Chapter 479

~21 min read 4,102 words

Outside the residential building of an upscale community, Dilireba stepped out of her Mercedes-Benz S600, waved goodbye, and left gracefully.

Translation: "At the foot of the residential building in an upscale community, Dilireba got out of a Mercedes-Benz S600, waved goodbye, and left gracefully."

Note: Dilireba is Dilireba (provided). The Mercedes-Benz S600 is the Mercedes-Benz S600. Should we keep the brand as Mercedes-Benz? It's a brand; we can translate it as Mercedes-Benz. The glossary didn't provide that, but it's a real-world brand; we can translate the meaning. It's allowed. 'Got out of' means got out of. 'Waved goodbye' means waved goodbye. 'Left gracefully' means left gracefully.

We'll output: 【1】 At the foot of the residential building in an upscale community, Dilireba got out of a Mercedes-Benz S600, waved goodbye, and left gracefully.

Gazing at her swaying, graceful back, Jiang Heng couldn't help but feel a spell of absentmindedness.

Translation: "Gazing at her swaying, graceful back, Jiang Heng couldn't help but feel a moment of absentmindedness."

Liu Yifei has been busy filming lately, so she hasn't been around for a long time. As for Jing Tian, she's gone on vacation out of sheer boredom.

Thus, even a big boss and big director like Jiang Heng feels a sense of emptiness and loneliness.

Translation: "Liu Yifei has been busy filming lately, so she hasn't been around for a long time. As for Jing Tian, she's gone on vacation out of sheer boredom."

Leaning back in the seat, lost in thought for a while, before finally saying, 'Drive.'

The luxurious car started up slowly and disappeared into the night of Jingcheng.

Translation: "As a result, even someone like Jiang Heng, a big boss and director, feels a sense of emptiness and loneliness."

We'll output: 【4】 As a result, even someone like Jiang Heng, a big boss and director, feels a sense of emptiness and loneliness.

Upstairs, when Dilireba reached the window, the luxury car was already out of sight, and she couldn't help feeling slightly disappointed.

Translation: "Leaning back in the seat, he pondered for a while before finally saying, 'Drive.'"

We need to keep quotes? Probably keep as is. We'll output: 【5】 Leaning back in the seat, he pondered for a while before finally saying, "Drive."

The words she had typed in WeChat were ultimately deleted.

Translation: "The luxurious car started up slowly and disappeared into the night of Jingcheng."

In late September, the long-prepared sci-fi blockbuster 'Star Divergence' held its new film launch event in Jingcheng.

Of course, this is just the registered name; it will definitely be changed upon release.

Translation: "Upstairs, when Dilireba reached the window, the luxury car was already out of sight, and she couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed."

We'll output: 【7】 Upstairs, when Dilireba reached the window, the luxury car was already out of sight, and she couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed.

At the event, hundreds of media outlets gathered, nonstop photographing the huge concept poster.

Translation: "The words she had typed in WeChat were ultimately deleted."

We'll output: 【8】 The words she had typed in WeChat were ultimately deleted.

"……"

Translation: "……" (ellipsis). We'll output: 【9】 ……

"I never expected the female lead this time to be Dilireba!"

Translation: "In late September, the long-prepared sci-fi blockbuster 'Star Divergence' held its new film launch event in Jingcheng."

"Yeah, I thought it would be Liu Yifei or Jing Tian!"

"Yang Mi is also gorgeous, she's so popular, I can't understand why Director Jiang hasn't let her star!"

Translation: "Of course, this is just the registered title; it will definitely be changed when released."

We'll output: 【11】 Of course, this is just the registered title; it will definitely be changed when released.

"Maybe she's done too many TV dramas, and Director Jiang thinks she's not suitable!"

Translation: "At the event, hundreds of media outlets gathered, nonstop photographing the huge concept poster."

We'll output: 【12】 At the event, hundreds of media outlets gathered, nonstop photographing the huge concept poster.

After taking photos, the reporters chatted idly, waiting for the event to start.

Translation: "\"I never expected the female lead this time to be Dilireba! \""

We'll output: 【13】 "I never expected the female lead this time to be Dilireba!"

At ten o'clock, a host took the stage—yet it was Wu Jing's girlfriend, Xie Nan.

Translation: "\"Yeah, I thought it would be Liu Yifei or Jing Tian! \""

We'll output: 【14】 "Yeah, I thought it would be Liu Yifei or Jing Tian!"

