Chapter 592: Director Chen, Acting Against the Wind

"Controlled and produced by Alibaba Pictures, co-produced by Wong Kar-wai's Jet Tone Films, and with Wong Kar-wai as executive producer and producer, the large-scale media project launch conference for the film *The Ferryman* was held in Beijing this morning."

"The film *The Ferryman* is adapted from one of the 33 stories in the bestseller *I Belonged to You*. Director Wong Kar-wai personally selected the topic, handpicked and supported the original author to take the director's chair, and stated that after the film begins shooting, he will remain with the crew throughout the entire process to provide guidance and supervise filming!"

"Alibaba Pictures, in conjunction with Jet Tone Films, announced to the outside world that after today, *The Ferryman* will officially begin open casting for the film industry, striving to assemble a top-tier lead cast!"

……

"I only have four words in my head right now."

"Which four words?"

"Wealthy and imposing! Look at this, they actually have real-time coverage across the entire internet; they might as well have asked the Movie Channel to livestream it! Tsk tsk."

Lin Nan handed his phone to Ning Hao. The latter was instantly stunned—the bragging that had happened on stage just three minutes ago was already appearing in the entertainment headlines?

"It really is wealthy and imposing! But didn't you hear the Alibaba people on stage? The production budget has no cap, and the box office target is only going to be higher!"

Ning Hao lowered his voice and complained.

"'No cap, only higher'? I remember the last person to shout that slogan was Yang Zai from Julin Pictures, for that film *The Sorcerer and the White Snake*. What was the final result?"

A mocking smile appeared on Lin Nan's face. Ning Hao understood instantly and couldn't help but laugh: "That time, Wang Zong was truly ruthless!

But internet companies bragging and film companies bragging—these two aren't the same, right? Alibaba really has the money."

"They have money. But once this kind of bragging starts, if it's blown too high and too far... how it lands is the problem. And a production budget with no cap? I wouldn't dare brag like that; after all, one has to consider breaking even..."

Everything was fine, but upon hearing Lin Nan's last sentence, Ning Hao's expression soured instantly, and he cursed back:

"You don't brag, but you show off!"

Forget it, Director Ning wasn't showing off anymore—he was sour, he was jealous!

Lin Nan laughed and changed the subject: "Let's wait and see.

Let's see if Alibaba Pictures can use this *The Ferryman* to prove that their proposed production model for the internet era—'Hot IP + Fan Film + Big Director'—is correct."

"Then we'll wait. But having said that, today's conference really does have a lot of hype. As for how the final box office will be? It shouldn't be low, I think."

Ning Hao said hesitantly, and a few seconds later, he nodded again, his attitude becoming more certain.

Lin Nan didn't respond, instead looking toward the stage.

He was only able to come today purely for the sake of this richest man. Although they didn't interact, he really couldn't refuse this person's face.

Only he could gather more than half of the big shots in the film and television industry to "show support" for a single film.

But honestly, the richest man Ma's eloquence is truly good; every time, he can make people's eyes light up!

Near noon, the conference concluded successfully, followed immediately by a luncheon for social networking.

Lin Nan didn't intend to stay, preparing to leave directly, but just at that moment, he was targeted.

"Lin Dao, congratulations on winning the Golden Globe."

"Ma Dong, Chairman Zhang, you two are too kind."

"I have always wanted to direct a film myself, and star in it myself, but I just haven't been able to find the time. I wonder if there will be an opportunity to collaborate with Lin Dao in the future?"

Hearing this, Lin Nan was amused. This joke was truly a joke—very awkward!

He wasn't the type of person who lacked money, and the "opportunity" the richest man spoke of was absolutely impossible.

Good eloquence doesn't mean good lines; acting, looks... he had none of them. Asking the richest man Ma to act? Wouldn't that be smashing his own brand and ruining his reputation?!

"Everything depends on fate." Lin Nan said perfunctorily.

"Lin Dao, Tudou is about to raise funds, right? The financial market is excellent right now, especially in film, television, and entertainment..."

Sure enough, the drunkard's heart was not in the cup! Lin Nan didn't respond.

"Youku plus Tudou completely possesses a market monopoly position. If Alibaba can acquire shares in Tudou, we can facilitate this cooperation..."

Lin Nan was dumbfounded. Did they have to be so naked? The word "monopoly" was spoken directly?

"Tudou has its own financing plan, which will be disclosed to the outside world when the time comes, and we will seek like-minded partners." Lin Nan said, stopping at the point.

"Then Alibaba looks forward to Tudou's invitation. For companies we are optimistic about, the group has always provided strong support, whether in capital or other resources."

Lin Nan resisted the urge to laugh. Are you sure that's support? Isn't it bloodsucking and occupying the magpie's nest?

Biting the bullet and chatting for over ten minutes, Lin Nan finally managed to escape.

"It's clear, he seems to have some resistance or rejection toward us?"

"Ma Dong, if the news is true, Penguin should have already received a promise."

"Hmm? On Youku's side, hurry up."

"Understood."

…………

Returning home, Lin Nan faced another tangled problem: should he go to the Weibo Night tonight?

To be honest, this was a relatively entertainment-oriented event, aimed at the "traffic" of the film and entertainment circle.

And throughout the year, the hottest actors, stars, idol artists, films, and TV dramas in the circle would all appear on stage at the Weibo Night.

As a shareholder, Lin Nan, who had been there once before, had a deep understanding of this. Weibo Night actually didn't have much substance; it was just a stage and vanity fair for artists in the circle to "compete in beauty."

Just as Lin Nan was preparing to ask for Liu Yifei's opinion, Lu Chuan's call came in.

