Chapter 700: Assessing Opponents; IPO Time!

"According to the analysis of the nomination list of this Huabiao Awards, Lin Nan Film is undoubtedly the biggest favorite to win the award, and all four of its registered films have important awards nominated..."

"The first exclusively produced film *Wolf Warrior* by StarWu and the first film *Goodbye Mr. Loser* by Happy Mahua have increased the number of films winning awards by the Lin Nan Film system to six!"

"This Huabiao Awards is also the first time that four big directors, Lin Dao Nan, Director Zhang Yimou, Director Jia Zhangke, and Director Peter Chan, have competed in the same field for the Outstanding Director Award."

"What is worth paying attention to is that among the 8 nominees for the Outstanding Director Award, Lin Nan Film occupies 3 seats, and there are also Director Guo Fan and Director Lu Yang who 'intruded' into the competition of big directors for the first time!"

Because Lin Nan had to drive, Liu Yifei, who was sitting in the passenger seat, could only answer the phone; and this phone call didn't stop all the way, all were teasing.

No one said anything like opening champagne at halftime, but that emotion and meaning had already arrived;

Because the Huabiao Awards are recognized by the industry as a national film commendation conference that will never make moths and disgust people, Lin Nan Film will inevitably have awards this time!

When the two arrived at the crew, Watching Shu Chang was chattering with Zhou Xun like a child, her face full of smiles, exceptionally excited.

While Zhou Xun took the posture of a big senior in the circle, looking at Watching Shu Chang, teasing: "It's just a nomination for Best Actress at the Huabiao Awards, my awards are so many that I'm too lazy to count."

"You really have the nerve, why don't you compare with Sister Gong Li?"

Liu Yifei "stood up for" her best friend from afar. How could Zhou Xun hit people's enthusiasm like this?!

"I just didn't meet a big director like Director Zhang Yimou! Why don't you lend me your Lin Nan for a few years? I don't ask for an Oscar, just get me a Best Actress award at the Big Three film festivals."

Zhou Xun raised her eyebrows at Liu Yifei, throwing in a wink for good measure. When she acts like a rogue, Miss Liu is truly no match for her.

"Bah, you're dreaming!" Liu Yifei snorted coldly, her eyes carrying murderous intent; she couldn't argue with Zhou Xun, but she could do it!

"Xixi, I'm nominated, haha..."

Watching Shu Chang was still immersed in the silly state at this moment. She didn't care about the fighting between the two, but couldn't help but want to share her joyful mood with Liu Yifei;

She ran over and the two hugged each other happily.

"Hmm, on the night of the 24th, it's up to you. You fly back to the crew this afternoon, hurry up and wrap up these few days, and fly to Shanghai to find us immediately..."

According to Jiang Rou's latest statement, *Once Upon a Time* can wrap up before the 15th, which is just a week.

At that time, Watching Shu Chang can fly to Shanghai from Hengdian to meet Liu Yifei, Han Jia, and Zhou Xun to play together.

"Good, I'll let the assistant book the ticket in advance, you help me book the hotel." Watching Shu Chang nodded immediately, she wanted to live with everyone.

"First of all, I'm not opening champagne before the race. Actually, the probability of Changchang winning is really very, very big!"

Lin Nan sat behind the monitor, couldn't help but interject. The crew staff were preparing for filming, and the few could still chat for more than half an hour.

"What does this mean? Did you find a relationship?" Zhou Xun asked subconsciously, Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang also looked at Lin Nan curiously.

"Are you kidding, I don't have a relationship with the Central Propaganda Department, don't talk nonsense." Lin Nan hurriedly retorted, there were many people in the crew, and if it spread out, it would be an "accident."

He rolled his eyes at Zhou Xun impatiently, and then explained:

"Think about it, Sister Gong Li is a Singaporean citizen, being nominated is the greatest affirmation; and Tang Wei was officially defaulted to be banned, even if she was nominated this time, it's very hanging;

As for Bai Baihe, *Monster Hunt* had a scandal. Being able to nominate this movie is already taking care of the emotions of the Hong Kong circle. Don't forget, the Huabiao Awards have another name -- Government Award!"

"So, Changchang's only opponent is Teacher Zhao Tao?" Liu Yifei and Zhou Xun asked in unison.

