Chapter 598

That Year in Chinese Entertainment: Chapter 744 - Sword Pointing at the Jin Xiong, Director Chen. "Produced by Lin Nan Film, written and directed by Cao Baoping, starring Liu Ye, Zhang Yi, Wang Ziwen, and others.

The black comedy suspense film *Cock and Bull* officially started filming in the south of Colorful Clouds this morning."

"He Jiong's directorial debut, the youth-themed film *Forever Young*, held its opening ceremony in Beijing.

Popular first-line young actor Li Yifeng, 'Zhang Yimou Girl' Zhang Huiwen, Tang Ren actor Jiang Jinfu, and others participated in starring roles."

"Starring more than a dozen powerful actors including Zhang Ziyi, Ge You, Tadanobu Asano, Gillian Chung, Ni Dahong, and Yuan Quan.

The large-scale spy suspense film *The Wasted Times* officially wrapped up yesterday evening. Since the film started, it has been extremely low-key and confidential..."

Lin Nan crossed his legs, leaning on the sofa, scrolling through entertainment news.

He looked up at the assistants busy in the living room, and glanced at the direction of Liu Yifei's boudoir on the second floor.

Miss Liu was putting on makeup, while Liu Xiaoli was inside instructing her own daughter on something; it was probably about going to Paris during the film festival.

For this trip to Berlin, Lin Nan was mentally prepared that his and Liu Yifei's itinerary would be very full.

"Lin Dao, it's almost packed; all the luggage has been put into the trunk," Liu Yifei's assistant reminded.

"Thank you for your hard work. You guys rest for a while; there's still time, no rush."

Lin Nan nodded and replied. For this trip, he and Liu Yifei were bringing a total of eight assistants and bodyguards, two fewer than last time, but it was enough.

Just as he finished speaking, the phone on the coffee table vibrated.

Putting down the tablet, Lin Nan answered the phone.

"You really know how to pick your time; an hour later, I might have turned it off."

"It's precisely because I wasn't sure of Lin Dao and Yifei's flight time that I called as soon as I got to the company. Yeah, it's only 8:05."

Yue Jun said with a smile. This time, the flight tickets for Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's group were being handled by StarWu, so naturally, he didn't know the flight information.

"Speak. Calling at this time, there must be some real business."

"Yeah, that's right. This morning, Lu Han's agent will bring him to the company to talk in person.

The other one said there are other variety shows in contact and even sent an invitation. I simply brushed it off and eliminated it; the vision is too short-sighted..."

Yue Jun had told Lin Nan before that after analysis, the team was more optimistic about artists like Lu Han and Zhang Yixing.

They came with high popularity and a huge fan base, and their positioning was completely different from the other permanent guests of *Running Man*, with very high market complementarity.

"Alright, you and the team handle it. If, I'm saying if, if it's confirmed to sign him, we won't accept that kind of 'falsely high' quote they offer to the outside world for the salary; make it clear to his agent."

"Lin Dao, I understand. Actually, they are smart people too. Lu Han has no works; what he's consuming now is just the popularity he accumulated when he was in the boy band. They are more anxious than anyone. Between acting and idol, the latter is most suitable for Lu Han."

Yue Jun's words carried a tone of certainty, and the analysis was quite on point.

Lin Nan could hear that Yue Jun and the team had basically settled 50%; as long as the salary was negotiated, Lu Han could basically be set.

"Do a good job of confidentiality; at least before the investment promotion next month, don't let the wind leak. At that time, give everyone a surprise."

"No problem. That's it then. Wishing Lin Dao a smooth trip to Berlin and a Jin Xiong harvest."

"Hope so."

Just after hanging up, the movement upstairs attracted Lin Nan's attention; Liu Yifei and Liu Xiaoli came out.

"Mom, Xixi, it's not even 8:30 yet; stay at home for a while longer. Let's depart after 9 o'clock."

"That sounds good; let me lean for a while longer."

Liu Yifei was wearing a khaki casual trench coat, jeans on the bottom, and light makeup that made her look bright-eyed and white-toothed.

She ran to Lin Nan's side in two or three steps, leaned against him, rubbed lazily, found a comfortable position, and then picked up the tablet.

"Whatever you say."

Looking at his lazy daughter, Liu Xiaoli couldn't help but smile.

…………

Just past 10 o'clock in the morning, outside the capital airport, it was boisterous.

Many media reporters were chasing celebrity actors protected by assistants and staff, hoping to get news material.

Many passing passengers also held their phones, stopping to film or chasing for autographs.

"Which one is this today?"

