Chapter 688: Men, there are always times when they get carried away; 1 billion ambition!

"In the afternoon, Huace Media released the cast list for the large-scale period, palace, and power-struggle drama *General and I*:

Popular first-line actor Zhong Hanliang will partner with Angelababy as the male lead, with well-known actors like Gan Tingting, Sun Yizhou, and Yu Bo as supporting roles."

"It is reported that Zhong Hanliang and Yu Bo successfully wrapped up filming from the *Eternal Love* crew of Red Star Pictures recently. *General and I* is scheduled to officially start filming in early May."

It was clearly Zhou Xun who came to ask for a role, but in the end, she somehow reversed the situation, and she took the initiative in terms of momentum.

Not only did she get a free lunch and a role, but she also walked away with a bottle of red wine, and even took Liu Yifei out shopping!

Facing such a Zhou Xun, Lin Nan was really speechless, no other way.

Simply, he also went out with the two women after 2:00 PM, but he was going to the company.

"... The gossip has spread. The 'Leader' gave up a big favor and sent Angelababy to the crew to raise the baby... Taking a sky-high salary to raise a baby?!"

Just as he entered the company, Lin Nan heard the gossip among a group of employees.

"Keep it down, it can be heard outside the company. If you get recorded by the paparazzi, just wait for your bonuses to be deducted."

Lin Nan scolded, and the four or five young men and women instantly shrank their heads, turned into quails, and smiled embarrassedly at Lin Nan.

"What's going on with Huang Xiaoming? Is he really ruining his reputation like this?" When passing by Yue Jun's office, Lin Nan couldn't help but ask. Regarding things in the circle, the former was better informed than him.

"It's actually quite funny. Just as they were about to join the crew, Angelababy got pregnant. Huang Xiaoming originally wanted to turn down that IP drama, but his wife didn't want to let go; they both wanted it.

So, the wife-spoiling demon Huang Xiaoming went online, gave up favors and face to negotiate with Huace, and will use some 'technical' means to complete the filming of some shots later.

Not only that, Huang Xiaoming even hired a nanny team, which will follow Angelababy into the crew! Just this morning, it spread in a small circle in the circle, and it's probably being suppressed now."

Yue Jun put down the documents in his hand and explained with a smile, then couldn't help but tease the 'Leader':

"Speaking of which, he is really carried away. For Angelababy, he could even do such a reputation-ruining thing, which is completely contrary to his usual professional ethics.

And Huace is indeed selling Huang Xiaoming's face, with a top salary of 80 million, not a penny less! If it were our company's play, I would kick the person out decisively, no matter who she is."

After hearing the gist, Lin Nan had nothing to say and could only mourn for Huang Xiaoming. Once it breaks out, just wait to be scolded.

However, Lin Nan thought again: Men, there are always times when they get carried away; and the 'Leader' happened to be on a woman, on Angelababy.

"Forget it, just treat it as watching the fun with Huang Xiaoming. I guess after this matter breaks out, the actresses in the circle who envy Angelababy will increase several times!" Lin Nan shook his head speechlessly, and then talked about business:

"Notify the production department, *Marriage Story* will start filming by the end of next month at the latest. Let them prepare according to the plan. This time it's continuous, and after wrapping up, there's *Double World*."

"Okay, Lin Dao. By the way, Kara Wai has already signed the contract, without a trace of hesitation, and can join the crew at any time.

For actors in the Hong Kong circle, our films, especially your films, Lin Dao, are the top-tier resources." Yue Jun added without being humble.

"Mm, got it."

Lin Nan nodded and walked directly to his office.

China Film Group.

After nearly two months of screening and circling, Han Sanping finally finished his "director list." After simplifying and deliberating several times, only 22 people remained.

Without exception, these people were either old-generation film studio directors who had directed traditional mainstream films, commercial directors who had made blockbusters, or well-known big directors who had won many international awards.

Of course, the biggest-name film directors in the Chinese film circle were all on the list!

However, there was one interesting point, which was also where La Peikang couldn't help but frown after seeing Han Sanping's list at this moment.

"Why are there so few big directors from Hong Kong and Taiwan?"

