[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-74":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2286910,4473,"Chapter 74: The Message, Ning Hao's New Script","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-74",74,"\u003Cp>Lin Nan stayed in Hengdian for the afternoon and rushed back to the capital in the evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Online and within the industry, news of Liang Chaowei and Liu Jialing’s grand wedding in Bhutan was everywhere, overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most interesting part was that the groom invited Zhang Manyu, while the bride invited Hu Jun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One declined, and the other went. It wasn't just netizens who were gossiping; those in the industry were even more so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among a flurry of film news, Lin Nan saw the report on the opening press conference for *Wolf Warrior*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his first time as a director, Wu Jing managed to secure 20 million in investment to make an action film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he had gained quite a lot during his years in Hong Kong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But aiming for the Spring Festival slot on his first attempt was, in Lin Nan’s view, a very reckless decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huayi sent the finalized casting list for *The Message* to Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Chen Kexin, Wang Zhonglei, and Wang Zhongjun argued their cases, Zhou Xun unsurprisingly secured the female lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xiaoming, we're working together again this time, let's have some chemistry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, don't you worry about that. Didn't we have great chemistry during *Painted Skin*?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Zhou Xun and Huang Xiaoming were laughing and chatting, Li Bingbing wasn't sitting idle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've already read the script; it’s an excellent espionage film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sister, you might not be able to judge it, but this should be the boldest espionage film to date. If it's filmed well, it has every chance of winning awards.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xue looked at Li Bingbing and said firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the roles are already set. Can we really go to Director Chen and ask to change them? Would he agree? Would Zhou Xun be willing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing was also somewhat unwilling to give up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when it came to awards, she truly couldn't compete with Zhou Xun’s Golden Horse and Hong Kong Film Awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for box office, *Painted Skin*’s 295 million performance was a new record for domestic films; she had no way to contest that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Li Bingbing was the older sister, the decision-making had always been done by her younger sister, Li Xue; before that, it was Wang Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xue pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if we can't change the role, we can find a way to change the screen time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cut some, add some, turn it into a dual-female lead during filming, or even use special scenes to make you stand out more...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Li Bingbing listened, the brighter her eyes became; this was indeed a good method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But how do we execute it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You and I will go see Mr. Wang. In terms of relationships, we are definitely closer to the company than she is. Let the company communicate with Director Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn't she just say she wouldn't renew her contract after it expires? Mr. Wang can't be happy about that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*My Chief and My Regiment* held its wrap-up ceremony in Tengchong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhang Yi returned, he met with Lin Nan once before going to find Cao Baoping; he had to keep up with the second round of promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just after this drama wrapped, four television stations came looking for it; it was incomparable to *Soldiers Sortie* back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan left the negotiations with the television stations to Yue Jun; he had to go see Han Sanping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To date, no domestic distribution company had come to ask about the distribution of *The Martian*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew very well that this business would definitely be handled by China Film Group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As luck would have it, Lin Nan ran into Huo Wenxi at China Film Group, and she was with Zhong Xintong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Director Lin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is Director Huo wandering around outside?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan ignored Zhong Xintong on the side, even though she was smiling and bowing to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chairman Yang and Chairman Han are inside discussing matters, so we are waiting here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi looked uneasy for a moment; clearly, the matter being discussed inside made her feel uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Her business?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it's about Ah Jiao.\" Huo Wenxi nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the last incident, all the female stars involved had their activities in the mainland terminated; advertisements, endorsements, and film and television works were all pulled from shelves or taken off the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at this, could there be a turning point?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Han Sanping was meeting guests inside, Lin Nan could only wait outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, someone came over to greet them and brought fruit and snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Wenxi looked at the scene before her in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, once you get familiar with them, it’s like this. I often treat them to food too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door to Han Sanping’s office opened, and Yang Shoucheng walked out first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chairman Yang.\" Huo Wenxi and the other walked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin is here too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've been here for a while, but since Chairman Yang was inside...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan glanced inside as he spoke; Han Sanping seemed to be on the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did the talk with Chairman Yang go?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The others still need to wait, but Ah Jiao’s advertisements and endorsements can be put back up recently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yang Shoucheng said this, he felt a sense of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then congratulations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Han Sanping finished his call, he called Lin Nan in. The three from Yang Shoucheng’s side left together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chairman Han, is that Hong Kong matter considered over?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The top priority right now is the Olympics...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lin Nan understood the meaning: there were demands on that side, and things would gradually loosen up on this side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They talked about *The Martian* for nearly an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Film distribution would be concentrated mainly in Asia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Europe and America, after careful consideration, they would not be released there; they would only sell the rights. This would not only save time but also ensure faster payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan believed that with his track record of winning the Silver Bear for Best Director twice, the rights wouldn't sell poorly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had sold *Buried* for 20 million USD.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In October, yours is the only film that can compete. You can tell by the names of the others that they are just making up the numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>China Film Group will tilt resources toward it, and the other producers feel the same. We must also try our best to secure screen time from those Southeast Asian distributors...