Chapter 665: Poor and Arrogant Western Film Group, Domineering China Film Group, Capital-driven Shanghai Film Group; Showdown!

After 25 days of public screening, the daily box office of *The Mermaid* was finally visibly falling;

Two days ago, it was still 20 million, but yesterday it had already fallen below 15 million, reporting 14.64 million.

Although the "downward trend" was obvious, it was destined to waste the one-month film extension key;

But this did not affect the dazzling 3.238 billion box office performance of *The Mermaid* at all, nor its dominant position on the domestic film box office list.

In the eyes of the entire film production industry:

Although Lin Nan lost the status and position of "No. 1 Box Office" in domestic films that he had maintained for many years, this *The Mermaid* indeed made him earn a full pot.

Box office plus product placement, the share of Lin Nan Film Industry will definitely not be lower than 400 million! And *Detective Chinatown* is the same.

In the first two months of the New Year, two films produced 800 million in shares; what other company in the industry has such terrifying profitability? None, unique!

It is only listed companies like Huayi that can create the illusion of such "profitability" in the eyes of ordinary people through stock price fluctuations, but that is an illusion after all, not real profitability.

In the morning, Lin Nan was still sleeping in, and Liu Yifei called to prank him, waking him up.

She herself got up early with Shu Chang and happily went to watch the Disney animated blockbuster *Zootopia*, which was just released today;

But she just didn't want Lin Dao to have a good sleep. When she came back, Lin Nan would definitely "revenge" her, hmm, press her on the bed and spank her.

"Alright, alright, I will pick you up on time tomorrow morning, good Xixi, let me sleep a while longer."

"Pfft, lazy pig, sleep, sleep, we are going into the cinema, hehe."

"Heh, you are a crow laughing at... no, you are the pot calling the kettle black."

Lin Nan muttered with his eyes closed, "scared" by a cold snort to change his words quickly;

Miss Liu, who is sensible to the outside world, only throws tantrums in front of family and close friends, but she is always cute and makes people unable to refuse.

Trying to squint his eyes, Lin Dao turned on flight mode, threw his phone aside, covered his head with the quilt, and continued to sleep.

It was all infected by Liu Xixi; this habit of sleeping in... Before long, the faint and rhythmic sound of breathing sounded slightly.

At the same time, on the other side.

"It was just on the line, and now it's turned off? What's going on?"

Shanghai Film Group, inside the Chairman's office.

Ren Zhonglun thought about it all night, and just arrived at the group this morning, he couldn't wait to call Lin Nan; but he couldn't get through, it was really in a state of being on the line.

A few seconds later, hearing the busy tone of "the number you dialed is turned off" clearly from the phone again, Ren Zhonglun couldn't sit still at all.

"Turned off on me?!

Come in..."

The secretary heard the sound and hurriedly entered the office: "Chairman Ren?"

"Go book a flight, for the morning, flying to the capital."

"Okay, Chairman Ren. Is it for a meeting or?"

Although Ren Zhonglun had an "anxious" face, the secretary still asked under pressure; because the purpose of going to the capital was different, the accompanying personnel to bring would be different.

"Film project."

"Understood, I'll go arrange it."

The secretary hurriedly left the office, and Ren Zhonglun couldn't help but mutter:

"*Pacific Rim 2*! Western Film Group, this time it's really amazing, quietly... Lin Nan's side is also quietly. Hmm? No, what about China Film Group?"

Suddenly, Ren Zhonglun frowned, the more he thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong; logically speaking, with China Film Group's "domineering" style, it was impossible to be quiet!

"No way?"

A thought flashed through his mind, and Ren Zhonglun was instantly stunned.

China Film Group, La Peikang was meeting the behind-the-scenes creative team already set for *The Founding of an Army*, including Liu Weiqiang.

For this tribute film led by China Film Group and jointly produced by the August First Film Studio, Bona, Media Asia, Sanyuan Film Industry, and other units and companies, La Peikang attached great importance to it;

Even though he was a bit distracted at this moment, he was still seriously holding the meeting.

"Chairman La, synthesizing Chairman Han's proposal, although all the auditions and casting of actors follow the zero-remuneration principle, the production cost is still as high as 200 million..."