They had been dating since last year, and they openly announced their relationship on social media, so when Xie Nan introduced Wu Jing, the audience burst into laughter.

Translation: "\"Yang Mi is also gorgeous, she's so popular, I can't understand why Director Jiang hasn't let her star! \""

"Teacher Wu Jing, when are you planning to marry Xie Nan?" a female reporter asked with a laugh.

"Once this film is done, that's it!" Wu Jing replied domineeringly.

Translation: "\"Maybe she's done too many TV dramas, and Director Jiang thinks she's not suitable! \""

We'll output: 【16】 "Maybe she's done too many TV dramas, and Director Jiang thinks she's not suitable!"

The crowd cheered, and a reporter asked Xie Nan, "Will you accept?"

Translation: "After taking photos, the reporters on site chatted idly, waiting for the event to begin."

We'll output: 【17】 After taking photos, the reporters on site chatted idly, waiting for the event to begin.

Xie Nan laughed and said, "Let's wait until he proposes!"

Translation: "At ten o'clock, a host took the stage—yet it was Wu Jing's girlfriend, Xie Nan."

Wu Jing made a motion to kneel, and Xie Nan hurriedly supported him, saying, "Today is the film's launch event—don't mix public duty with private affairs here!"

"Hahaha!" The atmosphere grew even more lively.

Translation: "They had been dating since last year, and they openly announced their relationship on social media; thus, when Xie Nan introduced Wu Jing, the audience burst into laughter."

We'll output: 【19】 They had been dating since last year, and they openly announced their relationship on social media; thus, when Xie Nan introduced Wu Jing, the audience burst into laughter.

And when interviewing Dilireba, Xie Nan first asked her how she felt about the film.

Translation: "\"Professor Wu Jing, when are you planning to marry Xie Nan? \" a female reporter asked with a laugh."

We'll output: 【20】 "Professor Wu Jing, when are you planning to marry Xie Nan?" a female reporter asked with a laugh.

Dilireba's answer was somewhat conventional, after all she's younger and not as carefree as Wu Jing.

Translation: "\"We'll break up after this film is finished! \" Wu Jing replied domineeringly."

We'll output: 【21】 "We'll break up after this film is finished!" Wu Jing replied domineeringly.

She said that after reading the script, she felt the worldview was incredibly grand and novel; the film's birth would usher in a new chapter for Chinese-language cinema, presenting audiences with a splendid sci-fi world.

Translation: "The crowd cheered, and a reporter asked Xie Nan, 'Will you agree?'"

We'll output: 【22】 The crowd cheered, and a reporter asked Xie Nan, "Will you agree?"

Afterwards, several veteran actors present were interviewed; they all praised the film, saying flattering things.

Translation: "Xie Nan laughed and said, 'Let's talk about it after he proposes!'"

We'll output: 【23】 Xie Nan laughed and said, "Let's talk about it after he proposes!"

Finally, the film's director, Jiang Heng, took the stage.

Translation: "Wu Jing made a motion to kneel, and Xie Nan hurriedly supported him, saying, 'Today is the new film launch event; don't use public affairs for private gain here!'"

We'll output: 【24】 Wu Jing made a motion to kneel, and Xie Nan hurriedly supported him, saying, "Today is the new film launch event; don't use public affairs for private gain here!"

As soon as he appeared, he was met with a wave of cheers.

Translation: "\"Hahaha! \" The atmosphere at the scene grew even more lively."

We'll output: 【25】 "Hahaha!" The atmosphere at the scene grew even more lively.

"Director Jiang, it seems everyone is truly looking forward to this!"

Translation: "And when interviewing Dilireba, Xie Nan first asked her how she felt about this film."

We'll output: 【26】 And when interviewing Dilireba, Xie Nan first asked her how she felt about this film.

Jiang Heng chuckled, "The higher the expectations, the greater my pressure!"

Translation: "Dilireba's answer was somewhat conventional, after all she's younger and not as carefree as Wu Jing."

We'll output: 【27】 Dilireba's answer was somewhat conventional, after all she's younger and not as carefree as Wu Jing.

Xie Nan quickly said, "With your level, I'm sure you'll bring us an excellent work!" "Then I'll take your good words, haha!"

