[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-30":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},2286866,4473,"Chapter 30: Busy","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-30",30,"\u003Cp>Lin Nan met the legendary artist director of Emperor Group, Ms. Huo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, our Emperor Group possesses rich production experience, a large number of excellent artists, and our own cinema chain. We have currently confirmed our investment in Director Jiang Wen's new film, and we also hope to cooperate with an excellent director like you in the mainland in the future...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A career-oriented woman in her early thirties, she was truly no exaggeration; every gesture was full of charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Shoucheng of Emperor Group was a pure businessman, one of the first film and television bosses in Hong Kong to embrace the mainland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Wen had been banned for five years; counting the time, it was just right. Emperor Group moved fast enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, if there is an opportunity, I certainly won't refuse Emperor Group's good intentions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan personally saw her out of the company; he really couldn't stay idle lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, she really looks like a big star,\" the receptionist said with an envious look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, she has acted and worked as a model,\" Lin Nan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for famous agents currently, in the mainland it was Wang Chang, and in Hong Kong it was Huo Wenxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She really does look a bit like Faye Wong,\" Lin Nan nodded and returned to his office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the last day, Lin Nan chose to stay at school. They say the end of the year is a good time to visit relatives and friends, but since it wasn't the Lunar New Year yet and Lin Nan's company had so many people, he had to hide away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Administration would help him turn everything down unless it was a particularly important guest, but usually, such people would have Lin Nan's contact information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Familiar classmates would now call him Director Lin; only a few still called Lin Nan by his name, and they were becoming fewer and fewer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freshmen and sophomores would call him Senior to sound more intimate, but Lin Nan probably hadn't even interacted with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reality is just this realistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, one would usually only confirm their qualification for postgraduate recommendation in the first semester of their senior year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Teacher Jiang had already hinted to Lin Nan that his postgraduate recommendation would definitely pass; this was also decided by the department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, can I not pursue a postgraduate degree?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan stated his thoughts directly this time. After hearing this, Old Jiang looked very surprised; few people would refuse such a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to keep going in this industry, I suggest you pursue a postgraduate degree. If you can stay at the school afterward, that would be best. It will make your path smoother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Jiang spoke very bluntly; this was leading Lin Nan down the path of being \"one of our own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After you start the postgraduate program, you don't need to stay at school often. You were already fishing for three days and drying nets for two during your undergraduate years; even less will be required of you as a postgraduate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With things said to this point, Lin Nan couldn't refuse anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's it, don't spread this around when you go back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan went to the Performance Department to take a look; almost none of the Class of '02 were at school. They were already as good as graduated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In art colleges, especially in performance majors, the competition is just this intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lin Nan wandering around the Performance Department, many people whispered, and some even thought he was looking for actors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those in the Class of '02 who could sign with companies had already done so. Zhu Yawen actually signed the best; under the same agent, Wang Jinghua, were people of the level of Chen Daoming and Liu Jialing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yang still followed the company under CCTV, Jiang Yiyan had her own path, and Luo Jin seemed to have signed as well. Lin Nan didn't know much about the other classmates, and his relationships with them had been ordinary in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking through the school, Lin Nan suddenly felt a sense of loneliness. He used to be able to chat with Zhu Yawen, but that guy seemed quite busy now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow is New Year's Day. In the afternoon, Lin Nan simply gave himself a half-day off and went to China Film Group to check on the post-production of *Return to Dust*. Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he went to check last time, it was already more than halfway done. The effect was good, and besides, it wasn't a special effects film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he arrived, a manager from the department received Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, we were originally going to give you news after the holiday. I didn't expect you to come today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, it seemed it was already done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it finished?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right, it was just finished the day before yesterday. Would you like to take a look?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's take a look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan followed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a separate screening room, and Lin Nan watched it together with some post-production staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The editing was good, the dubbing was perfect, and the music selection followed Lin Nan's requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the two-hour film ended, some people's eyes were red, and Lin Nan also felt quite heavy-hearted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Several colleagues cried when we were editing it initially. Watching it again now, the feeling is still very deep,\" several staff members said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was very satisfied with this effect and specifically expressed his thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope Director Lin's work can win an award. It really is a good film.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, and thank you all for your hard work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lin Nan could leave, someone came to invite him; Han Dong wanted to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was now the Vice Chairman and Deputy General Manager, but everyone knew the actual head was just a title; in reality, most management decisions were made by Han Dong, even though there were several other vice chairmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Han Dong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan followed the secretary to see Han Sanping; the office was truly large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Director Lin, I heard you came to check on the post-production, so I had someone invite you over while you were here. Sit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secretary closed the door and went out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has Berlin been confirmed?