Chapter 718: Multiple Departments Take a Strong Stance, A Final Verdict!

Lin Nan hadn't noticed it before, but following the Spring Festival release of *Bad Guys Always Die* last year, Enlight Media was about to face off against Huayi Brothers' film for the second time.

The previous clash was between the Enlight-controlled *Bad Guys Always Die* and the Huayi-exclusive *Mr. Six*, while this time it was the Enlight-invested *Big Fish & Begonia* versus the Huayi-controlled *Rock Dog*.

The most interesting part: the former had an investment of 30 million USD, with Enlight as the sole distributor; the latter had an investment of 60 million USD, with Huayi as the sole distributor.

Both were major animated films, and they were premiering on the same day!

No matter how you looked at it, this was going to be much livelier than last year's head-on collision, and the topic would be even more heated;

Because this time, there was an additional uncertain factor between the two—Wanda.

Rumors, or rather gossip, had already begun to circulate in the industry: Wanda Cinemas would "boycott" films produced by Huayi.

"Boycott? It won't go that far.

Most of the domestic cinema circle didn't think much of the market appeal of Huayi's *Rock Dog* to begin with. By comparison, *Big Fish & Begonia* was full of gimmicks and had higher market expectations.

Therefore, the comprehensive screening rate for Huayi's film is predictable; it won't be high.

Under these circumstances, if we at Wanda Cinemas were to do something like that, it would seem too unwise and a waste of energy. If we're going to do it, we have to do something big, right? Properly disgust them over there..."

On the morning of the 4th, *Big Fish & Begonia* and *Rock Dog* held their premiere ceremonies simultaneously.

This time was different from the Spring Festival release last year; the number of first and second-tier industry guests at both events was basically a fifty-fifty split, rather than Huayi occupying the absolute upper hand as before.

The reason for this lay in the support from external factors like Tudou, Wanda, and *Monkey King: Hero is Back* for Enlight and *Big Fish & Begonia*.

Liu Xiaobin and Wang Changtian chatted and laughed; Wanda would give *Big Fish & Begonia* a screening rate and volume higher than market expectations, as well as some prime screening times.

As for Huayi's *Rock Dog*? Heh, Wanda wouldn't "boycott" it;

But they would take its already low comprehensive screening rate and place seventy or eighty percent of its showtimes into "specific time slots." This would also be a test, preparing for the next time!

"My great Director Lin, didn't you say you wanted to keep a low profile and not show your face these few days? What's with the sudden whim to come over today?" Wang Changtian, with a face full of smiles, turned his head to look at Lin Nan.

"I received a phone call yesterday morning, so I don't need to keep a low profile anymore. Hmm, I'm in a pretty good mood, too." Lin Nan smiled with a hint of implication.

"Alibaba and that film?" Wang Changtian reacted instantly.

"I didn't say anything at all."

Although it was just a few words, Liu Xiaobin, Ning Hao, and the others all guessed the gist of it, and for a moment, they were very expectant.

At the premiere site, the brief social time for the guests ended; everyone took their seats one after another, and the big screen slowly lowered and lit up.

This *Big Fish & Begonia*, which claimed to have started from a dream of the director and taken 12 years to complete, officially began screening.

Before coming this morning, Liu Qianqian couldn't help but remind Lin Nan: setting aside the plot, the film was truly beautiful—the visuals, the music, the texture...

Next door, at the premiere of *Rock Dog*.

The Deyun Society and Feng Dao had formed the Chinese dubbing team for this film. At this moment, these creators were already accepting media interviews, quoting classics and talking eloquently.

However, Ye Ning, sitting in the executive seat below, was faintly frowning;

*Rock Dog* was the first major film controlled and distributed by Huayi after he brought a large group of mid-level management to join them.

Based on his understanding of his old employer, it was hard to say they wouldn't trip them up... but fortunately, the person in charge of Huayi's distribution business wasn't him.

But then again, once Wanda really did trip them up, no matter what, the root cause would still lie with him. This point could not be denied!

"Director Ye, don't worry. This *Rock Dog*, which we spent 6 years on and was fully crafted by a Hollywood team, speaks entirely through its quality.

Ever since Lin Nan Film's *Monkey King: Hero is Back* sounded the horn for the rise of domestic animated feature films, the animation market has completely come alive. Quality is king.