"Why is it so high?" La Peikang asked in surprise.

In his eyes, the most perfect tribute film was *The Founding of a Republic*, which Han Sanping personally served as the general director before;

A cost of 30 million, creating a box office of more than 400 million, honor, reputation, political achievements, none of them were missed, all received until soft!

"Chairman La, this is *The Founding of an Army*; the production of war scenes is very cost-consuming; actors are naturally willing to have zero remuneration, but other links cannot be saved.

Over the years, not only have actors' remuneration been rising, but the costs of all other production links have also been rising, just not as morbidly as the former." Liu Weiqiang explained.

La Peikang pondered for a while, then nodded by default: "200 million is 200 million; it can start in these two days."

"Mm, good."

Half an hour later, the secretary sent Liu Weiqiang and the Hong Kong group out of China Film Group.

What is the difference between *The Founding of an Army* compared to *The Founding of a Republic* and *Beginning of the Great Revival*?

The difference lies not only in the fact that the director is no longer Han Sanping, but also in the fact that the current Chairman of China Film Group has been changed to La Peikang!

And these changes are reflected in the film; by comparison, the differences are very obvious.

That is, Hong Kong capital has been added to the producers of *The Founding of an Army*.

Undoubtedly, this was decided by La Peikang.

The reason why he "divided the cake" like this, there must be a reason for using Hong Kong directors, but more of it was considering the issues of "political achievements" and "unity"!

"Chairman La, Director Liu and the others have left."

"Lin Nan still can't be contacted?" La Peikang asked expressionlessly.

After he returned from Han Sanping yesterday afternoon, he thought about it repeatedly and finally felt that it was better to "talk" to Lin Nan; as for other methods, they were all too extreme.

"Still can't get through, still in a turned-off state."

"Call Lin Nan Film Industry, contact Yue Jun, I want to see Lin Nan."

"Okay, Chairman La."

At ten o'clock in the morning, Lin Dao woke up naturally.

After turning on his phone, he saw a text message from Liu Yifei:

"Xie Nan called me, the budget for *Wolf Warrior 2* has been made, and I made an appointment with her to talk while eating after I come back tomorrow morning..."

Just after Lin Nan finished reading the text, Old Wang's call came.

"Chairman Wang, you don't want to talk to me about *Wolf Warrior 2*, right? Yifei has already told me."

"Hmm? It's fine if you know. Wu Jing told me this morning that he couldn't get through to your phone. Why turn it off for no reason, really. Then that's it, see you at the meal tomorrow."

"Good, speaking of which, I'm just a foil; the investor is our Producer Liu."

"Then let Yifei come alone?"

"Then I'd better accompany her."

Lin Nan hung up the phone with a smile... Fine, he wouldn't let people rest; Lin Dao connected to Yue Jun's call again.

"Lin Dao, China Film Group called, saying Chairman La wants to see you.

In addition, I also received a call from Shanghai Film Group this morning. Chairman Ren should be able to get off the plane around noon. They will come to the company and also want to see you."

Hearing what Yue Jun said, the expression on Lin Nan's face became serious, and he was silent for a moment.

"Want to see me? Then make an appointment for around three o'clock in the afternoon... If you want to see me, come to the company."

"Ah?"

"You didn't hear wrong. Chairman Ren flew over specifically to find me, so I must prioritize receiving him. If China Film Group wants to see me, let them come to our company, and I'll see them together. Just reply to China Film Group with these exact words!" Lin Nan's tone was very firm.

"Okay, I'll go reply now."

Lin Nan sighed, thinking of the "tip-off" call from Han Jiamei yesterday evening.

"Sigh, over these two years, the affection accumulated and left behind with China Film Group because of Chairman Han has actually been exhausted.

Chairman La, can't you really see it? Cooperation is mutual; no one owes anyone anything; you are just blindly consuming the predecessors'...

Chairman Ren is also the same; he must have gotten the news from somewhere and came smelling the scent."

Muttering, Lin Nan walked out of the room and started to wash up. He admitted that Han Sanping had helped him a lot, but La Peikang... the cooperation had always been unequal.

