Chapter 650: The Chairman La Who Never Learns! Western Film: The Barefoot Aren't Afraid

……

The premiere of "The Mermaid" could be said to have gathered film professionals and stars from half of the entertainment industry.

The reason it could muster such a grand turnout was thanks to its luxurious lineup of producers and distributors, as well as Zhou Zhou Xingchi's box-office appeal, and even Lin Nan's endorsement;

Because as early as the first promotional press conference in early December, "The Mermaid" had already officially announced the investment shares of its four major producers;

And Lin Nan, this top-tier director, was the largest producer among them, with an investment share as high as 30%.

This also showed just how optimistic and expectant Lin Nan was about this commercial film's box office!

The Great Hall of the People, the Golden Hall.

A sea of guests, countless as a flock of crows, all gazed at the main creative team above.

Xu Ke making a cameo in Zhou Zhou Xingchi's film, and Lin Nan participating in the investment — this could be considered an unconventional collaboration among three great directors, truly full of hype and exciting.

Although the jokes and plot of "The Mermaid" were slightly stiff and clichéd, and Deng Chao couldn't fully master the essence of Zhou's nonsensical comedy;

Overall, it was still a passable Spring Festival blockbuster family-friendly comedy; at least when everyone first watched it, they were indeed amused by many parts.

At this moment, on stage, Zhou Zhou Xingchi sat right in the middle of the main creative team, which also included Beside La La Peikang, Ren Ren Zhonglun, and others, holding a microphone and stumbling through the media interview.

"Master Xing, as the largest producer of this film, why did Lin Dao and Producer Liu skip today's premiere? This makes no sense at all — is there some conflict?

There are clearly still 5 days until New Year's Eve. After attending the premiere today and then going home, it wouldn't affect anything at all! There's no need to rush back that one day early, is there?"

As soon as this question was asked, the nearly thousand guests in the hall fell silent. Please don't let there actually be some problem! If there really were, that would be a big deal!

Zhou Zhou Xingchi was at a loss for words; he really couldn't answer well, and didn't know how to answer. He wasn't the kind of person with high emotional intelligence who could deflect, and this also involved China Film's arbitrary decision-making…

"Let me answer this question."

At this moment, Beside La La Peikang snatched the topic, took the microphone from the emcee, and several hundred gazes in the venue immediately focused over.

Ren Ren Zhonglun watched from the other side, a faint curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"Lin Nan and Liu Yifei didn't come to the premiere — there's no conflict or conspiracy theory as you all are guessing.

Their schedules were set very early, and they're both homebodies, so it just so happened that they missed today's event."

"But this is the premiere of a Spring Festival film, such a big event, and 'The Mermaid' is a film with an investment of up to 300 million… Can't Lin Dao really adjust his schedule? It's only one day apart."

Other reporters pressed again; the gossip-hunting spirit of entertainment journalists was carried to the extreme — they just had to get to the bottom of things and nitpick.

"Heh, hasn't he always been like this, willful… No matter how big the matter, it's a small thing to him."

Beside La La Peikang answered without hesitation. Although it seemed natural, there was still a trace of stiffness — only no one noticed, and no one thought much of it… except Ren Ren Zhonglun.

Chairman Ren Da glanced over with a smile, inwardly complaining:

"It's clearly that they couldn't reach Lin Nan and didn't notify Shanghai Film, so China Film just set the time directly. And now there are plenty of excuses? Did you really never consider why others wouldn't change their schedules?"

Yue Jun, sitting beside Xu Ke, was also trying not to laugh and holding it in, because their own great director hadn't even asked about the premiere of "The Mermaid" at all.

"This year's Lunar New Year season has already produced the second domestic film with over 2 billion at the box office, and it may even be the first film with 3 billion at the box office, still created by Lin Dao.

So for this Spring Festival season, what are Master Xing's box-office expectations for 'The Mermaid'? Is there any ambition for a dark horse to overtake…"

When it comes to box office, this is always the focus of pursuit and attention in the film circle and even the entire entertainment industry, especially for major productions in big seasons.

The guests at the scene all looked at Zhou Zhou Xingchi on stage, only to see the smile on his face grow even broader.

"I had discussed this earlier with Chairman La of China Film and Chairman Ren of Shanghai Film. Originally, the box-office target for 'The Mermaid' was 2 billion;

But because Lin Dao warmed up the entire season ahead of us, we adjusted the target: 'The Mermaid' must get at least 2.5 billion at the box office, do our best to cross the 3 billion mark, and make a final push for 3.5 billion…"

Good lord, before Zhou Zhou Xingchi even finished speaking, the scene had already erupted;

A floor of 2.5 billion, pushing for 3.5 billion? A box-office span of a full 1 billion — what lofty box-office ambitions!

