Chapter 359

Yinghuang's announcement directly made Donnie Yen a joke in the industry, looking like a clown.

Admittedly, taking advantage of the situation to demand a raise in salary is relatively common in the industry, but there has to be a limit.

But three years ago, daring to aggressively demand 30 million—this really meant his brain wasn't working right.

After all, the mainland box office of *Ip Man 2* was only 260 million.

A 30 million salary three years ago was far beyond the market rate.

Furthermore, he used striking as a threat to demand 30 million.

How arrogant and self-centered must one be to dare to do such a thing?

Threatening the film producers?

No matter how popular an actor is, he is not irreplaceable.

Even if you are popular, doing this is playing with fire.

Perhaps there were actors who relied on their status and successfully forced the producers' hands.

But now it seems Donnie Yen belongs to the unlucky one.

He ran into Lin Nan, and Lin Nan didn't buy that at all, directly shelving the project, cooling it for three years, and rebooting with a replacement!

The industry had already defaulted to the idea that replacing Donnie Yen was mainly Lin Nan's decision, because the controlling party of *Ip Man* was Lin Nan Film.

And at this time, everyone couldn't help but recall what Sammo Hung said to satirize someone during the "Zhao-Zhen Dispute":

"Some people are just blinded by their own popularity... doing stupid things every single day."

The internet was very lively, all hotly discussing that face-slapping announcement from Yinghuang and guessing how Donnie Yen would respond.

The industry was much quieter; almost no one dared to speak recklessly or get involved in this matter.

Yinghuang's stance made the voices of the Hong Kong media much smaller.

Mainland media had many onlookers, just like during the "Zhao-Zhen Dispute," and most stood on the opposite side of Donnie Yen.

But it cannot be denied that whether in the mainland or the Hong Kong circle, there are ultimately many factions and conflicts of interest.

There were certainly those who spoke for Donnie Yen, but they were all just smoothing things over and trying to make the matter disappear as quickly as possible.

Lin Nan saw the Weibo post from Donnie Yen's side that the media had reposted—did he chicken out?

"Regarding the 30 million salary, it was purely a misunderstanding; it was a joke made by the agent during communication with Yinghuang at the time.

It was our poor communication that led to the problem. Afterward, I explained to the producers many times and offered an apology..."

Seeing this post, Lin Nan was amused to the point of anger; was he trying to fool a ghost?

There were many smart people in the industry, not many fools, and everyone could see that Donnie Yen was admitting defeat and looking for a way out.

However, a private Weibo post from Huo Wenxi still slapped the other party hard, making a large number of netizens applaud.

"High and mighty turned into a joke? Offering an apology only after a year and a half or two years, when you're surrounded by bad movies and your value has plummeted? Your acting is not bad, who are you trying to fool?"

In the Hong Kong circle, someone had already come forward to act as a peacemaker and was looking for Yang Shoucheng.

Even Lin Nan received several calls, telling him not to bother with such trivial matters, as it was beneath him.

This made Lin Nan a bit depressed; he had never cared about such trivial matters and had always viewed them as a joke.

Now, Donnie Yen was indeed a joke. He had found his way out and had stepped down. It's just that he didn't walk down; he rolled down directly.

…………

"Yinghuang's casting for *Ip Man 3* is much more high-profile."

"Yang Shoucheng is probably doing it on purpose, just to provoke certain people, haha..."

Lin Nan glanced at the news on the internet; the second male lead had already been announced—it was Zhang Jin.

The media and the internet were hotly discussing that in one movie, both the first and second male leads were martial arts-level action actors; this was too rare, simply luxurious.

*Ip Man 3* had therefore become a highly anticipated film.

A large number of viewers and fans hoped that the fight scenes in the film would be punchy and more eye-catching.

"Director Jiang seems to have put in a good word?" Yue Jun teased.

"It doesn't matter; he is already one of the few action actors and martial arts directors in the industry; setting aside this identity, I think just in terms of acting, he is also better than Donnie Yen."

Lin Nan spoke the truth and took the script for *Tracks in the Snowy Forest* that Yue Jun handed him.

"This is the final draft after fine-tuning."

Lin Nan flipped through the script roughly and nodded:

"Let it be this one; send it for review. I won't read it in detail; who knows if they'll change the lines on a whim while filming."

"Then I'll go this afternoon."

"Yeah, find someone unfamiliar to go; otherwise, you'll be in the news in less than an hour."

Lin Nan wasn't joking; if Yue Jun personally sent the script for review, by evening, there would definitely be news on the internet: "Lin Dao Nan's new script suspected to be sent for review."

At that time, a group of people would definitely come to bother Lin Nan.

He planned to decide on the investors after it passed the review; since it was his first time making a mainstream film, it was better to be steady.