Disney's *Zootopia* seems to have very good quality.

Before noon, there were many positive film reviews on the internet.

It's just that the scheduling rate today is really a bit poor; I guess the cinema line will definitely make adjustments.

Lin Nan, who was eating breakfast near lunchtime, saw the news about Feng Xiaogang's film.

"After two months of filming, jointly produced by Huayi Film, Dongyang Meila Film Industry, and Yaolai Film Industry, directed by Director Feng Xiaogang, written by Liu Zhenyun;

Starring Fan Bingbing, Guo Tao, Dong Chengpeng, Yu Hewei, Zhang Jiayi, and others, the realist drama film *I Am Not Madame Bovary* officially wrapped up this morning."

"At the wrap-up ceremony of the film *I Am Not Madame Bovary*, Director Feng Xiaogang and Fan Bingbing drank heroically; Director Feng Xiaogang stated that he would complete the film's post-production within one month;

The film will be submitted to compete for this year's international film festival awards and is planned to be released at the end of the year... At the same time, he will also do the pre-production work for the next film..."

"According to industry insiders, Director Feng Xiaogang's fast-paced filming plan mainly comes from the five-year gambling agreement he signed with Huayi Group three and a half months ago..."

Browsing the news, Lin Nan sighed and complained:

"Gamble, gamble; under pressure, whether it's a director or an actor, there will be no good works."

At noon, two Volkswagen commercial vehicles drove away from the airport. The car in front did not carry Ren Zhonglun, the Chairman of Shanghai Film Group, but another Chairman.

"Chairman Wang, fortunately I didn't go back yesterday, otherwise I really wouldn't have been able to pick you up today."

"You have made a great contribution to the group; I'll give you two more days off, let you play in the capital for two more days, just treat it as a public-funded trip; what are you in such a hurry to go back for? Hehe..."

Wang Yong, sitting in the back seat, joked with Director Zhang in the passenger seat. It could be seen that this Western Film Group Chairman was really in a very good mood.

Director Zhang smiled: "Trip? You say it like that, as if there aren't as many scenic spots there as here. Even the big items in the National Museum, so many of them were 'borrowed' from us."

Wang Yong nodded with a smile, and only spoke after a moment: "I came over early today, firstly because the Film Bureau will have a meeting later, and secondly to 'cry poor' to the higher-ups;

Finally, and most importantly, it is to see our fellow countryman, Lin Dao! *Pacific Rim 2* is a super big project for us; I have to thank him."

"Then when are you planning to see Lin Dao? Shall I make an appointment in advance?"

"Better to choose a day than to meet on the day; how about today?" Wang Yong thought for a while and said immediately.

"Chairman Wang, then after we arrive at the hotel, I will call Lin Dao or his company first to ask if today is convenient."

"Mm, good."

Bad Monkey.

Ning Hao asked Lin Nan to come over for a meal; Lin Dao would of course not refuse; the breakfast he ate an hour ago was not filling.

However, he had only been sitting for a few minutes and was gnawing on the pork ribs made by Xing Aina when the phone rang.

"Convenient? Definitely convenient. I will go to the company in the afternoon, hmm, around three o'clock is fine..."

Putting down his phone, Lin Nan couldn't help but tease: "Really don't know what to say; there are enough people to play mahjong!"

"What's wrong?" Ning Hao asked curiously, pork ribs in his left hand and beer in his right.

"Chairman Wang of Western Film Group is here and wants to thank me in person; I arranged them together, hehe." Lin Nan smiled very treacherously, but also very helplessly.

"Good heavens, China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, Western Film Group, a Shura field? Haha..."

Ning Hao looked eager to try.

He and Xing Aina had just heard Lin Nan talk about *Pacific Rim 2* just now; now that it was this situation, how could they not be excited.

To put it bluntly, it has the excitement of an ex, a current, and a first love meeting together!

"If you ask me, meeting up is also good. A handful of rice breeds gratitude, a bushel breeds resentment; it was clearly a project organized by Lin Nan himself; who to give it to and who not to, that is Lin Nan's own business. China Film Group's posture of not knowing what's good for them and being sure of it is indeed inappropriate."

