Chapter 1149: Need to Save the Market

Up to the 31st, the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, also meant the Spring Festival holiday was truly coming to an end.

At this moment, the bigger the city, the more it had to struggle between resuming work and continuing the holiday.

Continuing the holiday was certainly safe, but without resuming work, where would there be performance records, jobs, or income? How could one live?

For ninety-nine percent of industries and employers, not resuming work meant no wages; at most, at best, they would issue a "base salary," and even that was a treatment only large companies offered.

"Do you mean that most companies in the industry have chosen to resume work normally after the holiday?"

"Yes, even though all companies in the industry clearly know there will be bumps and stumbles after returning to work, this is still better than hiding at home forever."

Because for the vast majority of ordinary practitioners, they are basically all burdened with mortgages or car loans; even if they don't have these two things, they still have to support their families, don't they?

So I think we really shouldn't be so 'generous'; at least, Tiangong Se Color cannot continue to take holidays as previously planned."

"After all, once other companies resume work normally, they will definitely urge the progress of Tiangong Se Color's projects. We still have quite a few projects unfinished and un-handed over here, and this kind of work cannot be done at home..."

Just as Lin Nan had expected, Yue Jun finally revealed the true intention behind making this call.

However, this was indeed a problem, after all, it involved numerous project contracts with companies in the industry.

"Then notify everyone below; tentatively resume work on March 1st; at least February can still have a month-long holiday." After hesitating and thinking for a while, Lin Nan gave the order decisively.

"Okay, I will arrange it shortly. I imagine that even if things are more severe in March, it should be better than the current situation."

Just as he put down his phone, Lin Nan saw Liu Liu Yifei waving at him from afar, her movements and expression adorably simple.

"What's wrong?"

"Shh!"

After approaching, Lin Nan asked again in a low voice: "What exactly is going on?"

"Outside, our dad is calling employees one by one... talking about closing the store." Liu Liu Yifei grabbed Lin Nan's arm and tiptoed to the door.

At this moment, Lin Nan also pricked up his ears and heard Old Lin talking about compensation.

At this moment, Director Lin Da was somewhat emotional; his own father seemed to have specifically checked the Labor Law and even gave extra compensation very humanely, after all, they were all old employees who had followed him for many years.

"Lin Nan, Xiying must be a bit stunned this time; in the future, they won't even know where to send gifts." Liu Liu Yifei suppressed her voice and chuckled, but then immediately thought of something else: "But if we really open a store in the capital later, we must prevent this kind of thing too, right?"

"How could such a thing happen again? Before, in our hometown, the layout was a shop in front and a courtyard in the back, and Xiying was a local giant with a good relationship with us, so when they sent gifts to the store, it was equivalent to sending them directly to our home, making it hard to refuse forcefully."

"But in the capital, who can deliver directly to our home? Those who can come to our home are basically all very close acquaintances who know your and my personalities, so they won't pull those fancy tricks."

"Furthermore, in the future, the restaurant will only have diners and staff; no other troublemaking people are allowed. If someone from the industry or a company dares to 'cause trouble,' just call the police and find the owner; I don't mind offending people."

Lin Nan spoke confidently, and his tone at the end was even somewhat cold, making Liu Liu Yifei nod and laugh in agreement, very convinced.

And at this time, Old Lin had finally finished his calls; as soon as he entered the room, he saw his son and daughter-in-law eavesdropping there.

"At this time, it's not easy for them, so besides the prescribed compensation, I gave an extra three months' wages; I hope they can all hold on until the storm passes."

"It should be no problem; you gave quite a lot." Miss Liu replied with a smile.

"However, it seems the catering industry has completely stopped; it will probably take a very, very long time to recover." Lin Nan appropriately dampened the mood, but it was indeed the truth.

"We must trust our country; everything will pass, and everything will get better." Old Lin rarely showed a smile, very firm.

On the first day of February, news quietly spread within the industry that casting for some roles in "My People, My Homeland" had begun.

