Chapter 1096: Director Ning's Invitation; At the Celebration Banquet of 'The Wandering Earth'!

At noon, a piece of film news from Hollywood unquestionably shook the entire Chinese-language film and television industry, instantly stirring up a huge uproar online.

So it turns out some people really can, even while being softly blacklisted on the mainland, still make a name for themselves overseas, rising to great prominence?!

"Reprinted from the Hollywood Film Daily:

Produced by Universal Pictures, directed by Simon Kinberg, the all-female spy-action blockbuster 'The 355' has officially announced its cast lineup;

The film stars five top-tier international actresses including Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong'o, and Fan Li Bingbing."

"According to official sources at Universal Pictures, all the thrilling action stunts in 'The 355' were designed and crafted by the behind-the-scenes team behind box-office hits like 'Skyfall';

To ensure the actresses can smoothly execute the high-difficulty action sequences in the script once filming officially begins, the five leads will undergo four weeks of intensive training… The film is scheduled to begin principal photography in mid-July in Sydney…"

Fan Li Bingbing?

A Hollywood action blockbuster has brought in Fan Li Bingbing as one of its leads?

For every actor in the entire mainland film and television industry, this news was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue.

After everything that's happened, she can still bounce around? Still land this kind of resource?

What was Universal Pictures thinking? Don't they care at all about the reality that this film can't be released in the Chinese movie market?

Reality goes even further — Li Yu, who once lifted Fan Li Bingbing onto the throne of Best Actress at the Tokyo Film Festival, also followed up on Weibo in response to fans' questions about Fan Li Bingbing: "When will Director Yu and Li Bingbing return to a realistic subject together?"

Her answer was: "Soon!"

And so, on Weibo, on Tieba, on every major social platform, the wind stirred and things boiled over at once; the fans' voices completely drowned out the calls for a boycott.

……

"She's been a top-tier actress riding the wave for twenty straight years, a born superstar, and the winner of two A-list Best Actress trophies — how could she possibly give up the big screen and the spotlight so easily?

And looking across the Chinese entertainment circle over all these years, there's only ever been one Fan Li Bingbing! Ninety-nine percent of the actresses and female stars in the industry can't even be envious — not even her…"

"Even if she did the 'born of a fine house, yet fell in with thieves' thing? Director Ning, that tone of yours won't do. Be careful — don't let our big-screenwriter overhear."

Lin Nan laughed and teased Ning Hao. Given the latter's sighing, sentimental words, anyone who didn't know better would have thought he was about to lend Fan Li Bingbing a hand.

"Shut your mouth. I came back early to cheer you on at tomorrow's celebration banquet, not to come back and let you set me up!"

Ning Hao glared and cursed in a lowered voice.

At the same time, looking every bit like a thief with a guilty conscience, he craned his neck, peering left and right. Not catching sight of Xing Aina's figure, he finally set his heart at ease.

"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Out with it — why did you call me over? And what is it that couldn't be said over the phone?"

"Naturally it's good news. Making you make the trip also shows how serious it is, doesn't it?"

"Then out with it, fast — if you've got something to say, say it; if you've got gas, let it out. I'm busy as hell every day, don't have much time to wander around." Lin Nan urged with a smile.

"Busy? Heh. You're either slacking off and editing at Tiangong Color, or cooped up at home keeping your wife company… I can't even be bothered to call you out."

After righteously mocking him once, Ning Hao immediately switched to a solemn, earnest face:

"Dong Ping brought something up with me and Xu Zheng a few days ago — should Huanxi imitate 'My People, My Country' and make a main-melody commercial film?

You know, for other companies this kind of anthology-style main-melody commercial film might be hard, because you have to gather that many big directors, but for Huanxi it's different;

Directors who can shoot commercial films, we already have three or four of our own. At most, we'd just go find two or three more in the circle to team up…

As for his idea, both Xu Zheng and I think it's doable.

But the question now is whether 'My People, My Country' can achieve relatively brilliant box office results and reputation during the National Day window.

Once 'My People, My Country' really achieves huge success at the National Day window, we'll immediately prep the project and write the script…

We can perfectly inherit this main-melody tribute film's traffic, buzz, and even reputation! Because at least three directors will continue on as the main creators — me, Xu Zheng, and Zhang Zhang Yibai!"

