Chapter 250: The Extension Key, Kung Fu Superstar

On the morning of the 31st, Lin Nan and his group walked out of the capital airport.

The reporters lying in wait surged forward, surrounding the group completely.

"Lin Dao, when can we expect this 'Bad Genius' to meet the audience?"

"How is 'The Space Passenger' progressing?"

"Liu Yifei, what's your take on the mutual sniping between Liu Liu Shishi and Yang Mi?"

"Director Zhang Zhang Yimou has been plagued by bad luck and scandals lately—have you been following it, Lin Dao?"

……

The media chattered away, hurling all the hot topics of late at Lin Nan and the others in one go.

"If nothing unexpected happens, 'Bad Genius' will be released during the year-end New Year season; 'The Space Passenger' is in the middle of special effects production, should be soon.

As for the sniping between actresses, you don't need to ask Liu Yifei—just go compare their film and television works and their market value; as for Director Zhang's business, I haven't really been following it…"

Lin Nan didn't let Liu Liu Yifei answer—whatever she said, these reporters might twist into gossip.

They might even report that Liu Liu Yifei was targeting or disparaging someone; in any case, they'd probably write whatever grabbed eyeballs—after all, Miss Liu herself had her fame piggybacked on for a while back then.

The media still wanted to press about 'Pacific Rim', but Lin Nan grabbed Liu Liu Yifei and, with the help of a few assistants, pushed their way out.

Zhu Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, and Shu Chang followed closely behind, and everyone got into the airport pickup cars. Dilireba had gone straight back to school from Hong Kong Island earlier.

"Aren't you coming back with us?"

Liu Liu Yifei saw that Lin Nan hadn't gotten into the same car as her and hurriedly asked.

"Liu Qianqian, you and Chang go back first, I need to make a trip to China Film. Han Dong and the others are still waiting."

Hearing it was business, Liu Liu Yifei nodded, "Then come back early."

"Mm, I will."

Several cars left the airport, heading in different directions.

…………

'Pacific Rim' was the box office champion of the domestic January film market.

Apart from the domestic market, its overseas box office had already surged past 350 million US dollars, approaching 400 million, with Southeast Asian countries contributing quite a bit.

As for 'Pacific Rim's domestic box office, that was the focus of attention for all theater chains and the production industry.

To be precise, everyone was watching the outcome of Lin Nan's revenue-sharing bet with the theater chains.

At 1.2 billion in box office, after deducting the film industry development special fund and the special business tax, its 46% is about a hundred million more than the 44.5% from a billion in box office after deducting those two items! Let alone it's now at 1.15 billion, very close to 1.2 billion.

If Lin Nan succeeds, the production industry will treat this revenue-sharing bet as a case study, and those who come later can just copy it!

The car drove unimpeded into China Film, where a secretary was already waiting, leading Lin Nan straight to the chairman's office.

Han Han Sanping and Ye Ning sat facing each other, drinking tea.

"You're rather slow getting here—the news is already out." Han Han Sanping quipped.

Lin Nan was a bit baffled—was that slow? He'd come straight to China Film.

"The interview clip from the airport is already out."

Ye Ning pointed at the computer on the desk:

"Lin Dao's new film aims for the New Year season!"

"Lin Dao Nan subtly hints that Liu Liu Shishi falls short of Yang Mi, citing film works as an example…"

Lin Nan's face darkened—he knew these people would add some seasoning, but it didn't matter.

"That wasn't a subtle hint—next time I'll point it out openly!"

Lin Nan said sheepishly.

"Let's talk about the extension key instead—how are things now?" That was what Lin Nan was most concerned about.

Han Han Sanping and Ye Ning exchanged a smile, and the former said, "Not long after I called you this morning, the notice came down from the bureau. I tried to reach you again, but you were already on the plane."

"We got a one-month extension—'Pacific Rim' will come off screens at the end of February!" Ye Ning added, visibly energized.

Hearing this, Lin Nan immediately breathed a sigh of relief. This round, it's locked in!

"The new keys can all be produced within a day—it's already being handled."

"Then send out a notice, lift some spirits. These media have been 'pitying' me plenty these past two days!"

Lin Nan laughed, self-deprecating.

…………

With business out of the way, it was Han Han Sanping's personal matter.

"I want to send my daughter to your crew."

"Huh? She just started her first year of grad school, and besides, my company doesn't need screenwriters right now."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Han Han Sanping's face instantly soured, "She's a graduate student in the directing department!"

"But I saw she seems to prefer screenwriting! Last time I even ran into Old Jiang criticizing her, saying she never attends directing department classes, prefers running off to the Chinese and management departments, and seems quite interested in producing too…"

Lin Nan finished speaking with a grin, unfazed by Han Han Sanping's freezing expression.

"No matter how much she likes it, to graduate she still needs a graduation production. Going to your place would look better on her resume."

Well, Han Dong had put it that way—Lin Nan definitely couldn't refuse anymore.

"But I've already made two films back to back, in the short term I probably need to rest. Other films from the company would work too, right?"

Han Han Sanping and Ye Ning instantly perked up, sitting up straight.

"What project?"

"Next, the company will produce 2–3 films, the first being the second installment of the 'Lost' series."