Any underhanded tricks are just side paths and can't make it to the big stage. Besides, the distribution department has also gone full throttle..."

Wang Zhonglei clearly saw Ye Ning's thoughts and spoke to reassure him. The principle of "don't suspect those you employ, and don't employ those you suspect" was something both he and Wang Zhongjun understood.

And during this period, facts had also proven that Ye Ning was indeed a top-tier professional manager worthy of the name in the industry, with outstanding ability.

Therefore, Huayi didn't regret spending a large sum of money to poach him, even offending Wanda for it... the two brothers even felt they had poached him a bit late.

"As long as everything is prepared, that's fine."

Ye Ning nodded upon hearing this. But the worry in his heart did not dissipate.

"What do you think of this film?" After the screening ended, it was time for the luncheon. Wang Changtian held a glass of red wine, raised it toward Lin Nan, and asked with a smile.

The sound of chatting and laughter was constant all around, and the crisp, pleasant clinking of crystal glasses was one after another.

Lin Nan put down the chopsticks in his hand and was just instructing the waiter to bring him a well-done steak;

Upon hearing Wang Changtian's question, he immediately looked at him, hesitated, and joked: "Does Chairman Wang want to hear the truth or a lie?"

Seeing the smile on the old Wang's face suddenly stiffen, his voice lowered a bit: "Then let's hear the lie first."

"A great film, killing *Monkey King: Hero is Back* in seconds, 1 billion is no problem!" Lin Nan commented with a straight face.

"Speak like a human."

"The visuals, music, Chinese elements, ink-wash style, costumes, architecture, the blending of various ancient myths and classics, etc. —all these elements can be called perfect and top-tier.

But compared to these perfect points, the plot is at two extremes; the former is in heaven, the latter is in the dirt. No, the plot is underground!"

"Stop talking!"

The whispering between the two came to an abrupt end, as if this exchange had never happened. And Lin Nan's well-done steak arrived at this moment.

The film market had already entered the summer release period, and July in the summer period was also the time when major art academies confirmed their admission lists and issued notifications through the official online education system.

When it came to art exams, the most eye-catching was always the acting department. The three major art academies were highly efficient, and the top students for their respective acting departments had already emerged.

At noon, several child stars who participated in the art exams this year posted their admission notification text messages and screenshots from the online education system one after another.

Beijing Film Academy acting department, first in both professional and cultural courses, Guan Xiaotong; Central Academy of Drama acting department, first in both professional and cultural courses, Zhang Xueying.

The top students of the acting departments of the two major art academies in the capital were both well-known child stars; only the Shanghai Theatre Academy had a pure amateur. This result was unexpected in the industry, but also within reason.

Because the Shanghai Theatre Academy was always the last choice for child stars, and also the last choice for the vast majority of art examinees who wanted to get into the three major art academies;

It was just unexpected that this year, Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama would snap up all the child stars, not letting a single one flow out! The entrance to this circle could be said to be getting smaller and smaller.

As Lin Nan, who had just been promoted to a full professor at Beijing Film Academy, the school naturally didn't leave him out after confirming the admission list for the class of '16.

And so, just after arriving home in the afternoon, the phone call came.

"The school asked me to come and ask, do you have any thoughts on teaching a course this academic year? You know, you're a golden signboard. Many students are thinking of you, including this batch that just enrolled in September."

"I don't have the time or the thoughts at the moment."

Lin Nan slumped onto the sofa, scooped up the "Coal Ball" next to him, and pulled it into his arms;

A pair of heterochromatic vertical pupils sized him up, then a crisp "meow" sound rang out, and it lazily rubbed its head against his chest.

"No time or thoughts? That's a truly novel excuse. Fine, I'll report back for you. If you're free and have thoughts, just let me know again. Anyway, there are two semesters."

Teacher Zhou didn't force it either; he was just going through the motions anyway. After all, who would have a problem with their brain and like going to work?

"Then we'll talk about it later. I'm very busy lately anyway." Lin Nan urged the person on the other end to hang up; he was a bit sleepy and wanted to take a nap.

"Then see you later."

"Hmm, see you later."

Not long after, the great Director Lin fell asleep on the sofa; and Liu Qianqian seemed to be still out shopping, not able to return for a while.

After nearly a week, all the negative public opinion about *No Other Love* on the internet had now disappeared completely, and it was nowhere to be seen.

