunately, Director Jiang's films only come out about twice a year, otherwise having to endure this every month would make one want to die."

Compared to the frenzy akin to the Spring Festival travel rush in major theaters, internet cafe foot traffic nationwide noticeably dropped, as too many gamers rushed to theaters to support the League of Legends film.

Translate: "Compared to the frenzy rivaling the Spring Festival travel rush at major cinemas, nationwide internet cafes saw a clear drop in traffic. Too many gamers wanted to go to theaters immediately to support the *League of Legends* movie." Let's do: "Compared to the frenzy rivaling the Spring Festival travel rush at major cinemas, nationwide internet cafes saw a clear drop in traffic. Too many gamers wanted to go to theaters immediately to support the *League of Legends* movie."

They are the "original fans" of game‑to‑film adaptations, and among various IP adaptations they tend to be the most supportive.

Translate: "They are the 'original fans' of game-to-film adaptations; among various IP adaptations, they belong to the group with relatively high support." Let's do: "They are the 'original fans' of game-to-film adaptations; among various IP adaptations, they belong to the group with relatively high support."

Because a boy might spend several years playing a particular online game; as they grow older, start families and careers, they may stop logging in for years, and their former comrades lose touch. Yet when they recall that time, it's filled with memories.

Translate: "Because a boy might spend several years playing a particular online game. When they grow older, start families and careers, they may go years without logging into the game, and their former comrades gradually lose contact. But once they recall that time, it is filled with memories." Let's do: "Because a boy might spend several years playing a particular online game. When they grow older, start families and careers, they may go years without logging into the game, and their former comrades gradually lose contact. But once they recall that time, it is filled with memories."

Game‑to‑film adaptations are driven by nostalgia.

Translate: "Game adaptations of film and television carry emotional weight." Let's do: "Game adaptations of film and television carry emotional weight."

Thanks to these fans, Hero Soldiers League opened to an astonishing 103 million yuan on its first day, shocking the industry and the nation. Although the mainland Chinese market does see high‑grossing films like Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons and Let the Bullets Fly.

Translate: "With their support, *Heroic Soldiers League*'s opening day box office reached an astonishing 103 million yuan, shocking the industry and the nation. Know that, although the current mainland film market does have high-grossing films like *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons* and *Let the Bullets Fly*." Let's do: "With their support, *Heroic Soldiers League*'s opening day box office reached an astonishing 103 million yuan, shocking the industry and the nation. Know that, although the current mainland film market does have high-grossing films like *Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons* and *Let the Bullets Fly*."

But the number of films that gross over 100 million yuan each year remains relatively small.

Translate: "But the number of films that gross over 100 million yuan each year remains relatively small." Let's do: "But the number of films that gross over 100 million yuan each year remains relatively small."

Jiang Heng's new film actually pulled in over 100 million yuan on opening day—damn, it looks even stronger than Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven; could it possibly become a film that grosses twenty‑plus billion dollars worldwide? Media have made quite optimistic box‑office forecasts. However, Jiang Heng knows that game‑to‑film adaptations, buoyed by nostalgia and backed by a huge "original fan" base, often open with huge day‑one grosses but then lack staying power.

Translate: "Jiang Heng's new film actually grossed over 100 million yuan on opening day—damn, it seems even more impressive than *Havoc in Heaven*; could he have made another film that will gross twenty-something billion dollars worldwide? Media box-office forecasts were quite optimistic! However, Jiang Heng knows that game-adapted films, because they carry emotional weight and have a huge 'original fan' base, often exhibit high opening-day box office but weak staying power." Let's do: "Jiang Heng's new film actually grossed over 100 million yuan on opening day—damn, it seems even more impressive than *Havoc in Heaven*; could he have made another film that will gross twenty-something billion dollars worldwide? Media box-office forecasts were quite optimistic! However, Jiang Heng knows that game-adapted films, because they carry emotional weight and have a huge 'original fan' base, often exhibit high opening-day box office but weak staying power."

For example, the 2016 release Warcraft grossed 300 million yuan on its opening day, surpassed 600 million in two days, and exceeded 800 million in three days—an astonishing performance.

Translate: "Take the 2016 release *Warcraft*: opening day 300 million, two days over 600 million, three days over 800 million—its box office performance was astonishing." Let's do: "Take the 2016 release *Warcraft*: opening day 300 million, two days over 600 million, three days over 800 million—its box office performance was astonishing."

