Chapter 671: Two Scripts; Princess Xixi, Let's Get a Divorce?

"Alright, Sister Chen Hong, sorry to trouble you. I'll wait for your notice, and I'll definitely show up on time for the audition…"

Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi wore a smile on her face, on the phone with Chen Hong, a hint of flattery and ingratiation in her words.

She had been the one to make the call—she was desperate to make a comeback; and a big-name director's film was not only the most coveted resource in the industry, but also an opportunity she could not afford to miss.

The other end of the line apparently had no interest in saying much to Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi; in less than a minute, she was smiling as she got hung up on.

In an instant, the smile on Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi's face cooled, and her expression returned to normal in the blink of an eye.

"Chen the producer only agreed to give an audition slot?" Wang Half-Wall held a cup of brown-sugar ginger tea and handed it over.

"Mm. No one can get a locked-in role from Director Chen—at least I don't have that kind of qualification.

It's not like the music scene. In the film and television industry, the status of a big-name director—especially someone like Director Chen—is truly lofty, life-and-death in his hands. You can only play along…"

As someone who had clawed her way to the title of "International Zhang," Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi understood the food-chain rules of the film and television industry all too well: the top-tier capital-backed big-name directors sat at the very peak of the pyramid.

And Chen Chen Kaige was undoubtedly of that type. He was not only the boss of Sheng Kai Pictures, but also a major shareholder of New Classics; and he was especially sought-after in capital circles—after all, one blockbuster, one city, pure profit, no loss!

"At your level, the competition really is fierce. Not moving forward is the same as falling back."

Wang Feng nodded. He, too, knew that the film and television circle was indeed far more brutal than the music scene; of course, it also paid far, far more—you could tell just from the net worth and status of the two of them.

"The more famous a female actress is, the higher she stands, the more she cannot afford to fall behind. They can't wait for me to die—best case for them, my comeback fails and I drop out completely."

Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi said coldly. A few figures flashed through her mind; unless something unexpected happened, all of them would be her competitors.

At the same time, just as Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi had predicted:

Because *Legend of the Demon Cat* only had two channels for auditions—invitation and recommendation, the so-called network of connections—the entire film and television industry's actors and capital had been set in motion.

Among them, the top actresses were the most attentive and eager, because the source material was right there for everyone to see the story's background.

And in the Dong Xuan Sect era of the High Tang, that woman was a character one could never get around;

She was also a historical figure in film and television who endured endlessly, known to everyone, lamented and sympathized with by countless later generations—one of the Four Great Beauties: Yang Yang Guifei!

A single phrase—"a beauty that brought disaster, misled the nation, harmed the people"—and towering crimes were pinned on a woman. Wasn't this a role that came pre-loaded with tragic color, one that all female actresses flocked to?

Chen Hong had not been idle all morning. Although not many actors in the circle could reach her directly, those who did were all currently popular A-listers, and basically all of them were acquaintances or people she had worked with before.

As for the film-industry insiders, film and television companies, and agents in the circle who could get a word in to recommend actors, they all contacted Sheng Kai Pictures directly—the company had dedicated staff handling registrations.

"Fan Li Bingbing, Li Li Bingbing, Gao Gao Yuanyuan… Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Shu Qi, Xu Qing…

These are all the ones who came directly to me. The ones recommended to the company are even more—mainland, Hong Kong Island, Taiwan Province, Southeast Asia, all of them. Female actresses, after all, have a stronger sense of competition and more ambition than their male counterparts."

Chen Hong said with a smile, teasing Chen Chen Kaige, who wore a smile as well.

Director Chen was very satisfied with the situation of actors in the circle scrambling for roles in his film at the first opportunity—this was as it should be!

But after a moment, he still returned to a serious expression:

"They certainly know what they're after. Have them all come in full makeup for the audition when the time comes; but I hope to see something different from before, something that can stun me."