"So you're looking to throw me a bone?" Lin Nan caught on and couldn't help teasing.

"The way you put it — how would I dare have such a crazy, treasonous thought?

I was just thinking, if we really do make a so-called sequel to the tribute film, the top-priority partner would absolutely be Lin Nan Pictures — you've got plenty of big directors over there too."

Ning Hao laughed heartily and waved his hands. As for Lin Nan, his very first sentence wasn't exaggerated in the slightest.

That is, looking at the present — including but not limited to capital within the film and entertainment industry — no one dares to overestimate themselves and try anything against Lin Nan anymore.

Because today's Lin Dao Da really stands too high, his price tag is too steep, he's simply beyond a market price!

"Fine, I'll wait for your call. Though I can't guarantee Guo Fan and the others will definitely be interested… forget it, we'll talk about it when the time comes." Lin Nan nodded with a smile and agreed to the matter.

……

On the afternoon of the fourth day after 'The Wandering Earth' finished its theatrical run, the stock prices of Enlight Pictures and Shanghai Film Group finally both began to fall rapidly.

Accordingly, the shareholders completely displayed a chaotic scene of every human variety:

Those rushing to cut losses, those reluctant to let go, those excitedly topping up their positions to gamble once more… in short, people's hearts were complicated — all of them gamblers.

Shunyi, the manor villa.

Shu Chang had come straight here after returning from the set that morning; she even had lunch with Liu Liu Yifei and Liu Liu Xiaoli.

"Don't worry, I already sold everything off on the 19th and 20th of last month.

Director Wang even joked with me, saying that next time 'The Wandering Earth 2' is being prepped privately, I should go stock up at Enlight again, hehehe."

After eating and drinking her fill, Shu Chang and Liu Liu Yifei slumped side by side on the sofa, lazily launching into a chattering chat.

"'The Wandering Earth 2'? Director Wang sure thinks ahead — already planning one or two years out." Liu Liu Yifei smiled and blocked the hand sneaking toward her belly. "Shu Chang, that's enough!"

"You only look a tiny bit pregnant after eating your fill." Shu Chang pulled her hand back, grinning eagerly. "But Liu Qianqian, does the second one really have to wait that long?"

"Of course. The more classic and successful a film is, the less you can be careless with the sequel — must be cautious. Leave a year or two to prep, then another year or two to shoot and produce.

That time in between is left for the original and the IP to build their reputation — the longer, the richer it gets. It maxes out the nostalgia for the sequel, and stirs up the enthusiasm and emotional impulse of every audience member and fan to the greatest extent…"

"You really talk in set phrases now, don't you — worthy of the woman who shares a blanket with a film director. Heh, women!"

"Looking for a beating, are you?" Saying this, the smiling Liu Liu Yifei moved to make a grab.

"You two stop messing around, Jianü is here." At the doorway, Liu Liu Xiaoli, who had been out for a walk, led in Han Jianü, who was clearly not in a good state.

"What's going on?" The two inside both stared at little Han, very puzzled.

"I just put up the last batch of Shanghai Film Group stock for sale."

"Oh, got it." Watching Shu Chang turned his head at once, raised an eyebrow at Liu Liu Yifei, and teased: "That's what happens when you're too greedy."

"You three go on and play, Auntie is going to continue her stroll." Liu Liu Xiaoli gave Liu Liu Yifei and the other a warning look, then smiled at Han Jianu.

"You two are watching me make a fool of myself, aren't you?"

"Come, come, sit down, let's hear how much less you earned, to have such a lost-soul expression." Liu Liu Yifei patted the seat beside her, beckoning Han Jianu over.

"Can't I have lost money?"

"Heh-heh, you think we'd believe that? A person like you who treats earning less as a loss—if you really had lost money, you'd be lying at home like a corpse right now, not in the mood to come out for a stroll."

Watching Shu Chang declared with full conviction. Han Jianu opened her mouth, but in the end could not retort.

"You two are really annoying."

A few seconds later, the little classmate Han, who had plopped down beside Liu Liu Yifei, spoke again: "Liu Liu Qianqian, I've got something to tell you."

"Go ahead."

