Chapter 289: Premiere, A Prophetic Youth Film

Plenty of people in the industry were marveling at how broad Huayi Brothers' business had become — they'd even opened a private club.

Wang Wang Zhonglei sent custom-made "cards" to all the top-tier figures in the industry.

As expected, Lin Nan Pictures also received one, said to be for him and Liu Liu Yifei together, not split into two. But more accurately, it was for Lin Nan.

"I did some checking — everyone who got a 'card' is a company boss in the film and TV business, a major director, a major producer, or a top actor/artist with one foot already in capital.

Even A-listers have to pay to join — the entry threshold is over a million, the annual fee is several hundred thousand, and for B-listers the annual fee is even higher…"

Yue Jun clicked his tongue in wonder, his expression quite amused.

"He's trying to be a broker in the industry?"

That was Lin Nan's first reaction.

But thinking it over carefully, when has the entertainment circle ever been that simple? What is a broker?

Put plainly, a broker is the middleman who introduces deals, and the club is the place to negotiate them.

As for what kind of deals?

Deals in the film circle, the performing arts circle, the entertainment circle… of course!

Lin Nan looked up, glanced at Yue Jun's mischievous grin, and said, "Those two brothers' club — I'd better keep my distance. It's probably a bit dirty."

"Lin Dao, the word 'probably' isn't quite accurate. There's definitely flesh trade going on — it's one of the unspoken rules of the industry. Ha…"

Lin Nan tossed the precious-metal "card" on the table to Yue Jun with a look of distaste and said, "Take it and deal with it — melt it down if you want."

Yue Jun had guessed Lin Nan would react this way. Without standing on ceremony, he took it with a smile:

"Perfect, I don't have one. Might come in handy later. Tonight, I'll swing by their opening ceremony first…"

"Take it easy."

"Lin Dao, you make it sound like I'm up to no good. I'm just going to join the fun…"

……

That evening, the headline in the entertainment circle was the news of Huayi Brothers CEO Wang Wang Zhonglei's private club opening.

Of course it was a club — they picked nighttime for the opening!

Representatives from numerous film and TV companies, directors like Feng Feng Xiaogang and Zhao Baogang, and stars from all walks — Jackie Chan, Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Li Li Bingbing, Fan Li Bingbing — all gathered.

A large number of actors and artists, and luminaries from the cultural and sports worlds, showed up and registered as club members…

For a club opening ceremony, describing it as a galaxy of stars and a constellation of big names wouldn't be an exaggeration at all — it grabbed plenty of industry attention.

…………

*Caught in the Web* had been in theaters for ten days, and its box office had finally reached 112 million yuan. Riding on its good word-of-mouth, daily box office held steady at five or six million.

*The Four* on the other hand had truly set a good tone for the second half of the year's film market.

Now sixteen days into its run, its cumulative box office had reached 178 million yuan.

It had thoroughly surpassed *Brotherhood of Blades* to become the second-highest-grossing domestic martial-arts film, trailing only the 3D martial-arts blockbuster *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate*.

But although the latter had a box office as high as 520 million yuan, its cost was also 35 million US dollars — roughly 240 million yuan.

Meanwhile, *The Four*'s investment was only one-third of that. Calculated this way, the return on investment for the two films was about the same.

Lin Nan specially posted a Weibo update: "Congratulations to *The Four* on climbing to second place on the martial-arts film box-office chart. Congratulations to Zhao Zhao Liying as well — keep up the good work!"

He then tagged Enlight Pictures, Wang Wang Changtian, Chen Chen Jiashang, and Zhao Zhao Liying — essentially giving his own artist another round of promotion and showing support.

Quite a few industry actors followed Lin Nan's lead and posted congratulatory Weibo updates.

Soon, Lin Nan got replies from Wang Wang Changtian, Chen Chen Jiashang, Zhao Zhao Liying, and the production crew — completing a round of interaction that drew quite a bit of attention.

Media coverage of Zhao Zhao Liying increased once again.

