Chapter 747: *Operation Red Sea*—Refusal and

General Administration, small conference room.

La Peikang hadn't entered the door yet when he heard Ren Zhonglun's laughter, his expression instantly became a bit wrong, and his heart was full of "disgust" and "resistance" in addition to surprise!

He didn't notify Shanghai Film Group, why would this guy be at the Film Bureau this morning? And arrived earlier than him?

"Yo, Chairman La is here."

As if provoking, Ren Zhonglun greeted with a full smile and a loud voice, on the side were Zhang Hongsen and Han Sanping.

"Director Zhang, Han Dong. Chairman Ren is such a coincidence today, also at the Bureau?"

"I'm not a coincidence, I'm actively wanting to make progress.

Some work is always not conveyed in place, and I have to keep it in mind all the time, actively inquiring. Fortunately, Old Han is not as domineering as before, willing to deal with me and respond to inquiries."

Ren Zhonglun's sarcastic and sharp words directly left Zhang Hongsen speechless, starting right in front of him?

Looking at Han Sanping again, he was looking at Ren Zhonglun with a look of contempt.

Although he is now transcendent, Ren Zhonglun's behavior of "praising" him to his face and satirizing La Peikang is really a bit, hmm, unexpected.

As for the current Chairman La, those eyes were almost like they had knives, but his face was smiling.

"Thinking that Shanghai Film Group is far away and busy, so I thought about not disturbing Shanghai Film Group for work within my power, not letting Chairman Ren worry in vain, right?"

"Then I really have to thank Chairman La for his concern, but it's not necessary, because Shanghai Film Group also wants to contribute." Ren Zhonglun replied with a fake smile, looking quite enthusiastic and grateful.

Just at this time, footsteps came from outside the conference room, and there were quite a few people.

"Hasn't Lin Nan arrived yet?"

Only to see Tong Gang accompanying three people from the Navy, the leader was a gold star, left and right were two bars and four small stars, and behind were several accompanying staff from the Navy.

"He might be on the road right now, should be here soon. He is always lazy, and likes to sleep in, but he definitely got up early today."

Han Sanping took the topic, answered with a smile. Ren Zhonglun, Zhang Hongsen and the others looked on, all with arcs on their mouths, Han Sanping was explaining to the Navy people.

"Lin Dao Nan is free and easy, if he comes to direct *Operation Red Sea*, I guarantee that after more than half a year of military training and filming, he will definitely be able to change this habit of sleeping in."

The leader of the Navy team heard this and joked; no intention of teasing, purely out of good intentions.

Before Zhang Hongsen notified Lin Nan to come to the Film Bureau on the morning of the 26th, a lunch banquet had actually been scheduled, and there was even preparation to talk about serious business at the dining table;

So at this moment, the leaders were not in a hurry, drinking tea in the conference room, laughing and talking, waiting for the director of *Operation Red Sea* they "predetermined"!

On the other side, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei didn't stay too long after sending Old Lin to the airport at 9 o'clock. Looking at the time, they rushed directly to the Film Bureau.

On the way, the two were still complaining about Zhang Hongsen, not saying clearly what it was, just notifying them to come over today, saying there was a good thing.

But whether it is a good thing or not is different for everyone. In short, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei felt strange, and they had no bottom in their hearts. Especially Lin Dao, he vaguely had a bad premonition.

This is like when the teacher suddenly tells you there is a good thing when you are in school. As for what good thing? Go erase the blackboard, go distribute the homework books, go help me move some things...

10:30 AM, when Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were led to the small conference room by Zhang Hongsen's secretary and saw everyone sitting there, their hearts "thumped" instantly;

The premonition was stronger, and even... fulfilled?

"Oh, calling you to talk about serious business today, and you brought Yifei? The couple together?" Zhang Hongsen looked at the two and teased.

"Leaders, we sent my dad to the airport early this morning, so naturally we came together."

Lin Nan held Liu Yifei's hand, and the two sat beside Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun.

"Hmm, the couple sending the elder to board the plane, this is as it should be." The Navy leader nodded and affirmed.

