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Chapter 512

~17 min read 3,251 words

Liu Yifei pouted unconsciously; she certainly knew what Lin Nan was talking about.

Originally, according to her personality, she was always too lazy to pay attention to other people's business. She was self-disciplined, so she just had to manage herself and take care of the people around her.

But now that Lin Nan wanted to do this, she would definitely choose to support him without hesitation.

"You, really."

Liu Yifei whispered softly, her eyes flowing with tenderness.

"Consider it being willful for once, and doing something for the industry."

Lin Nan smiled and pinched Liu Yifei's smooth, tender cheek, only to be bitten "fiercely" by her in return.

Outside, the entire film and television industry was quite on edge.

Although everyone had tacitly agreed to push back Lin Nan's "ban" proposal that morning.

But the first thing many companies and industry bigwigs did after returning was to restrain "their own people."

Those who hadn't done those things took it as a warning and stayed away;

Those who had had contact or had friends with problems cut off contact and cleared their names;

If they were really doing it, they stopped immediately—it wasn't too late to calm down;

As for those who didn't know the height of the sky or the depth of the earth, and didn't know life from death, then they could just wait to die!

Because the fact that the authorities could hold such a major meeting meant that the relevant departments already had the intention to take action, and who knew when something might happen.

Once they got serious, it wouldn't be a small matter; it might be a major purge and even stricter industry supervision and punishment systems.

…………

After being in theaters for half a month, the daily box office of "Tiny Times 3" dropped below 50,000, and it was pulled from theaters early by the cinema chains with a box office result of 460 million.

Meanwhile, Han Han's "The Continent" took eight days to rake in 410 million at the box office.

Although its word-of-mouth was better and its potential was greater than "Tiny Times 3," the box office trend of this film still fell into the category of a fan film, and the industry estimated it wouldn't last more than two weeks.

Finally, there was "The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom," whose box office performance was also quite eye-catching.

Relying on the beautiful shots and brilliant performances of Fan Bingbing and Huang Xiaoming, it raked in 223 million in four days.

Making money was a certainty, and the copyrights were also very easy to sell!

Lin Nan paid special attention to "Dragon Nest: Warrior's Dawn," and could only sigh that it was not easy for domestic animated feature films.

Even though the daily box office was rising, the screenings were constantly being cut. After getting 35.25 million in four days, it was estimated it wouldn't last many more days.

"Lin Dao, there's a celebration banquet for 'The Breakup Guru' tomorrow morning; 'Ip Man 3' is set for the day after tomorrow, but it conflicts with the premiere of Western Film Group's 'The Sword Identity'."

The assistant came over specifically to remind Lin Nan of his schedule for the next few days.

"I know. Send someone else to represent the company for 'Ip Man 3'."

Putting down the pen in his hand, Lin Nan looked up and said. He wouldn't break his promise to Western Film Group.

"Okay, Lin Dao."

After the assistant left, Lin Nan couldn't be bothered to continue his interrupted train of thought.

Simply put, he went to Tiangong Color to check on the post-production work of Lu Yang's "Brotherhood of Blades 2: The Infernal Battlefield," and then left the company.

On the car radio, the various film and entertainment news items were all quite interesting.

After "Legend of Ban Shu," Lu Zheng found another big-female-lead TV series for Jing Tian—"Legend of Daji"!

This TV series held its opening ceremony at the Chuzhou Film and Television Base this morning, with Nie Yuan, Yu Rongguang, Hui Yinghong, and others in supporting roles; the lineup was not small.

Lin Nan listened to the news and was a bit puzzled. In the past, whenever this girl's new drama started filming or she joined a crew, she would always post on Weibo. Why didn't she post this time?

……

In the first half of the summer season, among domestic films, the box office of "Ip Man 3" and "The Breakup Guru" ranked in the top two.

In other words, among the many domestic production companies, Lin Nan Film Industry earned the most.

After all, the combined box office of these two films reached as high as 1.43 billion.

Liu Yifei had no interest in attending the celebration banquet, so the next morning, Lin Nan set off from home alone to Enlight.

The industry norm of fawning over the powerful and trampling on the weak was displayed very nakedly at the "Breakup Guru" celebration banquet.