"Chairman Fu from Huaying has also started eyeing your family's Lin Dao Da. Hm? What are you two laughing at?"

"Couldn't hold it in." Liu Liu Yifei leaned back there, laughing so hard she couldn't close her mouth.

"Eyeing him? Then Chairman Fu from Huaying is probably a blind man lighting a lamp, tsk tsk tsk." Watching Shu Chang was also being snidely sarcastic.

……

Although Lin Nan didn't go to the company in the morning, he did clock in on time in the afternoon. He had set out directly from Bad Monkey and rushed over to Tiangong Color.

After a day and a half of deliberation yesterday and this morning, Yue Jun ultimately threw out ten million; three companies would conduct research simultaneously, each providing their own data half a year later.

And what Lin Nan, Yue Jun, Jiang Jiang Xuerou and others had to do was, based on the data obtained from these research efforts and the various priorities, choose the nationwide distribution, construction, and even direct acquisition of Shanhai Cinema Chains… of course, along with the corresponding properties!

"Originally we planned not to let any media into the Golden Hall tomorrow morning, only inviting guests from the film and entertainment industry; but now we need to change it on the fly—CCTV-6, Weibo, and the ByteDance-affiliated outlets can be allowed on site."

"Lin Dao, why the sudden change of mind?" Yue Jun asked with a puzzled smile.

"Nothing I can do about it. I got several calls this morning, all about this matter.

Think about it, the calls have already come in, I can't really be so heartless, can I? Besides, they're all more or less connected to us one way or another.

Actually, if you flip the angle and think about it, we can just borrow their mouths to spread the word, right?" Lin Nan explained, shaking his head despite himself.

"Alright, I'll have someone arrange it in a bit. But Lin Dao, you'd better be mentally prepared to dominate the film and entertainment hot search lists, and there's even a high probability it'll be reported on overseas sites."

Not picking up on Yue Jun's joke, Lin Nan asked about something else: "How's the script for 'The Wandering Earth 2' coming along?"

"Still being polished. But according to your requirements, Lin Dao, even if it's done, doesn't it still have to be locked in the safe first?"

"Mm, it does need to sit for a while. But the quality of the script can't be slackened just because the company isn't in a rush."

"That I definitely understand. After all, as long as we do it right, the guaranteed box office will be at least 5 billion no matter what."

At this point, with Lin Nan's nod of approval, Yue Jun brought up another top-tier IP

??

"Lately the calls online have been getting louder and louder; everyone's making a fuss, saying they're really looking forward to our company adapting 'The Three-Body Problem'…"

"What a joke, we don't even have the rights." Hearing this, Lin Nan burst out laughing at once.

"Believe it or not, Lin Dao, I really went and made some inquiries."

"And then? What did they say?"

"What else could they say—got sternly rejected, of course.

Honestly, I think the success of 'The Wandering Earth' has made them hold 'The Three-Body Problem,' the most prestigious sci-fi IP, even tighter and grip it even harder.

The current market price of this IP's rights can almost be said to be priceless on the market; outsiders shouldn't even think about making a move!"

Yue Jun thought back to what happened a few days earlier, and for a moment was full of feeling. Over all these years, a few days ago was the first time he had directly hit a wall.

In the past, at most there were issues with price, getting outbid by peers, but those peers who outbid for the rights would usually still send him an invitation to collaborate…

But a situation with absolutely no room for negotiation—this was truly the first time he'd encountered it; at the time it had shocked him quite a bit!

"Our Director Yue actually has his day too? That's really something.

Alright, stop dwelling on it. Our 'The Wandering Earth' IP has only just begun—where would we get so much manpower and energy…

Hearing Lin Nan say this, Yue Jun could only nod helplessly and changed the subject: "Lin Dao, are you really planning to switch for the second one? If that's really the case, the pressure from the outside world then probably won't be small."

"Over these years, has our company had few things like this?"

"But this is the first installment of a 7-billion-box-office heavy-industry sci-fi blockbuster; those previous series films can't be compared to 'The Wandering Earth' at all!"

"We'll talk about it when the time comes, isn't it still early?"

……

The next morning, the first thing that greeted the eyes of the entire internet was the hot search news about 'The Wandering Earth.'