Liu Yifei scratched Lin Nan's palm, full of curiosity and ignorance, this battle today doesn't look like a small matter!

Lin Nan understood, not feeling restrained, and asked generously: "Leaders, we are both here, can we talk about what the good thing is?"

"Hmm, it's a good thing, a big good thing." Tong Gang nodded and looked at the Navy people.

Only to see the person on the left hand of the one-star leader take the initiative to speak, looking at Lin Nan with a smile:

"Lin Dao Nan, it's like this. We want to produce a main melody blockbuster to add bricks and tiles to the propaganda work of the People's Navy.

Your previous *The Taking of Tiger Mountain* achieved very excellent results, and the Ministry of Public Security also praised the unreleased *Operation Mekong*; so we on the Navy side want to invite you to direct this main melody commercial blockbuster of the Navy.

You are the top great director in the country, an international great director, and a pioneer of main melody commercial films. We think you are naturally the best candidate, the most suitable first candidate!

You can rest assured about the script of this movie, there are no constraints on the scale, it can even be said: you want as big a scale as you want..."

The Navy people were talking eloquently, while the expressions of Tong Gang, Zhang Hongsen, and Han Sanping were a bit awkward, smiling speechlessly.

Is it appropriate to shout "no constraints on the scale... you want as big a scale as you want" in the Film Bureau? Can you give some face?

"...... The script has already been made by us, adapted from the Ye Men evacuation incident in the first half of last year, tentatively named *Operation Red Sea*... During filming, warships and Navy officers and soldiers can be provided..."

At this moment, Lin Nan's brain was buzzing. Ye Men evacuation incident? *Operation Red Sea*!

After a while, the Navy people finished introducing, and the three looked at Lin Nan with burning eyes, full of confidence and certainty.

"*Operation Red Sea* can absolutely be considered the largest production scale in the country so far, a true main melody commercial blockbuster, because it is fully supported by the Navy. Lin Nan, everyone is very optimistic about you, take this task." Han Sanping said with a smile.

"Yes, Shanghai Film Group provides all help at any time." Ren Zhonglun followed closely, fearing to fall behind.

"China Film Group is the same." La Peikang glanced at Ren Zhonglun implicitly, his voice loud.

Just as everyone was looking at Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, waiting for the former to nod, Lin Dao's face showed a bitter smile of sudden realization, and he asked Han Sanping:

"Han Dong, is this the 'point-general' news you revealed to me in early January that was not quite accurate?"

"Yes, haha..."

By now, Han Sanping didn't hide it anymore. La Peikang and Ren Zhonglun cast strange looks at him, what a cunning "Mountain Sculpture"!

"How is it, Lin Dao Nan?" The Navy leader asked for the first time, looking very expectant.

"Lin Nan?" Liu Yifei urged Lin Nan in a low voice, she knew that her husband already had plans for two blockbusters.

Lin Nan didn't make any response, but looked serious and silent for a while, then asked very seriously: "Leader, what is the latest time for *Operation Red Sea* to start filming?"

The Navy people thought Lin Nan was asking about the specific preparation plan, and responded:

"No need to rush, our preparation time will take several months, after the crew casting is completed, all main creators have to follow the Navy out for training for two or three months, start filming in February or March next year; the filming cycle is about five or six months, after all, it is abroad, at sea..."

Hearing this answer, Lin Nan was speechless, and he asked another sentence inexplicably: "Is there any possibility of pushing the start time of the movie to the end of next year or the beginning of the year after?"

"What?"

"Lin Nan, what kind of joke are you making?"

"Lin Nan, is the military project something that can be postponed as soon as you say it? Greetings have already been made to the Navy side, and it has been filed there, do you think warships can be used whenever you want?"

In an instant, the leaders in the conference room all had surprised reactions.

"If it can be pushed to the end of next year or the beginning of the year after, I can take *Operation Red Sea*.

But next year is really not possible, I already have plans for two blockbusters next year, really don't have the energy to take a third one, especially a movie of the scale of *Operation Red Sea*, from preparation to filming to wrapping up, I'm afraid it will take nearly a year, right? I really have no time to follow the Navy out next year, it's really full load... and..."