A leading actress of a 200-million-yuan box-office film was about to be born — most likely!

…………

The media suddenly broke a piece of news.

That *Resident Evil: Retribution* starring Li Li Bingbing had submitted an application to China Film Group, hoping for a September domestic release to sync up with the global premiere.

But unfortunately, less than a day after the application was submitted, it was rejected.

The reason China Film gave was very straightforward: this year's quota of imported films had already reached 34, with no plans to add more.

The agreement stipulated a minimum of 34 imported films with no upper limit — and China Film had simply stuck to the minimum standard…

Although the reason was perfectly legitimate, within the industry it was seen as China Film clearing the way for films like *Passengers* by reducing their competition.

Facts proved these people had guessed right.

Because Lin Nan really did get a call from Han Han Sanping.

"We can't let any more in. Imported films took up 78.5% of the box office in the first half of the year — you guys have to step it up in the second half.

Whatever we can block, China Film will block. Let that film come in next year. By the way, how's the premiere preparation coming along in a couple of days?"

"It's all prepared, Chairman Han — don't you dare be absent."

"Impossible to miss. We'll all be there. Any film with potential in the second half — not a single one will be overlooked…"

…………

*Caught in the Web*'s good word-of-mouth had Director Chen getting a bit carried away again.

He started holding forth in front of the media again, gesturing grandly at the world.

"Many directors in China today, whether they realize it or not, are making films that lean toward two extremes.

Either commercial films chasing the ultimate visual effects, or art-house films where intellectuals admire their own work — there's no real subject matter drawn from life, all of it is too far from the audience.

Even the few that come close to life only scratch the surface. And *Caught in the Web* perfectly makes up for these shortcomings…"

Well, well — after all that talk, turns out the last sentence was the real point!

Lin Nan figured *Bad Genius* should be pretty close to life.

Yue Jun had once again chosen the State Guesthouse as the venue for the premiere.

GLOSSARY

【Lin Nan, Wang Chang, Fan Li Bingbing, Wang Wang Zhonglei, Li Bing, Li Li Bingbing, Wang Wang Changtian, Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Han Han Sanping, Chen Chen Jiashang, Jiangshan, Caught in the Web, The Four, Brotherhood of Blades, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, Resident Evil: Retribution, Passengers, Bad Genius, Enlight Pictures, China Film Group, State Guesthouse, Huayi Brothers】

Counting this time, it should be the third.

The first was Liu Liu Yifei's coming-of-age ceremony, the second was the domestic premiere of *Lucy*, and the third is this *Bad Genius* premiere.

"Liu Qianqian, Fangfei Garden again this time."

Lin Nan said softly, and Liu Liu Yifei beamed and looked over.

"This place, I know it well!"

"I know it well too."

Lin Nan said with a teasing smile.

All three times, Liu Liu Yifei was there, and so was he.

……

The news of the *Bad Genius* premiere has been the headline of the film and television industry these past two days.

This is the first domestic film where the production company and the theater chains bet against each other — its significance is extraordinary, and it holds high reference value for the industry.

As the days went by, the several films currently in release all began to show fatigue.

*The Four* has reached 195 million, and its daily box office growth has truly slowed to a crawl.

*Search*, half a month into its run, has reached 145 million; it seems to have exhausted its potential, with daily box office dropping to a few hundred thousand.

Yang Mi's *Big Wu Dang* was long ago drowned in the waves of the market — total box office 35.5 million, barely moving, about to become the first cannon fodder of the summer season to fall.

……

Yue Jun took people to Fangfei Garden yesterday morning, and after a full day of setup, the premiere venue was ready.

Media from all sides headed straight for the State Guesthouse early in the morning, scrambling for spots.

Industry film and television companies, directors, producers, first- and second-tier actors and artists — none who replied said they'd be absent; all said they'd attend the premiere on time.

Several state-owned enterprises and over a dozen theater chain representatives are also guests at today's *Bad Genius* premiere.

