Chapter 483: Casting, Golden Globes and Oscars, Yang Mi

In the industry, shady things happen or get exposed every single day.

Fatty Yu, who had appeared high-profile at the wrap-up press conference for *The Continent* just yesterday, was sued by his ex-wife this morning.

The latter used a long, sprawling denunciation article to strip Fatty Yu clean from head to toe, inside and out.

In the long Weibo post:

From the man starting out as a freeloader to cheating during their marriage, and then the woman being harassed and provoked by a mistress in the industry while pregnant, all the way to being forced to give up founder equity and getting a divorce.

Even the experience of not having received any of the promised compensation or child support for their two children years after the divorce was detailed in full.

The internet was in an uproar; a massive number of netizens were filled with righteous indignation, with countless condemnations and insults.

To think that the chairman of a listed company in the film and television industry could be this kind of trash—it was truly disgusting!

Conversely, the entertainment circle was extremely quiet; everyone remained silent.

Because everyone knew that what Fatty Yu's ex-wife said was basically all fact.

She had even shown some restraint and downplayed things, likely out of consideration for the feelings of their two children.

"Although that side has refused to respond, the heat of this matter on major news media and social platforms is being constantly dialed down. Their methods are formidable!"

"Capital can manipulate public opinion; this is merely suppressing it."

"No one will take the initiative to offend Fatty Yu for an unrelated matter and make things difficult for him. On the contrary, standing on Fatty Yu's side can yield benefits."

Lin Nan spoke with feeling, his face full of disdain. Other people's family affairs—just watching the spectacle is enough.

"Are the contracts for Huang Xiao, Xia Yu, and Liu Xiao ready?"

Yue Jun nodded and smiled: "They're all ready. Director Jiang Wen owes us a favor this time, hahaha."

"He stuffed two people into one movie, and both are main actors. Next time, we'll have to make him pay it back."

Lin Nan couldn't help but tease; Jiang Wen's personality was just like that.

The more he treats you as a friend, the more "excessive" demands he can make. Anyway, he won't stand on ceremony with you at all.

This mode of interaction between friends exudes a sense of manliness.

When there's trouble, he can help you shoulder it; when there's trouble, he really does come looking for you. The main thing is being straightforward and not beating around the bush!

A knock on the door sounded, and the assistant stood at the entrance: "Lin Dao, Director Yue, Teacher Huang Bo and Teacher Zeng Li have arrived."

"No need to go to the third floor, please invite them here."

"Mm, alright."

Lin Nan looked at the wristwatch on his left hand; it was neither early nor late, half an hour ahead of the agreed time.

"I'm heading to Tiangong Color first." After Yue Jun exchanged greetings, he also left.

When Zeng Li and Huang Bo met downstairs, they started chatting, and both realized they would be partners in *Mojin: The Lost Legend*.

Huang Bo not only has high emotional intelligence but is also eloquent; in just a few minutes, he had already praised Zeng Li until she was beaming.

Lin Nan looked at the two being brought in, chatting and laughing, and was a bit dazed. Because in his memory, these two shouldn't be close!

However, a moment later, he realized—the Huang Bo before him is an old fox, the kind who made Lin Zhiling fall for him in a single movie.

"Lin Dao."

"Lin Dao."

Zeng Li, wearing a cyan casual outfit, appeared even taller; she and Liu Qianqian were about the same height.

Huang Bo, on the side, was far inferior in appearance.

"Sit. Long time no see, Jin Shijie Zeng Li."

"It has been a long time, Lin Dao," Zeng Li said with a smile.

How to evaluate Zeng Li?

In terms of appearance, the feeling she gives people is one of heroic spirit and rugged beauty; after all, she has the frame of a *Da Qingyi*.

But her personality is the complete opposite of her appearance—too soft, not bold enough.

"Hey hey, Lin Dao, what about me? Such a big, living person right in front of you," Huang Bo teased.

"We just had a meal at Ning Hao's place not long ago," Lin Nan retorted unceremoniously.

Ignoring the grinning Huang Bo, Lin Nan got to the point.

"Currently, it's uncertain when *Mojin: The Lost Legend* can start filming; maybe July, maybe August. Can you wait?"

"I have no problem with it, Lin Dao," Zeng Li nodded and said first.

Lin Nan looked at her and emphasized:

"Jin Shijie Zeng Li, the character Shirley Yang in *Mojin: The Lost Legend* is the bold and generous type, which is a bit different from you. You'll need to pay attention to that when the time comes."

