Chapter 704: Chen · Ip Man · Chen Kaige; The Vortex of Negativity: Sleeping with Fans, Choosing Consorts……

Among the nearly thousand films participating in the Magic Capital International Film Festival, at least two hundred will cluster within these nine days to hold promotional press conferences of varying sizes.

This means that on average, more than thirty films a day will be in fierce competition, scrambling for industry guests, fighting for media resources, and eyeing news traffic across the entire web.

Sure enough, just after lunch, Lin Nan received several phone calls.

Ren Ren Zhonglun urged him repeatedly to attend the Shanghai Film Studio's "Shanghai Film Night" at Studio No. 5 that evening; Li An would give a speech, and Jia Jia Zhangke, Jackie Chan, and others would also be present.

On the China Film side, it was La La Peikang's secretary who called — there would be a theme reception for "The Great Wall" in the evening, with Zhang Zhang Yimou, Miss Jing Tian, and Andy Lau as the leads, but Matt and the others had no availability.

In addition, there were promotional dinners for several films including Peter Chan's "Soul Mate" and Feng Feng Xiaogang's "I Am Not Madame Bovary."

Regardless of whether each of them had a good relationship with Lin Dao Da or not, the invitations were delivered — all of them delivered to Lin Nan's assistant.

But unfortunately, Lin Nan's reply was without exception: thanks for the invitation. Because the schedule was already set — a few of them were going to housewarm Luo Jin's new place that evening to congratulate him on the move.

It's said to be a large flat-floor apartment of nearly five hundred square meters, just purchased not long ago, costing nearly a hundred million.

However, it definitely won't be move-in ready for at least the next six months or so, because Tang Yan and Luo Jin decided to renovate it according to their preferred style, with the total cost sure to exceed a hundred million.

"Look, Director Chen really knows how to show off — an 'International Forum on the Internationalization of Chinese Film Education — Invitation to Attend' from Magic Capital University, Magic Capital Film Academy.

Dean Chen Chen Kaige is the keynote speaker, with directors Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang and Gu Gu Changwei having sharing sessions; well, he'll probably also take the opportunity to talk about the creative philosophy behind 'Legend of the Demon Cat'!"

Ning Hao wandered over holding two invitations, handing one to Lin Nan while teasing him, unable to hold back his laughter.

He had run into Chen Hong outside and had the invitation stuffed into his hand on the spot, so he simply brought it back for Lin Nan as well.

"You really are a busybody."

Lin Nan paused the email he was editing to send back to Tom, looked at the invitation, and complained about Ning Hao in a rather speechless manner.

"Goodness, 'Fifty Shades Freed'! Is this starting production?"

Ning Hao ignored Lin Nan's complaint; he saw the content on the laptop screen and an obscene grin instantly appeared on his face.

"Mm, the finale of the series, starting production next month." Lin Nan nodded.

"Being able to make it to a third part, the profits must be a bit terrifying — how much did your Crystal Pictures make?"

Ning Hao had seen Tom's attitude in front of Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei; he didn't believe it was as simple as Lin Nan only holding 55% of Crystal Pictures.

"The first two parts combined, as of the end of last month, the net profit Crystal Pictures received — I'm talking about net profit — has already exceeded 300 million US dollars.

There will still be a steady stream afterward — streaming, discs, home entertainment, television, merchandise…" Lin Nan didn't hide it either; all of this could be found out if one checked.

"The copyright system abroad is really great — one film can sustain for many years, and a good film can sustain until death, stuffed to death." Ning Hao smacked his lips, so envious he pounded his own chest.

"Why don't you mention that actors get a lot too? For any profitable film, actors can participate in profit-sharing on top of their base fee, although the percentage is small.

But then again, generally speaking, as long as a film is a big hit, both the actors and the studio can make money… and indeed it's the latter who makes more!"

Lin Nan shifted his tone, glanced at Ning Hao with a smile — just being envious is useless, you have to go fight for it in Hollywood.

"So, your Liu Yifei's 'Inception' and 'Interstellar' — she's been getting profit-sharing all along too?"

"Mm, every year. The profit-sharing percentage for leads is relatively above 1 point; the more globally box-office-drawing a superstar is, the higher the percentage, but there's always a cap. Hahaha…"

Watching Ning Hao's expression of regretting he shouldn't have asked so much, Lin Nan really couldn't hold back his laughter and burst out laughing.

……

After picking and choosing all afternoon, Liu Liu Yifei finally settled on a top-quality pearl necklace and a pair of pearl earrings as the gift for Tang Yan that evening.

