Chapter 582

Wang Jinghua is truly a veteran in the industry; she is quite good at doing favors that cost her nothing.

At nearly 11 o'clock in the morning, one week in advance, Shiyi Culture simultaneously released an official announcement on its website and official Weibo account.

"Based on the future development needs of the actor and his studio, the company respects Mr. Zhu Yawen's choice to end our ten-year partnership.

Both parties have parted ways amicably, will not renew the contract, and wish each other well; we remain family in the future. We wish him a flourishing career and his studio prosperous development."

Just two minutes later, Zhu Yawen's personal Weibo and his studio's Weibo were updated simultaneously:

"Thank you, Sister Hua, for your help and care over the past ten years, allowing me to go from a newcomer at the Film Academy to where I am today. The future remains the same, and we are still family..."

The film and television circle was buzzing with discussion. Has Wang Jinghua lost another major general just like that?

As the former godmother of the entertainment industry, does she really only have a few kittens left under her wing now?

And as for famous artists, it seems there is only one left.

That is the 'Zhang Girl' — Zhou Dongyu!

The industry estimates that Shiyi Culture won't be able to keep these artists for much longer, especially this 'Zhang Girl'.

Because everyone in the circle knows that Wang Jinghua is sparing no cost to exhaust her foundation and past connections, just to pave the way for her own son, with resources being severely tilted!

Unlike the sighs for Wang Jinghua and Shiyi Culture, the circle is full of congratulations for Zhu Yawen's departure and his decision to manage his own studio.

After all, who else has the backing of a great director like Lin Nan? In terms of connections and relationships, he really doesn't lose to those veteran agents.

Lin Nan saw that Liu Yifei, Shu Chang, Luo Jin, Zhou Xun, and many others in the circle were liking and congratulating Zhu Yawen's Weibo post, so he couldn't be bothered to pay attention, because Miss Liu represents both herself and Lin Nan.

After parking the car, before even reaching the main entrance of the private kitchen restaurant, he saw Jiang Teacher Wenli from afar, with her niece Ma Sichun following beside her.

"Lin Dao, it's been a long time since we last met."

Jiang Teacher Wenli greeted him with a smile as she walked up to meet him.

"Hello, Lin Dao." Ma Sichun followed behind, her smile very gentle.

"It has been a long time, Sister Teacher Wenli."

After Lin Nan responded, he looked at Ma Sichun and nodded.

The first time he met her was back in 2007, just after returning from the Shanghai International Film Festival, when Jiang Teacher Wenli asked him for help in inquiring about admissions for the Directing Department.

At that time, Ma Sichun was only eighteen or nineteen, still a bit impulsive, wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Over these past few years, she has clearly matured quite a bit; her eyes are quite clear, and her appearance is also very good.

"Lin Dao, let's go in. It's just mealtime, so they can serve the dishes." Jiang Teacher Wenli invited him.

"Mm, alright."

The film and entertainment industry is just this realistic; children with parents in the business are always carefree and never worry about resources, only about not finding suitable ones.

Take Ma Sichun, this true princess of the Northwest circle, for example; her planning for her acting path and her choice of resources are definitely different from ordinary actors.

Of course, Jiang Teacher Wenli, as her aunt, wouldn't allow her to settle, and would only arrange everything perfectly for her!

Half an hour later, at the dining table, the real business began.

"Lin Dao, our Director Gu said that the company's film 'Go Away Mr. Tumor!' is currently casting. Why don't you see how Sichun is?

I've taught her hand-in-hand these past few years, and Director Gu also gives her pointers from time to time; she definitely won't be any worse than actors from the Central Academy of Drama."

Putting down her chopsticks, Jiang Teacher Wenli smiled. Ma Sichun also looked at Lin Nan with full anticipation; she had confidence in herself.

Lin Nan couldn't help but want to laugh inside; it's true that no matter how fiercely they argue at home, outside they are always "our Director Gu"!

Gu Changwei is indeed an alternative in the circle, a "nice guy" among great directors, and his relationships with Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, and others are all very solid.

And with Jiang Teacher Wenli opening this topic, the result was actually already tilted by more than sixty percent. After all, everyone's relationship is quite good, and it's just a small role.

However...

"There is indeed a female supporting role with good scenes that hasn't been decided yet, at least I haven't received a call about it.

But Yifei was already set as the female lead when the script first came out.

If I were to bring this up to Guo Fan again, I'd really feel a bit embarrassed. A director's casting power is very important."