Translation: "She said that after reading the script, she felt the worldview was extremely grand and novel; the birth of this film will open a new chapter for Chinese-language cinema, presenting audiences with a splendid sci-fi world."

We'll output: 【28】 She said that after reading the script, she felt the worldview was extremely grand and novel; the birth of this film will open a new chapter for Chinese-language cinema, presenting audiences with a splendid sci-fi world.

Jiang Heng's current stature and achievements—being modest is fine, but excessive modesty can come off as hypocritical.

Translation: "Afterward, several veteran actors present were interviewed; they all praised the film, saying flattering things."

Afterwards, discussing the film's selling points and answering a few more questions, the launch event concluded.

That afternoon, the crew moved into the China Film Digital Base, made some pre-shoot preparations, and began formal filming the next day.

Translation: "Finally, the film's director, Jiang Heng, took the stage."

We'll output: 【30】 Finally, the film's director, Jiang Heng, took the stage.

The next day, major media outlets reported the news of Jiang Heng's new film starting production. Countless bosses and directors gazed on with envy, and actresses everywhere felt envious.

Translation: "As soon as he appeared, a wave of cheers surged forth."

We'll output: 【31】 As soon as he appeared, a wave of cheers surged forth.

Inside the Huayi Company CEO's office, the Wang brothers sat opposite each other, exchanging glances.

Translation: "\"Director Jiang, it seems everyone is truly looking forward to this! \""

We'll output: 【32】 "Director Jiang, it seems everyone is truly looking forward to this!"

"This Jiang Heng, one film after another—he really knows how to stir things up!" the older brother remarked.

Translation: "Jiang Heng chuckled, 'The higher the expectations, the greater my pressure!'"

We'll output: 【33】 Jiang Heng chuckled, "The higher the expectations, the greater my pressure!"

Wang Zhonglei said, "We can't deny that he also really has some skills; one person has earned over ninety percent of the industry, simply not leaving anyone a way to survive!"

Translation: "Xie Nan quickly said, 'With your level, I believe you'll bring us an excellent work!' 'Then I'll borrow your good words, haha!'"

We'll output: 【34】 Xie Nan quickly said, "With your level, I believe you'll bring us an excellent work!" "Then I'll borrow your good words, haha!"

"Who would say otherwise!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng's current stature and achievements—being modest a bit is enough; excessive modesty would seem hypocritical."

We'll output: 【35】 Jiang Heng's current stature and achievements—being modest a bit is enough; excessive modesty would seem hypocritical.

Huayi's fortunes over the past two years have indeed been poor: first, Feng Xiaogang's "1942" foundered in the New Year slot; then Xu Ke's "Detective Dee: The Dragon King of the Divine Capital" saw both box office and reputation collapse in the 2013 Spring Festival slot.

Translation: "Afterward, discussing the film's selling points and answering a few more questions, the new film launch event concluded."

We'll output: 【36】 Afterward, discussing the film's selling points and answering a few more questions, the new film launch event concluded.

Not to mention that it has seriously weakened Huayi; at least in the short term, they can't afford another effects-heavy blockbuster—it's too painful! But for such a large company to operate, projects must exist, otherwise it would truly become an empty shell.

Translation: "That afternoon, the crew moved into the China Film Digital Base, made some pre-shooting preparations, and began formal shooting the next day."

We'll output: 【37】 That afternoon, the crew moved into the China Film Digital Base, made some pre-shooting preparations, and began formal shooting the next day.

In utter desperation, they had to fall back on the old route: they asked Wang Shuo to write a comedy script, had Feng Xiaogang direct it—that film, "Personal Custom," which contributed many memorable scenes, slated for release in the year-end New Year slot, hoping for a decent box office! Apart from Huayi Company, the Wang brothers...

Translation: "The next day, major media outlets widely reported the news of Jiang Heng's new film starting production. Countless bosses and directors gazed on with envy, and female stars everywhere felt envious."

We'll output: 【38】 The next day, major media outlets widely reported the news of Jiang Heng's new film starting production. Countless bosses and directors gazed on with envy, and female stars everywhere felt envious.

Most film and TV companies in the industry have already given up on making effects-heavy blockbusters.

Translation: "Inside the office of the head of Huayi Company, the Wang brothers sat opposite each other, exchanging glances."

We'll output: 【39】 Inside the office of the head of Huayi Company, the Wang brothers sat opposite each other, exchanging glances.

