Chapter 1118: Confirming the Allocation Time

On the afternoon of the 7th, inside the manor villa of Lin Dao Da.

"Today I finally understand the meaning of those two sentences that Chairman Han and Chairman Ren whispered to me when I went to the bureau to attend the conference in late November last year."

"What conference? What sentences?" Lin Nan couldn't react for a moment.

"You had just sold Crystal Pictures in Hollywood and hadn't returned to the country yet, so naturally you didn't come to the meeting.

It was the conference regarding the Golden Rooster and Golden Horse showdown. The leaders even brought up your Weibo post advocating against supporting the Golden Horse, almost implying it openly.

I asked Chairman Ren and Chairman Han a question at the time, roughly asking: if many filmmakers and film crews still ignore the leaders' words this year and continue to support that horse, what should be done?

Chairman Ren replied that a clear administrative notice would be issued, and the timing of the notice would be 'just right'; Chairman Han was even more direct, saying a net would be cast to catch those with flexible bottom lines.

Today I truly understand the meaning of these two sentences; the timing of this announcement is indeed just right, and it has caught a large batch of colleagues with flexible bottom lines.

I just don't know who suggested the timing; it's truly vicious! At this moment, those people with flexible bottom lines are being driven to the brink of ecstasy, probably going crazy, hahaha."

Hearing Ning Hao's last sentence, Lin Nan couldn't hold back his laughter and laughed until he couldn't stop.

"What are you laughing at? Laughing like that, do you know who suggested it?"

"Who else could it be? It's the person who told you 'the timing will be just right'."

"Chairman Ren? Hahaha, no wonder, it makes sense now. He has experience doing this kind of thing; he once trapped Huayi before."

Speaking of this, Ning Hao suddenly stopped smiling. He glanced at the vast manor of Lin Dao Da, then lowered his voice, his tone serious:

"After this year, the living environment for Hong Kong films on the mainland will become at least three to five times more hostile. Especially for the large number of behind-the-scenes practitioners over there; we won't have their bowls of rice here anymore."

Hearing this, Lin Nan's expression immediately tightened, and he did not pick up Ning Hao's thread.

He could hear the subtext in the latter's words: more and more film and television practitioners over there are starting to expose themselves.

Even a large number of practitioners were wearing masks, following the main force to "practice what they preach" in creating chaos; they were almost all in behind-the-scenes positions in the industry.

"Why bring this up suddenly?"

"Huanxi has a few films that used behind-the-scenes crews from over there, and the group suddenly discovered these past two days..."

At almost the same time, Lin Nan made a gesture to be silent, and Ning Hao's voice also came to an abrupt halt.

"It's been two months, not only has it not cooled down at all, but it has become even more severe. A large number of film and entertainment industry workers are secretly participating, contributing traffic and noise to the villains; they are indeed smashing their own bowls of rice."

Lin Nan first nodded in agreement, then continued Ning Hao's thread and asked: "So, how do you plan to handle it next?"

"Delete those people from the subtitles, try to downplay them as much as possible. We won't use behind-the-scenes crews from over there in the future either."

"Hehe, but don't you still have shareholders from over there?"

Ning Hao paused, then said helplessly and decisively: "Under the group, I won't contact their projects, and my projects won't allow them to contact us. In the future, my focus will lean more towards Bad Monkey.

Also, although I still believe the Great Director Alliance plan is correct in its overall direction, this doesn't affect my dislike of the current situation, because there are also many internal messes; it's very rotten!"

Lin Nan's eyebrows furrowed and then relaxed, revealing a mocking expression on his face.

By now, he finally knew Ning Hao's purpose; this guy came over this afternoon to vent his emotions, otherwise why would he get more and more agitated?

"I thought you were bored with nothing to do, so you ran over here to fish and chat. Turns out, you've encountered some troubling matters."

"Sigh, another meeting was held this morning, and as expected, it turned into an argument. This is the first time an argument has broken out at a meeting. Our head screenwriter couldn't hold back and directly slammed the table on that surnamed Chen.

You don't know, of course I only found out today: the original biography for 'Going It Alone' was already extreme, exaggerating the opposition, and that surnamed Chen pursued so-called artistic expression, choosing to further exaggerate the opposition based on the original..."

"Lin Nan, Director Ning, they have officially spoken out." Just then, Liu Liu Yifei's voice came from a distance, interrupting Ning Hao's denunciation of Chen Caomao.