Although Zhou Xun didn't go to the scene, the mainland film circle still felt regret and unfairness for her.

"I think we can really stuff someone into Director Ning's *Breakup Buddies*..."

…………

After twenty-one days of release, Zhao Wei's *So Young* really climbed over the 600 million threshold, reporting 610 million.

Just as the media had hyped before, she surpassed Xue Xiaolu and became the number one female director in the Chinese film circle.

Adding flowers to the brocade is always a common characteristic of the film and entertainment industry.

Female directors are already rare, and this was also a major bonus for Zhao Wei.

For a time, it seemed she had completely stepped into and stood firm in the top director tier, with no one to match her popularity.

At this moment, Lu Yang was a bit anxious.

*Kung Fu Jungle* had been out for 20 days, and the total box office had reached 480 million; it was just one step away. The more he looked, the more uncomfortable he felt, but being anxious was useless.

Out of respect for Han Sanping, Lin Nan went to the premiere of *American Dreams in China*.

Huang Xiaoming, Deng Chao, and Tong Dawei should be considered the top three first-line male stars in the mainland.

Although they filmed a movie together, the estrangement between them could be seen at a glance; they almost didn't communicate.

"Lin Dao, a toast to you."

"You toasting me so inexplicably makes me prone to overthinking, haha..."

Lin Nan looked at Huang Xiaoming, who was holding red wine in front of him, and joked.

"Isn't it because I heard Lin Dao is about to start a new film."

The "Master Huang" was quite direct and smiled happily.

"I can't guarantee there's a role suitable for you."

"Just trying my luck; just consider it when casting."

Lin Nan nodded with a smile and didn't refuse, "Of course, that's no problem; I will certainly consider it."

Before they could talk for a few sentences, he saw Wang Changtian walk over, and Master Huang naturally found an excuse to leave.

"I saw you chatting with Deng Chao for a long time over there; what were you talking about?"

"Of course, it was serious business. By the way, how is your movie coming along?"

Lin Nan laughed; he knew that when Wang Changtian came over, there must be a purpose.

Before Lin Nan could complain, Wang Changtian continued:

"You asked me what I was talking to Deng Chao about, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"He is the 'new director' candidate signed by the group..."

Lin Nan wasn't surprised by this answer.

After all, Wang Changtian had always been very good to Deng Chao, and he had given him the male lead role in movies several times.

"Just decided on a play yesterday, invested by Enlight Media, with him as the director. Are you interested in joining in? The cost won't be too high.

I can't always ride your boat; there has to be reciprocity, right? But currently, Enlight certainly can't do big projects."

Hearing Wang Changtian's words, Lin Nan didn't think much; Old Wang was indeed a long-term partner.

Currently, long-term partners like China Film, Enlight, and Wanda had all invited Lin Nan to invest.

It's just that Han Sanping might be a bit cursed; although every project he invited Lin Nan to was a big production, they were all toxic.

"Fine, call me after it's decided. Also, my movie this time will still be a joint effort by several companies."

Lin Nan smiled and gave Wang Changtian the answer he wanted—the second half of the sentence.

"Good, haha, I'll wait for your call."

Wang Changtian turned back and waved at Deng Chao, who walked over with a smile.

"Lin Dao, I hope to learn a lot from you on the path of directing. I'll finish this; you do as you please."

After speaking, Deng Chao drank the glass of red wine in his hand in one gulp.

Lin Nan looked at Wang Changtian—good fellow, he had been thinking about pulling him in before he even came over?!

Han Sanping was quite busy at this premiere, and Lin Nan didn't find a chance to talk to him.

"Forget it, I'll just go to China Film alone."

…………

The premiere of *American Dreams in China* ended.

Lin Nan had to consider what Yue Jun said—stuffing someone in.

After waiting at the company for nearly an hour, Zhao Liying with the little bun face arrived, wearing light makeup and looking very delicate.

Since *The Four* series completely wrapped up in February, she had been in a semi-working, semi-vacation state, which was very comfortable.

Today, she suddenly received a call from Yue Jun saying Lin Dao was looking for her and asked her to come to the company.

She didn't ask anything and rushed over immediately.

"Lin Dao, you were looking for me?"

"Yes, I'm preparing to find a crew for you."

"Ah?"

"Haha, I'm not asking you to join the crew immediately; filming probably won't start until the second half of the year or later. Let's go, come with me to Bad Monkey; they are auditioning over there."

Lin Nan didn't call Ning Hao; he planned to take her there directly.

He would show up for Zhao Liying's audition and take a look at what other actors were there.

The female lead for *Breakup Buddies* had already been announced—it was the powerful actress Yuan Quan.

Thinking about it, having Zhao Liying play a supporting role for Yuan Quan should be no problem.

Currently, Zhao Liying only had *The Four 1* released in terms of movies; her status wasn't high—just second-tier.