"Lin Dao, rest assured. No matter what, I'm a professional actor; 'acting' is no problem at all."

"Others among our classmates are very strong, each with a reputation, but that doesn't mean I'm inferior."

Zeng Li's tone suddenly became a bit "harder"; it had that flavor!

"I definitely have no problem either. Any actor in the industry who turns down a movie from Lin Nan Film is purely out of their mind. Haha..."

After Huang Bo finished speaking, he asked curiously: "Lin Dao, can you reveal who the other actors are? I guarantee I'll keep it secret."

"There's no need for you to keep it secret; it will be announced in the next two days."

"Huang Xiao, you and Jin Shijie Zeng Li, Xia Yu, Especially Reba, Teacher Liu Xiao. You six are the main actors."

Hearing the detailed list, Zeng Li and Huang Bo both paused.

"Tsk tsk, this lineup is strong; wouldn't it be over a billion at the box office?" Huang Bo was not humble at all.

"Then I can chat with Quan'er in a while," Zeng Li smiled.

Taking advantage of the two being at the company, Lin Nan had his assistant bring the contracts over.

It was originally said that they could take them back to look over first, but the two signed them on the spot.

That makes sense; Huang Bo runs his own company and is the boss himself. Although Zeng Li has a formal position, she also has her own studio and can likewise make the call.

Half an hour later, the two left Lin Nan Film with the contracts and scripts.

The paparazzi downstairs were excited:

"The agents and assistants didn't follow them up; they came down carrying document bags themselves? This scene is a bit familiar."

"I'll bet my head, it must be contracts or scripts."

"Besides *Mojin: The Lost Legend*, there's nothing else, right? The casting for *Goodbye Mr. Loser* isn't handled by Lin Nan Film either!"

By noon, the reports and photos on Weibo and in the media had already spread and firmly occupied the headlines.

"Following Director Wu Ershan, Huang Bo and Zeng Li appeared at Lin Nan Film, leaving with document bags after more than an hour."

"*Mojin: The Lost Legend* might not undergo public casting; it might even have finished casting!"

"In the Film Bureau's filing information, *Mojin: The Lost Legend* has no other information besides the production company data."

Many talent agencies and actors in the film and television circle suddenly became anxious.

Everyone had been waiting for casting news from Lin Nan Film; previously, every movie's casting was made public.

Netizens were impatient and flocked to Lin Nan Film's Weibo to ask.

Even Lin Nan and Liu Qianqian's private Weibo accounts were flooded. Many people even ran to the Weibo accounts of Huang Bo, Zeng Li, and others to inquire.

"The budget for *Mojin: The Lost Legend* hasn't been finalized yet, but it should be within these two days."

Just as Lin Nan arrived home and parked the car, calls from Zhongying, Wanda, and Enlight came in one after another; they had clearly seen the entertainment news online.

"The main actors have indeed been chosen; the rest is simple. Forget it, I'll have someone announce it in a while."

"The guest stars for the first season have also been set in advance, or calculating the time, accept some actors from the crew to come and participate in the show while promoting..."

Although *Running Man* hasn't started recording yet, the broadcast time for the first episode has already been planned for October.

Lin Nan habitually ran to find Liu Qianqian, but only realized after entering the villa that Miss Liu had an engagement today and wasn't home at noon. His mother-in-law-to-be wasn't in the capital either; she had gone back to her hometown.

"Looks like I'll have to spend noon with you guys." Lin Nan picked up a cat and went back to his side.

In the afternoon, the news updated on Lin Nan Film's official website and Weibo completely extinguished the thoughts of many in the film and television circle.

"The suspense-adventure film *Mojin: The Lost Legend*, adapted from the famous internet novel *Ghost Blows Out the Light*, has completed its team assembly."

"The film *Mojin: The Lost Legend* is jointly produced by Lin Nan Film, Zhongying, Enlight, and Wanda, with Lin Nan Film responsible for production."

"It will be directed by Director Wu Ershan, starring Huang Xiao, Huang Bo, Zeng Li, Xia Yu, Especially Reba, Liu Xiao, and others. The specific start date is to be determined."

Immediately after, Zhongying, Enlight, and Wanda forwarded the Weibo post almost at the same time and issued the same announcement.

A highly anticipated and expected movie was really established and waiting to start filming!

