Chapter 1064: Persona; Latecomer!

"Persona," that is, labels—this is a very magical thing. Every single person living in society, without exception, has a persona.

And for public figures in the film and entertainment industry, persona is especially important. In fact, everyone's persona will undoubtedly be magnified a hundredfold, a thousandfold, even infinitely.

At the same time, the personas of actors and stars in the film and entertainment industry are also divided into different tiers;

The simplest personas include but are not limited to: good man, good husband, good wife, grassroots, Yanji Sect, pure, academic elite, charitable, talented woman, model worker, upright…

There are countless personas; there's always one that an artist can match and apply.

However, there are some "personas" that don't fall into the category of being picked and chosen—not because they're bad, but because every person should inherently have that persona.

They are implicit, they are the cornerstone, the most important and the ones that absolutely cannot "collapse"—anyone who touches them is doomed.

For example: values, stance, law-abiding, patriotism…

Of course, these personas can also be used by artists to flaunt themselves, embellish themselves, earn popularity, earn reputation… earn money!

So, how devastating is this tax-supplement list from the Hong Kong media? Answer: it's terrifyingly powerful, because it points directly at these foundational personas that absolutely cannot "collapse."

The A-listers on the list are all, in the eyes of countless fans and netizens, big names with clear values, firm stances, law-abiding conduct, and immense patriotism.

Especially the persona and label of "patriot"—countless people make a living off it. They shout slogans all the time, currying favor with fans and audiences, holding the patriotic bowl, eating the main-melody meal…

But now you Hong Kong media are telling the public that these people say one thing and do another, that after tax evasion they were forced to make up back taxes—so much… so much that it adds up to hundreds of millions!

Setting aside for now what earth-shattering consequences this list will have on the film and entertainment industry once it spreads, just looking at public opinion alone—this is no small matter, this is a nuclear-bomb-level catastrophic incident.

Switching to the perspective of these big names on the list, each and every one of them is in a state of frantic, life-or-death agitation: You damned Hong Kong paparazzi, what do you want? Trying to kill me?!

Thus, starting from noon on the 2nd, more than half of the film and entertainment circle could be said to have cooperated fully, racing against the clock;

In just one afternoon and one evening, the circle managed to strangle this tax-supplement list—whose truth or falsehood the public didn't know—online.

Although some screenshots inevitably spread, were forwarded and shared by many, and caused a certain degree of uproar;

As long as those on the list refuse to acknowledge the matter, pretend they haven't seen it and don't know about it, ignore it and never respond…

Then this matter and this list would naturally fade away with the passage of time, vanishing completely without a trace.

……

"The impact is still quite big, mainly because the names on it are completely unacceptable—they're all top-tier A-listers, all the backbone of the industry today.

But we have to admit, the PR effect this time was very significant—after all, so many companies and capital forces were working together. We just don't know how much money it took to settle it, but it was definitely a huge sum."

"That money had to be spent. The consequences if it couldn't be suppressed are clear to all of them—at least half of the top-tier actors would see their personas collapse, and even the development of the entire industry would be affected.

After all, the number of stakeholders involved behind this is truly too many to count. Most importantly, it's embarrassing—even those at the top would lose face, lose face internationally. Because when it comes to taxes, even Hollywood wouldn't dare go this big, yet on our side it's so lawless!"

Lin Nan took over the conversation with a contemptuous tone, chatting with Wang Wang Changtian about the "big incident" in the circle.

He had turned off his phone from noon yesterday and only turned it back on this morning. He did this to avoid being harassed by some people in the industry.

And as he had expected, after turning on his phone in the morning, the carrier's notification messages came flooding in—more than twenty of them, all reminding him at what times calls had come in.

"After this lesson, they'll probably remember it from now on. Alright, let's talk about my film 'Rock It, Mom' here. I really can offer you a twenty or thirty percent share—are you sure you're not interested?"

"If I say I'm not interested, you'll be unhappy; if I say I am interested, you'll definitely feel even more pain in your heart. Wang Dong, stop hovering around me—you're purely here to show off.

Besides, I'm not short on projects here either. After Spring Festival, I'll also be launching a realistic-themed suspense film. Of course, I still appreciate your kind intentions.

So, let me give you one more well-meaning reminder: anti-corruption and anti-mafia themes that are too bare-faced really can easily cause trouble—you'd better have a mental preparation and a contingency plan."

