Chapter 710: Simultaneous Festival-Slot Announcements, LeTV's Blowup

Starting from noon at 12 o'clock, crowds had been gathering one after another outside Hengshan Cinema; at a glance, they were all organized fan-group supporters.

Genuine moviegoers, tourists, and onlookers wouldn't come this early, and the media circle was no exception.

Speaking of South Korean fan-circle culture, in the past two years it has thoroughly taken root in the mainland film and entertainment industry.

The speed and momentum of its development in the mainland far surpass those of the original South Korean entertainment circle.

The reason, ultimately, is that the country's huge population base and the prosperity of the internet played a decisive, fueling role.

Moreover, shrewd players in the film-and-entertainment industry and internet capital had long seen through the surface to the "essence":

Fan-circle culture can also be a business — an ancillary business exclusive to the film and entertainment world; and in this country, it can be a big business, even an entire industrial chain!

In the afternoon, when Lin Nan returned to the hotel, Liu Liu Yifei — her head full of multicolored curlers but not yet made up — could no longer hold back and was already eating lunch.

She was a bit hungry; after this meal, she'd have to hold out until past 10 p. m.

"That head of yours full of colorful curlers — at first glance I thought it was some kind of floral headdress."

Lin Nan sat down beside Miss Liu and teased with a smile. In front of him was a small bowl of rice and three side dishes; it looked quite appetizing.

"Pretty, right? Hehe… Changchang and Xun-ge said the same thing just now.

Oh right, they should be starting their makeup by now; neither of them plans to eat lunch — they'll just bring a few milk candies."

As she spoke, Liu Liu Yifei picked up a bite of rice and held it up to Lin Nan's mouth, her delicate face wearing a pitifully pleading expression: "I can't eat this much, don't let it go to waste."

At that moment, Lin Dao Da caught on: "So you were just waiting for me to come back and deal with the leftovers?"

"Nonsense, I only just took two bites. I was waiting for you to eat together — it's not leftovers! The day before yesterday I saw Tang Tang shove half-eaten bird's nest at Luo Jin…"

"Heh, Luo Jin's basically married into the family, I can't compare with him, uh, let's go halfsies; the thing is I'm not that hungry right now either, I just had two cups of tea at Director Han's place.

How about I sneak some snacks in for you tonight?"

As Lin Nan "voluntarily" took the chopsticks, he looked at Liu Liu Yifei's pretty face and asked one last question.

Stuffing chocolates, candies, and sunflower seeds into a suit costing over a hundred thousand yuan was certainly doable — Lin Dao Da had experience with this.

"Sure, bring some liqueur-filled chocolates — they like that flavor too."

"Deal."

More than half an hour later, the makeup and styling teams returned after their own lunch.

Miss Liu, who had just rinsed her mouth, immediately continued with her makeup and styling. As for Lin Dao Da, he instructed his assistant to go "stock up" for the evening.

At the same moment, news about "Ip Man 4" just happened to break into the headlines of the film-and-entertainment world.

It had slipped through the cracks and stolen a wave of buzz from the Shanghai International Film Festival; after all, over at the festival, everyone was basically busy with makeup and prepping for the evening red carpet.

"Co-produced by Emperor Entertainment and Lin Nan Pictures, starring Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo, Wu Yue, Scott Adkins, Kent Cheng, Chen Guokun, and others, the finale of the 'Ip Man' series, 'Ip Man 4,' wrapped filming at 1 p. m. local time on Bangkok's Chinatown."

"Huo Huo Wenxi, in an on-site interview with the media at the wrap, said Emperor Entertainment has no plans to release 'Ip Man 4' during the crowded He Sui or Spring Festival windows, and intends to schedule it for next year's May Day or summer slot."

……

The afternoon flew by; by four o'clock, the main group began to set out one after another.

At the venue, the hundred-plus-meter red carpet outside Hengshan Cinema had already been fully laid.

