Chapter 572: Phoenix Coronet and Rosy Clouds, Golden Globe Nomination

"With a production budget approaching 500 million, the first part of the epic masterpiece *The Crossing* met its Waterloo on its opening day, suffering a crushing defeat in both box office and word-of-mouth."

"*The Crossing (Part 1)* reported a first-day box office of 24.06 million, a far cry from expectations. Under a barrage of negative reviews, the daily box office is feared to continue its downward trend."

"With fierce competition in the New Year and Spring Festival slots, as the highest-invested domestic film, *The Crossing* faces immense pressure to break even, with hopes looking slim..."

Early in the morning, the internet was filled with negative news about *The Crossing* and John Woo.

The PR press releases from several production companies essentially sank like stones, failing to stir up even the slightest ripple.

And the possibility of further increasing promotion and marketing costs was almost non-existent.

After only one day of release, the online reputation of *The Crossing* collapsed like an avalanche, failing across the board.

Faced with this situation, what could the five production companies do? They were truly caught completely off guard, unable to cope, and it was destined that they could not turn the tide!

In the morning, Lin Nan called Wang Wei at the company.

He asked the latter to send people to contact Xiaoma again, because yesterday afternoon, Xiaoma's chairman had relented.

The wishful thinking they held about making a comeback through *The Crossing* and *Fleet of Time* had already largely vanished.

After all, the box office and copyright revenue of a big production like *The Crossing* were Xiaoma's important reliance for a comeback.

But this reliance collapsed with a bang on the very first day of its release!

"After this film, John Woo should recognize reality, right? Big productions, epics—he can't handle them. And these suckers in the mainland!"

Lin Nan glanced at the "vicious" film reviews still increasing online and couldn't help but complain.

Sure enough, bad publicity is still publicity; there are always audiences who want to see just how rotten this film really is.

Compared to films like *Switch*, *The Promise*, *The Banquet*, and *Tiny Times*, who wins and who loses?

Just after signing the year-end bonus list for the management team, Lin Nan saw that familiar caller ID.

"Oh my, I've been waiting for you all day, Han Dong. Haha..."

Murmuring with a smile, Lin Nan answered the phone. Both sides were surprisingly quiet, both waiting for the other to speak.

"Han Dong?"

In the end, the great Lin Dao spoke first. After all, Han Sanping is a man who wants "face," but he had truly lost all face this time and needed "comfort"!

"Lin Nan, I truly regret it now."

This dull voice was enough to show that Han Sanping's mood right now was absolutely at its worst.

"Hmm... let's wait and see. Who knows, maybe the second part of *The Crossing* will carry the box office?"

Lin Nan subconsciously said a "comforting word," but after saying it, he froze, finding it ridiculous himself.

"Impossible. I am now the laughingstock of the circle, the general producer and main investor of an epic-level rotten film!

The biggest stain on China Film Group in recent years is *The Crossing*. I don't know how La Peikang is mocking me in his heart right now, hehe."

Well, this couldn't be answered. Chairman La had indeed suffered an unprovoked disaster and was likely cursing.

"You, that's a bit too much, isn't it? Who would dare mock you? When they see you, don't they still smile and call you 'Han Dong'?"

"You haven't mocked me less behind my back, have you? You must be thinking: 'Look, he didn't preserve his integrity in his later years, didn't listen to advice, and now he deserves it, right?'"

Han Sanping's words left Lin Nan speechless.

Well, he admitted he seemed to have really thought that way, wanting to see how Han Sanping would end it. A sin, a sin!

"No, absolutely not. I was just telling Liu Yifei yesterday that you have exhausted yourself and worked hard for the domestic film industry..."

While Han Sanping and Lin Nan were on the phone, Huayi, LeTV, and Youzu were also cursing.

Everyone is a professional; whether a film can break even, whether it will suffer a bloody loss, and whether it can still be saved—these are all out in the open and obvious.

The avalanche of *The Crossing*'s reputation was a great thing to see in the eyes of other film parties.

