Chapter 631

"In the morning, Zhong Hanliang, Qiao Zhenyu, Huang Haibing, Yu Bo, Zhang Zhiyao, and many other ancient costume screen-god-level actors gathered at Red Star Dock to participate in the audition for the drama version of *Eternal Love*..."

"Compared to the day before yesterday, the number of actors and stars downstairs at Red Star Dock Film Industry has surged, mostly senior practitioners in the film and television industry, all waiting for auditions."

The media reported on the auditions at Red Star Dock in a hurry. Those familiar screen faces caused the heat and topic volume of related information on the internet to soar rapidly.

A large number of netizens were already stirring up trouble. The official Weibo of Red Star Dock, as well as the Weibo accounts of Liu Yifei and Lin Nan, were constantly being refreshed, all filled with comments and actors' names;

It was as if they were the ones casting. One by one, they excitedly took sides and expressed their opinions, all making suggestions, hoping to choose who would play which role...

Undoubtedly, this is the audience affinity of this group of screen gods, as well as the nostalgia brought by the classic roles they have played in the past!

After ten o'clock in the morning, in the audition conference room of Red Star Dock;

Lin Nan looked at the actress in front of him, his expression a bit playful.

How should I put it? The influence of Zhou Yi and Tang Ren in the TV drama circle in those years was indeed not fake.

Especially Zhou Yi; the actors in every ancient costume drama, regardless of whether they were leads or supporting roles, were almost all top-notch and impressive.

And the actress standing on the stage at this moment was the heroine of the TV series *Seven Weapons: Peacock Feather*, produced by Zhou Yi—Mu Tingting!

Undoubtedly, this is another old acquaintance of Jiang Xuerou, and one with very good acting skills, possessing the strength to switch acting states at will between "thunder dramas" and serious dramas.

"Beijing Film Academy 2003 Performance Department Vocational Class..."

"Yes, Lin Dao."

Opposite, Mu Tingting nodded and responded very decisively. Jiang Xuerou smiled and did not interrupt.

Liu Yifei glanced at Lin Nan, then picked up the information in front of her, "Alright, before the end of the month, the company will give you a reply."

"Thank you, Producer Liu, thank you, Lin Dao, thank you, Director Jiang."

With a bow, Mu Tingting retreated with a smile; she appeared to have a very calm mindset, and the impression she gave was very good.

"Many good actors suffer from a lack of resources, but this is the reality of the film and television circle, isn't it? There are always more monks than gruel. Mu Tingting seems to see things quite openly."

Lin Nan nodded, which could be considered a compliment.

"Then let's add one more; anyway, it's just a supporting role." Liu Yifei was also very satisfied with the audition just now. This was the third actor from Beijing Film Academy to be decided.

"Actually, she has been quite popular these past two years and doesn't pick roles... Of course, she doesn't have the qualifications to pick roles either." Jiang Xuerou couldn't help but tease.

"Quite popular, because of the 'thunder dramas' on Mango TV? Haha..."

Shu Chang really couldn't hold back her laughter; there was absolutely no derogatory meaning in her words.

"Next, Yu Bo!"

Lin Nan personally "called the number." Liu Yifei immediately glanced at Jiang Xuerou, and Shu Chang also restrained her smile; at this moment, Jiang Xuerou's expression had already become very serious.

Speaking of Yu Bo, the Yu Bo of the Zhou Yi era was truly one of the pillars of domestic ancient costume fantasy dramas! Lian Chengbi, Tong Bo... Zhuge Rizhao...

In fact, Liu Yifei and Lin Nan had already discussed it before. Considering Jiang Xuerou's face, they had already decided on Yu Bo's role at home.

As for the audition, it was just going through the motions. After all, for an old actor like Yu Bo, an audition is a piece of cake, not to mention it's an ancient costume mythological theme.

In the reception room of Red Star Dock, only some actors were waiting here; others were in their respective cars downstairs.

For one thing, Red Star Dock is indeed far from being as large as Lin Nan Film Industry and cannot accommodate so many people;

For another, many actors and artists are actually not familiar with each other, so they are too lazy to meet.

Watching the figure of Yu Bo being led away by staff, a flash of cunning light appeared in the eyes of many male actors and agents.