The front half was outdoors, with the areas on both sides of the barriers reserved for fans, moviegoers, and tourists, ringed by heavy security.

The back half of the red carpet, however, was entirely inside a purpose-built tent structure some sixty to seventy meters long and five meters high;

including the large number of media reporters, hosts, and other staff — all of them were in this section, clearly separated from the sea of fans and moviegoers up front.

Back at the hotel, Lin Nan and the others were all ready.

Zhou Xun wore a cream-colored, cinched-waist full-length dress, her long hair side-parted; though in feminine attire, the aura of "Young Master Zhou" was fully on display — a commanding presence.

Watching Shu Chang had a similarly petite frame, and given her age, heavy glamorous makeup wasn't suitable; she stuck with her fresh, clean style.

But paired with expensive jadeite bangles and earrings, it added a touch of poise and inner depth — bright eyes, pearly teeth, still that little fox.

Last was Liu Liu Yifei, whose styling drew the most attention. A pink but not gaudy haute-couture off-shoulder gown — eye-catching without being harsh, gentle and serene.

On her left wrist was a platinum diamond bangle, on her right a matching petal ring; her gently waved long hair was draped over her left shoulder and across her chest, and a palm-length precious floral hair ornament adorned the dark locks on her right side…

"I can see it now — the red carpet is naturally made for women. Just the outfits and accessories alone — you and I, two big guys? Are you sneaking snacks in again?"

Ning Hao was mid-tease when he spotted Lin Nan over there stuffing chocolates — and sunflower seeds — into his pockets, and nearly jumped.

He glanced back at Director Ning in his all-black haute-couture suit; Lin Nan first nodded, then shook his head.

"The clothes were sent by the brand, but it's not a sponsorship — the brooch was sent too."

"What do you mean?" Xing Aina, in a casual women's outfit, asked in confusion, exchanging puzzled looks with Ning Hao.

"It was 'sent'!"

Zhou Xun emphasized with a laugh; Liu Liu Yifei and Shu Chang both covered their mouths, giggling but saying nothing.

"It was sent by Liu Yifei's brand."

Lin Dao Da shrugged helplessly — they'd been freeloading off him for years; sending this little bit was a bargain for them!

And with that, the Ning Hao couple got it: "Good lord, they should! Long, long before the contract expired, weren't they already begging you to renew, Liu Yifei?"

"Mm-hmm, hehe…" Unable to hold back her laughter any longer, Miss Liu nodded.

"Spending double the endorsement fee to earn at least five times the return. And the key thing is Lin Dao Da never takes commercial endorsements publicly. Just think how much the brand profits!" Zhou Xun smacked her lips enviously.

"Alright, let's get going." Lin Nan laughed and cut Zhou Xun off; the assistant was already at the door, urging them on.

"Then let's go, everyone. Today we're walking the red carpet together — this lineup, this roster, tsk tsk tsk…"

Ning Hao turned first, took Xing Aina's hand, and headed out.

……

At exactly six in the evening, within a one-kilometer radius of Hengshan Cinema the place was a roaring sea of people, with large numbers of uniformed traffic police and regular police clustered there.

One had to admit that this year's Shanghai International Film Festival committee and the municipal government choosing this venue for the closing ceremony and awards show was beyond criticism — a venue of great significance.

This "Hengshan Cinema," personally inscribed by Marshal Chen, has not only witnessed Shanghai's cultural development since the founding of the nation, but also holds a pivotal place in the history of Chinese cinema.

In the waiting area, a sea of industry people; the "Great Wall" crew stood out especially — all because of the National Master, director Zhang Zhang Yimou;

Without a doubt, he was one of the top three directors present at that moment! And "The Great Wall" was his first purely English-language film, a major Sino-American co-production.

"This is the closing ceremony. Is LeEco really not sending a single executive?"

"Director Zhang, Chairman Zhang and Chairman Jia have some work they truly can't get away from, so they really can't make it to this closing ceremony." A mid-level manager from LeEco said with an apologetic smile.

