Chapter 732: The Original Heart; A Response Full of Thorns, Breaking the Face; August Army Building

……

"I used to only know that Hong Kong Island has many famous celebrities who are unlearned and unskilled; a large portion of them became famous as little delinquent girls or little hooligans; so their loose talk and crooked attitudes are common sight, nothing strange."

"But someone this stupid, I've truly never seen before; I can only say this woman, bloated with greed, has completely cut off her family's future in the mainland; tsk tsk..."

Lin Nan strongly agreed with Wang Wang Changtian's words, that this family would definitely be unable to survive in the mainland from now on, at least the movies produced by their company would be impossible to appear in the mainland.

Because although Hong Kong films can enjoy the same revenue-sharing ratio as mainland films in the mainland, the former essentially still belong to the imported film category;

and this woman directly provoked China Film on Weibo, implying the latter broke the rules and excluded compatriots, and furthermore bit back and turned the table, a behavior that truly offended China Film to the death.

If they could get an imported film quota in the future, that would truly be seeing a ghost;

even if they wanted to enter as a purchased film, the entities holding purchased film quotas are only two: one is China Film, the other is Huaxia Film; China Film certainly won't give a quota and slap its own face, and Huaxia Film...

You must know, China Film and Shanghai Film are the second-largest shareholders alongside Huaxia Film, and the two combined hold two percentage points more than the largest shareholder!

"She's quite clever; look at the end of her Weibo post, she even wants to coerce the entire Hong Kong circle... that's taboo."

"To be honest, I'm very much looking forward to Chairman Ren and Chairman La's reactions; I'm a bit impatient," Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh, not picking up Wang Wang Changtian's topic about "taboo."

"Those two? Who knows, maybe right now they are thinking with great interest how to deal with that family? Haha..."

Facts proved that Wang Wang Changtian's joke was not merely a joke.

Because while Lin Nan was discussing the distribution matters of "The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Dog" and "The Donkey Water" with him, the two big chairmen of China Film and Shanghai Film were also busy handling the public opinion pressure brought by that Weibo post.

Of course, the two big chairmen were not panicked at all, even secretly somewhat excited;

after all, for so many years, such a fool who chooses to hard-stone against two major state-owned enterprise giants has become rarer and rarer, a rare sight. Hmm, it's a rare creature!

China Film, inside the chairman's office, Beside La La Peikang was currently drinking tea with a smile on his face.

The last time China Film was confronted, especially the chairman being named, was during the "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" era, which was also when the famous adjective "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" was first applied to Han Han Sanping.

Since that time, in the eyes of the domestic film and television industry: "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" equals Han Han Sanping, and Han Han Sanping equals "Zuo Zuo Shandiao"; the two are completely bound together!

This was Zhang Zhang Weiping's achievement worthy of pride, but where is Zhang Dapao now? Currently a deadbeat, low-profile to the point of being unheard of and untraceable, implicitly "banned" by the entire industry.

"Chairman La, should we respond? But the other side didn't name names; if we respond, it will feel like 'hiding silver and saying there's none'."

The secretary, looking at Beside La La Peikang's smiling face, cautiously reminded him.

"Respond? Of course we must respond! What 'hiding silver and saying there's none'? That describes fools who hide and dodge. As for us, let the group's cinema department pick one or two companies to issue an announcement openly and righteously!"

Speaking here, Beside La La Peikang seemed to think of something, his smile grew wider: "Go contact the Shanghai Film chairman's office, communicate the wording on both sides;

the draft must be as profound as possible, hit the nail on the head, confront them to death, hold nothing back, hurt them as much as possible! Remember, no need for flowery language, every word must be a sharp truth!"

The secretary was stunned; Chairman La wanted to stab a knife and then sprinkle salt? Realizing instantly, he nodded hurriedly, "Okay, I'll go right now."

……

Just arrived at the company in the afternoon, Weibo called Lin Nan:

the public notice document for the major shareholder's equity change will be officially announced on Nasdaq and domestically within the next few days.

Regarding this matter, Lin Nan didn't care much; after all, the money was already spent, the shares were obtained, now it's just a public announcement to the outside world.

