Chapter 433

Previously, Jiang Jiang Xuerou had suggested that Lin Nan cast Zhao Zhao Liying as the female lead in "The Assassin 2," keeping the profits within the family.

But to Lin Nan, Watching Shu Chang's relationship with him was closer—similar to Zhu Zhu Yawen's, even more so.

Among post-85 female actresses, Watching Shu Chang was also one of the few with solid acting skills and audience appeal comparable to Liu Liu Yifei's.

After all, those hit TV dramas weren't shot for nothing; Watching Shu Chang had dabbled widely in historical, Wu Xia, mythological, modern, and sci-fi genres!

Aside from occasionally being dim-witted, indecisive, lacking ambition like Liu Liu Yifei, and lazy, her other qualities were nearly perfect.

Thinking about it like that, hey—no wonder they were best friends! Turns out both were Liu Liu Hanhan?

…

"Personal Tailor" held a grand premiere ceremony in Beijing.

Without exaggeration, more than half the film and entertainment circles showed up.

Because today's Huayi and Feng Feng Xiaogang were truly at the peak of their power.

The former's market value had soared continuously, making it the top film and television company among China's listed firms.

The latter was a top director in the industry, this year's Spring Festival Gala chief director, and "1942" was currently vying for an Oscar.

With this combination, who in the industry wouldn't give face? Who dared not?

Those who didn't go were either unworthy of Huayi's attention and weren't invited,

or were too busy to attend—but even those who couldn't come sent others to show support.

Lin Nan fell into the latter category, though he wasn't busy at all.

"This movie is incredible, especially Fan Wei's segment—it perfectly satirizes the bureaucracy, brilliant!"

"No wonder the authorities demanded edits—I really want to know what was cut!"

Yue Jun praised "Personal Tailor" upon returning.

"Of course—it's Wang Shuo's script." Lin Nan chuckled.

Objectively speaking, Feng Feng Xiaogang's rise to fame was due partly to talent, but Wang Shuo, his benefactor, mattered more.

"Once 'Personal Tailor' officially releases, 'No Man's Land' and 'Storm' will likely be overshadowed—it's Feng Feng Xiaogang's comedy, the audience's top choice for New Year's season."

Yue Jun predicted from his chair.

"About right. But 'No Man's Land' doesn't even need to be suppressed—its box office has peaked after sixteen days." Lin Nan added.

This morning's latest film data showed "No Man's Land" had been in theaters for fourteen days, earning 255 million RMB, with daily box office dropping to 890,000 RMB.

"Personal Tailor" opens in two days; "No Man's Land" won't make any waves now.

On the other hand, "Firestorm," produced by and starring Andy Lau, has indeed been a box-office hit, raking in 170 million in just 5 days since its release, with no signs of slowing down.

But none of these were the top headlines in film news.

Lin Nan glanced at his computer screen, where news about him appeared.

"Directed by Lin Nan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, and Jessica Chastain.

The film 'The Invisible Guest' has accumulated $174 million in North American box office; by the end of its third week, it may fail to break $200 million."

"Go check on the screenwriting department—how are those scripts coming along?" Lin Nan said to Yue Jun.

"Yeah, okay."

After Yue Jun left the office, Lin Nan stared at the screen and smiled softly:

"If not by week three, then week four. $200 million? No problem."

…………

The New Year season is now halfway through; the final batch of stills from "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" has been released.

This was also Han Han Sanping's "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" appearing online for the first time—and in a frontal shot.

Inside the empty Weihutang, the color palette was dark and cold.

Han Han Sanping's "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" sat atop a tiger-skin chair, expressionless, naturally imposing.

Shot from below, his presence felt even more overwhelming, creating an intensely oppressive sensation.

This still shot surged to the top trend within half an hour, becoming a hot topic in both industry circles and online.

"Is that Chairman Han? Wow—this makeup and costume radiates cruelty and dominance, brilliant!"

"The real 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao'—no one else. Lin Dao is awesome!"

"Finally, a Zuo Zuo Shandiao without clichés or deliberate uglification—I'm actually looking forward to it…"

"The China Film Group chairman playing Zuo Zuo Shandiao personally—this movie is destined for cinematic history. Don't miss it."

"This is basically an unconventional cameo, right? Haha… but honestly, it just feels right."

…

Netizens commented freely, without restraint.

But industry insiders were different—every single comment was pure flattery, and not the kind that could be misinterpreted!

Lin Nan was driving past Beijing Film Academy when he noticed heavy traffic.

Though the art exam registration was still one or two weeks away, people arriving early to gather information already filled the streets.

Every year, the busiest time for major art schools is right before and during the initial art exam registration.

Especially these past two years, skyrocketing paychecks and dazzling fame have driven countless young people to crave entry into this circle.

"This year's art exam applicants? Probably another few thousand or even ten thousand more."

Lin Nan felt slightly relieved he'd firmly refused the acting department's invitation to take the art exam a few days ago.

He wondered which famous alumni would return this year as fools? Of course, they weren't necessarily fools—it was also a great chance for publicity.

Lin Nan gripped the steering wheel, surprised to receive a call from Wang Wang Zhonglei.

Though he was a Huayi shareholder, Lin Nan wasn't aligned with Wang Wang Zhongjun or Wang Wang Zhonglei—rarely interacting, and he'd already planned to sell his shares.