"Forgot. But Li Bingbing and Zhang Ziyi this morning weren't as 'big-name' as her; putting on airs!"

"Hey, who told her to be the 'Xu Jinglei' of the Beijing circle, and she even brought a popular young star with her. Just don't know what price the copyright of her film can sell for in Berlin?"

"High probability of being at the bottom! The other Spring Festival films either have big-name actors or big directors. This one of hers? Hehe, Wu Yifan, the male lead, doesn't even count as a professional actor, let alone having innate talent; he's just fooling fans..."

"Hey hey... hurry hurry... Lin Dao..."

When Lin Nan and Liu Yifei appeared outside the airport, surrounded by eight people, the already excited media reporters became even more restless.

Especially with Lin Dao pushing one of the large suitcases, with Liu Yifei sitting on it wearing black sunglasses! This scene was simply amazing!

"Quick, let me down."

Miss Liu stretched her leg and immediately got up from the suitcase. She carried her bag and walked generously beside Lin Nan. The playfulness from just a moment ago instantly disappeared.

"Lin Dao, what expectations do you have for your third nomination for the Berlin main competition unit?"

"Your question is a bit funny. I can't expect it to be worse than the first two times, right?" Lin Nan joked with a smile.

"So that means the Jin Xiong?"

"Which filmmaker nominated for the main competition unit isn't aiming for this? Those who say they aren't, or say that nomination is affirmation, are all hypocritical!"

Lin Nan's subconscious words slapped the faces of many peers, leaving no face at all.

Liu Yifei even pulled his sleeve obscurely, but it was too late.

"With Yifei holding the line, this time at the Berlin International Film Festival, Lin Dao will definitely be as sure as the Golden Globe!"

"No problem, back then at the Golden Lion, Yifei was there..."

"Hehe, thank you..."

Miss Liu laughed happily, accepting all the compliments.

Watching the group of ten enter the departure hall, the media couldn't help but sigh:

"These are the two easiest big shots to talk to today!"

"More than just today."

"Right, they are rare in the circle; they've never given us a cold shoulder! Of course, provided you don't do crooked things."

"I'm thinking of Director Chen again; the way he looks at people is always high and mighty... and he's not as approachable as his wife..."

……

Near 11 o'clock, there was already quite a bit of news online about mainland filmmakers and celebrity actors rushing to Berlin, all from this morning.

"Li Bingbing, Fan Bingbing, Zhang Ziyi... Xu Jinglei, Wu Yifan... Feng Shaofeng, Fan Bingbing, and many other actors and artists appear at the airport..."

"Film crews for *Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal*, *Wolf Totem*, *Somewhere Only We Know*... *Dragon Blade*, *The Crossing*, etc., will appear on the red carpet of the Berlin International Film Festival. The corresponding films will be screened, promoted, and traded for copyrights during the film festival."

"Lin Dao Nan and Liu Yifei accept interviews at the airport; the former bluntly states that everyone nominated for the main competition unit expects the Best Film award, so there's no need to be overly humble or hypocritical."

"Lin Dao Nan brings *Manchester by the Sea* to compete for the Berlin International Film Festival main competition unit for the third time, sword pointing at the Jin Xiong for Best Film."

……

"He really dares to say it! Which director in the country hasn't been 'hypocritical'? He insulted them all! Being young is good."

Han Sanping sat in the courtyard basking in the sun, looking at the news, and laughed and scolded.

At this time, Han Jia stood at the villa door and shouted, "Old Han, there's a call for you."

"Calling me Old Han every day, no respect for elders; I'll be angered to death by you sooner or later."

Although "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" was scolding, his face had a loving smile; who told him to have this only daughter in his thirties? She was the only one!

"With your health, shouldn't you live to a hundred? If you're really worried, then why not do it sooner rather than later... transfer the house to me in the next few days?"

Han Jia said with a cheeky face; the way the father and daughter got along was very "harmonious."

"I, you, you'd better move out. Or I'll find another film crew and throw you in..."

Hearing this, Han Jia instantly became a "little cotton-padded jacket."

"Oh, hurry up and answer the phone. It's that group of people again, so annoying."

Hearing Han Jia say this, Han Sanping, who had only taken a few steps, stopped, his face full of disgust and loathing: "Tell them I'm not here."

"I said that. But?"

"But what?"

"I don't know which one it was on the other side; he said your 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao' performance was very good and could win an award."

Han Jia shrugged, laughing heartlessly.

"Hehe, really damn it... let's go, let's go listen to what kind of jokes they have."

…………

Since the filming of *Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield* started in early April last year, it had been more than 10 months.

