Chapter 528: Let's Talk About Some Positive Energy

How to put it, Lin Nan was a little glad he had missed out on "The Dead End" back then; otherwise, he'd be just as anxious and worried as Cao Bao right now.

The latter had specifically called over, hoping that after Lin Nan returned from the General Administration, he could leak some of the document's contents to him.

Lin Nan certainly understood what Cao Bao meant.

He was just eager to know what the final handling method would be for those drug-involved artists' un-released and un-aired film and television works.

This concerned whether "The Dead End" could be released normally during the New Year season, and whether cuts would be needed.

In the morning, it was Lin Nan again who was woken up alone by the alarm. In his half-awake daze, he instinctively reached to the side, still finding it empty.

"Sigh, when is that brat Shu Chang actually leaving? Honestly…"

After washing up, when he went next door for breakfast, just as Lin Nan had expected, it was only him and Liu Liu Xiaoli.

Now that the elders had finally left, Liu Liu Yifei and Shu Chang, the two besties, rarely had to get up early to put on a show — how could they possibly not sleep in?

They'd definitely wake up very late today, the kind who combine breakfast and lunch into one meal.

But another possibility couldn't be ruled out either.

That would be Liu Liu Xiaoli going in later to "bloodline-suppress" and "violently wake up" Liu Liu Qianqian and Shu Chang. Hmm, and that possibility wasn't small at all!

"Mom, I'm heading out first."

"Mm, okay. Drive slowly on the road."

Liu Liu Xiaoli smiled and nodded in instruction; everything seemed so natural.

On the car radio, last night's Huading Awards results were being broadcast.

Chen Chen Baoguo took Best Actor, thereby becoming the grand slam winner of domestic television drama awards;

Tong Tong Liya won Best Actress for the first time — although the Huading Awards weren't particularly prestigious, it was still quite an achievement.

Facts proved that all mainland awards had, implicitly, already reached a tacit understanding to "blacklist" artists with scandals!

Case in point: as expected, Wen Zhang didn't win Best Television Drama Director, even though his ability was already sufficient;

"Let's Get Married" had so many nominations and awards, but from start to finish, Huang Huang Haibo's name never appeared…

China Film.

When Lin Nan arrived, Han Han Sanping and Beside La La Peikang were chatting about something, seemingly mocking someone.

No need to think — it had to be someone of the same level.

"You're here pretty early! Rest a bit, we'll head out in twenty minutes."

Beside La La Peikang said with a smile, pointing to the seat beside him. Lin Nan didn't stand on ceremony and sat directly next to Han Han Sanping.

"Director Han, your semi-retired life shouldn't be too busy, right?"

"Not very busy, just a lot of meetings. What, something going on?"

"Nothing major, I just suddenly thought again about something I used to joke with you about.

When my company later makes some special-subject films, come be my producer, yeah? The kind who actually does the work!"

Lin Nan had set his sights on Han Han Sanping — he'd heard Old Han might be joining the review team!

At this moment, Han Han Sanping and Beside La La Peikang instantly became interested in the "special-subject films" Lin Nan had mentioned.

"Haha, of course, but the pay can't be low. Last time with 'Taking Mount Mount Weihu by Strategy,' I didn't see a single cent…"

Hearing this, Lin Nan was momentarily speechless.

Old Han really knew how to play dumb — wasn't it you who was told that the pay all went to your daughter? What, you "forgot" that on purpose?

"Fine, you can bring your daughter along too — room and board included!"

"When you start the project, remember to bring it to China Film for a look."

……

Today's entrance to the General Administration was quite different from the previous two times — sparse and scattered.

Compared to the last industry conference, there really weren't many familiar faces this time.

Among the large group, apart from a few state-owned enterprise representatives, Lin Nan figured he only recognized those old fellows from the review team — disappointing.

People from CCTV's broadcasting, television, and media systems, people from the major TV stations, legal scholars… he didn't recognize any of them either.

Outside the General Administration, after getting out of the car with Han Han Sanping and Beside La La Peikang, Lin Nan was still muttering that he'd only come today to get his face known and be a bystander.

Who would've thought that the next moment, looking up, he saw a figure in the not-far distance that made him sigh involuntarily.