"Is this, going to apply for an extension key?"

"They definitely have to apply for an extension key, otherwise how could they dare to dream of 3 billion? And a push beyond that…"

"Didn't new policies just come out a while ago? Given the lineup of 'The Mermaid', they can definitely get the extension key."

"Tsk tsk tsk, they're holding their breath, wanting to ride the momentum of 'Detective Chinatown' and sail straight through the waves!"

……

A morning passed, and the entire internet was filled with news about "The Mermaid";

Even though Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei were in their hometown, they couldn't escape the "harassment."

That slogan of 3.5 billion — Lin Nan didn't need to guess to know who came up with it, definitely Chairman La!

"Ready?"

Liu Liu Yifei had already finished her "disguise" — a windbreaker, black athletic trousers, sneakers, a high ponytail, a large black mask, and a bare face;

Taking advantage of the afternoon sun, she was going out for a stroll with Lin Nan; there were still plenty of scenic spots.

"All set." Lin Dao Da, dressed similarly, walked out of the room — the couple's outfits were naturally picked out by Miss Liu.

"Tang Mu just sent a message — Leon won the Screen Actors Guild's Best Actor award."

Liu Liu Yifei handed her phone to Lin Nan; on the screen was Tang Mu's text message.

"Seven nominations, and this is his first time winning this award."

Lin Nan said with some emotion. The award-chasing films he had shot in Hollywood before had never vied for the Guild award, because it was really too energy-consuming. It was more efficient to go straight for the Oscars, and the returns were greater.

"Let's go. We'll congratulate him when we head over there at the end of the month."

The phone was stuffed into the windbreaker pocket, Lin Nan took Liu Liu Yifei's hand, and the two immediately headed out, ready to depart.

Although Western Film had scheduled their visit for tomorrow, that didn't prevent them from borrowing a car today for Lin Nan to use first.

"I'm thinking about whether to buy another car to keep at home, so we can take turns driving?"

"Uh, good idea. Then let this new bride of yours pay for it, hehe…"

"Hmph, if I'm paying, I'm paying. Let's go."

……

Three days into February, the total box office of "Detective Chinatown" reached 2.81 billion;

A daily box office of 25 million puts it, in its current push toward 3 billion, full of "infinite possibilities"; whether it can truly reach that figure remains to be seen.

Because the daily box office on New Year's Eve will absolutely plummet, and starting the next day with the Spring Festival, another even more brutal war begins—the Spring Festival slot, a fierce struggle where only one survives!

Facing this situation, the "fading" Detective Chinatown is undoubtedly at a disadvantage; after all, the young always beat the old in a fight!

The day after tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and the New Year atmosphere grows even stronger.

Although the premiere scale of Journey to the West: The Monkey King vs. Bai Gujing couldn't compare to yesterday's Mermaid, it was still not to be underestimated; Gu Gu Changwei, Jiang Wen, Ning Hao, Xu Zheng, and others were all big-name guests present.

Lin Nan had no hope of sleeping in these days because Liu Liu Yifei deliberately woke up early; since she woke up early, how could she possibly allow Lin Nan to sleep longer? That would be so unfair!

"Your ladylike demeanor will ultimately be paid for by me."

In the morning, Lin Nan, yawning, verbally "resisted" Liu Liu Yifei's dictatorship;

while she merely snorted, lifted her chin, a faint smile on her face, her skin glowing.

Yesterday afternoon, the two were finally recognized, luckily they ran fast.

By evening, many people in the circle were tagging the two on Weibo to tease them.

Yan Ni even joked that when she returned in a couple of days, she would treat them to a meal; Lin Nan didn't stand on ceremony, replying directly: "Sure."

"Phone?"

Liu Liu Yifei's ears were quite sharp, suddenly reminding him. Lin Nan then ran back into the room in two or three steps, picked up his phone which was charging, and walked out.

"It's from Xi'an Film Studio."

"Are they coming over?" Liu Liu Yifei looked at Lin Nan, half asking, half answering.

"Probably."

As he spoke, Lin Nan answered the call, "Director Zhang?"

"Lin Dao, you're too polite. You and Producer Liu should be home at noon, right? If it's convenient, we could come over right now..."

"Mm, then come over. We can have lunch at home."

"No, no, let's do it outside. I'll have someone book a table, and we'll go together then..."