At eight in the morning, Zhu Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, and Especially Reba arrived at Lin Nan's side.

Shu Chang arrived yesterday and is staying at Liu Liu Yifei's place.

"Luxurious, extravagant! Back in school I always heard Liu Yifei's family had a big villa — today I finally get to see it for myself. Hmm, and Lin Dao Da's place here too."

Luo Jin stood in the yard, looking at Liu Liu Yifei's villa — which covered several mu — a hundred meters away, and couldn't help exclaiming.

Especially Reba beside him had her eyes shining too — there's no girl who doesn't like a big house, and this is the capital.

"Those two are loaded rich folk. Lin Nan bought this place in '06, paid in full — several tens of millions. Who knows how much it's worth now?"

Zhu Zhu Yawen said sourly, making Luo Jin and Especially Reba even more envious.

"Aren't you guys going over there to take a look? They should be ready by now, right?"

At this moment, Lin Nan walked out of the villa's front door in a casual athletic outfit, looking full of youthful vigor.

Looking at the other three on the scene, they too had dressed however casually they pleased — that was everyone's dress code today.

After all, although *Bad Genius* is a crime-themed film, it also has a touch of youthful campus style — showing up in suits and ties wouldn't be appropriate.

"Then let's go take a look — we might even run into Aunt Liu, who is Lin Dao's mother-in-law."

Zhu Zhu Yawen teased Lin Nan. Saying this, he led the way out the front door.

"It's not 'might' — we're sure to see her." Lin Nan said with a smile, chasing after the three.

……

Two makeup artists were doing Liu Liu Yifei's and Shu Chang's brows.

Today they wore light makeup — no jewelry, no elaborate hairstyles.

The clothes were already decided: both would wear ordinary white sneakers, casual pants, and a t-shirt.

The look was all about natural beauty — a lotus rising clear from the water, unadorned purity.

Liu Liu Xiaoli watched from the side, a faint smile on her face.

After Lin Nan and the others came in, they first greeted Liu Liu Xiaoli, then gathered around.

"I feel like I'm seeing the Miss Wang from when I visited the set of *Dragon* with Lin Nan all over again."

"Same with Shu Chang — the little fox from *Lotus Lantern*, Shui Sheng from *A Deadly Secret* — it's like they're right here."

The moment Zhu Zhu Yawen opened his mouth, it was a wordless flattery that made everyone present want to laugh.

"I'd love to meet Lao Zhu's Central Academy girlfriend — is this how Zhu Zhu Yawen usually sweet-talks her?"

Luo Jin teased with a smile, earning an eye-roll from Zhu Zhu Yawen.

Over half an hour later, the group, along with Liu's mother, got into two cars and headed for the State Guesthouse.

Liang Liang Jiahui is busy filming and can't make it. Zhou Xun has a cameo — she's still in Paris attending a brand event and can't make it either. Today it's just Lin Nan and the others.

…………

At the State Guesthouse, Yue Jun and Jiang Jiang Xuerou, as executives of Lin Nan Pictures, were handling guests — one inside, one outside.

On the red carpet, batch after batch of industry heavyweights walked by, each with their artists in tow.

No sooner had the people from Orange Sky and Meiya gone in than Huayi and Bona arrived, followed by Wang Wang Changtian and others.

Yang Yang Shoucheng led Huo Huo Wenxi, with Bai Bing and others, across the red carpet.

Guo Fan, Director Lu Yang, Zhang Yi, Lei Lei Jiayin, and Yang Mi walked in chatting and laughing.

Jiang Wen and his wife, Ning Hao and his wife, Gu Gu Changwei……

Huang Huang Xiaoming, Fan Li Bingbing, Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo, Wang Wang Baoqiang……

China Film, Shanghai Film, Xi'an Film……Wanda, New Film Alliance, Dadi Theater Chain……

……

The reporters were swamped — a master director's premiere is always this lively.

"Let's count — no fewer than fifty A-listers, right?"

"Second-tier, almost a hundred, right?"

