Chapter 341: Agreement? What Agreement?

To think about it, it's really a joke.

Virtually every film and television company, every celebrity studio in the industry, is posting festive Weibo messages like:

"A prosperous start to the year," "Smooth sailing in the new year," "Box office smash hit," "TV ratings hit a new high."

After all, it's still several days before the Lantern Festival, and the He Sui hasn't ended yet.

But Tang Ren stood out sharply—on their first day back to work, they sent the entire industry a formal statement: "Official Declaration."

The content directly addressed their artist Lin Gengxin, stating that the contract termination lawsuit had not yet been adjudicated, and the management contract remained valid.

Her private engagement in performance activities constitutes a serious breach of contract.

Any third party signing performance contracts with Lin Gengxin without going through Tang Ren infringes upon Tang Ren's legitimate rights and interests and is invalid.

Third parties who have already infringed upon Tang Ren's legitimate rights and interests are urged to contact the company promptly for resolution; otherwise, Tang Ren will pursue legal action to protect its damaged interests.

…

While other companies reopened after the holiday in high spirits,

Tang Ren, on the other hand, sent the industry a "warning letter"—how could it not stand out?

The key point is, the signature at the bottom of Tang Ren's "Official Declaration" wasn't the usual "Tang Ren Film & Television," but "Tang Ren Movies!"

A single character difference—there's deep meaning here.

Is this company, which has spent years producing TV dramas, finally making up its mind to enter the film production industry?

Lin Gengxin didn't back down either—she directly replied with a sarcastic Weibo post:

"Posting this during the New Year? You've lost all dignity. You breached the contract first—are you panicking now?"

"Then again, you're just a small company—you sign artists through deception and flattery, so what else can you expect?"

As soon as this Weibo was posted, it immediately gained massive support from netizens.

"They call you a treasure before signing, then treat you like trash afterward—discard you like an old shoe!"

"If you want to continue your acting career, fight the lawsuit firmly—don't settle…"

"Don't trust Tang Ren—they always manipulate public opinion and smear and suppress!"

"Think back to Yang Mi and Tang Yan—neither was their artist, yet both were smeared and targeted like this."

"You're the first one of their own artists to rise up and slap Tang Ren in the face—be careful they make an example of you…"

…

Tang Ren and Lin Gengxin were locked in litigation;

Meanwhile, Tang Ren's "fans" and Lin Gengxin's supporters were publicly trading insults online.

They kicked off the year by giving the media and entertainment industry a show to watch—what good people they are.

"Who doesn't have some kind of backing? Otherwise, how could a third-tier artist have the guts to sue and fight to the end?"

Inside Tiangong Colors, Lin Nan and Guo Fan were chatting idly. He'd heard Lin Gengxin had a couple of decent friends.

After finishing "The Time Traveler," they hadn't started post-production immediately—only these past two days had they officially begun, so Guo Fan was keeping Lin Nan company.

"Lin Dao, the VCR is edited. Send it now?"

"Mm, send it."

This year's Berlin Film Festival, aside from "The Grandmaster" as the opening film, had nothing to do with Chinese-language films.

Berlin had invited many filmmakers; after consideration, Lin Nan chose to send his opening congratulations via VCR.

"Lin Dao, Director Lu Yang has arrived."

An administrator from Lin Nan Pictures came to Tiangong Colors.

"Show him to my office. I'll come over after watching this edit."

Lin Nan looked at Guo Fan and added, "You too—stop what you're doing and go over."

"What's going on?"

"Good news. You'll find out soon."

Lin Nan smiled, speaking in riddles.

Ten minutes later, Lu Yang and Guo Fan were sipping tea in the office.

"You just said to come to the company, didn't say why. I was still preparing the next movie's promotion."

Lu Yang was full of questions.

"Lin Dao said it was good news. Look, here we are."

In came Lin Nan, followed by his assistant.

"Lin Dao, what's this about? Let's hurry—I've got to meet Light Entertainment soon to discuss promotion plans."

"Relax. First, take a look at your new contracts."

Lin Nan signaled his assistant, who opened the folder and handed the revised contracts to Lu Yang and Guo Fan.

"No difference at all… Wait, wow—Lin Dao, you're generous!"

Lu Yang flipped through quickly and had already spotted the revised sections.

"Previously, you received director fees plus 3% of the producer's share of profits; now it's been raised to 5% of the producer's share of profits.

For a film, after deducting promotion and distribution costs, that's roughly two additional percentage points of the divisible box office revenue added to your director fee."

Lin Nan spoke calmly, while the two men across from him stared intently at the contract.

This meant that for a film earning 100 million in box office, Guo Fan and Lu Yang would each receive two million more.

And they, as before, only needed to focus on directing.

Nothing else to worry about, no extra effort required—how comfortable!

"Pen! Hand me a pen! 'A Martial Arts Soloist' will follow the new contract. Hahaha…"

Lu Yang was the first to joke, livening the mood.

Half an hour later, the new contract was signed, and both Guo Fan and Director Lu Yang wore expressions of delight.

