Chapter 301

Perhaps *Sad Fairy Tale* has already secured the position of the most miserable commercial film of the second half of the year.

The box office on the third day was still 2.06 million, but by the fourth day, it dropped straight to 1.03 million—a truly pathetic sight.

Back when Yang Mi's *Wu Dang* flopped, she didn't receive any less snide remarks from Liu Shishi's fans.

Now, the chance for the "Honey Bees" to take revenge has arrived.

"Weren't you all looking forward to *Sad Fairy Tale* being released? Now that it's out, why is everyone silent? Oh, so it turns out it earned the title of 'Box Office Poison'!"

"The netizens' advice is excellent: just honestly film TV dramas. Actors like this, with dull eyes, expressionless faces, and zero soul, aren't fit for the big screen."

……

Although the box office for a film might be terrible, it certainly contributed plenty of gossip.

The media were all excited, having already reached the conclusion that Tang Ren's actresses seem to be very unpopular with other actresses in the industry.

To be more precise, it's that Tang Ren's past promotional tactics of stepping on others to boost themselves have offended quite a few companies and actors in the industry.

"It releases on the 27th, so let's set the premiere for the 25th. You go notify Zhongying and the others, so they stop nagging every single day."

"Understood, Lin Dao." The assistant nodded and left the office.

Looking at the news online, Lin Nan could imagine how terrible Wang Changtian's mood must be right now.

It is said that the theater chains have completely abandoned *Sad Fairy Tale*.

Where have we ever seen this before? A commercial film, only on its fifth day of release, and the daily box office has already dropped to 500,000?

This time we've seen it, and it was fully funded by Enlight! The lead actress is a very popular first-tier young star—who would believe this if it were told?

……

Outside, it seems the casting for Yang Mi's *Tiny Times* hasn't been completed yet.

But she has already gained a large batch of fans based on this film series contract, all of whom are reader fans.

This also made her more convinced that her decision to choose this film was correct.

"Lin Dao, I'm planning to set the start date for *About Time* at the end of October."

When Guo Fan returned to the company to organize the filming crew, he reported it to Lin Nan in passing.

"You're the director, it's up to you."

Lin Nan answered while packing his things.

"Where are you going?"

"Someone is treating me to dinner, I'm going to keep the appointment."

Lin Nan said with a smile; he wasn't joking, it really was Ye Ning playing host.

…………

The film Wanda is preparing to make this time is a very old film series.

But it could also be described as old wine in a new bottle; it's nothing more than using that same skin.

Lin Nan drove straight to the destination.

Halfway there, Lin Nan even called Liu Qianqian, originally wanting to tell her not to wait for him for lunch.

As it turned out, Miss Liu had temporarily gone to attend a film event, in the capacity of a producer.

I heard the banquet scene was full of actors and directors, and there were even people looking for her to pull investment.

"Alright then, you play slowly. This time, don't get hot-headed again and fall for some pseudo-art film; last time you almost invested 10 million."

"You're laughing at me again? I'm improving very quickly, okay! That was last year's business, stop bringing it up!"

On the other end of the phone, Liu Qianqian was very resentful; Lin Nan had been making fun of her for this for over half a month.

"Alright, if someone really comes to you for investment and you like the script, you can bring it back, I'll help you look at it..."

Hearing this, Liu Qianqian immediately laughed out loud. "Mm, okay, I got it."

……

In the hotel private room, there were only three people.

Ye Ning, Lu Zheng, and Jing Tian.

After the waiter brought Lin Nan over, he immediately retreated.

"Lin Dao."

"Brother Lin."

"President Ye, President Lu, Tiantian."

Lin Nan nodded to each of them in greeting and sat down next to Jing Tian.

Having acted in multiple plays, Jing Tian indeed looked much more confident than before.

"I am actually quite curious, how did you manage to suppress Jackie Chan's salary?"

Lin Nan took the water Jing Tian handed him, took a sip, and asked.

Ye Ning smiled mysteriously. "Didn't I tell Lin Dao before? Relevant departments will participate in the filming and promotion."

"Right, I'm also very curious, which relevant department is it?"

"The Publicity Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security will participate in the joint production and will also help with publicity, because this film itself has the meaning of a promotional film."

Only then did Lin Nan suddenly realize; no wonder Jackie Chan would lower his salary.

Moreover, the film's name also directly continues the *Police Story* series.

"It has just been approved for project initiation, with only Wanda and Starlight Shining involved; we haven't bothered President Han's side at all. Lin Dao, do you want to join?"

Lu Zheng said at the right moment, full of invitation.

Lin Nan looked at Ye Ning and the other, then glanced at Jing Tian on the side, and nodded. "Sure."

"Good, then I'll notify Lin Dao once the accurate budget comes out later."

Ye Ning said with a hint of excitement, and added:

"For this film, our current rough budget is 100 million, and I estimate it won't be too far off when the time comes."

Lin Nan nodded. "Fine."

As they were talking, Jing Tian had already poured red wine for Lin Nan.

"I drove here, you know." Lin Nan was a bit speechless.

"I can help Brother Lin call a designated driver."

Jing Tian said crisply with a smile on her face.

……

Once they started with business, it was much more relaxed when it came time to eat.

During the meal, listening to Lu Zheng and Ye Ning, it seemed that Wanda's film resources would prioritize Jing Tian in the future.

If this news were to spread, there would be another group of jealous actresses in the industry.

"When is Lin Dao planning to start the next film?"

"It won't be that fast, it might be a bit later domestically."

An inadvertent remark allowed Ye Ning and Lu Zheng to catch the keyword.

"Are you planning to start a foreign language film?" The two exclaimed in unison.

Lin Nan smiled and didn't speak. This instead made the two even more excited.

"If there is an opportunity, please give Tiantian a chance, Lin Dao; her foreign language is very good."

Lu Zheng said hurriedly. Jing Tian nodded with anticipation in her eyes.

Lin Nan remained unmoved; even if there were an opportunity, his first choice would still be Liu Qianqian.

"Let's talk about it later; my foreign language film really might not be suitable..."

……

A meal, and the investment matter was considered settled; for now, it would still be kept confidential from the outside.

"When the time comes, when the crew decides on other roles, I will have someone send a copy of the script to Lin Dao.

If the company has suitable actors to recommend, Lin Dao can directly say the word."

The project hadn't even started yet, and saying such things felt very inappropriate.

"Fine. You can show it to me when the time comes, but I will still prioritize respecting the crew's casting."

Lin Nan didn't decline and said politely. He then sat into the back seat of the car.

Speaking of pre-determined actors, he estimated he couldn't pre-determine them anyway; he only had those few people under him, and they all had their own films.

……

Watching the car drive away, Ye Ning couldn't help but say:

"A foreign language film, Lin Dao is probably going to start an award-chasing film, right?"

"It seems, the possibility is very high!"

Only Jing Tian felt a bit regretful; it really wasn't suitable, she had self-awareness.

……

Suddenly I'm allergic to mangoes, I've never had this situation before. Now I'm so swollen I don't look like myself, I can barely open my eyes, this chapter only has this much, I'll continue to make up for it later.

(End of chapter)