The 99% of indignant netizens had also been "washed" over and over again by the massive amount of headlines and trending searches every day, successfully having their attention diverted.

And through this incident, the film and entertainment industry fully realized the power of "big capital"—that is, the ability to manipulate public opinion.

This kind of method undoubtedly made countless film and television companies in the industry yearn for it, and made countless actors and artists even more "excited" by it. What is a big mountain head? This is it!

For the entire afternoon, the Film Bureau, the Film Bureau, China Film, Shanghai Film, and many others, including Han Sanping, still hadn't rested.

Yesterday they went to the General Political Department, today they came to Ziguangge, and each "cooperation" lasted the whole day.

After five o'clock, when the setting sun dyed half the sky red, the group finally ended their two-day itinerary and left the building, which was originally built during the Zhengde period, in several cars.

"Is this considered completely over?"

Ren Zhonglun and Han Sanping were in the same car, and he muttered and asked.

"Looks like it. If there are no accidents, it will be either tomorrow or the day after." Han Sanping nodded, with a hint of implication.

"It really is time to strike with a heavy fist. Private capital actually dares to control social public opinion like this, and even block and delete official posts. It's simply lawless.

Just when the meeting broke up, they were still self-deprecating here, saying they didn't know if their own drafts would be banned?"

"Is that self-deprecation? Didn't you hear the 'hostility' and 'murderous intent' in those words?" Han Sanping asked back with a smile.

"I heard it, how could I not hear it."

Speaking of this, Ren Zhonglun paused, then thoughtfully looked at Han Sanping, "Weibo is probably going to be summoned for a talk, right? After all, it was the platform that blocked the posts in the group!"

"Hmm, this is inevitable."

"Should we remind Lin Nan? He is a significant shareholder of Weibo, 12 percent."

After Ren Zhonglun finished speaking, the car became unusually quiet. Han Sanping also unconsciously frowned. After a moment, he shook his head:

"No need to remind him, he's a smart man. From the moment Weibo did that, he should have known what the result would be."

"Then, alright."

For some reason, Lin Nan slept exceptionally well this night, even though he had already slept for several hours yesterday afternoon. Hmm, the cat in his arms slept with him.

In the morning, the chirping of birds and the barking of cats and dogs outside couldn't reach the room at all.

The great Director Lin and Liu Qianqian just continued to stay in bed like this, both of their mobile phones were turned off.

The two of them were snuggled up together, immersed in sweet dreams, completely unaware of how lively it had become outside, but the people outside were about to die of anxiety.

Many people who hurriedly called to find Lin Nan and Liu Qianqian were blocked by the phrase "the number you dialed is powered off," and in the end, they could only stomp their feet and complain, or curse.

That's right, something big had happened outside.

The entire film and entertainment industry was in chaos, arguing in one piece; the news media world had also exploded, in an uproar; the relevant top-tier capital remained silent, because they didn't dare to make a sound.

Looking at the internet, it was a neat piece of boiling and cheering; countless netizens had "won"!

The reason for this huge impact was that the authorities had publicly stepped in; they personally intervened in the "problems" of the *No Other Love* crew and all relevant creators, naming and characterizing certain people, certain things, and certain capital, and multiple top-tier departments and units spoke out and took a stance together!

"At nine o'clock this morning, the *National Defense News* published an article on the front page: 'Casting Hurts National Feelings, Netizens Voice Boycott of the Film'."

"It is reported that this long article detailed the ins and outs of the public opinion storm surrounding the film *No Other Love*, emphasizing the public's reasonable and legal questioning and anger toward the film. The production side, the director, and the actors, under the weight of solid evidence and ironclad proof, still refused to admit it and walked down the wrong path to the end..."

"Excerpt and reprint of the original text of *National Defense News*:

As early as two months ago, there were sporadic masses reporting the actor's problems and leaving messages of protest under the film director's Weibo.

But for more than two months, despite numerous netizens leaving messages of protest under her Weibo, she had no feedback other than deleting posts; it wasn't until a few days ago, when public opinion was in an uproar, that she responded.

But the hundreds of words were rambling and did not respond to the key points that netizens were heatedly discussing, but instead made everyone recall the public opinion storm of '01.

In this incident, her behavior once again made the Chinese people feel heartbroken.

