Chapter 556: As long as you go, you will definitely

"Directed by Director Ning Hao and produced by Lin Dao Nan, the road-trip comedy *Breakup Buddies* has been released for 23 days, with a total box office of 1.288 billion!"

"It is reported that the daily box office of *Breakup Buddies* has dropped significantly to over 4 million, but there is still a great possibility of crossing the 1.3 billion box office threshold!"

"Industry insiders expect that by the time the film is pulled from theaters, the two major producers, Bad Monkey and Lin Nan Film Industry, will have a box office share as high as over 510 million."

"The imported blockbuster *Guardians of the Galaxy* ranks second in the domestic film market box office for the October slot, released for 12 days, breaking 500 million at the box office."

……

Entering the latter part of the month, a series of film information was summarized one after another.

Except for the top two at the box office, other movies, especially domestic films, all became background and cannon fodder, unable to stir up any box office waves.

*The Taking of Tiger Mountain*, *Ip Man 3*, *The Breakup Guru*, *Breakup Buddies*!

Lin Nan Film Industry's film record for this year was once again placed on the table by many film and television companies in the industry months before the end of the year, making them green with envy!

This didn't even count the revenue of Lin Nan Film Industry in TV dramas, variety shows, artist management, etc.

In addition, Tiangong Color was also a hen that continuously laid golden eggs, siphoning off nearly half of the special effects business in the domestic film industry.

In the morning, Ning Hao called in a rush.

He was already preparing for the celebration banquet, scheduled for the last day of the month, quite impatient.

But thinking about it, it made sense. Once the box office data of 1.28 billion came out this morning, Director Ning's status and position in the industry were different again!

He officially surpassed Zhou Xingchi and Xu Zheng to become the second-ranked big director on the Chinese film box office list, second only to Lin Nan!

"Lin Dao, China Film Group is asking, should we recommend actors to go over?"

This question was a bit abrupt; Lin Nan reacted for a few seconds.

"Asked proactively? Is this compensation for 'tricking' me? Heh..."

Lin Nan smiled and shook his head, then instructed: "Reply to China Film Group and say that all our people have scheduling conflicts and have other arrangements."

"Alright, Lin Dao."

Lin Nan had read the script for *The Great Wall*; the supporting roles were hard to describe in one word, so forget it.

Since he had already rejected the director position, it was best not to get tangled up and have any further connection.

……

Controlled by two Hollywood giants, Legendary and Universal, with China Film Group's policy protection, directed by National Master Zhang Yimou, a 150 million USD fantasy blockbuster, top-tier 3D special effects, global distribution and release...

These dazzling halos were all tempting actors, stars, and entertainment capital in the Chinese film and television circle.

The lead team needed Hollywood big names and top domestic first-tier actors. It was indeed difficult for the circle to have ideas about these roles, but other supporting roles were not necessarily the case.

Countless film and television companies and entertainment capital in the industry were trying every possible way to stuff their own people in—"gilding"!

Some even found Lin Nan, hoping he would help recommend actors.

Because everyone knew he was close to China Film Group, and most importantly, there were no airtight walls in the circle; some people could still find out about his contact with *The Great Wall*.

……

Facts proved that crossing over to be a director indeed had risks; not everyone could play it well.

Although Cui Jian's *Blue Bone* had Ning Hao, Jiang Wen, and others attend the premiere to help stand for promotion, the result was not good.

Now released for 5 days, the total box office was less than 3 million, and it had already been abandoned by theaters; even the screening rate was cut directly to less than 1%.

This rock big shot who entered the film circle had suffered a defeat in his first battle and was crushed!

When Lin Nan drove back to the Beijing Film Academy, he even saw a row of *Blue Bone* posters on the bulletin board, but they were being cleaned up...

At noon, he received a call from Old Jiang. The other party was stuttering and didn't say clearly what was going on, just telling him to come to the school to stroll around and chat when he was free.

What was there to chat about that couldn't be chatted about on the phone?

However, Lin Nan did indeed need to rest and relax while supplementing the script, so he came by on the way in the afternoon.

"The first class should be ending soon, right?"

Lin Nan couldn't help but mutter when passing the rehearsal hall.