Yu Bo, who has fallen behind very seriously in recent years, is auditioning under his former boss—this result... does it even need to be said?

In the conference room, Jiang Xuerou did not speak the whole time; Liu Yifei was the one asking, Lin Nan interjected every now and then, and Shu Chang watched the fun from the side.

Although it was going through the motions, this process still needs to be formal, right?

Outside.

Today is the 27th, which is also the last day of the theatrical release of *Mojin: The Lost Legend*.

The entire film circle is paying attention to this blockbuster, which ranks second on the domestic film box office list and is also the most regrettable film that stopped at the 2 billion box office threshold.

"As of yesterday, the total box office was 1.9769 billion, with a daily box office of 4.5 million.

Because we didn't get the extension key, major theater chains have been continuously reducing the screening volume this week, and the screening rate for the past two days has only been about 2%."

At China Film Group, Wang Changtian was rambling about the situation of *Mojin: The Lost Legend*, especially when mentioning the extension key, he intentionally or unintentionally glanced at La Peikang.

Ren Zhonglun and Zhou Xingchi were both there on the side. Because the producers and distributors of *Mojin: The Lost Legend* and *The Mermaid* have a high degree of overlap, they made an appointment to meet together in the morning.

"Tsk tsk tsk, it's really a pity, just short by twenty million or so. If we had gotten the extension and the screenings weren't cut, breaking Lin Nan's box office record shouldn't have been difficult!"

The only one who dares to be so brazenly sarcastic at China Film Group is Ren Zhonglun.

Zhou Xingchi didn't think that much; he was just very envious of the box office of *Mojin: The Lost Legend*—that was nearly 2 billion!

Facing Ren Zhonglun's "provocation," La Peikang was completely indifferent; he was in no mood, and it was suffocating.

"There are only thirty-something days left until the release of *The Mermaid*. Continue to increase the intensity of publicity during this period.

Also, for the premiere and celebration banquet tomorrow night, try to make the momentum as large as possible. The New Year slot is reaching the latter half, which is also the stage where the box office will explode even more."

As soon as La Peikang finished speaking, the corners of Ren Zhonglun's and Wang Changtian's mouths twitched immediately. The former did not participate in the production of *Mojin: The Lost Legend*, and the latter had no share in *The Mermaid*.

Of the four people present, only China Film Group occupied both. But now it seems, it really is a bit unworthy of the position!

"Hmm, the venue is already being set up at this moment. Lin Nan doesn't have time to worry about it; he is helping Yifei with auditions, so today... he didn't come."

Wang Changtian took over the conversation, but he stuttered a bit at the end. Because even if Lin Nan had time, I'm afraid he wouldn't come to China Film Group.

After the New Year and the Spring Festival, it will be almost exactly a year; when Han Sanping was there, Lin Nan used to come often.

The atmosphere on the scene was a bit awkward again, and it was Zhou Xingchi who unconsciously broke the "deadlock":

"Taking advantage of the gap in the promotion of *The Mermaid*, I can just go and support Lin Dao tomorrow night..."

At noon, Lin Nan and the others still had lunch at a restaurant around Red Star Dock; after lunch, several people hurried back to the company.

Because the afternoon audition time was moved up to one-thirty. Now, let alone resting, even the time to find a gap to look at the news was a bit tight.

For an entire afternoon, auditioning actors, whose numbers had more than doubled compared to the morning, arrived one after another and left Red Star Dock.

And on the casting list, the names of industry actors and artists were also successively crossed out or checked...

In winter, the daytime is often very short. By five o'clock in the afternoon, the sky was already getting dark.

And today's audition and casting work, up to this moment, could be considered finished;

Because the ownership of some major supporting roles had already been roughly decided.

While the staff were preparing to get off work, Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, Jiang Xuerou, and Shu Chang were still checking the list in the conference room.

"Mu Tingting, tentatively cast as the Winged Clan Princess;

Yu Bo, tentatively cast as...

Qiao Zhenyu, tentatively cast as...

Zhang Zhiyao, tentatively cast as...

Zhong Hanliang, tentatively cast as..."

