Chapter 192

Among the many directors in Hong Kong, if one had to name the one producers like the most, it would definitely be Wong Jing.

Bona invested 20 million, and *Treasure Inn*, directed by Wong Jing, has also been released.

The opening day box office was 9 million; barring any surprises, it will definitely be profitable.

As for whether the final box office can reach 100 million, that will depend on whether the upcoming *Painted Skin 2* and *Wu Xia* give it a chance.

Guo Fan and the team from the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation have already headed to the China Film Digital Production Base to supervise the work.

In the studio, the construction work for the "spaceship interior" has officially begun.

The media is very cunning; taking advantage of opportunities to visit other studios, they always try to crowd over to this side.

But not a single reporter has been able to get close; they are all blocked far away and cannot take any photos of the inside.

"Construction of the shooting site for *Passengers* has begun, and it is expected to start filming soon!"

"The main cast remains unknown..."

Many industry insiders are keeping a close eye on the Film Bureau's official website, looking forward to the announcement of the filing information.

Because up until now, Lin Nan Film Industry has not announced anything about the casting to the outside world.

Everyone has already understood the meaning: there will be no public casting!

…………

Shanghai Film Group.

Ren Zhonglun sighed helplessly.

The previous *The Martian* had six producers; the current *Passengers* only has five.

The companies are still the same ones, but the one that is missing happens to be Shanghai Film Group.

"The investment is 250 million, which is 50 million less, but is that a reason to exclude us?"

The secretary said cautiously. In his view, is Shanghai Film Group really not as good as Wanda and Enlight?

This claim of "squeezing out" Shanghai Film Group was actually given by China Film Group Chairman Han Sanping himself.

Ren Zhonglun ignored the secretary's words. He had to admit that the previous approach was indeed a bit underhanded.

Even Han Sanping had been sarcastic in front of him several times.

"The premiere of *Painted Skin 2* is in these next few days, right?"

"Ah? Yes, Chairman Ren."

The secretary replied, not knowing why Ren Zhonglun was asking this.

"Remember to remind me; I want to go there in person."

"Okay, okay."

Although the outside world cannot get specific news yet, Ren Zhonglun knows everything.

This *Passengers* is indeed directed by Lin Nan himself, with Liu Yifei as the producer!

Just based on these two, it has great box office appeal.

"When the time comes, I'll go and have a chat with him to see if there's still a chance.

We've been a bit distant these past few years, which let that 'Vulture' take advantage of the situation. The very first film was actually invested in by Shanghai Film Group..."

…………

All the films in June that are worth mentioning have already been released.

With the situation of reserved screenings, the daily box office of *Beginning of the Great Revival* remains at around 20 million, which is very stable.

It is believed that it can reach a box office of 300 million before the end of the month.

Many people in the industry are waiting to watch the show; *Painted Skin 2* and *Wu Xia* are both large investments, and they are bound to have a significant impact on the box office of *Beginning of the Great Revival*...

……

Time comes to the 29th.

The premiere invitations for *Painted Skin 2* have long been sent throughout the film and television circle, and the scale is not small.

Lin Nan is much more relaxed this time; he only needs to be a guest, leaving the stage to Director Wu Ershan and the others.

"We're not in a hurry today; even if we arrive at 12 o'clock, it'll be fine."

Liu Yifei is sitting in front of the vanity mirror, and the makeup artist and stylist are busy working.

"Hmm, as long as we're not in a hurry, that's fine."

Hearing this, Liu Yifei felt relieved; she had slightly overslept today.

Lin Nan is browsing film and television news in the living room.

The film *Fake Couple* starring Huang Bo and Jiang Yiyan has been released; the choice of this release slot is really poor.

Facing *Beginning of the Great Revival* and *Treasure Inn* head-on, and with *Painted Skin 2* about to be released, the outcome is imaginable.

More than two hours later, Liu Yifei is all dressed up.

