Chapter 457: Release, Wrap

The Chinese-language film market is growing ever more prosperous, closing in on North America, and has long been a key focus of Hollywood's attention.

That morning, when the crew started work, Lin Nan saw a piece of film news from back home.

A Chinese-language blockbuster with a 200-million-RMB budget, billed as a 3D fantasy epic — "Iceman: The Gate of Rebirth" — has locked in its release date for April 25th.

Honestly, at first glance the name gives off the vibe of a Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster transliterated from Chinese.

But when Lin Nan took a closer look at the main creative lineup, the next second he just couldn't hold back his laughter.

Who knows when this so-called 3D fantasy epic was filmed — back in the year of the monkey, or whenever — with Zhen Zhen Zidan, Huang Huang Shengyi, Wang Wang Baoqiang, and Ren Ren Dahua.

Looking at it now, it's not just funny but satirical — a complete joke.

Because the leading man Zhen Zhen Zidan has thoroughly fallen from A-list to B-list;

and the leading lady Huang Huang Shengyi is even further gone — nowhere to be seen within the C-list, long vanished!

"Oh wow, Enlight is playing rough!

They've actually scheduled 'You Are the One I Sit With' for the very same day — they're going head-to-head with Zhen Zhen Zidan and Huang Huang Shengyi's film? Hmm, not bad!"

In Lin Nan's view, Gao Gao Xiaosong's "You Are the One I Sit With" was bound to be nothing special.

But there's no denying that youth-themed films are all the rage in the market right now — regardless of quality, they rake in plenty at the box office.

These two films releasing in the same window, Enlight really is being a bit "too bullying" toward Zhen Zhen Zidan and Huang Huang Shengyi.

Suddenly, Lin Nan thought of something amusing:

"Boss Yang, who's also her secretly married husband, must have developed some psychological trauma by now, right?

Back then it was because she ran into Enlight that this former A-list starlet Huang Huang Shengyi got played into oblivion by Wang Dong… tsk tsk."

"Lin, everything's ready."

The voice of a crew logistics staffer came from a distance; Lin Nan set down his phone and rose from the director's chair.

"Then let's get ready to roll — Leonardo, Zhou Jie Xi Ka…"

"OK."

"Lin, I'm ready."

"Manchester by the Sea" officially entered the final stretch of shooting.

Back home, as the first xianxia drama produced by Lin Nan Pictures, the casting auditions for "The Journey of Flower" had drawn tremendous attention from industry actors — but today's headline in the entertainment world wasn't about that.

Yue Jun looked at the banquet invitation in his hand, then glanced up at the news on his computer screen, and laughed with a touch of ruefulness.

"Yang Mi, the leading figure among the Mainland Four Dan actresses and a top star, has officially launched her film and television company with manager Ceng Jia: Jiaxing Media."

"Yang Mi stated that after upgrading from a studio to a film and television company, the firm will simultaneously develop talent management, film and television investment, drama production, and other lines of business."

"Jiaxing Media's general manager Ceng Jia emphasized that she and her partner, co-boss and leading lady Yang Mi, will work in tandem — one inside, one outside — to grow the company big and strong."

"Multiple film and television companies have confirmed receiving invitations to Jiaxing Media's opening banquet… including former parent company Shanhai Media, and Rongxinda…"

……

Yue Jun felt a touch of emotion — these two really did have ambition; they knew that being an actress, being a manager, even running a studio, none of it offered a real future.

"Now it's a studio turning into a company — in another year or two, they won't be thinking of raising capital and going public, will they? Heh…"

Yue Jun laughed and joked, then shook his head — probably impossible.

But since the invitation had been sent to Shanhai Media, he really couldn't skip showing up.

Otherwise the media would surely spin it again, writing nonsense about being petty or small-minded.

……

Sitting behind the monitor, Lin Nan watched Leonardo and Zhou Jie Xi Ka's scene together.

No matter how the latter's emotions shifted — even as she cried and begged the leading man to change his circumstances and embrace life again —

Leonardo remained utterly deadpan.

In the close-up, there was no light or life in his eyes at all, as if his heart were a pool of stagnant water, incapable of even the slightest ripple.

"Cut."

At the sound of Lin Nan's voice, everyone knew "Manchester by the Sea" was about to wrap.

"Let's call it a day a bit early today — let's aim to wrap within three days!"

Lin Nan stretched his stiff neck as he spoke casually.

"Lin, how are you planning to handle this film?"

Leonardo asked with concern; Zhou Jie Xi Ka and Ma Te also looked over.

The Oscars had been nearly a month ago, and these people were clearly still savoring it.

"Mm… same as 'The Invisible Guest.'"

Hearing that answer, everyone on set — especially the leads — broke into excited expressions.

"Oh God, we're going for the Oscars again." Zhou Jie Xi Ka grinned.

"That's great news — I should fight for Best Actor!"

Leonardo nodded, his face first lighting up with joy, then perhaps recalling his "tragic history" over the past twenty years, he pulled back a little, a touch of melancholy returning.

Back at the villa, Lin Nan took a short nap.

Around six in the evening, he ordered a high-calorie pizza — food can relax both body and mind and ease fatigue.

He made five or six video calls; it took a full ten minutes before the other side finally picked up.

