Chapter 442

"You came back alone!

Why did you come back alone?

How could you have the nerve to come back alone?

If you're alone, you don't need to come back!

Get out of here quickly.

……"

At his own doorstep, Lin Nan held his suitcase with his right hand and tucked his left hand into his down jacket pocket, shivering in the freezing wind of minus several degrees.

Just like this, he still had to try hard to keep smiling, accepting Old Lin's "sarcasm," and his heart was "tormented" beyond words.

"How about we go in first? It's very cold outside."

Lin Nan said with a cheeky smile.

"Freezing you to death is fine..."

Although he was still cursing, Old Lin had already moved aside.

He looked at Lin Nan with eyes of "anger at his failure to live up to expectations," letting him carry the suitcase across the threshold and walk toward the backyard.

That large pile of exquisite and conspicuous gift boxes in the corner made Lin Nan a bit confused at first glance, but then he reacted.

"Messy, sending them every year, and there are more and more people.

Except for saying what film studio, what company, which studio actor, they don't say two more sentences, just put them down and leave. Does it really not affect you?"

Lin Nan put down the suitcase and shook his head at Old Lin; "As long as it's not too valuable, since they sent it, just keep it; it's not a big deal."

"Um, as long as it doesn't affect you. You, see what you want to eat at noon, I'll tidy up for you in a while..."

Old Lin finally felt relieved, hunched his body, looked up at his son, and asked chattering.

At this moment, Lin Nan's nose was inexplicably a bit unpromising, a bit sour.

No matter how he retorted at first, it would eventually turn into worrying about him, thinking about what he wanted to eat...

Everything is always so natural, taken for granted for decades.

…………

Seeing that it was about to be New Year's Eve, the entertainment circle became increasingly lively, and there was no lack of big news in the industry.

Even if Lin Nan was in his hometown, he saw the "Letter to the Film and Television Industry" issued by Xiaoma on the official website and Weibo.

Jianyin Culture didn't kill them, temporarily giving up the obligation to let Xiaoma repurchase shares at a premium after the gambling failure.

Other major shareholders also rarely didn't kick them while they were down.

Big Dog Brother's widow officially took over as the chairman of Xiaoma Media and concurrently served as the general manager of Xiaoma Film, left vacant after Zhong Lifang resigned.

This announcement clearly stated: Xiaoma will continue to move forward, operate normally, and all film and television businesses will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual.

Not only that, Xiaoma also tagged all the top film and television companies in the circle on Weibo and sent New Year blessings.

Hoping to watch and help each other and cooperate more in the future.

To be honest, Xiaoma Pentium is still trying to maintain its image and posture as a "top film and television company" in the industry.

But this act of "showing favor" to other companies in the end was a step down.

Even if there are no muscles to show on the "battlefield," you cannot take the initiative to show favor; this will only make the leadership look "weak and bullyable" and "lacking confidence."

In addition, whether Xiaoma admits it or not, in the eyes of other big film and television companies and the upper echelons of the industry, it is now a second-rate company.

Xiaoma and these tagged film and television companies are no longer on the same level or grade at all.

In the future, it is highly probable that no top company in the circle will really pay attention to Xiaoma.

Falling behind is falling behind; the possibility of catching up again is slim, almost zero.

……

Lin Nan is sighing; paparazzi are truly powerful.

The news of him returning to his hometown spread like wildfire after only one day.

Starting from the candid photos at the airport, they actually followed him all the way.

Even the ten minutes he was "criticized" by Old Lin at the gate were filmed from afar, and the short video has become a hot spot on the internet.

Many acquaintances in the circle were joking and teasing on Weibo:

"Look, this is the treatment of returning to your hometown alone without Yifei; get blown in the cold wind for ten minutes first!"

"Our big director also has times of being timid, fawning, and swallowing insults. Tsk tsk, it's really bloodline suppression; the old man is awesome!"

"Yifei, where are you? Your Lin Nan needs support..."

"Fortunately, I'm not going home this year; I sympathize with Director Lin."

……

After finishing the video call with Liu Yifei in the morning, Lin Nan didn't stop much here, and there were quite a few guests.

Besides Xiying and some film and television companies, quite a few people in the circle wanted to invite him to dinner, such as Yan Ni.

Going is impossible; Lin Nan could only politely decline, saying that after the Spring Festival, when he returns to the capital, they will gather if there is a chance.

He has to go to worship his ancestors with Old Lin, going in a hurry and returning in a hurry.

In a blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve.

Yue Jun's call came through.

"News from the cinema line, tomorrow 'The Taking of Tiger Mountain' has the highest screening rate, with a minimum screening rate of 43%, and Wanda will arrange it to 53%."

"Next is 'The Monkey King' at 30%, and 'From Vegas to Macau' is next, at 15%."

"Which means, these three films basically divided up 90% of tomorrow's film market."

"Yes, especially us; on average, it might be close to half."

Lin Nan had nothing to say; the first day's screening rate represents the cinema line and market's favor for this film before its release.

As for whether the subsequent screening rate will fluctuate significantly, it depends on the first day's box office results and word of mouth.

"I know, thank you for your hard work."

"What are you saying, I have to be worthy of my annual salary and dividends, haha..."

……

Lin Nan hasn't watched the Spring Festival Gala for several years because it's getting more and more boring.

But Old Lin never misses it every year; this is also a habit he has maintained for many years.

Especially this year, very rarely, Lin Nan watched the Spring Festival Gala with him.

But in Lin Nan's eyes, where is this the Spring Festival Gala?

This is simply a "report performance" of Huayi artists, another "Huayi annual meeting."

Although many people in the circle, including Lin Nan, were mentally prepared.

But when the Spring Festival Gala truly started, he realized that the previous mental preparation was still insufficient!