She is wearing a vintage long-sleeved, high-waisted white V-neck dress, with her long hair draped over her shoulders.

Her exquisite and beautiful face is lightly made up, paired with crystal-clear earrings, making her look incredibly ethereal!

"If we set off now, we can really arrive by 12 o'clock, haha." Lin Nan said with a smile.

"Then let's go; it won't be good if we're any later."

Liu Yifei picked up her clutch and walked outside, arm in arm with Lin Nan.

…………

There are a lot of people attending the premiere of *Painted Skin 2*.

The celebrity guests on the red carpet are endless.

Main cast members like Zhou Xun, Huang Xiaoming, Zeng Li, and Zhu Yawen arrived very early.

Even Yang Mi specifically asked for leave from the crew to come back.

Watching industry insiders walk from the red carpet into the venue one by one, Han Sanping couldn't help but ask:

"Lin Nan and the others haven't arrived yet?"

"They should be here soon?!" Yue Jun said helplessly.

Although whether Lin Nan comes or not doesn't affect the premiere, most guests don't think so.

"They're here." Ye Ning suddenly spoke up.

Everyone saw Lin Nan and Liu Yifei walking in, holding hands.

"Why is everyone looking at us like that?"

"You two are really a bit late this time."

"We are guests, and we're not going on stage to give a speech, so why be so early?"

Lin Nan waved his hand and said with a smile. Liu Yifei also felt a bit embarrassed.

The protagonists of today's premiere are Director Wu Ershan and the actors of *Painted Skin 2*.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei didn't crowd into the group, but many people chased after them.

"Lin Dao, has the casting for *Passengers* been decided yet?"

"Almost."

……

After several people came to ask in succession and left disappointed, everyone else at the scene gave up completely.

The interviews began on stage.

Right from the start, there were very sharp questions.

"Director Director Wu Ershan, how do you think the *Painted Skin 2* you directed compares to Lin Dao's first one?"

Many people laughed instantly and looked at Lin Nan.

"My style is different from Lin Dao's; each has its own characteristics.

But I am very lucky; compared to 2008, the current market scale is several times larger, and I think the box office shouldn't be lower than the first one."

The answer was perfect, taking all aspects into account.

"Then in terms of box office, who do you think is stronger between you and *Wu Xia*?"

Once this question was asked, many people at the scene pricked up their ears, hoping not to hear a non-committal answer.

On stage, Zhou Xun, Huang Xiaoming, and others all looked at Director Wu Ershan.

The latter knew very well that one of the purposes of Lin Nan setting the film in this release slot was aimed at *Wu Xia*.

"I think in terms of box office, *Painted Skin 2* can completely defeat *Wu Xia*!"

As soon as the words fell, a burst of cheers and applause erupted at the scene, and the atmosphere instantly reached a climax.

This answer was direct enough!

Immediately after, the lead actors began to accept interviews one by one...

More than half an hour later, the main feature began to screen.

Everyone was staring intently at the big screen.

This quality is undoubtedly a blockbuster.

…………

Lin Nan started chatting with Han Sanping on the side.

"Chairman Han, after *Painted Skin 2* is released, the box office of *Beginning of the Great Revival* might be affected."

Han Sanping looked at the big screen and nodded; he did not deny this situation.

"It doesn't matter, *Painted Skin 2* will only be in theaters for a month anyway..."

These words left Lin Nan and Liu Yifei looking at each other, both a bit confused. What does "only a month" mean?

Then they saw Han Sanping turn his head and look at the two of them with a smile.

"Let me give you the inside scoop: the authorities will issue a document early next month, and the release time for *Beginning of the Great Revival* will be extended to 3 months."

At this moment, Lin Nan really wanted to curse; this was completely cheating. He had never seen such a long extension!

Even if the screenings and daily box office will be very, very low later on, this 90-day release period is indeed a bit excessive.

Han Sanping turned his head with a smile and continued watching the movie.

The two-hour movie ended quickly.

Many producers and film companies began to re-evaluate Director Wu Ershan.

