[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-107":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},2286943,4473,"Chapter 107: The Thieves","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-107",107,"\u003Cp>Lin Nan decided he had to find an opportunity to give Zhou Xun a good lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That shout of hers had directly caused him trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, it was Liu Yifei and Zhou Xun who chatted and laughed over the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yifei, keep a close eye on your pig.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I'm just playing around, the little girls out there will really make a move, haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm-hmm, thank you for your concern, Sister Xun, I know...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei smiled while on the phone, but her eyes were fixed on Lin Nan, who was a few steps away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter was stunned at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw the sweet smile on the girl's face, paired with a cute yet fierce look that carried a hint of a warning—her acting was at its peak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, she hung up the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei gave a cold snort and returned the phone to Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't talk to me today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl ignored Lin Nan and turned to find Mother Liu; she had to explain that shout from Zhou Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact of Huayi's listing was truly too great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Wang brothers themselves hadn't expected it to be this successful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flowers, applause, flattery...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few short days, Huayi had become the benchmark for the entire film and television industry, the true leading enterprise in the field!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A grand reception was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a shareholder, Lin Nan certainly had to attend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, Wang Changtian, and others discussing something with the Wang brothers; all of these companies were thinking about going public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, a toast to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was chatting with Huang Xiaoming when Li Bingbing walked over and said solicitously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, you're too kind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From time to time, people would raise their glasses to offer a toast; regardless of whether Lin Nan drank or not, they would always drain theirs in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's going on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Xiaoming raised his eyebrows, \"Many people in the company know now that it was Director Lin who suggested Brother Xun buy some shares...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, everyone outside is guessing your net worth now, haha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan nodded and smiled, not taking the bait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't seen Zhou Xun today; he guessed that since the cards were already fully on the table, she would leave Huayi after her contract expired in January.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Xiaoming seemed to hesitate about something, then suddenly asked, \"Director Lin, are you really not going to manage that female role in *Brotherhood of Blades*?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan looked at the \"Cult Leader\" suspiciously, \"I'm not managing it, why are you suddenly asking about this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other party gave a faint smile, \"I originally wanted to introduce someone for you to see, but now I think it's better to wait until it's appropriate later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suit yourself, playing riddles now, haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of big shots was waving at Lin Nan, and the latter walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Xiaoming carried his glass to the table of the *Hot Summer Days* crew; he had often visited the set before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group of people clearly didn't have good intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Huayi's financial reports, Feng Xiaogang's films accounted for the bulk, which made Han Sanping and the others think of Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The profitability of the latter's films was no less than Feng Xiaogang's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all are overthinking it; I don't have such thoughts now, nor will I in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These few people had actually suggested that Lin Nan follow Huayi's model, or that Lin Nan establish a new company with them to eventually go public...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being tied up with too many interests would be very restrictive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan decisively rejected their proposal; he felt that things were fine as they were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Casting for *Brotherhood of Blades* officially began, with Lu Yang leading the team in charge of auditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every day, many actors and artists gathered at Lin Nan Pictures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Lu Yang, Liu Yifei, and Jiang Xuerou walked side-by-side toward the conference room, they drew many gazes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The male actors didn't think much of it, but the female actors had complicated feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once upon a time, many of the female artists present had competed with Liu Yifei for roles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first one...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The auditions began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his office, Lin Nan looked at the few roles Lu Yang had already decided on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because he had used them smoothly in *The Blind Cinema*, he had actually decided on Jin Shijie and Zhou Yiwei in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lin Nan's view, it didn't matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the people auditioning today were interesting; all three from *Chinese Paladin 3* had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered what Cai Yinong's reaction was upon seeing Yang Mi, who had accompanied them. Enemies meeting, exchanging cold glares?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi walked out of the audition conference room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Lu Yang had been the one asking questions and setting the scenes for her to act out the whole time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Liu Yifei's gaze, she felt a sense of shame and anger—the kind of feeling where one wishes they could disappear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi knew this was her own pride playing tricks on her. As for what came next, she would just have to wait for the results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yifei, Director Jiang, what do you think of her?\" Lu Yang asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just here to learn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei said with a smile. Lin Nan had told her she needed to watch and learn more, not make decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Above average.\" Jiang Xuerou gave a fair assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, then let's keep looking...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Yan, Jiang Shuying...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cai Yinong watched as Liu Shishi went in, and she came out in less than fifteen minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This result didn't look good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stiff, eyes dull, lacking spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not suitable for the persona of a heroine who remains untainted by the mud.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The male roles were easy enough, but after several female actors—from the Beijing Film Academy, the Central Academy of Drama, the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and those without formal training—it was the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was almost no one Lu Yang was very satisfied with; most were just passable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Lu Yang, the 30-million-budget *Brotherhood of Blades* was already considered a big production, and he didn't want to settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, he thought of something and glanced at the person beside him...