"Damn it, I invited you again and again out of goodwill, and you give me a jinx?"

Well, Big Lao Wang cursed and hung up the phone, leaving Lin Nan laughing as he glanced at his phone. After a moment, he muttered out of nowhere:

"For at least these two months, I need to stay away from those people, the media, and the fans, so I won't be pressed about whether I know about the tax-supplement list. How to answer? Know? Don't know? Or know but don't say?"

Lin Nan himself was very clear that, in the eyes of countless netizens and movie fans, he too had many personas and labels, including "straightforward," "snarky tone," and "roasts peers."

So, he would definitely be remembered and would be pressed by some people about the industry's tax matters.

Damn, this is a dead-end question. Does he know? Of course he knows most of it, but can he say it? Heh, if he says it, more than half the industry would be wiped out.

At that point, forget that he's a big director and big capital—even if he were more powerful, the people who want to take him down would be crowding together, lining up from the film industry to the internet industry, then to the financial industry…

And looking at the intent from above, it's also very clear: water that's too clear has no fish—you can raise fish like this, harvesting them batch by batch… in short, just let them rot in the pot!

Sighing helplessly, Lin Nan stood up and walked straight toward the makeup area.

"Liu Qianqian, for Xie Nan's baby's hundred-day banquet, let's just have Liu Yan help us send the gift money. They probably won't throw a big party like last time either."

……

Day one: 310 million. Day two: 301 million.

The 3rd was Monday, and the attendance rate of "Crazy Alien" noticeably dropped.

But even with the attendance rate dropping, no one in the industry could deny that, given the overwhelming momentum of this film's daily box office, a total of 2 billion was already in the bag.

Even a total of 3 billion was no longer just a wish expressed at the premiere; this number, really, could be reached for!

"We can submit the extended key application in the next couple of days—the earlier we apply, the sooner it's approved. And the bureau has no reason to reject it, because right now we have the New Year slot all to ourselves."

Ning Hao instructed his staff while flipping through the red carpet and seating arrangements for the Huabiao Awards. That's right, both he and his chief screenwriter would attend the Huabiao Awards red carpet and ceremony five days later.

"One month?"

"Mm, apply for a one-month extension. I've already made an appointment with Lin Dao to meet up with his 'The Wandering Earth.' One comes off screens on the 31st, the other opens on the 5th—consider it a passing encounter." Ning Hao nodded, confirming.

"Cao Dao called, asking what day our final release date is. He wants to make his final adjustments, at least keeping the gap to more than 20 days." Xing Aina walked into the office.

"Tell Cao Dao we'll set it for early July." Saying this, Ning Hao unconsciously looked at Xing Aina again, his tone wistful: "Next year's summer slot is going to be another dog-eat-dog fight."

"What, what other films are planning to set their sights on next year's summer slot?"

"I heard from Lin Nan that Director Xue Xue Xiaolu's 'The Whistleblower' also wants the summer slot. But the most important one is still on his side…"

"A Lin Nan Pictures film? Why haven't I heard anything? 'The Assassin' is impossible—the post-production on that film takes too much time, there's no way it can make it.

'The Captain'? If it's for the New Year slot, the timing is still too tight. And main-melody films are best for National Day—besides, next year is the 70th anniversary of the founding of the nation…"

Seeing Xing Aina unable to figure it out for the moment, Ning Hao reminded her: "It's that Shiyue Culture's 'Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child'!

Think about it—'White Snake' was decisively sent to New Year's Day by them, yet they specifically want to keep 'Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child' for the summer slot. With this contrast, you should know how much they value this 'Birth of the Demon Child,' right?

And have you forgotten? Three years ago, 'Monkey King: Hero Is Back' became an overnight hit in the summer slot, sounding the horn for the rise of domestic animated films!"

"But you also said it, that's an animated film. Everyone's not even on the same track."

"What you say is true, but there's a premise — the market has to be big enough and each individual film has to be reasonable. After all, there are only so many viewers. I'm just afraid they'll come up with another 'freak' again."

"These past two or three summer seasons, tell me which one didn't have a 'freak'? Last year it was *Wolf Warrior 2*, one film sucked the entire summer season dry."

"This year it's *Dying to Survive* and the like — same thing, didn't leave any room for other films to survive. Next year? Whose film will rake in four or five billion again?"