Especially Jiang Wen's *Gone with the Bullets*, which was already seen as the last hope among big-budget films in the New Year slot.

It is said that because of the former's flop, the pre-sale box office of *Gone with the Bullets* directly exceeded 100 million, and it was highly anticipated by audiences and film fans.

And the great Director Jiang was also full of confidence, even boasting in front of media reporters:

"*Gone with the Bullets* will be the best-looking Chinese film in 20 years; even Hollywood couldn't make a film like this!"

Leaving the company early at noon, on the way home, Lin Nan listened to the broadcast and couldn't help but tease Jiang Wen:

"The bullet has flown for too long; Director Jiang already treats it as a cruise missile."

There was a fitting in the afternoon, and Liu Yifei had been looking forward to it since last night.

After returning home, as Lin Nan expected, Shu Chang was also there.

As for what she was doing here today? It went without saying—joining the fun!

Well, and getting a free meal along the way.

"Xixi, it must be very expensive, right?"

"I don't know."

Liu Yifei said with a proud and playful expression.

"Showing off again."

The two argued while discussing what food to order from the restaurant, since Liu Mu had been in her hometown recently.

Lin Nan was at the door taking a call; the stock matter had been handled in the morning.

"Lin Dao, the two million shares have all been sold. Huayi's current volume and daily circulation are very large, so it almost caused no impact; it even rose by 0.26 today."

Well, good. Thank you.

"You're welcome, we are just taking a commission."

When Lin Nan hung up the phone, Liu Yifei and Shu Chang had already decided on lunch.

"That *Return of the Condor Heroes* started airing today. Xixi, Xiaoming, and actors from other versions are being discussed again; it's very lively online."

Shu Chang said to Lin Nan as he walked over, and Liu Yifei was scrolling through news on her tablet with interest.

"When I got this role, many people said I would ruin the classic, but I didn't slack off."

When Miss Liu said this, there was a smile on her face, and her tone was full of pride and confidence.

"Zhang Jizhong was aiming to surpass the previous work, but Yu Zheng doesn't have that mindset. You can tell from the casting of the Zheng Xiaolong Maiden, can't you, Dragon Lady?"

Lin Nan flattered her at the right time, earning a beautiful wink.

"Hmph, I'm not a puppy raised by your family; I refuse to eat dog food."

Shu Chang said with a look of disgust, complaining dissatisfiedly.

"You've been eating it for so many years, one more meal won't hurt."

Lin Nan caught Shu Chang off guard, and the latter was annoyed and embarrassed, "Xixi, you handle him, he's bullying people too much!"

After two o'clock in the afternoon, near three o'clock.

Two cars drove into the villa area and stopped in front of the gate of Lin Nan's villa.

An old man who looked to be in his sixties, with silver-white hair and wearing a Zhongshan suit, brought three women and two men, five adults in total, and was led into the villa by Lin Nan.

"I already said, you didn't need to come personally." Lin Nan said politely.

The person in front of him could also be considered half an insider, as he often provided ancient costumes and makeup guidance for some large film crews.

"Lin Dao is too polite. It's rare for someone to order a full set of phoenix coronet and rosy clouds, so of course I have to come and see it myself. Besides, I can't let Director Tian say I'm slacking, right? Haha..."

Liu Yifei had long since changed out of her loungewear and was waiting in the living room, and Shu Chang on the side also had eyes full of deep interest.

"Hmm, more than ten times better-looking than in the lens, and the temperament is even more outstanding. Yifei should indeed wear a phoenix coronet and rosy clouds; only then will it not disgrace her looks."

The old man looked at Miss Liu and commented with a smile.

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Shall we start now?" Lin Nan asked.

"Yes."

The three women the old man brought were there to measure Liu Yifei.

A cowhide booklet, half a square meter in size and two fingers thick, was taken by Shu Chang at the same time. It contained complete color illustrations of the various components of the phoenix coronet and rosy clouds, as well as material descriptions.

