[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-46":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},2286882,4473,"Chapter 46: Premiere and Release","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-46",46,"\u003Cp>\"You're still sleeping in; we've been waiting for you for a long time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei and Shu Chang walked over and complained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Lin Nan's arrival, everyone related to the *Crazy Stone* crew was finally present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was still a while before the screening, so Ning Hao led several lead actors to mingle among the guests at the venue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan and Zhu Yawen each took a few pieces of cake and started eating in a corner, while Liu Yifei and Shu Chang watched from the side, looking like they wanted to eat but were holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to eat, just eat. Why be so self-conscious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan handed a piece of cake to them. Liu Yifei shook her head, looked left and right, and still refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you ever seen an actress eating in public at a banquet?\" She glared at Lin Nan and turned her head away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I'll have a little.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang took the small plate, smiled, and took a bite with a fork. \"Hmm, not bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Changchang.\" Liu Yifei was very angry at her best friend's behavior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xixi, I'm not taking any gigs these two years, so it's fine to eat a little. Besides, Lin Nan is a big director, look at how enthusiastically they are both eating...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang made excuses while eating the cake in small bites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But actresses are different from men. Mom said...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's different? If you want to eat, just eat. You can just eat more elegantly, can't you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan handed the cake over again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Liu Yifei hesitated, stole a glance at Mother Liu who was chatting in the distance, then took it and squeezed in next to Shu Chang, eating in small bites. \"It really is quite good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four of them tasted the cake in the corner; many guests wanted to come over to build a connection with Lin Nan but were afraid of disturbing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the afternoon, the guests and the main creative team entered the cinema to watch the finished film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Tao, Liu Hua, Xu Zheng, Huang Bo... the film slowly unfolded, and the characters played by these people appeared one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The switch,\" \"effortless success,\" \"swapping fake for real,\" and \"returning the jade intact\"—the story revolving around a priceless piece of jade was gripping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chairman Feng, played by Xu Zheng, and his Manager Qin both met their ends in the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bao Shihong, played by Guo Tao, was commended for capturing the thief, while Dao Ge and his brothers fled for their lives and met their ends...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unprecedented style of comedy was presented before the guests, drawing bursts of laughter and applause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The premiere is a public appearance before a film's release and also a press conference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the film ended, the interview session began. Reporters wanted to ask Lin Nan first, but he pushed them to Ning Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just provided the script and the funding, and visited the set once. Everything else was done by Director Ning Hao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I first saw the script, I was shocked because I had an idea for a similar script a long time ago, but it was completely different from the version of *Crazy Stone*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, Director Lin Nan showed me the script for *Crazy Stone*, and I felt right then that it was the one I wanted to shoot, so I decisively took the job.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao answered the reporters' questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, how were the actors chosen at the time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reporter raised a question about casting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan signaled that he would answer this question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First of all, as everyone can see, the main creative team consists of capable actors from professional backgrounds. Brother Guo Tao and Brother Liu Hua both graduated from the Drama Academy and have long acting experience. Xu Zheng is also from the Shanghai Theatre Academy and has won a Magnolia Award; he has acting skills and isn't expensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, regarding Wang Xun and Huang Bo, one is a comedy actor from the Southwest region, and the other is a student from the Film Academy; both have a solid foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These are part of the reason, but the main reason is: they are cheap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The production budget can be used to the greatest extent on the film's actual production.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was still praising the actors, but the final sharp turn made everyone laugh, including the lead actors on stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reporters interviewed the lead actors one by one, and everyone was unanimously optimistic about the box office of *Crazy Stone*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am very grateful to Director Lin Nan for giving me this opportunity. I really hope to participate in a film directed by him in the future, not just his script.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo joked, aiming his words at Ning Hao, which made Ning Hao point at him and laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interview ended in a harmonious atmosphere, and the next highlight was the evening banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet was prepared for everyone. Many film premieres are places for various parties to negotiate cooperation and are also good opportunities for insiders to expand their networks and exchange resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After toasting Lin Nan, Xu Zheng wandered among many film companies; it was clear he was a man with goals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several big shots were chatting and laughing with Ning Hao, their words showing signs of favor. It is estimated that once *Crazy Stone* achieves results, they will invest in Ning Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mother Liu was chatting with people from Huayi, and both sides were interested in cooperation; Liu Yifei's current popularity is extremely high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you really without any desires or demands?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan looked at Shu Chang and said. She was alone, occasionally chatting with others—all agents or agencies interested in her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's wait until I graduate. It's pretty good right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like I said before, if it comes to it, I'll just have you manage me. You wouldn't refuse, would you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang popped a strawberry into her mouth and said to Lin Nan with narrowed eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me? I'll definitely say I don't know you when the time comes.