"Pretty much. Only a handful of big-name directors have that kind of pull!"

"They're here!"

A reporter called out sharply, and every camera swung toward the two sedans stopped at the start of the red carpet.

Four people stepped out of the first car—Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, Liu Liu Xiaoli, and Shu Chang.

The second car carried Zhu Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, and Especially Reba.

The seven of them walked the red carpet together. Unlike their usual formal attire, the six main creators were bursting with youthful energy today.

"Lin Dao, are the leads going for a campus look today?" a reporter shouted from the crowd.

"That's right—they just sneaked out of an exam, haha…"

The moment Lin Nan's joke landed, the press corps burst into laughter. Lin Dao really was the easiest big-name director to deal with—free material handed right over!

Liu Liu Yifei and the others smiled, waving to the media and the large crowd of movie fans on both sides.

…………

Inside the venue, glasses were already clinking and the atmosphere was lively.

Today's host was Enlight Media's Xie Nan—an old acquaintance.

The group had barely entered when Jiang Jiang Xuerou took Liu Liu Xiaoli off to the front seats to sit with Director Lu Yang and the others.

The main creators would be going straight on stage shortly.

The backdrop on the main stage was a massive standee, eight meters long and three meters high, featuring an enlarged poster of *Bad Genius*.

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei."

……

"Zhu Yawen, Shu Chang, Luo Jin…"

Greetings rose one after another, warm and familiar.

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei led the group over to Han Han Sanping's circle, essentially introducing the main creators to everyone.

The main point was to get Especially Reba some face time—after all, everyone in the industry knew the three of them, Shu Chang included, were on very good terms with Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei.

"Once this film of yours hits theaters, *The Four Great Constables* will be about wrapped up too."

Wang Wang Changtian said, his face glowing with excitement.

Lin Nan understood what he meant—Wang Wang Changtian was referring to the two-hundred-million box office.

To give Zhao Zhao Liying a higher starting point, he'd helped promote it several times, and so had Liu Liu Yifei.

"When the time comes for the celebration banquet, Director Wang had better thank me and Liu Yifei properly."

"Exactly." Miss Liu beamed, picking up Lin Nan's thread.

"Absolutely no problem—red envelopes are a given, haha…"

…………

Yue Jun, watching the clock, waved Lin Nan over.

Only then did the group wrap up their socializing and head up on stage. Five chairs, taken in order.

The room fell silent in an instant.

"Lin Dao, until now everyone only knew this was a film about cheating on exams—can you tell us more?"

Xie Nan tossed out the first question with practiced ease.

Lin Nan took the microphone handed over by a staff member and said with a smile:

"Honestly, you could skip this one—once you've seen the film, you'll know, right? But since you asked, I'll say a bit."

"*Bad Genius* is a crime-genre film. The plot has a strong suspense-thriller rhythm, but at the same time it can loosely be classified as a coming-of-age film…"

"What was your original intention, Lin Dao, in making this film?"

Xie Nan asked the question with a hint of teasing. Quite a few people below were pricking up their ears too.

Lin Nan glanced at the grinning Liu Liu Yifei and handed her the microphone.

Miss Liu took the hint and accepted it:

"After *Stargazer*, I took a long break. In between I also came on as a producer for *Passengers*."

"Mm, sitting around too long isn't great either, so he tailored this crime-genre film with a strong female-lead flavor just for me…"

Liu Liu Yifei smiled brightly, but many of the actresses below felt a sour pang in their hearts.

Listen to her—is that even something a person should say?

Yang Mi pressed her lips together, recalling the scene from when she'd had to choose between two options back then.

*Bad Genius* really was tailor-made for Liu Liu Yifei; the other actresses only had supporting roles to compete for.

"When will I ever get the chance to act in Lin Dao's film?"

Yang Ying murmured beside Huang Huang Xiaoming. The "Teach Master" could only smile helplessly—this was something he truly couldn't arrange!

He knew exactly what his girlfriend was made of; Lin Dao would absolutely never cast someone like her.

