Chapter 741: A phone call

China Film Group's listing celebration banquet is naturally the most top-tier social occasion in the film and television industry.

Zhang Yimou took Zhang Mi and recognized all the big capital, big directors, and big producers in the industry one by one; as an old father, his posture could be considered very low.

And in stark contrast to the great Director Zhang, was the family of the great Director Chen next door.

Chen Kaige's shelf was a bit big, or maybe he couldn't let go of his face, or even felt ashamed? So it was Chen Hong who took Chen Feiyu and wandered around the whole scene.

But thinking about it, they are all top big directors, Zhang Yimou used to be the one carrying the camera for him; but now someone else's daughter is a director, while his own son can only mix in the actor circle...

Comparing the two, the arrogant great Director Chen couldn't help but lose face and lose his mental balance; and in such a same-occasion situation tonight, it was even more embarrassing and face-slapping.

"I am very curious, how many of the big directors on site tonight will give Director Chen face and give resources to their son in the future? That doesn't look like a material that can become a good actor."

Han Jia nv held a glass of juice and whispered to Liu Yifei who was also biting the straw.

Although the two women intended to stay away from the crowd, quite a few people still ran over to flatter and deliberately please, which was very annoying.

"Shouldn't any big director easily give resources to someone

"You say, Director Chen wouldn't be thinking of having his son become a traffic star or a 'little fresh meat,' would he? That would be interesting. He'd lose face completely, haha..."

"Keep your voice down. If you get heard, it'll be mortifying. If it gets back to Director Chen and Producer Chen, they'll definitely be furious."

Liu Yifei rolled her eyes at Han Jia and whispered a rebuke, but she couldn't help laughing out loud herself.

"What are you afraid of? It's the truth, isn't it? I'm just stating facts. Besides, I'm a director too; commenting on their son is completely reasonable. Are they going to come and scold me? Pick a fight and target me, or what?"

Watching Han Jia's "arrogant" air of "my dad is Han Sanping," Liu Yifei almost died laughing, "Alright, alright, stop talking... someone's coming."

"Yifei, Director Han, good evening."

Fan Bingbing, dressed in full regalia and looking bewitchingly charming, walked over holding a glass of red wine, smiling. Han Jia glanced at her figure, which was practically bursting out of her dress, and immediately pursed her lips subtly.

On the other side.

Lin Dao indeed couldn't avoid the swarm of people coming to "toast" him, one glass after another. Even if he only took a polite sip, after doing it so many times, he still drank quite a bit.

"It's really f***ing annoying. I just heard from someone that Wang Quanan actually got a spot as a jury member for the main competition section of the Berlin International Film Festival today!"

Ning Hao hiccuped as he swayed over to Lin Nan's side, his tone filled with thick jealousy.

"In the country, he may have solicited prostitutes and been locked up, but that doesn't change the fact that he's the 'favorite son' of the Berlin Film Festival, and it certainly doesn't affect his status as a Golden Bear-winning director in the international film scene. What, are you envious and jealous?"

Lin Nan teased with a smile. Ning Hao rolled his eyes and didn't deny it, "When the official announcement comes out later, the media probably won't give it too much promotional heat, right?"

"Duh."

"Still Venice?"

"Of course. Still the same reason: I've won a few too many big awards in Berlin.

Do you really think that adding one more mainland director as a jury member could change the fact that I'll likely be deliberately suppressed? You're overthinking it; everywhere values balance!"

Hearing Lin Nan say this, Ning Hao didn't say anything more, just shook his head with a bit of regret, "If it were a jury president, maybe it would be a little useful?"

"You'd be better off looking forward to the day I become jury president, and then I can come and pull you up."

Lin Nan was amused and joked. But Ning Hao seemed to take it a bit seriously: "Speaking of which, you're past thirty now, it should be soon, right?"

"Hmm, hard to say..."

……

The next morning, when the morning sun rose, the China Film Group's cocktail party was still a hot topic of conversation in the industry.

But soon, the updates to the headlines and trending searches in the film and entertainment sector focused the attention of the industry and netizens elsewhere.

"Starring a group of powerful actors including Louis Koo, Nick Cheung, Francis Ng, Charmaine Sheh, and Hui Siu-hung, the action-crime blockbuster 'Line Walker' was officially released in theaters nationwide at midnight."

"Jointly produced by Enlight, Shanhe Media, and Wang Baoqiang Studio, starring Wang Baoqiang, White Ke, Yue Yunpeng, Liu Yan, Chen Si, Zhu Shimao... and Liu Xiao Ling Tong;

Wang Dong Baoqiang's debut feature, the comedy-action film 'Buddies in India,' successfully wrapped filming at Mehrangarh Fort in India at ten o'clock this morning. The crew will return to the country today..."

"In the morning, jointly produced by Enlight, Lin Nan Pictures, and Orange Image, adapted from a popular IP, the literary comedy-romance film 'I Belonged to You' held its first large-scale media promotional press conference in Beijing... Zhang Yibai, Deng Chao, Bai Baihe, Yang Yang, Zhang Tianai, and other main creators were all present..."