"In my opinion, these few are already the result of picking the best from the short. They have always been small-scale over there. This time, with the cooperation, assistance, and even intervention of the Navy, it is highly likely that the shortcoming of 'petty' can be made up for, but only these few are barely suitable and can be presentable."

Han Sanping held his tea and said in a casual but affirmative tone. Anyway, there was no John Woo.

The list La Peikang drafted himself had nearly twice as many people as Han Sanping's. He looked at Han Sanping and said pointedly: "You added Lin Nan again?"

"Mm, I added him. In my opinion, he is the most suitable! Whether it's awards, experience in mainstream commercial films, or market appeal, he is undoubtedly the first choice."

Han Sanping said bluntly, which was his view in his heart. Lin Nan's priority was higher than Zhang Yimou's.

Hearing this, La Peikang smiled with a complex expression:

"This is a project proposed by the Navy and led by the Naval Political Department. You should understand what kind of treatment this film will have after it is released. I'm referring to domestic awards.

As long as the quality of the film is excellent enough, various awards will actively approach it. And Lin Nan, he doesn't cooperate much.

So, when a certain award actively approaches and wants the Naval Political Department to register, the Naval Political Department will definitely go. But at that time, if the director is Lin Nan, is he prepared to slap himself in the face, or is he prepared to reject the Naval Political Department's face?"

Sure enough, after hearing these words, Han Sanping's expression was also wrong.

Regarding the Golden Rooster Awards last year, he had pondered for a long time before he managed to think of a way to separate himself, both dealing with China Film Group and not offending Lin Nan, and even the father and daughter earned from both sides; but, in the end, he still offended La Peikang, because the favors were all Han Sanping's...

"This, let's talk about it later. I'm just treating it as completing the errand entrusted by the Naval Political Department and the bureau. As for how to decide the person in the end, that's the Naval Political Department's business. If, by any chance, Lin Nan is really decided, then how to negotiate is the Naval Political Department's business, I won't interfere."

Han Sanping said expressionlessly, but in all fairness, he was indeed a bit conflicted and worried at this moment.

After a moment of silence, La Peikang nodded, "Okay, I will submit it together tomorrow."

"How far has the project over there progressed?"

"The Naval Political Department wants to do the script itself, and the scale will be much larger. I heard that they can provide active warships and active soldiers, so it's done in great detail... I guess the script will take a while."

La Peikang said everything he knew. This was definitely the highest-standard mainstream commercial blockbuster at the current stage, much more formal than the Air Force's side.

Mm, at least in choosing a director, the Naval Political Department actively sought the help of the Film Bureau, knowing that professional things should be left to professional people, and they only need to provide the greatest degree of cooperation!

One night passed, and Lin Nan Film and Xue Xiaolu and others began to make final preparations for the premiere of *Finding Mr. Right 2* tomorrow.

And in the morning, another big news shocked the whole circle, that is, Peking Opera master Mei Baojiu passed away. He was the only son who inherited Mei Lanfang's mantle;

At the same time, he was also the Mei family member who most strongly supported the old Mr. Chen and Chen Kaige when Chen Kaige filmed *Farewell My Concubine* and *Forever Enthralled*!

Sure enough, after hearing the news, the big Director Chen immediately put down the affairs of *Legend of the Demon Cat* and ran back directly from the Xiangyang Tang Cheng Film and Television Base.

Chen Hong even made a public statement that before Master Mei's funeral ended, the big Director Chen would not return to the Tang Cheng Film and Television Base, and the work of *Legend of the Demon Cat* would also be shelved for a while following the funeral.

Lin Nan was called over by Xing Aina, because the first draft of *A Cool Fish* she made for Huang Bo had been completed, and she asked him to come and take a look together.

When he arrived, he heard Ning Hao and others chatting there:

"Sure enough, Peking Opera masters are far from being comparable to other Quyi masters! The mourning hall was actually placed directly in the Capital Peking Opera Theater... Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Propaganda... all went."

"It looks like Director Chen's *Legend of the Demon Cat* will be delayed for quite some time?"

