Chapter 521: Oscar, the Quagmire of the Entertainment Circle

"Lin, I've got accurate inside information. This year's Academy new member invitation list includes your name."

Tang Mu said excitedly. For Crystal Pictures, this was tremendous news.

If Lin Nan could later win an Oscar — Best Director or Best Picture, for example.

Then Crystal Pictures' influence in Hollywood, with the two stacked together, would instantly multiply by ten or even dozens of times — exciting just to think about!

Hearing Tang Mu's answer, Lin Nan felt a little dazed for a moment. Had it really happened?

"Is this news real or fake? Don't let someone have fooled you!"

Lin Nan asked uncertainly. To be honest, he seemed to be looking forward to it inside?

"It won't be fake, trust me. We're best bros from the party — they wouldn't lie to me about something like this."

Hearing Tang Mu speak with such conviction, Lin Nan suddenly grew suspicious about the "party" he mentioned — was this "party" even proper?

After all, as the old saying goes: the four bonds of life — shared countryside, shared bullets, shared school, shared...

Oops, mind went off track!

"Fine, I trust you. But before I officially receive the invitation, don't go running your big mouth. If it turns out to be fake, I'll become an international laughingstock!"

Lin Nan emphasized solemnly — Tang Mu did have that habit.

"Don't worry, I'm still waiting for Crystal Pictures' market value to double, business to multiply, and become

"Damn you, if you really turn into a Weinstein, the two of us can say goodbye."

Lin Nan retorted irritably — this guy actually noticed the mid-sentence edit.

"Haha, I was just saying, just saying. That's it, see you. Oh, forgot — say hi to crystal for me, Tang Mu wishes her a happy engagement.

Also, I remember they told me, in about a month or so, you'll receive the Academy's invitation, and it'll be announced afterward!"

"Mm, alright. Got it."

Lin Nan hung up with a smile, looked up at the ten-plus-story Lin Nan Pictures building, and felt quite good.

"Mm?"

In a flash, a thought crossed Lin Nan's mind.

"Good lord, if everything Tang Mu said is true... doesn't that mean, for this year's Oscar voting, I can vote for my own 'Manchester by the Sea'? Heh, now this is interesting!"

……

Lin Nan had originally wanted to find Yue Jun to discuss the Shanhai Media matter, but upon arriving at the company, he learned the latter had gone to represent Lin Nan Pictures in attending

Regarding the arrangements for Shanhai Media, Lin Nan had previously had a vague idea.

Nowadays, with the renewed surge in pay across the entire film and television industry, actors and artists opening their own personal studios has become the great trend, the great current.

Those with more ability and connections go straight to opening film and television companies, but such actor-stars are few and far between.

The influx of hot money from the internet industry and its territorial expansion will keep forcing film and television pay ever higher, because those people's only weapon is money!

And behind the constantly surging pay, there may also be other unsavory operations hidden.

Lei Lei Jiayin's contract expires first, and Lin Nan planned to have Yue Jun go talk with him.

If his contract expires and he wants to leave, the company absolutely won't block him — part on good terms, still friends.

If he wants to renew, then the suggestion is for him to open a studio; the company will provide certain support and help, but it will definitely take a stake.

As for the other three artists whose contracts haven't yet expired, Lin Nan also had some thoughts and plans, and would need to talk with them later…

"I say, Lin Dao, aren't you going to ask me and Guo Fan's thoughts?"

At Tiangong Color, Director Lu Yang set down his cola, looking utterly speechless.

"You and Guo Fan? Fine, I'll ask you now — any plans to open a studio? The company can provide funding and connections."

Lin Nan asked sincerely.

"Hahaha, no!" Director Lu Yang answered playfully.

Lin Nan smiled and pointed at Director Lu Yang — he'd guessed this outcome long ago; he knew these two's personalities.

"Look at the film industry — which directors actually run their own studios and companies? Only a handful of big directors including yourself, and you're the strongest among them.

Guo Fan and I aren't prolific directors; opening our own studio would starve us! Better to stay honest and remain with the company, take the high fees and box-office splits, and shelter under a big tree…

At this moment Director Lu Yang showed incomparable shrewdness and clarity — truly like an old hand who'd been around!

"Well said! That's why I had no plans to ask you two. You're already this lazy as directors, and you want to open studios? Haha…"

Lin Nan said with a big laugh — these two would honestly work for him!

Near noon, Lin Nan received a call — from Jackie Chan.

When they parted after the meeting the day before, the latter had said he wanted to treat him to a meal; Lin Nan had even hoped the other was too busy and would forget about it.

That way, he could dodge it. He hadn't expected today, the call still came.

Just as Lin Nan's mind rapidly searched for an excuse to decline, the voice of Ren Ren Zhonglun came through from the other end.

"I saw today's online news — you drove Liu Yifei's red Ferrari to the company. You probably haven't eaten yet, come join us?"

Well, the moment Ren Ren Zhonglun said that, Lin Nan had only one option — go to the banquet!

What did Jackie Chan want by treating him to a meal? Lin Nan could guess, of course — for his son.

But this kind of favor, Lin Nan really couldn't help with!

"Sigh, did he get Shanghai Film to help? Seems Big Brother and Shanghai Film really do have quite a bit of overlap!"