Online, countless netizens, book fans, and followers were as happy as if it were the New Year.

Because whether it was the four production companies including Lin Nan Film, or this batch of main actors and creators, they were all considered top-tier.

Although many people had their own opinions on the casting, feeling this one was good and that one was unsuitable, most people held an attitude of anticipation and support.

After all, this is *Ghost Blows Out the Light*; having it filmed by Lin Nan Film, which has a reputation guarantee, is better than letting other companies mess it up.

And everyone knows that it's impossible to completely replicate the content.

Only companies like Lin Nan Film and Zhongying have the ability and strength to retain as much of the original plot as possible!

"The second female lead, huh? She really has good resources all the way."

At Jiaxing, Yang Mi looked at Especially Reba in the announced actor list and said with some emotion.

The fans of *Ghost Blows Out the Light* are not comparable to *Tiny Times*; the former can be considered a hit across the entire internet.

The newcomers signed to the company not long ago, Gao Weiguang, Zhang Yunlong, Li Xirui, Liu Ruilin, and others, all looked at their big sister and one of the bosses, Yang Mi; they didn't dare to make a sound.

Several people knew that the two bosses of their company had previously stayed at Shanhai Media for 3 years, which was under Lin Nan Film.

"Let's continue. The company will invest in and produce some TV dramas, giving you priority. When I take on external dramas, I will also try my best to bundle you along, including some public activities, red carpets..."

Yang Mi came back to her senses and continued to tell the newcomers about the company's future plans, imparting some of the experience and things to watch out for that she had learned in the circle over these years.

Ten minutes later, Ceng Jia came over.

"Mi Mi, there's a promotional activity for *The Breakup Guru* tomorrow morning, don't forget."

"Also, regarding that casting for Happy Mahua you asked me to inquire about, I asked; it's a second female lead, not very good."

"Although this is mainly invested in by Lin Nan Film, I think the second female lead really doesn't match your status. And Happy Mahua is just a small company with no movie production experience at all; their main actors combined aren't as famous as you, so don't think about that one..."

Listening to Ceng Jia's nagging and unquestionable statement, Yang Mi hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

She simply thought that movies invested in by Lin Nan must be good, which is why she took the initiative to ask Ceng Jia to inquire.

"Since that's the situation, then forget it."

"Mm, that's how it should be."

In the movie market, the new waves push the old.

"Lin Dao Nan's work *The Invisible Guest* has been in public release for 20 days, with a total box office of 451 million; the daily box office is less than 100,000, and it may be pulled from theaters."

"Starring Gong Li, Chen Daoming, and Zhang Huiwen, the film *Coming Home* has successfully finished its run, reporting 295 million yuan, setting a new box office record for Director Zhang Yimou's art films!"

"*X-Men: Days of Future Past* has been in public release for two weeks, with a total box office of 700 million, leading the pack."

Looking at the media reports, Lin Nan still felt some regret.

*The Invisible Guest* ultimately failed to complete a full month of public release; in twenty days, it had no box office potential left.

Lin Nan recalled his award-chasing films and art films; it seemed the one with the best results was still *The Fault in Our Stars* with Liu Qianqian.

Not only did it complete a month of public release, but it also obtained the domestic art film box office record of 488 million, which has yet to be broken.

"Lin Nan, Tang Mu's call." Liu Qianqian's voice came from inside the villa.

Lin Nan got up from the swing chair in the garden, picked up the tablet, and walked back.

Miss Liu rarely got up early today; it wasn't even ten o'clock in the morning yet.

She was wearing pajamas, a purple headband holding back her jet-black hair, and the whole person was lazily leaning on the sofa applying a face mask, incomparably leisurely.

"Here, hurry up, it's been ringing for a while, both my hands are occupied."

"They are occupied; applying a face mask while eating snacks, and watching cartoons, you're really living the life."

Lin Nan teased, earning a light stick of the pink tongue from Liu Qianqian, who laughed heartlessly.

He answered the phone: "At this time, shouldn't you be preparing to attend some wine party or party, Tang Mu?"

Over in Hollywood, it should be around seven in the evening now, which is why Lin Nan was so certain.

"Lin, you really understand me; I am going to attend a banquet for Legendary Pictures in a while. But before that, I have to report the work progress to you first."

"Say it, I'll listen too."

Before Lin Nan could speak, Liu Qianqian interrupted from the side.