"Xixi, Changchang will accompany you for the measurement, we'll go to the study first."

"Hmm, okay." Liu Yifei smiled sweetly and nodded.

"Hmm, I'll accompany Xixi, it's really beautiful."

Lin Nan also needed to be measured, but his attire was relatively much simpler than Liu Yifei's, so it could be done later.

In the study, there were four people in total.

Lin Nan and the old man sat face to face, and the latter explained as if he were telling about his own treasures:

"Phoenix coronet and rosy clouds cannot form a complete piece of clothing. Outside of the wedding dress, it is just an accessory with strong decorative properties; it is a symbol of 'ritual'."

"The phoenix coronet is a set of accessories, including the coronet itself, as well as phoenix hairpins and gold hairpins... The rosy clouds are composed of the rosy clouds themselves, the pendant, and the hook..."

"What we generally call phoenix coronet and rosy clouds includes the wedding dress..."

The more the old man talked, the more spirited he became. The phoenix coronet, phoenix hairpins, and gold hairpins must be handcrafted and woven by artisans, using gold, jewelry, jade...

And the rosy clouds and wedding dress are even more labor-intensive, requiring numerous embroiderers to cooperate. Gold thread ground from gold is the main consumable, and it is still embellished with natural gemstones, pearls, etc.

"Of course, those accessories on the phoenix coronet that have entered the protection list cannot be used; you can use substitutes of the same grade, haha..."

Speaking to the end, the old man even made a joke.

Lin Nan couldn't help but smile too. The top-level phoenix coronet and rosy clouds are indeed like this! Hawksbill, ivory, rhinoceros horn...

And after the Ming Dynasty, the phoenix coronet and rosy clouds used by ordinary families were "beggar versions."

The chat in the study went very well, and Lin Nan also gained some knowledge from this old gentleman, benefiting a lot.

"Those high-end custom dresses and clothes abroad that cost hundreds of thousands or millions at every turn are all child's play."

"Look at the costumes worn by those high-ranking officials and royal relatives in our ancient times on large public occasions; those are the real luxury dresses. Often one piece takes hundreds of people several years..."

Nearly an hour later, the old man finally stopped because Liu Yifei's side was finished.

Lin Nan was a bit moved; this old gentleman's spirit was really full. It seems he truly loves these things!

Returning to the living room, Liu Yifei and Shu Chang were already sitting on the sofa, looking at that cowhide booklet.

"Lin Nan, it's your turn." Miss Liu blinked her eyes.

"Hmm."

Sometimes, the difference between men and women is just that big.

Liu Yifei took an hour because the phoenix coronet and rosy clouds, including the wedding dress, had too many outfits.

And measuring Lin Nan took twenty minutes.

At this point, the remaining matter was a question of money.

"Lin Dao, back to the study?"

"Hmm."

Watching Lin Nan and the others go upstairs, a glimmer of brilliance flashed in Liu Yifei's eyes, "Changchang, follow and listen, tell me when you come back."

"Hmm."

Shu Chang's eyes widened suddenly, a little excited, and she ran upstairs sneakily.

"Lin Dao, given that you require completion within half a year, we have to increase the number of embroiderers to about 40. Besides, the raw materials?"

"All must be top-tier."

Lin Nan said firmly. A large sum of money had just been credited today, so money was no object.

"Yifei's set has a rough budget of about 24 million, you just give 28 million. Pay 7 million in advance, and we will report the progress once a month..."

Outside the study door, Shu Chang, who was eavesdropping, opened her mouth slightly, with a shocked expression: "28 million!"

She turned and ran downstairs, standing in front of Liu Yifei.

"How much?" Miss Liu asked, eyes shining, pretending to be calm.

"Xixi, your Lin Nan is really willing to spend."

Hearing Shu Chang's sour words, Liu Yifei felt very sweet, "Tell me, how much."

"Your set costs 24 million including labor. Counting Lin Nan's, it's 28 million in total! Lin Nan, this rich dog, no, you two rich dogs..."