"At Lin Dao's wedding last year, Liu Yifei wore that phoenix coronet and embroidered wedding robe in a vintage-styled makeup look—wasn't that more stunning than her usual red carpet appearances? That kind of bearing is something the vast majority of female actresses simply cannot match."

Hearing Chen Hong's words, Chen Chen Kaige furrowed his brow in recollection, then nodded with certainty: "It was very stunning. But still, prepare for both possibilities—she may not necessarily agree."

When Director Chen said that last line, he was clearly a little displeased; because no one in the industry had ever refused his films before—not even a moment's hesitation had occurred.

But this time, the first time someone had opened their mouth to ask to see the script first, made him feel greatly provoked! However… it was Lin Nan's—this face, he would give.

"How's Arthur doing?"

"He's doing well auditing classes at Beijing Film Academy. He's already covered all the most basic material."

Hearing Chen Chen Kaige's question, Chen Hong hurried to answer, a loving smile on her face.

"Doing well? Good, then. Then follow the plan—find him resources in the circle."

"Okay."

……

Nearly three years had passed since *The Crossing* started shooting in July 2013.

At 11 a. m., Media Asia, China Film, and John Woo's studio—the three parties officially announced to the outside world John Woo's new film project, nearly three years later.

"Co-produced by Media Asia, China Film, and Japanese capital, directed by John Woo, supervised by Chen Chen Jiashang, the co-production film *Manhunt* has been officially greenlit and has begun casting.

It is reported that the film is adapted from the Japanese work *Crossing the River of Anger*. Forty years ago, Gao Cangjian had captivated China with the original *Manhunt*…"

"Director John Woo, in a phone interview with the media in Hong Kong Island, stated: the new version of *Manhunt* has been substantially adapted and is not the same as Gao Cangjian's *Manhunt*;

This return to the action, suspense, and crime genres he excels at, remaking *Manhunt*, is also a tribute to his friend Gao Cangjian…"

"Bullshit! Digging out a Japanese film from forty years ago to remake—has water gotten into his brain, or does he think there's something wrong with the market and the audience's brains today?"

Han Han Sanping looked at the news, cursing. Even though both were new films being greenlit, John Woo's momentum simply could not be compared with Chen Chen Kaige's at all.

"Old Han, who are you cursing at?"

Han Jianu's muffled voice came down from upstairs. Han Han Sanping, sitting in the living room, turned his head to look—and got quite a shock:

"You slept your lazy-bones sleep all the way to noon—how come your dark circles and eye bags are still this heavy? Did you go rob someone last night?"

"I only got to sleep around six or seven this morning. I watched *Manchester by the Sea* twice again last night, and rode the emotion to write drafts all night. And let me tell you, Senior Brother Lin's suggestion really works."

"All he does is come up with rotten ideas. A girl not sleeping at night, pulling an all-nighter—what for?"

Han Han Sanping, hearing this, immediately grew even more annoyed. Next time he ran into Lin Nan, he would curse him to death!

"Is there anything to eat? I'm hungry."

One sentence from Han Jianu instantly took all the fight out of Han Han Sanping: "Go wash up quick, I'll take you out to scrounge a meal in a bit; your Uncle Huang Jianxin is treating…"

"Oh, okay, right away."

……

To go through Chen Chen Kaige's film script carefully and seriously, and analyze it once, one morning was clearly not enough;

Especially since this was an adaptation of an entire book—the workload was indeed a bit large.

So after Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei received Wang Wang Changtian's call, they decisively chose to go to the lunch appointment, and continue again in the afternoon when they got back.

Wang Wang Baoqiang's *Buddies in India* and that *I Belonged to You* were already in the final preparations before starting shooting.

"Just this week, it won't be dragged to the beginning of next month.

According to the plan, the filming and production cycle of 'I Belonged to You' is relatively short; once it wraps, it can be scheduled immediately and released in the second half of this year.

As for 'Buddies in India,' Wang Baoqiang and my company's marketing department team unanimously agreed that it can be set for release on the first day of the Lunar New Year during the Spring Festival window — it has tremendous box-office appeal!"

