Chapter 463: Listing

A long Weibo post by Qiong Yao could be considered an open letter to the State Administration.

This was the most explosive topic in the entertainment industry today, the headline of headlines.

In the open letter, she was stern and filled with grief and indignation, reporting Yu Zheng's malicious acts of plagiarizing several of her works by name and listing them all out.

She implored the State Administration to stop broadcasting, take down, and ban the latter's TV series, and clearly stated that she would sue Yu Zheng.

Subsequently, Yu Zheng immediately responded with a long post, making a response, but the wording was very interesting.

This person clearly had a certain psychological preparation a long time ago.

In the long post he replied with, he first positioned himself as a junior, flattered Qiong Yao, and then it was sophistry with a glib tongue:

Stating that those plot bridges were coincidences and misunderstandings, and the "plagiarism claim" was malicious hype, provocation, and smearing by some media and netizens.

In the script he wrote, there was only tribute and reference to Qiong Yao, never plagiarism!

Yu Zheng clearly underestimated Qiong Yao's determination this time; the latter didn't want to settle the matter at all, and her company's reply was only three words: See you in court.

99% of netizens online supported Qiong Yao, and a large number of screenwriters in the industry expressed their stance to boycott Yu Zheng.

There were even screenwriters who had worked with Yu Zheng who spoke out publicly: "As early as 2009, Yu Zheng asked me to directly misappropriate the main line content of Qiong Yao's script.

And he said bluntly that as long as the plagiarized content didn't exceed 20%, it would be fine. For example, if you plagiarized 20 episodes from the other party, but you could expand the drama to 100 episodes, then even the court couldn't hold you accountable!"

This kind of operation routine simply opened the eyes of netizens.

Some meddlesome netizens even "translated" Yu Zheng's long post, which looked weak on the surface but was actually clamoring, and the meaning was very shameless:

First, I used the actors you made famous as supporting roles, so this isn't plagiarism, it's respect and imitation.

Second, your side already knew I was plagiarizing but never stopped it, so I'm not wrong.

Third, South Korea is also plagiarizing; I'm not the first. If you want to find trouble, please go to South Korea first. They are all fine, but I'm the unlucky one; this isn't fair!

For a time, Yu Zheng, who was already notorious in the industry, completely became the target of screenwriters in the circle.

In the past, no screenwriter dared to expose Yu Zheng's bottom line, or rather, no one had succeeded, because he could make money and boost people, and was "covered" by the market and capital.

But now it was different; with the lead of seniors and big names in the screenwriting circle, the entire industry began to denounce Yu Zheng.

"I heard that Qiong Yao's side is very determined. They wrote the open letter on the front foot, and on the back foot, they had already officially sued in the capital.

However, Yu Zheng hasn't been idle either; he should be spending money on public relations, and posts whitewashing him online and on Weibo are appearing and increasing in an explosive manner."

At Tiangong Color, Lin Nan was looking at the news sent by Wang Wei while listening to Yue Jun gossip.

Many actors supported Qiong Yao, but not a single one supported Yu Zheng, including those actors he made famous, who didn't dare to make a sound.

*Palace 3: The Lost Daughter*, which had been airing for less than a week by Yu Zheng's studio, was the direct fuse that angered the old lady.

But unfortunately, Tudou bought the exclusive web streaming rights for this drama, and the click rate was very popular.

According to Wang Wei, Tudou had already received a unilateral notice from Qiong Yao's company, requesting to take down this drama, but he wasn't prepared to pay attention to it. He would wait until the lawsuit over there was finished and the court had made a judgment before talking about whether to take it down or not.

Enlighten and Wanda both supported Wang Wei's approach, and Lin Nan replied to the message choosing to second it. After all, Mango TV was still broadcasting it normally.

After chatting with Yue Jun for more than ten minutes, Lin Nan once again threw himself into the post-production of *Manchester by the Sea*.

It was already mid-April, and he had to finish the post-production in at most two months.

Only then could he leave Crystal Film more than half a month for promotion and preview screenings, in order to catch up to sign up for the Oscars and other awards in early July.

In addition, the TV drama team on Jiang Xuerou's side was also ready; *The Journey of Flower* would officially start filming in Hengdian at the end of the month.

"Jointly produced by Bad Monkey and Lin Nan Film, directed by Ning Hao and produced by Lin Dao Nan, the film *Breakup Buddies* is officially set for September 30th, locking in the National Day slot."

Another film with a big director and big cast was set, and it was a comedy!

Many producers in the film industry who were eyeing the National Day slot were now in a difficult position.

Everyone even began to consider whether to change the slot to avoid *Breakup Buddies*?

At the moment, the May Day slot was about to begin.

The promotion for the three domestic films *Iceman: The Gate of Time*, *My Old Classmate*, and *The Great Hypnotist* had already entered the white-hot stage.