"Lin Dao, Director Chen Kaige's film *Monk Comes Down the Mountain* has passed review, and the theatrical release schedule has also been announced."

The voice on the phone carried a trace of excitement and agitation, sounding somewhat impatient.

"*Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield* hasn't received the review results yet?" Lin Nan asked subconsciously.

"Not yet, but it should be soon."

"After it passes review, go contact Yue Jun; he will handle the scheduling and distribution matters."

"Hmm, okay, Lin Dao."

The call lasted less than two minutes before Lu Chuan hung up in a hurry, giving the feeling that he was anxious to find someone to fight! Find Chen Kaige?

Lin Nan took the tablet, opened the film information, and sure enough, he saw *Monk Comes Down the Mountain* dominating the list.

"Directed by Director Chen Kaige, starring Wang Baoqiang, Guo Fucheng, Zhang Zhen, Fan Wei, Lin Zhiling, and others,

the Republic-era fantasy martial arts film *Monk Comes Down the Mountain* obtained its public screening permit today. The film is officially set for a summer release and will land in national theaters on July 3rd."

"Director Chen Kaige's first martial arts epic, gathering numerous powerful actors and superstars from both sides of the strait, is worth looking forward to..."

Looking at the news online, Lin Nan's expression wasn't very good.

Because according to the review time of *Monk Comes Down the Mountain*, Director Chen hadn't been sent back even once!

His film had passed review in one go!

And last time, Cui Baozhu had hinted to Lin Nan that Chen Kaige wanted to keep the Dragon Prince's scenes.

The current situation was self-evident!

"Lin Nan, what's wrong with you? Why are your brows locked?"

Liu Yifei had just finished showering and walked down from the second floor wearing cotton slippers.

"I'm lamenting that Director Chen is worthy of being Director Chen! Acting against the wind, unscrupulous, and that group of people responsible for the review gave him the green light as if no one was watching..."

"Ah?"

Liu Yifei didn't react for a moment. She sat down next to Lin Nan, "Help me comb my hair, and tell me slowly."

Lin Nan took the comb, his hands busy, and his mouth didn't stop either.

"*Monk Comes Down the Mountain* has passed review and been scheduled. When it hits theaters in early July, fans, audiences, and even the entire internet will explode.

Because they will be able to see the Dragon Prince's twenty-minute-long footage... The red-headed document from the end of September last year will become a joke recognized by everyone."

"Slapping his own face?" Liu Yifei said in astonishment.

"Pretty much, that's the logic."

Lin Nan sighed once again at the "reality" of this circle; Chen Kaige's weight and connections were still heavy!

"You, since it's already like this, why don't you just stay out of it?"

Liu Yifei raised her head slightly and said to Lin Nan.

"Hmm, anyway, when the time comes, it won't be me on the cusp of public opinion. It's just a pity for Director Zhang's face; he's going to be slapped repeatedly by that group of people responsible for the review. Just thinking about it is interesting; there will definitely be a good show later..."

"Oh, by the way, are you going to the Weibo Night tonight? If you are, I'll tell them; if not, I'll give them a heads-up in advance. The seats are all reserved."

Liu Yifei leaned into Lin Nan's arms, "I'm too lazy to go, and it's not very interesting. I can guess seven or eight out of ten people who will go on stage to receive awards..."

Alright, Lin Nan admitted that Miss Liu's statement was flawless.

Looking at last year, weren't the hottest people Yang Mi, Guo Jingming, Lu Han, and Yang Ying, who frequently appeared on hot searches and headlines? The award winners would just be these people.

"Fine, then I'll return a call in a while, and we won't go. Two more seats can be vacated in the front row, hehe..."

"Hmm, hmm, let's go out for dinner tonight?"

"Okay."

…………

Yue Jun was on the phone right now.

He truly hadn't expected that the words he had spoken so confidently in front of Lin Nan would actually be slapped back!

"Have you thought it through? You can't joke about this kind of thing. Do you know how many people are eyeing this position?"

The person on the other end stammered, "Director Yue, I, I have thought it through.

After the studio team carefully considered it before, they already signed other announcements for me. I will explain it to Lin Dao myself..."

If it weren't for the fact that the person on the other end was an old acquaintance, Yue Jun would definitely be cursing right now.

"I advise you to think about this again. Also, go tell Lin Dao yourself; this isn't a small matter, and I can't make the decision."

"Hmm, okay, thank you Director Yue."

A few minutes later, looking at the phone screen after hanging up, Yue Jun cursed:

"What kind of team did this company hire? Not a bit of business insight, might as well fire them all and replace them!"

……

Cao Baoping's efficiency was very high. He called Lin Nan at three-something in the afternoon; the casting for *The Dead End* had all been finalized.

And on the list, there wasn't a single so-called "newcomer" or "star"; they were all serious actors.

Immediately after, this finalized casting list was published online and became a hot topic in the film and television circle.

"Produced by Lin Nan Film Industry, written and directed by Director Cao Baoping, the casting for the film *The Dead End* is complete. The lead cast list is as follows: Liu Ye, Zhang Yi, Wang Ziwen..."

"When are you preparing to start filming? Teacher Cao."

"Early February, I guess. This New Year's Eve will be spent with the crew."

"Okay, if you need anything, call me anytime."

"That goes without saying; if I don't call you, who would I call? Hehe..."

……

Liu Yifei had already changed her clothes and was waiting on the side, preparing to go out and have fun with Lin Nan.

Lin Dao just stood up, took Miss Liu's bag, and took her hand.

At this moment, another call came in abruptly.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 593 =====