National feelings cannot be desecrated, whether it is under the guise of 'art' or other high-sounding reasons, or for the sake of 'market' and 'box office' and other tangible interests;

In short, all behaviors that hurt national feelings will be opposed and boycotted by clear-headed people, and thus move further away from 'art' and 'box office'.

Although art has no borders, artists have nationalities and national attributes, and need to respect public emotions and moral foundations; and patriotism is always the most basic ethical morality.

For behaviors that dare to challenge the bottom line of the masses and the country, the military will never be lenient..."

"The *Ziguangge* verified official Weibo reprinted the full text of *National Defense News* and added:

We hope that the competent departments of the film and cultural industry can produce results, and never be lenient toward anyone in this incident. Through this incident, we should also clarify regulations and ordinances, so as to apply to all such incidents and such filmmakers, actors, and literary workers in the future..."

"Under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Cultural Security and Ideology Construction Research Center proposed: All such artists should be explicitly prohibited from entering the country, and all works they participate in should be prohibited from spreading domestically."

"The *Ziguangge* official Weibo @ the 'Group' official Weibo, joking: You don't need to forward and comment, we're afraid you'll get your posts deleted again!"

"At 9:30 in the morning, the relevant departments officially summoned Weibo for a talk..."

Waking up naturally from a sleep, and then the internet was already a scene of "the sky falling and the earth collapsing."

This was Lin Nan's inner thought at the moment, but he didn't think it was a big deal at all; instead, he was quite excited, just watching the fun!

The most excited on the internet were naturally those netizens who had been filled with righteous indignation. At this moment, they were all sarcastically mocking that film, mocking the director, the actors, and the production side.

"It's all over now, right? Everyone has to die!"

"They've been named by the mouthpiece of that kind of department, where else can they run if they don't die? Those two actors are permanently banned, and the director isn't a good thing either, probably no future."

"Must investigate, must investigate the capital behind her, how dare they so blatantly manipulate public opinion and delete posts on a large scale?"

"A group of people above others, this time it's over, right? And they said we were 'internet mobs'!"

"What about the one surnamed Guan? How to deal with this guy? This guy is the most disgusting one!"

"Although I don't want to admit it, I still have to say, this guy surnamed Guan really escaped, disgusting."

When Lin Nan went out to the company, the major film and television companies in the circle were still in a mess, all because of the "strong stance" of multiple heavyweight departments above!

Huayi.

Wang Zhongjun appeared so flustered for the first time, urging Wang Zhonglei:

"Go notify him, tell him to delete his Weibo immediately, keep a low profile, don't make a sound. Also, turn off the comment function, it's best to play dead during this period! In the future, for any filmmakers or actors the group wants to cooperate with, especially those from outside the mainland, do a thorough background check on all of them!"

"Big brother, are we really going to cut everything off this time?" Wang Zhonglei still couldn't quite believe it. There had been many such things in the past, but...

"Even *National Defense News* published such a long article, and even words like 'the military will never be lenient' were said nakedly. What do you think?"

Wang Zhongjun said in a cold voice, staring at Wang Zhonglei.

Although Huayi also had many gray areas, he was still unwilling to touch the core bottom line. After all, their own background could be considered "root-red and seedling-straight"!

As for others... those without interest dealings, they wouldn't care... just like Guan someone.

"Alright, I'll go now."

Someone was already scared silly. She had never thought that this matter would become so big and so serious.

She originally thought that if she suppressed it, it would be suppressed, and it would be fine, but... but who could have thought that those units she didn't even dare to think about would all jump out at once!

"Chairman Zhang, what should we do now? The authorities have already..."

Zhang Qiang looked at someone who looked terrified and uneasy, and for a moment, he felt quite disdainful in his heart.

It was just that Chairman Ma thought she was still a bit useful, otherwise why would a stupid actress... and "Female Buffett"? Heh!

However, thinking of the phone call he just received, Zhang Qiang reluctantly showed a little smile on his face and comforted:

"No need to be so afraid, the authorities didn't explicitly say what they would do to you, right? They just clarified that they would boycott those two actors and this kind of artist.

Later, the company will represent the production side, and you, the director, will also need to come forward together. Let's issue an apology statement first, shift the responsibility first, and say that we didn't do a good background check beforehand... The crew will change actors and reshoot later!"

Hearing Zhang Qiang's "light and breezy" tone and answer, someone felt much more at ease instantly.