After all, Jiang Heng's works are like towering mountains, allowing domestic audiences to enjoy them for over a decade.

Translation: "\"This Jiang Heng, one film after another, really knows how to stir things up! \" remarked the older brother."

We'll output: 【40】 "This Jiang Heng, one film after another, really knows how to stir things up!" remarked the older brother.

The remaining companies try to package a small hill as a grand mountain range, hoping to profit—truly unrealistic.

Just as in the era when Jackie Chan and Jet Li dominated kung fu films, where would there be room for a third kung fu superstar!

Wang Zhonglei said: "We can't deny that he also really has some skills; one person has earned over ninety percent of the industry, leaving no way for anyone else to survive!"

We'll output: 【41】 Wang Zhonglei said: "We can't deny that he also really has some skills; one person has earned over ninety percent of the industry, simply not leaving anyone a way to survive!"

So these companies are now turning to comedy and youth films.

Translation: "\"Who would say otherwise! \""

We'll output: 【42】 "Who would say otherwise!"

Especially after "Lost in Thailand" and "Crazy for Love" each grossed over one billion RMB, the already hot market saw even more hot money.

Translation: "Huayi's fortunes over the past two years have indeed been poor: first, Feng Xiaogang's '1942' foundered in the New Year slot; then Xu Ke's 'Detective Dee: The Dragon King of the Divine Capital' saw both box office and reputation collapse in the 2013 Spring Festival slot."

After the 2013 Spring Festival slot results came out, everyone found that even the poorly reviewed "Tiny Times" could gross several hundred million yuan; having raked in massive profits, it could be said that everyone piled into this track frenziedly! China Film, Huashi, and Guangxian joined forces to produce "To Our Youth That Is Fading Away," which premiered in the off-season in April and still grossed over 700 million yuan.

Guangxian's head Wang Changtian increasingly favored this small-investment, big-return approach, and together with Xu Zheng they produced "Hong Kong Lost in Thailand," slated for release this National Day.

Translation: "Without saying it has devastated Huayi's vitality, at least in the short term it can't afford another effects-heavy blockbuster—it's unbearable! But such a large company must keep running; projects must exist, or it would truly become an empty shell."

We'll output: 【44】 Without saying it has devastated Huayi's vitality, at least in the short term it can't afford another effects-heavy blockbuster—it's unbearable! But such a large company must keep running; projects must exist, or it would truly become an empty shell.

As for not going to the New Year slot, naturally these two felt guilty.

After all, involving copyright issues, if they were targeted in the New Year slot, they wouldn't make any money—it would be all for nothing.

"Come to think of it, Director Jiang is really magnanimous—our film is about to release, yet he hasn't said a word!" Xu Zheng said, puzzled.

But the last phrase seems incomplete; we will translate literally: "Apart from Huayi Company, the Wang brothers outside." Might be a mistake; we keep as is.

We'll output: 【45】 In utter desperation, they had to fall back on the old route: they asked Wang Shuo to write a comedy script, had Feng Xiaogang direct it—that film, "Personal Custom," which contributed many memorable scenes, slated for release in the year-end New Year slot, hoping for a decent box office! Apart from Huayi Company, the Wang brothers outside.

Wang Changtian took a sip of tea, "Maybe he just didn't take a liking to it and couldn't be bothered. Or maybe he's waiting to see the box office results before deciding whether to sue!"

Translation: "Most film and TV companies in the industry have already given up the idea of making effects-heavy blockbusters."

We'll output: 【46】 Most film and TV companies in the industry have already given up the idea of making effects-heavy blockbusters.

Xu Zheng nodded, "That's certainly possible!"

Translation: "After all, Jiang Heng's works are like towering mountains, allowing mainland audiences to enjoy them for over a decade."

We'll output: 【47】 After all, Jiang Heng's works are like towering mountains, allowing mainland audiences to enjoy them for over a decade.

When the film became a big hit, Outstanding Rising Film Company filed a lawsuit, and Guangxian, as the producer, might have to pay some damages.

Translation: "The remaining companies try to dress up a tiny hill as a grand landscape to make money—truly unrealistic."

We'll output: 【48】 The remaining companies try to dress up a tiny hill as a grand landscape to make money—truly unrealistic.

Just like the era when Jackie Chan and Jet Li dominated kung fu films, where could there be any room for a third kung fu superstar!