Yet its total box office was only 1.472 billion yuan—where could you even go?

Translate: "Yet its total box office was only 1.472 billion—where could you even go?" Let's do: "Yet its total box office was only 1.472 billion—where could you even go?"

This isn't just a cliff‑like drop; it's like playing cliff‑jumping with someone kicking you from behind! The problem is that domestic filmmakers, media, and audiences have never experienced this before—they were all stunned by Hero Soldiers League's astonishing opening‑day results.

Translate: "This isn't a cliff‑like drop; it's more like playing cliff‑jumping with someone kicking you from behind! The problem is that domestic filmmakers, media, and audiences haven't experienced this before—they were stunned by *Heroic Soldiers League*'s astonishing opening‑day result." Let's do: "This isn't a cliff‑like drop; it's more like playing cliff‑jumping with someone kicking you from behind! The problem is that domestic filmmakers, media, and audiences haven't experienced this before—they were stunned by *Heroic Soldiers League*'s astonishing opening‑day result."

Director Jiang Heng has made history again—right now many directors still treat grossing over 100 million yuan as a goal to strive for!

Translate: "Director Jiang Heng has once again made history—right now many directors still treat grossing over 100 million yuan as a struggle goal!" Let's do: "Director Jiang Heng has once again made history—right now many directors still treat grossing over 100 million yuan as a struggle goal!"

Others set a goal per day—how can we compare?!

Translate: "Others set a daily goal—how can we compare?" Let's do: "Others set a daily goal—how can we compare?"

After this news aired on the News Broadcast, it sparked an even bigger movie‑watching frenzy, sending box‑office figures soaring. At this pace, breaking the domestic box‑office record is no problem! Huayi Company's Wang Zhonglei locked himself in his office, wearing a doubtful‑about‑life expression.

Translate: "And after this news was broadcast on the *News Broadcast*, it triggered an even greater movie‑watching frenzy, with box office soaring. Looking at this trend, breaking the domestic box‑office record is no problem! Huayi Company—Wang Zhonglei locked himself in his office, wearing a doubtful‑about‑life expression." Let's do: "And after this news was broadcast on the *News Broadcast*, it triggered an even greater movie‑watching frenzy, with box office soaring. Looking at this trend, breaking the domestic box‑office record is no problem! Huayi Company—Wang Zhonglei locked himself in his office, wearing a doubtful‑about‑life expression."

"Even though it's also a 2D‑to‑3D conversion, the visual effect is far worse; you still have to spend more money! Jiang Heng's spending is worth it though—grossing 100 million yuan a day is exaggerated!"

Translate: "\"Even though both are 2D‑to‑3D conversions, the visual effect is far worse; you really have to spend more money! Jiang Heng's spending was worth it! A hundred‑million‑yuan daily box office is too exaggerated! \"" Let's do: "\"Even though both are 2D‑to‑3D conversions, the visual effect is far worse; you really have to spend more money! Jiang Heng's spending was worth it! A hundred‑million‑yuan daily box office is too exaggerated! \"

Xu Ke, who has already returned to Hong Kong, saw the newspaper news and exclaimed anguishedly: "I told them to spend a bit more and do it better, but they just wouldn't listen!"

Translate: "Having already returned to Xianggang, Xu Ke saw the newspaper report and exclaimed anguishedly: \"I told them to spend a bit more and do it well, but they just wouldn't listen! \"" Let's do: "Having already returned to Xianggang, Xu Ke saw the newspaper report and exclaimed anguishedly: \"I told them to spend a bit more and do it well, but they just wouldn't listen! \"

His wife said: "Everyone knows you get what you pay for; the problem is they just aren't willing to spend!"

Translate: "His wife said: \"Everyone knows you get what you pay for; the problem is they just won't spend the money! \"" Let's do: "His wife said: \"Everyone knows you get what you pay for; the problem is they just won't spend the money! \"

"So, they'll never be able to catch up to Jiang Heng!"

Translate: "\"So they'll never catch up to Jiang Heng! \"" Let's do: "\"So they'll never catch up to Jiang Heng! \"

His wife said: "Our current situation is fine as long as someone is willing to invest; don't overthink it. As long as the box‑office performance isn't bad, Huayi will make money and investment will naturally increase."

