Chapter 1065: Inviting Teacher Gong Li? The Leader's Suggestion; Something's Off?!

"According to confirmed media reports: after vanishing from the public eye for over half a month following the Golden Horse Awards ceremony, Teacher Gong Li, along with her accompanying assistants and other staff, landed at Dihaobao International Airport in the early hours of this morning;

The crew of *Hua Mulan* sent a fleet of vehicles to pick her up outside the airport. Director Guo Fan appeared in front of the media cameras, chatting and laughing warmly with Teacher Gong Li. The group then got into their vehicles, and the convoy drove straight off…"

"At around 9 a. m., Teacher Gong Li and her party arrived safely at the *Hua Mulan* set. Reporters peered through their binoculars and saw Liu Liu Yifei and Teacher Gong Li laughing and embracing each other…"

"According to industry insiders, Teacher Gong Li is the second internationally renowned A-list actress to join the *Hua Mulan* cast after Jackie Chan, playing a supporting role opposite Liu Liu Yifei."

"Cao Bao's directorial work *She Kill* released its release-date announcement; the film will officially hit theaters on August 1 of next summer."

"Bad Monkey Pictures quickly followed, announcing director Ning Hao's award-winning film *The Father Trapped in Time* with its release-date notice; the film will also be released next summer, on July 5."

"In the morning, Shiyue Culture, under Lin Nan's Pictures, made an official announcement: following *Monkey King: Hero Is Back* and *White Snake*, their third animated blockbuster *Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child* is aiming squarely at next summer, with a release date of July 5!"

……

"*The Rock Is Solid*'s script was submitted for review today? Director Lin, look at Director Zhang's output speed and frequency—don't you feel ashamed of yourself?"

"Why should I be ashamed? I've been in the industry for 16 years, and I'm currently shooting my 21st film, averaging 1.3 films a year. Is my output rate really that low? Wouldn't it be fair to say I'm number one in the mainland?"

"But Director Zhang is already 69 this year, and he'll keep grinding away for the next five years, constantly greenlighting and shooting new films. What about you? You're in the prime of life, yet you've got nowhere near Director Zhang's energy. On top of that, you're planning to lie flat and take a temporary break from acting after finishing *Hua Mulan*. Tsk tsk tsk…"

Fine. The set erupted in laughter; Lin Nan was checkmated by Han Jianü.

"At your age, still working yourself to the bone—do you really think that's something worth showing off and being proud of?" Teacher Gong Li set down the script in her hand and gave Little Han a complicated smile.

The laughter around them stalled instantly; everyone could tell that Teacher Gong Li was sighing over Zhang Zhang Yimou's current "killing himself with work" behavior.

He's clearly already at the age of "rare on earth," yet he still insists on high-intensity back-to-back work, paving the way for the younger generation and building up the family fortune—if that isn't risking his life, what is?

"Seems like that's a fair point, huh." Han Jianü nodded slowly, unable to argue back.

"When you're old, your energy definitely won't be what it used to be, yet you still have to shoot film after film. When it comes to the actual production, can you still be as meticulous as before?"

At Teacher Gong Li's words, neither Lin Nan nor the others made a sound, because none of them had the faintest idea how to respond.

And the answer was also very obvious: Zhang Zhang Yimou's level of care for his new films absolutely could not be the same as before.

In the past, to chase the perfection of a single shot, he might well have called for seven, eight, even ten retakes; but now, most likely he'd only do two or three at most—passing grade is enough, right?

Still, it really is quite moving. In the entire Chinese-language film and television circle, the only person who could so bluntly and mercilessly call out Zhang Zhang Yimou by name is probably Teacher Gong Li.

After all, the films with the highest artistic merit, his very best works, were almost all starring her. To put it bluntly, the person who understood Zhang Zhang Yimou best was also her.

"Alright, let's stop talking about Director Zhang and get back to discussing our own work. I had originally thought I could officially get into work mode this afternoon and shoot with everyone, but you actually left me a whole afternoon to rest and settle in—haha…"

"Sister Teacher Gong Li, after the Spring Festival my company has a realistic suspense-crime film in the pipeline. Would you be interested in trying out the Dafan Sect?"

Lin Nan issued the invitation with a smile; this was also a decision he had mulled over for a long time. The director might not be a top-tier director, but the role is very "glamorous," isn't it?