Box office revenue sharing is the greatest encouragement and motivation for a commercial film director.

…………

With the Spring Festival resumption of work, the film market has begun showing signs of fatigue.

"'Jiang Mo Pian' has been in theaters for 14 days, earning 940 million yuan. Its box office performance matches that of 'Lost in Thailand,' ranking second only to 'Miss Granny' at 963 million yuan during the same period."

"'Qing Ding Xi Ya Tu' has been screening for 10 days, earning 330 million yuan, placing second in the He Sui season with strong staying power."

"'The 101st Proposal,' starring Huang Bo and Lin Lin Zhiling, barely crossed the 100-million-yuan mark and has lost momentum."

"Zhang Zhang Ziyi's romantic film 'Fei Chang Wan Mei 2' has earned 72 million yuan, has no more showtimes, and is about to exit theaters. Its final box office is expected not to exceed 75 million yuan."

"'Cun Wan Zhi Yue Lai Yue Hao,' produced by Hu Bayi Studio and Zhong Ying Chu Pin and starring 32 actors including Miss Jing Tian, has surpassed 300 million yuan in box office, earning 312.2 million yuan, and has been pulled early."

……

None of these news stories could attract the attention of the film industry or the public, because everyone was watching the joke that was 'Zai Yi Qi.'

The biggest joke of this He Sui season—and of the entire film industry in the last ten years!

"The romantic film 'Zai Yi Qi,' starring action superstar Donnie Yen, rising fourth-generation beauty Yang Ying, and Taiwanese actor Chen Chen Yanxi, earned a total box office of just 823,000 yuan, becoming the biggest casualty of the He Sui season, drowning in scathing reviews, and forcibly pulled from theaters!"

Some media outlets joined in the frenzy, adding prefixes to Donnie Yen and Yang Ying—this was practically slapping them in the face.

For Donnie Yen and Yang Ying, the two 'biggest names' in the film, this box office performance will surely become an indelible stain on their careers!

"Since 'Ip Man,' Donnie Yen has reclaimed his title as a box office poison."

"Another fourth-generation beauty, also surnamed Yang—look at Yang Mi in 'Qing Ding Xi Ya Tu,' she played the gold-digger perfectly."

"How much money did Yang Ying pay to become a fourth-generation beauty?"

"Teach, find yourself another girlfriend—Yang Ying will be the biggest blunder of your life…"

……

Faced with the sharp critiques and mockery from netizens, the parties involved could only remain silent, keeping a low profile and avoiding the storm.

The domestic film market has begun seeing the gradual release of imported films such as 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.'

The only domestic films still holding strong and steadily increasing their box office are 'Xi You' and 'Xi Ya Tu.'

Just as everyone began paying attention to imported films, the Film Bureau issued a new notice.

"The film 'Qing Ding Xi Ya Tu' will extend its screening period until the end of March, with its public run extended by 14 days."

"The mainland-Hong Kong co-production 'Jiang Mo Pian' will maintain its original withdrawal date."

This news surprised the entire film production industry.

Did both films apply for the extension key? One was approved, the other rejected!

Although both films now have similar daily box office figures, many felt greater regret that 'Jiang Mo Pian''s extension request was denied.

Because on the box office chart, 'Jiang Mo Pian' was a strong contender for third place, aiming for second and even first—its momentum was powerful!

……

"'Shi Er Sheng Xiao''s extension was rejected, 'Jiang Mo Pian''s extension was rejected… both from Huayi? This, hmm… hmm… hmm…"

Some insiders also thought of other reasons, and for a moment, many felt a sense of schadenfreude.

Huayi.

"What is he trying to do? Trip us up, give us the cold shoulder?"

Wang Wang Zhongjun's eyes were bloodshot; he knew clearly it was Han Han Sanping who did this.

It was Han Han Sanping's retaliation for Huayi's betrayal of the distributor and for '1942' first bowing to theater chains.

"But what can we do? He can influence the Bureau—what can we do? File a complaint? Who would we complain to? That's too childish."

Wang Wang Zhonglei also frowned tightly, with no solution.

If it were any other company in the industry, Huayi could find an excuse to harass them—but Zhong Ying? There's nothing we can do!

There are more headaches now: 'Jiang Mo Pian' is doing great at the box office, but Huayi's stock price hasn't risen; instead, Gaogroup's stock price is skyrocketing.

Suddenly, Wang Wang Zhonglei remembered another matter.

"Big brother, there's something I need to remind you about."

"What is it?" Wang Wang Zhongjun, eyes closed, calmed his emotions and asked casually.

"That incentive agreement we made with Zhou Zhou Xingchi on New Year's Eve—once the box office exceeds 500 million, he gets an additional 80 million yuan in revenue sharing…"

"Yes, that's right. That's why he worked so hard on promotion, even participated in a media roundtable with Ma Yun. Why bring this up now?"

Wang Wang Zhongjun opened his eyes and looked at Wang Wang Zhonglei.

The latter revealed a sly smile.