Through the entire transparent glass wall, one could see the female students inside wearing tight practice clothes; each one had a graceful figure and long legs!

Now, the art exams of the three major institutions were paying more and more attention to appearance.

As long as it involved acting-related majors, a pretty face and figure were essential foundations, even for the vocational classes; it was selecting the best among the best!

Of course, the threshold for those second and third generations was much lower.

The result of being glimpsed was that Lin Nan disturbed others' class. Nodding to the female teacher in front, he walked away quickly.

Along the way, various greetings and hellos were constant. Lin Nan soon arrived at the Directing Department, which was much quieter.

"Hmm? Why are you alone today? Where are the others?"

Lin Nan looked at the empty office and asked Old Jiang. The latter was turning on the computer, watching a movie.

"Those who have class are in class, those who have meetings are in meetings. Oh right, Director Tian went to the crew. That *Lady of the Dynasty* is simply a mess; he's preparing to wash his hands of it, just hanging a name is enough."

Lin Nan remembered; it was Fan Bingbing's *Lady of the Dynasty*. It had been filming on and off for two or three years, right? There were really quite a few moths!

Sitting there, Lin Nan didn't stand on ceremony, directly crossing his legs, "Say what you have to say quickly; you were hesitating on the phone. I have to go find Sister Xue in the Literature Department later."

Seeing Lin Nan so direct, Old Jiang was instead a bit coy.

A moment later, he said in a "broken jar" manner:

"What kind of mess is this! I'll say it upfront: I don't want to take this errand; Director Tian just flatly rejected it. But you know, who told me to be 'low in rank and small in position'? Since it was forced on me from above, I can only..."

"I say, can you be straightforward and stop beating around the bush?"

Lin Nan smiled speechlessly. Old Jiang's mother-in-law-like appearance made him uncomfortable, giving him goosebumps.

"Fine, but say it first, after I speak, don't give me a cold face; I was also pushed onto the duck rack."

At this moment, Lin Nan realized Old Jiang really had something.

"Say it."

"That side asked me to bring you a word: after the Spring Festival... the Golden Rooster will start registration... ending at the end of May, you... go register."

Old Jiang looked at Lin Nan, his eyes filled with envy, and finished stuttering.

He knew very well the conflict between Lin Nan and that bunch of old men. Those old guys in the association were not acting like people, always relying on seniority, age, and the right to speak to beat down the younger generation, wanting to teach them "rules."

The more outstanding you were, the more they wanted to beat you down and teach you "rules"!

This time it's good, right? Can your rules be bigger than the "rules" above? They had to turn around and soften their stance to Lin Nan!

The most critical thing was that some people's operations were truly mother-fucking stupid. A while ago, they even thought about "moral kidnapping" to manipulate Lin Nan, but ended up messing it up.

Lin Nan heard it clearly—he heard a joke!

"I don't lack the Golden Rooster Award, and I won't register. Let them save their breath."

"Maybe after the year, I'll bring back a Golden Globe or Oscar trophy, let the school prepare the banner for me, heh..."

Lin Nan first refused straightforwardly, then smiled and changed the subject, not making it difficult for Old Jiang.

He had looked down on the Golden Rooster a long time ago, it was just that those people were indeed disgusting and an eyesore.

"Are you sure you understood the meaning in my words? As long as you go, you will definitely..."

"Teacher Jiang, you are only responsible for passing the word, right?" Lin Nan interrupted the other party.

"Ah? Hmm, passing the word." Old Jiang nodded subconsciously.

"Then I'll say it again: I don't lack the Golden Rooster, and I won't register. Don't bother me again. Just pass it on exactly as it is."

Seeing Lin Nan's serious look that didn't look like he was joking, Old Jiang knew he was serious.

"Sigh, fine. You have this temper and confidence. Director Tian really understands you. If it were me or anyone else in the school, it would really be... forget it, won't say it."

Old Jiang said, and started to mock himself.

"Nothing else, right?" Lin Nan put down his crossed legs.

"Nothing, I will pass it on."

After rambling for another five minutes, Lin Nan left the Directing Department office.

Old Jiang stood at the door, watching the back walking toward the Literature Department, muttering softly:

"Still too young, too wishful. The nature of *The Taking of Tiger Mountain* is different. This is no longer just your own business..."