The normal progress of this main melody blockbuster injected a shot of adrenaline into the Chinese film circle.

At the same time, the Spring Festival box office results were submitted to the Bureau—less than ten million.

"Should we give special attention to the script of 'My People, My Homeland' and approve it as soon as possible? This would also help the production industry recover faster."

"No need; just follow the procedure. Additionally, starting this month, all submitted scripts and finished films must be reviewed more strictly, especially realistic ones."

Hearing the latter sentence, everyone present immediately understood: at a time like this, it was indeed necessary to be stricter to avoid problems.

In view of this, someone immediately spoke up: "This morning, Cao Cao Baoping sent over the finished film of 'Crossing the Angry Sea,' and you may need to take a look."

Hearing this, the person behind the desk shook his head speechlessly and smiled with implied meaning: "You should already have made a judgment, so don't come trouble me again."

"This... understood."

"By the way, how is Shanghai Film doing? What about that '1921'?"

"The script says the earliest it can be ready is next month."

"Alright, although some projects cannot be delayed, they indeed cannot be rushed."

Shortly after, the few people left the leader's office, and the secretary immediately reported: "Mr. Fu of Huaying and Yu Dong of Bona have arrived."

"Let them come over; I'll listen to their major projects."

Approaching noon, the Chinese film circle saw the official announcement from the Hong Kong Film Awards: formally canceling the red carpet and gala dinner originally scheduled for the 15th of next month.

It must be said that this act of following one's heart was indeed very good, unlike the Oscars and the Berlin International Film Festival which were so stubborn that they still insisted on holding them as scheduled despite the situation;

Even the latter two sent invitations to Lin Nan, hoping he could bring the "Hua Mulan" film crew to appear on the red carpet...

Appear on the red carpet? What nonsense, appear with one's life? Just look at the real-life example from January two years ago when Li Li Bingbing almost died outside while filming due to a fever; can one go out in a situation like this now?

"Don't say that, Director Jia Jia Zhangke seems to be going to the Berlin International Film Festival."

"That documentary 'Swimming Until the Seawater Turns Blue'? Was this film nominated?"

Reminded by Shu Chang, Lin Nan immediately realized; it seemed to be a documentary featuring literary giants like Yu Hua, Jia Pingwa, and Mo Yan appearing in person.

"Yes, it was nominated for the Special Screening section." Liu Liu Yifei nodded while playing a mobile game.

"Alright, he is considered a high-output producer. And it is indeed sigh-worthy; he is too steady; even if he can never win an award at A-class film festivals again, he still chooses to fight to the end..."

Reflecting on this, a bad thought suddenly popped into Lin Nan's head: "Do you think I might be given a Lifetime Achievement Award at such a young age? Given a retirement certificate?"

"Huh? Haha, don't say that, I'm actually a bit looking forward to it; I guess there will definitely be quite a few people in the circle watching the show, haha..."

"That's good; come back to retire; I can support you." Liu Liu Yifei also couldn't help laughing, taking out one hand to pat Lin Nan's shoulder.

"What kind of joke is that? If they give me this award, I will definitely spray them on stage..."

Just as they were joking and making threats, the sound of an email notification suddenly rang out, interrupting Lin Nan.

"Tang Mu's, or someone else from Disney?" Liu Liu Yifei instantly sobered up her smile; she knew Lin Nan had sent an email out that morning.

"Tang Mu's, it's already past 9 PM in Hollywood right now; today isn't quite the right time. I have to get up early tomorrow for a video conference with them."

Lin Nan flipped through the email content, explaining to Liu Liu Yifei and Shu Chang. The two of them also knew what it was about: *Hua Mulan*!

"Are you sure?"

"I am very sure; I really deleted all the sensitive shots. Besides, I will submit *The Eight Hundred* and *The Sacrifice* together for review, and get them approved together."