"Anyway, that's how I analyze it. Furthermore, Changchang was nominated for *Go Away Mr. Tumor*. Last year, the Film Bureau consulted me whether this movie could be used to sign up for the Oscars! And Zhao Tao..."

Speaking of which, Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh: "I declare again, I don't mean to tease Director Jia Zhangke and his wife, hehe...

Mainly, Sister Zhao Tao is indeed very metaphysical. Most of the time she can get a nomination, which is a symbol of her strength, but every time she can only walk to the nomination step!"

"Haha... Lin Dao, you're going to laugh me to death."

"You call this not teasing?"

"Really, brother?"

Zhou Xun, Liu Yifei, and Watching Shu Chang were three completely different reactions at this moment.

"In short, I'm just objectively analyzing the situation, and by the way, summarizing Sister Zhao Tao's metaphysical resume in the past; for these competitors, I have no derogatory meaning at all."

Lin Nan said very seriously and rigorously, well, he still couldn't help laughing. After all, Zhao Tao is known as "Tao sound as before" in the circle, and she is always one step away from Best Actress!

After chatting and laughing for a few minutes, Tian Zhuangzhuang also arrived.

Today's scene, Liu Yifei and Lin Nan, the couple, will take their respective lawyers to sit down and have their first face-to-face talk.

Outside, many people in the film and television circle were still immersed in the news of the Huabiao Awards.

It seems this is also the first large-scale "patronage" of Chinese film awards by Lin Nan Film in more than ten years since its establishment.

And unlike the attention of many film people and actors in the industry, film and television capitals are all preparing for the financing banquet of Tudou in the evening.

Even the capital parties who are powerless to Tudou will not miss the banquet ceremony tonight. After all, the scene is full of figures in the upper circle, and it is also an extremely precious connection and resource.

Ren Zhonglun got on the car to the Film Bureau after getting off the plane.

5 days later, the Shanghai International Film Festival will officially open; and as the competent unit, he cannot not come to the last relevant meeting of the Film Bureau before the opening ceremony.

"This time is quite good, after the meeting, just go to Tudou to stroll around in the evening."

"Chairman Ren, it seems that Lin Dao still won't attend the financing banquet." The secretary in the passenger seat said.

"During the first round of financing banquet, he was filming *Operation Meigonghe*; this time, he is filming *Marriage Story* again, it's really a coincidence."

Ren Zhonglun shook his head with a smile, and then seemed to think of something, frowning: "*Operation Meigonghe*, ah, it's already June, and it hasn't been officially set for release..."

Just as Ren Zhonglun said to La Peikang before, from the moment they decided to set up the project to film that movie, Shanghai Film Group was fully prepared; when the time comes, the public opinion pressure to face, the blame from the competent department, and even punishment... Shanghai Film Group is mentally prepared!

"Don't wait for the second half of the year, set the release date after the Shanghai International Film Festival."

"Chairman Ren, what are you talking about?"

"*Railroad Tigers*."

In the monitor, while Lin Nan, the male lead, was hesitant and didn't know what to eat, Liu Yifei made a choice for him for the first time, and didn't seek his opinion;

This scene is just like in the past, she can always grasp what Lin Nan wants subconsciously, better than Lin Nan himself. But, today it is at the divorce negotiation table.

After a "Cut," everyone ended the day's filming.

"From the scenes, you can see that there are still feelings between the two; but loving each other, yet unable to be together, because marriage buried love.

This is the futility of two people with strong personalities trying to be together, like the same pole of a magnet! Am I summarizing correctly, Lin Dao?"

Zhou Xun showed off her literary talent and teased Lin Nan.

"So, two people who get married must be complementary in personality, or both are soft-tempered, or one side can pamper and accommodate the other."

"Then what about you and Yifei?" Zhou Xun asked tirelessly.

Tian Zhuangzhuang smiled and packed up his things, signaling Lin Nan and Liu Yifei not to send him off, and then left the crew.

"How should I put it, our personalities are very similar, anyway, we are both quite shut-in, our circle of friends is small, and our hearts are relatively big; not only

"But there is one thing I have to complain about. At the very beginning, I even said she was a kept woman, but look at it—it's been so many years and she hasn't let me eat a single bite of 'soft rice.' She's too inattentive!"