Sitting in the chair, Lin Nan had just hung up the phone when he saw Yue Jun enter with the finance officer; but before he could ask what was up, the phone screen that had just gone dark instantly lit up again.

Lin Dao Da could only gesture for Yue Jun to sit first, while he answered the call.

"Producer Hou?"

"Lin Dao, am I disturbing you?"

"No, I'm at the company; Fei also went out shopping with Shu Chang and the others."

"Good that I'm not disturbing. Here's the thing, the script for "Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Rises in Changlin" we now confirm can be finished by the end of August at the latest, early September, and the budget will be completed together;

at that time I will personally bring people to the company to discuss the investment share with Lin Dao or Director Yue... How does Lin Dao think about this timing?

Hearing this, Lin Nan subconsciously nodded and started joking: "Early September is fine, as long as it's not the 9th, haha..."

"Of course we won't delay Producer Liu from celebrating Lin Dao's birthday."

"There's another thing, I already promised Huang Huang Xiaoming to be the male lead, and he is indeed suitable... I assume Lin Dao should have no problem? As for other roles, if Lin Dao has anyone in mind later, you can tell me directly."

"For roles where the partner has already decided on the cast, I almost never intervene, so Producer Hou can rest completely assured. As for other roles, we'll talk about it then."

"True, Lin Dao's style, everyone knows. But Huang Huang Xiaoming is good, just that a few days ago his wife called us, saying she wanted to ban some third-tier actor... I'm speechless, they say marry a virtuous wife..."

The smile on Lin Nan's face gradually faded; he just listened to Hou Hou Hongliang complaining for a while, then the two hung up the phone laughing.

"What's up?" Lin Nan put down the phone and looked at Yue Jun and the finance officer.

"Shiyue Culture's funds are used up again; this time the total request for the two films is 80 million, expected to burn until the end of next year." Yue Jun waved his hand, and the finance officer immediately handed over the slip.

Lin Nan glanced over it roughly, saw no problems, then decisively signed and handed it to the finance officer: "You go out and make the payment first."

The finance officer was obviously very sharp, immediately left the office, and even closed the door.

"Yang Ying also called us?" Looking at Yue Jun sitting opposite, Lin Nan asked with a smile.

Hearing this question, Yue Jun nodded with a smile:

"Yes, it came to me. I thought about it at the time, so I gave Yellow Master the face; I already instructed the people below to ignore that third-tier artist, do not add insult to injury, do not actively make things difficult, and make no public statement..."

Listening to Yue Jun's rambling words, Lin Nan was truly a bit emotional for a moment; after being silent for a few seconds, he couldn't help but interrupt him:

"'Ban'? Huang Huang Xiaoming, such a shrewd person, would he really say the word 'ban' about an actor? Did he personally call you to ask you to give him face to 'ban' that actor?"

Yue Jun was stunned, shook his head: "No, only Yang Ying called."

As expected! Lin Nan muttered in his heart, wanting to laugh a bit.

"This is his shrewdness. Do you really think everyone in the circle will take the meaning in Yang Ying's words as his meaning? He is just perfunctorily responding to Yang Ying; everyone will verbally give Yang Ying face, but in reality, things will proceed as they should.

She, a person who started as a model, is originally just a vase; do you really think she becomes a phoenix just by flying to the branches? Do you really think she can squander Huang Huang Xiaoming's hard-earned connections and favors so recklessly?

You must know, the favors consumed to promote her are actually not many for Huang Huang Xiaoming, but helping her ban someone, that's a completely different matter!

To ban an actor, he either has to give up enough interests to exchange, or he has to completely exhaust this favor and connection... after all, banning an actor is never a small matter; it offends the actor's agency behind them, and there's the risk of leaving a snake alive to cause endless trouble later; all these Huang Huang Xiaoming has to bear!

So, if he really wanted to ban someone, he would definitely speak up himself, not let Yang Ying jump around here, playing the clown in front of everyone..."

Hearing Lin Nan say this, Yue Jun's expression instantly went wrong, eyebrows furrowed, realizing too late: "So, regarding human relations and worldly wisdom, I still thought too simply? Didn't consider that deeply?"

This is a sad topic; Lin Nan fell silent once more, because Yue Jun was indeed not good at these things.