Shu Chang was being ordered around like an employee, but she didn't mind, because Miss Liu promised to treat her to a big meal in the evening.

"So far, the core cast of *Eternal Love* can be considered seven or eight-tenths decided;

Afterwards, for the small number of major supporting roles and those messy minor supporting roles, Director Jiang can speed up the efficiency..."

Lin Nan held Liu Yifei's hand and instructed Jiang Xuerou for her, and the latter nodded with a smile.

Jiang Xuerou certainly understood the meaning of these words—that is, for the subsequent audition sessions, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei would likely not come to sit in personally.

After all, *Detective Chinatown* is about to be released, and as the director and producer, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei must be busy with the affairs of this film.

"Alright, let's go back too."

Liu Yifei waved her hand with a smile and dragged Lin Nan out. Sitting for a whole day, her waist was sore and her back was aching; she had to go home and lie down quickly. Hmm, go out again at night to reward themselves!

A light, drizzling rain began to fall in the second half of the night. Waking up in the morning, the temperature of two or three degrees made it feel even colder.

For the film circle, the most eye-catching news was undoubtedly the fact that *Mojin: The Lost Legend* was officially pulled from theaters last night.

This also meant that the most heavyweight blockbuster of the first half of the New Year slot had come to an end.

"Jointly produced by Lin Nan Film Industry, China Film Group, Wanda, and Enlight Media, directed by Wu Ershan, and starring Huang Xiaoming, Huang Bo, Zeng Li, Xia Yu, Reba, Liu Xiaoqing, and others; the New Year fantasy, action, and adventure blockbuster *Mojin: The Lost Legend* was officially pulled from theaters last night.

The film was released for a full month, with a total box office of 1.98 billion, regrettably stopping before the 2 billion box office mark, ranking second on the domestic film box office list!"

For a time, the daily box office of *Devil and Angel* at 84.6 million and *Mr. Six* at 68.3 million seemed completely inconspicuous:

Because the focus of the entire industry was on the 1.98 billion box office figure of *Mojin: The Lost Legend*. It was so bright and so eye-catching!

In the industry, there were those who were jealous and envious, those who were regretful and sorry, and even more who were cursing—especially on Huayi's side.

"The daily box office is constantly rising. Increase the intensity of the 'press releases' and strike while the iron is hot to completely suppress Enlight Media's *Devil and Angel*... Next, we need to prepare for a head-on conflict with Lin Nan's side!"

"Okay, President Wang."

At the dining table, Lin Nan yawned and picked up the milk.

That film, *Star Wars: The Force Awakens*, seems to be holding its domestic premiere ceremony in Shanghai this morning, nearly half a month in advance;

And Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen also made it onto the hot search because of this.

Because these two are the Chinese participants in *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story* and are also important guests for *The Force Awakens* today.

After all, both films are science fiction blockbusters produced by Lucasfilm under Disney;

Since they are entering the Chinese market, they naturally need Chinese cooperative guests to be present to support and create publicity!

"I completely forgot that they sent invitations to both of us."

Liu Yifei pouted, looking at Lin Nan with a pitiful pretense, and said softly.

"It doesn't matter. I already had someone say hello before, saying that we both have things to do and can't get away."

Lin Nan handed the peeled egg to Miss Liu. Isn't it true that they can't get away? Auditions yesterday, and today there's a premiere ceremony, plus a celebration banquet.

"I mean, missed the opportunity to watch the movie in advance, hehe..."

Liu Yifei blinked at Lin Nan with a smile; she had been acting since early in the morning.

"Hmm, not bad, acting skills have improved."

Lin Nan nodded with a smile and then talked about serious business: "We both have a morning of rest time, and we have to prepare in the afternoon. We might even have to leave early."

"Got it, premiere ceremony plus celebration banquet for two movies. Oh, by the way, when is your last class?"

"The morning of the 30th."

Hearing this answer, Liu Yifei's jet-black eyes glanced around, and a smile couldn't help but appear on the corners of her mouth; I don't know what she was planning.

"Xixi, stop giggling, eat breakfast quickly, it's going to get cold."

"Hmm, hmm."

As time approached, the popularity inside the Beijing Film Academy became more and more intense;

And these extra unfamiliar faces were undoubtedly all newcomers who were about to participate in the art exam.