As for Han Jianü, it was her first time "bleeding heavily" since arriving in Magic Capital — she bought a luxury handbag.

"What about Sister Zhou Xun? We haven't seen her since last night?"

"Her TV drama has a media meeting the day after tomorrow; she should be at the production company's side going over the agenda right now."

Liu Liu Yifei chatted with Han Jianü while swiping her card.

The investment scale of Zhou Xun's TV drama is no small matter; the media launch conference on the 15th will surely attract the attention and heated discussion of the entire entertainment industry and the whole web.

"Aren't you going to pick a gift for your Lin Dao Da?"

"The two of us are obviously giving one gift together — it's fine as long as I pick it out."

Liu Liu Yifei took the gift box and card handed over by the waiter with both hands, and playfully raised an eyebrow at Han Jianü.

"Oops, forgot about that — being married has its perks, haha…"

The assistant followed behind the two of them carrying the exquisite packaging bags — mm, keep shopping.

More than half an hour later, a phone call came in, ending Liu Liu Yifei and Han Jianü's shopping trip — it was from Watching Shu Chang.

"It's already past four; let's go back and meet up with Lin Nan. Zhu Zhu Yawen and the others should be ready too."

After hanging up and checking the time, Liu Liu Yifei decided decisively.

"Fine, as long as you don't let Old Han catch me; every single day he keeps dragging me to meet this uncle, call that auntie… my heart is so tired."

In her slacking-off state, Han Jianü whined through the gap in her teeth again.

During the film festival, the liveliest events are always at night — parties, receptions, dinners…

Just past six in the evening, as various industry events began one after another and calls kept coming in to Lin Nan, he was in a powered-off state — peace of mind.

Liu Liu Yifei, in a floral dress and white sneakers, stepped lightly to Lin Nan's side and looped her arm through his;

When the two reached downstairs, Zhu Zhu Yawen, Shen Shen Jiani, and Han Jianü — also in summer casual wear — were already waiting in the car.

"Hurry up, you two dragging your feet — were you eating lipstick up there? I heard tonight Tang Yan is personally manning the wok, with Tang-Luo-shi helping out in the kitchen…"

Zhu Zhu Yawen really was asking for a beating — wearing sunglasses and acting all cool, teasing Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei, while Shen Shen Jiani and Han Jianü laughed on the side.

"Tang Tang has always said she likes pet dogs, just never has the time to keep one — pity; otherwise tonight she'd definitely squat at the door and bite you."

Liu Liu Yifei's beautiful eyes widened as she shot back without holding back. Lin Nan and the other two burst out laughing — "serves you right."

Just past seven in the evening, two extended business vehicles arrived at Magic Capital's old-money wealthy district. Luo Jin and Tang Yan, wearing baseball caps, came out low-key to greet them.

A house worth nearly a hundred million — the original finishes certainly wouldn't be cheap; it's just that they weren't to Tang Yan's taste, so it has to be redone.

"Honestly, a large flat-floor apartment is nice, but I still prefer villas — the kind with a courtyard, lawn, garden, and leisure and entertainment facilities.

Speaking of which, last time Wang Dong even suggested I buy a manor villa in Shunyi — there are ones with plots of twenty or thirty mu… when I'm free later, I'll go take a look…"

While Liu Liu Yifei, Han Jianü, and Shen Shen Jiani were showing Tang Yan their respective gifts, Lin Nan and Zhu Zhu Yawen followed Luo Jin around touring this new house covering nearly five hundred square meters.

"Tang Tang and I can't compare to you two, Lin Dao Da." Luo Jin's face wore a helpless smile.

"You say it as if I could even compare. Other people are big capital. Tudou is in their second round of financing, with an external market valuation quote of 45 billion! Tsk tsk tsk…"

In Zhu Zhu Yawen's "snark," jealousy and envy made up 99.99% of the emotion, laid bare without a shred of shame.

"By the way, isn't something stewing in the kitchen? The smell's drifting pretty far…" Lin Nan sniffed, smiling as he changed the subject.

"Tang Tang, your braised pork should be ready by now, Lin Dao Da can already smell it, haha…" Luo Jin shouted toward the living room from afar, laughing nonstop.

"Mm, it's ready. Shall we start the meal?"

At exactly eight o'clock, seven people gathered in Luo Jin and Tang Yan's future "new home," likewise beginning the "banquet."