…………

Xue Xiaolu, like Cao Baoping, had a main job as a professor at the Beijing Film Academy, and a side job as a director.

The former's teaching work was even more than the latter's.

This resulted in the speed and efficiency of script creation being very, very slow.

Like the original *Finding Mr. Right*, the second script Lin Nan saw was only partial, only one-third completed.

In terms of depth, Xue Xiaolu's script was indeed not as good as Cao Baoping's, but in terms of commercial attributes, Xue Xiaolu was slightly better!

"I heard from Professor Cao that his next play is still looking for you?"

"Sister Xue, don't worry, the budget for your side won't be less because of this, haha."

Lin Nan closed the script and joked.

"Of course I don't worry, you are a big spender."

"When will the script take shape?"

This was what Lin Nan cared about more.

Seeing Xue Xiaolu slightly frown and ponder, she finally gave an answer:

"After the Spring Festival. There are fewer courses in the first half of next year, just right for project approval and starting filming."

"It's the Spring Festival again..."

"What?"

"Nothing, I said this Spring Festival is quite busy, and next year will be busy too!"

News of Lin Nan returning to school spread in the Beijing Film Academy.

When the department heads of several major departments ran to the Literature Department, preparing to "lobby" Lin Nan and talk about opening courses, they came up empty.

The latter was already sitting in the car, preparing to leave.

"What did you say, say it again?"

"Lin Dao, I said the company received a drinking party invitation; it was sent by Yang Mi. That company of theirs seems to be pulling investment."

"But the feeling it gives me is that it doesn't look like just pulling investment? But to say it's aimed at an IPO, isn't that a bit of a fantasy?"

…………

On the 23rd, the Sino-Japanese co-production *Five Minutes to Tomorrow*, which Tang Ren had been promoting with overwhelming press releases, was released.

However, no matter how high-profile the promotion was before the release and how loud the slogans were shouted, after the first-day box office came out, it was a resounding slap in the face.

Tang Ren's top sister, one of the four little starlets, Liu Shishi, was indeed not suitable for the film circle.

The feeling given to the industry was that all those "massive fans" of hers were fake, right? All zombie fans?

As the absolute female lead playing two roles, the first-day box office was only 2.67 million? This was completely unworthy of the title of "four little starlets"!

Even if it was just relying on fan support, it shouldn't have only this much box office, right?

Once this result came out, Liu Shishi, who occupied the title of "four little starlets" in vain, instantly became the object of group ridicule on the internet, with black articles flying everywhere.

And looking at this appearance and scale, it was still several competitors and companies in the circle exerting force at the same time. Among them, there was no lack of second-tier ones behind her who wanted to replace her!

"In the future, no one will look for her to act in movies. If you say this isn't box office poison, then what is box office poison? Which movie she participated in wasn't a bloody loss? Even Enlight Media was severely pitted by her once, and that was when she just exploded in popularity relying on *Scarlet Heart*, heh..."

Lin Nan said jokingly. Tang Ren probably recognized reality, right?

Opposite him, Wang Changtian's face looked a bit ugly; *Sad Fairy Tale* was Enlight Media's biggest losing movie, bar none!

"If Cai Yinong changes to another actress to promote now, it might still be in time!"

Old Wang complained unhappily. In his view, Liu Shishi wasn't even as good as his own Liu Yan.

"Changing people, so what? There are no resources."

Lin Nan was invited over by Wang Changtian today purely for celebration.

*Running Man* had already aired for two episodes; the ratings for the second episode were number one in the country for the same period, directly soaring to 8.03, fierce to a mess!

Tomorrow's third episode was even more anticipated and discussed by internet viewers. The data on Tudou's side was also gorgeously unbelievable.

"China Film Group is auditioning; I sent all the company's artists, but they were all brushed off."

Old Wang's words made Lin Nan instantly spirited.

Good grief, quite ambitious. Relying on these few artists of Enlight Media, how could that side want them? One, they weren't big-name actors; two, they weren't popular stars. Thinking quite beautifully!

"It's normal to be brushed off, heh..."

"You didn't help the artists in your company, or people around you, exert some effort?" Old Wang's eyes carried cunning.

