Chapter 363: A Father's Love

The media were all reporting that Huayi was once again holding a signing ceremony with great fanfare.

Quite a few people in the industry were a bit puzzled.

The last one to be treated with such pomp was Yang Ying, but that was because of Huang Huang Xiaoming.

But what does this artist have to warrant it? What qualifies him to enjoy such treatment?

Isn't it just because he acted in "iPartment"?

Until the grapevine leaked out, a group of people suddenly saw the light.

Another one with some background, and he's Director Chen's cousin's son too — that explains it.

No wonder Wang Wang Zhonglei promised at the signing ceremony that a film would be prepared for him later, and he'd be the male lead. And it would be a film personally directed by Director Gu Gu Changwei.

"This circle is just like that — actors with connections and backgrounds get pushed hard.

Huayi has signed so many young actors over the years, most of them never get a chance, and in the end either fade into the crowd or run off.

But some people, the moment they arrive, can get a film commitment — and a big-name director's film at that. That's the benefit of having connections."

Lin Nan saw the name on the news — Chen He.

Actors with connections get ahead easily; conversely, if you want to stand out, you have to rely on luck, or be able to endure loneliness, forge ahead, and wait for your chance.

"Feels all right, though. From the actors who got famous in the same drama, didn't Director Guo pick Sun Sun Yizhou and Deng Deng Jiajia to appear in 'About Time'?"

Yue Jun also offered a comment. As the company's chief steward, he would take the initiative to learn about some actors in the industry.

"All right, I'm heading to Enlight Media, I won't be back at the company. If anything urgent comes up, just give me a call." Lin Nan stood up and instructed.

"The film Chairman Wang mentioned?"

"Right, the budget isn't high. I'm going to take a look — he's been nagging me."

Lin Nan smiled; he figured Wang Wang Changtian was afraid that delay would breed complications.

Once he invested in Enlight's film, the investment slot for "The Taking of Mount Mount Weihu" would be even less likely to run into any mishaps.

"That's overthinking it, gilding the lily, heh heh…"

…………

Driving, Lin Nan headed straight for Enlight.

Wang Wang Changtian had said on the phone it was a mid-to-low budget comedy, but didn't give specifics, telling him to come over and read the script in person.

About an hour later, Lin Nan arrived at the Enlight Pictures building.

For industry giants of this caliber that anyone could count on one hand, there were always media reporters outside the office building.

Lin Nan Pictures was like that, and Enlight was no different.

"Lin Dao, what's the occasion at Enlight today? Give us an exclusive lead, will you?"

A reporter called out boldly — everyone knew Lin Nan had a good temper.

"That won't do. You'll just have to wait for Enlight's announcement."

Lin Nan smiled and shook his head.

"Wait — there's really a lead here?"

The few reporters exchanged glances; from Lin Nan's words, it was a lead from Enlight!

Turning the corner at the entrance, he ran into Liu Yan talking with a plain-looking man in glasses.

At the sight of Lin Nan, both their eyes lit up instantly.

Liu Yan stepped forward. "Lin Dao, here to see Chairman Wang? He's in his office right now."

"Mm, I'll head up first." Lin Nan nodded and walked into the elevator.

At that moment, the other man immediately followed him in.

Liu Yan tried to pull him back but couldn't, so she could only get on the elevator with them — the two of them had just come down by elevator.

After pressing the button for the 12th floor, Lin Nan kindly pressed the 8th floor for Liu Yan.

At this point, the man seemed to hesitate, yet also seemed excited, as he looked at Lin Nan. Liu Yan even carefully tugged at him, as if to stop him.

"Lin Dao, hello, I'm Dong Dong Chengpeng — you can call me Da Peng…"

He went on and on at length, and Lin Nan smiled and shook his head.

Trying to freeload a cameo out of me — not the sharpest tool in the shed, is he? But to be fair, the guts are commendable, worth a pat on the back!

At the 8th floor, neither of them got off; Dong Dong Chengpeng was still pitching his short series.

When the elevator stopped at the 12th floor, Lin Nan still shook his head: "I'll head to Chairman Wang's office first. Your friend here is quite something."

Lin Nan said this to Liu Yan, who gave an embarrassed smile.