Just listening to Tang Mu instantly transform into that "Tang Mu Cat" who saw his master, his voice even became pinched; disgusting.

"Dear Crystal, your voice is even better, absolutely more beautiful..."

"Haha... Tang Mu, you really know how to talk."

Liu Qianqian laughed brilliantly, truly a silly, cute girl.

"Talk business, you sycophant."

Lin Nan urged unceremoniously; does this guy not know who the boss is? Actually leaving him on the side!

"Lin, Crystal is asking a question, I can't not answer. Ancient Eastern culture says it well, flattering the boss is not as good as flattering the boss's wife..."

"I suggest you change your Chinese teacher; the more you learn, the more crooked it gets, you've learned the essence."

As he spoke, Lin Nan himself couldn't help but laugh.

"Learned crookedly, how is it learning the essence again? Do I need to change my private tutor?"

Sure enough, Tang Mu's Chinese level was still insufficient; he couldn't understand the meaning of Lin Nan's sentence.

"No need to change teachers, you've learned quite well," Liu Qianqian interjected with a giggle.

"Alright, let's talk business."

"Lin, Crystal. The company plans to start holding a one-week screening ceremony for *Manchester by the Sea* in five days. One session every morning and afternoon..."

Lin Nan knew it was this matter; his second journey to chase the Oscars was about to begin.

Liu Qianqian also listened quietly; this concerned Lin Nan's career.

"... and then there is the matter of public relations."

When Tang Mu reached the end, his voice was a bit low.

"PR? Is it a matter of fees? What exactly is the problem this time?"

"Lin, it's still the same matter as last time. Oscars and Golden Globes, do you want to register for both?"

"Tell me the difference."

Lin Nan guessed that it might be the difference in fees between PR for two awards and PR for one award.

"Because you already have an Oscar-winning work, their quote this year is a bit lower."

"Speak."

Lin Nan urged; Liu Qianqian pricked up her ears even more, even turning off the cartoons.

"If it's like last year, only PR for the Oscars, their overall quote is 15 million USD, and there's no need to add more later. If we want both the Golden Globes and the Oscars, it's 20 million USD."

"So expensive?!" Liu Qianqian exclaimed.

"Crystal, this is not expensive. Because Lin already has *The Invisible Guest*, the nomination is almost no big problem."

"Last year for *The Invisible Guest*, we spent 15 million USD in the early stage, and added 4 million USD later. Fortunately, the movie earned it all back," Tang Mu explained.

Liu Qianqian looked at Lin Nan and stopped talking. Lin Nan hadn't told her exactly how much money was spent last year.

Although Lin Nan was mentally prepared before, hearing these two numbers now, he still felt a bit of palpitations, just like the *Palpitations* song Miss Liu sang.

"The salary that Leo and the others saved for me seems to all be used here," Lin Nan muttered with a smile.

He glanced at Liu Qianqian beside him; those watery eyes were full of love, and also his courage.

"Golden Globes and Oscars, let's do PR for both," Lin Nan said decisively.

"I also have money..." Liu Qianqian tugged on the sleeve of the person beside her.

"Lin, are you sure?"

Lin Nan shook his head gently at Liu Qianqian, a doting smile on his face.

"I'm sure, PR for both the Golden Globes and the Oscars simultaneously. Register for both, and declare all major awards."

"Good, I'll go connect with them tomorrow."

After hanging up Tang Mu's call, Lin Nan also leaned on the sofa; he had to slow down.

"You're really decisive, 20 million USD, over 100 million."

Liu Qianqian's slender, fair fingers picked up a small cake and sent it to Lin Nan's mouth, her tone a bit worried.

"Ah woo."

Lin Nan swallowed it in one bite, and only after more than ten seconds when it was swallowed into his stomach did he say:

"It's fine, I'll just sell some more Huayi stocks next time to make up for it."

"Hahaha, where did you get this kind of calculation?" Liu Qianqian was amused and lightly punched Lin Nan.

The official side, media, and film circle began to build momentum for the Shanghai International Film Festival a week later.

This Shanghai Film Festival, besides a large number of Chinese and foreign stars and the awards ceremony, the biggest gimmick was the "Internet-Film Industry Summit."

Gong Li, as the chair of the main competition jury, even named Lin Nan when accepting media interviews.