Beijing Film Academy was their first choice.

Directing Department.

Lao Jiang had just returned from a meeting, not because of the art exam, but regarding the promotion of Lin Nan's full professor title.

"Although I knew long ago that there wouldn't be any surprises, the 'flattering' faces of this group of people really make me unable to watch—phew!"

"Passed?"

Tian Zhuangzhuang, who was drinking hot tea, raised his head, looked at Lao Jiang's lemon-eating expression, and asked indifferently.

Other incumbent teachers in the office also looked over curiously.

The school's meeting this morning was to screen the quotas. They would first reject a portion of the associate professor title promotion applications; it was a very strict process.

"Hmm, who dares to have objections? And who has the qualifications to question it? People from the Photography, Fine Arts, Literature, Performance Academy, and Management Academy all said:

If Lin Nan can't pass the first round, then the others who pass will only be unable to see the light and have no persuasiveness at all. By the same token, the final list of full professors to be publicized is the same... they would be drowned by public opinion!

The faces of this group of people, one sentence after another—if Lin Nan were on the scene, I estimate they could bury Lin Nan with flattery!"

"Deputy Director Jiang, isn't your sourness a bit too heavy?"

A teacher couldn't help but tease, and the office suddenly burst into laughter.

Forget it, Lao Jiang was hit on the mark, and he was embarrassed.

"Hehe... Alright, I'll mention it to him when I go to his movie premiere today. Looking at this, it will be a matter before the end of next semester."

Tian Zhuangzhuang smiled in a very good mood, with no intention of stopping the noisy atmosphere in the office.

For the premiere of *Detective Chinatown* and the celebration banquet of *Mojin: The Lost Legend* to be held together, this was the first time the film and television circle had encountered it.

But thinking about the producer lineup of the two films, everyone had nothing to say.

Because the controlling producer for both was Lin Nan Film Industry, and Lin Dao Nan was clearly telling everyone that *Detective Chinatown* was going to take the baton from *Mojin: The Lost Legend*.

As for taking the baton from what? This is the New Year slot, so naturally, it's the box office!

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Liu Yifei lazily began to change clothes, put on makeup, and prepare.

In her words: "I'm not wearing a gown or heavy makeup, so I don't need to be so troublesome preparing in advance. A ladies' casual suit with light makeup can be done in twenty minutes at most, very fast. At worst, I'll just go bare-faced!"

What could Lin Nan say? He had nothing to say.

Who told Miss Liu that she had the capital to be willful? That face could easily kill regardless of whether she wore makeup or not!

Half an hour later, the two set off from home with their assistants. The temperature was a bit cold, and Liu Yifei's down jacket was in the car just in case.

Today, it can be said without modesty that more than half of the first-line film and television companies in the film and television circle will come to support.

The reason is not just because of the 1.98 billion box office figure;

It is even more because *Detective Chinatown* is the first commercial film Lin Nan shot after returning to China since winning three international awards—Best Director at the Golden Globes, the Golden Bear, and the Oscar for Best Director—and it is his first foray into the comedy-detective genre.

Outside the CPPCC Auditorium, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei hadn't arrived yet, but the red carpet ceremony had already begun.

Wu Ershan walked on the red carpet with Huang Xiaoming, Huang Bo, Zeng Li, Xia Yu, Reba, Liu Xiaoqing, and others, passing through the forest of cameras.

La Peikang, Wang Changtian, Ye Ning, and Ren Zhonglun, as the four major producers, were also together.

Behind them were Yang Shoucheng, Yu Dong, Tan Hong, and others. Even Wang Zhonglei, who had been very much at odds with Enlight Media these past two days, came, and he was all smiles.

Tian Zhuangzhuang, Zhou Xingchi, Tsui Hark, Ning Hao, Xu Zheng, Lu Yang, Guo Fan, and Jiang Wen, who had just flown back from Shanghai, were the core lineup of big directors.

As for other top-tier first-line guests, such as Fan Bingbing, Andy Lau, Zhou Xun, and Li Bingbing, who was still sickly after recovering from a major illness, not a single one was missing; after them came the large group of ordinary first-line stars.

