[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-114":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},2286950,4473,"Chapter 114: Sowing Discord","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-114",114,"\u003Cp>The box office growth of *Avatar*, averaging over 100 million every two days, has made not only the domestic film and television circle restless, but the authorities as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this rate, those twenty or thirty domestic films are completely finished; it would be no exaggeration to describe it as losing everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Lin Nan returned to the capital, he heard that tickets for *Avatar* were hard to come by at all 3D cinemas, and scalpers were making a fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were even cases of cinema staff participating in the resale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shows just how popular *Avatar* is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crew of *Thirty Days of Love* is also filming in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this film started production, this is the first time Lin Nan has come over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a female director, Xue Xiaolu films with great delicacy, so the pace is inevitably slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to say, when Zhu Yawen acts effeminate, he is indeed quite effeminate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin Nan, I thought you had forgotten that you even invested in this film.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing a take, Xue Xiaolu teased him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can you say that? I believe in Sister Xue's ability and trust you, that's why I didn't come.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yawen and Wang Luodan came over with smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It could also be that you're too busy. After all, the producer for *Brotherhood of Blades* is Liu Yi, heh heh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhu joked with a mischievous smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan widened his eyes, looking at Zhu Yawen, and instantly got goosebumps all over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just because of the tone of his voice, the way he held his pinky finger, and his coquettish posture...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I say, let you play a character with an ambiguous orientation, but don't actually make yourself have an ambiguous orientation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that's the case, I'll have to stay away from you in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people around them also burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you saying? I am a real man!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thumping his chest, Zhu Yawen instantly switched back from his character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this crew, most people are from the Beijing Film Academy, so the atmosphere feels very good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Luodan, Jiang Yiyan, Zhang Jiayi...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan didn't stay long during his visit, because the only people he could talk to were Xue Xiaolu, Zhu Yawen, and Wang Luodan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the others, he was either not familiar with them or they were reserved, at most barely exchanging greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The State Administration can be said to have made a big fuss this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tiger has entered the sheepfold, and since they can't deal with it, they can only let it eat its fill before sending it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the morning, a large number of vehicles gathered outside the State Administration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Major film companies, producers, directors, etc., arrived right on time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huayi is currently in the limelight, and Wang Zhonglei was full of airs, surrounded by people, all with smiling faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, Xiying, Ningying, Changying...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanda, Enlight, Orange Sky, Bona...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao, with dark circles under his eyes, quickly caught up with Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Were you a thief last night?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're the thief. I was staying up late thinking about the script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's just that I often unconsciously think of *No Man's Land*, and instantly lose the mood...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan didn't respond to such a sad topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard that Ning Hao is now occasionally taking a few different versions to annoy those people in the censorship department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as one is rejected, another is resubmitted; anyway, they are locked in a standoff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While talking, they saw Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Feng Xiaogang, and a few Hong Kong directors had also arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was actually looking forward to Zhang Weiping coming along, heh.\" Ning Hao laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then you're overthinking it. He has no friends, and he was firing shots at everyone earlier; even if he came, no one would welcome him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the venue, every seat was taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan and Ning Hao were arranged in the second row, together with Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huayi, Enlight, and other large private companies were also in this row.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Companies like Bona were relatively further back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leaders began to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...According to current market analysis, *Avatar*'s domestic box office will likely exceed 1 billion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Director Tong said this, the room fell into a deathly silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a month ago, if anyone had said the mainland market could produce a blockbuster with a billion in box office, they would definitely have been called brain-dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, everyone had nothing to say, with only a sense of \"bitterness\" in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many film companies present had films currently in theaters, losing money, losing money every single moment...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Based on last year's mainland film industry data, *Avatar* is equivalent to taking up nearly one-fifth...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The theme of this meeting was very clear: all companies and filmmakers must strive to catch up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether state-owned or private, the films produced cannot always rely on policy \"tilting\" and \"protection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Encourage film and television companies to actively go public if they meet the corresponding qualifications...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fully open up the financial industry to enter the film and television production industry and provide sources of funding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Encourage and support film companies to create high-quality blockbusters and improve competitiveness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group of people below, including Lin Nan, could all hear that this was about to truly enter the fast lane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The financial industry!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means money!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, policies were restrictive; if they are fully opened up now, it means an endless stream of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone instantly had their own thoughts, especially the film companies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan knew that the first major industry-wide surge in salaries was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The policy given from above had good intentions, but how the people below use it is hard to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting lasted until the afternoon, and a small group of people was kept behind for a while at the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin Nan, what is your box office expectation for *The Thieves*?