"When I replied, I said the company was on holiday during the New Year, so we couldn't sign the paper contract—post-holiday arrangements would be made. They had no objections, only said they trusted us…"

"And then?" Wang Wang Zhongjun's eyes widened, his facial muscles trembling slightly.

"To this day, we still haven't signed. They haven't pressed us either. Besides, we only reached the revenue-sharing incentive agreement via email—no signature, no official seal…"

After saying this, Wang Wang Zhonglei's face broke into a full smile—a mask-like grin, silent and dark.

"Agreement? What incentive agreement? We never signed. Where's the 80 million? Hahaha…"

Wang Wang Zhongjun laughed loudly, setting the tone for the matter.

"But what if they ask about it?"

"Ask? There's nothing to ask about. Even if he asks again, it's still nothing. Do it this way. Later, have Xiao Gang announce the new film too—stimulate the stock price…"

"Got it."

With that, the two brothers exchanged glances, then burst into loud laughter.

The matter of not getting the extension key seemed to have passed. Didn't this loss get made up for? And even more profit gained!

…………

Many people were joking that Lin Nan, having secured another half-month extension key, would surely boost the box office by tens of millions.

"Director Lin, you must be thanked."

Xue Xue Xiaolu even started joking with Lin Nan.

"You'd better just call me by my name. Besides, this is a film I invested in myself.

I just hope that the extra half-month release period will cause the box office to undergo a qualitative transformation, and not get stuck at the threshold; that would be uncomfortable, hahaha..."

"I hope it won't be so." Xue Xue Xiaolu smiled and agreed.

Yang Mi looked at the news on the media, her mouth unable to close from smiling; the box office had already exceeded 300 million, and this was only half a month.

Even though the main box office earnings for a film usually come within the first half-month to the first three weeks.

But "Seattle" still has about a month left in its theatrical run; the final total box office will absolutely be very good, perhaps even reaching 600 million.

"It's already 350 million; should we announce it now?"

Ceng Jia asked, wanting to announce immediately that the contract with Shanhai Media had expired and would not be renewed.

Because right now, Yang Mi's momentum is incredibly strong.

Head of the Four Little Flower Dancers, crushing the other Four Little Flower Dancer, Yang Ying, in the same release period; absolutely dominating the box office compared to "Sad Fairy Tale," which was filmed in the same time frame previously, and of course also crushing Liu Liu Shishi.

"No, wait for 500 million."

Yang Mi said decisively.

These past two days, her fans have been relentlessly attacking Liu Liu Shishi; this grudge was formed last year when both films started filming simultaneously!

The people on the other side couldn't even find a single decent retort.

In their frustration and anger, they could only drag up various rumors and black material, all of which were old, stale stories.

Yang Mi felt very gratified.

"500 million?"

"Yes, 500 million; if possible, I even hope for 600 million."

Yang Mi's eyes were filled with fighting spirit as she looked forward to it.

Ceng Jia also nodded: "Sure, the higher the box office, the better the effect."

"I just wonder if there will be a second part of "Love in Seattle"? But I suppose since the story is over, there probably won't be."

"Probably not." Yang Mi smiled and nodded.

Lin Nan returned to the villa in the mid-afternoon and surprisingly didn't see Miss Liu.

That was rare; he hadn't heard of any schedule or event for today?

"Could she have gone crazy with Watching Shu Chang? Singing, Li Li Guangjie, shopping, go-karting, or maybe watching a movie or having a gathering?"

Lin Nan guessed, so he simply made a phone call; not seeing her, he actually missed her quite a bit.

In less than ten seconds, the call connected, but the person who answered was someone Lin Nan hadn't expected.

"Director Lin, so anxious about Liu Yifei? Want to ask where she ran off to? Hehehe..."

"Xie Nan, why is it you? Where is Liu Liu Qianqian?" Lin Nan was even more puzzled, feeling somewhat inexplicable.

"She's right across from me, wearing gloves, peeling shrimp."

"Xie Nan invited me for afternoon tea, who knew it would turn into an extra meal; should I bring something back for you?"

Liu Liu Yifei's sweet voice came through the phone.

"Forget it, I just wanted to know where you were; now that I know, I'm relieved."

"Tsk tsk tsk, Director Lin is so direct." Another laugh from Liu Yan came from the side.

A burst of noisy laughter erupted in the phone again, and even Lin Nan laughed.

"Does Director Lin want to come over? It's not far."

"I won't come over."

"Wait until I get back, I'll bring some for you." Liu Liu Yifei's clear voice came through, making the decision.

"Alright, I'll listen to you. You two enjoy your meal; I won't disturb you."

"Okay, goodbye Director Lin."

The noisy sounds came again.

Lin Nan hung up the phone, smiling and shaking his head.

"Xie Nan treating? That's rare. Could it be because they finally officially announced their relationship?"

Lin Nan didn't think much more about it; Liu Liu Yifei didn't have many friends and was quite homebody. The few she could get along with were very few, which was not easy.

Lin Nan certainly hoped that Miss Liu could go out for a stroll more often when she had nothing to do; he himself wouldn't go mingle in crowds of women.

(End of this chapter)