A host of producers would hold a grand celebration ceremony in the Great Hall this morning, with more than half the film and television circle in attendance.

Next came the film news coming back from Thailand, which was equally eye-catching.

"Exclusively produced by Lin Nan Pictures, directed by Xiao Yang, starring Xiao Yang, Tan Zhuo, Yong Mei, Liang Liang Jiahui, Zhang Zhang Ziyi and others, the realistic-themed suspense crime film 'Sheep Without a Shepherd' has begun filming in grand style in Thailand…"

"According to producer Jiang Jiang Xuerou, the film 'Sheep Without a Shepherd' is the first installment of a same-named series project; the company will also decide the planning and execution of subsequent films in the series based on the market feedback of 'Sheep Without a Shepherd'…"

"Lou Ye's film 'The Shadow Play' has been in theaters for 5 days, with a total box office of 51.45 million, daily takings already plummeting to 530,000, its days numbered…"

Outside the Great Hall, a sea of people.

Without exaggeration, the red carpet lineup composed of industry directors, producers, and actor celebrities was absolutely more lavish and grand-scale than last year's Hundred Flowers Awards and the year before last's Golden Rooster red carpets!

Led by Zhang Zhang Yimou, Chen Chen Kaige, and Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang, the fifth-generation directors—as long as they were still active in the film world—all came without exception.

Among the sixth-generation directors, those who didn't get along with Lin Nan and those carrying negative baggage were not invited… the rest all walked the red carpet.

Among male stars, represented by Jackie Chan, Liu Liu Dehua, Wu Jing, Huang Huang Xiaoming, Huang Bo, Deng Chao, Wang Wang Baoqiang, Shen Teng and others;

On the female star side it was even more dazzling. Gong Li rarely attended such events, but today she showed up to show support; followed by Zhou Xun, Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Li Li Bingbing and others.

On the film companies and capital side: Shanghai Film, Western Film, China Film, Huaying, Changchun Film, Ningbo Film… Aerospace Science and Technology Group… Enlight, Wanda, Emperor, Huanxi, Huace, Alibaba Pictures, Bona…

That report saying more than half the film and television industry would attend was not an exaggeration at all!

A little past nine, a black business Mercedes slowly pulled up at the outermost end of the red carpet, and the reporters' long lenses and short lenses immediately locked on.

The first to step out of the car and appear before the cameras was Liu Liu Yifei, in a leather jacket over a white shirt, black straight-leg casual trousers, and white sneakers.

She was also wearing sunglasses, her long hair draped loosely, going for a carefree, unrestrained look.

And when Lin Dao Da stepped out of the car right behind her, the reporters had already rushed up in a swarm, only to be held firmly back by the security guards.

Taking Liu Liu Yifei's hand, the two of them completely ignored the clamoring interview shouts around them, merely smiling and nodding in response, then walked straight up the red carpet toward the main hall.

Today's Golden Hall was absolutely packed, a galaxy of big names.

So much so that current hot young actresses like Watching Shu Chang, Yang Mi, Miss Jing Tian, and Dilireba seemed to have completely lost their star power, looking like nothing more than ordinary guests in the room.

The moment Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei walked into the Golden Hall, what met their eyes, apart from the lively crowd, was a dazzling array of champagne and red wine.

There were also seven giant cakes, each over two meters tall, which were equally eye-catching.

Of course, most of these cakes would probably end up wasted; after all, everyone would at most take a small bite, for luck and a touch of celebration.

"Lin Dao, Producer Liu, you two haven't attended any industry events in ages."

"Liu Yifei, your skin looks even better?" Li Li Bingbing said with a smile, raising her glass.

"Lin Dao, what subject are you planning for your next film? It must be hard to break through again this time, right? Hahaha…"

……

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei were a bit overwhelmed — mainly because there were too many people to greet.

A full half hour later, the two of them finally caught their breath and made their way over to Wang Wang Changtian's group; the several production companies had finally gathered together.

"You two are way too popular — none of us got this kind of treatment."

"It's a vanity fair — how much of it is real?" Lin Nan complained, exasperated.

"Lin Nan, let me introduce you to someone…" Suddenly, Wang Yong, who was standing nearby, spoke up.