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This question was truly direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Post-production hasn't been done yet, and special effects have only just begun, so I can't predict it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping, Feng Xiaogang, and others watched Lin Nan and Director Tong exchange pleasantries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You still need to have some confidence; the record for domestic films is in your hands, heh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao wanted to talk to Director Tong about *No Man's Land*, but in the end, he held back and didn't speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, as they were leaving, Zhang Yimou called out to Lin Nan and Ning Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are young directors, give me some honest opinions. In your view, where did *A Simple Noodle Story* fail?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people around them saw this scene and, having no interest in gossip, walked away quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao opened his mouth and said tactfully: \"Maybe the casting and the script both had problems...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan looked at Zhang Yimou's inquiring eyes and felt a bit helpless; did this kind of question even need to be asked?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Zhang, to be honest, if this film had been made by someone else, it would actually have been okay. Of course, it wouldn't have had that box office.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yimou was not displeased; instead, he nodded. \"Continue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A film shouldn't have two people in charge. And the main person in charge was clearly not you, Director Zhang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Lin Nan finished speaking, he saw Zhang Yimou turn around and walk toward the car waiting for him in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His usually steady pace was a bit heavy this time. \"Mm, thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao had a look like he'd seen a ghost and leaned toward Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you crazy, bad-mouthing Zhang Weiping here? They've been working together for over a decade!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are only three people here, who else could spread it? You or Director Zhang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, he wanted to hear the truth, and what I said wasn't false.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even married couples have a seven-year itch, let alone just business partners.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan glanced in Zhang Yimou's direction and said indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his view, a single *A Simple Noodle Story* should have already made the rift between these two very large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He guessed that Zhang Weiping hadn't noticed these things at all, or rather, his mind was full of money and he hadn't even thought about considering Zhang Yimou's thoughts and feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At most one more time, and they should break up...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you muttering about?\" Ning Hao asked, looking at the rambling Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing. You said, if Director Zhang and Zhang Weiping broke up, what would the situation be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I guess Zhang Weiping would be miserable. Over these years, he has offended a large group of people in the circle, haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan felt the same; without Zhang Yimou, Zhang Weiping would likely have a hard time getting by in this industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The policies discussed at the meeting were leaked just a few days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top-tier companies were the first to take action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High-quality film companies were the first choice for the financial industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huayi had successfully gone public and was holding a large amount of cash, so they didn't really care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Wang Chang did not want to share the shares they held.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many struggling small and medium-sized companies were very eager to receive financial support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, those who needed money the most were the ones being ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just two days, quite a few strangers came to Lin Nan's company to pay a visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer they received was very firm: Lin Nan Film Industry did not need investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made many peer companies both envious and helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao's Bad Monkey was also a key target for attention, but the couple was equally resolute in not accepting investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>News about film and television companies successfully raising funds began to appear online one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large number of films and television dramas began to be greenlit in clusters; one look and it was clear they had secured investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The film and television circle seemed to become lively in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zheng took the initiative to come to the company to find Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, the time is about right; I am preparing to officially start filming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the four films, only *Lost on Journey* remained now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you ready?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, the crew was prepared beforehand, and these few days are the perfect time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then go ahead and start.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan asked Jiang Xuerou to follow up on this matter, as he had to stay at Tiangong Color to oversee the editing of *The Thieves*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin Nan Film Industry, *Lost on Journey* officially starts filming today, with Xu Zheng as director, and starring: Xu Zheng, Wang Baoqiang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huayi had successfully gone public more than two months ago, and I heard this year's annual meeting was grand beyond measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a shareholder, Lin Nan also received a gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This annual meeting was widely reported by the media.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason wasn't how much money it cost or how much was paid out in dividends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the future development direction proposed by the brothers Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei at the annual meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the next few years, Huayi will prepare multiple blockbusters and also prepare for diversified development...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the timing is right, we will use our film and television business as a foundation to march into other peripheral industries...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan even specifically watched this news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This plan, as it looks now, fits the money-oriented economic situation very well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it is completely contrary to the authorities' hope that Huayi would \"deeply cultivate\" the film industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this development plan is very easy to go off track...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The profits from *Lunar Eclipse* were exchanged for more expensive special effects equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This batch was much more expensive than the first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin, this batch of machines has already been shipped by sea, and the equipment manufacturer's engineers will arrive on time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, the departure times for those employees have already been arranged...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hanging up the phone, Lin Nan took a moment to compose himself; it was another few hundred million, and it would be a lie to say it didn't hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking again about those three floors at Tiangong Color, he wondered when they would ever be filled.\u003C\u002Fp>",2052,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","4f3b5ca77f20d7eaf0e25f6ee8fa6268aa0422d38b7d5107c17173bfe98efe78","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-115","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-113",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]