"The ending of your *The Sacrifice*—are you sure it will pass? The war didn't end with us winning, but with the other side softening their hearts, being moved, letting us off, sparing us..."

In the phone call, Wang Wang Zhonglei's tone was obviously off.

Even when their own path had gone astray, their thinking had stalled, and they had created quite a few gray areas, they had never done something like this.

Sure enough, someone was stumped; after stammering, he only replied: "China Film Group is in control; approval shouldn't be a problem."

There, now it was Wang Wang Zhonglei's turn to be choked up. "Fine, I only care about *The Eight Hundred*. Since you're confident, then submit it for review."

"President Wang, you need to be clear: right now, the film market is no different from being dead; the higher-ups also need commercial films to save the market, especially mainstream commercial films destined for high box office;

a few minor flaws are irrelevant; this is far less harmful than those reality-themed films that constantly fixate on sensitive issues!"

Regarding Wang Wang Zhonglei's attitude, someone simply stopped holding back and laid it all out;

for the current Wang Wang Zhonglei, he didn't need to give too much face. Because Huayi had already collapsed, he didn't need to be as wary as before; he was a director, and there were plenty of new factions to rely on.

"Makes sense, then I wish you all the best." As the words landed, the call was hung up in a split second.

The next morning, Lin Nan crawled out of bed at eight o'clock.

Meanwhile, Liu Liu Yifei continued sleeping her lazy, fragrant sleep; the day would surely come when a child stood by the bed, tugging at the quilt and calling her to wake up and eat breakfast in a milky voice... in two or three years!

Half past eight, which was around 5 PM in Hollywood time, Lin Nan sat in the study and numbly turned on his computer.

Over this past month, the number of video conferences he held was greater than the total for the past two years combined; it was almost becoming muscle memory.

Approaching nine o'clock, the five people on the other end, including Tang Mu, all went online within a mere one minute.

Meeting an old friend online, although business was the priority, didn't stop Tang Mu from joking around for a bit first.

"Lin, congratulations again to you and Crystal; congratulations on becoming a mother and father."

"But I haven't seen your red envelope or gift yet," Lin Nan joked with a smile.

"Blame this damn... never mind, once it's completely over, I will definitely make it up to you in person."

"Tang Mu, if possible, you should find a wife and get married soon. You don't know, having a child feels truly, truly warm; life becomes instantly complete..."

Lin Nan sincerely advised this old partner he had known for nearly 18 years, but Tang Mu obviously wasn't listening, even interrupting him.

"NO, NO, NO! Lin, if I wanted a child, I could find someone to have one anytime.

But I won't get married; those women only care about my money and resources... I've seen too much over these years; I can't go back."

As Tang Mu laughed, his tone suddenly dropped low, looking like an old lecher full of sighs. Lin Nan saw it and found it ridiculous.

"Tang Mu, Lin, shall we get back to business?" Others couldn't stand it anymore and chimed in with a chuckle to change the subject.

"No problem." After nodding, Lin Nan's expression instantly changed. His smile vanished, leaving only seriousness. "My meaning is clear: *Hua Mulan* must be withdrawn from release!"

"But the promotion plan, team, personnel, and funding—all preparations are ready; we have even responded to European theaters three times, promising not to change the release schedule."

"Lin, you know, right now, including the Chinese-language film market, North America, Europe, Asia... theaters in the global film market are all waiting to save the market, waiting for you and our Disney's *Hua Mulan*. People need to eat; all theaters need a commercial blockbuster with enough drawing power..."

"A Chinese ancient costume war epic with over ten thousand extras participating in actual filming, authentic Chinese martial arts fight scenes, a world-renowned super IP... you, Crystal, Jackie Chan, Gong Li, Collin Chou... Lin, do you know how strong *Hua Mulan*'s box office drawing power is? Very strong!"

"Lin, Disney's profit channels aren't just from theater box office; even if the box office is affected, we still have theme parks, our own streaming services, merchandise... revenue from these channels, you and Crystal can both enjoy the profit-sharing for decades..."