Upon hearing this answer, Zhang Zhang Yimou didn't ask anything further.

And Miss Jing Tian, Liu Liu Dehua, and the others beside him didn't care from start to finish whether LeEco had any executives show up.

They continued chatting among themselves, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with industry people who came over to greet them, and many were congratulating Miss Jing Tian on her role in "Pacific Rim 2."

Though his face remained calm, Zhang Zhang Yimou was actually feeling a bit "uneasy" inside.

He knew this sense of foreboding well—it felt very, very similar to when he had his falling out with Xin Huamian and when Zhang Zhang Weiping ran into trouble.

Sometimes, a person's intuition is really quite mysterious and uncanny.

……

Lin Nan held Liu Liu Yifei's hand as the latter stepped out of the car holding up her skirt; a flash of pale white at her ankle above the silver crystal high heels, gone in an instant.

Then Ning Hao and Xing Aina, Zhou Xun and Watching Shu Chang also stepped out of the other two cars one after another.

The super-luxurious lineup of six drew shouts from the countless onlookers on site, instantly raising the volume by several decibels.

After waving to the crowd, the group followed the young ladies of ceremony toward the waiting area.

In the distance, the red carpet began again—this time with the "massive" "League of Gods" crew.

Wang Wang Changtian came striding straight over, a smile on his face but anxiety in his eyes.

"Liu Liu Qianqian, you all chat with the others first. Our slot is in the very last batch, no rush."

Lin Nan immediately whispered something in Liu Liu Yifei's ear. The latter's brow furrowed slightly as she nodded silently—she guessed something must be up.

Wang Wang Changtian tugged at Lin Nan's sleeve and hurried him to a corner; industry people automatically gave them even more space.

"What's wrong, Wang Dong? The red carpet's about to start and you're being all mysterious about it."

Ignoring Lin Nan's teasing, Wang Wang Changtian threw an arm around Lin Nan's shoulder, lowered his head, and pressed his voice to the extreme, his tone carrying undisguised shock and lingering fear!

"Lin Nan, something's really happened on LeEco's side—something big!"

……

When the sky had completely turned into a hazy brightness under the glow of lights, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei—fingers tightly interlocked—finally walked past the red carpet and into the awards ceremony venue.

Hall No. 1, front hall, back seats—a standard auditorium-style cinema with nearly a thousand seats.

Zhou Xun was guided by the on-site staff to the third row on the left;

While Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, Watching Shu Chang, Ning Hao, and Xing Aina were led straight to the second row, in the middle two columns.

Inside the venue, the crowd was packed shoulder to shoulder—what a lively scene.

"Over here, over here."

Lin Nan would bet his life that Han Jianü being able to sit in the third row was definitely the result of someone giving her "special treatment"!

Apart from Ren Ren Zhonglun, no one had that kind of free time. Han Han Sanping would absolutely be too embarrassed to ask for a seat for someone, and didn't care about such things—after all, his own daughter's resume was admittedly "rather thin."

"Lin Nan, Liu Yifei."

"Lin Dao, Producer Liu."

"Brother Lin, Sister Liu Yifei."

Three voices rang out almost simultaneously. Watching Shu Chang was like a wallflower, only receiving a polite nod and a smile.

A one-meter-wide aisle separated the five. Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei were on the left; Watching Shu Chang, Xing Aina, and Ning Hao on the right.

Without a word, Lin Dao Da took the initiative to sit on the aisle side, leaving the seat to his left for Liu Liu Yifei; further left were Zhang Zhang Yimou, Miss Jing Tian, and Liu Liu Dehua.

As for directly behind Liu Liu Yifei—well, that was Han Jianü.

"Director Zhang, Brother Hua, Tiantian, didn't expect us to be sitting together." Lin Nan greeted them with a smile, and Miss Liu wore an equally beaming face.

"Yeah, seems like it really is the first time."

