Chapter 498: I Like Her, Down to the Marrow

For the first time, the mainland film market saw a god-defying box-office figure.

In one week, "The Breakup Guru" brought in 280 million, and "Ip Man 3" raked in 327 million.

To be honest, the box-office results of these two films were both quite good — they could even be described as "high-grossing."

But "Transformers 4," in just one week, utterly shattered the ceiling of the Chinese-language film market.

"The Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster 'Transformers 4,' in its seven-day run, has once again forcefully broken the first-week box-office record of the Chinese-language film market."

"'Transformers 4' has been in theaters for one week, with total box office reaching 1.02 billion!"

Breaking one billion in a single week! Who would have dared imagine that before?

One must understand that, up to now, across the entire Chinese-language film industry, only four films have ever broken the one-billion mark.

Among them, "Lost in Thailand" took two whole months to reach that figure.

The production industry was full of sighs; in the eyes of the vast majority, it was only a matter of time before "The Taking of Tiger Mountain" box-office record was surpassed.

Either in the fourth week of "Transformers 4"'s run, or before the end of the month.

At the same time, this year's Golden Horse Awards registration officially began.

Quite a few capable mainland directors and quality films once again decisively abandoned the Hundred Flowers Awards and chose the Golden Horse instead.

Ning Hao, that guy, submitted the materials for "No Man's Land" on the very first day — looking quite impatient.

Unlike the film market's bloody storm and wailing, the TV drama market was far more explosive.

As predicted before filming began, Huanrui's "Swords of Legends" became another hit xianxia drama after "Chinese Paladin 3"!

On its first day of broadcast, ratings shot straight to 1.5, ranking first nationwide in its time slot, with a viewership share of 10.89%.

And for three consecutive days, both its ratings and viewership share kept climbing in small increments.

These figures all starkly point to one fact.

Namely, that this xianxia drama's level of popularity, at least for now, is in no way inferior to "Chinese Paladin 3."

As for whether it can endure like "Chinese Paladin 3" and "Chinese Paladin 1," that will have to be left to time.

"That newcomer from Huanrui, Li Li Yifeng, can be considered an overnight sensation. Riding the advantage of the internet, the kind of popularity that's off the charts. The topic traffic about him on Weibo is terrifyingly high."

"So, 'Swords of Legends' cannot endure like 'Chinese Paladin 3,' let alone catch up with 'Chinese Paladin 1.'

Because a large part of its popularity comes from the boost of internet promotion.

Think about the previous two, especially 'Chinese Paladin 1' — back then, online promotion was basically no different from not having any!"

At this point, Lin Nan added with emphasis:

"In the future, the three words 'hit drama' may be heavily watered down — watered down by the internet."

Yue Jun thought briefly, then smiled and nodded. Indeed so.

A path to manufacturing stars gradually became clear: as long as you're willing to spend money, you can absolutely rig the 'numbers' on Weibo.

Whether the TV drama is actually popular or not is hard to say, but online — including among the actors themselves — it can be made to look popular!

Lin Nan glanced at Yue Jun, guessing he had already figured it out:

"This method, use it with caution. The more it's used, the faster the industry rots, until everyone rots together. But this method will become the trend…"

"Understood. We just need to make sure our own quality is solid. Also, Director Wu Wu Ershan said the location scouting for 'Mojin: The Lost Legend' is done, and he can rush back the day after tomorrow."

"Mm, got it."

…………

Lin Nan invested fifty million in Happy Happy Mahua — this was already common knowledge in the industry.

So, the latter's first film, "Goodbye Mr. Loser," naturally became the focus of attention in the film circle.

Only this focus wasn't a compliment, because most people unanimously believed it was very likely a bad film and a box-office flop.

Originally Lin Nan had said he could go to the launch site to lend the film some presence.

But who would have known that Happy Happy Mahua wouldn't hold the launch ceremony in the capital, but instead went straight to the filming location and held a press conference on the spot.

The media were very dedicated, achieving nearly real-time coverage:

"Co-produced by Happy Happy Mahua and Lin Nan Pictures, directed by Yan Fei and Peng Peng Damo, starring Shen Teng, Ma Li, Wang Zhi, Yin Zheng, Tian Yu, and others. The comedy 'Goodbye Mr. Loser' officially began filming today in Dalian!"

Not many netizens online were paying attention to this film; the few who were discussing it were only doing so because of the film's title and Lin Nan Pictures' investment.

At this moment, Lin Nan was discussing engagement matters with Liu Liu Yifei.

"You know, on my side there's only my biological father left. When the time comes, let Lao Zhu and the others come to hold down the fort — family and friends will be just right."

"Mm-hmm, I've also instructed Changchang; she'll set aside time. The other arrangements, Mom will handle."

Liu Liu Yifei nodded, her dewy eyes shining with boundless joy.

Lin Nan felt he still needed to make a trip back to school — he had to personally invite Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang in person; the latter was his mentor and had shielded him from many storms.

At ten in the morning, Lin Nan drove to Beijing Film Academy. With such matters, once you think of them, handle them right away — the sooner the better, and besides, it's a happy occasion.

On the Beijing Film Academy campus in early July, it felt more lively than usual.

Many art-exam candidates had arrived half a year early to soak in the atmosphere — perhaps some of them were here to "pull strings."

Lin Nan's car was a known quantity at Beijing Film Academy. The moment he drove into the school, quite a few people immediately started whispering.