"After all, when filming *Forever Enthralled*, this master said that the big Director Chen filmed it very well. After Director Chen, he will not authorize others to film it, at least not within 50 years!" Lin Nan sat there and recalled the events of September 2008.

That year, after the disastrous defeat of *The Promise*, Chen Kaige returned to the track of biographical films after several years of silence, and his momentum was unparalleled. This Master Mei personally stood on the stage for the big Director Chen's *Forever Enthralled* at that time!

"Where is the first draft of the script? Let me take a look." Before Ning Hao and Huang Bo could react, Lin Nan urged again.

"Here, it's really the first draft, just written yesterday afternoon."

Xing Aina took another copy and handed it to Lin Nan, which had been printed in advance.

"Director Huang, when are you planning to prepare to start?" Lin Nan asked Huang Bo with a smile while flipping to the first page.

"The first half of the year is definitely not possible. *Go Fighting! * has been filming and recording all the time; and a few days ago, I just signed the contract for the next season."

Huang Bo waved his hand and said quite freely.

It could be seen that with *Go Fighting! *, he had made a lot of money, and the commercial announcements had also increased explosively, which was very cool!

"He plans to prepare, set up the project, and cast in the second half of the year. By then, the script will be almost perfectly refined and polished, and then filming will start at the end of the year or after the He Sui." Xing Aina added with a smile.

Then Huang Bo looked up and smiled at Lin Nan with bad intentions:

"Lin Dao, I already have some ideas about casting now, and I will find some people with good relationships to support the scene. In addition, the big Director Ning just promised to make a cameo, are you really not?"

"Hehe, I only participate in the investment." Lin Nan immediately dispelled Huang Bo's "delusion."

"Look, I said it, he is stubborn. You still don't believe it, and you still want to bet?" Ning Hao said sarcastically, the traces of provocation were still there.

"Mm, Director Ning is right." Lin Nan just didn't take the bait.

"Forget it, you two have been busy for nothing, Lin Nan doesn't eat this set." Xing Aina also joined in the fun.

"Oh, don't force it, let's talk about the budget. This is a comedy, it doesn't need any big production. Except for the actors' salaries, the production cost won't be too much. So the budget is estimated to be around 50 million..."

Xing Aina was not only a screenwriter but also temporarily acted as a producer, which could be said to be capable and hardworking.

While browsing the script, Lin Nan also listened to the budget. He had to remind the company after going back today to prepare the investment amount for Huang Bo's film.

Near noon, Alibaba Pictures solemnly issued an announcement, and a "blockbuster" entered the chaotic situation again.

"Controlled and invested by Alibaba Pictures, jointly produced by Block 2 Pictures, supervised by Director Wong Kar-wai, directed by Zhang Jiajia, starring Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Eason Chan, Angelababy, Sandrine Pinna, Du Juan, and others;

With an investment of 400 million RMB, the romance and comedy film *See You Tomorrow* officially wrapped up this morning after 10 months of filming."

"Alibaba Pictures President Zhang Qiang, Director Wong Kar-wai, Tony Leung, and others gathered at the wrap-up ceremony. The former announced to many media reporters at the scene:

Alibaba Pictures' first controlled investment film *See You Tomorrow* is scheduled for the New Year's Eve slot on December 23rd; we have absolute confidence and certainty to compete with blockbusters like Director Zhang Yimou's *The Great Wall*..."

In the film industry, this year's New Year's Eve slot was already destined to be extremely bloody, and now it was even more "cruel" by a large margin;

Wong Kar-wai had polished the film for 10 months, so of course, he had the confidence to compare with Zhang Yimou, but other films were in danger.

Thinking again, it seemed that in November and December, there were already four big directors: Ang Lee, Feng Xiaogang, Wong Kar-wai, and Zhang Yimou!

As for *Sword Master*, which was just scheduled for December 3rd yesterday? Derek Yee was not a big director, or rather, he was only a big director recognized by the Hong Kong Film Awards!

"Bloody? Cruel? It's not over yet!"

Lin Nan watched the news and muttered with a smile. In the end, he didn't have a meal at Ning Hao's place because Liu Yifei was still waiting at home.

