Chapter 672: The Director Selection, Just for Fun

"Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, his own Oscar-winning performance at the 88th Academy Awards in 'The Revenant,' premiered nationwide at dawn today for its official release."

"Domestic films such as 'Los Angeles Prank Plan,' 'The Archer Liu Baiyuan,' and 'The Uninvited Guest,' among many others, hit theaters at dawn today, going head-to-head with Leonardo and 'The Revenant'..."

In Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei's view, asking for the script, reading it, and then rejecting 'The Cat and the Demon' was neither excessive nor disrespectful.

Chen Hong had invited Liu Liu Yifei once during the Shanghai International Film Festival nine months ago, and brought it up again recently; under such circumstances, a direct refusal would have been disrespectful.

But reading the script, deciding one is unsuited for the role and the film, and then politely declining is far more reasonable.

This is simply the normal process for an actor selecting a project and choosing a script, and it shows respect for both parties and the film.

This process also signifies that Liu Liu Yifei did not perfunctorily dismiss Chen Hong, but truly read the script, considered it, and made her polite refusal only after deep thought.

There is just one small issue that might be unavoidable: Liu Liu Yifei's act of rejecting 'The Cat and the Demon' will likely provoke Director Chen's proud self-esteem, challenge the 'dignity' of his Golden Palm-winning director status, and even touch his 'glass heart'!

Liu Liu Yifei got up early, washed, ate breakfast, and had her makeup and styling done... She had arranged to meet Chen Hong. After all, refusing over the phone would be somewhat inappropriate.

Lin Nan acted as the driver; after this, he still had to take Miss Liu to the movies. Previously in Hollywood, the two of them had not gone to the cinema to watch Leonardo's 'The Revenant.'

Around 9 or nearly 10 in the morning, inside a high-end café near Shengkai Film Production, Liu Liu Yifei, dressed in a casual, youthful, and radiant style, met Chen Hong, who possessed an equally powerful aura.

Both wore sunglasses; as they greeted each other with smiles and embraces, it was as if they caught a glimpse of time itself.

After all, both are world-renowned beauties, merely separated by a generation; but time has always favored beautiful things. Well, provided they haven't had surgery.

When the smiling Chen Hong, holding her coffee, heard Liu Liu Yifei's purpose, her smile instantly froze; yet in the blink of an eye, she returned to normal.

"Liu Yifei, can you tell me why? You know, I really have high hopes for you, especially for the role of Yang Yang Guifei. If I were younger, I would have acted it myself.

I remember last year, your incredibly expensive phoenix crown and ceremonial robes left an unforgettable deep impression on many guests present, stunning everyone, as if you had truly walked out of the play.

Thinking about it now, there is no female actor in the industry more suitable for 'Yang Yang Guifei'; she is the core of 'The Cat and the Demon'."

Chen Hong maintained her smile as she asked. Only with her mindset, personality, and emotional intelligence could she balance Chen Chen Kaige's domineering nature and pride; the couple truly matched well.

Liu Liu Yifei smiled awkwardly, looking at Chen Hong:

"Sister Chen Hong, I spent nearly two days carefully reading the script, and even had Lin Nan take a look... I also seriously considered it all night. From my own perspective, I feel I might not be suitable for 'The Cat and the Demon'."

As for emotional intelligence, Chen Hong was not low; she could hear the meaning behind Liu Liu Yifei's words. Liu Liu Yifei was politely refusing. As for the reason, it probably wasn't the so-called "feeling unsuited."

"Read the script, even had Lin Nan help look... and then unsuited?" Chen Hong muttered to herself; she vaguely guessed something, was it a problem with the script?

"Won't you consider it again?"

Chen Hong didn't think too deeply but looked at Liu Liu Yifei's exquisite face and tried to persuade her again.

"Sister Chen Hong, let's pass this time. Next time, there will be opportunities; I also truly look forward to acting in Director Chen's films."

Miss Liu's smile was very approachable; she politely expressed humility and sincerely offered a compliment.

"Liu Yifei, this is truly a pity, very regrettable." Chen Hong indeed felt regret but no longer pressed the matter.

She was already thinking about another question now: how to tell Chen Chen Kaige about this when she returned later. Given the latter's personality and temper, he would likely be frowning again.