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having been idle for so long, it was indeed time for Lin Nan to prepare his own film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sci-fi was too exhausting; he had been hurt by *The Martian*, so he wouldn't start another one in the short term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for period dramas, there was still *Painted Skin 2* later on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't considering award-chasing films either, having just won the Golden Lion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After much deliberation, he settled on an ensemble commercial crime subject, *The Thieves*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan made significant adjustments and revisions to the script, hoping it would better suit the tastes of domestic audiences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he prepared to choose some big-name actors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*The Message* did not finish its one-month theatrical run, with the final figures stopping at 220 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Lin Nan and Huayi were very satisfied with this box office result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What's more, it had also been nominated for several Golden Horse Awards. It should still make a profit on copyrights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Fan led Lei Jiayin and Wan Qian to all the shows they could attend, doing their best with the promotion; the rest was up to the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"*Source Code* will be released early next month. After that, you will be my deputy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Fan had returned to the company and was about to be dragged away by Lu Yang to help with auditions, but Lin Nan called him over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Deputy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is Director Lin starting a new film?\" Guo Fan immediately thought of something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right, it's time to get to work. Take a copy of the script back and read it first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is an ensemble piece, and being an assistant director will be very tiring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Fan nodded; he was very willing to be Lin Nan's assistant director.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And judging by the situation, it would be a high-budget commercial film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, roughly when will you start?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The script has just been submitted for review. I will start contacting actors in the next few days, and once everything is ready, we will start filming immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Guo Fan left, Lin Nan prepared to go find Han Sanping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a film with an investment of over a hundred million, he still felt it was better to bring in China Film Group; at the very least, he would have an advantage regarding release dates and screen allocations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the elevator reached the third floor, Lin Nan pressed the stop button; he had a sudden whim to go see the auditions for *Brotherhood of Blades*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Director Lin...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greetings were constant; they were all actors there for the auditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Lin Nan entered from the side door, Liu Yifei noticed him; her eyes lit up for a moment, but then her gaze returned to the person auditioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, Lin Nan could be considered to have increased the difficulty of the on-the-spot performance for the person auditioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the person left, it was Jiang Xuerou who spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does Director Lu think of her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too green, only 19 years old, she lacks that cold and aloof temperament. Why is Director Jiang suddenly concerned?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She is indeed a newcomer; she had a cameo in *Peacock Feather*, so I know her. Director Lin, here to see the results?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan sat down beside Liu Yifei, \"I'm just here to take a look; I have to go to China Film Group in a while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up the resume on the table; it was another one from the Dance Academy, and a folk dancer at that, Jin Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How are the results? How many roles are still missing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not many left, it's just the role of Zhou Miaotong that's hard to cast. Although there are many actresses, I always feel something is missing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan took the shortlist and the rejected list from in front of Lu Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the shortlist were Yang Mi, Dong Xuan, Mu Tingting, Tang Yan, Tong Liya...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were even more on the rejected list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lin Nan's view, these people were indeed lacking something. The fact that the person brought by Cai Yinong was the first to be rejected was quite interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all continue, I'm leaving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting go of Liu Yifei's hand, Lin Nan stood up and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something up?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never mind, I'll come find you later,\" Lu Yang said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he arrived at China Film Group, Lin Nan could only describe it with two words: bustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of old timers had come to find Han Sanping, and since they couldn't see him, they refused to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan counted them; there must have been a dozen or so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's going on here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled aside an acquaintance and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, it's about the film support funds; didn't Chairman Han cut them by eighty percent?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then is it convenient to see him right now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Director Lin is here, Chairman Han will definitely see you, come with me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group of old timers just watched as Lin Nan walked past them, fuming with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping looked very comfortable at the moment, drinking tea and eating snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're here, sit, have something to eat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, this is the first time I've seen you doing this in your office. Just leaving that group outside hanging?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let them hang, the documents have already been issued, it's useless to keep making a scene. What brings you here today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping wiped his hands and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A new film.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the words fell, Han Sanping's spirits instantly lifted, \"What kind of film, how much is the investment?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a commercial film, a crime thriller; the cast will be bigger this time, the cost will be around a hundred million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bigger is better, small-time stuff is boring. Are you directing it yourself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping said affirmatively first, then asked the most critical question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, then let's hash it out. Are we the only two production companies?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping's habit of wanting to eat alone had flared up again, but Lin Nan still wanted to bring in a cinema chain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chairman Han, let's call in Wanda. The scale of their cinema chain is currently one of the top in the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I estimate that in another year or two, they will truly become the largest cinema chain operator in the country.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan spoke very objectively; that was exactly how Wanda was doing things, and their speed of expansion could be described as insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping accepted Lin Nan's suggestion, notified Wanda, set a time to meet, and discussed the film investment...\u003C\u002Fp>",2134,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","b1edcf3e56f35ddfad86384aeb910de25866358bf09cc29d639555db631c336a","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-108","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-106",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]