They had to admit that this *Painted Skin 2* is really good, and the latter might become famous in one battle!

…………

Everyone was socializing, only Lin Nan was focused on eating.

Liu Yifei acted very ladylike, reminding Lin Nan to pay attention to his image from time to time.

"Lin Dao, I've always wanted to play a hero like Loyal Yue Fei, and this time I've fulfilled my wish."

Huang Xiaoming took a bite of cake and said with a smile.

"When does filming start?"

Lin Nan asked. Although he invested in *The Patriot Loyal Yue Fei*, Jiang Xuerou was the one handling the coordination.

"Next month I join the crew of *The Guillotines*, and it wraps up at the end of September. *The Patriot Loyal Yue Fei* starts filming in late October."

At this time, Zhou Xun also came over.

"Make room for me; I'm also a bit hungry."

There is never a shortage of food at such occasions, but many people just endure the hunger and force smiles in the crowd.

"By the way, keep your schedule open."

Lin Nan looked at Zhou Xun and suddenly spoke up.

At this moment, except for Liu Yifei, Huang Xiaoming and Zhou Xun were instantly stunned, and a bold guess appeared in their minds!

"*Passengers*?" The two said in unison, their volume not low.

Many people around looked over; they had heard it.

Envy, jealousy, bitterness—various emotions surged into their hearts all at once.

Getting into a big director's circle of friends is just that good!

Think about Zhou Xun and Huang Xiaoming; they have both acted in several of Lin Nan's films, either directed by him, or written or invested in by him.

"Keep it down." Lin Nan said irritably, and Liu Yifei covered her mouth and chuckled.

"Brother Xun, I remember you said you were negotiating a new play..."

Before Huang Xiaoming could finish speaking, a piece of cake was stuffed into his mouth.

"I've been very free lately, don't listen to Xiaoming's nonsense. Is it the female lead?"

"Yes." Liu Yifei answered first.

"Haha, sister, I love you to death..."

Zhou Xun took the opportunity to "get rough" with Lin Nan. Fortunately, the latter reacted quickly and dodged it, otherwise the news would have been interesting.

"Be a bit more ladylike." Liu Yifei looked at Zhou Xun irritably.

"Okay, okay, okay, listening to Producer Liu, not taking advantage of your Lin Dao. It's just that I'm happy, haha..."

…………

Ren Zhonglun and Lin Nan stood in a secluded corner with wine glasses.

"This movie is very good. I didn't co-invest at the time, and I really regret it now."

"Chairman Ren is too kind; it's just a movie..."

Before Lin Nan could finish speaking, Ren Zhonglun spoke again.

"Starting from *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, we've also had a friendship for many years. Is there really no chance for this project?"

Lin Nan's heart skipped a beat; he knew the other party was talking about this matter.

"The contract has already been signed, and the funds are all in place; there's no changing it..."

Ren Zhonglun was a bit stunned for a moment. For a project of several hundred million, the funds were in place so quickly?

But remembering that the person in front of him was Lin Nan, he understood.

China Film Group, Wanda, and the others probably didn't want any surprises either, so they settled it early for peace of mind.

"Then next time?" Ren Zhonglun settled for the next best thing and continued to ask.

"We'll talk about next time when next time comes; who knows when that will be."

Lin Nan looked at Han Sanping, who was walking over to interrupt, and thought to himself: You came at just the right time.

Ren Zhonglun looked at the grinning Han Sanping, and his expression immediately turned sour.

…………

The premiere of *Painted Skin 2* ended successfully.

Media reports appeared on the internet very quickly.

"New director Director Wu Ershan makes a bold statement: *Painted Skin 2* box office will completely defeat *Wu Xia*!"

"At the premiere, Lin Dao Nan allegedly issued an offer to Zhou Xun and Huang Xiaoming; the latter two are highly likely to appear in *Passengers*..."

…………

Several producers announced the *Passengers* project to the outside world for the first time.