Wang Wang Changtian said with great conviction, full of anticipation for 'Buddies in India.'

"Filming and production is Enlight's concern — just arrange it well, Director Wang." Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei ate as they spoke, giving a casual response.

When it came to film production and marketing, projects led by Enlight rarely lost money; of course, many of their films didn't earn much either.

So Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei were completely at ease.

Wang Wang Changtian smiled and nodded. Suddenly, he put down his chopsticks, looked at Lin Nan and his companion, and said mysteriously:

"I heard a bit of gossip — it seems Feng Feng Xiaogang's 'I Am Not Madame Bovary' has been entered for the San Sebastián International Film Festival…"

"If it's entered, then it's entered. What's there to make a fuss about?"

"Hey, I heard Liu Liu Xiaobin mention it briefly at a circle gathering the day before yesterday." Wang Wang Changtian said with a mischievous smile.

Hearing this, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei immediately caught on, and the two exchanged a glance.

"The executive president of Wanda Cinema Line and general manager of its film division is paying attention to Huayi's 'I Am Not Madame Bovary'?"

Liu Liu Yifei glanced at Lin Nan first, then turned to Wang Wang Changtian in astonishment.

"Hey, right. Don't you two think this is interesting? It's clearly keeping an eye on that side — who knows when they'll strike and pull off a revenge move. That's my guess!"

Wang Wang Changtian's gossip fire burned fiercely. Watching the drama of peers, especially between two top industry giants, even someone of his "big shot" caliber couldn't escape the temptation.

He even slapped his chest in front of Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei and declared:

"Wanda will keep going at it with Huayi until Huayi is completely flattened, or until their own side runs out of steam and problems arise on their end!"

And his reasoning was simple — Big Lao Wang came from the military, and wouldn't do anything wishy-washy, like beating a snake without killing it and leaving endless trouble!

Lin Nan had nothing to say. He had to admit that Wang Wang Changtian's analysis was indeed very reasonable — that was indeed Big Lao Wang's style.

After going home in the afternoon, Lin Dao and Producer Liu continued to "study" the script of 'Legend of the Demon Cat';

As progress passed the halfway mark, that familiar, hard-to-describe feeling welled up in Lin Nan's heart once again.

Truly worthy of a script that Director Chen had "meddled" with — it's pure mysticism! Sigh…

……

Time came to the morning of the 17th. Thanks to Zhou Zhou Xingchi leading the team on two days of promotion, the total box office of 'The Mermaid' officially broke through 3.36 billion.

But its daily box office of 16.84 million was clearly a last gasp before the fall; afterward it would only drop faster and lower, hastening its end.

Meanwhile, the imported film 'Gods of Egypt: The Eye of Power,' after six days, had barely crawled past the 200 million threshold, with daily box office falling to five million; clearly, its time was up.

If nothing unexpected happens, this should be the worst-performing imported blockbuster of the year!

The Film Bureau.

Ren Dong took an early morning flight to the capital, bringing only one assistant with him.

While he went to the conference hall for his meeting, his secretary quietly made his way to the review department.

"This is the finished film. We hope the review can be expedited — afterward we won't rush to set a release date… at least we'll wait until the second half of the year."

Ren Dong's assistant handed the finished cut of 'Railway Tigers' to an "old acquaintance" — one of the familiar contacts he'd already smoothed things over with when submitting the script for review.

Only compared to that time, the review department now had three fewer "old acquaintances"; and those three missing "old acquaintances" had all been retired by the Film Bureau in late September last year.

The office door was ajar. Only seven people were on duty today, all of whom knew about this matter — both sides had agreed on it in advance.

"Without any special external approval, the fastest is still one month, otherwise it's easy to be noticed by people with ulterior motives." said an old man who had a very good relationship with Screenwriter Lu back then.

"One month is one month, then. Keep a low profile as much as possible. After passing review, we won't make a fuss or promote it either."