After two minutes of back-and-forth, Lin Nan did not refuse the other party's kindness. If they really ate at home, would they make Old Lin cook? Of course not.

"Lin Nan, have you thought about how we should repay this favor?"

As a qualified supportive wife, Liu Liu Yifei appeared incredibly clear-headed and shrewd at this moment.

Lin Nan couldn't help but reach out and rub Liu Miss's smooth, tender cheek, only to be met with her wrinkling her nose in disgust.

"I haven't thought it through yet, or rather, haven't decided yet. Wait a bit, we'll talk after we meet at noon."

"So, are you two having lunch in the room?"

Suddenly, Old Lin walked back from the front courtyard, asking with concern.

China Film Group.

With the Spring Festival holiday approaching, China Film Group welcomed a big director watched with strange eyes by many employees—John Woo.

Remember when The Taking of Tiger Mountain (Part 1) failed miserably, mocked and cursed by the entire internet;

this big director, in a fit of anger, ran back to Hong Kong Island, declaring he would refuse all interviews regarding The Taking of Tiger Mountain, resolutely becoming a deserter for the second time;

He kept his word; when The Taking of Tiger Mountain (Part 2): The Other Shore was released, he indeed didn't show his face, still holed up in Hong Kong Island, acting as if the movie had absolutely nothing to do with him; until Huang Huang Xiaoming got married, he went to the mainland once to Shanghai, serving as the master of ceremonies.

Today John Woo came to China Film Group; how could he not be despised by the vast majority of China Film Group employees? He must be despised! But it cannot be shown.

Chairman's Office.

After pouring the tea, the secretary withdrew, leaving only La La Peikang and John Woo inside.

Looking at John Woo, who was sitting there seriously ready to discuss business, La La Peikang's mood was complex.

The initial Red Cliff was fine; with Japan as a safety net, China Film Group made a profit; but The Taking of Tiger Mountain, split into two parts, had completely scammed China Film Group to the extreme.

Although it was Han Han Sanping who approved the project, the entire black pot was completely shouldered by him, the successor.

Moreover, John Woo's previous arrogant and irresponsible attitude had once made him, along with Huayi and LeEco, seethe with anger for a long time.

Who would have thought that only half a year had passed since The Taking of Tiger Mountain (Part 2): The Other Shore, and this guy actually had the face to come to China Film Group to seek investment?!

Seeing La La Peikang's rather serious and slightly resistant gaze, John Woo smiled first.

"Chairman La, The Taking of Tiger Mountain is in the past. I came today to chat with Chairman La about my new film; I revealed some details at the Tokyo International Film Festival at the end of last October."

Out of basic politeness, La La Peikang did not refuse, but his tone was quite flat: "Wu Dao, speak. I'll listen."

"My new film is adapted from The Outlaw of the River of Anger, currently rewriting the script. Planned as a Sino-Japanese co-production..."

"Co-production?"

Before John Woo could finish speaking, La La Peikang had already grasped the keyword, his expression changing somewhat.

"Yes, it is a Sino-Japanese co-production, and it is the action, crime, and suspense film I am best at!" John Woo emphasized his tone.

Sure enough, La La Peikang's eyes and expression were completely different from just a moment ago.

For Chairman La at this moment, terms like "Sino-Japanese co-production" and "action, crime, suspense film" indeed held abnormal appeal.

First, co-productions have always been a reflection of political achievements; second, the type of film John Woo is best at is indeed this kind, which is common knowledge and beyond doubt!

The office suddenly fell silent; after a moment, it was John Woo who broke the awkwardness, speaking a soft word.

"Because it is a co-production, naturally we hope China Film Group can help and join in; China Film Group's subsidiary, China Film Co-Production Corporation responsible for managing co-productions, can also participate in the film's production business."

It can only be said that the act of "catering to someone's interests" often has a high success rate—La La Peikang was indeed tempted.

A few seconds later, a voice sounded: "So, Wu Dao, how much investment are you seeking today? What is the specific plan for the film's preparation process?"

La La Peikang looked at John Woo, his expression softening considerably, because his mindset had changed.

"Chairman La, we plan to start preparation after the Spring Festival, with filming starting mid-year. As for the specific budget, the team hasn't finalized it yet, but it will be around 200 million..."

"An action, crime, suspense type film, costing 200 million?"

Hearing this, La La Peikang immediately paused, questioning and countering.

"Because I'm planning to use quite a few foreign actors — after all, it's a China-Japan co-production…" Wu Wu Yusen replied with a forced smile, giving a perfunctory answer.