And *Coming Home* in mid-May was even shortlisted for the Cannes International Film Festival screening unit today, magnifying the promotional effect by more than ten times.

Just like the name of the film, Zhang Yimou and Teacher Gong Li were "coming home" strongly!

However, in terms of promotional effect and attention, *The Invisible Guest* still sat firmly in the top spot.

The film that Lin Nan won the first Oscar trophy for the mainland—this gimmick was incomparably loud.

After leaving Tiangong Color in the afternoon and returning home, Lin Nan received quite a few messages from people in the circle, asking him to look at the news, which was about Alibaba.

Lin Nan was quite curious; could it be that they had started film and television project production?

After he opened the news, he was stunned in less than ten seconds, feeling shocked.

The wealthy Alibaba, after acquiring the listed company Cultural China to enter the film and television industry, finally began to subvert the traditional film and television industry's worldview!

They launched a crowdfunding business aimed at the film and television industry, namely: "Yulebao."

This business was promoted very well:

"Netizens can invest as little as 100 yuan to invest in popular film and television projects in the industry, provide production funds for them, and participate in profit sharing, with an annualized return of at least 7%."

It was very lively online, and countless netizens were extremely excited, as if the film and television circle was right in front of their eyes, within reach. Ordinary people could also be investors in films and TV dramas!

A large number of netizens were leaving messages suggesting and calling on Alibaba to talk to big directors like Lin Nan, Zhang Yimou, Jiang Wen, Feng Xiaogang, Ning Hao, Tsui Hark, etc. As long as they launched these people's film projects, they would definitely invest even if they had to smash pots and sell iron.

Unlike those "ignorant" netizens, the film and television industry was a bit trembling with fear.

What is Alibaba trying to do? How does this business sound so "scary"?

Practitioners in the film and television circle, especially production companies, directors, and producers, who doesn't know that this industry is a high-risk industry, especially films, which are high-risk among high-risk!

Why does Alibaba dare to guarantee an annualized 7%? This feels wrong; it's completely off track...

Furthermore, crowdfunding to invest in popular film and television projects? Which popular project needs crowdfunding!?

Big directors' projects never lack investment; they are the ones picking the investors!

In the eyes of the traditional film and television circle, "Yulebao" is a bit terrifying to think about!

"Good guy, really a good guy, actually daring to play like this!"

Lin Nan was browsing the news and couldn't help but exclaim. Alibaba's operation was really showy, and their guts were too big.

"What are you saying, looking so scared?"

Liu Yifei was wearing home clothes, kicking cute-style slippers, and walked down from the second floor.

Having just taken a shower and blown her hair dry, she looked exceptionally pink and tender, and her fair feet and toes painted with pink nail polish were equally eye-catching.

"The film and television industry is going to be in chaos."

Lin Nan looked at Liu Yifei and replied, saying very seriously.

Miss Liu sat down beside Lin Nan, and she didn't know whether the scent of her body or the shower gel had the upper hand; it was faint and very charming.

She glanced at the news on the tablet, "Crowdfunding?"

"Yeah, internet companies have many tricks. This isn't crowdfunding to make a movie at all; this is..."

Halfway through the sentence, Lin Nan braked hard.

"The company's films don't need crowdfunding, why are you worrying so much."

Liu Yifei rolled her eyes and smiled at Lin Nan.

"That's true, I'll just huddle with Enlighten and Wanda and ignore this giant crocodile."

Lin Nan nodded and muttered, then looked at Liu Yifei, "Why are you taking a shower at this time? You didn't sleep until the afternoon again, did you?"

"You're the one who slept until the afternoon. I got up at 11 o'clock at noon, but Xie Nan and the others called me out for dinner in the evening, and we'll go shopping by the way."

Alright, women always have to tidy up before going out, but looking at it, Liu Yifei was at most taking a shower and then going out without makeup.

"If you need anything, just call me, and I'll pick you up."

"Mm-hmm, I know."

The next day, Tiangong Color.

Lin Nan continued to bury his head in the post-production of *Manchester by the Sea*.

Outside, it was heard that Bona had started filming another *The Sword of the Third Young Master*, directed by Hong Kong director Derek Yee, which was also a show-off.

Back then, relying on *One Nite in Mongkok* to defeat Stephen Chow's *Kung Fu* and win the Best Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards, it was still a joke to this day.

But what Lin Nan was more concerned about was that *Ordinary World* seemed to have opened up for set visits, which meant it wasn't far from wrapping up.

Lin Nan liked the original work of this book very much and had once asked Yue Jun to inquire about it.

But unfortunately, the film and television rights were bought by Huashi Film, and that side didn't agree to transfer them, so it had to be dropped in the end.

"Lin Dao, someone from Alibaba is here."

The assistant ran to Tiangong Color and said to Lin Nan.

"Is Director Yue in the company?"

"Yes."

"Let him go; I'm not in the company today."