Liu Yifei had automatically ignored Shu Chang's last sentence. She smiled foolishly, feeling as if she had eaten honey.

"Changchang, from now on, I'm going to prepare to get married. Hehe..."

Miss Liu looked at Shu Chang like this, her face filled with a joyful smile from the heart, very sweet, very happy.

"Xixi, your smile, it's hopeless."

After Shu Chang finished speaking, she curled her lips again, "I want to be your bridesmaid!"

"Hmm, okay!"

Out of respect for the faces of giants like China Film Group, Huayi, LeTV, and Youzu.

The theater chain did not reduce the screening volume or adjust the screening time slots under the situation where *The Crossing (Part 1)*'s reputation collapsed across the board.

Therefore, when the daily box office of this film on the second day of its release was reported, the film and television circle all knew: this film was completely hopeless!

"Directed by John Woo, the epic masterpiece *The Crossing (Part 1)* reported a box office of 16.68 million on the second day of release. With the same screening rate, the daily box office plummeted by 30%!"

"Director John Woo stated that *The Crossing* is divided into two parts, and only after watching the whole thing can one realize the historical weight and the true connotation of the film."

"*Bad Sister* has been released for 6 days, with a box office of 120 million..."

"On the first day of airing, Yu Zheng's version of *Return of the Condor Heroes* was full of abuse... thunderous lines, Mary Sue plot, *Legend of Li Mochou*, Li Mochou wet-body tongue kiss... all female characters are more beautiful than the Zheng Xiaolong Maiden..."

"Yu Zheng refuted Qiong Yao in court, stating bluntly that both scripts were inspired by *Dream of the Red Chamber*, not that he plagiarized the other..."

"Xiaoma Pentium issued an announcement: all existing film and television copyrights of the group will be transferred to Tudou. com in a package buyout form..."

Huayi, Chairman's Office.

Wang Zhongjun's knuckles kept tapping on the desk, listening to Wang Zhonglei's report.

"In other words, his sell-off this time is completely over?"

"Yes, there has been no movement from yesterday morning until now, and the number is exactly two million shares."

Looking at the *Huayi Group Original Shareholder Dividend Details* on the desk in front of Wang Zhongjun, Wang Zhonglei felt a bit uncomfortable.

Even knowing Lin Nan was clearing his position, dividends still had to be paid, and additional shares still had to be issued.

"Then announce it on the official website.

Also, contact him and ask if he is willing to transfer the shares at once, calculated at 50 yuan per share. That would be 300 million."

Wang Zhonglei smacked his lips, thinking: Lin Nan isn't brain-damaged, why would he be willing? Especially since Huayi will hold its annual meeting soon, involving dividends.

"He..."

"Try it, what if he agrees? The stock market has risks, it's better to put it in your pocket. Dividends can be given to him in advance, also at this price." Wang Zhongjun joked with a smile.

"Okay."

At this time, Lin Nan, who had been squeezed by Liu Yifei all night, was sitting in the office drinking tea, feeling drowsy.

Strong tea, refreshing!

And Lu Yang was sitting opposite, with a malicious smile on his face, just staring at Lin Nan.

"Director Chen Kaige's film has been submitted for review. Should I submit *Brotherhood of Blades 2: The Battlefield of Shura* to the Film Bureau now?"

Lin Nan nodded, very listless: "Either way. Even if you submit it next month, there is a high probability it will pass review before *Monk Comes Down the Mountain*."

"Hmm? Why is that?" Lu Yang didn't react.

"The Dragon Prince is one of the leads. Director Chen doesn't want to delete his scenes." Lin Nan pointed out.

Lu Yang opened his mouth but didn't say anything, his expression a bit speechless and stifled.

A few seconds later, he cursed: "Hehe, it's really dog days."

"So, it's up to you then, crush him with the box office." Lin Nan smiled and raised his teacup.

"When it comes to martial arts, I have this confidence. But is this Palme d'Or really so 'superior,' breaking through openly? There are already red-headed documents from above!"