Speaking of this, Lin Nan looked at Han Sanping: "Han Dong, one of my two blockbusters next year was just decided yesterday. It was promised to Han Chen Shimei's movie, it's her script."

By now, the atmosphere in the conference room had become a bit stiff, quiet as if it were the silence before the storm.

Only Han Sanping seemed to be "shocked", questioning Lin Nan: "Don't bluff us, is her script done?"

"It is done, Jia sent it as my birthday gift and wedding anniversary gift for me and Lin Nan yesterday." Liu Yifei answered weakly for Lin Nan.

Hearing this, Third Master Han's face visibly turned black, his own leaky black-hearted cotton-padded jacket, she had promised firmly before that she would definitely show it to him first when the script was done! But now? Pitting her father?!

"Lin Dao Nan, is there no other possibility?" The leader of the Navy team asked tactfully, as if confirming for the last time.

Tong Gang, Zhang Hongsen and others were all frowning, they hadn't expected this result before, everyone thought it must be Lin Nan at first.

"To be honest, my maximum energy for a year is two movies, if there is one more, I really dare not guarantee the quality; and these two movies next year are also blockbusters in the true sense, the preparation time will not be short.

One is the second hard-core sci-fi movie after *The Martian*, and also my first pure domestic hard-core sci-fi blockbuster; the other is a realistic 'blockbuster', which is my Han Chen Shimei's script..."

Lin Nan didn't hide it, nor was he humble, he said it truthfully.

Hearing Lin Nan's introduction of the two movies, Ren Zhonglun and La Peikang both had eyes shining; only the former was more eager to try, while the latter was a bit implicit and helpless.

The three on the Navy side started to communicate in a low voice after hearing Lin Nan's final answer.

Tong Gang and Zhang Hongsen wanted to interject to persuade, but ultimately couldn't open their mouths. The first candidate for the director of *Operation Red Sea*, it seems, was talked to death?

Liu Yifei gently pulled the clothes on Lin Nan's waist, somewhat uneasy. Lin Nan patted the back of her hand, signaling her to rest assured. It's impossible to wear small shoes for him, right? Not likely.

"Since this is the case, *Operation Red Sea* really has no fate, and it troubled Lin Dao and Producer Liu to run this trip today. Later we will go to talk to Director Zhang Yimou, Director Tong, Director Zhang, have to trouble you."

Saying this, the Navy leader sat up and was about to walk out. Tong Gang and Zhang Hongsen stood up quickly and greeted: "No trouble, but it's already noon, the cafeteria has also prepared hospitality meals, let's eat before..."

Lin Nan took Liu Yifei and followed at the end, and squeezed to Han Sanping: "Han Dong, who are the candidates for the Navy's director, why are they queuing up? Talking one by one?"

"Hmph, you think you are the only one, the domestic directors who can be taken out, the Navy has listed them all. It's just that

"Hmph, you think you're the only one? The Navy Political Department has already listed all the capable directors in the country. It's just that you are the first choice, and look, Zhang Yimou is the second choice..."

"Lin Nan, Yifei, when those two films of yours enter the project initiation stage later, you must call me," Ren Zhonglun whispered from the side, his mood somewhat excited because he had an unexpected harvest today.

Lin Nan didn't pay much attention to Han Sanping's subsequent words or Ren Zhonglun's voice, because a bold, even crazy, idea had just flashed through his mind.

"Chief, it's already almost 12 o'clock. Let's have lunch at the Bureau before you go. Besides, regarding the mainstream commercial blockbuster *Operation Red Sea*, although I cannot take on the job of director, I have some ideas I'd like to share with you... How about we talk while we have lunch?"

Lin Nan raised his voice to help Tong Gang and Zhang Hongsen persuade the Navy Political Department's people to stay, which was also helping himself.

Believe it or not, with that shout from the great Lin Dao, the Chief from the Navy Political Department actually stopped in his tracks and turned around. He looked at Lin Nan and said with a smile:

"Oh? What good suggestions does Lin Dao have? That's certainly worth hearing. After all, you are the most experienced great director in the field of mainstream commercial films."