"Director Jiang called me today. She said the filming progress of *Eternal Love* is already halfway through, and it is expected to wrap up early in mid-June."

"That is to say, filming a drama in 4 months. For this large-scale period mythological drama, this is already a very good efficiency."

Lin Nan nodded affirmatively. Later, when selling the first, second, third, and fourth broadcast rights to TV stations, Jiang Rou still had to negotiate. After all, Red Star Pictures had no experience.

Speaking of this, Lin Nan suddenly thought of one thing. He hugged Liu Yifei's fair legs in his arms:

"After *Marriage Story* starts filming next month, I can't guarantee that it can wrap up before the opening of the Shanghai International Film Festival. If it can't wrap up, we both have to be prepared to be delayed for many days;

Because just a few days after the Shanghai International Film Festival ends, it will be the Huabiao Awards! You need to attend with me. After all, I am the director of *The Taking of Tiger Mountain*, and you are the producer. Shu Chang, Guo Fan, Lu Yang, and the others are the same, they all have works."

Hearing this, Liu Yifei nodded knowingly, "By the way, the nominations should be in early June, right?"

"Mm, it's early June. If we win the film award, I'll let you, the producer, go to receive it?"

"Uh? Okay!"

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Liu Yifei nodded with a smile immediately. She had never received an award as a producer!

On the 26th, as the most anticipated domestic film for the May Day slot, the premiere of *Finding Mr. Right 2* was highly anticipated by the industry.

After all, this was the second part of a series film, with the box office of the previous work as a foundation and the support of audiences and fans!

From six o'clock in the morning, Yang Mi started doing makeup and styling, and at eight o'clock, she successfully met with Xue Xiaolu and all the main creators.

She valued this film more than all other actors because this film was very likely to become her first 1 billion box office film.

Of course, Xue Xiaolu herself was also full of expectations; she longed for a breakthrough. Since it was difficult for her to do what Cao Baoping did in terms of awards, she chose to gain something at the box office.

"Everyone can set off, Wanda Cinema!"

Looking at the time, Xue Xiaolu ordered. Immediately, a group of people set off from the hotel, and a motorcade headed straight to the premiere location.

Lin Nan's side was also very lively.

Tang Yan was promoting *Bounty Hunters*, Zhu Yawen was busy with *The Wasted Times*, and Luo Jin was attending the last roadshow of *Xuanzang* in the afternoon.

Coincidentally, everyone was in the capital. Alright, they hit it off in the group and gathered at Lin Nan's place in the morning.

"We can go now. Zhu Yawen, let go of my cat."

Liu Yifei shouted, Zhu Yawen actually wanted to put the little kitten in his pocket and take it away.

"Alright, alright, I'll let go. You're really stingy. This cat is very cute and obedient, just right to take back to accompany my daughter..."

"If you want one, go buy it at a pet store yourself. These are all raised by me and Yifei."

Lin Nan pulled Zhu Yawen speechlessly. This guy was just lazy and only wanted to pick up ready-made ones.

Near nine o'clock, three extended commercial vehicles slowly drove away from the villa.

The scale of the premiere of *Finding Mr. Right 2* was obviously not as good as *Xuanzang* three days ago, but there were still many big names in the industry who came to support.

Because this film was produced by Lin Nan Film, and the director was Xue Xiaolu, a professor at the Beijing Film Academy; the connections of both sides never lacked first-line and top-tier filmmakers in the industry.

Look, even Cao Baoping had free time today and came to the premiere scene.

When Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and the others arrived, Huang Xiaoming had just walked onto the red carpet.

It was obvious that he didn't want to stay in front of the media lenses for too long, probably afraid of being asked about Angelababy.

However, there were still reporters asking loudly whether Angelababy was really pregnant. Fortunately, they didn't ask about raising the baby in the crew. It seems the public relations were done quite well!

The five people walked onto the red carpet with big strides, perfunctorily dealt with the surrounding media and fans, and quickly entered the cinema. Today, they booked the venue for most of the day!

Tang Yan and Yang Mi could be considered "enemies" meeting. The two did not greet each other but avoided each other from a distance;

"Lin Dao, Yifei."