As Lin Nan spoke, he began to "criticize" Liu Yifei. She didn't refute him either; she just stood there with her chin raised, humming in a spoiled, arrogant way, laughing non-stop.

"Fine, you're starting to show off your affection again. Is there no end to it?" Zhou Xun realized belatedly and began to grumble.

"We started back in school, Sister Xun," Liu Yifei said with a giggle.

"This film ultimately ended in loss because the man never cherished the woman while she was silently giving so much. But in reality, Yifei and I are nothing like that."

Lin Nan's tone became much more serious. Liu Yifei extended her delicate hand, her fingers interlaced tightly with his palm, nodding with a radiant smile.

"Off the clock, I'm full from all this affection!"

"Haha..."

"Sister Xun, walk slowly, I won't see you out."

At seven in the evening, Lin Nan cooked dinner himself, paired with red wine... The combination of Chinese and Western styles was quite romantic.

And while he and Liu Yifei were enjoying their world for two, the Guomao area had already become the focus of the media circle.

Over a hundred security personnel blocked the sea of media reporters five meters away from the red carpet.

And under countless flashes and lenses were top-tier business sedans, along with figures from financial news and representatives of capital firms.

In terms of the luxury and scale of the lineup, it undoubtedly far exceeded the first round of the financing banquet.

Among the guests from major capital sectors like film and television, finance, and the internet, as well as departments like the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and accounting firms, one could see not only many big-name stars and investors from the entertainment circle but even brokers lurking about...

Inside the Qunxian Banquet Hall, the lights were brilliant and the crowd was bustling.

Suits and high-end evening gowns were everywhere, with people in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing constantly; uniformed, attractive male and female servers moved among them, and everything on the scene appeared so formal and high-end.

"Chairman Yu, how many rounds of financing does Bona plan to do? You've already been listed once; this return to the A-shares should be quick, right?"

Wang Zhonglei chatted up Yu Dong with a fake smile, while a group of bank people on the side egged them on.

"How many rounds of financing? That won't be decided until after the first round of financing at the end of the year. As for when we can officially land on the A-shares, that's still a long way off. At the very least, we have to wait until the previous step is finished and the IPO is submitted! Doesn't the CSRC still have to audit us?" Yu Dong replied with a perfunctory laugh.

"Mr. Wang, speaking of which, Huayi is also a well-deserved giant in the film and television industry. Always cowering on the Growth Enterprise Market isn't the way to go. When are you coming to the main board to dominate? Who knows, you might return to the nearly 100 billion market value you had this time last year, haha..."

Someone from CICC took over Yu Dong's point and teased Wang Zhonglei, who could only smile perfunctorily without responding. Currently, Huayi's market value was barely maintaining at over 40 billion; it was hard enough to even reach 50 billion!

"They're here!"

Several soft cries were heard, and the Qunxian Banquet Hall, covering over two thousand square meters, suddenly went quiet.

Nearly a thousand gazes turned in unison toward Wang Wei, who was stepping into the banquet hall, along with Wang Changtian, Liu Xiaobin, and the Senior Vice President of Tencent.

"Thank you all very much for coming to Tudou's second round of financing banquet in your busy schedules. Thank you.

I won't go into detail about Tudou's current situation; it was already stated at the banquet on November 1st last year. Our current assets, copyrights, and market share will only be greater and larger!

Assets and copyrights have expanded—that was inevitable because we invested 3 billion; but our market share has expanded by 3 points... This should have been very difficult, and here I must especially thank our competitors for their slackness..."

Wang Wei spoke from above with a smile, while the crowd below immediately became noisy, with constant discussions.

Tudou never had many competitors because its market share had always been ranked first. And the only one Tudou could consider a rival was Youku, which ranked second.

This was undoubtedly calling out Youku!

Because everyone knew that since Youku was swallowed by Alibaba last October, the personnel adjustments and changes there had never stopped, and the scale was getting larger and larger;

One executive after another was parachuted in from Alibaba to replace the original Youku management... For the past half year, Youku had been a bit chaotic; Victor Koo had tried his best!

"I've said enough off-topic things; now I'll get to the main point of tonight."

Wang Wei paused for a moment, and everyone on the scene immediately became focused; the content everyone cared about most had arrived.