Sometimes life really does work in strange ways — just over ten meters ahead was Ren Dong.

At this moment, he had just entered the General Administration's main gate, chatting and laughing with the people beside him.

"Heh heh. Old Ren's in quite a good mood, huh?" Han Han Sanping said with a teasing tone.

"Let's hurry in too." Lin Nan reminded.

……

It was still the same big conference hall as last time, but with only sixty or seventy people. Lin Nan was the youngest, and he sat next to the people from Western Film.

"This is the draft document. Everyone can take a look first, and based on its contents, make additions, optimizations, and raise opinions."

Quite a few people hadn't expected that the bureau already had a document framework — everyone had thought they'd be starting from scratch, from zero.

Lin Nan glanced at Ren Dong; the latter's expression was somewhat stern and solemn.

"Restrictions on behind-the-scenes personnel?"

"Marital infidelity is not included in the blacklist scope for artists with scandals?"

……

"Drug involvement, prostitution… other major illegal and criminal acts…"

"Film, television, radio, variety shows, commercial performances… permanent blacklist across all channels…"

"Handling of drug-involved actors' un-released and un-aired works…"

……

Lin Nan read through the list item by item; the bureau had compiled this time with extreme detail.

It included all the controversial issues raised at previous industry conferences.

It seemed they would have to go through this document point by point; he just didn't know if they could finish it all today.

"Although behind-the-scenes personnel do not appear on screen, there must still be penalties for them..."

"Recently, that screenwriter wasn't he saying he had no regrets!"

"His attitude was completely opposite to when he was first caught; he was even shouting about learning from abroad... something about 'moderate legalization'..."

Good heavens, before anyone below could speak, the leader began speaking sternly about recent news.

This meant making an example of one to warn the hundred; that guy's brain was filled with dung, and he deserved to be sacrificed to the flag!

"For behind-the-scenes personnel involved in drugs, their names or pen names or stage names are banned from appearing in the credits, posters, and all promotional materials of any film, television, or music industry works!"

No one dared to object; this item passed!

Regarding infidelity within marriage, only boycotting and condemning without a ban was likely the result ninety-nine percent of industry practitioners hoped to see; they got their wish.

In the draft document, items were passed and confirmed one by one with great efficiency.

Until the discussion reached the item of "permanent ban across all channels," the atmosphere in the room suddenly became strange.

Everyone looked at Ren Da, the Chairman, who had stood up; their eyes held confusion, understanding, or the look of someone watching a spectacle.

"Hmm?" Tong Gang looked over as well.

In Lin Nan's view, indeed, they were all from the Yanji Sect.

"Director Tong, after we came down, we carefully considered this issue; a permanent ban is very unreasonable.

Drug use and prostitution are only administrative cases under the law; even for extremely heinous criminal cases, most still have opportunities for suspended sentences or sentence reductions.

But in the film and entertainment industry, permanently banning a practitioner who made a mistake is no different from a one-time death sentence, and one without any chance for suspension or reduction!"

"So what?"

"I propose giving the 'ban' a time limit, just like sentencing under the law, with a degree of proportionality."

The room was very quiet; everyone held an attitude of "not my business, keep it high and dry."

Tong Gang just opened his mouth, as if he were about to speak? Instead, Han Han Sanping's voice came through. Hmm, perfect coordination!

"Oh, drop it! Saying an industry 'ban' is no different from the death penalty? If it's a ban, then ban them; where do all these extra issues come from!

A permanent ban in the film industry is the film industry's business; it's not like thirty-six hundred trades are banning people.

A ban simply means driving these pests out of this special industry that has a social value orientation, so they don't cause endless harm."

As soon as Han Han Sanping finished speaking, Beside La La Peikang picked up the thread:

"Everyone sitting here today is supporting a permanent ban. In this industry, a 'ban' has no sentence reduction or suspension; it is the death penalty!"

Han Han Sanping took over the conversation and continued speaking without courtesy:

"Put it another way: every gram these drug-involved artists bought is stained with the blood of the fallen anti-drug police and the tears of their families! Does anyone here oppose that statement? Who opposes?