"It's Lin Dao's car! From some teachers' chatter, Lin Dao will most likely start teaching from next year — whether first or second semester, nobody knows."

"I hope it's the first semester, at least we'd have an extra semester's chance. Getting familiar would be great too, who knows…"

"I wonder if Lin Dao will teach large lectures, specialized courses, or electives? If it's large lectures or electives, there'll probably be a huge scramble!"

……

Lin Nan headed straight for the directing department, nodding in response to the greetings of students and teachers along the way.

"Hey, Lin Nan, hold on a sec."

A sudden voice came from afar. Lin Nan turned his head: "Oh, you startled me — I was wondering who it was. No class today, Sister Xue?"

Xue Xue Xiaolu walked over in business attire. "I just got out of class and spotted you from afar. Perfect timing — let me tell you something official."

Hearing this, Lin Nan stopped decisively; delaying a few minutes wouldn't matter.

"Sister Xue, go ahead."

"Are you going to find Professor Tian?"

"Yes, I'm going to find my teacher."

Xue Xue Xiaolu adjusted her glasses and smiled:

"I'm preparing the script for 'Sleepless in Seattle 2' recently. Meeting you today saves me from having to call you specifically to say it."

Lin Nan immediately laughed. "That's truly good news. I said back then that since 'Sleepless in Seattle' achieved success, it would be best to make it a series; there's an audience foundation!"

"So isn't this me giving you a heads-up in advance? The budget will definitely be higher than the first one; nowadays, actor fees are rising too fast with no end in sight," Xue Xue Xiaolu said with a smile.

"Got it, no need to hint at me; the director's fee will definitely be raised for you, Sister Xue," Lin Nan joked back.

"Haha, what are you talking about? I wasn't thinking along those lines."

"Of course, this is something I wanted to say myself."

Having known Xue Xue Xiaolu for so many years, Lin Nan knew she could take a joke.

"By the way, when we filmed the first one, Yang Mi was still at your company; now she's been out for over a year. For the second one..."

Lin Nan understood the meaning behind these words.

"For the male and female leads, does Sister Xue want the original cast?"

"You said it yourself; a series has an audience foundation, so the original cast is definitely best.

Just like your company's two 'Painted Skin' films, weren't they both Huang Huang Xiaoming and Zhou Xun? And Zhang Zhen in 'The Assassin'."

It was clear that Xue Xue Xiaolu's desire for the original cast was quite strong.

"Sister Xue, how about this? Let's not talk about the female lead for now, because it's still early. You just finish the script first; when the project gets approved, all these things will be easy to discuss."

Hearing Lin Nan speak this way, Xue Xue Xiaolu immediately nodded in agreement; she trusted Lin Nan.

"Alright, let's do it that way. I'll go back and work on the script first. I won't delay your time anymore; hurry to the Directing Department."

"Okay, see you later, Sister Xue."

"See you."

Lin Nan stepped towards the Directing Department, still muttering in his mouth: "Yang Mi, ah, Yang Mi..."

When he arrived at the place, Lao Jiang was holding a thermos cup, sitting outside the office and basking in the sun.

"How many years has it been? You haven't changed this cup? Is it because it's marinated in black goji berries and you can't bear to part with it? Teacher Jiang."

Lao Jiang's closed eyes instantly opened; he squinted at Lin Nan and retorted in a bad mood:

"What black goji berries? Look at me; do I look like someone who needs that stuff?"

Fine, Lin Nan admitted that there were still some students not far away watching this side; he had hurt Lao Jiang's pride.

"Come on, let's go inside and talk."

Following behind Lao Jiang for less than two steps, he muttered quietly: "The black goji berries you gave me back then were still of better quality; the ones I bought myself later weren't that good."

Good heavens, he really has the nerve!

"Those were sent to me by Ning Ying's side; I heard they were processed. Should I help you ask again?"

"Then, ask? Ask..."

Lin Nan was instantly speechless; he really wasn't being polite?

Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang had just come out of Fan Li Bingbing's 'Empress of the Dynasty' film crew recently; this movie was just a pit, stopping and starting intermittently for several years, filming for a while then stopping for a while, with plenty of trouble.

Seeing Lin Nan's figure, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang closed the 'Graduate Student Recruitment Plan Form' on the table and smiled: "Why have you come today?"

"Teacher, I'm getting engaged next month; do you have time?" Lin Nan said softly.

Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang's somewhat cloudy eyes widened slightly; even Lao Jiang on the side was stunned.

"Getting engaged to Fei?"

"Yes, my family only has my father. I want to invite you to sit at the elders' table together."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang nodded gratefully. "Good, no problem, I will definitely go."

As if recalling some distant memory, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang looked at Lin Nan:

"Do you remember the New Year's Gala day in 2006? I warned you: being so young, while achieving fame and fortune, you must also withstand the temptation of wealth and beauty, and hold onto your original heart.

Especially in matters of emotion, do not learn from Chen Chen Kaige, Zhang Zhang Yimou, and me; we set a bad precedent.

Now it seems you have done really well; all these years, you haven't forgotten your original intention. Be good with Fei; when you hold your wedding, I will come to be the officiant..."

Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang spoke on and on, his tone full of some nostalgia.

Lin Nan also unconsciously recalled the little moments with Liu Liu Yifei, and a smile naturally appeared on the corner of his mouth:

"Yes, I know, Teacher.

Actually, it was on that night that Liu Liu Qianqian and I first mutually revealed our hearts, and from then on, we were no longer vague.

I love her, down to my bones."

(End of this chapter)