Huayi can be said to have stuffed all its own stars and connections that could be brought out into it.

Those Huayi artists and stars who didn't appear on the Spring Festival Gala weren't because they couldn't, but because of schedule conflicts.

"Do you recognize these people?"

Suddenly, Old Lin pointed to the sketch "To Help or Not to Help" on the TV and asked Lin Nan.

"Um, consider it recognizing."

Lin Nan nodded and said. Even if there are some he doesn't recognize, they must recognize him.

"These two years, only these two people's sketches are worth a look, but they are not as good as before.

Chen Peisi used to act so well, why doesn't he act anymore? Even Zhao Benshan and the others have no shadow..."

Lin Nan smiled and prevaricated: "Maybe they are old and can't act anymore."

He wouldn't say that the former was banned, nor would he say that the latter were forced to retreat by the Spring Festival Gala's repeated "elimination" and "intervention in creation."

Lin Nan glanced at Shen Teng and Ma Li on the TV; they were indeed okay.

It's really been many years, and this is the first time Lin Nan watched the Spring Festival Gala with patience, but it was worth it.

"Oh my, this little girl is amazing! Turned circles for 4 hours..."

Amidst Old Lin's admiration, Lin Nan turned off the TV and prepared to sleep.

The next morning, just as the sky was dawning, Lin Nan was woken up by the sound of firecrackers.

Old Lin was also knocking on his door, "Get up quickly, the dumplings are cooked for you."

"Right away."

Lin Nan finished in three or two strokes, walked out of the room, and started washing up.

Steaming dumplings were already on the table, and there were some in front of the Kitchen God, God of Wealth, etc.

Old Lin and Lin Nan sat down face to face.

"This afternoon, you go back to the capital."

"Ah? Why?"

Lin Nan hurriedly swallowed the dumplings in his mouth, looked at Old Lin, a bit confused.

"Isn't the movie you filmed released today? Go back and watch it, and by the way, spend more time with Xixi. Starting tomorrow, I also have to go visit relatives."

Old Lin said very decisively, not discussing, but ordering, and added: "You stayed in the house for four days this time, that's enough."

Lin Nan didn't speak, but nodded silently, "I know."

The two ate breakfast like this, very quiet, very harmonious, as if they had returned to many years ago.

Media and internet news have already started to refresh the screen; besides yesterday's Spring Festival Gala, it's today's movies.

"Feng Xiaogang is suspected of abusing power for personal gain; Spring Festival Gala performance guests, wantonly inserting Huayi-affiliated actors and artists..."

"Tang Ren signed actor Xiao Caiqi, became famous in one battle, turned for 4 hours on the Spring Festival Gala."

……

"Spring Festival season, smoke and fire everywhere.

'The Taking of Tiger Mountain,' 'The Monkey King,' 'From Vegas to Macau,' 'Ex-Files'... several domestic films were released simultaneously today, starting a slaughter."

"According to the cinema line, today 'The Taking of Tiger Mountain' has an average screening rate as high as 46%, the most among many films!"

Text messages and news were sent to Lin Nan's phone, all wishing him a Happy New Year.

And he was on the phone with Liu Yifei, laughing:

"The old man told me to leave this afternoon, to go back and accompany you, as if he was afraid his daughter-in-law would run away."

"Hahaha, then you have to hold on tight; I run very fast."

Liu Yifei's laughter carried a bit of laziness, "Put it on speaker."

Lin Nan understood instantly, took the phone to Old Lin's side, and under his confused eyes, raised the phone: "Uncle, I am Xixi..."

Sigh, how to say it? Lin Nan was a bit speechless.

This is the 5th day he has been back, and it's the first time he has seen so many wrinkles on Old Lin's face!

Ten minutes later, Old Lin threw the phone to Lin Nan with a smile, and then changed his face:

"Did you book the ticket? Get out of here this afternoon, you have no eye for things..."

Uh... this changing face is faster than turning a book! Lin Nan smiled and didn't speak.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the first-day box office of the Spring Festival season is the focus of the entire film circle.

Especially this year, Lin Nan entered the Spring Festival season for the first time, and it was a mainstream commercial film that hadn't existed before, so the industry was even more looking forward to the box office data.

After two o'clock in the afternoon, Old Lin originally said he would drive his Jeep to take Lin Nan to the airport, but was refused by him.

Still at the gate, minus three degrees, the cold wind was biting.

"After you go back, behave well."

Old Lin opened his mouth, as if there were still many words to say, but held back.

Lin Nan knew what he wanted to say; after putting his luggage into the taxi trunk, he walked to his side.

"Dad, I plan to get engaged this year."

A sudden sentence made Old Lin a bit confused, followed by a big laugh, and then he pursued:

"What did you say, say it again."

"I said, I plan to get engaged this year. Um, the second half of the year."

"Haha, good, good. The second half of the year is good, the second half of the year is good. You dog thing, finally thought of serious business! Go, go back quickly..."

Old Lin laughed and urged Lin Nan to get in the car, having a feeling of being unable to wait for him to go back to the capital, as if the daughter-in-law he had his eye on would really run away.

"You go into the house too; it's quite cold outside. This shop, open it half a month later, rest more."

Lin Nan sat in the back seat and exhorted through the car window.

"You're even managing me, get out of here quickly." Old Lin retorted angrily.

"Master, let's go."

Lin Nan waved at Old Lin and said to the driver.

Watching the taxi gradually drive away, a gratified smile appeared on Old Lin's face.

Although his figure looked increasingly hunched, at this moment, his spirit was better than ever before.

"This guy, finally thought of serious business, what a good girl. Haha, hahahaha..."

Old Lin couldn't help laughing, laughing louder and louder, unable to stop. Pedestrians passing by on the street couldn't help but look at him.

…………

(End of chapter)