Xing Aina served another braised fish and mentioned her thoughts by the way.

Lin Nan and Ning Hao both nodded with a smile, and Director Ning took the initiative to speak:

"Chairman La doesn't have the bold spirit of Chairman Han, but he wants to have the achievements of Chairman Han; doesn't he have to 'tie' Lin Dao?"

"But at the same time, he is too clear about his stance. In his eyes, he is the Chairman of China Film Group, and Lin Nan is just a private director... This led to the relationship between the two being far from as close as Lin Nan and Chairman Han were at the beginning; over time, problems naturally exposed themselves!

But this is also Lin Nan's fault; he was too close to Chairman Han at the beginning, so much so that Chairman La thought that Lin Nan was close to China Film Group. But the two are really different and cannot be confused!"

Good heavens, after Ning Hao's analysis, Lin Nan couldn't help but give him a thumbs up; it was truly hitting the nail on the head!

Eating, the three chatted about the script outline of Huang Bo's directorial debut film, and time quickly reached one o'clock in the afternoon.

Lin Dao calculated the time and prepared to set off for the company in advance. Ning Hao teased him gloatingly: "You are definitely going to offend Chairman La today; good luck."

Arriving at the company at two o'clock in the afternoon, Yue Jun followed him directly into the office.

"Happy Mahua said that *Mr. Donkey* will probably wrap up in ten days; post-production will take at most a month; they want to release it this year."

"Don't go to the big slot for that kind of film; just brush the edge of the big slot, otherwise it will die very miserably."

Lin Nan gave his opinion without hesitation, sitting in his chair and stretching.

"Lin Dao, is it really no problem to see these three together?" Yue Jun asked with some worry while nodding.

"What problem could there be? If it were only China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group, I might have a hard time handling it, but since Chairman Wang of Western Film Group is also coming, what is there to be afraid of? He alone can definitely handle the other two.

You don't know the style of Western Film Group people too well; poor and arrogant, the poorer the more arrogant, not to mention this was the leading big brother before! It was just policy reasons that caused Western Film Group to decline, which led to the status of China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group; one has power, one has money!

But in terms of confidence, Western Film Group is still thicker, because other film studios had sucked the marrow out of Western Film Group back then, and a large number of talents were sent out, including Director Zhang Yimou and Director Chen Kaige... their personnel files were all sent to other studios."

"Lin Dao, Director Yue, people from Western Film Group are here."

Suddenly, the assistant reminded from the door.

Lin Nan looked at Yue Jun, who understood: "Shall I welcome them to Lin Dao's office?"

"Mm."

After speaking, the two walked out of the office. It's just that Yue Jun went down the elevator, while Lin Nan stood at the office door; that was enough.

A few minutes later, the elevator door opened.

Wang Yong was in front, Director Zhang of the Western Film Group production department was half a step behind, and behind them were two Western Film Group employees, while Yue Jun was in the very front; the three walked out of the elevator laughing and talking.

"Lin Dao, the last time we met was at the Film Bureau meeting on January 16th. Because of you, the extension key policy was changed, hehe..."

"Chairman Wang has a good memory, please come in." Lin Nan smiled and made a gesture of invitation.

A moment later, four cups of clear tea were steaming, and Wang Yong spoke:

"This time I really have to thank Lin Dao. Looking back, how many years has it been since Western Film Group had a big project. Especially this kind of Sino-US co-production, global release A-level blockbuster, Western Film Group never dared to hope for it."

The other party's smile and tone carried a bit of bitterness; Lin Nan didn't know how to respond for a while, so he just talked about business.

"Chairman Wang, you should know that when *Pacific Rim 1* was made, the domestic producer was China Film Group."

"Mm, I know, so I am very grateful that Lin Dao gave Western Film Group a quota this time." Wang Yong looked at Lin Nan and said very sincerely.

"This is not a simple matter of adding Western Film Group, but replacing China Film Group with Western Film Group; no, to be more accurate, it was crossing out China Film Group first, and then there were the things that followed."

Listening to Lin Nan's words, Wang Yong still had a smile on his face, but was silent.