After a long while, Lin Nan finally broke the eerily quiet atmosphere in the office:

"Human relationships and worldly wisdom? Hehe...

Actually, regarding this matter, whether you gave Yang Ying face or not at the time, you couldn't be called wrong, and indeed you were right; it all makes sense.

Because reality is not black and white, and we cannot be saints. Huang Huang Xiaoming has a very deep and good friendship with us; he sends me gifts during festivals and holidays, sending red wine and seafood year after year... He supports every charity auction, spending millions to buy my manuscripts... Hmm, he also supports all our company's events and acted in so many of our company's films... To reject his face for a completely unknown little actor would indeed make me look a bit 'hypocritical,' like a 'saint' or a hypocrite...

But, Senior Brother Yue, have you forgotten how you were kicked out of the film set?

Just follow your heart. You don't need to consider your current position, nor force yourself to change your thoughts, views, and words for the company's benefit or my face... Just like back then, act entirely according to your heart. Even if problems arise, I will be the one standing at the front.

It's still the same saying: you underestimate Huang Huang Xiaoming's dual intelligence too much. Even if he is obsessed with Yang Ying, he wouldn't do such a stupid thing."

Lin Nan spoke a great deal very seriously to Yue Jun. He pressed his lips together, forced a smile, and shook his head, looking somewhat listless.

He looked at Lin Nan, opened his mouth several times, but said nothing. Until finally, as if using up all his strength, a low voice rose:

"Follow your heart? Back then, I was indeed very stubborn. But, Lin Dao, so many years have passed. Our identities and status in the industry have undergone earth-shaking changes... To say 'hold onto your heart,' Lin Dao, this is really, really hard, although I have held onto ninety-nine percent..."

"Ninety-nine percent?" Lin Nan asked in confusion; he did not understand what Yue Jun wanted to express.

Yue Jun raised his head, a complex expression appearing on his face, and murmured in recollection: "Back then, that little director, the assistant director, and that woman—I have already blacklisted them all."

In an instant, Lin Nan was shocked by Yue Jun's words; he had no idea Yue Jun had done this! But... regarding this, he had nothing to say and didn't know what to say. Yue Jun's actions were a gentleman's revenge, ten years not too late; it was human nature, reasonable and justified!

"Hmm, I understand."

Lin Nan responded dully, and after a moment added: "Follow your heart. Don't take that phone call seriously... No one is taking it seriously."

"Good."

Time finally arrived at the last day of July.

Early in the morning, over half of the entertainment headlines and hot searches across the entire network were about Bali;

Because Hu Huo Jianhua and Princess Ziwei were getting married there today, and a large number of domestic film and television stars had gone there, such as Hu Ge, Fan Li Bingbing, Zhao Zhao Yanzi, Zhou Xun, the "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" film crew... Wu Wu Qilong, Liu Liu Shishi...

However, for the film circle, the news that most attracted everyone's attention was undoubtedly related to "The Legend of the Demon Cat"; after all, yesterday morning, Fat Lady had just publicly and subtly criticized China Film and Shanghai Film!

"Jointly produced by China Star and Bona Film Group, the large-scale ancient mythological epic 'The Legend of the Demon Cat' saw its box office drop to 44.54 million on the second day of release, and it is feared to continue falling, plummeting like a waterfall..."

"It is understood that, apart from Poly Bona Cinema's screening rate continuing to remain above 30%, most domestic cinemas have reduced the screening of 'The Legend of the Demon Cat' to around 15%, with some individual cinemas cutting it down to 3%... The film's comprehensive screening rate today is 16.2%..."

"At nine o'clock sharp, China Film Southern New Line, China Film Star Me Cinema, and Xin Ying Lian Cinema issued a joint announcement responding to the low screening rate of 'The Legend of the Demon Cat':

Previously, the group's market department made a relatively scientific and reasonable estimate of the film's market potential before its release:

The film's makeup and styling are eye-searing, the dialogue is exaggerated and perfunctory, the visual style is abrupt and pieced together, the acting is exaggerated and clumsy, the theme deviates from Eastern culture, and the plot is a complete mess... Looking at the entire film, there is nothing worthwhile.