"But don't you have to promote before the film is released?" asked another old man in charge of review, doubtfully.

"That's our business."

Ren Dong's secretary didn't say much more — the meaning was clear: you don't need to worry about these things.

After a few seconds of silence in the office, the oldest person in the review department finally spoke: "Alright, it can pass review and be announced in one month."

"Then thank you, a few teachers. I'll pass it along to Director Ren."

A moment later, when Ren Dong's assistant left the review department, a burst of chatter rose from behind the ajar office door.

"Setting aside the matter of their promotion — once this film is released, how do we deal with public opinion? All the pressure will fall on the Film Bureau and on our heads."

"We're about to retire and you're still worrying about this? It's not the first or second time. Public opinion is just public opinion — who in the industry would offend Shanghai Film? If the industry stays silent, ordinary public opinion will be just so-so."

"We're at retirement age. The bureau's stance has been tougher these past six months or so — we must retire. It's already like this anyway; some small mistakes at work are unavoidable."

The office buzzed back and forth, and the matter of 'Railway Tigers' once again reached a unified opinion with a chorus of chatter — just like before, proceeding according to plan!

In the conference hall, both Ren Dong and Beside La La Peikang were present.

Because Shanghai Film and China Film both belong to the film and television industry, even though both are state-owned enterprises, due to the special nature of the industry, if they want to go public, they still have to go through the bureau.

"Shanghai Film Co., Ltd. has completed most of the preparatory work and plans to submit its IPO to the Shanghai Stock Exchange in early May."

"Under China Film, China Film Co., Ltd. is currently reviewing its listing materials and can likewise rush to submit its listing application to the Shanghai Stock Exchange in early May, after which several vice chairmen will attend the roadshow…"

Beside La La Peikang followed behind Ren Dong, reporting on China Film's listing matters. The two of them had a subtle feeling of being at odds.

The leaders of state-owned enterprises like Xiying, Ningying, and Changying all cast envious glances at Beside La La Peikang and Ren Dong.

In the vast film and television industry, there were no shortage of state-owned enterprises, but only China Film and Shanghai Film had secured listing quotas and currently had the strength to go public.

The gap in everyone's strength had always been huge; once these two completed their listings, it would truly be worlds apart — the drought would die of drought and the flood would die of flood!

It was estimated that in the future, when Beside La La Peikang and Ren Dong spoke in front of everyone, they would be even more arrogant and overbearing; because going public was also a political achievement.

A little over an hour later, the meeting ended and the crowd gradually dispersed.

And Ren Dong walked over to Beside La La Peikang with a dark expression: "Director La, that's quite something — I faintly saw the shadow of that 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao' over there!"

"Hmm? Director Ren, what are you talking about? Why do I feel like I don't quite understand?"

Beside La La Peikang asked with a smile in reply. Whether he understood or not, only he himself knew.

"Then let me remind you: a few days ago, the Air Force's main theme!

Beside Ren Dong, efficiency's quite something — within the state-owned enterprises, only China Film is left, and you say one company is enough? This look of hogging the food and squeezing out brother units, isn't it exactly the same as Han Han Sanping?" Ren Ren Zhonglun said in a sarcastic tone.

"Oh, that matter. Well, nothing to be done about it — we were only notified at the last minute a few days ago too, and Shanghai Film is so far away…

But the words weren't wrong either. Among the joint producers, there will be several units and companies, including special units and some private enterprises. State-owned enterprises definitely can't take too much and occupy too much, so having one China Film is enough."

Beside La La Peikang, like a general who had been sulking for years and finally won once, he laughed without restraint; before Ren Ren Zhonglun could speak, he waved his hand, signaling he had something to do and was leaving first.

"These little tricks of his, really low-class, just like Old Han! But…"

Ren Ren Zhonglun watched the receding figure and muttered. If it were him, he estimated, he would do the same, wouldn't he?

"Ren Dong." The assistant ran over.

"How did it go?"