When Lin Nan arrived at the scene, a large number of actors in the circle, especially many young actors, were surrounding Deng Chao, chatting and laughing, congratulating this newly promoted commercial film director!

And rightly so—no matter how bad the word-of-mouth for "The Breakup Guru" was, Deng Chao had indeed forcefully crossed over to become a film director; this point could not be denied.

"Lin Dao."

"Lin Dao."

……

A group of people saw Lin Nan's figure and immediately scrambled to greet him. How could a newly promoted commercial film director compare to a top-tier international big director?!

Deng Chao greeted Lin Nan with a face full of smiles, as if there were some great happy event.

Yang Mi, enjoying the halo of being the heroine of a 600-million-box-office film, also leaned toward this side from afar; Nazha followed the crowd, feeling a bit at a loss...

Lin Nan waved his hand with a smile, signaling for everyone to go about their business and not to worry about him.

He then headed toward Wang Changtian, and the people around the latter very tactfully walked away.

"Why didn't Yifei come with you?"

"She still has to go to the airport at noon to pick up my mother-in-law, so she won't be coming here." Lin Nan said with a smile.

"Hahaha, you've already changed your address to 'mother-in-law' while outside? When are you going to call her 'Mom'?"

Wang Changtian laughed very loudly, and many people around heard it. Some young actresses felt a mix of emotions in their hearts—envy!

Lin Nan didn't take the bait, but instead lowered his voice and said: "Wang Dong, let's talk about some serious business in a bit."

"Mm? What kind of trouble are you trying to stir up again?"

Damn it! Wang Changtian's subconscious question left Lin Nan speechless. Was his intention that obvious?

"Don't look at me with those eyes. I just have a sudden premonition that you definitely have no good intentions!"

Wang Changtian smacked his lips and said, his tone very certain.

"Then your premonition isn't accurate!"

In a few words, Lin Nan and Wang Changtian agreed to have a long talk after the celebration banquet.

The box office figure of 660 million was very good. All the industry insiders and media reporters present also learned for the first time the production cost of "The Breakup Guru": 40 million!

Comparing it like this, Deng Chao's "status" was instantly raised quite a bit.

Wang Changtian also had great courage, publicly announcing one thing: Enlight had already signed a contract with Deng Chao and would invest in other films directed by Deng Chao in the future, and would vigorously support him!

To be honest, even Lin Nan admired Old Wang's decisiveness this time. Having finally cultivated a director of "one's own," of course, he had to hold on tight!

Today's celebration banquet was destined to be a happy one for both host and guest, and the media would definitely give face and report positively on a large scale.

What Lin Nan didn't expect was that Nazha would actually muster the courage to come over to toast him, but it was clear she was very nervous, and her voice was shaking.

To tell the truth, it was truly a pity that someone "clumsy" like this was signed to Tang Ren.

Wang Changtian and Lin Nan left the venue early, not getting involved in the crew's party anymore.

"Tell me about that 'serious business' of yours; let me hear if it's trouble."

Sitting in his boss chair, Wang Changtian said playfully.

Lin Nan showed a smile, cleared his throat, and prepared to bluff... lobby.

"I want to invite Enlight and Lin Nan Film Industry to join forces and unilaterally ban those artists with tarnished reputations."

One sentence almost choked Wang Changtian to death. He hurriedly put down the teacup in his hand and looked at Lin Nan as if he were looking at a fool.

"Are you crazy? What kind of nonsense are you talking about? Do you know what the consequences will be if you do this?

This is no longer as simple as playing around and shouting slogans at the assembly; this is truly going head-to-head with most of the people in the film and television circle! It's of no benefit to us, and it's a thankless job..."

Wang Changtian had a constipated expression, earnestly trying to persuade Lin Nan to give up this idea.

"After the assembly ended that day, Director La's secretary came to find me."

"Mm, that's right. Ning Hao and I both saw it, so it saved you the money for a treat!" Wang Changtian said, nodding.

"That lunch was at the General Administration, and Director Tong was there too—just the three of us."

Hearing this, Wang Changtian's expression instantly turned solemn.

He looked straight at Lin Nan and asked tentatively: "What... what inside information did you hear?"

