Chapter 59: News Flying Everywhere

Media outlets with far-reaching influence are reporting news of suspected internal conflicts within Wangzhong Army, pointing directly at the top management.

However, this piece of gossip disappeared very quickly.

Many who saw it didn't take it seriously, but those in the know noticed that the matter had passed without a sound, not even a statement.

A piece of news from across the ocean was pinned to the top of a major web portal.

"Hollywood's New Line Cinema recently announced a new film project, which will be a 3D sci-fi adventure film, *Journey to the Center of the Earth*, in collaboration with the famous director and screenwriter Lin Nan.

The latter is participating in the production as a screenwriter and investor, with an initial film budget reaching 60 million USD; Lin Nan holds a 30% investment stake..."

"*Silence* allowed Lin Nan to successfully open the door to Hollywood. New Line is the second Hollywood film company to extend an olive branch to Lin Nan, following Lionsgate..."

"Lionsgate director James Wan expressed his anticipation for Lin Nan and New Line's new film during an interview; he is the director of the hit horror film *Silence*."

The domestic film and television industry was dazzled by this news, and for a time, all other entertainment gossip was suppressed.

People he knew and didn't know were all trying to contact Lin Nan.

Based on the available information, everyone could easily calculate the investment share Lin Nan possessed: 18 million USD.

Various film companies were the most enthusiastic, one after another asking Lin Nan about the authenticity of this matter; although the news from New Line couldn't be fake, everyone was looking forward to getting confirmation from Lin Nan's own mouth.

After receiving calls from Enlight Media, Wanda's Ye Ning, Xiying, and others, and being teased by Ning Hao for a long time, Lin Nan finally accepted a phone interview with a reporter and stated bluntly that it was true.

Soon, the news was updated.

"This site's reporter received confirmation from Director Lin Nan that he is indeed collaborating with New Line Cinema on the new film *Journey to the Center of the Earth*, and the 30% investment amount is accurate."

Now everyone was truly restless, all speculating whether Lin Nan had casting rights; with a 30% investment stake, it was logical that he couldn't lack a say in casting, and Lin Nan was also the screenwriter—Hollywood screenwriters are not as weak as those in the domestic industry.

Shrewd media outlets had already gone to look up the original novel or were pestering people over there to inquire about the adapted script.

The main cast consists of three people: an uncle and nephew, plus a female guide character; with a 60 million USD investment, the leads are basically just these three.

Now a huge wave of talent agencies started looking for Lin Nan, even Zhang Ziyi's agent reached out. Lin Nan was still curious: wasn't she currently preparing for *The Banquet*? Such a huge appetite!

Lin Nan did not meet with anyone inquiring about casting and said nothing; the few who knew wouldn't reveal it either.

China Film Group took the lead, announcing that they had secured a 4 million USD investment stake from Lin Nan, adding fuel to the fire.

Shanghai Film Group followed closely behind, also publicly announcing that they had secured an investment stake, which, like China Film Group, was also 4 million.

The addition of these two state-owned giants in the film and television industry truly made this a set-in-stone fact.

Only then did everyone realize that Lin Nan had long ago reached an agreement with China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group, and this was just the public announcement.

"There are still some shares that haven't been finalized, roughly..."

This was the word Lin Nan had people pass along.

"Big Brother, let me go contact Lin Nan. We need this investment to stabilize the situation ahead. Wang Jinghua has already made up her mind to leave..."

"Fine, you go, but he won't give in easily. We must be prepared for a premium."

"I understand."

Lu Zheng looked at the news in his hand, feeling moved, but he held back.

"If he has the decision-making power for this female role, we could help you buy it, but unfortunately, there is no definitive news."

A Hollywood sci-fi film with a 60 million USD budget is a hot commodity even in Hollywood, let alone when brought back to the domestic market.

If Lin Nan revealed that he could decide the ownership of this female role, the actresses looking for him could drown him; he didn't doubt the level of madness among these domestic actresses at all.

Jing Tian held a book in her hand, not thick—it was the original novel of *Journey to the Center of the Earth*.

"But Director Lin Nan didn't explicitly say he didn't have a say in casting," Jing Tian whispered.

"It seems you like this movie very much."

Lu Zheng smiled.

"Looking at the moves by New Line and Lin Nan, they should be confident in the profitability of this film. Since they are confident in the profit, they have more choices for partners. I'll entrust someone to go and inquire."

"Okay, Uncle Lu."

Choosing to enter the film and television industry was Jing Tian's own idea, a childhood wish, and for this, her family found Lu Zheng to help her.

The first step was to release an EP, hiring Faye Wong's producer to help her with the lyrics and music, and the MV for the lead song even featured the up-and-coming director Ning Hao.

But this was just a stepping stone to enter the industry; it would be best if she could directly participate in a film.

But currently, there was simply no opportunity to enter a big director's crew; instead, it was the crews from Hong Kong where you could just throw money to get in.

Although Jing Tian was not old, she still wanted to enter a proper, big crew, not something like that *Python* film in her hands.

On the other side, Liu's mother was also asking Liu Yifei, "When Lin Nan came to visit that day, didn't he talk to you about the movie?"

Liu Yifei and Shu Chang both shook their heads, "We didn't talk about those things that day."

Liu's mother felt a bit regretful, "This is a Hollywood movie; if only he could call the shots."

Liu Yifei felt her mother was taking things for granted again.

"Why don't we go ask him?"

Shu Chang suggested.

