Chapter 58: Allocation of Shares

"Director Ning, is there something important?"

Lu Zheng asked.

The girl sat quietly.

Ning Hao had just noticed the other party saw the caller ID, and there was nothing to hide.

"Regarding the Golden Rooster Awards, the registration ends this month."

The girl opposite him suddenly had her eyes light up, clearly very interested.

"Director Lin Nan called me to say that the Golden Rooster has already contacted him, inviting both *Return to Dust* and *Crazy Stone* to compete. He will definitely be taking the *Return to Dust* crew, so I will be leading the team for *Crazy Stone*."

"Haha, I've long heard that you and Director Lin have a good relationship. When there's an opportunity, you must introduce us, Director Ning."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

Not long after, Lu Zheng left Bad Monkey with the girl and several staff members; Ning Hao saw them out personally.

Once in the car, Lu Zheng looked at Jing Tian beside him.

"Tian Tian, Director Ning Hao is the one I found to direct your MV. He is the newest director in the domestic 100-million-box-office club. You met him today, how do you feel?"

"He seems very humorous. Uncle, can I really be in a big director's production? Aren't they all very picky about actors?"

Lu Zheng smiled upon hearing this, "Where there's a will, there's a way. Since your father asked me to arrange this for you, I will certainly do my best."

"Thank you, Uncle."

Jing Tian said gratefully.

"Haha, there's no need for such politeness between our two families. I originally intended to bring you to meet some people today so it would be easier to talk to Director Ning Hao in the future, which would be helpful for you. I just didn't expect an unexpected gain."

"Does Uncle mean that phone call from Director Ning Hao?"

"Yes, a Silver Bear-winning director at Berlin and a big commercial film director; his help will certainly be very significant for you."

"I know, *Dead Silence*, which he collaborated on with Lionsgate, is very popular right now. I just don't know if I'll have the chance to meet him."

Jing Tian said with a look of delight. She had heard this director was only four years older than her, yet he was already so impressive.

"There will always be opportunities. Didn't Director Ning Hao promise to introduce you if there's a chance?"

Lu Zheng laughed.

Regardless of whether Ning Hao was just being perfunctory, since he had given his word, it was now a matter of fact.

China Film Group's efficiency was truly a bit slow; Shanghai Film Group had given an answer over two days ago, but China Film Group was still silent.

Lin Nan even wondered if the upper management at China Film Group had held a meeting and had Han Sanping's proposal rejected.

But thinking about it, that didn't feel right. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Old Han would be the next boss of China Film Group, and he was the one making the decisions on many operations now.

Perhaps it was because of the Huayi and Wang Jinghua affair that was currently causing a stir. Lin Nan hadn't received any calls or anything from Huayi, but he wasn't worried at all.

This day, Lin Nan couldn't help but want to call Han Sanping to ask about the situation, but the call from the other side came first.

"Lin Nan, there have been many things lately, so the meeting was pushed back. However, the result is good. The group has decided to invest. Come over and let's talk about the amount."

Han Sanping said cheerfully on the phone.

"Alright, Director Han. Let's do it together once the people from Shanghai Film Group arrive."

"What? You told them? When did that happen?"

Han Sanping was immediately a bit agitated.

"It was the day I left your place; I mentioned it. The next day, Director Ren told me that Shanghai Film Group wanted to invest. I've been waiting for your reply for the past two days so they could send people over to discuss the cooperation."

"You, oh you, you've let Old Ren take advantage again. Well, let's get to it then."

Han Sanping wanted to say something but held back.

Lin Nan turned around and called Shanghai Film Group, and also sent an email to New Line, asking them to cooperate in announcing this matter within one or two business days.

As for the news about the female role, Lin Nan still asked New Line not to disclose it yet; he didn't want to be harassed by a bunch of talent agencies and actresses.

Shanghai Film Group received the call and was very straightforward. Director Ren wanted to come personally, but perhaps he was too busy, so he told Lin Nan he would send a vice chairman.

The box office for *Dead Silence* was much more eye-catching. The email sent by Lionsgate showed that the film had already started to be released in other regions, and its North American box office performance was excellent, hitting 60 million USD in two weeks.

Looking at this data in the email, Lin Nan couldn't help but want to calculate the amount he would receive.

Based on a one-month theatrical run, *Dead Silence* had actually already reached the final third of its journey.

But this couldn't hide the fact that it was a low-cost, high-profit production. Hollywood news had been full of reports about it these days, as well as Lionsgate and Lin Nan behind the film.

Contrary to the heat of *Dead Silence*, *Return to Dust* still only maintained a daily increase of a few hundred thousand. Seeing it was about to reach 10 million, its mission could be considered complete.

After waiting another day, the vice chairman of Shanghai Film Group arrived in the capital. As for China Film Group, there was no need to guess; Han Sanping was in charge.

Lin Nan arranged for both parties to meet at his company.

Both were veterans from the film studios, so the two vice chairmen were quite familiar with each other.

Lin Nan instructed people not to disturb them and closed the office door.

"It's the leaders from China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group."

The employees outside were curious about what was going on.

"Probably another project."

Inside the office, the two parties got straight to the point.

"This investment is not small. It shouldn't be excessive for China Film Group to take one-third, right?" Han Sanping said.

Six million dollars; converting the exchange rate, that was nearly 50 million.

"Then Shanghai Film Group will follow Director Han."