Lin Nan didn't hide anything:

"From what I gathered from Director Tong, several leaders seem to support my proposal from that morning. But because most people opposed it, it was left unsettled. However, this doesn't mean the authorities have 'yielded'."

"Are you sure you didn't misunderstand?"

Wang Changtian was a bit excited. Actively responding to policy and gaining a wave of reputation—even if he offended his peers in the short term, it was still a gain!

"I'm sure. Wang Dong, think about it: the views of hundreds of people that morning could basically be divided into two types—giving opportunities to correct mistakes, and banning. But why, before the meeting adjourned, did Director Tong only speak of the former and not mention my suggestion at all?"

"To appease the emotions of the majority? But if that's the case, why not support it directly..."

Wang Changtian muttered, suddenly widening his eyes. "It means... the Administration doesn't approve of their opinions; they are just stabilizing them. Your suggestion is what the Administration values most!"

Swallowing his saliva, Wang Changtian frowned even tighter.

Lin Nan wasn't in a hurry for Wang Changtian's stance, but said with a smile:

"Even if Enlight doesn't do it, I will do it myself...

Sigh, we are both listed film and television companies. Why did Huayi have so much policy support in the past? Just because Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei dared to fight and take the lead—co-productions, blockbusters. It's just a pity that they aren't obedient now..."

Hearing Wang Changtian mutter the four words "take the lead," Lin Nan knew his bluffing had succeeded!

"Damn you, I've ended up on your pirate ship again." A cursing voice rang out in the Enlight chairman's office.

"Should we call Wanda and Ning Hao?" Wang Changtian asked irritably.

"Wanda's film and television company is no different from an empty shell, forget it. Ning Hao's scale is too small, so I won't drag him into this."

"So you're dragging me into this?"

"Let's just have our two companies do it; I'll issue the announcement when I get back." Lin Nan smiled, answering a question that wasn't asked.

"Get moving, get out of here. Seeing you gives me a headache."

"Wang Dong, keep up the pace. Hahaha..."

…………

When Lin Nan arrived home, Liu Xiaoli had already returned.

She was sitting on the sofa in the living room, arguing with her own daughter about something.

When she saw her future son-in-law, she immediately beckoned: "Lin Nan, come quickly, help pick the venue layout for your engagement day?"

"What's there to pick? My engagement is of course up to me; just choose the one I want."

Liu Yifei muttered on the side, and while her mother wasn't paying attention, she used her eyes to warn Lin Nan.

"No, the layout you picked isn't solemn enough; follow mine."

Mm, Lin Nan finally understood what the two were arguing about. Besides, was Liu Xiaoli sure she was calling him over to pick? Not to have him take a side?

"Um, Xixi, how about we listen to Mom?"

When the two words "Mom" came out of Lin Nan's mouth, the mother and daughter opposite were both stunned.

This was the first time Lin Nan had changed his address in front of both Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei, and it was also the first time Liu Xiaoli had heard it!

Immediately after, a very happy and satisfied smile appeared on Liu Xiaoli's face, while Liu Yifei's face was flushed with red, her eyes filled with honey: "Sycophant..."

"That's better, then we'll listen to me." Liu Xiaoli's smile didn't fade for a long time.

Not long after, as if remembering something, Liu Xiaoli looked at Lin Nan and said hesitantly:

"Lin Nan, I have something to tell you. When you and Xixi get engaged, her father won't be able to come back. His work makes it very difficult to come back. But for the wedding, he will rush back."

After speaking, Liu Xiaoli also looked at her own daughter, "Xixi, don't blame your father."

"I... know."

Liu Yifei seemed to have been mentally prepared for this long ago. At this moment, her temperament became very quiet and mature.

Lin Nan knew this was the other side of Liu, which she usually buried in her heart.

"Your father will arrive in two days; you two go pick him up together." Liu Xiaoli instructed.

…………

After three o'clock in the afternoon, the entire film and television circle was stirred up.

All major portal websites, media news, and Weibo hot searches were filled with the Weibo post just released by Lin Nan Film Industry:

"The film and television culture industry is an industry standing under the spotlight. Because of its special nature, the film and entertainment circle is also a recognized vanity fair!"