Just as Lin Nan told Wang Changtian, he indeed didn't go to the film's promotional press conference because he really couldn't get out of bed.

When he got home last night to wash up, he was nodding off, so he was teased by Liu Yifei for quite a while... In the end, he really just collapsed and fell asleep.

"Hmm? Xixi, you're up so early?"

Lin Nan squinted his eyes and walked downstairs step by step. Miss Liu was sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed, talking on the phone, with an irrepressible smile on her face.

"It's already 11 o'clock, I don't sleep in."

Seeing Liu Yifei lift her head to look at Lin Nan, her tone carried a hint of "criticism," and her pitch seemed intentionally raised—was she being a bit haughty? Was she also talking to the person on the other end of the line?

"You all went out to socialize last night, so Lin Nan must have been pressured to drink, right? Sleeping in a bit is only right, hehe..."

Liu Xiaoli's laughter rang out, and Lin Dao finally realized what was happening.

"Look, you're still putting on an act in front of Mom? You don't sleep in? How are you embarrassed to say that? I'm the one who's been corrupted by you..."

Halfway through, Lin Nan shut his mouth.

Because Liu Yifei already had a murderous look on her face; the way she looked at him seemed to carry knives. Meanwhile, Liu Xiaoli burst into laughter upon hearing this, laughing non-stop.

Her flight back to Beijing had already been scheduled for the 20th of this month. On that day, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei would personally go to pick her up.

Sleeping late and waking up early—that was Liu Yifei for you, lazy and not wanting to move. So, in the afternoon, Lin Nan went to the company alone.

To his surprise, Zhang Yi was actually there too.

"Lin Dao, do you remember that there's an important day this month?" When Yue Jun asked this with a smile, Lin Nan was stunned.

He couldn't guess the meaning behind Yue Jun's words at all. It couldn't possibly be his wedding anniversary and Liu Yifei's birthday, could it?

"Lin Dao, you really don't take me seriously, do you? I've been signed to the company for exactly 10 years!" Zhang Yi spread his hands, looking like he had suffered a great grievance.

"Holy crap, 10 years?"

Lin Nan exclaimed subconsciously; only then did he remember.

This guy Zhang Yi had originally signed with the company under the guise of "retiring," which caused him to be teased by the industry for several years.

"Should we throw a big celebration for you?" Lin Nan asked with a smile.

"No need, Director Yue just used the company's official Weibo to commemorate the past ten years between me and the company. I ordered a lot of cakes this morning; the whole company will have a share in a while..."

Zhang Yi's small eyes were almost smiling away. Lin Nan had to admit that this guy really knew how to handle things. "Alright, I'll have a taste of your 10th-anniversary cake in a bit."

At three o'clock in the afternoon, Lin Dao's Weibo was updated, with a picture of the cake: "Witnessing the 10th year of the first artist of Lin Nan Pictures, actor Zhang Yi, coming to the company..."

A single Weibo post instantly stirred up a "joyful" atmosphere online and within the industry!

"Zhang Yi? Is that the guy Lin Dao called 'shifty-eyed' and said wanted to retire at his company when they were filming 'Painted Skin' back then?"

"Brother Xun, Zhang Yi's eyes, they're focused! Didn't he just harden his heart and find himself an iron rice bowl? He's incredibly shrewd, haha..."

"Brother Zhang Yi, it's been 10 years already? Is Lin Dao not planning to arrange some resources as a 10th-anniversary signing gift?"

"To the person above, Lei Jiayin, use your main account to speak! Don't be sneaky with your alt account. What are you implying?"

……

A first-day box office of 57 million, coupled with decent critical reviews, made the Hong Kong film "Line Walker" receive a lot of attention from fans on the second day.

Meanwhile, "Call of Heroes," starring Louis Koo, Nick Cheung, Eddie Peng, Wu, and Yuan Quan, as well as "Love O2O," starring Angelababy and Jing Boran, followed closely behind and officially entered the film market.

In comparison, the big IP adaptation "Love O2O" could be considered to have taken full advantage of its traffic, with fans online being practically crazy; but it's just unclear whether these crazy fans can contribute "crazy" box office numbers.

"Based on our years of experience, the louder the fans shout, the more the casual audience dislikes it;

The fan base can only contribute so-called traffic online... in reality, it's all sound and fury, signifying nothing.

And looking at this trend, the fan base will sooner or later become a cancer to the industry, because some bad signs have already appeared and are uncontrollable..."

Lin Nan agreed with Wang Changtian's summary and analysis, but:

"Chairman Wang, let's talk about serious matters. These things have nothing to do with us. We don't rely on fans to survive, nor do we cultivate them. The so-called fan circle economy is just something those small entertainment companies play with..."

"Alright, let's talk business. The welcome banquet, which is also the wrap party, prepared for Wang Baoqiang is scheduled for tomorrow night. Remember to be there on time. For the sake of this film, he stayed with the crew for 5 months."

"Don't worry, Chairman Wang. Even if it's just to encourage this new director, I will be there on time."

A few minutes after hanging up, Lin Nan continued to work on the post-production of "Marriage Story." Looking at Ning Hao, he was arguing with the special effects team about a shot.