Looking at the ten or so dishes on the table—braised pork, oil-blasted shrimp, sweet and sour spare ribs, crystal shrimp, honey-date yam, and more—Lin Nan couldn't help but glance at Liu Liu Yifei beside him, only to be glared at viciously.

Lin Dao Da had to admit, when it came to cooking, Tang Yan of Luo Jin's household truly far surpassed his own Producer Liu; the gap between the two should be about as far as Magic Capital to the capital, right?!

…………

"Yesterday evening, Director Chen Chen Kaige spoke passionately at the 'China Film Education Internationalization Forum,' saying: When all is said and done, film is about temperament—only when a director has true temperament, and is willing to put that true temperament into the film, can he make a good film!"

"Speaking with great enthusiasm, Director Chen Chen Kaige used himself as an example, recalling: 'I was rather gentle as a child, and fighting generally had nothing to do with me, but deep down I actually looked up with particular admiration to those classmates who were brave and combative.

Strangely, when I was in my forties, I actually got into a fight with someone. Acting out of chivalry that day, I took on six people by myself, and got beaten so badly my head was bloody.

But that day was the most exhilarating day of my life, because I finally overcame the fear deep in my heart and could 'when a common man is insulted, draw his sword and rise.' Therefore, making films must come from the heart…'"

"Director Li An, at 'Shanghai Film Night,' admonished industry filmmakers: be wary of the traps behind the film industry's prosperity. Mindlessly chasing trends for quick money, piling up stars and fast-food IPs, is violently burning through and overdrawing the life force of the film industry, sacrificing the future of the film industry…"

"Director Jia Jia Zhangke, after a gap of six years, once again brought up his long-prepared yet unseen first commercial film, 'In the Qing Dynasty'…"

"Exclusively produced by Red Star Fort, starring Watching Shu Chang, Xu Jiao Xu Jiao Enjun, Dilraba, Zhang Zhang Zhiyao, Yu Bo, Zhong Zhong Hanliang, Chen Yao, Chen Qiao Wu Zhenyu, Mencius Yi, Mu Mu Tingting, Kang Keren, and others;

the large-scale fantasy costume mythological drama 'Eternal Love,' held its official wrap ceremony this morning at Puzhehei Karst National Wetland Park in Yunnan…"

……

Sleeping in until he woke naturally in the morning, the moment he opened his eyes he saw the two great directors' "earnest teachings" on the film industry.

Actually, both of them spoke quite rightly; but for some reason, on Director Chen's side, he gave Lin Nan an irresistible urge to laugh—though absolutely without any pejorative connotation.

"You don't know—when I sat in the audience listening to Director Chen passionately say he took on six people by himself, I thought he'd actually won. Turns out he was the one getting beaten!"

Liu Liu Yifei had gone to pick up Watching Shu Chang at the airport. Just as Lin Nan was about to head out, Ning Hao's call came through.

Well, that hits the nail on the head. Director Chen's absurdity lies right here—clearly he was the one getting beaten, yet he carries the air of Chen 'Ip Man' Chen Kaige!

"Lucky I didn't go. Alright, let's not talk about it for now. See you at the exhibition area later."

"Mm, okay."

Tonight was the first Weibo Film Night, held at the World Expo Cultural Center.

Liu Liu Yifei didn't want to go there to join the bustle—first, it would definitely be chaotic; second, she had made plans with Watching Shu Chang and Han Jianü to go out in the afternoon and watch a movie in the evening.

And Lin Nan supported her idea, so for the evening red carpet, Lin Nan would walk with Zhou Xun. Mm, what a bargain for Zhou Xun!

It had been a few days since he'd paid attention to the film market. When Lin Nan entered the vast film exhibition area, he overheard quite a few people discussing things.

"Alice in Wonderland 2" had finished its run with 380 million in box office. The reason wasn't that it was weak—it was because "Warcraft" was too fierce.

The latter not only swept aside all Chinese-language films, but wiped out imported films along with them;

in just 5 days, it raked in 1.028 billion at the box office—truly storming the fortress, crushing all resistance!

"Lin Dao, Ali is holding the first press conference for the film version of 'Eternal Love' right now. I heard post-production VFX has already begun, with a planned release next year."

Yue Jun spoke as he handed Lin Nan a bottle of water. He had just finished giving media interviews—about "Meigonghe Action."

"Next year is next year, it's got nothing to do with us." Lin Nan spotted Yan Fei's group, along with Shen Teng and Ma Li, and waved them over.

"'Mr. Donkey' getting no attention?"