Huang Huang Xiaoming shook his head. "Lin Dao has a habit when it comes to casting—especially female roles."

"What kind of habit?"

Yang Ying's voice unconsciously rose, and quite a few people nearby overheard.

Huang Huang Xiaoming didn't mind the others and went on:

"For female roles—especially the right leading lady—Liu Yifei gets first look. Only if she passes does it go to anyone else."

"Then the role is chosen from among the actresses at Shanhai Media and Shu Chang. Only after that does he look outside, and even supporting roles go to his own talent first."

"Shu Chang?" Yang Ying looked toward the stage, at the girl beside Liu Liu Yifei.

Huang Huang Xiaoming nodded. "She calls Lin Dao 'brother,' and she's been Liu Yifei's best friend for years. Also, Liu Yifei can sway Lin Nan's casting choices, but she rarely does. Though for this *Bad Genius*, it seems she did speak up…"

"So you're saying I won't have much of a chance?" Yang Ying asked instinctively.

"That's right."

…………

The big screen slowly descended, and the film officially began.

Lin Nan and the others also took their seats below, watching the film together.

The very first shot was Liu Liu Yifei simulating the interrogation after being caught cheating.

Each of the lead actors had such a shot, scattered throughout the first half of the film.

As the film played, the contrast in family wealth between the various characters unfolded before everyone.

Many of the industry people present had children, and most of them attended international or elite schools, where tuition and sponsorship fees were steep — they felt this deeply.

With each round of cheating, the murmurs among the guests grew louder and more numerous…

"Lin Nan, releasing this film in the summer slot is brilliant! The students are all on vacation!"

Han Han Sanping leaned his head over and said to Lin Nan.

The representatives of the major theater chains sitting in front also nodded and spoke up:

"No wonder Lin Dao was so confident — turns out it wasn't just because the rights sold for a high price.

This film has the makings of a hit both in Europe and America and at home. After all, everyone has to take exams!"

When the film ended, Lin Nan led the group back up onto the stage.

The applause below was thunderous; Liu Liu Xiaoli looked at her daughter, a proud smile on her face.

"You've all seen it now, what do you think? A pretty gripping crime film, wouldn't you say?"

"Awesome!"

"I was even getting a little nervous watching it!"

The moment Lin Nan finished speaking, Jiang Wen and Ning Hao below immediately played along, shouting loudly.

Right after, a noisy chorus of agreement rose up.

"In other youth films, the leads are busy falling in love.

Lin Dao's film has none of that. The lead is a top student, only thinking about how to earn money to help out at home, and then there's high-IQ crime, like going to war…"

Xie Nan's flattery gave Lin Nan a sudden amusing idea, and stirred up his playful side.

He signaled that he had something to say, then took the microphone from Miss Liu's hand.

"Since Xie Nan brought up the difference between 'Bad Genius' and other youth films, I'll say a few words on that as well."

Everyone below perked up, eager to hear what Lin Nan was about to say.

"What was our real student life, our campus life actually like?

Wasn't it all morning reading, classes, study hall, never-finished homework, never-finished test papers, copying homework, copying answers? And then teachers favor the top students, while the slackers know their place…

In a proper student life, exams are the top priority, and crib notes are the most thrilling, essential part of school days…"

Lin Nan's words struck a chord with everyone — wasn't that exactly how it was in China!

Suddenly, Lin Nan shifted his tone.

"I've watched one or two domestic youth films, and they feel completely off the mark. I'll venture a bold prediction."

Lin Nan paused, and everyone focused intently; Huang Bo joked, "Lin Dao, out with it, don't keep us hanging."

"I'm thinking, in the future when some directors film youth or campus-themed movies, will they all be ridiculously melodramatic? Let me predict for everyone — will they all be unable to avoid these plot points:

Parents divorcing, rebellious personalities, skipping class, fighting, puppy love, secret crushes, jealousy over love, flaunting wealth, breakups, going abroad, competing for state-sponsored study-abroad slots, sleeping together, abortions, car accidents, terminal illness, accidentally hurting someone and going to prison…"

Liu Liu Yifei stared at Lin Nan with wide eyes, then burst out laughing. "Who predicts things like that…"

Many in the room laughed out loud, but some film-company producers and directors frowned, pondering something.