The *Detective Chinatown* crew, without Lin Nan leading, did not encounter any unexpected situations; they walked slowly into the venue amidst the filming of a large number of media reporters and the shouts of countless onlookers.

The most important people, of course, have to come later—that refers to Lin Nan and Liu Yifei.

When the two stepped into the CPPCC Auditorium, what met their eyes was a sea of people.

And the layout of more than sixty round tables on the scene also very clearly told everyone that today's premiere ceremony was being held in the form of a banquet—eat while watching!

"Great Lin Dao, Producer Liu, we finally waited for you two."

With Ning Hao's shout, more people immediately paid attention, followed by greetings that could drown people.

To be honest, Lin Nan held Liu Yifei's hand, and neither of them knew how to respond to the several hundred people on the scene, so they could only nod and signal in several directions with a smile.

In the distance, Shu Chang and Han Jia, who were stealing cake, waved their hands as if they were calling Liu Yifei.

"You go over first; I'll handle the socializing."

"Hmm, hmm."

Liu Yifei's face was full of smiles; she nodded and walked away, and the greetings from Li Bingbing and others on the side rang out again.

"Look, that group of media reporters has a bunch of questions waiting for you, and there are certainly no lack of ill-intentioned questions among them."

Han Sanping pointed to the people from the more than forty media outlets who had entered the venue and teased with a smile.

"Soldiers come to block, water comes to cover. I have one advantage, and that is that I say whatever can be said!"

"What about words that offend people?" Ren Zhonglun interjected with interest.

"Hmm? That depends on who it offends. If it's President Ren, I think you shouldn't mind, right? Haha..."

"I don't mind, as long as you are willing to owe me a favor."

"It's not time to sleep at night yet, and it's brightly lit here too—why have you started dreaming?" Han Sanping teased with "disdain."

More than half an hour of joking and laughing was quickly interrupted. The staff signaled to Lin Nan that the celebration banquet could begin.

Not long after, a giant 12-layer cake was slowly pushed up by a cart;

Everyone raised their large champagne glasses high, pouring down from the very top of the pyramid made of stacked glasses...

As a hammer fell, the ice cube freezing the 1.98 billion figure shattered with a sound...

Everyone took their seats, and the celebration banquet began to serve dishes; and the premiere ceremony of *Detective Chinatown* was also about to begin!

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei sat at the very center table in the front row, and at the same table were Han Sanping, Han Jia, La Peikang, Ren Zhonglun, Wang Changtian, and Ye Ning.

And big directors like Tian Zhuangzhuang and film and television tycoons like Yang Shoucheng were at other tables in the first row.

The lights on the scene dimmed, but it didn't affect the meal; the giant screen lit up, and *Detective Chinatown* officially began.

Facts proved that the idea of holding a premiere ceremony while having a banquet... was really quite good!

Because everyone was not only amused by the movie but also saw many embarrassing moments of people in the circle, so much so that many people couldn't straighten their backs from laughing.

Just imagine, you just picked up a chopstick of food and put it in your mouth, and before you could swallow it, a laugh point in the movie exploded...

Tsk tsk tsk, immediately a group of people started "coughing" or "spitting."

This scene was simply spectacular, which could be called a large-scale "laugh-spitting" scene for many actors and stars in the film and television industry!

Liu Yifei patted Han Jia's back while glaring at Lin Nan with a smile, because the little Han classmate was choked red in the face.

"Look, this is your problem. You're the only one at this table who choked, hehe..."

"You're still talking—eating while watching a comedy, it's a pity you guys could arrange it." Little Han classmate accused quite aggrievedly.

"It is a bit unreasonable, haha..." Ren Zhonglun also couldn't help but interject.

The two-hour-plus movie gradually approached its end. The coughing became less and less, but the laughter did not stop... It could be seen that everyone was very satisfied with the movie.

Just past nine o'clock in the evening, it was finally time for the creators to take the stage.

Lin Nan held Liu Yifei's hand and led Wang Baoqiang, Chen He, Xiao Yang, Liu Haoran, Tang Yan, Zhang Zifeng, and others to sit in a row of seats arranged in an arc in front of the big screen.

The interview session for tonight's premiere ceremony began.