"China Film Group isn't going to give you two hundred million." Beside La La Peikang thought he had made a safe decision.

"Director La can rest assured, Media Asia over in Hong Kong Island will also be supporting it."

……

More than ten minutes later, the secretary saw Wu Wu Yusen out of the chairman's office, a joyful smile on his face.

But the two of them hadn't gone far before they ran into Han Han Sanping, who had come to China Film Group on business — the latter was still, at present, a contracted director and producer with China Film Group.

"Han Dong."

"Han Dong, long time no see."

Wu Wu Yusen greeted them with a cheerful smile, but Han Han Sanping, whose mood had originally been fairly decent, immediately got the queasy feeling of having swallowed a green-headed fly.

The biggest "stain" on his tenure had been trusting the very Wu Wu Yusen before his eyes — especially with The Crossing — which had directly ruined his twilight years and made him regret it till he was blue in the face.

"Mm, long time no see." A somewhat cool reply. Wu Wu Yusen didn't take it to heart, because he was in a good mood at the moment.

A few minutes later, when the secretary returned, he found Han Han Sanping waiting for him.

"Han Dong?"

"What did he come here for today?"

"Wu Dao Wu Yusen came to pitch for film investment — it's a co-production. Director La has already agreed."

Hearing this, Han Han Sanping immediately let out a contemptuous laugh: "Hah, him? A co-production? Heh heh."

After saying that, Han Han Sanping told the secretary to go attend to his work.

He looked toward the chairman's office. After a long while, he shook his head speechlessly and sighed: "My experience and lessons — not a single bit absorbed, not a single lesson learned."

…………

Watching the four people from Western Film make trip after trip, hauling out of the car and carrying in a huge pile of New Year goods and gifts;

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei looked at each other, truly not knowing what to say — they really couldn't turn it down!

Beside him, Watching Lao Lin, having received Lin Nan's tacit permission, didn't refuse any further either, and was happily pouring water for these people.

"Lin Dao, the seats are already booked. Shall we head over now? Together…"

"I won't go. You all go, don't mind me. I won't disturb you while you discuss business…"

Before Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei could speak, Watching Lao Lin had already started making his position clear.

He knew perfectly well in his heart that Western Film's gift-giving and visits during holidays over all these years were aimed at his own son.

"Well then, let's go. When we come back, we'll pack up some food to bring back separately…"

"No need! You think I'd starve?" Watching Lao Lin was a bit annoyed.

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei smiled and nodded. Honestly, Watching Lao Lin's Mandarin was getting better and better — perhaps partly because the leaders from Western Film were right beside him.

Over half an hour later, two Volkswagen commercial vehicles stopped in front of a building in a bustling district. The restaurant was clearly on one of the upper floors.

They had clearly come back to their hometown for New Year, but with the four or five people subtly clustering around them, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei once again had the feeling of going out to an industry event in the capital.

"Lin Nan, I think we've been recognized?"

Liu Liu Yifei tugged lightly at Lin Nan's sleeve, sneaking a look around, and muttered in a low voice.

"Of course — they've already got their phones out… Hey, you're waving?"

Well, Lin Dao Da was helpless. What could he do? Miss Liu was very fond of her fans. But the scene was getting a bit out of control — people were already shouting.

It really took the Western Film people pushing hard, otherwise they might genuinely have been unable to move an inch.

Seven or eight minutes later, Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, the head of Western Film's production department, and an assistant — four people in total — sat down in the restaurant's private room, while the rest waited outside.

A big table with over thirty dishes — the sincerity was truly overflowing.

Liu Liu Yifei sat beside Lin Nan, quietly eating, very refined and lovely; while Lin Nan ate while listening to the Western Film people pour out their grievances.

Actually, it wasn't exactly grievances. How miserably the former leading light among state-owned enterprises from the old film studio era was doing now — that was something everyone in the industry knew perfectly well;

Using "choking on chaff and bran" to describe Western Film's current state wasn't an exaggeration at all.

"Ever since that last film, Martial Arts World: The True Record, Western Film hasn't recovered its breath. Even when there are projects, we don't dare to do them — really, every film we make loses money. We've lost so much we're scared.

Compared to China Film Group, we can't compete on the funding from above — and China Film Group can also use its power to grab benefits everywhere, sticking its fingers into all the good resources. Compared on assets, we can't beat Shanghai Film Group either — Shanghai Film Group is so poor all it has left is money…"

"I heard Ning Film is planning to burn their boats and go big. Even so, when we went to inquire recently, they didn't want to bring Western Film in! We're all brothers in hardship, yet they're looking down on us…"

"Cough cough… cough…"

Liu Liu Yifei started coughing. Lin Nan hurriedly handed her water and patted her back — she must have been amused by Director Zhang's words.