Lin Nan spoke somewhat tactfully — the time for pulling strings had arrived.

"Sichun can go for an audition, it shouldn't be hard to cut in line, right?"

Jiang Teacher Wenli was still all smiles; she is worthy of being a Best Actress, and she is also very sharp.

Her words were quite interesting, and there was a lot of substance underneath!

Although on the surface she said she was willing to audition, which sounded like polite talk, it was actually not the case.

As long as she auditions, whether she succeeds or not, it would have gone through Lin Nan's side.

Besides, with Ma Sichun cutting in line to audition, Guo Fan isn't a fool, and there's also the face and favor of Gu Changwei and Jiang Teacher Wenli...

How to choose, let's leave that to Guo Fan.

"Alright, then let her go to the company. Guo Fan happens to be auditioning actors today, she can give it a try."

"Then thank you so much, Lin Dao."

"Thank you, Lin Dao, I have confidence, I won't be any worse than the professionally trained actors."

It wasn't until Liu Yifei's call came through that Lin Nan hurriedly ended the meal and bid farewell to Jiang Teacher Wenli and the other.

After taking the insulated box handed over by the waiter, he placed it on the passenger seat; inside were the meals ordered specifically for Miss Liu.

"You can just go directly to the company this afternoon, I will give them a heads-up."

Through the car window, Lin Nan said to Ma Sichun.

"Mm, thank you, Lin Dao."

Watching the Mercedes drive away, Jiang Teacher Wenli muttered a sentence to her niece:

"The film resume of Lin Nan Film Industry will be of great help to you. Although he didn't agree to set you directly to your face, but..."

…………

The afternoon news made the film and television circle lively again.

The lawsuit between that person from Taiwan and that certain Yu person has reached a result; the latter's side was ordered to pay five million in compensation and issue a public apology.

Hundreds of well-known screenwriters and film and television professionals in the circle liked, forwarded, and commented.

Even the headline on the top news was: "Justice lies in the hearts of the people," and a large number of netizens were spreading the word, cheering and jumping for joy.

It really lived up to the joke previously made on the internet: When Mother Yu is in trouble, everyone cheers.

Immediately following, the Daily and CCTV all stood up, directly naming and criticizing, causing public opinion to instantly boil to the peak.

However, this Mother Yu didn't bow her head, directly stating on Weibo: I don't accept it, I will file an appeal.

Liu Yifei was eating her meal slowly there.

Two assistants were reporting on the demands of some luxury brand partners, regarding issues such as her and Lin Nan's outfits and accessories when attending the Golden Globe Awards ceremony.

These belong to Liu Yifei's enviable hidden value, not in the contract, so they can only be "demands" made in a polite manner.

While Lin Nan was pacing on the lawn, taking Wang Wei's call.

"Since the court has already ruled, then take it down. Who told Tudou not to have supplementary clauses in the original contract? It's not too late to remedy the situation now.

In the future, if the purchased film and television works are taken down again due to the producer's reasons, just sue for damages directly!"

"Alright, Lin Dao."

After Wang Wei responded, he hesitated and said: "Wanda is also one of the defendants, having participated in the investment and production of 'Palace: The Lock Heart Jade'."

Lin Nan was stunned; he didn't know about this before. "Good guy, what a surprise!"

After hanging up Wang Wei's call, Lin Nan dialed another number, and it wasn't until ten minutes later that he returned to the villa.

"Having to work even during mealtime, Producer Liu is truly a very busy person."

"It's already almost two in the afternoon, your flattery is too perfunctory, Lin Dao."

Liu Yifei rolled her eyes at Lin Nan, then took another small bite of rice.

The two female assistants wanting to laugh but holding it back looked very funny.

"You guys go back first, we'll talk about these things another day."

"Mm, alright, Lin Dao."

After sending away the two assistants from Hongxingwu, Lin Nan sat down beside Liu Yifei.

At this time, on the third floor of Lin Nan Film Industry.

Guo Fan had a helpless smile on his face and joked: "Lin Dao has really given me a difficult problem!"

"What's wrong?"

Lu Yang threw a slice of orange into his mouth and asked. Yue Jun also looked at Guo Fan suspiciously.

"He said that Director Gu Changwei's niece will come to audition for the female supporting role, and asked Director Yue to arrange for her to cut in line."

Guo Fan said to Yue Jun, and the latter nodded subconsciously, "Fine."