At the same time, over at Wang Baoqiang Studio.

"Wang Dong," who had only been back for a day, couldn't wait to arrange his work again;

A group of employees were tidying up and packing things, especially the film footage, very carefully.

Next, Wang Baoqiang would take them to be stationed at the Enlight building to carry out the post-production of "Buddies in India"; among them, several special effects shots still needed the help of Tiangong Color.

"How long will the film's post-production take?"

"It should be finished within two months. After all, I've already agreed with Chairman Wang and Lin Dao to aim for the Spring Festival slot. So I'll be very busy for the next half year, because after post-production is finished, it still needs to be submitted for review, and I need to leave enough time for promotion."

Wang Baoqiang was in high spirits and responded with great enthusiasm.

"Wang Dong, everything is packed."

At this moment, the employee's report made Wang Baoqiang perk up again; in order to learn from Lin Nan, he specifically instructed his subordinates to call him "Wang Dong" from now on.

"Good, then let's set off now, to Enlight."

Not long after, watching the two commercial vehicles drive away, the boss's wife turned around with relief and joy, returning to the company... to continue chatting on the phone.

……

On the morning of the 13th, the news that Zhang Yimou's daughter's film "Suddenly Seventeen" was scheduled for December 9th was officially announced.

Unlike those online who were just watching the fun, those in the industry were all sighing:

Is this kid not in her right mind, rushing to her own death? Releasing only 10 days after Lin Nan's film, and at the same time, only one week before her own father's film! Is she really seeking survival in the cracks?

Looking at the film information: "Love O2O" grossed 47.31 million on its first day, and "Call of Heroes" took 33.85 million. The word-of-mouth for both films was hard to describe, basically falling into the category of bad films.

However, "Line Walker" was different; it rose to 68.4 million on its second day of release, maintaining good word-of-mouth.

Actually, these were not the focus of the industry; the real focus was the bell-ringing ceremony of Shanghai Film Group four days later.

Look, Shanghai Film Group's announcement had already started going out, with one meaning: the number of shares issued is limited, even scarce... first come, first served!

After returning from the company at noon, Lin Nan didn't go out again until the evening.

"Xixi, do you want to go together? It's at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse."

"No." Miss Liu shook her head decisively. It was all old men, what would she do there?

"Alright then, I'm off."

Waving to Liu Yifei, Lin Nan sat in the back seat, and the driver set off immediately...

……

At eight o'clock in the evening, the capital was already brightly lit. Diaoyutai, in particular, had a charming night view.

Wang Changtian had arranged for the dinner to be held in a spacious pavilion;

With stars filling the sky, a gentle breeze blowing, and the classical light show inside the State Guesthouse... it was truly quite enjoyable.

"I toast the two of you. This time I really want to thank Lin Dao and Chairman Wang for their help, allowing me to attempt a transformation and fulfill my dream of being a director."

Wang Baoqiang's smile looked very honest, and it was clear that these words were heartfelt.

"You're welcome, we've all been acquaintances for so many years.

Although you aren't professionally trained, you are a veteran actor; everyone naturally supports you wanting to transform into a director, because your success rate is far higher than many others, and you have the most valuable attitude."

"What Lin Nan just said is also what I wanted to say. He supported Xu Zheng once before, and I supported Deng Chao. Supporting you this time is the most normal thing in the world, because you have the qualifications and the potential to be a director."

Wang Changtian was quite good at picking up the conversation; he didn't even need to word it himself.

Seeing Wang Baoqiang's joyful smile grow even wider after hearing their words, he raised his glass and downed it in one gulp.

Before Lin Nan and Wang Changtian could follow suit, suddenly, they saw Wang Baoqiang's assistant running over in a hurry.

"Brother Baoqiang? There's..."

"Can't you see I'm talking to Lin Dao and Chairman Wang? If there's anything, we'll talk about it when we go back." Wang Baoqiang waved his hand, interrupting the assistant.

"Let him speak. What if there's some urgent matter? After he's done, we'll eat." Wang Changtian said with a smile, and Lin Nan also nodded.

"Then speak, what's the matter?" Wang Baoqiang looked at the assistant and urged.

"Brother Baoqiang, there's a call for you. They said it's very urgent and asked you to call back immediately."

Hearing this, Wang Baoqiang's expression immediately became a bit more serious. He took the phone handed over by the assistant, and when he saw the note in the call log, he subconsciously frowned.

Before he could call back, the phone rang again.

"Who is it? Why are you frowning?" Lin Nan couldn't help but tease. In his view, there shouldn't be anything that could trouble Wang Baoqiang, right?

"I'm curious too. Is it that you didn't report to your wife about today's dinner? Haha..." Wang Changtian also started joking.

Wang Baoqiang looked at Lin Nan and the other man, smiling as he said:

"Lin Dao and Chairman Wang are joking again. It's nothing, it's just that the person calling, we almost never talk on the phone usually, because... because she is my manager's wife..."

Before he finished speaking, Wang Baoqiang answered the phone and walked quickly toward the distance.

…………