"Although I don't want to admit it, the fact is that Director Chen comes from a 'family background.' In his eyes, Director Zhang is just a mud-legged person! You understand?"

Lin Nan said bluntly.

Among so many big directors in the circle, among those he is close to, only Tian Zhuangzhuang's background is not inferior to Chen Kaige, and even stronger.

So when Lin Nan was still in school, Tian Zhuangzhuang could easily block many troubles for him.

It's just that this teacher of his has a stronger personality compared to Chen Kaige.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked being banned from directing to compete in Tokyo back then, and the result was that he was really banned from directing, and for 10 years.

But fortunately, Tian Zhuangzhuang also won the Best Film Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival—the Golden Kirin Award!

"Oh my, Lin Dao, you have to give some strength, so we can be your thigh!"

Lu Yang stopped struggling with Chen Kaige's "special treatment" and started joking instead.

"How can this be achieved just by giving strength? One can only do one's best and leave the rest to fate." Lin Nan smiled, he also wanted to.

Suddenly, the phone on the table rang.

"Yo, Wang Zhonglei?"

Lin Nan answered the phone directly in front of Lu Yang.

"Wang Zong, something up?"

"Lin Dao, I wouldn't visit without a reason. We are all acquaintances, so I won't beat around the bush.

How about transferring the 6 million Huayi shares in your hand, plus the additional shares this time, to me? You are clearing your position anyway."

Although he didn't turn on the speakerphone, Lu Yang still heard the words "6 million Huayi shares" clearly.

He muttered in his heart, good guy, over 300 million!

"Of course. What price is Wang Zong prepared to offer? Tell me and let me hear."

"50 yuan per share, settled at once, how about that?"

Lin Nan was amused; he really dared to open his mouth. Does he look like a fool?

"I glanced at it this morning, Huayi's stock price seems to have approached 56 yuan today, right?" He asked in return.

"There is no stock that only rises, the stock market has high risks..."

"This is the first time I've heard someone talk about their own stock like this. Wang Zong, I won't ask how many additional shares Huayi is prepared to issue me this time, I'll just sell them slowly.

I believe Huayi's stock price and market value can continue to rise, it's still far from the limit. Didn't Chairman Wang say he wants to make Huayi a 100-billion group? Isn't it still tens of billions short?"

"Lin Dao really won't consider it again?"

"No, thank you for your kindness, Wang Zong. I'm busy, so I won't chat more."

Watching Lin Nan hang up the phone, Lu Yang couldn't help but sigh: "Lin Dao, compared to you, I'm really poor."

"I'm poor too, haha..."

Guo Fan is prepared to finish drawing the storyboards before starting casting, the approximate time is estimated to be in the latter half of this month.

For this reason, Lin Nan also asked Liu Yifei to tell Shu Chang, so as not to let this girl take a few temporary announcements and delay the serious business.

But what he didn't expect was that in the afternoon, he suddenly became the headline in the circle.

After looking at Weibo, Lin Nan realized it belatedly.

The media in the financial circle didn't report his stock sell-off this time, but it was poked out by Huayi.

"Huayi Group official website announcement: One of the original shareholders of the group, Lin Dao Nan, has again reduced his holdings of two million Huayi original shares, cashing out a total of about 120 million... current shareholder ranking has fallen out of the top ten..."

Lin Nan didn't know what to say, it was really causing him trouble.

Look, the circle is lively again, all teasing him and Liu Yifei.

"Understood, Lin Dao is going to improve his life again."

"Not necessarily, it could also be that Yifei wants to change cars? Haha..."

"All guessing blindly, Lin Dao is getting married next year, there are many places to spend money. It's not easy to marry a wife now, let alone marry Yifei!"

"Huang Bo's guess is the most reliable, I support it!"

"Haven't you seen it clearly yet? Huang Bo is reminding everyone for Lin Dao, prepare the gift money in advance!"

"This sycophant!"