Lin Nan ordered directly; he was too lazy to deal with people from Alibaba. Each one of them was like talking in a crosstalk, all empty, and very arrogant.

"Okay."

Just past 11 o'clock in the morning, Yue Jun came to find Lin Nan.

"Definitely nothing good, right?"

"Haha, Lin Dao really guessed it. They want to invite our company to participate in the 'Yulebao' project, or pay a premium to buy the investment shares of our company's future films."

"After buying them back, put them into 'Yulebao'?"

Lin Nan looked disdainful, asking as if answering.

"Probably eight or nine out of ten. The high-level people from Alibaba Cultural China came today. Listening to him, they will contact the big directors in the circle one by one.

Striving for the new films launched in the industry in the future, especially blockbusters, Yulebao must at least pass through their hands by 50%. Tsk tsk tsk, listen to this tone; this is to come in and unify the market! Haha..."

Lin Nan also laughed. Sure enough, what style the boss has, the subordinates have the same style; it's Alibaba's style, no problem!

"Then what did you say?"

"Lin Nan Film has sufficient funds, from the upstream of the production industry to the downstream of the cinema chain, and even peripheral and online platforms, all have fixed partners, and no link is weak.

I said it so bluntly, and he still asked me to consider it. That tone, it's like Alibaba is going to take care of our business and promote us!"

Yue Jun laughed while talking, and many employees of Tiangong Color around also followed along happily.

"Don't pay attention to them; others are different from us, they are not on the same path at all."

Lin Nan shook his head, his words resonant.

*The Invisible Guest* was released in the country, and there was no need to prepare for a premiere, because it had already been released in North America.

But the premiere of *Coming Home* in the same slot definitely existed, and it would definitely be very grand.

Look, even the invitation letter was sent to Lin Nan, and it wasn't sent to the company, but directly to the house!

One invitation letter, two names, just like *Under the Hawthorn Tree* back then.

People in the circle had long regarded Lin Nan and Liu Yifei as one.

This time, very rarely, Zhang Yimou also called.

"In early May, you and Yifei should both come and take a look, and help me give some suggestions."

"Director Zhang is too polite, we will definitely come then."

Lin Nan promised, and he also wanted to see it first.

You know, Zhang Yimou and Teacher Gong Li's art films and realistic films from those years were all films that students of the Beijing Film Academy directing department had to repeatedly analyze, and it was said that the two families of the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy were the same.

"Good, then it's settled."

"Mm."

Lin Nan heard that *Coming Home* could have entered the main competition unit of the Cannes Film Festival.

But it was artificially withdrawn by the domestic side, and finally regretfully went to the screening module of the official unit.

As for the reason, there was no need to guess.

Because Zhang Yimou is an international big director, and this film involves that special era background.

Time passed in the blink of an eye, and the day of the results was coming.

Lin Nan had just accompanied Liu Yifei to watch the Hollywood animated film *Rio 2* in the morning, and when he returned home at noon, he received an overseas call.

"I'm going to the kitchen to help Mom and Auntie serve the dishes."

Liu Yifei said softly and ran to the kitchen.

"Chairman Cao?"

"Lin Nan, it's 10:30 at night on my side..."

Cao Guowei's voice had a trace of trembling and excitement, and Lin Nan realized something.

He also suppressed his somewhat excited emotions and asked: "Chairman Cao, is it starting?"

On the other side, Cao Guowei suddenly laughed, "11 hours later, Weibo officially opens. You are a major shareholder, remember to promote and celebrate..."

"11 hours later..."

Lin Nan muttered this number, his eyes shining:

"Mm, I'll go post a Weibo in a while, wishing our opening stock price to soar, haha..."

When Liu Yifei came out with a plate, she saw Lin Nan sitting at the dining table laughing like a fool.

"What's wrong, Lin Nan? Laughing so silly."

"11 hours later, Weibo officially lands on NASDAQ." Lin Nan said with a smile.

In his view, Weibo's stock price would definitely not be low; this was the first Chinese social media to go public globally, with a market of over a billion people!

Liu Yifei's eyes widened a bit:

"So fast! Then do we have to stay up all night waiting? I guess the news will come back in the second half of the night, or even tomorrow morning."

"No need to wait, sleep well tonight, and see the results tomorrow."

As he spoke, Lin Nan took the tablet and began to edit Weibo, and posted it two minutes later.

"Chairman Cao told me that Weibo will land on NASDAQ in 11 hours. Wishing a smooth opening and the stock price to soar all the way..."

While Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, Liu Xiaoli, and others were having lunch, the entire domestic film and television circle was attracted by this Weibo.

"Looking forward to the first day's stock price."

"Curious about how much Lin Dao Nan's 12% original shares will be worth after Weibo goes public?"

"This seems to be the only huge asset of Lin Dao that is clearly placed on the table?!"

"Envious of Yifei..."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 464 =====