After finishing a cup of coffee, Chen Hong did not stay long and immediately said goodbye to Liu Liu Yifei, because Shengkai Film Production was busy with preparations for the auditions and casting of 'The Cat and the Demon.'

After waving goodbye to Chen Hong, Miss Liu happily got into her own car.

That's right; for this half hour, Lin Nan had been sitting alone in the car; after all, when two women meet, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to go over and join the fun, would it?

"Lin Nan, set off for the cinema, go!"

"Got it."

At Lin Nan Film Industry, Yue Jun was giving orders to his subordinates.

"Lin Dao's script for 'Marriage Story' can be sent to the Film Bureau for review; this film will be the top priority of this year.

As for 'Second Generation Fairy,' written by the screenwriting department based on the outline framework, this is a relatively simple fantasy comedy romance film; it was made for leisure, relaxation, and pure fun, so send that for review as well... I wonder who will direct it?

"Director Yue, there doesn't seem to be a specific shooting schedule yet?"

Hearing this, Yue Jun smiled and nodded: "Lin Dao hasn't said, so we don't need to worry. But 'Marriage Story' will definitely be filmed first, and Lin Dao is both the director and the male lead."

"Alright, I'll go to the Film Bureau right now."

"Keep a low profile and maintain confidentiality."

Yue Jun gave another instruction, then saw the subordinate pick up the document bag, turn around, and leave the office, heading straight for the elevator.

The receptionist walking out of the elevator passed by him, holding something in her hand as well.

"Director Yue, the invitation for the Shanghai International Film Festival has arrived. We are the film production company for the competing films... Additionally, regarding the exhibition matters for 'Operation Operation Mekong River'..."

While Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei were enthusiastically watching the scenes of Leonardo wrestling a brown bear, the atmosphere at Shengkai Film Production had already become uneasy.

Chen Chen Kaige, with a gloomy face and cold as frost, followed Chen Hong into the office, and the latter closed the door.

Outside, the employees were all in a state of caution and trembling. Because when Director Chen gets angry, even veteran employees feel intimidated and afraid.

"For the first time, this is the first time someone has refused my film, and after reading the script! What does this mean? Did she refuse, or did Lin Nan refuse?"

Chen Chen Kaige's voice was not loud, but very cold. Clearly, at this moment he was angry and humiliated, and had already linked it to Lin Nan.

Chen Hong did not want this matter to escalate and affect everyone's relationship. Because hidden within Chen Chen Kaige's personality was a tendency to hold grudges and be petty.

"Liu Yifei came to see me alone; from start to finish, she only said that she personally felt she was not suitable for 'The Cat and the Demon';

Don't think too much about it; we can just follow the plan and select a new candidate for 'Yang Yang Guifei' during the auditions and casting."

Chen Chen Kaige did not respond to Chen Hong's words but continued speaking:

"For so many years, no actor has ever refused my film, and for such a subjective reason. I can almost be certain that Lin Nan is involved. What else did she say when she politely refused you? Let me hear it!"

Chen Chen Kaige looked at Chen Hong, who revealed a helpless expression;

"The script" was Chen Chen Kaige's taboo; for so many years, he had been criticized countless times for the film plots, that is, the content of the scripts he wrote or participated in writing...

"Liu Yifei didn't say anything else; she just felt subjectively that it wasn't suitable for herself. Maybe she was afraid she couldn't handle it? She explained it clearly to me face-to-face, which also showed her apology."

"Hah, then Lin Nan really needs to teach his wife more; her level still needs improvement!"

Chen Chen Kaige believed it and immediately scoffed.

Hearing this, Chen Hong was quite speechless but said nothing, instead changing the subject: "Chen Feiyu over there..."

……

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei had originally said they were just going to watch a movie, but the two of them wandered around outside until they ended up playing the whole day; by the time they got home at night, they truly just collapsed into bed and fell asleep!

The next morning, the news in the film and television circle was nothing short of explosive; the entire internet was filled with news of Wu Wu Qilong and Liu Liu Shishi's wedding. Although the wedding was scheduled for tomorrow, today it already felt like it was being held.

However, among the related information, what attracted the public's attention the most was Tang Ren.