"Yifei, your Lin Nan has cashed out again, did he report to you? Sister teaches you, you must keep a close eye on him..."

"Sister Xun, stop pretending, how long have you been married, and you're teaching others? Haha."

Facts have proven that the phoenix coronet and rosy clouds worth more than 20 million are truly worth it!

To what extent is it worth it? Well, Liu Yifei hasn't treated Lin Nan as a human being these past few days.

This ox, Lin Dao, isn't used like this either, he'll be exhausted!

Days of being tired and happy, of course, will pass very quickly!

In the film market, *Bad Sister* has a stable box office and is definitely making money.

And *The Crossing (Part 1)* is really interesting.

Relying on the "bad publicity" feature, the daily box office hangs around 10 million, and it is estimated that several production companies can cry to death.

The domestic film with the sharpest box office performance is undoubtedly the youth film *Fleet of Time*.

59.86 million on the first day, 80.48 million on the second day, 65.96 million on the third day.

It directly cut 206 million in the first three days of the weekend, showing the advantages of youth films vividly.

But everyone in the industry knows that youth films only have those three tricks, and they can't jump out of the upper limit. Xiaoma should collapse and will collapse!

Sure enough, after one week of release, the total box office of *Fleet of Time* exceeded 400 million, and the daily box office plummeted.

The industry estimates that the final total box office is definitely not as high as Zhao Yanzi's *So Young*, about 600 million!

Time flies, and it's the 12th. *Interstellar*, starring Liu Yifei, has officially ended its domestic screening.

Warner applied for an extension, but it was directly rejected.

Because *The Crossing (Part 1)* is too rotten, *Interstellar* has a trend of rising again.

The Film Bureau will not allow an imported blockbuster to be extended in the New Year slot, as that would have too much impact on domestic films.

"Produced by Warner, invested 170 million USD, directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Liu Yifei, Jessica Chastain, and others:

The imported sci-fi blockbuster *Interstellar* has been released domestically for a full month and officially ended its run yesterday, with a total box office of 1.282 billion!"

"It is reported that as of yesterday, the global box office of *Interstellar* has exceeded 780 million USD. Warner stated that reaching a global box office of 800 million USD is just a matter of time."

"Liu Yifei, by virtue of *Interstellar*, has become the first domestic female lead of a film with a global box office of 700 million+ USD..."

Lin Nan looked at Miss Liu, who was sitting on the sofa holding a tablet and giggling, and it must be said, it was another kind of beauty.

"Xixi, after *Interstellar*, it won't be easy for you to take on future films."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Liu Yifei looked up at him instantly and said seriously: "I don't think so.

When I take on a film, I won't demand that the next one must have a higher production cost and a stronger cast than the previous one. That would be very tiring; there are not so many good things in the world. And this is not what a qualified actor should pursue.

As long as the director is not bad, and the script and actors are not bad, it's fine. Hmm, plays that are challenging or allow me to try new roles are better, I can accept them, hehe..."

Hearing Miss Liu's words, Lin Nan couldn't help but nod. It is indeed that Liu Yifei, she hasn't changed for so many years.

She has never regarded herself as a big star, but demands herself by the standards of an actor!

"Well said, actor Liu Yifei!"

"Hmm, thank you for the compliment, Lin Dao. This little girl will rely on you to cover me in the future. Haha..."

The next morning.

A piece of Hollywood film news spread back to the country from across the ocean, making the mainland film circle boil instantly.

Everyone in the industry focused their attention on Lin Nan, and the internet was in an uproar.

In just half an hour, the headlines of major portal websites and Weibo hot searches were all refreshed, and the topic volume and popularity directly exploded!

But at this moment, the great Lin Dao was still sleeping in, with Producer Liu.

"Reprinted from Hollywood Film Daily:

The 72nd Golden Globe Awards for Film and Television announced the list of nominations yesterday:

Chinese Golden Lion Lin Dao Nan, with the film *Manchester by the Sea*, is strongly nominated for Best Drama Film..."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 573 =====