"Well, it is indeed a bit quiet—mainly because the cast doesn't have much name recognition." Yan Fei's smile carried a touch of bitterness.

"Don't feel pressured. As long as a low-budget film is a dark horse, it won't lose money!"

Lin Nan offered a comforting word with a smile. Then he looked at Ma Li and the other, "You two should be attending tonight's Weibo Film Night too, right?"

"Yes, Lin Dao. After all, last year's 'Happy Happy Mahua' raked in nearly 1.8 billion, didn't it? Ma Li and I are a little famous ourselves, haha."

"That's the logic, but our seats will probably still be toward the back—after all, it's only one film." Ma Li chimed in; she knew her own standing.

"Lin Dao, that 'Yin Yin Xiuxiu's Iron Fist' should be pushed to August or even September. By then the script and budget should both be ready." Yan Fei leaned in closer, lowering his voice.

Regarding this film, Lin Nan wasn't in a rush to push it—Happy Happy Mahua themselves were already very dedicated. "Mm, no problem with the timeline."

Looking at the entire Magic Capital International Film Festival, most of the industry artists who came weren't A-list; but with such a large base, the number of currently popular stars and A-list actors naturally grew as well.

And a high-exposure media gala like the Weibo Film Night was undoubtedly an occasion for artists to "jockey for position"—especially the currently popular A-listers.

When everyone met, their faces were basically all smiles, but what they were thinking inside was anyone's guess;

more often than not, the order of the red carpet and the seating arrangement could pit stars against each other "needle-point to wheat-awn," breeding friction. Because it represents their standing, and to a certain extent, it's also a competition for resources!

……

Hearing Tong Gang Gang and Zhang Zhang Hongsen also quietly hurried to Magic Capital; there were some official forums involving cultural export that needed their authoritative presence.

"Jia Jia Zhangke submitted the application documents for establishing the country's fifth international film festival to the Ministry and the General Administration. The documents bear the joint signatures of all Beijing Film Academy-affiliated major directors, including Zhang Zhang Yimou, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chen Chen Kaige, Cao Cao Baoping… Lin Nan, and others.

The Ministry of Culture, the Central Propaganda Department, and several other departments all approved it yesterday. The Film Bureau also has no objections. Preparations should begin within half a year. You state-owned enterprises, be ready to cooperate."

In the hotel conference hall booked by Shanghai Film, Hearing Tong Gang Gang "briefed" everyone present.

"The fifth international film festival?"

"What boldness he has—there was absolutely no wind of this before." Beside La La Peikang muttered.

"Jia Jia Zhangke? He's the only one suited to do something like this. Not a commercial big-shot director, not film and TV capital—relatively speaking, he can be much more neutral!" Ren Ren Zhonglun nodded, affirming.

"You can tell from the name of his application document that he's got some ambition.

Internally, he didn't call it a film festival, but the 'Pingyao International Film Exhibition'; the external English name is the 'Pingyao Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon International Film Festival'!" Zhang Zhang Hongsen added with a smile.

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?" Han Han Sanping asked instinctively, somewhat puzzled.

"That's right—taken from Li An's film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' Who else but Li An, since his film is the only Chinese-language film to ever win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film—its international influence is tremendous. Also, Li An has already authorized it!"

Hearing Tong Gang Gang explained. Choosing the ancient city of Pingyao as the venue was, to a certain extent, also beneficial for spreading the culture abroad.

……

One phone call, and Lin Nan was notified by Liu Liu Yifei;

She wouldn't be back in the evening; she would go directly to the film festival's screening hall with Shu Chang and Han Jianuo to get an early look at the film "Big Fish & Begonia" that Light had invested in.

The scene outside the World Expo Cultural Center was second only to the film festival's opening ceremony the night before. This side was basically all Asian stars, the majority being Chinese-speaking actors and stars, with a small portion being Japanese and Korean artists.

Lin Nan could be certain that he was the biggest heavyweight among the guests from the film and television circle at tonight's Weibo Film Night, and the only heavyweight of his caliber among filmmakers by a wide margin!

Because although there were many, many stars on this side, there weren't many film directors, especially top-tier directors, which was why he appeared so "unique."

Zhou Xun, in a black long dress with a hollowed-out design at the waist and shiny black speckles, stepped in black high heels, held a gold clutch, and just like that, openly held hands with Lin Nan as they walked onto the red carpet.

The media reporters all went crazy, flashbulbs firing nonstop, their hands trembling.