Translate: "His wife said: \"Given our current situation, having someone willing to invest is already good enough; don't think too much. As long as the box office isn't bad, Huayi will make money and investment will naturally increase. \"" Let's do: "His wife said: \"Given our current situation, having someone willing to invest is already good enough; don't think too much. As long as the box office isn't bad, Huayi will make money and investment will naturally increase. \"

Xu Ke let out a long sigh and nodded slightly.

Translate: "Xu Ke let out a long sigh and nodded slightly." Let's do: "Xu Ke let out a long sigh and nodded slightly."

Speaking of that setback with The Legend of Shu Mountain, the fall was really harsh, leaving him in obscurity for nearly ten years.

Translate: "Speaking of *Legend of Shu Mountain*, that stumble was really too harsh, leaving him in obscurity for nearly ten years." Let's do: "Speaking of *Legend of Shu Mountain*, that stumble was really too harsh, leaving him in obscurity for nearly ten years."

Now he's pinning his hopes on Detective Dee: The Rise of the Sea Dragon to turn things around; as long as he can make a little profit, that'll do.

Translate: "Now he's pinning his hopes on *Detective Dee: The Heaven‑reaching Empire* to turn things around; as long as he can make a little money, that'll do!" Let's do: "Now he's pinning his hopes on *Detective Dee: The Heaven‑reaching Empire* to turn things around; as long as he can make a little money, that'll do!"

The chairman of Ningxia Film Industry, Yang Hongtao, saw the news and couldn't help but laugh excitedly: "I knew we should do 3D—this time we really bet right!"

Translate: "The chairman of Ningxia Film Industry, Yang Hongtao, saw the news and couldn't help laughing excitedly: \"I knew we should do 3D—this time we really bet right! \"" Let's do: "The chairman of Ningxia Film Industry, Yang Hongtao, saw the news and couldn't help laughing excitedly: \"I knew we should do 3D—this time we really bet right! \"

His personality is relatively daring with spending; therefore, the conversion cost for Painted Skin was much higher than what Huayi spent, and he later added over fifty million more, specifically for 2D‑to‑3D conversion.

Translate: "His personality is relatively daring with spending; thus, the conversion cost for *Painted Skin* was far higher than what Huayi spent, and he later added over fifty million more, specifically for 2D‑to‑3D conversion." Let's do: "His personality is relatively daring with spending; thus, the conversion cost for *Painted Skin* was far higher than what Huayi spent, and he later added over fifty million more, specifically for 2D‑to‑3D conversion."

Because the film doesn't have many effects shots, the conversion turned out pretty good.

Translate: "Because the film doesn't have many effects shots, the conversion turned out decent." Let's do: "Because the film doesn't have many effects shots, the conversion turned out decent."

Naturally it can't compare to Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven or Hero Soldiers League, but it won't be so bad as to be accused of cheating the audience, and achieving a decent box‑office result is still possible.

Translate: "Compared to *Havoc in Heaven* and *Heroic Soldiers League*, it naturally can't match them, but it won't be accused of cheating audiences, and a decent box‑office result is still possible." Let's do: "Compared to *Havoc in Heaven* and *Heroic Soldiers League*, it naturally can't match them, but it won't be accused of cheating audiences, and a decent box‑office result is still possible."

On the other hand, Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping have developed a slight disagreement because of Hero Soldiers League's hot run.

Translate: "On the other hand, Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping, because of *Heroic Soldiers League*'s hot run, have developed a slight disagreement." Let's do: "On the other hand, Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping, because of *Heroic Soldiers League*'s hot run, have developed a slight disagreement."

Zhang Yimou's recent path in commercial films hasn't been very smooth; he wants to return to artistic films and shoot something with depth.

Translate: "Zhang Yimou's recent commercial‑film path hasn't been very smooth; he wants to return to the artistic side and shoot something with depth." Let's do: "Zhang Yimou's recent commercial‑film path hasn't been very smooth; he wants to return to the artistic side and shoot something with depth."

But Zhang Weiping wants to make money and also wants to produce a 3D blockbuster, aiming for a film that grosses over ten billion!

Translate: "But Zhang Weiping wants to make money and also produce a big 3D film, aiming for a box office of over ten billion!" Let's do: "But Zhang Weiping wants to make money and also produce a big 3D film, aiming for a box office of over ten billion!"

(End of chapter)