"That's a troublesome matter! Did Lin Dao not give a definitive word?" Lu Yang reacted quickly.

"He said to let me decide. If I think that girl's acting is okay, then keep her; if I think it's not suitable, then tell him directly. He will handle it."

Just as Guo Fan was between laughter and tears, someone knocked on the door and came in, "Director Yue, someone is looking for you. It's Director Gu Changwei's wife, and she brought someone with her."

"Oh ho, here they come."

Yue Jun got up and walked out, not forgetting to look back, "You guys continue auditioning, don't affect the progress."

"Then the actor who just played the female third supporting role in my 'Brotherhood of Blades 2', does that mean her hope is slim?" Lu Yang joked.

"We'll see in a while."

Guo Fan was quite relaxed; anyway, with Lin Nan standing in front, he would handle things according to official business. It's not like she's one of their own like Shu Chang, whose acting and appearance are obvious to all.

……

Liu Yifei had already changed into one of her "simple" down jackets, wearing light makeup, a beret, and sunglasses, ready to go out and have fun.

In the courtyard, Shu Chang was sitting in the passenger seat of the Ferrari, looking much more exquisite than Miss Liu.

"In less than ten days, you guys are going to Hollywood, and I'm also going to join a crew. Taking advantage of these few days of free time, Xixi and I have to hurry up and go shopping, go for a drive, and buy things. Lin Dao, don't you think so?"

"Ah, yes, yes, yes, it's just that every time you're almost done shopping, you remember me."

Lin Nan parked the car next to the Ferrari and said unhappily.

"Hehe..." Shu Chang smiled without saying anything, while Liu Yifei pulled her sunglasses down a bit and gave Lin Nan a flirtatious look:

"Lin Dao, we're leaving first. We might call you to pay the bill, remember to answer the phone; if you don't answer, hum hum hum... you know!"

"Drive... slowly."

Lin Nan urged, but before he finished speaking, Liu Yifei had already stepped on the gas, making the red Ferrari dash out.

"I should also set off. I clearly tried my best to keep you guys from falling into the pit, but the way Li An handled this matter, everything is destiny. Director La, you'd better not learn from Director Han!"

……

China Film Group, Chairman's Office.

"Yesterday afternoon, Li An also greeted Huayi, Bona, LeTV... and even Shanghai Film Group.

After leaving China Film Group this morning, he went to Bona again; I don't know which side he's on now. However, the people from Shanghai Film Group have already arrived in Beijing."

La Peikang frowned, thinking.

Director Han Sanping's "The Crossing" is a huge pit, and the biggest loss on China Film Group's books is "The Crossing".

This has also become La Peikang's heart disease during this period; he has only been in office for a year, and having such a deficit and mess really gives him a headache.

However, he has confidence that under his watch, China Film Group will never again have such a "serious accident" as "The Crossing"! It is impossible for directors from Hong Kong to get any more large-scale investments from China Film Group!

"Li An said it was Lin Nan who gave him the idea. Let him come to the country to find film investment. When Lin Nan arrives in a while, let's ask for his opinion."

La Peikang raised his head and said to the secretary.

The secretary has followed La Peikang for so many years, how could he not understand the big boss's meaning? Saying it's asking for Lin Dao's opinion, but actually, he's already tempted, isn't he?

"Then what about Shanghai Film Group? It's impossible for them to give up..."

Hearing the secretary's words, La Peikang sneered.

Having sat in this position for a year, the more he sits, the more he can understand Director Han Sanping's "domineering" back then!

"Shanghai Film Group? Hehe."

……

"Director Li, Shanghai Film Group can help you solve all the remaining funding problems, today is fine. You don't need to talk to other companies anymore..."

The person who came to the capital from Shanghai Film Group this time is Ren Zhonglun's secretary.

This kind of position, whether within Shanghai Film Group or in the film and television industry, is not a small figure.

Li An just wants to say a good thank you to Lin Nan and invite him to a meal.

Because the idea of returning to the country to pull investment is simply correct to the extreme!

Is this pulling investment? He only made a few calls, but everyone was more anxious than him, rushing to make appointments to talk, talk about investment conditions, talk about global box office sharing, talk about cooperation details!

But at this moment, Li An cannot immediately agree to Shanghai Film Group, which has the most sincerity. Although he really wants to agree, China Film Group said they need to consider it.

Li An doesn't mix in the domestic film circle, but he clearly knows that China Film Group is the big brother. They hold a "power of life and death" that no one else has!