Or are you, the big shots here, preparing a backdoor for your descendants? Everyone should know modern history, right? No illiterates here?"

Lin Nan's eyes widened; he only knew Han Han Sanping and Beside La La Peikang would fire shots, but he didn't expect them to strike at the heart!

Especially Han Han Sanping's words; this had pinned down everyone present who wanted to stay out of it.

"On such matters, everyone has their own reasoning; we can be a bit democratic and let everyone participate... except for Chairman La and Chairman Han opposing my proposal, is there anyone else? You can bring it up together..."

"Haha, so who here opposes my and Chairman La's views? Let's do it together! Best to raise a hand, so we can see clearly."

Han Han Sanping, full of energy, interrupted the other person's words with a laugh.

Inside the conference hall, a deathly silence fell; no one took a side.

Lin Nan kept his head down, suppressing his laughter; well, now everyone could just stay silent together.

Currently on the floor, it was 2 to 1, with China Film far ahead!

Chairman Ren looked around: West Film, Lin Nan, Ning Film...

Those who had previously promised to remain silent and not take a stance had done so, but the result was the opposite of what was intended!

"Enough. Since that's the case, this item passes: permanent ban across all channels!"

As Tong Gang's words landed, Chairman Ren could only sit down helplessly.

After all, only half of the morning was spent; it wasn't finished, so they would have to come another day... the leaders had other matters in the afternoon.

"Old Ren, I'm not saying this to scold you. Don't always bring Shanghai Film's 'capital' methods here; your way of thinking has no concept of the big picture..."

Before even exiting the General Bureau's main gate, Han Han Sanping casually started a "joke" with Ren Ren Zhonglun.

At this moment, people around them kept their distance.

That "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" over there, why did he show no sign of holding back?

"Shanghai Film is different from China Film; my style of conduct is also different from Chairman Han's and Chairman La's. Perhaps this is why Chairman Han retired, while I did not!"

Ren Ren Zhonglun wore a formulaic smile on his face and stabbed Han Han Sanping.

Lin Nan, a few steps away, felt a bit chilled by the sound; Ren Ren Zhonglun's words were truly ruthless!

With this stab, both sides drew blood!

After leaving the General Bureau, Lin Nan did not travel with Han Han Sanping and Beside La La Peikang.

First, Han Han Sanping was in a very bad mood; second, he also had to go to the wrap-up banquet for "The Journey of Flower."

That's right; as a large-scale ancient fantasy drama produced by Lin Nan Film and receiving great attention from the industry, the wrap-up banquet for "The Journey of Flower" was arranged to be held in the capital.

By this time, no single person in the film and entertainment industry dared to question the development of actors under Lin Nan Film.

Four artists; movies, television dramas, variety shows... there were always endless resources waiting for them.

Many insiders have been inquiring, hoping to switch companies or place people here.

However, Shanhai Media had not signed any new talent since early 2010, and since early 2011, had not signed any artists.

Moreover, Lin Nan had already decided to eliminate the artist agency business, and he was firm in this decision.

After briefly appearing at the wrap party, Lin Nan did not stay long and immediately returned home.

What happened at headquarters in the morning was not leaked, because Tong Gang specifically instructed everyone to keep it confidential.

But by noon, the internet had exploded, especially within the film industry, where it was nearly equivalent to an earthquake.

"This morning, Wanda officially signed a film distribution agreement with Bu Yi Le Huo Pictures. The former will buy out the box office with a guaranteed minimum of one billion yuan to distribute Jiang Wen's film, 'A Touch of Sin'!"

"The producer, Bu Yi Le Huo Pictures, will receive its share of the box office corresponding to the one billion yuan in advance… achieving nearly one hundred million yuan in pure profit!"

"Producer Ma Ke stated that 'A Touch of Sin' can probe the depth of the Chinese-language film market's box office potential."

"LeTV's production, originally scheduled to open the day after 'A Touch of Sin,' 'The Crazy Detective,' has announced a new release date of January 16, 2015."

"Several He Sui films have urgently pulled their release dates…"

……

When Lin Nan saw this news at home, he sighed at Jiang Wen's good fortune.

If he had stubbornly gone ahead with the gamble, he might have taken years to recover, just like with 'The Sun Also Rises' back then.