What greeted Lin Nan's eyes was Liu Liu Yifei — squinting, looking half-awake, bare-faced and bleary.

"Get up — it's almost ten."

"Ugh, you're so annoying."

Miss Liu struggled to sit up, her long black hair draped loosely, and combined with her morning grumpiness, beneath her furrowed brows that exquisite face even took on a touch of the wronged wife.

"In at most three days, I can wrap on my end."

Lin Nan smiled lightly and said.

Seeing Liu Liu Yifei like this, he found it amusing—if he were beside her, he'd definitely pinch her cheek.

But the consequences might be severe: she'd flip him over and pin him to the bed…

Hearing Lin Nan was finishing filming, Liu Liu Yifei across from him instantly widened her eyes and snapped awake.

She asked happily, "Really?"

"Mm, true. I'll send you the flight details later."

"Fine, I'll pick you up."

The next second, seeing the food Lin Nan held to her lips, Liu Liu Yifei rolled her eyes again, "Are you deliberately teasing me?"

"Haha, I timed it just right to call you for breakfast."

Just as Lin Nan finished speaking, a knock came at the door—Liu Liu Xiaoli's voice called out:

"Liu Qianqian, get up and eat! I've called you three times already. If you don't get up, I'll really spank you… Watch your stomach…"

Lin Nan, watching Liu Liu Yifei's pouty expression, stifled his laugh, "Go on."

"Coming!"

Liu Liu Yifei shouted toward the door, then glanced at Lin Nan with a teasing expression: "I need to change clothes and wash up. I'm hanging up."

"Hey, don't go— you can change and…"

"…talk."

Lin Nan stared at the disconnected video call and chuckled helplessly: "Won't let me see? Wait till I get back—I'll see it in person…"

…

Although March still had two days left, "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" had completely lost its box office momentum.

The first Chinese film to reach 2 billion yuan at the box office—concluded successfully.

Media and industry insiders once again showed respect, placing it on the front page of every film news headline:

"Directed by Lin Nan, produced by Liu Liu Yifei, starring Han Han Sanping, Zhang Zhang Hanyu, Huang Huang Xiaoming, Fan Li Bingbing, Luo Jin, Tong Tong Liya, and others."

"The mainstream commercial film 'Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy,' released for 58 days, has grossed a total of 2.053 billion yuan and has officially ended its run."

"A new national box office record for Chinese films—fixed at 2.053 billion yuan!"

"The four production companies—Lin Nan Pictures, China Film Group, Wanda, and Enlight—collectively received a distributable box office of 866 million yuan. The film special fund bonus is approximately 100 million yuan, yielding a final net profit of around 900 million yuan."

…

The film industry finally saw the final profit of "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy"—the most profitable Chinese film since the millennium!

The investment share ratios among the four production companies were also disclosed in China Film Group's report: 3:3:2:2.

Amid envy and jealousy, the production industry turned mocking eyes toward Huayi; many insiders privately sneered:

"They say that during Han's retirement banquet last National Day, Wang Wang Zhonglei offered Lin a 800-million-yuan guaranteed box office—but Lin demanded 1.2 billion, and Wang backed down!"

"Yu, the boss of Bonar, heard the 1.2 billion figure and immediately withdrew!"

"Man, don't those two regret their guts now?"

"They just weren't meant to make this money—he can only scam Zhou Zhou Xingchi."

…

For two consecutive days, while filming, Lin Nan reviewed every single shot he'd shot.

He planned to bring the footage back to China and oversee the post-production editing, determined to avoid any need for reshoots.

On the third morning, during the crew's break, Lin Nan casually checked domestic news.

Wu Lu Tianming's memorial service was held at Beijing Film Academy.

All the major Fifth Generation directors—including Chen Chen Kaige, Zhang Zhang Yimou, Feng Feng Xiaogang, Gu Gu Changwei, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang—attended without exception.

This man, who could be considered the teacher of Zhang Zhang Yimou and others, left behind his un-released final work, "The Farewell."

During an interview, Zhang Zhang Yimou, rarely, mentioned the box office of "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy."

He bluntly said all Chinese directors were now held hostage by box office and market demands—including himself, and including the current box office record holder—Lin Nan.

While on the set of "Manchester by the Sea," Lin Nan felt as if he were sitting at home.

After returning to China, he'd almost certainly be chased by reporters asking his opinion on Zhang Zhang Yimou's remarks.

"Alright, ready for the final shot," Lin Nan called out to everyone.

Actors, cinematographers, lighting crew—all immediately returned to their posts.

All lead and supporting actors gathered around the graveyard, watching Ma Te's coffin; this long take had no dialogue, relying solely on silent acting.

…

Under the sunset, Leonardo's uncle and nephew walked down a path, few lines spoken, yet still heavy and somber.

The former would leave Manchester; the latter chose to stay, like his father, the deceased "Ma Te."

The ending of this film, like that of "The Hunt," was irreversible: tragedy, helplessness.

"Cut!"

Everyone turned toward the director's position.

Lin Nan took a deep breath and relaxed.

He scanned Leonardo, Jessica Chastain, Ma Te Damon, and the other supporting actors, then smiled:

"I declare 'Manchester by the Sea' officially wrapped."

…………

Chapter two today won't go live until midnight.

(End of Chapter)