Looking at Liu Liu Yifei walking over slowly with her belly protruding, Lin Nan hurriedly stood up to greet her, supported her arm and waist, and led her to sit in a soft chair.

"What did they speak out about?" Ning Hao instantly put on a smiling face and asked.

"That horse over there spoke out: they hope to let movies return to movies as soon as possible."

"Good heavens, it's that same universal sentence structure again. Every time they start trouble, it's them, and every time they say those shameless words like 'hope to let something return to something' as soon as possible, it's still them!" Ning Hao blurted out sarcasm.

"Oh ho, the response is here too, and it's quite fast!" Lin Nan smiled and handed his phone to Ning Hao. There was a newly appeared headline on Weibo from a Blue V account: "Not participating in this film festival is the attitude mainland filmmakers should have!"

"Hmm, not bad. Now I'm even more looking forward to the scale of the Golden Rooster in November; I guess it will be the grandest and highest-spec one in recent years?"

"Whether it's grand or not has nothing to do with me. I'm just going to show my face, appear on camera, and leave; I still have a wife and child at home to accompany." Lin Nan smiled even more brightly. Liu Liu Yifei's face turned red, and she shyly punched him.

Only Director Ning, realizing it belatedly, had an epiphany: "I remember now, our head screenwriter said Liu Yifei's due date seems to be two or three weeks before the Golden Rooster?!"

"Yes, that's right. So Director Ning, after you go back, quickly discuss with that sister about full-month gifts, hundred-day gift money, and the like; prepare them early." Liu Liu Yifei covered her mouth with one hand and laughed heartily.

"You two really are a couple; now all you talk about is gift money and gift money..." In an instant, Ning Hao laughed in anger.

But the next second, he thought of another important thing and sighed: "Because of Liu Yifei, the reason for Lin Nan to just briefly show his face at the Golden Rooster and then return to Beijing has been established.

But I still have to think of an excuse; if the media digs a trap and asks probing questions, I'll have a response; I can't really tell the truth and say I'm just going to fulfill a duty, and actually look down on the Golden Rooster from the bottom of my heart?"

"What are you afraid of? You're a pure man; say whatever you think! Hahaha..."

"Go to hell, you just want to trap me every day."

Around three in the afternoon, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei watched Director Ning drive away from the manor gate.

At this time, Miss Liu curiously asked: "Is there a rift inside Huanxi?"

Lin Nan nodded and hummed with a smile: "Where there are people, there is the Laughing Jianghu.

The Great Director Alliance sounds powerful, and it is indeed powerful, but with more people, there will naturally be various conflicts of interest and small groups taking sides. Once a fuse appears, the problems will be directly exposed.

Just like the current "Going It Alone," this is the first Huanxi film to encounter problems; look, it seems they've been arguing for a week. Although Chairman Dong Ping is presiding from the center, it's not that easy to mediate.

On the morning of the 8th, the relevant departments in Shanghai and the capital contacted Lin Nan successively and issued notifications.

He needed to set aside the afternoon and evening of the 19th to attend the award ceremony for the Five Ones Project.

Unlike the film award ceremonies within the industry, the award ceremony for the Five Ones Project is much more solemn.

The industry professionals who can attend are basically state-owned enterprises, public institutions, art troupes, Huayi Factory, and various television stations in the film and television industry—those with official establishment;

Besides them, it's the producers and main creators of the award-winning works; only through this channel can ordinary actors and practitioners get the opportunity and qualification to enter.

Most importantly, there will be particularly many leaders attending!

The 9th, 10th, 11th...

Several days passed, and the online heat still had not dissipated, with the topic volume remaining persistently high.

Just as the bureau had expected, the reputation of the Golden Rooster soared rapidly within a few short days, as if it had instantly acquired an unassailable position and the most prestigious award acclaim.

But in the eyes of more than half the film industry, this situation felt genuinely awkward to everyone.

Because everyone in their hearts knew very well what its actual value was: these years had truly been hard to explain, with constant mishaps.

Now that it had suddenly become "unassailably correct," how could the vast majority in the industry possibly adapt all at once? Trust and credibility both require time to cultivate slowly!

"That 'The Untamed' has been successfully concluded, and the film and television industry has now officially gained two top-tier male artists. Their current development momentum is in no way inferior to Li Yifeng, who exploded in popularity back then due to 'The Legend of the Ancient Sword'."