……

"Pitiful! I shouldn't have given Li An that idea, just refuse the investment directly. Now it's made me clearly unrelated, yet I have to be mixed into it."

Lin Nan drove directly into China Film Group; he enjoys special access here. It was approved by Director Han Sanping back then, and La Peikang didn't cancel it after taking office.

Grumbling as he got out of the car, Lin Nan tightened his down jacket; the wind was quite cold.

I don't know how Liu Yifei and Shu Chang, these two women, can stand it, still shopping? Alright, it gets warm after shopping for a while. Women are indeed more energetic than men when shopping!

Someone was waiting specifically for Lin Nan, and after seeing his figure, they came up directly, "Lin Dao, Chairman La is waiting for you."

……

"Lin Nan, what do you think of Li An's 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk'?"

Good guy, as soon as Lin Nan entered the door, he was faced with this question?!

"I think the idea of 120-frame 4k ultra-high-definition lenses and a large number of first-person perspective shots is very extreme, and the public will find it hard to accept. In addition, his narrative style and thinking are too 'breakthrough' from tradition, and very ill-suited to the market!"

"So that means it's a pioneering 120-frame 4k 3d ultra-high-definition picture film, an unprecedented first-person perspective feature film, and a brand-new narrative method and thinking?"

La Peikang's eyes opened a bit wide, bright and piercing.

Lin Nan was instantly stunned there; is that what he just said?

"... plus the fact that he is covered in honors and world-renowned, and I heard the screenwriter is also the screenwriter of 'Life of Pi'..."

Lin Nan watched La Peikang talking to himself there, his heart pounding; what's with the smile on Chairman La's mouth?

"No, I don't think this film is good. Otherwise, I would have invested, how could I still suggest he return to the country to find investment."

"But you also said it, so many advantages gathered in one. If done well, it's a film that will go down in film history, after all, so many firsts will be applied in this film... and, he is Li An!"

La Peikang's words left Lin Nan not knowing what to say.

You are already so determined, why did you come to me?

"Chairman La, I don't suggest China Film Group invest in this 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk'. Listen well, I once said this to Chairman Han, the original words were: I don't suggest China Film Group invest in this 'The Crossing'!"

The office was quiet.

Lin Nan only hoped La Peikang would listen to advice, but the fact is, Chairman La Peikang is a bit "obsessed"!

"But this film hasn't been shot yet, has it? Just because Li An wants to make some breakthroughs, you don't favor him? He is different from Wu Yusen. He hasn't made a mistake yet. Every film is either a big seller or an award winner!"

Understood!

At this moment, Lin Nan could only sigh for La Peikang.

How does that saying go?

Oh, right!

Good words are hard to persuade a dying ghost!

"Fine, you're right. Looking at your meaning, you want to invest in this play?"

Hearing Lin Nan's words, La Peikang couldn't help but show a smile.

"I won't hide it from you, I do have a strong intention. Although Shanghai Film Group is also mixed in, those are small matters. As long as the film wants to be released domestically, he has to cooperate with China Film Group!"

Damn, why does Lin Nan feel that the person sitting in front of him is Han Sanping?

"As for Bona, Huayi, and those people, isn't it all in the bag?"

This sentence has even more of Han Sanping's momentum!

"One 'The Great Wall', one 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk'. In the next two years, China Film Group will not only have international commercial blockbusters that can be shown, but also films that can impact the Oscars!"

Lin Nan looked at La Peikang; why does he feel he is a bit fanatical? This is exactly the same as the energy of Han Sanping "pointing out the country" back then!

Smacking his lips, Lin Nan only had four words in his heart: It's over!

Half an hour later, after walking out of the Chairman's office door, Lin Dao sighed. He tried his best; whether it lives or dies later has nothing to do with him.

……

Outside, "The Empress of China", which had aired 16 episodes, suddenly spread the news of a temporary suspension of broadcast.

A TV series made the entire film and television circle and the whole internet care, inquiring about news in various ways; what exactly happened?

Just because those pairs of big and round buns were really too pleasing to the eye and too eye-catching.

That rating was simply terrifyingly high!

Only a small number of industry insiders know the specific reason, and Lin Nan is among them.

Because Tudou also received the notice; after the online broadcast reached 16 episodes, it must be suspended, waiting for a brand-new edited version.

Someone reported it!

It's all the "buns" fault!

…………

(End of chapter)