"Go big? How big can Ning Film go?"

"How big they can go, what specific project they're doing — I don't know. But a few acquaintances at Ning Film said the investment amount and production scale seem to be benchmarked against Hollywood A-level productions, and the confidentiality level is very high. They're still in the preliminary work right now; probably after Spring Festival they'll officially start preparations…"

The few people chatted on and on, eating as they talked, and an hour passed quickly.

By this point, the head of Western Film's production department also began to get down to business, "making his position clear" to Lin Nan.

"When all is said and done, China Film Group only has one more thing than us — the foreign film import quota — and that's it.

On the official side, whatever China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group can do, Western Film can also do; whatever China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group hesitate over and don't dare to do, Western Film can also do;

Even going to bang the table with the bureau — no problem. Who says our Western Film doesn't have the seniority? We can talk back to anyone… let alone now that the barefoot aren't afraid…"

Liu Liu Yifei looked at Lin Nan. On that exquisitely beautiful face, her big, dewy, sparkling eyes were filled with utter disbelief, as if asking:

"Are you sure this is Western Film, not bandits? How can they talk so rough?"

Lin Nan showed a "what do you think?" expression. Miss Liu could read it.

Speaking of which, Western Film did indeed have the qualifications to be "rough" — after all, it was the big brother back in the day. Those "immortals" in the industry, Western Film could go up and talk back to any of them!

Director Zhang was still talking, tactfully asking Lin Nan for a favor.

"Around the 20th of this month, Liu Yifei and I will be heading to Hollywood to attend the Oscars ceremony."

Lin Nan's words cut off Director Zhang. Although the other party didn't know why Lin Nan had interrupted him, he still cooperatively nodded:

"Lin Dao and Producer Liu going to attend the Oscars — that's only right. You're last year's Best Director, after all."

"While we're at it, we'll also be discussing a co-production film."

The moment Lin Nan said this, he broke into a smile. The two people opposite immediately perked up — surely they hadn't misheard the meaning behind those words?

The head of production at Western Film, excited, exhilarated, and even a little nervous, confirmed: "Lin Dao, are you saying Western Film can be involved?"

"Mm, this co-production can bring Western Film along." Liu Liu Yifei smiled and nodded, giving an affirmative answer.

Lin Nan nodded in agreement, going along with Liu Liu Yifei. He could tell that the two people from Western Film were beside themselves with joy at this point.

But they reacted quickly too, already thinking of another matter — a very practical one:

"Lin Dao, this co-production of yours should be a commercial film, right? Then the investment scale…"

Lin Nan glanced at Liu Liu Yifei; the two of them were both helpless — Western Film was too poor.

"Mm, it is a commercial film. As for the investment scale, that'll have to wait until Producer Liu and I get to Crystal Pictures before we can see the specific budget. But I'd estimate the budget should be around 150 million US dollars, if not more."

Hearing this figure, the head of production at Western Film immediately turned a little pale.

Because even if the budget is calculated at 150 million US dollars, a ten-percent share would still be 15 million US dollars — converted, that's around 100 million RMB… And he knew very clearly that Western Film couldn't come up with cash for a ten-percent share.

"Lin Dao, our Western Film—?"

"At most I can give you ten percent."

Lin Nan said it very firmly, and immediately felt Liu Liu Yifei's hand tugging at the clothes at his waist, warning him.

"Of course, you don't need to give me an answer right now.

You can go back and discuss it among yourselves. Before Liu Yifei and I return to the capital after the New Year, just tell me how much of a share you can put up. But remember — keep this matter confidential."

……

That afternoon, just as he had gotten home, Liu Liu Yifei couldn't wait to ask Lin Nan:

"Why didn't you just tell Western Film straight out that it was the Pacific Rim 2 project? Why did you have to specifically tell them to keep it confidential?"

"Can't say it this early — we don't want news that Pacific Rim 2 is being greenlit for preparation to leak out before we've finalized the project with Warner, Lionsgate and the others. Once the project is locked in, there'll be no need for confidentiality." Lin Nan explained with a smile.

"Why is that? Afraid of who finding out?"

"Liu Qianqian, this time, I'm not planning to bring China Film in."

Liu Liu Yifei heard this and immediately understood, saying nothing more. From now on, it seemed, there would be no more China Film.

…………