Good lord, when had anyone ever seen Lin Dao Da walk the red carpet with another actress so "intimately"? Seems like never, right? At least for the moment, no one could recall!

"Sister, I have a premonition: tonight's headline definitely belongs to me!"

Zhou Xun lowered her voice, smiling at the reporters and fans on both sides while bantering with Lin Nan.

"Then you've struck it rich!" Lin Nan also laughed and replied.

"Let me say this in advance, I've already given Liu Yifei a heads-up."

"Mm, me too."

"Hehe, but you're not from Sichuan-Chongqing!" Zhou Xun instantly killed the topic, and Lin Dao Da was left speechless.

Inside the venue, after exchanging greetings with Cao Cao Baoping, Lin Nan led Zhou Xun, passing by Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Fan Li Bingbing, Li Li Bingbing and others in the second row, and sat down in the first row.

The first row was basically all familiar faces: Ning Hao, Xu Zheng… Yu Dong, Wang Wang Zhonglei, Feng Feng Xiaogang…

Zhou Xun was the only pure actress in the first row, sitting next to Lin Nan.

In the tone Lin Dao Da had used on the phone during the day, it would be: "Tonight I'm taking you to enjoy some VIP treatment."

And so, Lin Nan had someone arrange to temporarily change Zhou Xun's seat.

Weibo Film Night was very similar to Weibo Night, with many awards, but overall they were all film-related, and not as chaotic and tedious as Weibo Night.

As a major shareholder of Weibo and the top director present, Lin Nan went on stage to present several awards, in support of Weibo Film Night.

Weibo's Most Popular Comedy Actor: Shen Teng, Ma Li. Mm, these are our own people!

Weibo's Most Popular Action Actor: Wu Jing. This is also one of our own!

Speaking of presenting the award to Wu Jing, this guy was still in Africa.

Xie Nan came up to accept the award on behalf of Wu Jing and was teased by Lin Nan for quite a while; however, the two of them bantered back and forth, handling it with ease, which also served to warm up the crowd.

From start to finish at Weibo Film Night, Lin Nan did not "leave early"; he had fully fulfilled the responsibilities and obligations of a shareholder.

When Cao Cao Guowei gave the concluding remarks, he especially thanked Lin Nan; in addition, he made a promise to the entire film circle:

From now on, every Weibo Film Night would definitely be grander than the last, becoming a film promotional night that the Chinese-language film circle could not do without.

……

Early in the morning, Lin Nan, who had dawdled with Liu Liu Yifei for over an hour before getting up, indeed saw yesterday's news.

The photos of him and Zhou Xun holding hands on the red carpet were truly everywhere, generating a lot of buzz; and to tell the truth, they looked quite a good match, especially in terms of presence!

But Zhou Xun's predicted headline didn't pan out—she didn't get it at all.

Because the front-page headlines of the entertainment section and Weibo's hot search were all about that "Wu so-and-so," and the content was quite explosive!

"According to industry insiders, the super A-list popular idol Wu so-and-so, after returning from South Korea, has had a gap in his management contract until recently, and is suspected to have signed with a major film and television industry giant…"

……

"Multiple entertainment media outlets and veteran entertainment reporters/paparazzi report: Wu so-and-so has recently been plagued by troubles, his own team is doing its utmost to handle PR, and it's known to almost everyone in the circle…"

"According to multiple insiders unwilling to reveal their identities, Wu so-and-so is deeply mired in a negative whirlpool involving sleeping with fans, selecting concubines… and related audio and photos have leaked…"

……

While Lin Nan was eating breakfast, Liu Liu Yifei was still lounging in bed. It wasn't until Shu Chang and Han Jianuo came over that they dragged her out of bed; the three of them apparently still had plans for the morning.

Lin Da the director had no mind to pay attention to the messy stuff online, and most of the capital heavyweights in the circle had no energy to care either—everyone was very busy.

Maybe only the media and fans really care? The former care about "performance metrics" and "benefits," while the latter, this large group, should be so anxious they've lost their heads, completely chaotic, in an uproar!

Jiang Wen's call came early; the gathering he had organized was for that morning.

This gathering wasn't a meal, but a small cocktail party, meant to round up 400 million in investment for "Hidden Blade."

In Jiang Wen's rather "rogue" words: first secure 400 million in investment, and if it's not enough, then ask for more;

By that point, the investors could only continue to follow along. Want to back out and get off? Too late! Unless they're willing to abandon their previous investment and treat it as money down the drain. But, is that possible?

…………