"I did hear Yue Jun and the others mention in passing that this animated film's quality far surpasses *Monkey King: Hero Is Back*, and the promotional push was planned at full capacity from the very start!"

"If you put it that way, are we still going for the summer slot or not?" Xing Ai couldn't help rolling her eyes, disgusted.

"Go, why wouldn't we? Mine isn't a commercial film anyway. For an awards-targeted film, whether the box office is more or less, it's all profit. I just hope it doesn't make me lose too much face when the time comes."

……

Lin Nan Pictures.

Yue Jun tapped lightly on the office desk, waiting for Jiang Jiang Xuerou's opinion across from him.

"July 5th, right? That's a Friday?" After a moment, Jiang Jiang Xuerou spoke up.

"Two months?" Yue Jun instantly understood what Jiang Jiang Xuerou meant. Of course, he also thought two months was exactly right.

"Mm, what do you think?"

"Then July 5th it is." After Yue Jun nodded, he immediately brought up the matter of *Sheep Without a Shepherd*.

Mentioning this matter, Jiang Jiang Xuerou, as producer, felt a bit troubled:

"The script can absolutely be fine-polished before the end of this month. The film can also fully proceed as planned — greenlit after Spring Festival, starting preparations. But the biggest problem right now is, who do we pick as director?

You know, after *Hua Mulan* wraps, Lin Dao is taking a temporary break from directing. Director Guo isn't interested in this subject. Director Lu will most likely still not have wrapped *The Assassin* by then.

And even if Director Li finishes *The Captain*, he and Director Han Jianü still have to wait to start filming *My Country, My Parents*… We seemingly don't have a ready director again — we'll have to scout for a new one!"

Unlike Jiang Jiang Xuerou's slightly furrowed brow, Yue Jun wore a faint smile.

Sure enough, seeing that expression across from her, Jiang Jiang Xuerou understood instantly. "You have a supplement on your side? Or does Lin Dao have something prepared?"

"This issue, I already discussed with Lin Dao some time ago. Regarding the director, this time we can give a capable 'newcomer' a boost. Of course, our team will assist throughout."

"Newcomer?" Jiang Jiang Xuerou was immediately baffled again.

……

On the morning of the 4th, the premiere press conference for *Like a Flowing River* undoubtedly became the focal point of online discussion.

And the quality reputation of Daylight Entertainment's series also got the entire internet focused on the show premiering on the 10th. Mm, still co-produced by Lin Nan Pictures.

On the *Hua Mulan* set, Han Jianü, as assistant director, had already been reaching out to Zhu Zhu Yawen and the others. Even though they only had brief, blink-and-you-miss-it extra scenes, they still had to arrive at the set early, didn't they?

"Don't worry, even though I've been running around doing promo for *The Story of Ming Lan* with Zhao Zhao Liying these past two days, I guarantee I'll be there on time. By the way, what kind of death am I getting?"

"Heh, the kind where one slash guts you clean through." Han Jianü got playful and said in a solemn, grave tone.

"What? Can't I at least die heroically, die…"

"It's death either way — what right does a bit player like you have to pick and choose? That's that, remember to show up on time."

Without waiting for Zhu Zhu Yawen to keep arguing, Han Jianü hung up the phone, having nearly burst out laughing just now.

When Little Han returned to the filming location, she saw Liu Liu Yifei being hoisted on wires. The warhorse galloped below; she stepped off the horse's back and leapt up, completing martial arts moves in midair…

After a beautiful side flip, a powerful kick added speed to the flying spear. According to the script's design, this spear would pierce through at least two or three Rouran cavalrymen's bodies.

"She can fight way too well. And the footage looks this textured too — how are other actresses supposed to survive?"

"The market is too big, so the trend will always be Gresham's law — bad money drives out good." Lin Nan watched the monitor and replied to Han Jianü.

"So that's the tragedy, then."

"Cut!" Yuan Yuan Heping stepped past Lin Nan and called a halt.

Leave professional matters to professionals — that was Lin Dao Da's respect for the martial arts choreographer.

"Lin Dao, should the first scene between Teacher Gong Li and Teacher Zou Zou Zhaolong be scheduled for tomorrow or…?" Guo Fan came over.

"The day after tomorrow. After Sister Gong Li arrives tomorrow, let her rest for a night first, and we'll talk about work the day after."

……