But Wanda's guaranteed one-billion-yuan box office distribution of 'A Touch of Sin' was indeed a major event in the industry.

Because Wanda is the largest theater chain in China, it is highly likely to drastically reduce screenings of other films to allocate them all to 'A Touch of Sin.'

Frankly, most in the industry understand that to meet its one-billion-yuan box office target and avoid losses, Wanda will definitely do this!

This is also the fundamental reason so many films urgently changed or withdrew their release dates—because the referee has entered the game, and he's playing solely for himself.

……

Watching Shu Chang finally had enough, or more accurately, had to rush off to a shoot.

But now that she's gone, it's better—she's been like a five-kilowatt light bulb, too annoying.

"How can you say that about Changchang? If she finds out, she'll get mad at you again."

Liu Liu Yifei rolled her eyes and teased. She knew Lin Nan's little thoughts all too well.

"My fiancée—what right does she have to occupy this place every day? Even if she were my sister, it wouldn't be acceptable."

Lin Nan sat there, speaking with unabashed audacity.

Liu Liu Yifei's smile widened. "Then should I move in tonight?"

"Delete the 'ma'—you must move in tonight!"

Lin Nan had just finished speaking with mock solemnity when a call came in.

"Oh? Only a few days passed, and you're calling back from overseas again! Director Ning, did you make money?"

"Huh?"

Liu Liu Yifei instantly became interested and ran over to sit beside Lin Nan.

The moment the call was connected, a boisterous laugh came through:

"Hahaha… Lin Nan, I didn't let you down! $21.58 million has been recouped, with a net profit of eighty million RMB!

I tell you, I met a foreigner who said he knows you—he's bought your rights many times before but couldn't afford them until last time. He asked me why you didn't come to the Venice Film Festival this time…"

Ning Hao chattered on without stopping.

Lin Nan's mind already pictured the foreign gentleman's face—he was indeed an old acquaintance.

"This price is excellent. When do you plan to return?"

"I won't attend the film festival closing ceremony. My flight arrives in the capital tomorrow morning.

'The Journey to the West' has only a month left—I need to rush another round of promotion. What about your company's people?"

Lin Nan knew Ning Hao would ask this. "Haha, they've already returned and are ready to join the crew anytime."

"Good. Also, I'll publicly disclose the rights transaction price for promotional purposes."

"No problem!" Lin Nan had often done the same himself.

After hanging up, Lin Nan looked at Liu Liu Yifei.

"Liu Qianqian, think quickly. Yesterday I asked someone—full sets of phoenix crown and embroidered robes require dozens of people and take over half a year to complete. Some take one or two years."

"What? So slow?"

Liu Liu Yifei opened her mouth slightly, incredulous.

Lin Nan stroked her cheek, his tone gentle: "Hurry up and decide. Even if you can pay extra to speed it up, don't wait too long, okay?"

"Mm, alright then."

Liu Liu Yifei rubbed her cheek against Lin Nan's, smiling as she readily agreed.

On one side was the dazzling romance of a wedding dress; on the other, the dignified splendor of phoenix crown and embroidered robes—Liu Liu Yifei was suffering from decision paralysis.

She wanted both, because she felt she looked beautiful in either.

In truth, Lin Nan himself favored a traditional Chinese wedding.

Every step of the traditional Chinese wedding ritual carried meaning and symbolism, representing cultural heritage.

A full set of phoenix crown and embroidered robes, compared to foreign luxury brand gowns and wedding dresses, was the true luxury!

Whether in human effort, materials, or time cost, traditional Chinese wedding attire like phoenix crown and embroidered robes could not be matched by anything from abroad.

Lin Nan had already prepared to spend the money—a phoenix crown and embroidered robe set costing tens of millions! The exact amount was unknown, but certainly starting at eight digits!

…………

The summer season in August was essentially over.

Guangxian's 'The Four Great Constables: The Final Chapter' exhausted its box office potential on the 30th, ending with 210 million yuan.

The imported blockbuster 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' was fierce—released on the 29th, it earned 90.11 million yuan on its first day. Unsurprisingly, its daily box office on the 30th could break the hundred-million mark!