Teacher Gong Li had never played a villain in a realistic film before. For a top actress who was always chasing different roles and constantly seeking breakthroughs, this was undoubtedly quite a temptation.

Sure enough, apart from Guo Fan and Liu Liu Yifei, who was beaming with anticipation, everyone else present—including Han Jianü—was instantly curious, because none of them knew about the *Sheep Without a Shepherd* project.

"After the Spring Festival?"

Hearing Lin Nan's role invitation—and it was a major villain in a crime film—Teacher Gong Li immediately put on a serious expression. She loved novel, challenging roles. But that timing…

"Greenlit after the Spring Festival, with plans to start shooting around April or May."

The instant she heard the specific timing, a trace of regret and reluctance flickered involuntarily across Teacher Gong Li's eyes. Everyone, including Lin Nan, clearly caught the shift in her expression.

……

In five days, *Crazy Alien* raked in a whopping 1.16 billion at the box office during the He Sui season, continuing its triumphant march.

And the first big-budget film scrambling to compete had already appeared: the fantasy Wu Xia comedy blockbuster *Wu Lin Monster*, co-produced by Bona and Media Asia.

This film, originally scheduled for release on the 21st, had been pulled forward by a full half month for its premiere, all just to piggyback on the peak heat of the He Sui market.

And, oh, it also hitched a ride on *Crazy Alien*.

They said the alien in *Crazy Alien* looked like a "monkey," and the monster in *Wu Lin Monster* was also a "monkey," hoping both "monkeys" could achieve dazzling box-office results like wreaking havoc in the Heavenly Palace during the He Sui season.

"They really had the nerve to shoot their mouths off at the premiere. Directed by Liu Liu Weiqiang, produced by Er Er Dongsheng, starring Louis Koo, Chen Xuedong, Guo Biting, Bao Beier, and Zhou Zhou Dongyu.

I can't see what competitiveness this film has at all. Do they have any competitiveness? Even with a 21-day gap between our release dates, I don't think it could have any real impact on *Crazy Alien*'s daily earnings when it comes out."

In the morning, after the Huabiao Awards nomination press conference wrapped, Yue Jun walked with the crowd toward the exit of the Film Bureau while confidently ribbing Wang Wang Changtian about the premiere next door.

"Director Yue, hold on a moment." Suddenly, a shout from behind drew plenty of attention. It naturally made Yue Jun stop in his tracks. He turned around in confusion, only to see it was the bureau's secretary.

"Oh ho, why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Wang Wang Changtian muttered with a smile, then patted Yue Jun on the shoulder and whispered, "I'll head off first. Remember to show up on time for the Huabiao Awards the day after tomorrow."

"Don't worry, it's nothing particularly bad. At most, it's just offering a 'suggestion.'" Ren Ren Zhonglun also sidled up a couple of steps and tossed out a line loaded with meaning.

Hearing that, a flash of speechlessness immediately crossed Yue Jun's face. A "suggestion" from the bureau—is that really a suggestion?

And so, under the gaze of a group of industry peers, Yue Jun was invited back inside again.

In the distance, Chairman Lada only glanced over once and guessed most of it, asking Ren Ren Zhonglun: "It should be about *The Chinese Captain*, right?"

"Yep. The leadership hopes that private-company films will set their release dates according to the bureau's wishes. Naturally, they have to talk it over with the main party in charge."

Ten minutes later, sitting in the leader's office, Yue Jun was completely dumbfounded by the leader's "suggestion."

Because, following the principle of "maximizing box office," given that it had already been clearly established that both *My People, My Country* and *The Climbers* would be scheduled for the National Day window, he and Director Lin Da had made a targeted plan: that is, to release *The Chinese Captain* during the He Sui season—next December.

But at this moment, what did he hear? The bureau wanted *The Chinese Captain* to go to the National Day window as well, with three main-melody blockbusters paying tribute together!

"What, any difficulties? If so, feel free to speak up."

The leader cheerfully invites you to voice your difficulties. So should you have difficulties, or shouldn't you?

As a Shandong man from the land of Confucius and Mencius, Yue Jun's subconscious, without permission, instantly took over command of his brain at that moment—his mouth moving faster than his mind:

"No difficulties at all. *The Chinese Captain* has a two-month shooting schedule and will wrap by the end of January at the latest. When the time comes, we'll arrange the release date."