Zhang Zhang Yimou nodded with a smile, and after that Lin Nan said nothing more; seeing Zhang Zhang Yimou at this moment, his feelings were truly complicated.

The first row was all leaders—from the General Administration to the Film Bureau, from the Magic City officials to the major state-owned enterprises and public institutions…

Since it was the Magic City International Film Festival, naturally there had to be some local favoritism—the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

Dance, opera, vocal music—nearly half of the talent performance segments featured Shanghai Theatre Academy people; the rest were other professional performers.

Just the warm-up performance and the leaders' speeches alone ate up time until nine in the evening.

By the time the awards ceremony actually began, there were quite a few people with empty stomachs.

"Senior Brother Lin?"

A light tap on his left shoulder—Han Jianü called out softly, wearing a pitiful expression.

"What's up?" Lin Nan turned his head.

"Liu Liu Qianqian said you have food."

Good lord. Lin Nan glanced at the grinning Liu Liu Yifei, then promptly pulled a small box from his pocket.

"You all keep it down a bit. Ask Director Zhang and the others if they want some—there aren't many, just six in a box. I've tried them, the alcohol flavor is pretty mild, try not to spread it around."

"Mm-hmm, I'll keep it in my mouth." Miss Liu's face beamed with smiles as she nodded.

In no time, a box of liqueur chocolates was distributed, and the three from Zhang Zhang Yimou's group accepted them without hesitation.

Lin Nan pulled another box from his other pocket and passed it across the aisle to Ning Hao—the guy's eyes were gleaming; he'd been shooting Lin Nan meaningful looks just now.

Best Animated Film Award, Best Documentary Film Award…

From low to high, five awards in a row were settled, and the Best Actress went to someone from the Island Nation.

"The winner of Best Actor is Liu Ye, for 'Cock and Bull,' congratulations!"

A wave of applause filled the venue—this was the first major award to stay in the country. It was also Liu Ye's first major award in 12 years.

To be honest, in "Cock and Bull," Zhang Yi's character might have left a deeper impression on the audience, but that was because the supporting male role was more brilliantly written—not because the lead wasn't good!

Flushed with excitement, Liu Ye stood on stage, holding the trophy, kissing it; his emotions were clearly somewhat out of control, agitated—after all, it had been 12 years since he'd won an award.

"Thank you, thank you Director Cao Bao and Lin Dao Nan, thank you Zhang Yi, Wang Wang Ziwen…"

Lin Nan's name appeared in the microphone for the first time tonight, drawing the attention and greetings of several hundred people in the audience… that was really showing off.

Two consecutive years, two films producing four Best Actors at the Magic City International Film Festival—Cao Bao's reputation has truly risen meteorically this time.

Although this was a Category A Best Actor, and one that benefited from home-field advantage, a Category A is still a Category A!

"Lin Nan, congratulations."

Suddenly, Zhang Zhang Yimou turned his head and offered congratulations; everyone in the circle knew that "Cock and Bull" was produced by Lin Nan Pictures.

Winning an award at the Magic City International Film Festival makes selling to Europe and America basically impossible, but selling some rights in Asia is still something to look forward to.

"Thank you, Director Zhang."

Lin Nan looked past Liu Liu Yifei toward Zhang Zhang Yimou and responded with a smile.

As Lin Nan knew, when LeTV acquired LeTV Pictures at the end of March, the market value of Zhang Zhang Yimou's shares in LeTV Pictures was 141 million;

Later, after he massively increased his holdings at LeTV's internal option price, calculated at LeTV's current "stock price," the value of his shares had absolutely nearly tripled!

At least 500 million! But, unfortunately…

Everyone loves money—at that moment, no one could talk him out of it!

A little past 10 PM, the moment the closing ceremony and awards presentation ended, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei headed straight back to the hotel; early to bed, early to rise—they had a flight to catch tomorrow morning.

…………

The next morning, the Magic City International Film Festival's award results dominated the entertainment headlines and trending searches across the entire internet, but the industry's focus naturally shifted to the Huabiao Awards five days later.