Lin Nan drove to the dining location Jackie Chan had sent — a private kitchen restaurant with very strong privacy.

Following the waiter through twists and turns, Lin Nan removed his sunglasses only after entering the private room — counting him, there were only three people here.

Jackie Chan's assistant and Ren Ren Zhonglun's people were all waiting outside.

"Ren Dong, Big Brother."

"Lin Dao, sit down quickly."

"Lin Nan, sit over here."

It was clear that today Cheng Long was the host, while Ren Ren Zhonglun and Lin Nan were both guests, yet Ren Ren Zhonglun did not appear to be entirely a guest.

Lin Nan muttered to himself and did not think any further.

The three exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes until all the dishes were served and all the waitstaff had withdrawn.

At that moment, Cheng Long made his move, personally pouring a glass of wine for Lin Nan.

"Big Brother, I drove here alone, and it was Liu Qianqian's car."

"Ah? Then forget it, let's have tea."

As he spoke, Cheng Long preemptively poured a cup of tea for Lin Nan.

The former did not mention offering to send Lin Nan home after drinking, because it was unnecessary; they were all sensible people.

"Come, I'll take the first toast."

Cheng Long was very generous and downed it in one go.

Ren Ren Zhonglun smiled and took a sip, while Lin Nan could only hold up his tea to accompany him.

"Lin Dao, do you think there is still any room for maneuver regarding this 'blacklist'?" Cheng Long said abruptly.

"What room for maneuver?"

Lin Nan asked instinctively. However, the instant he asked that question, he already knew the answer.

"Changing from a permanent blacklist to a ban for a few years?"

"I... I don't know. It only starts on the 28th."

"I think such room for maneuver is still possible. Yesterday, those 42 public institutions and entertainment agencies were not precisely demanding this matter?"

At this moment, Lin Nan's worldview suffered a significant shock, and even a hint of fear arose in his heart.

The chairman of Shanghai Film, Ren Dong Ren Ren Zhonglun, actually said such a thing? What did he mean?

"This, we cannot decide even if we speak up." Lin Nan could only respond this way.

"Lin Dao, please help with this favor; at that time, we won't need your support, only that you do not oppose it."

Cheng Long raised another glass of wine again to toast Lin Nan.

Everyone in the industry knew that Lin Nan held very important "weight of voice" in this matter, after all, he was...

"I abstain?"

"Yes, abstain. This matter will be proposed by me at that time."

Ren Ren Zhonglun abruptly interjected, then looked at Lin Nan.

At this moment, Lin Nan felt a sense of powerlessness. This is the circle of the film and entertainment industry, this is the general environment; it truly is like a bottomless quagmire!

Lin Nan closed his eyes and nodded, his voice slightly hoarse: "Alright, I agree."

What could he do? These two people only wanted him to remain silent rather than speak in support; did Lin Nan have to directly refute them? Say he didn't want to collude with them, slap their faces, or turn cold?

This is the entertainment industry!

When Cheng Long and Ren Ren Zhonglun heard this answer, the smiles on their faces could no longer be concealed.

For the next nearly an hour, the three exchanged toasts, and Cheng Long kept a smile on his face.

It seemed as if the matter of the "small house" was destined to be resolved easily.

Around 12 o'clock, nearing 1 PM, Lin Nan got into the driver's seat of the Ferrari; after Ren Ren Zhonglun and Cheng Long watched him drive away, they returned to the private room.

"Ren Dong, I must thank you again."

"It's still early; these next few days, hurry to meet with Xiying, Ningying, and others; this is just..."

Cheng Long nodded; as an exchange condition for asking Shanghai Film for help, in the future, he would have to stand completely with Shanghai Film on film projects.

His starring films would be invested in by his own company.

And in the future, for Cheng Long's films, Shanghai Film would hold the right of priority co-investment or even joint production... or even just the two of them...

After the car drove a few kilometers, the more Lin Nan thought, the more choked up he felt inside; it was too against his conscience, his conscience couldn't accept it!

He pulled the car over to the roadside, pondered back and forth, and a flash of inspiration struck his mind:

"Eh? Although I agreed to abstain, not to speak or oppose, I can still talk to Director La..."

Immediately, Lin Nan made a phone call.

"What do you need with me at this hour? I was a bit busy this morning, and now I'm having lunch."

"Um, Director La, there's something I need to tell you..."

Tong Gang was also promoted from the chairman of China Film; Han Han Sanping, La La Peikang, and others all belonged to the inner circle.

Since they were of the inner circle, they would certainly firmly support the top boss and big brother's intention of a permanent blacklist!

"... Alright, I understand. I will come then; you don't need to get involved." La La Peikang said in an unfriendly tone.

"Alright, Director La. Then I won't disturb your meal."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Nan's mood instantly improved significantly.

"Handsome guy, got time for a cup of coffee?"

A young woman with light makeup and a decent figure stood a meter away and hit on Lin Nan; without saying a word, he floored the accelerator and roared away.

"God help us, just don't let the paparazzi catch this... I haven't had this kind of tabloid scandal yet; with the engagement coming up the day after tomorrow..."

Lin Nan muttered shakily; if this got out, Old Lin would break his legs...