"Better not. If he wanted to say it, he would have."

Liu Yifei disagreed with Shu Chang's suggestion.

Lin Nan received a call from Wang Zhonglei. After some polite social pleasantries, he finally pointed out his intention, hoping to get a portion of the remaining shares in Lin Nan's hands.

Lin Nan did not agree directly, but told him he could find a time to meet in person, just in time to do so with the other companies.

He wasn't lying to the younger Mr. Wang; Lin Nan had also received expressions of interest from other companies, including his old friend Enlight Media, as well as Wanda, which was expanding its theater chain.

To be honest, including Wangzhong Army, these three were indeed the private enterprises Lin Nan ideally wanted to cooperate with.

Although Wanda had not yet ventured into the upstream industry, its intention was very clear, as could be seen from them asking Lin Nan about the shares.

An unexpected guest visited Lin Nan: someone from Emperor Group.

"Mr. Lin, we meet again."

This was the second time Lin Nan had seen this artist director from Emperor Group.

"Ms. Huo, long time no see. I wonder what brings you here this time? I haven't heard that things aren't going smoothly with Director Jiang Wen."

Lin Nan invited Huo Wenxi into his office.

"Mr. Lin, don't play dumb. You must be able to guess the purpose of my visit this time."

Huo Wenxi, dressed as a city professional, sat opposite Lin Nan and spoke eloquently.

Lin Nan stopped pretending, "Ms. Huo, you've come too early. Let's wait until the companies sit down together later."

"Mr. Lin, which other companies? In my view, whether it's capital, artists, or status, Emperor Group is your most suitable choice."

"Hong Kong is too small. My base is in the mainland, and the future belongs to the mainland market..."

Huo Wenxi didn't expect Lin Nan to be so direct.

"Since Ms. Huo has come to the capital, why not stay for a couple more days? When the time comes to talk, I'll notify you, how about that?"

Huo Wenxi thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

"Then I'll wait for Mr. Lin's call. It just so happens I can go visit Director Jiang Wen's set."

"No problem."

In twenty days, *Return to Dust* came to an end, with a box office of 10.8 million.

The news that had disappeared for a few days popped up again. This time, the gossip reporters didn't know where they had gotten the definitive news.

They stated bluntly that Wang Jinghua had broken up with Wangzhong Army and would lead the artists under her to leave the Wangzhong Army agency, even reporting the suspected company she was jumping to.

Unlike the vague and general news from last time, this time it named individuals directly and was specific about the event.

Everyone in the circle knew that Wangzhong Army was the leader among private film and television companies.

What established this status was not only having high-output big directors like Feng Xiaogang, but also the massive group of artists and stars under its banner, among whom there were many big names and countless talented actors.

Artist management revenue had always occupied a significant portion of Wangzhong Army's profit composition, and everyone in the circle was happy to watch the drama.

Regarding this matter, Wangzhong Army Film and Television Media's reply was that it was baseless.

On the other side, Wang Jinghua's reply was that she was on a business trip and would talk when she returned to the capital.

Orange Sky, the suspected company to take over, also said they were unclear about it.

With news flying everywhere, Lin Nan waited for the people from the four companies at his own office.

Huo Wenxi from Emperor Group, the younger Mr. Wang from Wangzhong Army, the vice president of Enlight Media, and an executive from Wanda Cinemas.

"First, I must make it clear to the four of you: I only have 6 million in shares left. China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, and I each have 4 million.

These 6 million cannot be given to just one party, and there cannot be too many partners. I plan for two companies to split it; the highest bidder wins."

Lin Nan got straight to the point and explained his meaning. Looking at their expressions, they were all mentally prepared beforehand.

China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group had backgrounds and power, and could provide endorsements for the import and distribution of foreign films, so they got their shares at face value, but these companies certainly couldn't.

A premium was inevitable, but the four of them didn't expect Lin Nan to only want two companies, meaning an investment share of 3 million USD for each of the two companies.

From the beginning, Lin Nan had a rough idea in his mind, and the result was exactly in line with his expectations.

Although Enlight Media was developing towards the film business, its main business was still in variety shows and television.

Lin Nan had a good relationship with Enlight, but their hard power was indeed lacking, so they were the first to withdraw.

"Give my regards to Mr. Wang."

"I will, Director Lin."

Emperor Group coveted this opportunity to reach Hollywood directly, but the Hong Kong style of doing things made Huo Wenxi less decisive in terms of pricing compared to Wanda and Wangzhong Army, so they were the second to withdraw.

"Ms. Huo, let's cooperate again when there's a chance," Lin Nan said.

"No matter, there will be opportunities in the future. Emperor Group looks forward to cooperating with you, Director Lin."

Huo Wenxi also left early.

Huayi and Wanda each received an investment of three million, but the money they spent was actually four point two million.

"Director Lin, please keep this matter confidential for a while; I will be the one to announce it when the time comes."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"That is no problem; I believe Enlightened Media and Miss Huo will not disclose it proactively either."

"We will certainly only concern ourselves with our own affairs."

The Wanda executive did a favor.

Wang Zhonglei left the door, feeling satisfied.

"Director Lin, there is something I would like to ask."

The person from Wanda spoke up.

"What is it?"

Lin Nan still had to give his business partners some face.

"For this movie, did you really not secure a role? For example, that female lead."

Lin Nan hesitated for a moment.

"She is not part of the content we are collaborating on."

The other party seemed to understand what Lin Nan meant.

"I understand, thank you Director Lin."