Clear skies, not a cloud for ten thousand li.

Outside Hongqiao Airport, once again countless entertainment reporters, paparazzi, and actors and stars engaged in their "clashes"; and this was even with quite a few industry people having already left Magic City late last night.

At Shanghai Film Group, Ren Ren Zhonglun's fingers lightly tapped the office desk, pondering something. His secretary stood nearby, waiting.

After a long while, a question rang out: "Lin Nan is back in the capital?"

"Seems like a flight around nine, should have just boarded less than half an hour ago. Chairman Ren?"

"Notify Jackie Chan's side, we can issue the announcement." Ren Ren Zhonglun seemed to have made a very difficult decision, gritting his teeth, speaking with considerable weight.

"Got it, I'll handle it right now."

In the office, only Ren Ren Zhonglun remained. His brow slightly furrowed, he continued mulling over the news he had just learned.

Because Shanghai Film Group was going through the listing process, he paid close attention to any movements from the Securities Regulatory Commission;

It was precisely this attention that led him to learn of a not-insignificant matter—a confidential one.

"Sent a working group to station at LeTV… the intention from above? Seems like… it's been gone for a while now?"

Ren Ren Zhonglun was well aware that an A-share listed internet company might be in trouble—big trouble.

Half an hour later, a phone call came directly to Ren Ren Zhonglun's office, jolting him out of his reverie.

"Yue Jun? Lin Nan probably hasn't landed yet, why are you calling me?" Ren Ren Zhonglun answered the landline, puzzled.

"Chairman Ren, Lin Dao really hasn't returned yet. But according to the previous arrangement, after the film festival ends, I need to notify each investor of the release schedule for 'Operation Meigonghe'."

In an instant, Ren Ren Zhonglun narrowed his eyes.

"When? Did Lin Nan decide?"

"No, Lin Dao originally wanted to set it for the National Day window. But Jin Dun conveyed the Ministry's intention to push it into the He Sui window, and now it's time to go public…"

Ren Ren Zhonglun didn't hear a single word of what Yue Jun said after that—his mind was filled with nothing but the three words "He Sui window."

Although he had been mentally prepared for a long time, hearing those three words now and clashing schedules, he still felt a twinge of heart palpitation.

"Alright, I'll have someone issue a joint announcement. China Film, Emperor Motion Pictures, they've all been notified?"

"Yes, notifying them one by one."

……

A little past 11 AM, two consecutive blockbusters simultaneously officially announced their entry into the He Sui window.

In the view of the entire film industry, this year's He Sui window has truly been completely turned into a meat grinder, a gladiatorial arena, hasn't it?

Its bloodiness is beyond doubt—the cruelest since the millennium, bar none; so many big directors, so many blockbusters, all heading for those two months!

"Co-produced by Shanghai Film Group and Aolai Pictures, led by Jackie Chan, starring Huang Huang Zitao, Wang Kai, Xu Fan, Wang Dalu and others, with Andy Lau making a cameo, the mainstream action-comedy film 'Railway Tigers' is officially scheduled for December 23rd in the He Sui window, competing alongside 'The Great Wall,' 'See You Tomorrow' and other blockbusters during the same period…"

"In the morning, seven entertainment industry giants—Lin Nan Pictures, Jin Dun, Enlight Pictures, Wanda, Emperor Motion Pictures, China Film, Shanghai Film Group—issued a joint announcement:

Directed, written, and helmed by Lin Dao Nan, produced by Liu Liu Yifei, with Director Ning Hao as chief cinematographer, starring Zhang Zhang Hanyu, Zhu Zhu Yawen, Li Li Bingbing, Chen Chen Baoguo, Dilraba and others;

The mainstream commercial blockbuster 'Operation Meigonghe' is scheduled for November 28th, and will fire the first shot of this year's He Sui window, opening its curtain!"