Because rumors had broken out that Cai Yino, the president of Tang Ren Pictures who acted as the "family side" and discovered Liu Liu Shishi, would not attend the wedding of the company's top female star;

and the company's top male star, Hu Ge, would also be absent.

In an instant, there were all sorts of rumors online, with various gossip and scandals emerging one after another.

But one point was summarized: this top female star of Tang Ren and Tang Ren Pictures had reached the brink of parting ways, waiting only for the contract to expire this year!

Regarding this, Tang Ren offered no response, almost a tacit admission. This undoubtedly represented that the relationship between the two sides had already broken down.

In the film market, the drawing power of Leonardo DiCaprio and the Oscars was simply dazzling.

The 64 million first-day box office of "The Revenant" directly trampled the first-day results of films like "Los Angeles Prank Plan," "The Archer," and "The Guest," stepping them down to 2.35 million, 700,000, and 880,000 respectively.

Several films released on the same day saw domestic productions completely defeated, all beaten down and nearly crushed by a single foreign film.

"Oh, the release date is set?" Lin Nan saw the movie information for "A Chinese Odyssey Part 3."

"Directed by Liu Liu Zhenwei, starring Han Geng and Tang Yan, with Wu Jing, Mo Mo Wenwei, Xie Nan, Hu Jing, and others, the third installment of the 'A Chinese Odyssey' series, 'A Chinese Odyssey Part 3: The Final Chapter,' released its first promotional poster online... officially announcing the release date as September 14."

"Director Liu Liu Zhenwei stated:

'A Chinese Odyssey Part 3: The Final Chapter' will provide answers one by one to all the doubts that fans have had about 'A Chinese Odyssey: The Moonlight Box' and 'A Chinese Odyssey: A Tale of Two Cities' over the past 20 years;

that is to say, reinterpreting 'Journey to the West' from another angle... and for many years, the interpretations of the first two films by the vast majority of fans and audiences have been completely wrong!"

Lin Nan couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. A director publicly calling out to teach fans and audiences a lesson; one doesn't know how his brain is constructed? To be so utterly fantastical!

But actually, Liu Liu Zhenwei understood the timing quite well; in his interviews, he repeatedly recalled his collaboration with Zhou Zhou Xingchi and congratulated "The Mermaid," which was currently sprinting toward 3.4 billion in box office.

Anyone with eyes could see that this was a blatant attempt to ride the wave of popularity. However, netizens were very tolerant of "A Chinese Odyssey" and didn't really scold Liu Liu Zhenwei much.

"Tang Tang, Wu Jing, Xie Nan! I'm actually quite looking forward to their 'A Chinese Odyssey'." Liu Liu Yifei teased with a smile.

"Then when it's released, you can go watch it, or go to the premiere, just don't call me."

Lin Nan smiled, casting a mischievous look. Liu Liu Zhenwei, how many bad films had he directed over the years!

"No, I will call you to accompany me. If I remember correctly."

Liu Liu Yifei raised her chin slightly, let out a cold snort, and was quite stubborn.

"Fine, do as you please. You stay home and slowly familiarize yourself with the script and write character bios; I'm going out."

"Will you be back for lunch?" Liu Liu Yifei asked hurriedly.

Lin Nan pretended to be deep in thought, "I'll call you then, whether I come back or you come find me, how about that?"

"Great, where are you going to mooch a meal again? Hehe..."

Hearing Liu Liu Yifei's words, Lin Nan immediately laughed; no wonder they were a couple, truly telepathic. Mooch a meal? It was highly likely he would be mooching a meal!

……

The film and television industry was all rushing about for auditions and casting for several films: "The Founding of an Army," "Legend of the Demon Cat," and "Wolf Warrior 2."

However, compared to the first two, Wu Jing's "Wolf Warrior 2" had much less attraction for actors in the industry; but Wu Jing seemed not to care about this at all, just plowing ahead!

Enlighten.

Lin Nan was originally going to Bad Monkey, but he received a call from Wang Wang Changtian on the way; immediately he took a detour and stopped at Enlighten first.

On the 12th floor, Wang Wang Changtian poured Lin Nan a cup of tea, then said with a gossipy expression:

"See, I said back then that 'In the Name of the People' was untouchable, and sure enough, it is untouchable! The production crew has only been filming for a little over a month, and I heard there have been troubles non-stop...