"But in recent years, a large number of actors, stars, and practitioners have continuously engaged in underworld activities, prostitution, and drug use, seriously damaging the industry's image, conveying distorted values to the public, and producing serious negative social impacts."

"After careful consideration, Lin Nan Film Industry, representing only itself, hereby announces to the outside world:

From this day forward, all film and television works produced or co-produced by this company, or works in which it participates in investment, refuse to use any artists with tarnished reputations involved in underworld activities, prostitution, or drugs, and we voluntarily accept public supervision."

Lin Nan's private Weibo also posted the same content.

His own people and close friends, including Liu Yifei, Shu Chang, Lu Yang, Guo Fan... Zhang Yi, Lei Jiayin... Ning Hao, Jiang Wen...

They were the first to like and repost it. They also listened to Lin Nan and didn't comment too much.

Just five minutes later, Enlight's announcement was issued in the same vein:

"... From today, Enlight will no longer cooperate with any artists or public figures with tarnished reputations involved in underworld activities, prostitution, or drugs..."

The film and television circle was in chaos. No one expected that two industry giants, Lin Nan Film Industry and Enlight Media, would jointly announce a unilateral ban on so-called "artists with tarnished reputations"!

They had set a difficult problem for all their peers.

Who could say this decision was wrong?

No one dared to say Lin Nan Film Industry and Enlight were wrong, and even fewer dared to openly sing a different tune.

Because opposition and accusation would be offending the public anger—the public anger of ordinary people!

Online, there was already a massive wave of cheers, with ninety-nine percent of netizens and ordinary people supporting Lin Nan Film Industry and Enlight.

"Lin Dao and Wang Dong are tough, real men!"

"This is what a major industry company should properly do—it's responsibility and obligation!"

"A good ban; the tumors should be cleared out."

"Support Lin Nan Film Industry and Enlight."

"Finally, someone has stood up..."

……

It was very lively online, but the problems in the film and television circle had arrived, and they were big problems!

Other film and television companies, big directors, producers, associations, and institutions in the industry were all pushed to the forefront.

Did they want to take a stance? No one wanted to follow Lin Nan and Wang Changtian, but they didn't dare to oppose them, so they could only remain silent.

"Ignore the outside! So they're the only two companies that are noble, right? What the hell!"

"Lin Nan and Wang Changtian are both too damn selfish."

"No organization, no discipline, not considering the big picture... and Beijing Film Academy is still going to let such people go back to teach?"

……

"Sigh, Lin Nan is young, so that's one thing, but why is Wang Changtian also so aggressive?"

La Peikang looked at the news and muttered with a smile. He personally supported Lin Nan, but China Film Group was too special, so it wasn't as straightforward as private enterprises.

……

Around five o'clock in the afternoon, another company spoke up. Although it was late, it still came, didn't it?

"Support Lin Nan Film Industry and Enlight! From this day forward, Wanda Film Industry will no longer invest in any film and television works involving the performance or production of any artists or public figures with tarnished reputations involved in underworld activities, prostitution, or drugs..."

In one day, three major companies announced a unilateral ban on artists with tarnished reputations.

Online, it was still incomparably lively; today's public opinion was even more intense than the previous days, but it was positive and constructive.

Contrary to the online situation, the entire film and television industry was almost silent, except for those three companies.

Many peers in the industry, while cursing, also breathed a sigh of relief—fortunately, Tudou and Wanda Cinema didn't get involved.

It wasn't that they didn't want to get involved, but that they couldn't; if they did, things would really blow up!

After all, one was the largest cinema chain in the country, and the other held nearly half of the market share. If they also took a stance, it would definitely force the authorities to step in.

"Lin Dao doesn't trust us? He didn't even notify us!" On the phone, Ye Ning joked, without the slightest displeasure.

"I was thinking that Wanda's main business is cinema chains. How could I let the cinema chains make a statement? That would be flipping the table and killing them all! Haha..."

"Lin Dao is right.

Also, the delay this time was because I went to consult the group's opinion—the big boss nodded."

…………

How should I put it? Actually, I'm a bit stuck on the writing today...

(End of chapter)

◈

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