Chapter 369: Preparing to Join the Production

In just one hour, the entire film and television industry was in an uproar.

Everyone, almost without exception, stared dumbfounded at the casting announcement for *Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy*.

"Film *Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy*, production budget 150 million, a mainstream commercial film. The main creators and casting list are as follows:

Producers: Lin Nan Pictures, China Film, Enlight, Wanda.

Director: Lin Nan; Producer: Liu Liu Yifei.

Main Cast:

Yang Yang Zirong: Zhang Zhang Hanyu.

Zuo Zuo Shandiao: Han Han Sanping.

Shao Shao Jianbo: Huang Huang Xiaoming.

Ma Ma Qinglian: Fan Li Bingbing.

Gao Bo: Luo Jin.

Bai Ru: Tong Tong Liya.

……

……

Cameo appearance: Hu Ge."

The major film and television companies in the industry, countless film people—all of them were dumbfounded, half suspecting they were seeing things.

"Zuo Zuo Shandiao—is being played by Han San… Chairman Han?"

A single *Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy*, whether in producers, investment, director, producer, or cast, was undoubtedly, spectacularly lavish.

But the most eye-catching thing of all was still the entry for Zuo Zuo Shandiao in the casting list!

Good lord—China Film's chairman, the man the Laughing Jianghu calls "Zuo Zuo Shandiao," Han Han Sanping, was actually going to play Zuo Zuo Shandiao?

Shanghai Film, Western Film, Ning Film, Changchun Film… Huayi, Orange Sky, Stellar, Bona… and even Hong Kong's Emperor Motion Pictures—the industry's film and television giants were all stunned by this move.

"Ruthless! Going on stage himself—both setting an example in supporting a mainstream film, and having a laugh at his own 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao' nickname.

In outsiders' eyes, Han Han Sanping is magnanimous, can take it or leave it, not only directs but also acts. Fame and profit—he's got them all!"

Ren Ren Zhonglun stared at the news online, cursing to himself alone in his office.

He never in his wildest dreams imagined Han Han Sanping would go play Zuo Zuo Shandiao!

This round, he lost fair and square.

……

"This film hasn't even started shooting yet, and it's already destined to be hugely anticipated—'Zuo Zuo Shandiao' playing Zuo Zuo Shandiao. Lin Nan is something else!"

Wang Wang Zhongjun and Wang Wang Zhonglei exchanged glances; when this film hits theaters later, they might need to be careful and steer their company's releases out of its way.

"How many of our shares does he have now?"

"We'll have to check the exact number, but with several increases, he should have at least 11 million shares."

That number made Wang Wang Zhongjun frown instinctively.

"Don't clash with him later. Try to keep things stable, don't let him dump his shares."

"Understood."

Over at Bona, Yu Dong's mood at this moment was also very conflicted.

To put it bluntly, back then it was just that they hadn't gotten the rights—and even if they had, to greenlight and start shooting,

you couldn't have given him a hundred guts and he'd dare go find Han Han Sanping to play Zuo Zuo Shandiao.

"A great director really does get different treatment. Why can't we ever get on board Lin Nan Pictures' ship?"

……

The film and television world was in a complete uproar. Not to mention the actors who lost out at auditions—even those who landed roles were dumbfounded right now.

Especially the few leads—they had only just learned they'd be acting opposite Han Han Sanping, and their hearts were racing with excitement. What a steal!

Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Li Li Bingbing and the others were kicking themselves—Fan Li Bingbing had scooped up the leftovers!

The internet was equally buzzing.

"Lin Dao is awesome—he actually got China Film's big boss to play the main villain, and the crazy part is, it worked!"

"Won't this add a few hundred million to the box office out of thin air?"

"Really curious how Lin Dao got him to agree. Logically, asking something like that, you'd think you'd get slapped, right?"

"Rumor has it, Lin Dao went to China Film several times those days, but came away empty-handed."

"I heard it was something like Lin Dao turned Chairman Han's daughter…"

"Hiss! That padded jacket is letting the wind in…"

……

Lin Nan wasn't idle at this moment either—calls from people in the industry came in one after another, all about this matter.

"Holy shit, you're badass! Chairman Han didn't have his thugs beat you out of China Film?"