Never mind, never mind, let's not talk about that, it's bad luck. When those two films start filming, do you want to come to the set? Basically, everything is ready, just these few days."

Lin Nan didn't really listen carefully to Wang Wang Changtian's subsequent words, because his first sentence was still echoing in Lin Nan's mind, though it was quickly brushed aside.

"Chairman Wang, you are overthinking it."

"You people, afraid I'll freeload on you?"

"I'm just too lazy to move. Also, Chairman Wang, do you have any real business? If not, I'm leaving; I've already said hello to Ning Hao."

"Let me remind you, the second round of financing for Tudou."

Wang Wang Changtian said in a bad mood; his purpose of trying to get Lin Nan to stand with him had failed.

Speaking of the second round of financing for Tudou, Lin Nan instantly perked up. Because according to the plan, it was to take place in the first half of the year, and now it was already approaching late March.

"Early June, I know. I will remind Wang Wei to prepare later, and the same for Weibo."

"Once the second round of financing is completed, how much longer do we have to wait for the listing?"

"Ah, I finally know why Chairman Wang called me over halfway today; turns out it's about this!" Lin Nan was quite speechless.

"This is indeed the main reason I called you. Because I heard news that the IPO dates for the film joint-stock companies under China Film and Shanghai Film have already been set, for early May."

Wang Wang Changtian's eyes sparkled with excitement, very much looking forward to it. After all, Tudou's current market value was already more than double that of Enlighten. If it really listed, that would be something else.

"After the second round of financing, we'll need to digest things for a while at least. After that comes the Hong Kong Stock Exchange... let's sit down and talk then, and set a time."

Regarding the IPO time, Lin Nan couldn't say much; this had to be determined by the professional institutions responsible for Tudou's listing business; with the support of massive data, they would judge when it would be most beneficial to conduct the IPO.

"Good, then let's meet up after the second round."

……

When Lin Nan arrived at Bad Monkey a little past 10, he found Xu Zheng and Dong Ping there too.

The three major shareholders of Huanxi gathering at Bad Monkey was something he hadn't expected; Ning Hao hadn't mentioned it on the phone this morning either?

"They two came over temporarily; you sit here and eat some fruit first, it should be over in a while."

Xing Yina warmly hosted Lin Nan, and Lin Nan heard from these words that they must be discussing serious business for Huanxi!

"Then, Sister, with you guys, I'll definitely be casual. How about you treat me to lunch?"

"That's no problem at all; we'll talk at 11, I'll see whether we go out to eat or have the restaurant deliver it. Shall we call Liu Yifei?" Xing Yina asked with a smile.

"Of course, I told her before I came, haha…"

Lin Nan held his phone in his left hand and a fork in his right, scrolling through the news as he ate, waiting for the three of them to finish.

Feng Feng Xiaogang is really an old rogue!

At that moment, *I Am Not Madame Bovary* was holding its first press conference. Because Feng Feng Xiaogang and Fan Li Bingbing were collaborating again after twelve years, at the host's suggestion they hugged in front of the cameras for twelve seconds.

But after the hug, that old lecher Feng Feng Xiaogang actually started cracking dirty jokes right in front of all the media on site.

He brought up Fan Li Bingbing's chest, saying it was big and full, pressing right up against him, even bigger than twelve years ago… he was even feeling a little impulse…

Meanwhile, Wang Wang Zhonglei chimed in from the side, laughing in a sleazy way.

Fan Li Bingbing was a seasoned veteran of the industry, but in front of the cameras her face still flushed red in an instant; she could only ease the awkwardness with a smile — that kind of reaction can't be acted!

"Huayi, tsk tsk tsk…"

"Lin Dao, what are you saying?" Xu Zheng's voice cut off Lin Nan's thoughts.

He looked up and saw Ning Hao, Dong Ping, Xu Zheng, and Xing Aina all standing at the door; Ning Hao was clearly seeing the other two off.

"Nothing, just reading the news. You guys not staying for lunch?"

"No, we have some other things to take care of, we won't disturb Lin Dao and Director Ning."

Dong Ping said to Lin Nan with a smile — this man was a pure capitalist.