She said she hoped to have a chance to cooperate with the only Oscar-winning director in the mainland in the future. Just like that, Lin Dao was sent to the headlines.

The next morning, Lin Nan went to attend the media press conference for *The Breakup Guru*, but he didn't accept any interviews throughout the process.

The reason for this is that he was only an investor in this movie and didn't participate in the production. In addition, the quality of the film was also hard to describe.

However, Lin Nan did notice Ceng Jia; she was leading a group of signed artists to socialize, all young people with no fame.

"Can Jiaxing be considered recruiting troops and buying horses, starting to grow big and strong? Hehe..."

When Ceng Jia led a group of people toward Lin Nan, he turned and went elsewhere. Leaving only the former awkwardly pausing for a moment before turning away.

"Lin Dao, a toast to you."

"Lin Dao, please."

Deng Chao led Sun Li and walked over.

"Mm. At the earliest, *Running Man* can start recording at the end of this month. You're the captain, you need to give some effort," Lin Nan also raised his glass.

Both Deng Chao and his wife are shrewd people; Sun Li immediately flattered:

"Still need Lin Dao to provide more guidance. He really envies Xiao Ming for being able to star in *Mojin: The Lost Legend*."

"Haha, I really do envy it; this is a commercial blockbuster."

"Everyone has their own fate," Lin Nan said ambiguously.

Before long, everyone dispersed.

Facing Yang Mi's greeting, Lin Nan gave a smile and even chatted for two sentences.

After all, everyone had some history, there were no dirty conflicts, and Lin Nan even admired her a bit.

Compared to when she was at Shanhai Media, Yang Mi had been even more desperate in the past year or so; it was said that she was almost working non-stop, wholeheartedly focusing on her career!

Seeing from afar a group of Jiaxing artists calling Yang Mi "Sister Mi," Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh; it was interesting.

"Mi Mi, it's only you who can chat with Lin Dao; I just wanted to go up... sigh, forget it, won't say it." Ceng Jia looked emotional.

"There's no hatred or resentment, why can't we chat for two sentences?"

Yang Mi looked from afar, remembering when she saw Lin Nan at school, she often recommended herself.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind, and she looked at Ceng Jia.

"Jia Jia, how has it been recently?"

Ceng Jia understood what Yang Mi was asking.

"Those big companies and capital say that our current profit scale and company scale are still lacking."

"Even if they promise to invest, their appetite is very big; we are too passive, too disadvantaged... Hm? Why did you suddenly ask about this?"

Following Yang Mi's gaze, Ceng Jia looked over. In that direction, Lin Nan and Wang Changtian were chatting and laughing, teasing each other.

"This is the circle of true industry big shots."

"What do you say, how about we pull investment or financing from Lin Nan Film when the time comes? Didn't Lin Dao just invest in a small company not long ago?"

Hearing Yang Mi's words, Ceng Jia subconsciously wanted to shake her head, and her face darkened.

"It's still early, no rush, no rush, and Lin Dao might not necessarily look favorably upon us..."

Looking at Ceng Jia's appearance, Yang Mi was a bit puzzled:

"Wasn't it you who said to contact those big companies and capital parties in advance to prepare for pulling investment and financing later? These days, you've also been doing this."

"Let's talk about it later."

Ceng Jia narrowed her eyes, looking into the distance, and brushed it off.

The investor she wanted was a pure investor, not a film and television industry giant like Lin Nan Film; if things go wrong, it will...

"Alright, listen to you, let's talk about it later. But I still think my idea is good," Yang Mi said casually, not thinking much more about it.

On Lin Nan's side, he was chatting with Wang Changtian about *Running Man*.

"Zhang Jin's title as a Wu Ying-level action actor should be enough; the body type doesn't need to be completely matched. If everything is required to be the same, might as well just release *Running Man* directly."

"Follow the script, absolutely no problem. What is a reality show? It's half 'real', half 'show', and then 'people' act in the middle."

Wang Changtian's words made so much sense that Lin Nan couldn't help but give a thumbs up.

"Variety shows are worthy of being Enlight's core business; Chairman Wang's summary is incisive! Admirable!"

"Haha, you're too kind, we're all our own people."

Wang Changtian accepted Lin Nan's flattery without humility.

"Then let's pick a time, gather everyone together, and let everyone meet. By the way, set the recording time for the first episode of the first season. *Running Man*, can start running!"

"Mm, okay."

... ===== CHAPTER 484 =====