"You think it was easy? The first time, he cursed me from start to finish, even threw things at me.

The second time he called Security directly, wanting to drag me out. Luckily Liu Yifei had me go in sweats, so I ran fast.

Am I the kind of guy who gives up easily? I turned right around and sent Han Jia's daughter…"

Lin Nan held his phone, bragging to Ning Hao about his "exploits."

Then, he thought of another matter and teased:

"Hitting the clubs late at night—not bad, Director Ning. I'm really curious how you explained it when you got home. I don't believe that lady doesn't know, hehe…"

From the other end of the line, Ning Hao sighed:

"I was tricked into it by Xu Zheng. How was I supposed to know he'd call six drinking companions, all students from the Central Academy of Drama and Beijing Dance Academy… I haven't left the house in two days, my waist is wrecked."

"And you were 'tricked' out of it? Are you fooling a ghost? Tsk tsk tsk..."

"Ning Hao, which 'sister' are you calling?"

From the phone, Xing Ai's sarcastic voice could be heard from far away, startling Lin Nan and making him laugh to death.

He only heard Ning Hao sound weak and listless, "It's Lin Nan, what nonsense is this? I don't have a 'sister'..."

"Hey, Lin Nan?"

Good heavens, has the level of distrust reached this point? Or has menopause arrived?

"That sister, it's me. Let me tell you, you really need to rein in Director Ning.

He just told me that the girls accompanying drinks looked very nice. Is that appropriate? I won't disturb you then, there are still many company matters..."

As Lin Nan hung up the phone, he could still hear Ning Hao's roar, "Lin Nan, you damn..."

"Taking the Tiger Mountain by Strategy" was the top headline in film news, with very high popularity.

Thanks to Han Han Sanping, a conservative estimate says it will dominate the charts for a long time.

Outside Lin Nan Film, many media outlets were still gathered; information about the film's start of shooting had not yet been announced.

"Tiangong Color needs to dispatch two teams, forty people, to go over.

Additionally, there are nearly two hundred extras, plus teams for costumes, makeup, props, styling, logistics, security, and filming, as well as people from the Beijing Film Studio and the August First Film Studio.

All told, for this "Taking the Tiger Mountain by Strategy," at its peak there will be around three hundred people. Additionally..."

Yue Jun was reporting the various budget items of the film crew to Lin Nan.

This should be the largest crew Lin Nan has handled so far; when filming "Painted Skin" before, even with extras, it was only around two hundred people.

"That's it then. Arrange two people to assist Fei. The company staff should depart in advance. Also, notify all actors to enter the crew and start shooting on time in one week."

Lin Nan instructed.

"Okay, Lin Dao."

The second day of June.

To be honest, Lin Nan really did not want to go to the premiere of "The Lost Art of Love."

But on the invitation, the four clear characters "Film Channel" in the organizer column made it impossible for him not to go.

Liu Fei wore a black women's casual suit and high heels.

Today, she chose heavy makeup, long hair draped over her shoulders, paired with red lips, truly very alluring.

Finally, picking out a women's wristwatch to wear, and the dressing was finished.

"Let's go, give Princess Six some face." Liu Fei took Lin Nan's arm, saying playfully.

"You are also Princess Sisi."

Lin Nan replied, earning a sweet smile.

For "The Lost Art of Love," more than half of the entertainment industry had come.

It was heard that for this film, just for shooting locations, they ran to several countries and regions: Dubai, Milan, Tokyo...

When Lin Nan and Liu Fei arrived, the scene was already very lively.

"Lin Dao, Producer Liu, thank you both for coming to attend the premiere of 'The Lost Art of Love'."

Lin Nan was not familiar with this Mr. Sun, who was directing for the first time, but since others greeted him with smiling faces, he certainly could not be rude.

"Too polite. Wishing huge box office success."

After greeting Director Sun Sun Jianjun, Lin Nan and Liu Fei walked into the crowd.

Jiang Yi seemed to have walked out of the rumors with Deng Chao, and was enthusiastically waving to Liu Fei.

Lin Nan remembered; he heard this old classmate had recently been getting quite close to a certain photographer who also owned a cake shop, and news was emerging endlessly.