Putting on his headphones, Lin Nan answered the call:

"Wang Zong, what made you think of calling me today? Something going on?"

That standardized, formulaic laugh came through: "Lin Dao, of course it's something proper."

"Then Wang Zong, keep it short — I'm driving right now."

Hearing that Lin Nan's tone wasn't exactly warm, Wang Wang Zhonglei gave up the idea of making small talk.

"Lin Dao, Huayi is holding a shareholders' meeting next month, combined with the grand celebration of Huayi's twentieth anniversary. We'll be inviting peers and media from both inside and outside the industry.

As a shareholder of the group, please be sure to make time to attend. The invitation — the group will send someone to deliver it to Lin Nan Pictures tomorrow."

"Twentieth anniversary?"

If Wang Wang Zhonglei hadn't said it, Lin Nan wouldn't have realized — it's already been twenty years? That should be counted from the advertising company days, right?

"Right, the twentieth anniversary celebration. The group will officially announce to the outside world its strategic development plan for the next five to ten years…"

Whatever Wang Wang Zhonglei said after that, Lin Nan didn't listen closely. In his head he only caught a few words — "five to ten years," "strategic development plan" — and it all sounded pretty high-end!

"Mm, I'll be there."

"Alright then, there's one more thing. This year's shareholder dividend will still be distributed in the form of stock allocation — we can give you the heads-up, Lin Dao."

A few minutes later, Lin Nan hung up the phone, his mood still rather complicated.

Stock allocation is definitely a good thing, because Huayi's stock price has been climbing steadily.

"Five-to-ten-year strategic development plan? Heh.

They've been doing real estate behind the scenes for so long — now they want to bring it out into the open? Boiling oil over a raging fire — that doesn't last long."

If Lin Nan guessed right, Huayi was about to openly put forward that development model.

Lin Nan couldn't really say what was wrong with Huayi's development model either — after all, real estate is currently the most profitable industry, a pillar industry!

How much can Huayi make from film and television each year? Their artist management business isn't even the focus anymore.

Why is Huayi's stock price far higher than Enlight, Huace, Orange Sky and other companies? Isn't it precisely because they've been developing real estate and acquiring companies in all sorts of other industries?

This subtly sends a message and a hint to the outside world… Huayi is flourishing — it's a giant ship!

There's no denying that Lin Nan is also a beneficiary.

But he would exit the stage before Huayi's "oil over the raging fire" burned dry.

Suddenly, Lin Nan thought of a problem: "It isn't even January yet, and I've already got this much piled up?"

Oscar nominations, Weibo Night, Huayi shareholders' meeting, film promotion, premiere, release… preparing Manchester by the Sea…

……

Since the lawsuit between Tang Ren and Lin Gengxin blew open, this was the first time news had been heard of Tang Ren signing a new artist — and a well-connected one at that.

"It is reported that the well-known industry film and television company Tang Ren Pictures recently signed the niece of the famous dance performance artist Yang Li Ping…"

"Tang Ren president Cai Yizhong stated that he would spare no effort in planning her acting path, ensuring she becomes the new top-tier dan actress."

Tang Ren's reputation isn't great, but there are still two kinds of people in this circle who don't care.

The first kind is those with family backing and connections — they'll be treated as a special case, at least not easily pushed around.

The second kind is ordinary acting students from art academies with absolutely no background.

After all, no matter how bad Tang Ren's reputation is, it's still an established film and television company that can provide resources and channels, and can launch newcomers.

In this circle, supply always exceeds demand — countless grassroots newcomers fight over a single signing slot.

Even if signing on means you'll only ever be a small-time actor, at least you're in the industry, right? In the future, there's no telling when your chance might come.

……

Liu Liu Yifei dug out the script of Brotherhood of Blades 2 that Director Lu Yang had sent over from Lin Nan's study and stuffed it into Watching Shu Chang's hands.

So, Watching Shu Chang ended up staying over at Liu Liu Xiaoli's place as well.

One, to familiarize herself with the script ahead of time; two — to keep Liu Liu Yifei company and have fun together!

"Don't leak the script or the film ahead of time — it'll be very troublesome otherwise," Lin Nan reminded.

"Bro, who'd dare cause you trouble?"

"He's not talking about that kind of trouble — he means being harassed and pestered by a bunch of companies and actors."

Liu Liu Yifei understood Lin Nan after all, and explained to Watching Shu Chang with a smile.

"I see?"

"Exactly. The casting this time is still up to Director Lu Yang. Once he's confirmed all the actors after the new year, we'll announce it together with you.

Otherwise, everyone will know I didn't give him face — that I bypassed the audition and directly handpicked you. Let's leave Director Lu some face, pretend he chose you, heh…"

"It was a handpick from the start, but Chang Chang is perfect for it — the only choice!"

Liu Liu Yifei said with a grin.

"The proper appearances still need to be kept up," Lin Nan said with a smile.

"Mm-hm, my brother's right — better keep a low profile!"

Watching Shu Chang nodded vigorously, then got poked in the waist by Liu Liu Yifei, who teased her for being a flatterer.

Personal Tailor officially opened in theaters.

Just as the industry had predicted, Feng Feng Xiaogang's New Year season comedy had absurdly strong pulling power.

On its first day, it completely crushed the other films, reminding the industry once again what it meant to be the "pioneer of the New Year season."

…………

(End of chapter)