\" Han Sanping asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"During the Golden Rooster Awards, I thought you were just talking. It wasn't until you came to check the post-production for the first time that I realized you were serious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping paused, \"Gu Changwei's *Peacock* will also be going. I hope you both have a harvest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard you made a film, but didn't direct it yourself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan had to admire him; this was the first time he had been asked about it since *Crazy Stone* started filming. It seemed one of the producers in the original timeline was the person in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, Han Dong is the first to ask me. I thought I could keep it hidden until the promotion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan admitted it readily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was someone below who saw it at the bureau and told me. However, why didn't you direct it? I saw that you wrote the script.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When this matter was finalized, I didn't think about directing it myself. My senior shouldn't cheat me; he has talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan continued: \"I saw him at school that day, and the script was also finished by me in one afternoon. I didn't tell you because the cost was only eight million, and it wasn't worth bothering you. When I do a big one someday, I will definitely look for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Han Sanping also laughed; he liked big productions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, I'll wait for you. Is the distribution for this film confirmed? Your name now is already a guarantee for the box office.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Han Sanping still felt some regret for not having a share of the investment. He thought highly of Lin Nan and also looked forward to the big production he mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not yet. I want to wait until filming wraps up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was curious; Han Sanping shouldn't be interested in distribution matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's perfect. I'll introduce you to someone. He's from your school's management department, my old subordinate, and he's also doing film distribution. He happens to be at the group today to discuss business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan suddenly realized; he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In less than ten minutes, Lin Nan saw the person arrive; he had a round face and was a bit chubby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Han Dong, Director Lin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bona, Yu Dong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan felt this was not a coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took Yu Dong's business card, which counted as a formal introduction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Lin Nan left, Han Sanping looked at Yu Dong and said, \"In the future, go handle things yourself; don't always come looking for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old leader, I also came from under your wing. If I have difficulties, I have to look for you, right? It's just that this Director Lin seems a bit unhappy,\" Yu Dong was the type to climb up the pole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was indeed unhappy. How could one force business like this? He had to mention the favor he owed Enlight Media for the loan. In his heart, he still wanted to find Enlight Media for promotion and distribution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Bona, we'll see later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, New Year's Day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A film crew that has started work won't have any statutory holidays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was going smoothly for Ning Hao's crew in Shancheng. He invited Lin Nan to visit the set if he was free. He treated this film as his comeback work and hoped to receive attention from the very beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before filming started, Lin Nan wanted him to keep it secret. Now that filming had started, Ning Hao wanted more publicity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Important awards and box office results could both bring success to a director. Ning Hao felt the latter might have more hope, and for this reason, he wanted to use Lin Nan's name for marketing, which was how it should be anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan flew to Shancheng on New Year's Day and entered the set with great fanfare. When reporters took photos, he smiled and waved, and invited them to join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three major portals were still in their prime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Sina reporter was clearly surprised. Lin Nan actually invited him to join? Didn't most stars reject them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, hello.\" The reporter walked up to greet him without a hint of awkwardness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, working on New Year's Day, that's quite hard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maintaining a good relationship with the media is a must. They might not be able to help you much, but they are very annoying when they target you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As a reporter, there are no holidays. I'm lucky to run into Director Lin today; I have my material now,\" the other party laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, I'll take that as a compliment. Do you want to go in with me? Looking at you, you've been squatting here for an hour or so, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can go in together?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other party was astonished, then heard Lin Nan say, \"I am the producer of this film.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Director Lin.\" The reporter didn't expect Lin Nan to take the initiative to give him material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Crazy Stone* had only been filming for a few days, and there was almost no progress. Seeing Lin Nan come to visit the set and bring a reporter in, everyone simply stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao knew that reporters occasionally squatted outside. He also wanted to let them in, but he was only the director. Now that Lin Nan, the producer, had nodded, things would be easier to handle later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother Guo Tao, Senior Brother Liu Hua……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The actors playing Brother Dao and Bao Shihong were both from the Drama Academy; they were twenty-three and seventeen years older than Lin Nan, so calling them Senior Brother was appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo, still in makeup, winked at Lin Nan; the two were in the same class, but there was a significant age gap between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zheng walked over alone; the main cast members were either from the Film Academy or the Drama Academy, all based here in the capital, while he was a graduate of the Shanghai Theatre Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan shook his hand; this winner of the Magnolia Drama Award for Best Actor had truly become famous a few years ago for his role as Pigsy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan could tell that he was very ambitious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reporter from Sina was taking photos nearby, the outline of the article already forming in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially upon hearing that Lin Nan was not only the presenter and producer but also the screenwriter and executive producer, he felt even more excited; it seemed this news hadn't spread yet, and he hadn't heard of it either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the mainland film and television industry, Lin Nan's track record was second only to Zhang Yimou; with two consecutive blockbuster films that he both directed and wrote, the prospects for this movie could be imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan's arrival caused the crew to take a half-day break, and the reporters were all beaming when they finally left, with material stored in their cameras and a red envelope in their pockets.\u003C\u002Fp>",2217,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","a1d6f288ebaf69da196552f9c1fc9e426e5d002052b0f06697eb1a400eb31a6a","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-31","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-29",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]