Therefore, the group does not believe the film deserves a large share of screening resources. The comprehensive box office and film review reputation since the film's release two days ago have also proven that the market department's prediction was accurate, namely: the film is a thoroughly rotten movie...

Adhering to the principles of being responsible to the audience, responsible to cinema profitability, and ensuring fair treatment for other quality films, we will continue to reduce the film's screening rate according to the situation to support other quality films and meet the needs of the vast audience and film fans..."

"Three cinemas under Shanghai Film followed closely, responding to the low screening rate of 'The Legend of the Demon Cat':

A rotten movie that is cursed and complained about by the vast audience and film fans, yet brazenly shouts publicly and demands above-standard screening resource treatment, is itself extremely unreasonable and shows a lack of self-awareness.

An investment of over 500 million RMB, yet producing a rotten movie that can make it onto the list of worst Chinese films in history, even competing for the top three spots on the list, makes industry insiders have to wonder: did you put your heart into making the movie? Was the money really all spent on the movie? Or was the huge investment just a gimmick for your financial operations..."

The joint "counterattack" by the cinemas under China Film and Shanghai Film, the two state-owned giants of the Chinese film and television industry, and their response which was ruthless, entering with a white knife and exiting with a red one, can be said to have shocked the entire circle until it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

Big Brother and Second Brother stood out directly for the first time, without any pretense at all, just opening their mouths blatantly: I did it, here is the reason, you trash, what do you want to do?

The circle was as quiet as death; no one dared to get involved in this matter, but privately, everyone was watching the spectacle with eyes shining. Because this was Bona following China Star, getting "double-teamed"!

"No hope, just wait to die."

Yu Dong's mindset at this moment was on the verge of collapse, so much so that he began to "talk nonsense" on the phone, and his tone was unusually cold, showing no respect for Xiang Zhang Qiang at all.

"Chairman Yu, I am very sorry; I didn't expect my wife to do such a thing... You came from China Film; regarding this situation, I don't know if Chairman Yu has any other methods? After all, we..."

"Methods? Hehe, unless I become the Chairman of China Film!

Chairman Xiang, I can tell you clearly today: once those two announcements came out, starting tomorrow, apart from Bona Cinema, all other cinemas in the country will significantly reduce the screening of 'The Legend of the Demon Cat'; this is inevitable! Prepare yourself mentally; this movie is gone, and the whole thing is lost.

Moreover, in the future on the mainland, there probably won't be a China Star anymore! I have said all I can say; afterwards, our two companies need not cooperate anymore; everything ends here! That wife of yours is truly a disaster..."

Yu Dong cursed out words that completely tore up the relationship. He didn't wait for the other party to react, resolutely hung up the phone, and immediately blocked and deleted... As for the follow-up work for 'The Legend of the Demon Cat', the company's people would handle it themselves, dealing with it as a matter of official business!

Yawning, Lin Nan watched the spectacle and happened to click two likes. As a result, he was caught by many netizens, who all tagged him, "Look, Lin Dao slipped up again!"

"Let's go, hurry up and accompany me out."

Liu Liu Yifei, with her hair tied in a bun, wearing a white T-shirt and knee-length denim shorts, stepped out in white sneakers, waving at the door, looking as if she couldn't wait to go out for a drive.

On her fair wrist, the golden woven bracelet and the diamond bracelet shone brilliantly together, making her every gesture appear even more graceful.

"Coming. After wrapping up, you have really let yourself go."

"Oh, just these few days. In a couple of days, I'll start reading again; I haven't finished the book from last time yet. Hurry..."

Grabbing Lin Nan's hand, Liu Liu Yifei headed straight for the garage; today she was driving.

A few minutes later, with a series of roaring sounds, a red sports car shot out of the garage and drove out the gate.

In one day, entertainment reporters were very busy, because they had snapped many photos of Lin Dao Da and Producer Liu;

Such as Liu Liu Yifei trying sunglasses on Lin Nan, the two picking out scarves, secretly eating each other's cakes, even popping their heads up at the auto show... Truly just eating, drinking, and having fun, wandering everywhere, and finally even running to the library...