Only when the elevator doors closed again did Liu Yan blow up.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed? You even dare to try your luck on Lin Dao. If Chairman Wang finds out, don't even think about setting foot in the Enlight building ever again…"

"Hey hey, don't be mad. I just couldn't hold back — old habit. But this is a real big shot. If I could get him to cameo for two minutes — no, thirty seconds…"

"Cut it out, will you? Nothing but daydreaming."

"Think about it, it's not wrong. If Lin Dao Nan could cameo for thirty seconds, I could use that to invite a whole bunch of top stars — like Liu Liu Yifei, Zhou Xun, Huang Bo, Ning Hao, Huang Huang Xiaoming…"

"Invite? You mean shamelessly sweet-talk them into it, right?"

…………

Enlight, Chairman's office.

At this moment, counting Lin Nan, there were only three people in the office. After the assistant had brewed the tea, she had already stepped out.

"Congratulations — you acted well in 'American Dreams in China.'"

"Ha ha, thanks for the compliment, Lin Dao. Too bad, I was only a supporting role."

Deng Chao's words were quite interesting.

That film was set up as three male leads, but in reality everyone could tell that the most brilliant, most eye-catching role was Huang Huang Xiaoming's.

"Let's talk about business instead," Wang Wang Changtian opened his mouth.

Deng Chao took the cue, handing two scripts on the table to Lin Nan and Wang Wang Changtian respectively, and said:

"First, thank you, Mr. Wang, and Lin Dao, for your support. This movie script was personally adapted by Old Yu from his own comedy play.

He couldn't make it today due to some matters, so I apologize on his behalf. I will direct and star in this film, and Old Yu will be credited as a co-director..."

Deng Chao chattered on there, his tone slightly excited but also serious.

After all, this was his opportunity to step onto the path of directing and advance. Just like Xu Zheng, as long as he succeeded, he would be secure in the future...

Lin Nan, looking at the first page of the script at this moment, couldn't help but smile.

There were four characters on it: "The Breakup Master".

A law in the film industry is that comedies are relatively less likely to lose money, but the premise is strict cost control, and they cannot be too shoddy; the script is also key.

Twenty-something minutes later, Deng Chao finished, talking about a whole bunch of things like shooting ideas and filming locations.

"Then let's talk about the budget," Lin Nan said.

"A guaranteed minimum of thirty million is needed; that's the most frugal option."

Deng Chao first glanced at Wang Wang Changtian, then answered Lin Nan.

"Don't go for the most frugal option; add another ten million to make it more detailed."

Lin Nan closed the script and said lightly.

"Then add it," Wang Wang Changtian nodded.

Hearing this, Deng Chao instantly got excited, a joyful smile appearing on his face.

"How much does Mr. Wang plan to let me invest?"

Following the host's lead, Lin Nan asked Wang Wang Changtian.

"How about half?"

"Agreed."

The investment was settled in a few words.

"I hope the company won't interfere with our casting," Deng Chao suddenly added.

Lin Nan and Wang Wang Changtian nodded simultaneously, "Of course."

After the business was done, Deng Chao couldn't help but ask Lin Nan about the latter's new movie.

"In a few days, casting will begin."

"By the way, negotiations for the first round of "Zhao Zhao Jingzhong Yue Fei" are underway. The online broadcasting rights are given to Tudou; I have already notified Wang Wei to negotiate prices with other production companies."

Wang Wang Changtian spoke of this TV series, jointly produced by everyone with an investment of over one hundred million, and Lin Nan nodded.

China Film Group.

Han Han Sanping sat there, hands resting on the desk, expression furious, staring at the person opposite him.

Han Jianv stood with her arms crossed over her chest, meeting Han Han Sanping's sharp gaze without yielding an inch.

Father and daughter stared at each other, locked in a standoff for quite a while.

"How did I give birth to someone as troublesome as you?"

"Don't try to get close; I'm here to talk business."

Han Jianv looked very serious.

"Also, how could you call and scold someone? I just left your place, and you immediately called to scold Senior Brother Lin?"

Hearing Han Jianv's accusation, Han Han Sanping felt like vomiting blood.

"You! I am your father! What bewitching potion did that dog Lin Nan pour into you?"

"How can you say that? For my graduation project, Senior Brother Lin Nan will help me credit as producer, and I can use "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" for my thesis.

He will sign for me... Besides, I also think you are really suitable..."

Han Han Sanping was about to suffer internal injuries from anger, "Just for these things, you rebel against me? I'll be your producer..."