"It's already been handed over to those few in the review department. They say it can be made public as soon as one month."

"Good, one month then one month. Notify the Yaolai Film side, and let Jackie Chan know too; also inform everyone in the entire crew — before the public release, keep your lips sealed."

"Understood, Ren Dong."

……

Outside, the news in the film and entertainment circle remained varied and dazzling, but Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei paid it no attention at all.

The two of them spent a day and a half going through "Legend of the Demon Cat" in detail. Reading the story was only the most basic part; exploring the core of the script was what an actor had to do.

Lin Nan stood up from the sofa, lazily stretched, then immediately slumped back down;

while Liu Liu Yifei took the opportunity to lean against him again, equally comfortable and languid, even letting out a nasal sound like a little kitten.

"If I only look at the story, I think it's okay. But some of the deeper stuff, I can't put it into words — you have to help me analyze it."

Liu Liu Yifei reached out, shook Lin Nan's chin, and giggled.

"The first half is great, but the second half gets all mystical and vague again?" Lin Nan's right arm tightened around Liu Liu Yifei's waist — very slender and firm.

"Mm, yes yes, exactly that feeling, but not as drifting and uncertain as the back half of 'Monk Comes Down the Mountain'."

Lin Nan picked up the script with his left hand, shook his head speechlessly, and said with disdain: "Director Chen just can't shake his old habits..."

Besides, in my view, the island nation's 'Samana Kukai's Great Tang Ghost Feast' has somewhat disgraced the 'Prosperous Tang'.

The word 'ghost' is used poorly — there's a bit… a bit of an 'underworld' flavor to it…

Alright, let's talk about this script."

"Hurry up and say it, I really can't make up my mind right now." Liu Liu Yifei urged.

"Although Producer Chen said you can pick any role, the ones you can actually pick here are only the female lead and Yang Yang Guifei.

Let's talk about the female lead first. Although she is the female lead with a bit more screen time, her overall importance in the script isn't prominent enough, and she's a supporting role for the other male actors — definitely not suitable for you.

Now let's talk about Yang Yang Guifei. She's different. For thousands of years, the image and status this historical figure has left in the hearts of Chinese people, combined with her setting in this script, make her, although not the female lead, above the female lead!

Because she lives in everyone's memories — she is beautiful! And she is the key role driving the entire film; the whole piece can't do without her!"

"But, she really isn't the female lead either…" Liu Liu Yifei started to say something, then hesitated.

"Not only that — what I'm about to say next is the key."

Liu Liu Yifei sat up straight, looking at Lin Nan.

"This script was revised by Director Chen. The highlight, just like his previous films, is still in the first half; the back half compared to the front is like it's been torn apart — hard to describe... This is Director Chen's old habits hurting it."

Taken as a whole, the storytelling of 'Legend of the Demon Cat' falls short by a lot. Maybe Director Chen's visuals and color can add a lot to the finished film, but it still can't make up for the overall flaws in the script's story… His insistence on forcing his own ideas and always trying to get the audience on his same wavelength is too unrealistic."

Lin Nan spread his hands and commented helplessly.

Liu Liu Yifei, already wavering, after hearing Lin Nan's whole analysis, frowned… even more beautifully.

After a long while, Liu Liu Yifei, whose brow had smoothed out, looked straight at Lin Nan and asked a different question:

"From what Producer Chen meant, it seems like as long as I open my mouth, I can be preselected?"

"Mm, should be." Lin Nan thought to himself, "definitely."

"Then… if I get a role in 'Legend of the Demon Cat', like Yang Yang Guifei, does it mean you'll owe Director Chen and Producer Chen a favor?"

Liu Liu Yifei's watery eyes seemed to speak; she was waiting for Lin Nan's answer.

Lin Nan couldn't help reaching out to caress her cheek, but she pressed his hand down — then Lin Dao smiled and nodded:

"Pretty much. Once you're preselected, it means a favor has been incurred. In the future, it will definitely have to be repaid.