Lin Nan only stated his position once, then was bombarded with a string of rebuttals from the other four besides Tang Mu.

"From preparation to the finished film, all filming and production work was done entirely by the Chinese team. What we need most isn't so-called profit sharing; that's secondary...

What we most look forward to and want is for as many people as possible to see the most shocking Chinese version of *Hua Mulan* on the giant theater screens... this is cultural dissemination!

Additionally, on a personal level, among all the profit channels you listed, what I most want to see is the box office revenue from theaters; I want a box office number that satisfies me...

So I will not agree to release *Hua Mulan* at this time; releasing it now, the box office will only plunge into the abyss... and there is a contract between you and me; the contract clearly states I possess this right of speech, the power to intervene in my work!"

"You should be able to see that Lin completely treats *Hua Mulan* as his own child, which is why he is so serious and stubborn about this.

I think he is right; we perhaps really should withdraw the release; releasing it on schedule at this time is truly not a wise choice. The box office will definitely be very low, wasting such a huge IP, wasting the promotion..." Tang Mu took over the conversation at the right moment, jokingly suggesting.

"Tang Mu, please mind your position." Someone laughed speechlessly, reminding Tang Mu.

"Very few people can change the headquarters' plan; insisting on releasing on schedule has reasons and considerations supported by the marketing department. Lin, you shouldn't raise objections."

"I am simply exercising my rights properly and protecting my interests.

High box office in the global film market is an honor every film director chases; you cannot deprive or strangle this legitimate right of mine." Lin Nan interrupted the other person.

"What if the group still disagrees?"

"Then Crystal and I will refuse to attend any promotional activities for *Hua Mulan*, refuse to speak for this film.

I believe Jackie Chan, Gong Li, Collin Chou will all give me this face as well; after all, you breached the contract first, depriving me of my right of speech." Lin Nan spoke with a smile, as if discussing the wind and clouds.

Seeing the person in the top-left corner of the computer screen about to speak, Lin Nan directly interrupted them, adding again: "Later, when you want to submit *Hua Mulan* for the three major European film festivals, the guild awards, the Golden Globes, and the Oscars, we probably won't cooperate."

"Lin, why bother? No need to make things so rigid, right?"

"I have only one requirement: *Hua Mulan* must be withdrawn from release!" Lin Nan made no other response, but repeated his will once more.

"Withdrawn? But after withdrawal, then what? When will it be rescheduled? When can it be rescheduled?" The person in the top-right corner asked impatiently.

"Why rush to reschedule? Wait until the global film market recovers to what it was three months ago, then release it, wouldn't that be better? Or at least wait until it recovers to seventy or eighty percent before rescheduling, is that not okay? China has a saying..."

"He who knows the times is a hero?" Tang Mu chuckled.

"Get lost!" Lin Nan was so angry by this guy Tang Mu that he laughed.

"China has a saying called 'Good wine needs no bush,' and there is also the saying 'Good food is not afraid of being late.'"

"I firmly believe that Hua Mulan's box office absolutely cannot be low, so I insist on pulling it from release, and we'll wait until things outside calm down again before releasing it!"

Lin Nan spoke with absolute resolve. Of the five people opposite him, aside from Tang Mu still being his usual cavalier self, the other four all wore solemn expressions, at a loss with Director Lin.

"Lin, since you insist, all we can do is convey your intention. As for whether it succeeds, that requires the group's senior executives to decide together."

"I hope you won't make me wait too long."

"It probably won't be too long, but there definitely won't be an answer too quickly either."

One by one, the Disney people exited the video conference in succession, while Tang Mu stayed until the very end.

"Lin, don't worry, I'll vote for you and lobby on your behalf. Actually, quite a few executives also feel that Hua Mulan should be pulled from release, but someone has to bring it up; and for over a month now, no one's been willing to stick their neck out — everyone figures the less trouble, the better, to avoid complications…"