"Forget it, those are secondary. The main thing is, you are really suitable. Right now, it's me standing in front of you; if anyone else came, they would have been scared flat long ago.

Also, with your frowning face, this momentum and oppressive force are perfect for 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao'. With makeup on, you wouldn't even need to act..."

Han Jianv chattered on, while Han Han Sanping's face turned iron-green, fists clenched tightly, veins bulging.

When hearing his own daughter say: "Besides, in terms of making movies, you aren't as famous as Senior Brother Lin Nan; he is a Golden Lion Director..."

Han Han Sanping instantly wanted to overturn the table. What kind of thing did he give birth to?!

He propped his face with both hands, feeling terrible all over, and couldn't help but think of that good-for-nothing Lin Nan again.

After a long while, Han Han Sanping sighed and looked at Han Jianv.

The more biological the daughter, the more she makes you angry!

They say a daughter is a father's little padded jacket, but mine doesn't seem like a padded jacket...

A lifetime of good reputation, about to be ruined by my own daughter.

I'm about to retire soon; maybe it's time to consider something else.

With such a silly daughter, what will happen in the future?

"Go ahead."

"Dad?"

"Let me play Zuo Zuo Shandiao..."

"Hmm?"

Han Jianv was instantly stunned; it shouldn't be a hallucination.

"Let me play Zuo Zuo Shandiao, fine, I'll act. It's just self-mockery; Laozi will just try what it feels like to play a big villain."

Certain she hadn't misheard, Han Jianü was instantly thrilled and sat down across from Han Han Sanping.

"Dad, you're not joking, right? Why did you suddenly agree again?"

Han Han Sanping laughed in spite of himself. "Why did I agree again? Good grief—are you hoping I die hard on this or that I say yes to you?"

This time, it was Han Jianü's turn to feel awkward, a little embarrassed.

"Fine, I've agreed. You can leave now. I still have plenty of work to do."

Watching Han Han Sanping's sudden change in attitude, Han Jianü still found it a bit hard to accept, but she still walked out, glancing back every few steps.

When Han Jianü reached the sedan Lao Han had given her, she only then remembered to call Lin Nan to report the good news.

Only, after the number was dialed, the other side said: "Please hold, the number you have dialed is currently on a call…"

"On a call?"

Han Jianü looked back thoughtfully, glanced in the direction of Han Han Sanping's office, then shook her head and climbed into the car.

…………

"Director Han?"

Lin Nan called out carefully, truly afraid of getting cursed out again.

Only this time, he guessed wrong—Han Han Sanping's tone had shifted back to its usual calm state.

"You really are something—my daughter has you wrapped around her finger."

"I wouldn't dare say that. Chen Chen Shimei Han is just a bit too straightforward, but she's good-hearted…"

"Just say she's scatter-brained and be done with it. I raised her, I know.

Before college, I never let her get involved in the industry's affairs, or all these messy social niceties. Now it's a bit late to change…"

Lin Nan didn't even know how to respond—did he really come off as a bit underhanded?

"How do we calculate my pay?"

Hearing this, Lin Nan's eyes went wide. Liu Liu Yifei beside him also instantly showed a delighted expression.

"Top-tier, treat her as top-tier, and count it under Chen Chen Shimei Han's pay."

"Mm, that's acceptable. Also, for China Film's share this time, I want 30%—consider it my extra compensation."

"You, you really are—be Chairman for a day, contribute for a day."

Lin Nan sighed. The moment he opened his mouth it was nearly a third of the share, so that would only leave Enlight and Wanda to bear the hardship.

"Fine, 30% it is."

He had thought that was the end of it, but he didn't expect Han Han Sanping to say a few more words at the end, which left Lin Nan quite moved.

"Once I retire, some things won't be easy to handle. Although I still have some face and connections, after all there's that saying about people leaving and the tea growing cold.

When the time comes, she'll still be making her way in the industry, and you'll be one of her connections—help me look after her. For the sake of your lousy movie, you even butted heads with her own father…"

From Han Han Sanping's words, Lin Nan only picked out two characters: "father's love."

"Don't worry, Director Han. All along, I've treated her like a sister. If anything comes up, she can come to the house to find me anytime, and I'll always keep an eye on her…"

"Mm, very good. Pick a time, get Enlight and Wanda together, and let's talk about the film investment."

"Okay."

…………

(End of chapter)