……

After shaking off the swarm of entertainment reporters at the airport, Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, Shu Chang, and Han Jianü got directly into a Hongxing Wu car.

But Lin Nan didn't go back with them; instead, he took a detour and got off in front of the Enlight Pictures building.

Yesterday before the red carpet, Wang Wang Changtian hadn't had time to explain in detail, and after the awards ceremony he rushed back to the capital overnight, so Lin Nan hadn't had any chance to ask for the full story.

How to describe the feeling in Lin Nan's heart? It was like watching TV and hitting the climax only for an ad to suddenly interrupt, like getting into something only for it to cut off mid-chapter—he just couldn't sit still, wanted to curse someone out.

"Alright, you guys head back first; if you're hungry, go ahead and order food, don't worry about me."

"Then how will you get back?"

The business van's door wide open, Liu Liu Yifei, wearing sunglasses, asked.

"I'll have Wang Dong send his private car to take me back—heard he just bought a Bentley, perfect for me to try it out."

Hearing Lin Nan's joke, Liu Liu Yifei felt reassured; she then instructed the Hongxing Wu driver that they could go.

Enlight Pictures, 12th floor.

Wang Wang Changtian kept clicking his tongue and sighing, looking like someone who loved a good show and wasn't afraid of things getting big, even looking forward to grabbing a piece of the pie.

"So, Chairman Wang, how did you come by all this information?" Lin Nan picked up his teacup and asked.

Big Lao Wang loved his tea — every purchase was top-grade, so much so that even Lin Nan, who never studied the tea arts, could taste it. Fine water, even finer tea.

"I, after all, came up through the system — I still know a few people over at the Securities Regulatory Commission;

besides, we're all in the listed-company circle. An internet-listed company like LeTV is deeply rooted in the film and TV industry!"

Wang Wang Changtian rolled his eyes and boasted without a shred of modesty.

"Mm, impressive. But I seem to recall Director Wang envying LeTV's side not long ago." Lin Nan couldn't resist the tease.

Wang Wang Changtian didn't bother with Lin Nan's ribbing and went on grumbling:

"I said it myself — we're all listed on the ChiNext, so why does LeTV rake in profits year after year and keep its stock price sky-high? Tudou and Youku have been pouring money in nonstop.

At first I figured it was because LeTV held the third-largest market share and its users were locked in deep enough!

Turns out, all these years they've just been selling to themselves, buying from themselves, and cooking their own books!"

"Director Wang, easy does it — the inspection team just went in, no conclusion yet."

Lin Nan said with an easy, breezy smile, as if reminding Wang Wang Changtian;

auditing a major listed company is a slow, grueling affair. Even if everyone already knows the outcome, before the officials make it public, it's best to keep a low profile and not make a fuss.

"I'm only saying this to you, but it's pretty much a done deal."

"Could it leak outside?" Lin Nan looked at Wang Wang Changtian.

"No way. Without solid official connections and background, you can't know much. Take LeTV's celebrity shareholders — every one of them is just leeks, only finding out the specifics when they're finally harvested, which is to say, when the officials go public!"

Wang Wang Changtian declared with absolute certainty, brimming with confidence.

Seeing Lin Nan spacing out, Wang Wang Changtian couldn't help but warn him:

"These things, I'm fine telling you, but don't go spreading them around — especially not to people like Huang Huang Xiaoming and Zhang Zhang Yimou;

even though you're on good terms with them, Huang Huang Xiaoming especially, don't you go looking for trouble."

Lin Nan shook his head and replied very seriously: "The waters are too deep. I'm just a director, a bit of capital in the film and TV industry — I can't afford to get involved."

Wang Wang Changtian was clearly pleased with Lin Nan's answer, and then sighed in agreement:

"Deep indeed. Seems like it's coming from the top. Just think — LeTV's been around all these years, so why does it blow up now?"

"Mm?"

"We may not know the specifics, but Laozu Sect's thousands of years of 'wisdom' tell us — eight out of ten, some big mountain has collapsed."

…………