Translation: "Just as in the era when Cheng Long and Li Lianjie dominated kung fu films, where could a third kung fu superstar find room to survive!"

We need to use glossary names: Cheng Long, Li Lianjie. We'll output: 【49】 Just as in the era when Cheng Long and Li Lianjie dominated kung fu films, where could a third kung fu superstar find room to survive!

So these companies are now all aiming for the comedy and youth film route.

Translation: "Therefore, these companies are now all turning to comedy and youth films."

We'll output: 【50】 Therefore, these companies are now all turning to comedy and youth films.

Especially after "Lost in Thailand" and "Crazy for Love" each grossed over one billion RMB, the already hot market saw even more hot money.

Probably meaning: "Especially after 'Lost in Thailand' and 'Crazy for Love' each grossed over one billion RMB, the already hot market saw even more hot money."

Especially after "Lost in Thailand" and "Crazy for Love" each grossed over one billion RMB, the already hot market saw even more hot money.

We need to check the glossary: the terms refer to China Film, Huashi, and Guangxian.

We'll output: 【52】 After the 2013 Spring Festival slot results came out, everyone found that even the poorly reviewed "Tiny Times" could gross several hundred million yuan; having raked in massive profits, it could be said that everyone piled into this track frenziedly! China Film, Huashi, and Guangxian joined forces to produce "To Our Youth That Is Fading Away," which premiered in the off-season in April and still grossed over 700 million yuan.

As for not going to the New Year slot, it's only natural that these two feel guilty.

Translation: "As for not going to the New Year slot, it's naturally because these two feel guilty."

We'll output: 【54】 As for not going to the New Year slot, it's naturally because these two feel guilty.

After all, it involves copyright issues; if they were targeted during the New Year slot, they wouldn't make any money, which would be pointless.

Translation: "After all, it involves copyright issues; if they were targeted in the New Year slot, they wouldn't make any money, making all their effort pointless."

We'll output: 【55】 After all, it involves copyright issues; if they were targeted in the New Year slot, they wouldn't make any money, making all their effort pointless.

"But speaking of it, Director Jiang is really generous; our film is about to be released, yet he hasn't said anything!" Xu Zheng said in a puzzled tone.

We have Xu Zheng (provided). We'll translate: "Speaking of which, Director Jiang is really magnanimous—our film is about to release, yet he hasn't said a word over there!" Xu Zheng said, puzzled.

We'll output: 【56】 "Speaking of which, Director Jiang is really magnanimous—our film is about to release, yet he hasn't said a word over there!" Xu Zheng said, puzzled.

Wang Changtian took a sip of tea, "Maybe he just didn't take a liking to it and couldn't be bothered. Or maybe he's waiting to see the box office results before deciding whether to sue!"

Translation: "Wang Changtian took a sip of tea, 'Maybe he just didn't take notice and couldn't be bothered, or maybe he's waiting to see the box office results before deciding whether to sue.'"

We'll output: 【57】 Wang Changtian took a sip of tea, "Maybe he just didn't take notice and couldn't be bothered, or maybe he's waiting to see the box office results before deciding whether to sue."

Xu Zheng nodded, "There's that possibility!"

Translation: "Xu Zheng nodded, 'That's certainly possible!'"

We'll output: 【58】 Xu Zheng nodded, "That's certainly possible!"

After the film became a big hit, Outstanding Rising Film Company filed a lawsuit, and Guangxian, as the producer, might have to pay some damages.

When the film became a big hit, Outstanding Rising Film Company filed a lawsuit, and Guangxian, as the producer, might have to pay some damages.

We'll output: 【59】 When the film became a big hit, Outstanding Rising Film Company filed a lawsuit, and Guangxian, as the producer, might have to pay some damages.

If the movie's box office is just average, there's no need to go through all the trouble.

Of course, whether it's Xu Zheng or Wang Changtian, they are both relatively optimistic about the box office prospects of 'Lost in Hong Kong'.

First, there's the fan base of 'Lost in Thailand'; second, the cast is stronger, the jokes are denser; there's no reason it won't be a box office hit!

By then, we won't fear lawsuits; at worst we'll just have to pay some money.

In the entertainment industry, who'd still be afraid of lawsuits? What really makes these two nervous is that Jiang Heng, through his influence over several major domestic theater chains, believes reducing the screening count of 'Lost in Thailand' would be a precise strike against them! (End of chapter)

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