"Isn't this exactly the model for junior artists to learn from and envy? I hear that nearly every day new Danmei projects are being initiated, and companies submitting scripts for review are coming in an endless stream."

In Wang Wei's office at Tudou, the Vice President of Penguin Entertainment sat opposite him.

Although the two were discussing 'The Untamed', produced by Penguin Entertainment and exclusively broadcast on Tudou. com, Wang Wei could see that the other party had other things they wanted to say but hadn't yet said.

"Just say whatever you have to say directly; you've been building up to this for so long." After a short while, Wang Wei directly pierced the atmosphere, looking at the other party with a smile on his face.

"Haha, since Wang Zong asked directly, then I won't beat around the bush or take a roundabout route. I heard that Wanda intends to transfer all the shares held in their hands?"

The other party asked with a chuckle, causing the smile on Wang Wei's face to instantly freeze.

However, he also understood clearly that since the other party had made a special trip to ask about this matter in person, it meant that Penguin Entertainment had already confirmed the accuracy of the news.

So, this wasn't asking him about the literal meaning, but asking for the decision-making opinion of the original shareholder, asking him: Does Penguin have a chance?

"Where did you hear that?"

"Wang Zong, we naturally have our own channels. In the past two years, Wanda Pictures' projects have become fewer and fewer; except for co-investing in Lin Dao's films, they have almost not invested in a few new projects, and they have not controlled a single project."

Everyone in the circle knows and can see: after Wanda sold off its cultural tourism projects, they immediately began cutting other peripheral businesses one after another. And now their target is their own assets in the internet industry—the shares of Tudou."

Hearing these solemn and confident words, Wang Wei could not refute them, so he simply stopped hiding anything; he nodded, "That's right, this matter does exist. During the Shanghai Film Festival previously, the four of us already sat together and discussed this matter."

"What was the result of the discussion?" the other party asked decisively, equally making no attempt to conceal Penguin Entertainment's intentions.

"According to Lin Dao's wishes, we will notify you and Weibo after the summer season ends. But now that you have come forward proactively, I estimate that Weibo must have also received wind of this!"

"And then?"

"I don't know." Wang Wei shook his head with a smile; he truly did not know the next arrangement.

"Wang Zong, do you mean we still need to wait until the last day of the month?"

"Now we can only wait for notifications from Lin Dao and Wang Zong. But I can tell you very definitely that both Penguin Entertainment and Weibo have a chance. And now the main question is: how exactly are Wanda's shares to be divided?"

You want them, I want them, and he wants them, but the share each party wants and the share that finally lands in their pockets will definitely not be consistent. All of this requires sitting down to talk and fighting for each other."

Speaking to this point, Wang Wei looked at the other party and added with implied meaning: "The bulk of these shares this time should be fought over between you and Weibo."

The Vice President of Penguin Entertainment nodded thoughtfully, looking at Wang Wei: "I understand, then we will wait for Lin Dao's time notification. At that time, all shareholders will sit together to discuss this matter and fight for those shares. Additionally, I will report this matter upward to prepare in advance."

"You really are not polite, quite direct!" Wang Wei couldn't help but tease.

"When Tudou was financing back then, the shares offered for transfer were originally few, so this time we cannot possibly give up. Wang Zong, you know that many of our businesses in entertainment cannot do without Tudou."

And now, trying to incubate a platform belonging exclusively to Penguin is too difficult, too difficult; Tudou's copyright library is so large that no peer can surpass it... This point must thank Lin Dao and Wang Zong for their foresight, and also thank Wanda's financial support in the early stages..."

"Oh right, I am also curious, Wang Zong, do you have no thoughts?"

"Thoughts? I naturally have thoughts, but my personal wealth does not allow me to indulge in too big a daydream. Hahaha..."

After a short while, Wang Wei escorted the Vice President of Penguin Entertainment out of the office, all the way to the elevator entrance.

Only after the other party entered the elevator did he turn around and return to the office. After thinking and hesitating for a while, he decisively picked up his mobile phone and made a call.

At this moment, Lin Nan, who was at home reading online news related to the premiere of 'The Forbidden Kingdom 2', was startled by the sudden incoming call.

"From Wang Wei?" Lin Nan was somewhat suspicious, and also glanced at Liu Liu Yifei, who was leaning on the sofa biting an apple.