At that very instant, the faces of both Han Han Sanping and Ren Ren Zhonglun changed;

From the moment they had spotted the general manager of Western Film on site, they had known exactly what Wang Yong was up to.

Looking now at Wang Wang Changtian and Liu Liu Xiaobin, the two of them appeared completely composed, as if it had nothing to do with them.

As for the people from the Aerospace Science and Technology Group, their man was being interviewed by a reporter from the Movie Channel next door.

"Director Wang?" Lin Nan looked at Wang Yong, puzzled; Liu Liu Yifei was also a bit confused.

"Let me introduce you to someone." Wang Yong, seemingly completely oblivious to the reactions of Han Han Sanping, Ren Ren Zhonglun, and the others, directly introduced the person beside him to Lin Nan.

To tell the truth, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei really hadn't paid this person any mind earlier, assuming he was just an ordinary executive Wang Yong had brought along.

"This is Director Zhao, formerly the group's general manager. Next month he'll be taking over from me…"

"Lin Dao, pleased to meet you. Previously it was always Director Wang liaising with you, and Director Zhang working with Director Yue. From now on it'll be Director Zhang and me as partners. We hope the deep friendship between Western Film and Linnan Pictures can continue…"

"Director Zhao, pleased to meet you." Lin Nan smiled and shook his hand. As for anything else, he didn't respond.

Watching this scene, Han Han Sanping, Ren Ren Zhonglun, and the others each had their own calculations: no distance, but no warmth either; the more it was like this, the more… sigh!

After a brief exchange, Director Zhao of Western Film walked off, not wanting to disturb the banter among Lin Nan's "old partners."

"Look at today — it's really lively. So many great directors, so many big names, all here at The Wandering Earth's celebration…"

Lin Nan, half-listening to Ren Ren Zhonglun's sighs, whispered to Liu Liu Yifei that she didn't have to stay by his side the whole time and could go over to Han Jianü, Watching Shu Chang, and the others.

As the producer of The Wandering Earth and the true female host of today's event, Liu Liu Yifei ought to mingle more.

"Then I'll head over first, you all chat slowly." Liu Liu Yifei said cheerfully, scratching her hand a little, greeting them like a little kitten. Without waiting for anyone's response, she nimbly turned and walked off.

"Director Wang, then today's celebration is also our farewell send-off for your retirement." Lin Nan looked at Wang Yong and said with feeling.

"Good — you all have to toast me a glass later, hahaha…"

On site, many small circles had formed.

Great directors, big names, and film-industry capital chatted and laughed merrily; young actors flitted between groups, busy as could be.

A grand celebration ceremony fully displayed a festive atmosphere.

It wasn't until 11:30 a. m., with all the guests guided by the on-site emcee Yue Jun, that they finally began to take their seats one by one — the luncheon was about to start.

Of course, the most crucial segment absolutely could not be skipped.

Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, and Guo Fan led Wu Jing, Zhang Zhang Ruoyun, Zhao Zhao Jinmai, Li Li Guangjie, the tottering Ng Man-tat, and today's also resplendently dressed Miss Jing Tian, as everyone walked up to the very front…

On the long table, between the champagne and the cakes, the ice block with "7.014 billion" frozen inside was already in place; everyone took turns swinging little hammers to break it open and bring it forth whole…

The celebration ceremony and luncheon for The Wandering Earth officially began!

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei sat at the same table as the main creative team, and the lively atmosphere of toasting and mingling on site was completely ignited at that moment.

A little over half an hour later, just past noon at 12, Lin Nan put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and stood up.

"Lin Nan." Liu Liu Yifei looked up, her brows slightly furrowed, and called softly.

"Just stay here and eat well." Lin Nan patted Liu Liu Yifei's shoulder, his voice gentle.

He walked straight toward the main stage, drawing the gaze of several hundred people in the room.

At that moment, the Golden Hall fell suddenly silent, and every eye in the room focused on Lin Nan.

At a signal from Yue Jun's eyes, the staff member who had been standing by the main stage immediately handed over the microphone that had been prepared long ago — handed it to Lin Dao Da.

Lin Nan took the microphone, his gaze sweeping across all the industry guests in the Golden Hall; amid everyone's puzzled looks, he began to speak with a smile.