For the film circle, this martial arts series produced exclusively by Lin Nan Film and written by Lin Nan himself had always been a key point of attention for everyone.

Especially since this second part dragged on for much longer than the first, making the industry even more curious.

And in the afternoon, the second part of this *Brotherhood of Blades* series finally released news of its release date.

It's just that this release date made the entire film circle dumbfounded;

Almost all industry insiders, while seeing the news, couldn't help but widen their eyes.

"Produced by Lin Nan Film, written by Lin Dao Nan, directed by Director Lu Yang, starring Zhang Zhen, Shu Chang, Zhang Yi, Lei Jiayin, Xin Zhilei, Jin Shijie, and others.

The costume martial arts series *Brotherhood of Blades* second part *Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield* passed the Film Bureau's review this morning and issued a public screening license."

"Lin Nan Film's official website and official Weibo released a release date announcement, forwarded by Enlight Media: The martial arts film *Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield* is set for the summer slot and will be publicly screened nationwide on July 3rd."

This film information truly shocked the film circle.

July 3rd?

This date simply couldn't be more glaring!

The industry clearly remembered that just a few days ago, Director Chen's first Republic-era martial arts film *Monk Comes Down the Mountain* was set for July 3rd!

Two martial arts films, less than half a month apart, set for the same day.

What is this for? A ring fight? A head-on confrontation?

After the shock, the internet and the circle became exceptionally lively.

"This is worth watching; it's the first time a director in the circle and the same type of film dared not to give Director Chen face and chose to 'fight' head-on!"

"Both are martial arts films, and they are released on the same day. A head-on fight isn't scary; what's scary is if one side loses too miserably, that would be too shameful!"

"By the way, this is aimed at Director Chen Kaige, right?"

"Fart, with such a big summer slot, why can't *Brotherhood of Blades II* go? Director Chen should have confidence; all opponents are paper tigers!"

"Tsk tsk, but after all these years... Director Chen is becoming less and less like a tiger... only the tiger's prestige of the past remains, no sharp teeth and claws..."

"It's also a good thing; two martial arts films by big directors on the same day is also a big selling point for promotion! They can be horns for each other..."

……

"Is Lin Nan trying to make trouble? Or does Lu Yang want to play big?"

"Won't Chen Kaige be furious? Being provoked like this by a 'junior'."

"Let him act cool all day; Lin Nan wins an award, and he always has a senior tone, pointing out the country. Now it's good, Lu Yang went up to do it."

"Tsk tsk tsk, losing or winning, both are losses. If he wins, it's what a Golden Palm director should win; but if he loses, then..."

……

"Producer Chen Hong speaks: Multiple films of the same type competing with each other is conducive to the prosperity of the film market and enriches the audience's choices..."

"Director Lu Yang updates Weibo: Learning from Director Chen and *Monk Comes Down the Mountain*, the *Brotherhood of Blades* series still has a lot of room for improvement. Looking forward to both films selling well and dividing the July summer slot director market..."

……

Although everything was standard, the fact that *Brotherhood of Blades II* was set for July 3rd still made Chen Kaige feel a bit "stuffy" and angry.

"Whether it's Lin Nan's idea or Lu Yang's idea, it doesn't matter. Having watched the first *Brotherhood of Blades*, I don't think this second part can be that amazing.

I have absolute confidence in *Monk Comes Down the Mountain*; whether it's the depth, artistic conception, or pattern of the film, it's not something other martial arts films can compare to."

Chen Kaige had a posture of having everything in his grasp, not caring about juniors, appearing very "master-like."

Chen Hong held a cup of tea and handed it over with both hands. "That's the logic; actually, putting the two films together is also good for each other's promotion, isn't it."

"Yeah. Lin Nan should have arrived in Berlin, right?"

"Calculating the time, he should have arrived."

Suddenly, Director Chen seemed to remember something unhappy again, and his face fell.

As a long-time partner, Chen Hong naturally could see that everything was because of the awards.

Chen Kaige really needed a second major international film festival award, preferably one of the three major European ones. He only needed one more Best Film, or even a Best Director trophy, and he would truly be a "master."

And last time, it was just a little bit off, namely *Forever Enthralled*, which was nominated for the Berlin International Film Festival main competition unit 6 years ago, but the final result was nothing.

Berlin time, just past 12 noon.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's flight slowly landed at Berlin Airport.

At this time, the atmosphere of the Berlin International Film Festival was already very rich.

Filmmakers, film crews, and media from all over the world were gathering here continuously.

There were even motorcades from the Berlin Film Festival Organizing Committee guarding outside the airport, specifically picking up certain specially invited filmmakers to designated hotels.

…………