Lin Nan was a bit speechless; they really didn't treat him as an outsider.

"One-third is too much. In a few days, New Line will announce this matter. We have to leave some opportunities for other companies in the industry, otherwise, people will say the two of you are too overbearing."

Lin Nan said in a joking tone.

Listening to Lin Nan's words, the two clearly understood that he didn't want to give that much.

"Since you've said so, we'll listen to you. Let's finalize the shares for our three parties before they announce it over there."

Shanghai Film Group and China Film Group knew that once Hollywood announced this, the influence would be huge, especially domestically.

It would be best for the two groups to secure their shares in advance.

"I plan to invest 4 million myself. Shanghai Film Group and China Film Group can do the same as me," Lin Nan said.

"You plan to leave 6 million for other companies?" Han Sanping asked in surprise.

Lin Nan nodded in acknowledgment.

"Not just one company, right?"

The vice chairman of Shanghai Film Group asked.

"Certainly not, at least two companies."

For the two large groups, obtaining returns from investing this money was one aspect.

The significance of participating in the investment and production of a Hollywood film was the most important thing.

The authorities were always talking about culture going global; being able to participate in the investment of a Hollywood film should be considered a successful step forward.

As for the private enterprises Lin Nan was thinking of, whether he wanted to cash out the shares at a premium or whatever, it was essentially keeping the benefits within the family. Channels were also a means of making money, so they had nothing to say.

"Four million. When I came, Director Ren even told me to try my best to get a one-third share. It won't be easy to explain this when I go back, haha."

The person from Shanghai Film Group said jokingly, showing no signs of the pressure he mentioned.

"Haha, me too. When I came, I promised them confidently that I could get a share of 6 million."

Han Sanping also laughed and echoed.

Lin Nan just accompanied them with a smile on the side, not intending to join the conversation.

Han Sanping changed the subject, "Four million it is. I won't make it difficult for you, Lin Nan, but next time there's an opportunity like this, you must not be so stingy."

The vice chairman of Shanghai Film Group also looked at Lin Nan with a smile.

"Shanghai Film Group also accepts 4 million, but once New Line announces the news, we will also announce that we have obtained shares from you."

Han Sanping nodded as well, saying China Film Group would do the same.

"That's no problem."

Lin Nan agreed.

"Then we will send someone over to sign the contract another day."

"Good."

After agreeing on the specific signing date and capital arrangements, Lin Nan opened the office door and saw them out.

The vice chairman of Shanghai Film Group seemed to have other arrangements and left in a hurry.

Director Han looked at Lin Nan and said calmly, "Besides the investment amount, did you really not get a role?"

Lin Nan was stunned for a moment. Looking at Han Sanping's expression, he gave a thumbs up, "Director Han, it has to be you."

"If I said I was bluffing you, would you believe it? Haha."

"I believe it."

Lin Nan couldn't tell if he was telling the truth or a lie, so he could only say he believed it.

"You didn't reveal anything about the role; is there already a candidate?"

Lin Nan nodded. This role didn't require any outstanding acting skills; it was a sci-fi film, after all.

Seeing this result, Han Sanping didn't continue the topic.

"Your company, are you really not planning to accept investment?"

Changing the subject, Han Sanping set his sights on the shares of Lin Nan's company again.

"Mr. Han, I still feel that being my own boss is more comfortable."

"Fine then."

After seeing Han Sanping off, Lin Nan finally felt a bit more relaxed.

Returning to the company, everyone looked at Lin Nan with curiosity on their faces.

"Director Lin, is there another new project?"

"Yes, you'll know in a few days."

"Right, keep in touch with Lionsgate. Communicate more with them about the box office for *Dead Silence*. I have a twenty percent share of the earnings, and there are your bonuses too."

"No problem, Director Lin, just rest assured."

Mentioning bonuses instantly boosted everyone's enthusiasm; in this regard, Lin Nan was never stingy.

After staying at the company for a while, Lin Nan prepared to leave. Before leaving, he gave a few more instructions; *Return to Dust* would be out of theaters in a few days, so they needed to keep an eye on it.

Thinking about the Golden Rooster Awards, Lin Nan prepared to go talk to Ning Hao. He had said too much at the previous meeting; although he said he wasn't worried, he actually felt a bit unsure inside. The main reason was that *Return to Dust* truly had the strength to compete for awards.

Ning Hao was still tinkering with his shooting plan, and Xing Aina was brainstorming new ideas.

Lin Nan entered, familiar with the way, and sat down there.

"Still revising the plan? Is a music video worth this much trouble?"

"If I don't put in the effort, I won't feel right about taking the payment."

"You're a principled person."

Ning Hao thought of something.

"When you called me, the financier was right there. He even said that if there was a chance, I should introduce you two, so I just agreed."

"Meeting is just meeting, it's not a big deal."

"What's the matter that you came over here?"

"It's because of that meeting last time; I had a slip of the tongue. Now that I'm thinking about the Golden Rooster, I'm actually a bit worried."

"Haha, that's what you get for being so outspoken last time."

Ning Hao comforted him, "Don't take it too much to heart. *Return to Dust* already won the Silver Bear; those old masters at the Golden Rooster should weigh the pressure of public opinion. They can't target it, right?"

"Who knows."

He didn't expect too much for *Crazy Stone*. Minor awards could be tried for, but the Golden Rooster wouldn't consider a commercial film like *Crazy Stone* for major awards, especially since it was a comedy.