Otherwise, why did she invite you during the Magic City Film Festival last year? At that time, the script hadn't even been written yet.

But don't overthink it, because in my view, the role of Yang Yang Guifei really is very, very suitable for you! Probably Chen Hong thinks the same…"

"I'm not taking it."

Suddenly, Liu Liu Yifei's voice cut off Lin Nan's words. She looked into Lin Nan's eyes, very, very serious.

"You don't need to do this, Liu Qianqian."

"I'm serious, I'm not taking it."

Looking at Liu Liu Yifei tilting her head up, that stubborn streak, Lin Nan actually didn't know how to respond.

"For my sake?"

"Hmph." Liu Liu Yifei turned her head away.

"Tell me, is it for my sake?" Lin Nan pinched her cheeks with both hands, smiling as he pressed on.

"Hmph hmph… pinch me again and I'll bite you to death, believe it or not?"

Liu Liu Yifei couldn't help laughing, glaring at Lin Nan with a roll of her eyes.

"Is it?"

"Yes yes yes, I considered you, satisfied? But you also said the script has huge flaws — top-heavy, bottom-light…"

Liu Liu Yifei puffed out her cheeks, instantly turning into a bun-face, very cute indeed.

"Haha…" Lin Nan laughed — he was very satisfied with this answer.

"Stop!"

Liu Liu Yifei placed both hands on Lin Nan's shoulders and called for a halt.

"What's wrong? Worried that after rejecting him, you'll slap Director Chen's face and he'll fly into a rage?" Lin Nan teased.

Liu Liu Yifei first nodded with a smile, then shook her head:

"He might get angry, but I have you. And..."

Liu Liu Yifei's tone suddenly grew heavier, her expression turning more serious, though it was clearly feigned.

"And what?"

"Lin Dao, where's the script you promised me this year? You big liar!" Liu Liu Yifei demanded through gritted teeth, looking at him as if glaring at a heartless man.

"Heh heh." Lin Nan immediately laughed, stood up, and turned to say, "Wait for me."

Saying this, he walked toward the stairs, heading for the study.

"Lin Nan, you actually... really have it?"

Liu Liu Yifei's sparkling eyes were filled with surprise and excitement. "Hurry up, I'm waiting here."

Two minutes later, Lin Nan returned carrying two scripts, and Liu Liu Yifei's eyes were shining.

"Liu Qianqian, here are two scripts.

The first script is a realistic romantic art drama. This film is suited for the film festival circuit, but after filming, the emotions will likely linger for a long time, just like after finishing 'The Fault in Our Stars' back then.

However, the second one is purely for fun and playfulness, something to do casually to calm down the mood and state of mind after finishing the first script.

I said I'd slack off this year, so I'll act with you. How about that?"

Lin Nan said gently, sitting down in front of Liu Liu Yifei.

"Mm, mm, mm, acting together, Lin Dao."

Liu Liu Qianqian smiled like a silly fool, her eyebrows curved. "Let me see the scripts quickly."

Lin Nan handed them over and teased, "Liu Qianqian, let's get a divorce?"

"What did you say?"

Liu Liu Yifei seemed struck by lightning, her face turning pale as she raised her head to look at Lin Nan, her eyes turning red; but in an instant, she realized:

"You'd better coax me back right now, or you're dead today. I'll call Dad!"

"I was wrong, I meant in the first script, we're getting a divorce..." Lin Nan knelt, cowed; the joke had gone too far!

"Hmph, get lost."

Liu Liu Yifei rolled her eyes and flipped through the script with ruthless determination!

"'Marriage Story'!"

"'Second Generation...'!"

Liu Liu Yifei muttered as she read, her main concern being the first script Lin Nan mentioned. Undoubtedly, it was 'Marriage Story'.

What Lin Nan's phrase "suited for the film festival circuit" meant, she understood; it meant this script could compete for awards! As for awards, Miss Liu had always longed for them!

As for that so-called movie for playing around, well, let's just play.