Two minutes later, Dong Ping and Xu Zheng left together in one car. Only then did Lin Nan ask, "What does Huayi want this time? They actually came all the way to Bad Monkey to talk?"

Ning Hao had no intention of keeping it secret either; he even seemed ready to share voluntarily, the smile on his face gradually turning roguish:

"Wang Wang Jiawei and Chen Chen Kexin have been completely locked down. The signing ceremony is set for early June, with the share transfer to be completed in April and May. They'll buy original shares at Huayi's internal price and become shareholder-directors. That makes four big directors among Huayi's shareholders!

Also, Dong Ping and Xu Zheng already have their next 'PR' target — a mainland director — and they'll start making contact soon."

Ning Hao, bound by confidentiality, didn't reveal Huayi's next "target," but he smiled at Lin Nan in a good mood, looking like Huayi was about to grow big and strong and see its market value skyrocket.

"Alright, tell me what you came here for. You wouldn't say on the phone, just that you were coming to Bad Monkey."

Hearing Ning Hao's question, Lin Nan immediately broke into a smile.

"That smile of yours doesn't look very saintly?" Xing Aina called out teasingly from a distance.

"That's going a bit far, huh." After shooting back at Xing Aina, Lin Nan turned to Ning Hao again: "The day after New Year's, didn't I mention something to you?"

"What thing?"

Ning Hao asked instinctively, but within just a second or two he remembered, and glared at Lin Nan:

"You bastard, you said back then you wanted me to be your tool-director! So, you've got the screenplay finalized?"

"A film? Ning Hao directing?" Xing Aina exclaimed in surprise.

"Yeah, we agreed last time. You and Na-Zhou Jie were in the living room discussing what to order back then." Lin Nan explained.

"Hey hey hey, I never actually agreed last time, don't put words in my mouth." Ning Hao's face was full of disdain.

Lin Nan ignored him and went on talking to himself:

"It's just a very simple fantasy romantic comedy, modern-day setting.

Just treat it as playing around, don't take it too seriously. You're free anyway, right? Liu Yifei and I are going in with a playful attitude, planning to be the male and female leads.

Think about it — you as director, me and Liu Yifei as the leads, making a film just for fun. How clickbait-worthy is that?

The domestic film industry probably won't ever see this combination again, right? All my international awards, taking orders from you; Liu Yifei's an international A-lister too…"

Lin Nan's words seemed to carry a bewitching note; Ning Hao listened in a daze, his eyes actually sparkling. "Mm, it really is tempting. At your level…"

"Then I have to be the producer — just thinking about it feels so accomplished!"

From a distance, Xing Aina, who was holding her phone about to call the restaurant to reserve a table, suddenly cut in excitedly.

Ning Hao and Lin Nan both looked over at once. Lin Nan then spread his hands at Director Ning, but his words were addressed to both of them:

"Na-Zhou Jie, I agree to you being producer! Director Ning, you heard that — give us your answer, huh?"

Ning Hao smacked his lips and stared at Lin Nan, annoyed: "So you're holding me hostage with heaven… I have two conditions!"

"No problem, go ahead." Lin Nan was quite decisive.

"Na-Zhou Jie and I will offset our fees against investment — like you said, find something to do, just consider it keeping you and Liu Yifei company for fun."

"Fine." Lin Nan nodded — that was a small matter.

Seeing Lin Nan agree without hesitation, a subtle smile appeared at the corner of Ning Hao's mouth.

"After that, I want to pick a few things from your company's rights library. But don't worry, we'll do this by the book, absolutely no freeloading! Hehe…"

As soon as Ning Hao finished speaking, Lin Nan froze on the spot. Good lord — this couldn't have been premeditated, could it?

"What, hesitating?"

"Deal!"

Lin Nan gritted his teeth and spat out a single heavy word.

At this moment, he was absolutely certain he had been played. Ning Hao had definitely had this idea long ago — today just happened to be his lucky break!

"Lin Dao, deal! Haha…" Ning Hao laughed like a local thug — like that guy in *Goodbye Mr. Loser*?

At that moment, Xing Aina's voice drifted over from a distance, breaking the mood:

"Lin Nan, call Liu Yifei. Let's go out for lunch…"

"Sure, Na-Zhou Jie."

…………