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Han Sanping spoke, the more pressure Lin Nan felt; this clearly had a hint of a mission to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the official business was done, Lin Nan had to bring up personal matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chairman Han, can you do me a favor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What favor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help me get some tickets for the opening ceremony. I want the ones in the front, in the best area, hehe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could easily get ordinary tickets for the opening ceremony, but tickets for the core area really required someone’s help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With your achievements, getting one is no problem, but how many is this 'some' of yours?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not many, ten will do.\" Lin Nan said with a thick face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get out.\" Han Sanping’s face darkened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then eight will do, right?\" Lin Nan took a step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Five at most. I can move them to you from China Film Group’s quota.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay, five it is. Thank you, Chairman Han.\" Lin Nan hurriedly agreed, happy to have them in his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he returned to the company, he heard good news from Yue Jun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of the reputation of *Soldiers Sortie* before, the four satellite TV stations offered a very high price for *The Regiment* this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The price per episode for the first round was set at one million, in the form of a deposit plus the balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the finished film was delivered, the full amount would be settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan called his father to ask if he wanted to come to the capital to watch the Olympics. Old Lin didn't even think about it and said no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nagged and asked how things were with Liu Yifei, if they were having conflicts, and he had recently heard she was filming abroad...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he sternly warned him not to have any wandering eyes, otherwise, he would break Lin Nan’s legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a round of \"education,\" he finally hung up on his son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Olympics approaching, the entertainment industry was in full swing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stars and artists from all walks of life were gathering toward the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, Zhang Ziyi had the most news; after all, she had brought back a foreign son-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao rarely invited Lin Nan to dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The location was at Bad Monkey, with food delivered by the hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have already communicated with China Film Group; *Crazy Racer* is scheduled for late January.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao had an excitement about him, as if he were about to do something big.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, that really is the New Year slot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When it comes to promotion, you come and support me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway through the meal, ignoring the eye-rolls from Xing Aina, Ning Hao insisted on going to the office to fetch a script for Lin Nan to critique, likely just to show off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still need to aim for awards. I had someone write this script, take a look. You have more experience than I do in this regard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao looked very excited, which showed that he thought highly of this script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should take a look for him; ever since he got this script, he's been rambling about it all day,\" Xing Aina added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan began to flip through it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Crazy Racer* had five narrative threads, but this script was a single-line narrative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the more he read, the more Lin Nan’s brows furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A road movie?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, Lin Nan wore a helpless expression on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s a good film, but have you thought about whether it can pass censorship?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A script full of criticism and resistance was something almost no director could refuse; this was also a type of film aimed at winning awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao disagreed, \"I think it can.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan didn't know how to respond to that; he knew Ning Hao’s temper, and once he made up his mind, it was almost impossible for him to turn back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then change the script a bit, make it slightly more 'sunny.' This script is too oppressive, all the main characters are so dark...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan offered his own advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xing Aina changed the subject, talking about going to watch the Olympic Games when the time came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Lin Nan left, the couple began to discuss what he had just said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don't we listen to him and make some changes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No changes. We'll shoot it just like this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what Lin Nan said isn't without reason,\" Xing Aina reminded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know he means well, but I really don't want to change this script. Let's look for China Film Group for investment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao thought for a moment and made his decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt this was a good method that could help with the censorship process, and Han Sanping should be willing to invest as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Lin Nan only hoped that Ning Hao would take the advice to heart and at least change the ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei sent a message back; her scenes could wrap up by the end of the month, and she could return by early August.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On what grounds are they changing my scenes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xun was somewhat agitated as she questioned it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her manager was equally furious; this was something Wang Zhonglei had just notified them of, and she had opposed it, but it was useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Wang Zhonglei's words, \"To make the script more well-rounded and improve the ensemble effect, we have modified the script.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Xun, what did Director Chen say? Did they only change your scenes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xun’s face was gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Chen said that Wang Zhonglei and Wang Dong talked to him one after another, hoping to turn it into a dual-female lead film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you think they only cut my scenes? They really are capable of doing anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They added scenes for that side?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The manager understood in an instant; a dual-female lead meant one person's screen time would increase while the other's decreased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So are we just going to let it go like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let it go? How could I possibly let it go?\" Zhou Xun sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Guo told Zhou Xun over the phone that because the modified plot didn't affect the film as a whole, he had no way to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he also gave Zhou Xun a hint: he couldn't refuse, but someone else could.\u003C\u002Fp>",2123,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","3c620a1e80233bccbe4110818eed9974589c7ffd592c74a74c3e3a8814ab25a6","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-75","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-73",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]