Yue Jun was well aware that, faced with the leader's "suggestion," there could only be one answer—and that was it. After all, this was a tribute film!

……

The *Hua Mulan* set.

The camera showed a relatively lavish tent; every decoration and object inside told outsiders that this was the temporary lodging of a high-ranking noble of the Rouran tribe.

The general played by Zou Zou Zhaolong had not yet removed his armor; he knelt on one knee on the ground. Before him stood the Queen, whose presence was overwhelming, fixing him with a piercing gaze.

"This is a war for the nation, and the progress of your army along the way has been deeply disappointing!"

As Teacher Gong Li's commanding words fell, Zou Zou Zhaolong lowered his head even further, and in a hoarse voice, he pledged fiercely: "Your Majesty, the results of the coming battle will absolutely not disappoint you…"

To control subordinates, you need both the stick and the carrot.

Just then, the cold Teacher Gong Li instantly softened again the next second, and even her voice became much more pleasant:

"You are my man, so within the royal court, there are no few who see you as a thorn in their eye. Whether you can climb step by step to a higher position, greater power, more followers, depends entirely on this national war.

The Tuoba clan could do it, so why can't our Rouran royal court? Are we weaker than them? Not at all! We can take their place too, and thereafter, enter…"

"Cut! That shot was perfect."

As Lin Nan's voice fell, Teacher Gong Li, Zou Zou Zhaolong, and the surrounding maids and soldiers immediately relaxed.

"Hua Mulan is a commercial film, not a pure historical epic. So appropriate plot and character design are completely necessary — this is also the positioning of Sister Teacher Gong Li's character."

Lin Nan took the mineral water handed over by his assistant, took a sip, and explained.

"So, I'm going offline!" Beside him, Andy On said with a smile, mocking himself.

"Hahaha."

"No problem, that's the logic."

"In the upcoming plot, Brother Long will lead the army into even more brutal bloody battles. Mm, the first Northern Wei army he completely annihilates will be the army where Brother Zhou Jie is stationed.

When Hua Mulan's reinforcements arrive, all that's left are corpses and weapons scattered across the ground, and you, barely clinging to your last breath, on the verge of death." Lin Nan smiled as he described Andy On's final scene to him.

"Let me add, let me add:

After all, he's the elder brother who grew up together with her, so Hua Mulan is extremely grieved, clutching your 'corpse' and weeping uncontrollably. And you, still holding on with your last breath, smile and tell her not to cry, and in a very faint voice, beg her to make it back alive. Because you know your younger brother is still stubbornly waiting for this sister-in-law — also the little sister you watched grow up… Ah, my eyes actually feel a bit sour, so moving."

Han Jianyue snatched the thread from Lin Nan and said jokingly to Andy On.

And the entire crew burst into laughter along with them, because they felt it deeply.

After all, this plot segment is indeed designed with strong tear-jerking points — the successive deaths of comrades-in-arms, especially the death of the only family member, will all push Hua Mulan to grow stronger and stronger, until finally one general rises while ten thousand bones wither!

"Then I need to build up the emotion well, to send Brother Zhou Jie off properly. And Brother Long, why is it that every time I work with you, you're the big villain? You even said you don't know martial arts?"

Liu Liu Yifei said with a grin, teasing — and the entire set erupted in laughter again.

"I'm helpless too — why is it that every role offered to me is a villain? Haha… No, right now standing before you is not Zou Zou Zhaolong, I am Zou Zhaohu…"

……

On the morning of the 7th, Guo Fan once again left the set and returned to the capital, and the other main creators of Operation Red Sea also gradually made their way back from various places and sets.

At the same time, the Huabiao Awards dropped onto the hot search list, expected to dominate the charts for three days.

And over the course of the entire day, the Hua Mulan crew, just as Lin Nan had predicted, really did fail to finish filming the massive battle scene involving over five thousand people — they'd have to continue tomorrow…

On the 8th, the buzz surrounding the Huabiao Awards reached its peak. From early morning, the internet was flooded with behind-the-scenes news, photos, and interview videos from various crews and stars…

It was evident that after the Golden Horse incident, the authorities also intended to make the Huabiao Awards more high-profile!