\" Lin Nan smiled and said something harsh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft, then I'll just pester Xixi. You can't hide those little thoughts of yours from me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang swallowed the strawberry and pretended to threaten him fiercely, her eyes filled with playfulness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're sharp, you little brat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan didn't know how to refute her and helplessly admitted defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That same night, the *Crazy Stone* premiere made the news, including the full interview content and on-site photos of various celebrity guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them was the scene of the four of them eating cake in the corner. The angle of the photo was tricky; Liu Yifei and Shu Chang only showed their profiles, eating elegantly, while the two men's faces were fully captured, making them look much more casual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, look at how you two look.\" Liu Yifei teased Lin Nan and Zhu Yawen afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The media's evaluation of *Crazy Stone* was quite good, calling it a black comedy distinct from traditional comedies, making people laugh non-stop at the premiere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Motion Pictures had previously contacted Lin Nan regarding the promotion and distribution of *Crazy Stone* in Hong Kong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan hadn't originally thought about this, but since Emperor Motion Pictures had the intention, he eventually handed it over to them, marking their first cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the target audience for *Crazy Stone* wasn't very large, and it might not even be suitable for some Southeast Asian regions, so Lin Nan had only focused on the mainland. Because he didn't know how much box office the film could get in Hong Kong, he simply didn't consider it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The release in Hong Kong was two days later than in the mainland. As for the promotion, Lin Nan and the crew were powerless; the focus was definitely on the mainland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On May Day, *Crazy Stone* was released nationwide. There were no particularly strong competitors at this time, and the films of a few famous directors were scheduled for the second half of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many companies and filmmakers in the industry believed that the box office of *Crazy Stone* wouldn't be bad, but as for how far it could go, it depended on the data. Many people were watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Lin Nan didn't wait quietly for the results but ran to the cinema by himself to take a look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to the holiday, there were many cinema-goers. Among the films released, *Crazy Stone* was the most competitive, with Lin Nan's name and honors printed on the poster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The selection gave the answer, and it was easy for the audience to make a choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After observing the crowds at several cinemas, Lin Nan had a rough idea; word-of-mouth would ferment with the first batch of viewers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enlight Pictures also sent people to find out the attendance rate for the day and excitedly told Lin Nan the situation, asserting that the first-day box office would definitely not be bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, Enlight Pictures contacted the media and released the data obtained from the relevant departments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first-day national box office for *Crazy Stone* reached 13 million, and it could be concluded that this was another commercial film that would exceed 100 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the first day, word-of-mouth fermented smoothly, and many people praised *Crazy Stone* endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A different feeling, it's great, good to watch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's exactly how I curse; it sounds so intimate and energetic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first pee of 2002 came a little later than usual...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao's name appeared on every news page as the word-of-mouth and box office of *Crazy Stone* soared; a new 100-million-box-office director was about to be born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't know, my phone has been blown up recently. Everyone wants to invest in me; I'm just about to change my number.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao said with a smile, talking about the troubles of the past few days, completely ignoring the eye-rolls from the people next to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then congratulations to you. You won't have to worry about funding for making movies in the future,\" Lin Nan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haozi, you can't forget about me, buddy,\" Huang Bo chimed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't afford you. Didn't you say at the premiere that you wanted to film a movie directed by Lin Nan? I'm not worthy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just kidding, just kidding.\" Huang Bo smiled and went along with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honestly, the person I want to thank is you, Lin Nan. If it weren't for *Crazy Stone*, I'd probably still be working for other crews and saving money,\" Ning Hao looked at Lin Nan very sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's enough with the mushy stuff. Don't always think about ideals or art in the future. You should be able to see that only box office results can make others look up to you and give you money to invest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once your reputation is big and your status is stable, it won't be too late to play with your ideals and art. Chasing awards can also be done slowly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Golden words. You see things more clearly than I do. A toast to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao said, picked up a glass of beer, and downed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xing Ai, watching Ning Hao's behavior, also picked up her glass. \"Nothing else to say, this glass is definitely for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's have one together. Wishing *Crazy Stone* a big hit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A big hit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to news from Emperor Motion Pictures, *Crazy Stone* had 2 million on its first day there. Without any promotion, being able to get this much based solely on posters and screenings was already quite good. At the very least, Lin Nan felt that having it was a profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interests of Emperor Group come from a share of the profits of \"Crazy Stone\" in Hong Kong, so they will also do their best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was not confident about the box office over there, which is why he signed it that way, but judging by the two million opening day box office, Emperor Group seems to have bet correctly, because they didn't invest much in promotion and distribution, and the place is only so big.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The box office for \"Crazy Stone\" rushed to thirteen million on the first day, and on the second day, the third day, until the seventh day, for an entire short holiday, the box office\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>did not fall below twelve million on a daily average.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not until the eighth day that the box office dropped to eight million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan estimates that in ten more days at most, the daily box office of \"Crazy Stone\" will likely drop to six figures, and by then, it won't be far from being pulled from theaters.\u003C\u002Fp>",2118,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","432fce75a19132beee3ce7160b4e822f80c2b120c4eb27dec72afa0c8c3e4030","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-47","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-45",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]