Yang Mi came over to greet them, and Lin Nan and Liu Yifei nodded at the same time. Ceng Jia was watching from a distance and did not approach.

"A 300 million gambling agreement, for a first-line actress and star like you in the country, it's not a big deal at all, why be so exhausted?" Lin Nan couldn't help but ask.

You know, Angelababy had a salary of 80 million for one play. Under the same conditions, Yang Mi was definitely only more, not less, and she had more commercial value than Angelababy!

Therefore, a 3-year, 300 million profit gambling agreement was not a big deal for her at all.

"Lin Dao, a gambling agreement is a gambling agreement. I am indeed very confident; but after all, the company wants to go public. Even if it goes to the New Third Board, the extra money the company earns can also raise the valuation, right?"

Yang Mi said confidently. Lin Nan could see that she was not lying.

Sure enough, things were different now, and her ambition was not small;

Jaywalk Studio, or rather Yang Mi, she didn't think about completing the gambling agreement from the beginning, but on the basis of the gambling agreement, she wanted more. Ceng Jia, she is really worry-free!

"Then I wish you success. Go socialize, there are indeed many people here today."

"Thank you, Lin Dao, thank you, Yifei. I'll go over first."

Lin Nan completely acted as a former boss and senior should, never targeting an artist who broke up peacefully—Yang Mi. He had the breadth of mind and posture.

"Lin Nan, her face..."

Liu Yifei held the big Lin Dao's arm and whispered very, very softly, almost biting his ear.

"Fine-tuning."

"Fine-tuning? But..."

"Do you think it's more refined and the skin is fuller?"

"Uh? Mm!"

"Every time a little bit of fine-tuning...

You don't see her often, and you don't usually pay attention to her hot searches, so meeting face-to-face at such a close distance today, you will feel it's a bit abrupt."

Hearing Lin Nan say this, Liu Yifei couldn't help but look back again; at this moment, Yang Mi was already laughing and talking with Cao Baoping, or more accurately, she was taking the initiative to greet and communicate.

"I'm looking forward to your Cao Cao."

"Lin Dao, rest assured, I also think my Cao Cao played very well. When it airs, please give me some pointers..."

The lights went out, the big screen lit up, and *Finding Mr. Right 2* began.

As the plot of the film deepened slowly, almost everyone at the scene watched very seriously, including Liu Yifei.

Lin Nan had to admit that Xue Xiaolu was worthy of being a professor in the literature department. The script was very delicate and knew how to grasp the emotional points of men and women. She understood the romance film market and understood women's psychology even better.

And as a female director, her film plot was even more delicate. Undoubtedly, this was a very great commercial romance film. In terms of completion and excitement, it was far better than the first one!

Two hours later, the film ended.

Xue Xiaolu, with a confident smile, led Yang Mi, Yu Hewei, and all the main creators to appear under the big screen, on the stage.

Box office, box office. After congratulations, the first question from the media was always about the box office. Who let this be the second part of a series film?

Seeing everyone look at Xue Xiaolu, she took the microphone and spoke without any humility or low profile:

"It seems that there is no female director in the country with a 1 billion box office film, right? I want to be the first one!"

Good grief, Xue Xiaolu's words directly ignited the emotions of all the media reporters at the scene. Today's material, no, the big headline was there!

"Why, don't you have confidence in me? The producer should have it, right?"

Under the excitement of the reporters, Xue Xiaolu joked again. Yang Mi and the others were all excited.

The lens was aimed at Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, and he nodded with a smile:

"I naturally have confidence in Sister Xue, I believe in Sister Xue. It seems that there are a few other films on the 6th, including *Captain America 3*, but everyone is not on the same track at all. We can hold on."

"Look, even Lin Nan said so, I must have more confidence in myself, right? Just 1 billion! Yifei, remember to urge Lin Nan to give me a bonus after it passes 1 billion..."

"It's box office share, Teacher Xue."

Liu Yifei shouted with a giggle, her voice soft and crisp, very pleasant to the ear.

... ===== CHAPTER 689 =====