"Let's go."

"Oh."

Following behind Lin Nan, the two left the company building and got into the car, and the driver headed straight for Bad Monkey.

…………

At this time, there were still many stars auditioning at Bad Monkey.

According to the announced cast, the two male leads were Xu Zheng and Huang Bo, and the female lead was Yuan Quan.

These were all big names in the circle; playing a supporting role for these people wouldn't lower one's status at all, and it could also build connections.

Wang Jinghua personally led Zhou Dongyu, and Yang Mi was accompanied by Ceng Jia;

At a glance, there were quite a few first-line young actresses in the circle, such as Angelababy, Ni Ni, Liu Shishi...

For these people, a movie by a big director, even a second female lead, was an opportunity not to be missed.

When Liu Shishi, Angelababy, and others came out one after another with unnatural smiles, the people outside were very happy.

When Zhou Dongyu and a few others appeared with a spirited demeanor, everyone became a bit uneasy—they were tentatively selected...

Not long after, when Lin Nan led Zhao Liying and walked over from afar, the expressions of all the remaining actresses changed instantly.

What was this for?

A very bad thought suddenly popped into the minds of a group of actresses.

The male actors didn't care.

"Lin Dao."

"Lin Dao."

……

Greetings came one after another, and Lin Nan nodded to each one.

Until he saw Yang Mi and Ceng Jia, who looked a bit unnatural, but it was only for a split second.

"Didn't you take on a TV series? I heard it starts filming in July; why are you here?"

"I... I thought maybe the schedule wouldn't conflict."

Yang Mi said, biting the bullet, as if she had been caught in the act again after making a mistake; her smile was a bit stiff.

Lin Nan didn't say anything else and led Zhao Liying directly inside.

Watching their backs, many people outside felt a bit nervous, especially Yang Mi, who felt a mix of emotions.

"Why are you here?"

Xing Aina asked curiously, then looked at Zhao Liying, as if she understood something.

"Let her try for the second female lead, that 'non-mainstream' character."

When he said this, Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh.

Zhao Liying on the side was a bit confused—non-mainstream?

"Fine, if she's not too far off, I can make the decision to set her."

Xing Aina looked at Zhao Liying and nodded.

"Thank you, Sister Xing." Zhao Liying thanked her quickly.

A character that didn't require much acting skill was still quite easy.

…………

When he got home, Lin Nan really felt a bit tired.

He just went to stuff someone in, and as a result, he was drafted by Ning Hao on the spot.

"The training for *Wolf Warrior* has half a month left; will you go with me to the opening ceremony?"

Liu Yifei and Xie Nan and those other women had been wandering around all day; there were even photos of them eating and drinking on the internet at this moment.

"Of course, no problem. I'll go support the movie invested in by Producer Liu."

Lin Nan rested his head on Liu Yifei's lap, closing his eyes for a nap.

The firm and elastic feeling was very comfortable, it's just that the hair ends brushing against his face were a bit itchy.

"Hmm? Why aren't you sleeping?"

Looking at Lin Nan who sat up, Miss Liu asked suspiciously. She was just about to take a photo of Lin Nan and post it...

"I remembered something I forgot to do."

As he spoke, Lin Nan picked up his phone and called Han Sanping.

"A bit nervous." He muttered softly.

In less than half a minute, the call went through.

"Rare occurrence. In the past, when I called you at this hour, you would always say something about not talking business during off-hours.

Now it's good, I can say that too. Hurry up and say what it is; I'm busy too."

On the other end of the phone came Han Sanping's gloating laughter; he had finally managed to turn the tables on him.

"Good news." Lin Nan adjusted his tone.

"What good news?"

"About my new movie; will Chairman Han be at the group tomorrow?"

"Yes, yes, just come directly."

Hearing that it was really good news, Han Sanping's tone changed instantly.

"Fine, I'll come tomorrow; this time Chairman Han must support me." Lin Nan started digging a hole.

"Nonsense, when have I not supported you? Back then, *The Martian* didn't have the conditions to be made domestically, and everyone was unanimously pessimistic, but it was still me who set the tone and took you to find the Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation and the Space Administration..."

"With your word, I can rest assured; don't say the word 'no' tomorrow."

"Hehe, just speak up if you need any support; China Film has money and people. If I say the word 'no', you can just go find Ren Zhonglun..."

This sworn tone was the answer Lin Nan wanted.

"Then see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'll wait for you."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Nan was in a very good mood.

"Will the movie this time still be a joint effort by several companies?" Liu Yifei asked softly.

"Yes. We are a husband-and-wife team; will you be the producer?"

Looking at Liu Yifei's pretty face, Lin Nan couldn't help but pinch it.

"Yeah, okay, I'll be the producer."

Miss Liu nodded happily.

…………

(End of chapter)