"At the last Huabiao Awards, our company was the biggest winner. Three Outstanding Feature Film Awards, one Outstanding Director Award, one Outstanding Actress Award, one Outstanding Animated Film Award… For this edition, you two should try to defend more of them."

In the morning, while Director Lin Da was over there shouting at the top of his lungs, directing several thousand people to film the battlefield scene, over at Lin Nan Pictures, Yue Jun was teasing Guo Fan and Director Lu Yang.

"That's not up to the two of us — it depends on how the leaders at the Naval Political Department 'arrange' things." Director Lu Yang said with great interest, then continued:

"The Huabiao Awards — officially defined as a government award — neither of us has won one yet. I'm also very much looking forward to the moment I hold that trophy, mm, tonight."

Guo Fan smiled and nodded repeatedly, echoing Lu Yang: "We probably won't come back empty-handed."

"And next year's Golden Rooster." Yue Jun added.

Operation Red Sea, on one hand, is not primarily controlled by Lin Nan Pictures, and on the other hand, is an absolute main-melody film… so the Naval Political Department has already decided to submit Operation Red Sea for the Golden Rooster.

After all, for next year's Golden Rooster Awards, it's said the higher-ups have already set the tone, and the support will be very, very strong. Under such circumstances, especially for official units, the attitude is absolutely unified: cooperate and support!

Upon hearing Yue Jun mention the words "Golden Rooster," the expressions of both Guo Fan and Lu Yang became somewhat unnatural.

Because, to be fair, they didn't have as many major awards as Director Lin Da, so naturally they couldn't have Director Lin Da's mindset… The two of them simply couldn't manage to completely not care about the Golden Rooster Awards!

"Director Yue, Xiao Yang is here." At this moment, the assistant's knock on the door slightly eased the strange atmosphere in the office.

"Xiao Yang? What is he here for?" Lu Yang asked, puzzled.

"After the Spring Festival, we're greenlighting a realistic crime-suspense film, and among the company's familiar faces, he's more suitable for the male lead." Guo Fan answered.

"How come I didn't know about this?"

"Because your Assassination can't wrap after the Spring Festival, and post-production takes time and effort — do you have time to take on another new film?"

"What are you talking about? Where would I find the time and energy?" Lu Yang shook his head decisively.

"See, the reason I didn't mention it to you — you just said it yourself!" Guo Fan said with a smile, firing back.

"And you? You have time, so you told me?"

"Yes, but I'm not good at this kind of film, and I'm not interested, so I turned it down."

Yue Jun paid no attention to the "argument" between Guo Fan and Lu Yang. He chuckled, shook his head, then stood up and walked out of the office, tossing back without looking:

"I'm going to the reception room to discuss some things with Xiao Yang — you two, help yourselves. But let's have lunch together, and head out together in the afternoon…"

"No problem, go ahead."

"Mm? Wait, that's not right?" Suddenly, Lu Yang seemed to think of something, and muttered to Guo Fan. Then he glanced outside the office and saw that Yue Jun had already disappeared at the door, entering the elevator.

"What now?"

"Don't you think it's a bit off? It's just the male lead of a realistic crime-suspense film — does it require Old Yue to be this formal? And to meet in person?

Couldn't any mid-level manager just go meet him, or couldn't Old Yue just make a phone call to settle it? And the other party would definitely bow and scrape in gratitude…"

Hearing Lu Yang's words, Guo Fan also suddenly caught on belatedly. This… really is a bit too formal, isn't it?!

"It can't be…?" Lu Yang raised an eyebrow and asked.

"It can't be, can it?" Guo Fan frowned, but the next second his brow smoothed out again, and he muttered to himself: "But, it doesn't seem impossible either…"

……

In the third-floor reception room, Xiao Yang sat alone, cradling a cup of hot tea in both hands.

At this moment, he was thrilled from the inside out, completely unable to suppress the emotion within him — his eyes gleamed with a sharp light, radiant and full of spirit.

The moment Yue Jun pushed the door open, Xiao Yang hurriedly stood up, greeting him with a beaming smile: "Director Yue."

"How have you considered it?" Yue Jun pressed his hand down, signaling Xiao Yang to sit and talk.

"How could you say that? Am I the kind of person who doesn't know good from bad?

This is a tremendous opportunity, a genuine realistic suspense crime film! If I hesitated for even a single second, I would be considered an idiot whose brain is so flooded it's beyond saving, hahaha."