Huanrui's "Mystic Journey" officially started broadcasting. Shanhai Media, adhering to the principle of supporting Zhao Zhao Liying, also reposted and supported it.

However, it seemed that neither the casting nor the styling met the approval of the original fans. While the second episode was airing, many complaint posts appeared online.

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei, who had played all day, went to sleep very early and slept very soundly. The two of them got up even earlier in the morning because they had to attend the kickoff press conference for "The Founding of an Army."

As a top-tier director and producer couple in the industry, this kind of activity specifically named by the higher-ups could not be late!

And the news outside in the morning, compared to yesterday, had already changed its appearance, looking completely different!

"Jointly produced by Xinli, Shengkai Film Industry, Kadokawa Pictures Co., Ltd., and Emperor Motion Pictures, Chen Chen Kaige's directorial work, the ancient, suspense, fantasy epic 'The Legend of the Demon Cat' officially started filming at eight o'clock sharp this morning at the Xiangyang Tang Cheng Film and Television Base!"

"Controlled by China Film, jointly produced by Bona, Huayi Brothers, and Huayi Media, with La La Peikang serving as the chief producer and Liu Liu Weiqiang directing, the tribute blockbuster 'The Founding of an Army' will hold a high-profile kickoff press conference at nine o'clock sharp this morning at Wangzuo Town in the capital..."

"On the third day of its release, 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' daily box office fell again to 32.25 million yuan; the film's total gross for its opening weekend was 135 million yuan."

"The film 'Escape from the Absolute' has been in theaters for eleven days, earning a total of 750 million yuan, with daily receipts exceeding thirty million yuan—its potential remains strong, dominating the July slot..."

When Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei arrived at the launch event for 'The Founding of an Army,' the venue was already packed with crowds; many top and second-tier actors and stars from the industry were present, along with even more official media.

Leaders from the General Administration, including Tong Gang and Zhang Zhang Hongsen, were all there; the head of Hu Bayi Studio stood out in his military uniform... Delegates from the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Communist Youth League Central Committee, and other departments had also come—the scene was truly grand.

"Brother Lin, Liu Yifei, over here!"

Han Jia_nv called out from afar, and Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei headed toward the voice.

"I think this movie is going to flop," Han Jia_nv whispered to Liu Liu Yifei as soon as they sat down, her eyes sweeping across the large group of lead creators and actors up front.

"Don't let Han Han Sanping or La Dong hear you say that, or they'll beat you up."

Liu Liu Yifei chuckled teasingly, while Lin Nan listened beside her, nodding politely to industry insiders who came over to greet him.

"It's true—this kind of tribute film actually hired so many non-professional flow stars for the main roles. I can't figure out what Uncle La was thinking."

"You two chat for a bit—I'm going over there," Lin Nan whispered to Liu Liu Yifei, nodding toward Han Han Sanping's direction, where several familiar leaders were waving at him.

"Mm, okay."

Lin Nan stood up and walked toward the leaders' group.

Wu Wu Ershan left his Zheng Changsheng Tian Film & Television, yes—the very company just upgraded from his studio!

He would have a stake in the production of 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' trilogy, investing under the name Zheng Changsheng Tian Film & Television.

Song Ge's Maybach was parked outside, waiting; when he saw Wu Wu Ershan emerge with his assistant carrying a thick folder of documents, he immediately smiled and stepped forward.

"Director Wu, today we're going to read your script. And with such a massive project, who wouldn't be excited? Hehe..."

"The project is big, but the timeline is longer too. Director Song, I'll say it again: I'm not sure about Lin Dao. We need to be mentally prepared."

Wu Wu Ershan spoke seriously. Though he desperately wanted to use this trilogy to try something new and realize his inner vision, he still had to remain humble—he truly wasn't certain he could secure Lin Nan.

"Let's get going first. I imagine Lin Dao is at the launch event now—he'll arrive as promised at noon;"

"And as for your mindset, Director Wu, I must disagree: life has only so many things—desire is never truly satisfied!"

Looking at Song Ge, who wore a confident smile as if certain of victory, Wu Wu Ershan nodded silently. Fame and profit, indeed, could become addictive—he knew this from personal experience.

"Alright, let's head out then; get things ready over there and wait for Lin Dao."