Lin Nan sighed, knowing Wang Changtian didn't just have one thing. He said pointedly: "*The Great Wall*'s water is a bit muddy, the burden is too heavy, I can't carry it."

"So, what was rumored outside before is true?"

"True or not, does it still have meaning?"

"Understood."

The casting for *The Great Wall* had already entered a white-hot stage.

Outside China Film Group, a large number of media reporters and vehicles gathered, and various related information was reported on the internet every day.

The scenes of actors from the mainland and Hong Kong entering and exiting China Film Group were all captured by the lens, one by one, which could be described as wonderful.

……

Counting the days, Liu Yifei's *Interstellar* promotional tour was about to end, and she could return to the country early.

Lin Nan even specifically called to confirm her flight to ensure he wouldn't miss it.

At the same time, Jiaxing was also quite lively.

"Why didn't you discuss it with me before you took the liberty of inviting Lin Nan Film Industry?"

Ceng Jia tried hard to restrain her emotions, half-inquiring, half-questioning.

Yang Mi had been very tired recently; there were many announcements; she had to smile and drink at drinking parties, and occasionally she would be taken advantage of.

But hearing Ceng Jia's question at this time, she also immediately became more spirited:

"Because I think Lin Nan Film Industry belongs to one of the highest-quality investors. Better than those we've met. So I added Lin Dao's company to the drinking party invitation list and personally called Director Yue to invite them."

This answer left Ceng Jia speechless, unable to refute.

"You think others are the highest quality, but have you ever thought about whether others look down on us?"

Although she asked this rhetorically, Ceng Jia hoped in her heart that Lin Nan Film Industry would look down on Jiaxing; otherwise, it would be very troublesome!

This question indeed stimulated Yang Mi.

What was Jiaxing? Specifically, Jiaxing's main business was artist management; the production business had just started.

Even investing in filming TV dramas required hiring directors and a full set of filming team personnel, because they couldn't afford to keep them at all.

And Lin Nan Film Industry? It possessed its own full set of production and filming teams, as well as complete production capabilities.

Yeah, what if Lin Nan Film Industry looked down on them?

"Then we have to try, how can we easily draw a conclusion."

Yang Mi said firmly, unwilling to give up.

Ceng Jia opened her mouth and didn't "clash head-on" again; after all, Yang Mi was the pillar of the company!

"Fine, I hope you get your wish!"

…………

At the beginning of July, *Brotherhood of Blades 2* officially wrapped up, and it had been almost 4 months since then.

The post-production and some special effects shots of this movie, under the slow work and careful effort of Lu Yang and Tiangong Color, were finally a great success!

Lin Nan was called to the company by Lu Yang over the phone the first time.

"Lin Dao, come and see the finished film; it definitely surpasses the first one."

Just entering Tiangong Color, Lu Yang urged eagerly. Zhang Yi was also on the side; Lei Jiayin seemed to still be with the crew and hadn't returned.

"Lin Dao, hurry and sit."

Guo Fan gave up a seat; he had been staying in the screenwriting department recently, participating in the adaptation of *Go Away Mr. Tumor*.

"Start."

For the two-hour movie, the internal members of Lin Nan Film Industry got a sneak peek.

……

"Good grief, who is this woman? She plays with the knife quite well."

"Xin Zhilei, I chose her; she doesn't have much fame."

"Oh my, this 'slave-like' look on Zhang Yi's face is really like it! Tsk tsk tsk..."

"Lin Dao, Shu Chang's acting is indeed good. Although she didn't come from a professional institution, this acting honed in various crews easily crushes professional actors of the same age!"

……

It had to be said that Lu Yang indeed had his own characteristics in martial arts films, very great.

The visuals of *Brotherhood of Blades 2* were much more beautiful and natural than the first one.

"Now that it's done, can it be sent for review?" Guo Fan couldn't help but ask.

"When are you preparing to release it next year? You must choose a good slot; this is my first ancient martial arts film! Lei Jiayin is the same."

Zhang Yi smacked his lips, also somewhat excited.

Lin Nan didn't take the conversation, but smiled and looked at Lu Yang.

