[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-104":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2286940,4473,"Chapter 104: Brotherhood of Blades","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-104",104,"\u003Cp>By the end of the National Day holiday, the box office for *The Message* had reached 150 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leveraging *The Founding of a Republic*, Han Sanping successfully became the second director in the country to join the 400 million box office club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unfortunately, the film's box office did not surpass *Rescue from Mars*, ultimately stalling at 419 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the celebration banquet, Han Sanping looked at the smiling Lin Nan and always felt he was mocking him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chairman Han, congratulations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations on me bragging prematurely, or congratulations on me slapping my own face?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping mocked himself, his prideful nature fully exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How many years has it been since you directed a film?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, you jumped over the 100 million, 200 million, and 300 million marks all at once, straight to being a 400 million director—what else is there to be dissatisfied about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Han Sanping nodded; he really should be satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With *The Founding of a Republic*, China Film Group had secured both fame and profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly remembering something, Han Sanping glanced at Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Golden Rooster Awards are in two days. Even though you aren't going, there shouldn't be any shortage of topics surrounding you, heh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chairman Han, I already have a Golden Lion; I don't care about that chicken,\" Lin Nan laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, you've got backbone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping patted Lin Nan and opened his mouth, \"In a few years, when those people step down, we'll see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan seemed to catch the implication and smiled, \"With you saying that, I reckon this year's Best Picture will go to one of those two, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping's expression darkened, \"I didn't say anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I didn't hear anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan knew that Liu Yifei really wanted to win an award—the kind she yearned for very, very much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At the very least, it will take a few more years...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Golden Rooster ceremony had even begun, good news came from Busan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yang's *Blind Cinema* had previously been nominated for the \"New Currents\" award and the \"Audience Award.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two nominations, one win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He won the \"Audience Award,\" and in addition to the trophy and certificate, there was a 10,000 USD cash prize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the distribution rights for *Blind Cinema* were sold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The price wasn't high—just enough to cover costs plus an extra two million—after all, the Busan International Film Festival is only a regional B-class film festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The media was very accommodating; at the very least, Sina took care of their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Invested in by Director Lin Nan and directed by Director Lu Yang, *Blind Cinema* has won the 'Most Popular Film Award' at the Busan International Film Festival.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lu Yang, first film wins an award abroad...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this news spread, everyone in the industry felt a sense of admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another director from the Beijing Film Academy had made it. At the very least, Lu Yang would no longer be a nobody.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, they were just waiting for the release of Guo Fan's *Source Code*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If *Source Code* could withstand the test of the market, then Lin Nan Pictures would truly have one big and two small directors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it, it seemed that Lin Nan's scripts hadn't had a single failure so far, just like *Crazy Stone* back in the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Busan International Film Festival awards ceremony ended, Lu Yang flew back the next morning with the lead cast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the airport, when a reporter asked Lu Yang about his future film plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy was much more confident, smiling as he said: \"I don't know yet, but Director Lin said before that there would be arrangements...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Liu Yifei's first time at Lin Nan Pictures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many employees wanted to find an opportunity to see the \"Little Dragon Maiden\" and their future boss's lady up close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you all done working?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Jun let out a cold snort, and everyone obediently returned to their stations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Lin Nan's office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei sat in her boyfriend's chair, appearing quite lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you that excited?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why wouldn't I be? Come to think of it, quite a few actresses have been to your company, right? This is my first time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei rolled her eyes at Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter really couldn't refute that; living so close, he truly hadn't thought Liu Yifei would care about this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, that was my oversight. But I promise, only two people have sat in that chair: me and you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're hoping for a third?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is absolutely out of the question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A knock sounded at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, Director Lu is back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bring him in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei quickly stood up and sat down next to Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Lu Yang entered, he looked as if he had expected it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, Yifei.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Lu Yang, hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit down quickly. I knew you'd arrive at this time, so the script and the producer are already prepared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan pushed the items in front of Lu Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, you know what I want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do. Take a look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn't traditional martial arts, and we aren't following that Hong Kong style...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan gave a rough introduction, and Lu Yang began to flip through the script quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei sat beside Lin Nan, no longer as unrestrained as when they were alone; she now exuded the dignified and steady air of a young lady from a prominent family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan couldn't help but give a thumbs up—she truly had the bearing of a head wife!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeming to read Lin Nan's meaning, the girl gave him a warning look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Officialdom, the pugilistic world, patriotism, and romance... compared to Hong Kong martial arts, it has more of the weight of the nation and the world...