"For Tudou's second round of external financing, our self-valuation starts at 45 billion, and we plan to accept one to two new shareholders;

Following a resolution by the board of directors and major shareholders, for this round of financing, the equity share Tudou can sell is 8%...

Those of you interested can send your quotes, corresponding shares, and additional resources to Tudou via email or document starting tomorrow. The deadline is the 26th of this month, and we will announce the results on the last day of the month.

Hmm, one last thing: 45 billion is just the starting price, everyone... you can offer a premium! Chairman Wang, it's your turn."

Before the hundreds of people on the scene could react, Wang Wei had already handed over to Wang Changtian, who stepped onto the podium.

"Oh my, two financing banquets, and I've finally been given a chance to speak on stage. This is also the last chance."

Wang Changtian was also a veteran fox; as soon as he got up, he adjusted the atmosphere of the scene first.

Many people hadn't recovered from keywords like "45 billion," "8%," and "premium" before they were stunned by "the last chance."

"Could it be?"

"Really just two rounds?"

"That's right. Now, I will announce Tudou's listing matters."

Wang Changtian restrained his smile. He scanned the hundreds of people on the scene and said very seriously and formally.

"After Tudou's second round of financing is finished, there will be no third round. ICBC will be the sponsor for Tudou's listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange... Tudou plans to officially start the IPO process and roadshow in the first half of next year... and land on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange..."

At this moment, inside the Qunxian Banquet Hall, many capital firms had eyes shining with excitement. After waiting for several years, they had finally waited for Tudou to go public.

No matter which industry the capital present belonged to, without exception, no one doubted Tudou's prospects. Once it went public, it would definitely be a top-tier giant, a behemoth!

"Meeting tomorrow morning to draft the valuation quote for Tudou's second round."

"Let's re-evaluate."

"We have to raise the quote!"

…………

A night passed, and Lin Nan and Liu Yifei slept very soundly and sweetly.

When they woke up in the morning, although the news about Tudou's financing banquet had been reported, it hadn't spread like wildfire.

The reason was that it wasn't film and entertainment news, but business news. Of course, among the upper echelons of the film circle, it was definitely in a "boiling" state.

Because Tudou was the video website and internet streaming platform with the largest market share, affecting the interests of countless film companies and even actors in the industry!

In fact, the entertainment news with the highest heat online, dominating the Weibo hot search, came from the Shanghai International Film Festival. For this reason, Lin Nan even had a phone call with Cao Baoping on his way to the set.

"There are only 4 days left until the official opening of the Shanghai International Film Festival. At eight o'clock this morning, the film festival organizing committee announced the list of films shortlisted for each module..."

"This year's Shanghai International Film Festival has three Chinese films shortlisted for the main competition unit. Among them, following last year's 'The Dead End,' Director Cao Baoping will compete for the Golden Goblet Award again with his new film 'Cock and Bull'!"

"It is reported that the film 'Cock and Bull' is exclusively produced by Lin Nan Film Industry, written and directed by Director Cao Baoping, and stars Liu Ye, Zhang Yi, Wang Ziwen, and others..."

Sitting in the director's chair, Lin Nan and Yue Jun talked about business over the phone.

The latter was in Shanghai at this moment; he was busy with the promotion of "Operation Meigonghe," "Cock and Bull," and even "Mr. Donkey."

And the vast majority of actors and artists in the film circle had also set off one after another, rushing to Shanghai.

Because before the film festival, there was also the Magnolia Awards ceremony and the red carpet, which would be on the night of the 10th, the day before the opening ceremony.

"Yifei, Zhou Xun, and I are on the flight on the afternoon of the 9th. The hotel is also booked together, so it'll be perfect when you pick us up."

After Lin Nan finished this sentence, Zhou Xun on the side gave him a thumbs up, looking like she was "praising him."

"The afternoon after tomorrow? I understand, Lin Dao."

After hanging up, Lin Nan immediately turned off his phone. Because in just this short while, several more calls had come in.

If his guess was correct, they were all because of Tudou; after all, there were quite a few capital firms wanting to get to him!

"Get ready, we're starting filming immediately."

"Hmm, I've been waiting for you for a while, Lin Dao," Liu Yifei said, shouting with a smile as she sat there.