"Chairman Wang is not curious why I crossed out China Film Group but didn't invite Shanghai Film Group? You should know that these two are the state-owned enterprises that have cooperated with Lin Nan Film Industry the most."

When this question was asked, the expressions of Yue Jun and Director Zhang became serious, while Wang Yong shook his head:

"I can roughly guess some. La Peikang might be a passing Chairman of China Film Group, but he is definitely not a qualified partner; the longer the time, the more obvious it is; it can be seen from last year's Golden Rooster Awards, and the extension key from a few months ago..."

Sure enough, these state-owned enterprises are all well-informed! Lin Nan sighed in his heart.

"Let's talk about Shanghai Film Group; Ren Zhonglun is indeed a figure second only to Chairman Han, and his ability is very strong, but his only shortcoming is also fatal, that is, being too 'slippery,' even to the point of violating policy...

Plus, when *Painted Skin 2* was made, he was a bit 'short-sighted'... *Pacific Rim 2* and this kind of global project naturally couldn't fall on Shanghai Film Group. Am I right, Lin Dao?"

Lin Nan implicitly looked at Yue Jun; Western Film Group actually knew about *Railroad Tigers*? Also right, how could they not know!

"There is one more point, that is, since China Film Group was brushed off, Shanghai Film Group can just be a companion. This can be considered the final decency, for China Film Group."

Lin Nan looked directly at Wang Yong; at this moment, the latter also understood the deep meaning contained in Lin Nan's words today.

"I can make it clear to Lin Dao here."

"Mm, Chairman Wang, please."

"The cooperation between Western Film Group and Lin Nan Film Industry is absolutely equal, absolutely trusting, and absolutely mutually respectful; good to gather and good to disperse; of course, we don't hope to disperse.

For projects controlled by Lin Dao, we will never point fingers; outside trouble, including the tricks in the bureau, can all be blocked by Western Film Group, ensuring it is handled cleanly.

We will not be as self-righteous and domineering as China Film Group, nor will we be as 'capital-driven' as Shanghai Film Group... We still want the face and dignity of Western Film Group and the Western Film Studio for so many years!"

Good heavens, Lin Nan inexplicably heard a sense of generosity and tragedy; what is going on?

"The more an enterprise wants face, the harder it is to mix." Lin Nan made a joke, which could be considered a response, but it was also a compliment.

"Haha, so Western Film Group is indeed having a hard time now. After Wang Quanan committed a crime, we all stubbornly didn't protect him, while Ren Zhonglun is still testing the waters for Jackie Chan's son."

Wang Yong joked about himself, and was also affirming himself.

The office became quiet; there was the sound of drinking tea, and the sound of a cup hitting the table.

"I hope, in the future, cooperation with Western Film Group will be pleasant."

Lin Nan's voice spread; Wang Yong, Director Zhang, and Yue Jun all looked up at him; the meaning in this sentence... was obvious.

"Good, I hope cooperation with Lin Dao will be pleasant in the future. Not just the *Painted Skin* series from before and the current *Pacific Rim 2*..."

Wang Yong raised his teacup with joy and toasted.

Just as Lin Nan and the others started to raise their cups and laugh and talk, the atmosphere downstairs was not very good.

Ren Zhonglun and La Peikang really arrived together, bumping into each other.

On one side was a Mercedes commercial vehicle, on the other was a Red Flag sedan.

The two people were bringing their subordinates, looking at each other, and their expressions were completely different.

La Peikang had no good face; in his view, Ren Zhonglun was a stirrer, running to China Film Group's place to "pry the corner" for no reason.

While Ren Zhonglun was smiling: "Chairman La, what a coincidence, are you also here to find Lin Nan?

I heard a rumor that *Pacific Rim 2* seems to have been low-key approved; our goals won't be the same, right?

I remember when the first part was made, China Film Group was one of the investors; after *Pacific Rim* was a great success, that Vulture over at Old Han's side received a lot of praise, and he talked about it at the General Bureau meeting..."

"Yes, China Film Group at least invested in the first part, 20% share. Shanghai Film Group can't produce this kind of resume; it seems not a single co-production film has succeeded, right? By the way, including tribute films and celebration films, it's the same."

