[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-38":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2286874,4473,"Chapter 38: Competition","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-38",38,"\u003Cp>The conference center is quite large, located right here at the Olympic Organizing Committee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Led by Chen Kaige, Zhang Yimou, and Li An, directors with established names from the three major academies, several major film studios, and private companies have all arrived, along with a few from Hong Kong and abroad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a glance, everyone here has won awards or achieved success, both domestically and internationally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eager Director Chen currently holds a stable position; Zhang Yimou is likely still dwelling on his defeat in Athens; Li An clearly already has his own calculations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the others, their eyes are more or less burning with intensity, full of drive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The director of the opening ceremony—what a tempting task; how many could remain unmoved?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One lives a life for fame and fortune, and the position of opening ceremony director can bring both! As for failure? Who would think about the consequences? Which of them isn't proud?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Lin Nan understands that only a small portion of the people here have come for the sake of responsibility and honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He isn't cut out for that; forcing it would be disastrous. Playing a supporting role might be manageable, but he definitely couldn't handle being the lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leaders above were mobilizing, \"This is an opportunity to showcase our five thousand years of culture to the world, a major event for our country and nation, a grand ceremony that will attract global attention. We hope everyone will participate enthusiastically and contribute ideas...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today's meeting was mainly to announce the matter of competing for the position of general director of the opening ceremony, as well as what the candidates need to prepare and the timeline for the competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter was not kept secret from the public; the media has already begun reporting on it, with the illustration being a photo of a group of directors leaving the conference center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Olympic Opening Ceremony General Director Competition: Hundreds of Great Directors Gather at the Olympic Organizing Committee.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was honorably captured on camera; among a group of middle-aged and elderly people, he was a young man, appearing somewhat out of place and particularly conspicuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of what others do, Lin Nan has made up his mind not to get involved in the bidding for this competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has self-awareness; with such a grand setup, no one is more suitable than Zhang Yimou—talented, energetic, experienced, and pragmatic!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking from the result back to the process, even Lin Nan was startled; this was clearly prepared for old Zhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having figured this out, Lin Nan cast the bidding and such to the back of his mind. He returned to school and began a rare, comfortable life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flipping through news from the circle, Zhang Ziyi is truly sailing smoothly; in the past two years, several of her films were released in North America, and last month she served as an Oscar judge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The year has just begun, and she has already firmly become an internationally renowned film star; \"International Zhang\" is now a title well-deserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the actresses Zhang Yimou has made famous, the most successful are Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi, though Lin Nan appreciates Gong Li more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is often said that Zhang Ziyi is following the template of Gong Li, but in the end, she still cannot compare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yawen has returned, and it seems he has learned quite a bit from Wang Jinghua; he is already a qualified young actor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I recently signed a project, and I'll be joining the crew after a short rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yawen drank some water and said, \"Recently, whether it's the projects I've signed, endorsements, or magazines, everything has been steered clear of Huayi...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan caught the implication; Wang Jinghua has already begun to cut off interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of projects have you taken?\" Lin Nan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are all television dramas; film resources are still scarce. In this regard, Sister Hua really can't compare to Huayi, but I'm quite satisfied. With those two films of yours as a foundation, I'm doing pretty well now,\" Zhu Yawen said with a look of satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as you're doing well. If there's a suitable role, I'll consider you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll remember that. Whether I can become a huge star depends on you, brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yawen instantly became lively again; Lin Nan knew this guy's temperament—he couldn't be steady for more than a few minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of which, you're a big shot now. Other artists under Sister Hua haven't stopped asking me about you, especially regarding your new project intentions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan knew everything Zhu Yawen was saying. Since returning from Berlin, he had faced this kind of thing almost every two or three days. Many people were sending messages—the school, Enlight Media, China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, and actors he had worked with; everyone who had his contact information was asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan brushed them all off by saying he had no plans for the time being. Even when \"Return to Youth\" broke the 100 million mark, it was less intense than this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The feeling of being in pain yet happy.\" Lin Nan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at that face of yours, showing off again.\" Zhu Yawen was also quite sour. \"In the class of '02, you're the most successful—a big director with both box office and awards.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, it seems that's true...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan laughed unreservedly; only among good friends could he be so open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, Sister Hua also hinted to me that I could ask you for resources,\" Zhu Yawen said bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was mentally prepared for this. Wang Jinghua is a top-tier agent and wouldn't let any opportunity slip by, especially after knowing that the relationship between Zhu Yawen and himself was rock solid; it was only a matter of time before she brought it up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, don't worry. Your brother here will take care of you,\" Lin Nan joked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yawen let out a string of profanities; the two had long been accustomed to this way of interacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chinese Paladin\" has already begun its second round of broadcasting, and its popularity is unimaginable, second only to \"Super Girl.