"I'm going over to Liu Yan and Xie Nan's side." Liu Fei suddenly said.

Lin Nan glanced at the distance; those two were also waving, with lots of food beside them, "Mm, go ahead."

Miss Liu headed for the food, while Lin Nan went to meet Liu Liu Dehua who was walking over.

"Actually, I'm quite interested in the character of Yang Yang Zirong too."

"Brother Hua's Mandarin dialogue is already excellent, but to be competent in the role of Yang Yang Zirong, it's still a little short."

Lin Nan spoke very directly; his relationship with Liu Liu Dehua was very good, so there was no need to beat around the bush.

"Haha, looks like I still have to keep practicing in the future."

As he spoke, Liu Liu Dehua stopped smiling and sighed: "Don't laugh at me after watching the movie later."

"How could that happen."

Han Han Sanping was there too; he was surrounded by several peers of equal stature from Shanghai Film, Changchun Film, and Xi'an Film, and ordinary people couldn't squeeze in.

Lin Nan had sharp eyes and avoided him from far away.

Han Han Sanping must be being teased about the "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" matter; he didn't want to go over and join the fun.

But sometimes, the more you want to avoid something, the less you can avoid it.

"Lin Nan, over here."

Ren Ren Zhonglun shouted a sentence, and Lin Nan could only go over with a stiff neck.

"You are impressive this time, making our Third Master Han go play Third Master Cui, and 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao' to play Zuo Zuo Shandiao! It might just enter film history. Haha..."

The crowd of big shots were all about the same age and had been dealing with each other for many years; when they teased one another, it felt completely natural.

It was just that many people in the circle around them consciously walked away, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

"Director Han is a real catch. To get him on board, we gave China Film thirty percent of the share this time." Lin Nan tossed Han Han Sanping a compliment.

"Four investors, and China Film alone took a third? Why don't you take a look at me — am I a fit? I could play Zuo Zuo Shandiao too…"

Though the few of them were only joking around, you could tell they were all a touch envious. After all, Lin Nan's track record was plain for all to see.

……

Half an hour later, the premiere began.

On Lin Nan's right sat Liu Liu Yifei; behind him to the left was Huang Bo. He quipped:

"I saw you chatting very happily with that Lin Zhiling — fair-haired friend or flame?"

"What nonsense. Just friends."

Though Huang Bo said that, his eyes still flicked a glance at Lin Zhiling on stage.

*The 101st Proposal* — word was the actress had gotten a little too into character.

On stage, a group of the main creators were still blowing hot air about the box office, half-jokingly declaring they'd surpass Lin Nan's *Thieves*.

It wasn't until the film started that the room finally fell silent.

Only, the more he watched, the more confused he got.

Hollywood elements were certainly plentiful — luxury cars, beautiful women dazzling the eye, gorgeous visuals — but it gave off a feeling of being forcibly cobbled together.

And the vast majority of the plot seemed to stray from the theme; you couldn't tell what it was trying to do, and had nothing to do with *Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains* at all.

The film was flashy and a bit of a mess; what people would probably remember was only Tong Tong Dawei's forbidden feelings toward Lin Zhiling, whose looks so resembled his late mother.

"I can't make heads or tails of it. What story is this telling?" Liu Liu Yifei tugged at Lin Nan's sleeve and whispered.

"Not understanding it is exactly right. If you understood it, then I'd be the one confused. A bad film, no question."

Lin Nan said this right against Liu Liu Yifei's ear, making Miss Liu's eyes go wide in an instant.

"Then isn't Brother Hua done for again?"

"An actor with good connections has that weakness. First, it's the favors; second, the pay's good too — and the result is what it is. Besides, he's already braced himself for it."

……

When the film ended, the applause in the hall was still considerable — all "performers" giving face.

The day the premiere wrapped, the media's press releases went out immediately.

Every one of them was about the visuals, about the 3D effects — the same old boilerplate praise. As for the plot, the acting, and the like, not a word.

The film still had a week before its official release; how many audiences it could fool depended on luck.

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei had already started packing, getting ready to join the set.

Miss Liu was still dead set on going skiing with Lin Nan when the time came.

…………

(End of chapter)