"Although this is Lin Dao's first foray into the comedy-detective genre, what we care about most is the box office issue. Lin Dao, what is your box office outlook for *Detective Chinatown*?"

Taking the microphone, Lin Nan looked at the sea of people below.

"When setting the release date before, I specifically put *Mojin: The Lost Legend* and *Detective Chinatown* one after another in the New Year slot. The former got a super-high box office of 1.98 billion, so the latter naturally cannot be set lower.

I hope it can make up for the regrets of *Lost in Hong Kong*, *Goodbye Mr. Loser*, and *Mojin: The Lost Legend*, and truly break through 2 billion! Oh, by the way, these three films were also controlled and produced by my company!"

As Lin Nan's voice fell, the scene suddenly erupted into bursts of laughter and teasing.

"Hey... Lin Dao is showing off nakedly!"

"Too sour..."

"So he is such a Lin Dao!"

Even Liu Yifei was laughing non-stop on the side; Lin Nan was too high-profile.

The media changed people:

"Then I wish Lin Dao to break 2 billion again...

However, you posted before that you would post on Weibo during the release of *Detective Chinatown*, calling *Mr. Six* a bad movie. I don't know if Lin Dao will really do it?"

When this question was asked, the scene instantly went dead silent.

Wang Zhonglei forced his expression, while Yu Dong, Tan Hong, and others on the side all had ill-intentioned smiles.

"I... am not sure if I will go to Weibo to practice it, but I was also asking a question at the time, wasn't I?

I only accept fair competition. I will fight back against all off-field tricks. This includes Huayi's *Mr. Six*..."

The atmosphere instantly cooled down. Many people looked at Wang Zhonglei intentionally or unintentionally, but the latter had no reaction.

Does this count as naming names?

"... Of course, there is also Enlight Media's *Devil and Angel*!"

After a long breath, Lin Nan looked at Wang Changtian and added; and old Wang smiled and pointed at Lin Nan, quite cooperative.

The atmosphere on the scene eased again.

"Lin Dao, can you talk about the in-film advertisements for *Detective Chinatown*? We just saw that they are all big brands, and your movie investment attraction has always been the highest price in the industry!"

Speaking of money, there were many people interested. Nearly a thousand pairs of eyes looked directly at Lin Nan.

"Regarding money, it's better to ask the producer; she manages the money."

Lin Nan passed the topic to Liu Yifei. At this time, Miss Liu was crossing her legs, and her aura was not weak at all.

She took the microphone and smiled with a crisp voice:

"Because *Detective Chinatown* is the first commercial film after Lin Dao won three international awards last year, the price of the three in-film advertisements is not low, totaling 210 million. In addition, the three insert advertisements for *Mojin: The Lost Legend*, which was pulled from theaters yesterday, also had a revenue of 126 million."

Liu Yifei's smiling words directly caused the hundreds of people present, especially bosses of film and television companies like Yu Dong, Wang Zhonglei, and Tan Hong, to gasp in shock. It was really damn high!

Unlike them, Wang Changtian, Ren Zhonglun, and others were full of joy. Zhou Xingchi was even more envious!

"Producer Liu, we saw that at the end of this movie, it seems to have left a tail. Is there any consideration for a sequel?"

This question can be considered to have hit the point. All the actors on the scene instantly straightened their waists and focused their attention. If there is a sequel... wouldn't there be an opportunity?

"Let me say in advance, this reporter friend is not a shill we invited!"

Liu Yifei and Lin Nan looked at each other and immediately joked, and there was another burst of laughter on the scene.

After a few seconds of pause, Liu Yifei stood up, with a sweet smile on her exquisite face, and said:

"This belongs to Lin Nan Film Industry's future project plan, but since I was asked, then I, the boss's wife, will say a word:

Ahem, when Lin Dao shot *Detective Chinatown*, he just wanted to try comedy and detective-type movies to broaden his scope; he was shooting with a playful mentality.

If the box office is very good after the release, how good? Let's give an example, say it breaks 2 billion. If it breaks 2 billion, then there will definitely be a sequel.

As for whether the sequel will still be directed by Lin Dao, that's hard to say. Hmm, for now, I can only say this much, thank you."