La Peikang replied coldly, instantly making Ren Zhonglun unable to hold his face, but his expression only stiffened for a few seconds, not angry:

"No rush, isn't there *Operation Meigonghe*, 5% share, same as China Film Group;

And Shanghai Film Group went from 0 to 5%, China Film Group is a bit miserable; remember when *The Taking of Tiger Mountain* was made, it was 30%, right? Is that so, Chairman La?"

La Peikang did not speak and led his people directly toward the gate of Lin Nan Film Industry.

"This ability to cultivate energy, okay, is a bit better than Han Sanping. But Old Han's is not poor energy cultivation, but simply not taking anger; if it were him, he would have scolded me directly, and in all likelihood, he would win. Hehe..."

Ren Zhonglun laughed in a low voice, shaking his head, then waved his hand at the people on the side and followed China Film Group's footsteps. The feeling of bullying the latecomers is really good; he understands Han Sanping's feelings more and more; refreshing! That Vulture is really not a good thing!

The office suddenly had two more state-owned enterprise bosses, and the atmosphere instantly became wrong.

The three were faintly standing in a tripod; only Lin Nan behind the desk had a smile on his face, calm and composed.

"Lin Nan, I'll get straight to the point. Can I ask why you squeezed China Film Group out this time without even saying hello?"

La Peikang got straight to the point and was the first to speak. Ren Zhonglun and Wang Yong were both looking at Lin Nan, one with a serious face, one with a calm expression.

"Squeezed out? Chairman La, where does this come from? It was never China Film Group's project, and the copyright is not China Film Group's; is it inappropriate to use the word 'squeezed out'?"

Since the Golden Rooster registration incident in March last year, *Detective Chinatown* and *Operation Meigonghe*, Lin Nan had reduced China Film Group's shares twice in a row, until this time it was completely reduced to zero.

Today can be considered the first time face-to-face, laying this problem out. And Lin Nan also gave an answer. No need to say it explicitly, the meaning is all in the words.

Sure enough, La Peikang was speechless.

Who was the last person to openly refuse the Chairman of China Film Group? It was Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei of Huayi; they backstabbed Han Sanping.

Lin Nan considered himself much more authentic than Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei; no backstabbing, and he had done his best, hoping to gather and disperse well.

"Lin Nan, your friendship with China Film Group shouldn't have reached this point." La Peikang said quite seriously.

"Chairman La, China Film Group's duty is to protect domestic films, it is the helmsman of the industry... My company has long since not needed support, and I am also very grateful for Chairman Han's help at the beginning... China Film Group has funds; Chairman La can completely support those weak film companies, small-cost films, and pure filmmakers more; isn't this what China Film Group should do?

To tell the truth, for this *Pacific Rim 2* project, Lin Nan Film Industry did not invest; it was participated in by Crystal Film Industry; the three domestic producers are Enlight Media, Wanda, and Western Film Group; Western Film Group is also a state-owned enterprise; Western Film Group is far inferior to China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group in power and money; Western Film Group needs *Pacific Rim 2* more..."

"Right, we Western Film Group need big projects to develop more;

Western Film Group has always known one truth: the two sides of cooperation are equal, owe nothing to each other, respect each other, and there must be no subconsciousness of a handful of rice breeding gratitude and a bushel breeding resentment; Western Film Group will not hold the airs of a state-owned enterprise; of course, Western Film Group is not qualified to have airs...

To say something unpleasant, Chairman La might feel that he lost the share of such a big production and big political achievement project, a bit aggrieved, and might even be angry from shame.

But you should also think about why you lost the share when you were in charge, and even lost the partner! Why? What is the reason?

In my opinion, the cooperative relationship is unequal, the status is unequal, there is no mutual respect, and Chairman La holds his status a bit and wants to pinch others..."

Wang Yong looked at La Peikang, who was covered in frost, and smiled again:

"No one owes China Film Group anything, and Lin Nan Film Industry owes even less. But judging from Chairman La's style of doing things, it seems like he has eaten Lin Dao Nan?"

............ ===== CHAPTER 666 =====