That morning, the hot young star held a grand media apology conference in the capital, dominating Weibo's trending searches and the headlines of every major portal site.

Countless media reporters went to the scene, a forest of long and short lenses—all cameras.

The person in question "performed" a masterful display of acting, slipping into crying mode in ten seconds, sobbing for nearly twenty minutes straight, finally breaking down with tears and snot flowing freely—it actually looked quite convincing.

But, word has it his apology conference on the Treasure Island wasn't like this at all—very official, and with a smile to boot? His family didn't even come along…

Anyone with eyes could see it was because the mainland market was too tempting; the other side didn't want to give it up, so they brought every ounce of their attitude here.

The purpose was still very clear—some little schemes!

……

The energy he'd stored up over ten-odd days was squeezed out completely in one night, leaving him even a bit overdrawn.

Lin Nan figured that when he had the time, he'd have to find some real old Daoist priests to learn health cultivation from—otherwise he wouldn't be able to withstand Liu Liu Yifei's little vampiress draining him!

"I'll find a script later and let you play a fox spirit…"

In the morning, Lin Nan looked at Liu Liu Yifei on the bed and viciously dropped this harsh line.

Meanwhile, Miss Liu was hiding under the covers, only her head and half of one fair, white shoulder peeking out.

On her radiant, glowing face, she smiled brightly:

"Then I want you to play the supporting role! Also, I won't play a fox spirit—I want to play a fox immortal, the kind from Tu Shan Clan!"

"Tu Shan Clan? You can keep waiting…"

After saying that, Lin Nan walked out the door amid Liu Liu Yifei's laughter.

He dragged his exhausted body and drove to school.

Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama both started their new term these past two days; parents sending off new students could be seen everywhere outside the schools.

Many parents proudly took photos with their children at the school gate.

As if from the moment they stepped through the gates of Beijing Film Academy today, their child was destined to become a big star and make a living in the entertainment circle.

A portion of the new students could indeed pick up a bowl of rice in the circle quite easily, because the path had been paved before they even enrolled.

But the majority of new students had to start from "begging for rice," unless they had outstanding talent and luck to meet a patron…

"Now everyone knows the film and entertainment circle is easy money—paychecks change price every day, it's a 'soaring surge'!"

When Lin Nan drove through the school gate, the security office people even laughed and bantered with him.

"Yeah, who knows how many will make it out of this batch?"

Lin Nan replied, and seeing the gate barrier open, he gave a nod and drove in.

From a distance, he could hear the security office people bragging, their voices fading: "The one who just drove past is Director Lin Nan, famous both domestically and internationally, a top…"

Letter of appointment, title documents, work badge, faculty meal card, roster… files… not bad, quite complete!

"You can take these few items with you; the rest just look at them here, they need to be sealed and filed afterward."

Old Jiang pointed at some items on the desk and said to Lin Nan.

The latter was looking through his title documents, especially the resume and honors section—truly lavish!

"The school's really something—every single one of my awards is written in there, not one missing. I'd even forgotten about the Huabiao Award; it was Director Han who accepted it on my behalf!"

"That line of yours really deserves a smack. If I had your Huabiao Outstanding Director Contribution Award, would I be fretting over a full professor title? Within five to eight years, I'd definitely get promoted!"

Lin Nan smiled apologetically—he'd stung Old Jiang again.

"Also, the school asked me to notify you: prepare what you're going to say in advance! Don't be like back when you were at school, going up there and improvising on the spot, winging it off-script! Because of that, I got criticized plenty back in the day!"

"Haha, won't happen again. My status is different now, definitely can't be so unreliable. Mhm, this time, I'll talk about something positive and uplifting!"

Lin Nan already had an idea in mind—it had just popped into his head at this moment!

Hearing Lin Nan say this, Old Jiang was still a bit doubtful. Lin Nan had been very much without "rules" back when he was at school; if he hadn't been the school's face and had Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang's protection, he'd have written self-criticisms dozens of times over.

"You sure?"

"Sure, absolutely positive and uplifting!"

"Fine, I'll believe you this once."

…………

Got a fever today… really not in good shape…

(End of Chapter)