Chapter 440: Seven Days, Two Billion

After Douyin went viral, many video accounts appeared that reenacted classic film and TV action scenes.

Some even combined fight scenes with special effects—truly, if you want effects, you get effects; if you want looks, you get effects; plus fitting music, they surpass web novel adaptations like "Qi Turning into Horses" by who knows how many times.

I really don't know where all that huge investment went, repeatedly disappointing original fans.

Jiang Heng's version of Battle Through the Heavens, whether in action scenes or special effects, is top‑tier worldwide.

The reason is simple: adapting long‑novel plots is difficult, and it's even harder in the web‑novel sphere.

Even by 2024, Chinese‑language film and TV still haven't produced a classic movie that can rival Jin Yong's wuxia themes.

Perhaps it's the subject matter, perhaps it's the talent shortage; anyway, although there are many male‑oriented web‑novel classics, the road to film‑and‑TV adaptation is still long.

So Jiang Heng wasn't very confident in his own hastily edited, condensed plot, and he poured great effort into action and effects.

After watching, the audience's first reaction was all kinds of shock; after repeatedly being stunned, any plot flaws or loopholes were overlooked.

Just like the classic effects blockbuster Avatar, once you set aside those super‑shocking effect scenes, the plot is actually just so‑so.

But Battle Through the Heavens is different; its core is still the usual feel-good formula, somewhat cliché, yet audiences truly love it.

The two elements combined made the film a smash hit during the Spring Festival season, with hot screenings worldwide.

In the mainland market, it broke the ten‑billion mark in three days, setting a new record for Chinese‑language cinema.

But because it was the Spring Festival holiday, daily box office remained high for the following days—each day over two hundred million—and on the seventh day of release it reached two billion.

Breaking two billion in seven days shocked the nation; who knows how many "spiritual shareholders" were created, with people daily checking the film's real‑time box office online.

For the entire Chinese‑language entertainment industry, it was a shock beyond comparison.

Jiang Heng had previously had a film gross over two billion in the mainland, but that was after one or two months of release.

This damn thing only took seven days—once the film leaves theaters, how crazy will the box office get! Besides shock, there's excitement; Jiang Heng still has another film, Black Myth: Wukong, set for release this summer.

If he really didn't shoot effects blockbusters in 2012, then the hot 2013 Spring Festival and summer slots—two prime windows—would give them a chance to grab a share! Just like the past 2012 summer slot, which had four films released and earned 2.47 billion.

So the total box office for the 2013 Spring Festival slot should be even higher; if three big pictures compete in the same period, the winner is likely to exceed one billion.

Huayi Company is tightening preparations for Detective Dee: The Dragon King of the Divine Capital, determined to release in the 2013 Spring Festival slot no matter what.

On Wu Yusen's side, he also brought in investments from Xiaoma Ben Teng, Le Shi Film Industry, China Film, and Huayi, launching the project to film Titanic, aiming for the 2013 Spring Festival slot.

Even the relatively artistic director Jiang Wen prepared in advance a film based on the Yan Ruisheng case, One Step Away.

Of course, he is a director who cares deeply about details and quality; for rushing production just to catch a slot and box office, Jiang Wen looks down on such things.

Therefore, for the slot he's eyeing the 2013 summer season—one and a half years, plenty of time for him to stay busy.

As Battle Through the Heavens heats up, several characters in the film have become popular, some gaining even greater fame.

Like the newcomer actor Zhang Wei, who plays Xiao Yan; he already has first‑tier celebrity status, is handsome, and with ongoing resources will surely become a first‑tier star.

Even hotter is Gulnazar, who plays Xiao Xun'er; thanks to her iconic look in the film she has become a new‑generation otaku goddess.

Moreover, because Jing Tian moved behind the scenes and Liu Yifei lacks big‑film works, Gulnazar's fame has spread far and wide, surpassing Yan Ningchen, who played Chang'e in the two "Wasteland" films.

Of course, Gulnazar's popularity is boosted by the character's dividend.

Xiao Xun'er is beautiful, noble, deeply loves Xiao Yan, and would give everything for him; she's also strong‑willed—what boy could resist such a girl! By comparison, Chang'e often holds back Houyi, so naturally she's not as likable as Xiao Xun'er.

The fans and attention Yan Ningchen received don't compare to Gulnazar's, so it's no surprise.

Speaking of the Spring Festival period, Gulnazar only had a family reunion dinner at home before rushing off with the crew to promote everywhere.

Wherever she went, large numbers of fans showed up at the event site, holding light‑boards with her name, repeatedly shouting "I love you!"

This made the twenty‑year‑old freshman at Beijing Film Academy feel her heart surge.

"Her luck is too good—picked by Director Jiang, she became famous in her very first drama!"

"Who made her so gorgeous? Natural beauty is hard to give up!"

Restrooms are often where many girls gossip.

Two girls taking part in the promotion with the crew were touching up their makeup in front of a mall restroom mirror, chatting casually.

One said: "You think she's with Director Jiang?"

"Hard to say, but a talented man and beautiful woman really do suit each other!"

"Director Jiang is really handsome—truly, if you want talent you get talent, if you want looks you get looks, if you want wealth you get wealth!" said one while adjusting her chest‑level clothing.

"Look at you, you're such a fangirl—why not confess to Director Jiang?" another girl scoffed.

"You think I don't dare?"

"I can see you don't dare!"

"I'm not like that—I just don't have the chance!" said the fangirl‑type girl shyly.

Of course, she's just talking; she knows her own weight.

Income from Outstanding Rising Film Company is generous, benefits are high, and going out gives her face.

If she really wanted to be a boss‑type wife but lost her job, she'd be a fool—she'd never do that!

Another suddenly said: "By the way, I heard Manager Shen say Director Jiang might come over tonight!"

"Really? Didn't he go to Xianggang?"

"Xianggang is so close—of course you can just come over. Maybe he thinks we've been working too hard lately and wants to treat us!"

"Great, I'll definitely toast her a few cups tonight!"

In the stall, Gulnazar heard that and her mind stirred.

She truly feels grateful to Jiang Heng—before joining the Battle Through the Heavens crew she was just a small‑time model, with no professional acting experience.

Let alone Jiang Heng's effects blockbusters; even playing a female lead or supporting role in a low‑budget film would be unimaginable for her! She failed the audition for her hometown's art troupe, and was unemployed at home when Jiang Heng picked her.

That feeling is like a student who failed the college entrance exam, sitting at home not knowing what to do, suddenly receiving an offer from Huawei to join a major project as a core member.

So every time she sees Jiang Heng, her heart feels a little excited.

Hearing that Jiang Heng might come today, she couldn't help but send a WeChat message: "Teacher, are you coming tonight?" (End of chapter)