"Then after I go back, I'll immediately have someone issue an apology statement for me?"

"No, what would it look like to issue an apology statement today? With such a big battle from the authorities just coming down, if we post now, it would completely give people the feeling of just going through the motions.

We'll issue the statement tomorrow. This represents that we spent the whole day in deep reflection and introspection today, and have already deeply realized our mistakes...

The apology statement is best to be sincere and heartfelt, so as not to be caught by those netizens again and stir up public opinion. This group of people is very good at making trouble..."

Zhang Qiang glanced at the person in front of him and emphasized. The disdain in his heart grew heavier; this was just a brainless female star.

"Alright, alright, thank you Chairman Zhang, I'll listen to you. And also, Ma... Chairman Ma, about the financial side?"

Someone asked about another matter, which was the most important thing in the second half of this year.

"The plan remains unchanged, just do your part. When necessary, the group will support you."

"Alright, I understand, Chairman Zhang."

Someone who was pale just a moment ago, upon hearing this sentence from Zhang Qiang, instantly had a flush of excitement on her face.

Lin Nan, sitting in the office, was truly busy non-stop, because his phone was turned on.

"This is a thorough boycott, because it was shouted out by those two most powerful mouthpieces, which represents the will of those two places!

That red-headed document from the year before last can't be compared with this time at all. Even if no document was issued this time, and it was just published in an internal publication, different is different. This time is a final verdict, and it will be handled like this in the future!"

Han Sanping said in a serious tone, as if he were teaching Lin Nan something.

"I understand, Han Dong."

"Lin Nan, this isn't a matter of understanding or not, you need to have sensitivity. This represents that we will become more and more strong on certain issues;

And once we are strong, there will definitely be people who can't stand it. Then provocation, targeting, and suppression will inevitably follow one after another...

So where will the reaction be? I won't talk about the big aspects, but in the small aspects, it will inevitably be reflected in all walks of life!

The high-tech industry definitely has it, so what about the film and cultural industry? You have to know that this is an industry for external cultural output and establishing a positive image, so it is naturally also within the scope of being targeted and suppressed..."

Lin Nan was truly stunned. This... worthy of being the "Mountain Sculpture" (a nickname for Han Sanping), a big shot who had been in the top chair of the film and cultural industry for many years! This sense of smell is simply invincible!

"The shares you own in that Crystal Pictures in Hollywood, it shouldn't be the 55% that you told the outside world, right?"

Suddenly, Han Sanping changed the topic again, and Lin Nan was directly stunned by the question. Finally, this day had come, the day of being exposed?!

"What does Han Dong mean by this? I don't understand." Lin Nan decided to continue pretending.

"Heh, don't pretend with me! When I was pretending, you were still in the Northwest peeing and playing with mud." Han Sanping sneered, then changed to his usual tone:

"I only reacted in the last two years. If it was only 55% of the shares, although you have absolute say, it would be impossible for that fatty to suck up to you like a mangy dog, especially sucking up to Qianqian!"

"Damn, that damn Tom!" Lin Nan cursed in his heart.

"Alright, you guessed right, keep it a secret for me." The great Director Lin stopped pretending.

"How much?"

"95%."

There was a deathly silence on both ends of the phone, but a few seconds later, Han Sanping started cursing: "I f*** your grandfather, who are you guarding against, you brat? Fooling me for so many years..."

"It's not that my strength wasn't enough before, and I was afraid that you would pester me all day to start big projects and co-production projects, that would be annoying..." Since it was out in the open, Lin Nan started joking.

"You are now completely full-fledged, but why are you still hiding it?"

"It's just that I'm used to hiding it. If it weren't for you exposing me, Han Dong, I could have continued to hide it, haha..."

Amidst Lin Nan's laughter, there was silence on the other end of the phone again.

After a long time, a reminder came, the tone was very sincere: "Just like what I said just now, be careful outside later, you might be targeted!"

"I know, thank you, Han Dong." Lin Nan froze for a second, and replied just as sincerely.

Three minutes later, the two hung up the phone.

In the large office, there was only Lin Nan alone. He couldn't help but sigh. Over the years, Han Sanping had really taken great care of him.

"Han Dong, I will return this favor to your family's 'leaky cotton-padded jacket' (a term for a daughter), heh..."

Lin Nan shook his head with a smile and muttered to himself.

... ===== CHAPTER 719 =====