The latter had a playful smile, "*Brotherhood of Blades 2* is not in a hurry to be sent for review; keep it confidential first. As for when to release it? We can't decide this."

Lu Yang's last sentence left Guo Fan and Zhang Yi confused.

Lin Dao is here, you, the director, are here too, how can you not decide the slot?

"The release date, we can't decide, then who can?" Zhang Yi asked weakly.

"Hahaha..., Director Chen Kaige can decide!"

Lu Yang couldn't hold it anymore and laughed out loud.

"He is waiting for *Monk Comes Down the Mountain*..."

Lin Nan chuckled and explained.

……

Taking advantage of Zhang Yi being called to the company, Lin Nan simply reminded him face-to-face, "Don't take any plays during this period before and after the year."

"Lin Dao, are you opening a new play? Is there a part for me?"

The latter reacted quickly and asked immediately.

"I am opening a new play, but there is no role suitable for you. It's on Director Cao Baoping's side; he said there is a role in the new script very suitable for you."

"It's also invested by our company; the script hasn't been written yet, maybe a month or so. As for the start date, it's about after the year."

Hearing this, Zhang Yi was also happy. Because he had cooperated on *The Equation of Love and Death*, he knew Cao Baoping's strength; it was very strong!

"No problem, during this period, I won't take any plays, just waiting for Director Cao."

…………

Tang Ren's top sister had really become a big joke in the mainland film and television circle.

*Five Minutes to Tomorrow* had 2.67 million box office on the first day, but on the second day, it was directly halved to 1.47 million!

Those "little lions" and lion prides on the internet with explosive combat power were all silent; don't know where they ran off to?

What about the Sino-Japanese co-production that was supposed to go to the international stage? Not going anymore?

A little past ten in the morning, on the way to the airport, Lin Nan was really amused by the entertainment news on the car radio.

The box office results of movies by Yang Mi, Yang Ying, Ni Ni, and others were taken out one by one for comparison. Good grief, all of them crushed Liu Shishi!

The media ran to interview Tang Ren and the top sister's agent, but they were all turned away and had their calls hung up in seconds—just one thing: don't talk about it, hide!

Sitting in the driver's seat, Lin Nan didn't get out of the car.

But his license plate was kept in mind by entertainment reporters.

"Is it Lin Dao's car?"

"Didn't get out, waiting for someone?"

"How long has Liu Yifei been abroad?"

"Counting the time, it's been 20 days, right? In that case, Lin Dao is here to pick up the plane today!"

"High probability, no, he is just here to pick up the plane!"

……

A group of entertainment reporters became more and more excited. Today was really a good day; there were quite a few big names.

Just now Andy Lau had left the airport; didn't expect Liu Yifei to also return this morning!

Approaching 11:30, Lin Nan's phone vibrated. The two words "Xixi" came into view.

He answered immediately and got out of the car.

"Xixi, are you out? I don't see you?"

Lin Nan looked toward the airport exit and asked. Reporters looked at the big Lin Dao in a peering state and hurriedly aimed their lenses over.

"I'm still inside walking toward the exit. On this trip back, there's a companion on the way. Guess who it is? If you guess it, there's a reward! Hee hee..."

Liu Yifei's cheerful voice came from the phone, carrying some playfulness, and it was indeed a bit noisy on the side.

"How could I guess this? Since you are coming back together, won't I know when we meet in a while?"

Lin Nan said with a smile and walked straight toward the exit.

The media reporters in the distance also gradually gathered around, trailing far behind. They knew Lin Nan's personality; they were all old acquaintances.

Five minutes later.

Liu Yifei, in casual jeans, a trench coat, sunglasses covering her face, and long hair draped over her shoulders, appeared at the channel exit.

Several assistants and bodyguards followed on the side, either pushing luggage or blocking passersby.

The moment she saw Lin Nan, a smile bloomed on her face, and she trotted over quickly.

The two embraced; they hadn't seen each other for twenty days, and they missed each other a bit.

"Lin Nan..." Miss Liu's face rubbed gently.

"Hmm, prepare to go home."

Lin Nan let go of Liu Yifei, and just as he said this, he heard a familiar voice coming from the exit channel again.

"Lin, long time no see."

…………

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 557 =====