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected of someone who liked this sort of thing, Lu Yang cleared up the logic of the story in a very short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, he closed the script, his expression excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, this is the one!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Satisfied?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, satisfied.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let me reintroduce you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei, the producer of *Brotherhood of Blades*.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Lu Yang, please take care of this film,\" Liu Yifei said with a sweet smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, you're too kind. It's me who needs you to take care of things. If we go over budget, I'll have to ask you and Director Lin for help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yang kept a low profile, understanding social nuances better than Liu Yifei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For this script, I'll give you one to two months for preparation. We start filming in December. During this time, you need to finish all the storyboards and casting. As for the crew preparations, Yue Jun will help you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, Lin Nan would once again send an acquisition proposal to Jiang Xuerou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was still no definite answer, he would prepare to poach people, even though it was highly likely he wouldn't get the complete team from Zhou Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the budget?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yang asked the question he cared about most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan didn't speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei spoke up: \"The budget for this film is 30 million, and it will not be increased.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aura of a female producer was instantly revealed—very sharp!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"30 million is not a small amount; it's even a bit much. I had originally planned for 25 million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan added. The extra five million was entirely to provide a safety net for Liu Yifei, the novice producer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yang knew that 30 million was indeed not a small amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, don't worry. I will diligently handle the preparation work in the coming time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yang left with the script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei had Lin Nan take her to tour every department in the company, including the Tiangong Color side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're acting like you're staking your claim here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's exactly what I'm thinking. Is that not allowed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course it is, but take your hand off first...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Jun sent people to deliver the script for *Embroidered Uniform Guard* to the Film Bureau.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Golden Rooster Awards ceremony, Lin Nan’s guess was spot on; Han Sanping really did know something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Best Picture went to *Forever Enthralled*. How should I put it? Director Chen’s status in the association remains as steady as Mount Tai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xiaogang took Best Director. Teacher Wu Gang took Best Actor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, there was the double-yolk egg for Best Actress: Jiang Wenli for *And the Spring Comes* and Zhou Xun for *The Equation of Love and Death*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan felt a bit emotional; Zhou Xun had now collected the three major Best Actress trophies in Chinese-language cinema.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that her acceptance speech made it a bit hard for the hosts to respond, and even Lin Nan felt awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm really excited, thank you Director Cao Baoping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Um, I also need to solemnly thank Director Lin Nan separately. I made a bet with him before that if I won the award, I would definitely thank him individually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Lin, you have a great eye. If I were younger and you didn't have a girlfriend, I would definitely chase after you, haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many people at the venue laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The media is always happy to see this kind of thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhou Xun becomes the first 'Triple Gold' Best Actress in Chinese cinema!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Facts prove that Director Lin Nan’s eye is correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it is *Blind Mountain* or *The Equation of Love and Death*, they are both rare, excellent films...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards, Cao Baoping hosted a banquet for everyone again. Although only Zhou Xun won an award this time, his reputation was thoroughly established.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, I remembered, Zhang Yi is on Director Jiang Wen’s set and can't come.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xun patted her head and looked at Lin Nan again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, how was my speech? Haha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the future, don't spout nonsense in public; I'm not interested in you,\" Lin Nan laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft, sister here is now the first 'Triple Gold' Best Actress with the Golden Rooster, Golden Horse, and Hong Kong Film Award.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, if there are roles that ordinary people can't handle, remember to come find me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xun patted her flat chest and said very boldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan nodded, \"I will be making *Painted Skin 2*.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The original cast?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not necessarily, but I'll try to keep most of them. After all, the story is different now. Do you want to continue playing the fox spirit?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan asked directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll play it, why wouldn't I?\" Zhou Xun agreed wholeheartedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere at Bad Monkey has been a bit off these past two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Ning Hao’s office, Xing Aina was chattering away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at Yifei; it was my suggestion that she study producing. Now she even has a project lined up, while I’m still just talking on paper here...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao looked bitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can't compare to that animal Lin Nan. He has money and projects, so he can let Yifei practice with real gold and silver, but we can't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you're more mature, I'll find a film, and you can produce it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xing Aina looked at Ning Hao as if he were an idiot and sighed. Was that what she meant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's find a new project. I'll produce, you direct, and we'll shelve *No Man's Land* for now...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xing Aina said earnestly, her voice much softer. In that instant, it made Ning Hao feel a bit sour inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The big gold chain around his neck seemed to have become a few pounds heavier, pressing down so he couldn't lift his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a minute or two of silence, Ning Hao slowly raised his head and looked at Xing Aina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's shelve it. We'll prepare a new project, you produce and I direct...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying these words, Ning Hao felt a sense of relief, incomparably light.\u003C\u002Fp>",1975,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","f5fd259a8a9513f89849cdcf41c4abad7b2dda0b8ac510323d325dfc00fcb45a","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-105","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-103",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]