"Answer it, why are you looking at me?" Liu Liu Qianqian threw a good-looking white eye roll, and at the same time burped without caring about her image. Pregnant women, after all, eat small meals frequently and get hungry quickly!

"Calling at this hour, you didn't attend the premiere of 'The Forbidden Kingdom 2'?" After answering the phone, Lin Nan asked with a smile.

"Lin Dao, Penguin Entertainment invited me to meet this morning. So I could only send an executive to support Jackie Chan's film."

"Penguin Entertainment?" In an instant, Lin Nan had a premonition.

"Alright, no need for me to speak. Judging by your tone, Lin Dao, you must have guessed it. They really have dog noses, actually sniffing out that Wanda intends to transfer shares."

See, they just asked me about this matter in person, and I just finished seeing off their Vice President. Lin Dao, how do you think we should handle this now?"

"How about we just notify them in advance? I estimate Weibo must have also known; they might come to find me in the next couple of days, or even come directly to ask you, Lin Dao."

Hearing these words, Lin Nan also thought it made sense; indeed, they could notify them in advance.

"Then you go notify them, and also give a heads-up to Wang Zong and Wanda."

As for how much preparation time to leave them? Let's make it two months. Set it for October 15th, and everyone will sit together to talk."

For anyone who wants the shares in Wanda's hands, let them prepare well within these two months; at least unify their stance within their own group first: how much do they want? How much do they want to fight for?"

Then sit together later and engage in a battle of words. By the way, you also tell them, I will not participate."

"Okay, I know. I will contact them this afternoon."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Nan lost interest in continuing to browse the news. He asked Liu Liu Yifei to stretch her feet over so he could continue massaging them for her.

"Wanda wants to sell off in the first half of next year and get the cash all at once. Does that mean Tudou. com needs to cooperate and file a disclosure with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the first half of next year?" Liu Liu Yifei lay back comfortably, chatting lazily with Lin Nan.

"You are wrong there; the Hong Kong stock market is different from the A-share market; there is no such concept as 'filing a disclosure'. In the Hong Kong market, when a major shareholder changes, generally only active declaration and immediate disclosure are required to ensure market transparency."

Generally, trading suspension is not required either, unless the shareholder change involves a transfer of control, insider leakage, or qualification violations... But obviously, Wanda's exit this time does not involve these sensitive regulations..."

At Lin Nan Pictures, the head of the production department walked into Yue Jun's office with a chuckle.

"President Yue, I just heard a piece of gossip."

"What?"

"That film 'Hi, Mom' seems to be officially starting filming at the end of next month."

"They actually gathered the investment?" Yue Jun was immediately somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

Previously, Jia Ling had come to Lin Nan Pictures to solicit investment, but he felt the level of that comedy family drama script was merely passable, slightly above average; so after hesitating repeatedly, he chose to politely decline.

Actually, the main reason was that he didn't trust the other party's directing ability. Although Jia Ling's sketch performances were indeed quite good, and her appearances on so many reality-variety shows were also very impressive, looking at her resume, it seemed she had always played ugly clown roles...

Most importantly, the other party had truly never directed a film before, with absolutely no track record in that area; so he really wasn't too reassured, and didn't want to gamble with money... Besides, the company didn't lack this one film.

"Indeed, the investment has been rounded up, and they're all sizable companies. It must have taken quite a bit of connections and relationships — after all, she is Feng Gong's apprentice."

"Oh, which companies are involved?"

"Jingxi Culture, Alibaba Pictures, Ruyi Pictures, Maoyan, New Classics, Jia Ling's own Big Bowl Entertainment, and Hengdian Pictures. Actually, spread out, each company didn't put up that much money."

At this point, the head of the production department suddenly couldn't help sighing with emotion:

"President Yue, you can see it now. This Jia Ling either has a very good head on her shoulders, or there's someone behind her giving advice.

Look at the investors she found — the functional attributes are really very comprehensive:

Alibaba Pictures, which has internet channel resources, can handle publicity; Maoyan, which has distribution resources, can fully guarantee distribution strength; Hengdian Pictures, which has theater chain resources, is likewise no weakling, enough to guarantee a baseline of screenings..."

"Hearing you put it that way, it really does seem to be the case?!" Yue Jun couldn't help exclaiming, a faintly interested smile appearing on his face.