The "Marriage Story" crew continued to be in full swing with filming, and the progress was already halfway through. With everyone on the crew fully devoted, time seemed to pass a bit faster, and the 7th passed by in a rush.

"X-Men: Apocalypse," "Alice Through the Looking Glass," and a host of other imported blockbusters continued to dominate the domestic film market, and that world-class big IP, "Warcraft," finally officially landed in national theaters at the midnight slot on the 8th, joining the fray.

A 65% screening rate was enough to show the national theater chains' anticipation for this blockbuster. And its astonishing 300 million box office on the first day did not disappoint anyone.

This single-day box office result also successfully became the second-highest single-day box office in the Chinese film market after "Furious 7"!

A cold release slot had thus completely turned into a hot and bustling prime slot; the summer release season had truly started a month early.

It's just that only imported films could eat the cake of the first month of the "summer release season." As for the host of Chinese films, they were undoubtedly wiped out, becoming cannon fodder!

Han Jia was packing her suitcase. She had been cooped up in the capital for half a year, and apart from having meals with Liu Yifei a few times, she hadn't really gone out to play; this time, taking advantage of the Shanghai International Film Festival, she was determined to have a good time!

As for that script that didn't have a name yet, hmm, she'd modify it slowly after she got back from playing.

"You're really not coming with me?"

Han Sanping asked from the side, feeling quite jealous. It was clearly his own daughter, yet she insisted on setting off with Lin Nan and his group; it was simply unreasonable!

"It's too boring to set off with you and Uncle La. On the road, apart from talking about business, it's just talking about business; there isn't even anyone who can joke around with me," Han Jia replied with great disdain.

Before Han Sanping could refute, little Han had already stood up, picked up her suitcase, and walked out, saying with a cheerful smile:

"Old Han, I'm going to Yifei's place first. I'll park that Ferrari at her house for this week, hehe..."

"Go, go, go, get lost quickly. Your car was bought with my salary anyway."

"Just you wait, this time I'll definitely change cars myself. Hmm, I'll change one for you too!"

Han Jia pouted and promised Han Sanping confidently. Although Third Master Han didn't quite believe it, he still revealed a rare smile: "Heh, I'll be waiting!"

"Hmph!"

With a cold snort, the "leaky cotton-padded jacket" left the villa without looking back. Not long after, the roar of an engine could be heard!

Han Sanping shook his head with a smile, and the next second, his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hmm, the flight tomorrow morning, I know. Ning Film wants to announce projects during the film festival? Finally willing to bring them out? Is this specifically to show off..."

At 11 o'clock in the morning, after the last shot of the "Marriage Story" crew was filmed, Lin Nan directly announced a break until the 19th, with work continuing on the morning of the 20th.

Zhou Xun left the crew in a hurry with her assistant, having agreed to arrive on time at three o'clock in the afternoon to meet up with Lin Nan and Liu Yifei.

And the two of them also had to go home to prepare their luggage; after all, they were going to play in Shanghai for 10 days. Lin Dao also had to stand on stage for the Weibo Movie Night; who told him to be a major shareholder!

As soon as the two returned home, Luo Jin's call came through, "You can come over to our place to sit for a while this time."

"You bought a house in Shanghai?" Lin Nan asked subconsciously; this guy really did big things without making a sound.

"Hmm, I bought it! From now on, I'll be completely settled in Shanghai. I'm planning to sell the house in the capital..." Luo Jin said with a smile; he had made a firm decision because Tang Yan didn't want to settle in the capital.

"That's great, Luo Jin. Is Tang Tang by your side?" Liu Yifei also joined in the fun.

"She is, Xixi." Tang Yan's voice rang out instantly, carrying a joyful mood.

"So, do we have to prepare another wedding gift when we go over this time?" Miss Liu joked, which was rare for her.

Sure enough, she heard only awkward laughter on the other end of the phone. After a moment, Luo Jin finally spoke: "No rush yet. Taking advantage of our good state, we're planning to work hard for a few more years, haha..."

"Fine, then see you at the Magnolia Awards tomorrow. We're flying over this afternoon, and Xixi and I aren't planning to go out wandering."

"Hmm, okay."

"As a local, I'll be the host this time... outside or at home, either is fine."

…………