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mango TV learned from the experience of the first season, and this year's launch promotion is even better than last year's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some serious students at the school also went to participate in the competition, but most teachers and students still looked down on this kind of talent show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Tian Zhuangzhuang teamed up with several peers, preparing to cooperate in the competition; this is also a way of competing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan clarified his own thoughts: he would not participate in the general director competition. After being persuaded by those above once, the matter was dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he is too young, unlike Zhang Yimou. It is said that the organizing committee is trying hard to persuade Zhang Yimou not to take his previous failure too much to heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yimou is also not one to admit defeat and has promised to actively prepare for the bidding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last month, \"Return to Youth\" was released in South Korea. When exported, a revenue-sharing model was chosen. Data from China Film Group shows that the number of viewers approached two million; it is very popular among young people, and the box office performance is excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being able to make money from exports is good news. Coupled with Lin Nan's harvest in Berlin last month, CCTV gave him an 8-second report in a news brief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan has effectively become another calling card for the Directing Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tom contacted Lin Nan again; the other party still wants the copyright to a certain script. This time, their attitude is much better, and they want to discuss it with Lin Nan in person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"America?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is time for Lin Nan to make a trip there. Tom has helped him register many scripts and bought many novel copyrights, so he needs to go and take a look. He might as well take this opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He told Tom a time and asked him to tell the other party; Lin Nan would arrive early by then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The promotion for \"Crazy Stone\" has already begun. Because there is still a month and a half left, the level of promotion is not very high, limited only to posters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan's name is also on the poster—producer, executive producer, screenwriter. Industry insiders already know that this film was fully invested in by Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given that the copyright for Lin Nan's previous fully-funded film, \"Back to Dust,\" sold for over eight million US dollars, and this one is even more of a commercial film, everyone is very optimistic about its box office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the promotion started, it attracted enough attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cost of eight million was leaked; using a small investment to gain big returns—this is a gimmick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three-million-cost \"Back to Dust\" has already earned more than twenty times that, and it hasn't even been released domestically yet; people who are jealous are everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much the eight-million-cost \"Crazy Stone\" can earn is obviously even more worth looking forward to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After meeting with Ye Ning last time, they hadn't been in contact until \"Crazy Stone\" started its promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Ning made a phone call; while building rapport, he indicated that he would definitely take care of \"Crazy Stone\" in terms of scheduling and also hoped for an opportunity to cooperate as soon as possible. Lin Nan gladly agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is only March, but the competition in this year's film market has already kicked off. Several major films have already revealed their release dates, all in the second half of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is also the reason why Lin Nan placed \"Crazy Stone\" on May Day; \"Back to Dust\" is limited by its subject matter and will be released no later than July 1st.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao genuinely treats \"Crazy Stone\" as his comeback work and is even more anxious about the promotion than Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enlight Media's promotion, interviews on web portals, and talk shows on various television stations—as long as there is an opportunity, Ning Hao will urge Lin Nan and also see which main cast members are available to join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just one week, Lin Nan tirelessly recorded nine interviews. Each time, he had to find different ways to talk about the difficulty of creating the script, the dedication of the crew, and his recognition of Director Ning Hao's skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These days, I've said every word I can think of. If the box office isn't strong when the time comes, it'll become a joke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan said jokingly, but it was just a joke; he didn't think \"Crazy Stone\" would flop, he was just teasing Ning Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo has also been on a few shows recently; for him, he cherishes these opportunities very much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao smiled without saying a word. He directed the film from start to finish and is very optimistic about \"Crazy Stone,\" praising the script's quality more than once in the studio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo hummed a tune, in a very good mood; he has had many announcements recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I almost forgot, old Huang, you're a singer by trade. This humming isn't bad at all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan suddenly remembered that Huang Bo was a resident singer. When it comes to singing, Lin Nan is tone-deaf and has nothing to show off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right. One day I'll treat you guys to karaoke and let you witness my skills.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distribution and promotion costs for \"Crazy Stone\" were, of course, also paid by Lin Nan's company. He would not agree to a box office percentage split; \"Back to Dust\" had a special subject matter, so it was an exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After parting ways with Ning Hao and Huang Bo, Lin Nan returned to the company alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the stack of letters sent in by the company receptionist, he couldn't throw them away, nor could he keep them, so he could only pick them up and read them one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were invitations to film premieres, self-recommendation letters, academic exchanges, symposiums...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more formal ones also came with phone calls at the same time they sent the letters. Those who were self-recommending couldn't reach Lin Nan, so they could only mail them to the company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking further down, an invitation for a film industry exchange caught Lin Nan's attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an invitation for a film and television symposium from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and the date was still a while away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan had never had any interaction with that side, except for getting to know Hu Ge on the set of \"Chinese Paladin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the three major academies, one leans towards film, and two lean towards drama. Both the northern and southern theatre academies produce many stage actors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An invitation sent officially by the school is hard to refuse. If he goes to attend an exchange meeting while he's at it, it shouldn't affect his trip to America.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Lin Nan took out his phone and dialed a number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The busy signal was interrupted. \"May I ask who this is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's actually a woman? Lin Nan was surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm looking for Hu Ge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am his assistant. May I ask who you are?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Lin Nan. Is he busy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person on the other end of the phone was clearly stunned for a moment, then said somewhat uncertainly, \"Lin Nan... Director?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2237,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","514322bc89c301ee652434dfa4ef6c4110a6589db9b59d15c24af06072b15aa5","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-39","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-37",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]