"'Lost on Journey'?" Ye Ning asked.

"Right, this time I'm still writing the script, with Xu Zheng directing."

"What about the other one or two films?" Han Han Sanping spoke up.

"One action film, script undecided. And another one, most likely soft sci-fi."

"Then let our girl go to the 'Lost' series as an executive director. After all, the first one made money, so the sequel shouldn't be bad."

Lin Nan nodded. "Of course, on the premise that Han Dong convinces her. If she comes in and causes trouble, I'll handle it strictly by the book."

Han Han Sanping nodded, indicating no problem.

"What about investment? Can Wanda follow?"

"The investment isn't high…"

Before Lin Nan could finish speaking, he saw Ye Ning shaking her head.

"Then forget it. The first film didn't even gross a hundred million, so Wanda won't be joining the party for the second one."

"China Film is the same."

…………

After mooching a lunch at China Film, Lin Nan left.

When he returned to the villa, Liu Liu Yifei excitedly shared some good news.

She had just received an invitation from the Performance Department, asking her to return to the school to serve as this year's arts exam guest.

"Are you sure?"

The moment the words left Lin Nan's mouth, he knew he was in trouble.

Liu Liu Yifei glared at him coldly, looking as if she would beat him to death if he didn't apologize.

"Ahem, what I meant was, which round are you going to?" Lin Nan chickened out a little.

"Guest for the second-round exam."

"Alright then, the second round isn't bad. Congratulations, Teacher Liu Liu Yifei…"

"Hehehe, calling me Teacher, that's kind of embarrassing." Miss Liu was quite pleased hearing this.

"So, Teacher Liu Liu Yifei, shall we play a little game?"

Lin Nan said teasingly, smiling somewhat roguishly.

Miss Liu froze for a few seconds, then suddenly blushed and walked into her own villa without looking back.

"Bah, hooligan…"

……

……

China Film, Wanda Pictures, and Lin Nan Pictures almost simultaneously released the Film Administration's document to the public.

"'Pacific Rim' has, through application, obtained the film extension secret key, with a period of one month."

The document, stamped with a red seal, was posted on Weibo as well.

Once the news spread, it immediately attracted attention from various media, theater chains, and the production industry!

"It's here after all! This is just too overbearing, not leaving any room for others to survive…"

"The strong grow stronger. This does fit the application rules for the extension secret key, but no one expected 'Pacific Rim' to succeed! After all, 'The Flowers of War' and 'Flying Swords of Dragon Gate' both failed."

"Lin Dao Nan's 1.2 billion box office and 46% revenue-sharing gambling agreement is now secure—a blood profit!"

"Objection! This is pure favoritism, just because it's a co-production with Hollywood?"

……

"Great, IMAX 3D giant-screen theater tickets for next month shouldn't be hard to get now."

"Support the extension…"

……

Once the news was made public, the theater chains quietly accepted it, because everyone knew this was a win-win situation.

The few production companies, including Lin Nan Pictures, could get a 46% revenue share, but the theaters would earn even more…

The loudest, biggest opposition came from the production industry.

Human nature is complicated. Previously, when 'Pacific Rim' was needed to take the lead and gamble against the theaters, everyone certainly voiced support and backed it.

But now that 'Pacific Rim' has actually obtained the extension secret key, everyone can't accept it anymore, because it will affect their own films…

Audiences and movie fans were almost all satisfied, because those who hadn't managed to get 3D tickets before no longer had to fight for them, and the ticket prices might even drop.

…………

The extension of 'Pacific Rim' was a foregone conclusion; no one could change it.

At this moment, a highly anticipated film announced the date of its launch press conference to the public, broadly inviting guests from the entertainment industry.

"Fully funded by Brilliant Starlight, featuring two major Chinese action superstars and Jing Tian as the female lead, the action blockbuster 'Special Identity' will hold its launch press conference on February 7th in Beijing!"

Mentioning Donnie Yen, the first thing the public thinks of is 'Ip Man'—the two 'Ip Man' films made him!

Mentioning Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo, what people miss most is still his performances in Hong Kong films, and that dozens-of-meters-long Blood-Drinking Mad Blade!

At this stage, after Jackie Chan and Jet Li, only these two can barely live up to the title of action superstar.

As for Jing Tian, her most brilliant credits are 'The Martian' and the currently screening 'Pacific Rim', especially the latter.

Lin Nan received a call from Jing Tian. "Brother Lin, can I invite you to attend the launch press conference of 'Special Identity'? Together with Sister Liu Yifei."

Lin Nan had just been thinking about Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo!

"Sure."

"Thank you, Brother Lin. Then, then I won't disturb you anymore."

"Mm, give a good performance."

……

After hanging up, Lin Nan called his assistant in. "Where is Director Yue?"

"Lin Dao, Chief Supervisor Yue went to the set of 'Zhao Zhao Jingzhong' for a visit; they just opened visits yesterday."

"Oh, visits are open now! That means filming is nearly finished. Alright, contact Xu Zheng and tell him to come to the company."

"Understood, Lin Dao. I'll go right away."

Lin Nan decided to settle the matter of 'Tai Gong' first, then meet with Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo.

…………

(End of Chapter)