Wang Wang Changtian opened his mouth, an exasperated smile on his face — Zhao Zhao Yanzi's film 'So Young'…

…………

The premiere of 'Bad Genius' came to an end.

The media were swamped.

"'Bad Genius,' directed by Lin Nan and starring Liu Liu Yifei, is nothing short of a blockbuster crime film!"

"The must-see film of this summer: 'Bad Genius'!"

"The exam room is a battlefield — cheat with caution!"

"Liu Liu Yifei demonstrates multiple exam-cheating methods for you — please do not imitate!"

"Lin Dao seemed to mock quite a few directors, but without naming any of them."

"Lin Dao Nan predicts the inescapable, unavoidable melodramatic plot points of domestic youth flops…

Past, present, and future directors, please find your seat."

…

…………

The news outside exploded, all of it about the 'Bad Genius' premiere.

"Told you not to say so much — look, plenty of people are saying you dug a pit and are waiting for people to jump in."

Liu Liu Yifei scrolled through Weibo, saw a bunch of funny comments, and laughed without a care in the world.

"I was just speaking from the heart."

Hearing that, Liu Liu Yifei leaned right into Lin Nan's arms. "How confident are you in that prediction?"

"Out of ten films, nine should be made exactly like that, and the tenth…"

"And the tenth what?"

Lin Nan looked at Liu Liu Yifei in his arms, a faint fragrance lingering; he couldn't help lowering his head, covering the girl's lips, and gave them a gentle bite:

"About bullying! But there might still be a bit of that plot mixed in."

"Bullying?"

Liu Liu Yifei muttered a line, lost in thought.

…………

After some twenty-odd days in theaters, "The Four Great Constables" had finally stumbled and bumbled its way past the two-hundred-million mark.

Enlight Media proudly issued a press release: "Celebrating 'The Four Great Constables' box office breaking 200 million, closing at 202 million. Congratulations to Director Chen Chen Jiashang, Zhao Zhao Liying, Deng Chao…"

Shanhai Media followed right behind, tagging and reposting Enlight's press release.

Zhao Zhao Liying's very first film had already made her a two-hundred-million box office leading lady. As a starting point in the industry, that was already extremely high—many A-list actresses didn't even have that kind of resume.

"Search" was still struggling toward 150 million. Chen Chen Kaige's earlier dismissal of "The Four Great Constables" had now become a complete joke, let alone his "bold words" about surpassing "Star Luck."

In many people's view, once "Bad Genius" officially hit theaters, "Search" would most likely be forced off-screen and give up its screenings.

"Deng Deng Jiajia, has 'Great Wu Dang' been pulled?"

Yang Mi had also seen the news of "The Four Great Constables" breaking two hundred million. To this day, she still didn't have a single film where she was the female lead with a box office over two hundred million.

Although in "Brotherhood of Blades" she was also the female lead, that part's screen time simply couldn't compare with Zhao Zhao Liying's in "The Four Great Constables."

By comparison, her role was like a pretty prop, while Zhao Zhao Liying in "The Four Great Constables" was absolutely not a pretty prop—she was the true lead!

"It hasn't been pulled, but the theaters have already stopped giving it screenings. The box office is now frozen at 37.5 million—it isn't moving at all anymore."

Ceng Jia could imagine Yang Mi's feelings. Zhao Zhao Liying's sudden rise had made her feel tremendous pressure.

The first installment of "The Four Great Constables" had already broken two hundred million, and it was still a series—Zhao Zhao Liying's rise was now inevitable.

As fellow post-'85 actresses, Yang Mi now had another formidable rival in the industry.

…………

Today, one big chapter merged, that's all.

(End of this chapter)