…………

At Lin Nan Film, Yue Jun had just hung up the phone with Daylight Entertainment.

Regarding the project initiation of *Nirvana in Fire 2*, Hou Hongliang had agreed with him on the phone on a specific time to come to the company for a face-to-face meeting.

Recalling the heads-up Jiang Xuerou had given earlier, Yue Jun immediately called his assistant in.

"Director Yue?"

"Go tell Director Jiang that Producer Hou from Daylight Entertainment will come over on the 5th of next month to discuss the investment share for *Nirvana in Fire 2*.

Also, notify Zhao Liying's studio and tell her to come back that morning as well. It's best to communicate well with Director Jiang in advance. After all, if one wants an inside track on a role, one must at least show some attitude, right?"

"Understood, Director Yue."

Just as the assistant went out, someone from administration came in.

"Director Yue, the Hundred Flowers Awards committee is asking to confirm the attendance of our personnel for the several films we have, so they can arrange the seating."

"Has the location been announced?"

"It was just announced at ten this morning. The awards ceremony will be held in Tang Shan on the evening of the 24th of next month."

Yue Jun wasn't sure about Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's schedule, but after thinking for a moment, he still reported everyone;

After all, they had done some "public relations" this time, and StarWu also had *Wolf Warrior* nominated for several awards, and Wu Jing wasn't in the country... Thinking about it, neither of them would be absent; they had to go and hold down the fort!

"By the way, notify Wu Ershan's side as well. Although we are no longer on the same path, we still have to wait until this Hundred Flowers Awards ends to officially part ways."

"Understood."

Watching the administrative staff walk out of the office, Yue Jun couldn't help but mutter, "They really have the nerve to launder money, three films, three billion!"

At the same time, over at Eternal Sky Film.

Wu Ershan and Song Ge were face to face in the office, calculating the project preparation matters.

"... Submit the script for review at the end of October, all three together. The global open auditions, including the preparation of the training camp, are very time-consuming; we can officially start after the New Year..."

"Don't worry, funding is not an issue. After the script is submitted for review, we can directly initiate the project and announce it. I will take 500 million out from the board of directors first... Besides, I've found some friends in the capital circle these days, and when the time comes..."

……

Inside the Bureau's small canteen, a relatively large round dining table could just seat 10 people.

However, facing a table full of sumptuous dishes, no one picked up their chopsticks, but instead looked at Lin Nan with "astonishment" on their faces.

To be more precise, everyone was "shocked" by Lin Nan's words. How did he dare to suggest that?

At this moment, Liu Yifei was a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushed pink;

Because the suggestion Lin Nan made was a bit too "nepotistic," clearly wanting to secure the *Operation Red Sea* project while not serving as the director.

"Why, is there a problem with my proposal?" Lin Nan feigned a very serious look and asked innocently.

"Lin Dao Nan, do you mean: you cannot be the director, but you can serve as the film's executive producer, and additionally, have Director Guo Fan and Director Lu Yang from your company co-direct *Operation Red Sea*?"

The Chief from the Navy Political Department subconsciously raised his voice and asked for confirmation. From his expression, Lin Nan couldn't see any emotion or attitude from the other party, let alone an opinion.

Looking at the five people—Tong Gang, Zhang Hongsen, Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, and La Peikang—they all had strange smiles on their faces at this moment;

And the way they looked at Lin Nan was filled with a bit of "contempt," but also obvious admiration and praise; they were just short of giving him a thumbs up.

"Yes, the executive producer is responsible for the quality of the finished film. If I serve as the executive producer, it won't affect me contributing my efforts to *Operation Red Sea*, I just won't be with the crew."

"At the same time, both Director Guo Fan and Director Lu Yang have enough strength to co-direct this mainstream commercial blockbuster for the Navy, *Operation Red Sea*."

"Guo Fan has worked on a Sino-US co-produced blockbuster like *Pacific Rim* and served as the first assistant director for *The Taking of Tiger Mountain*... Lu Yang has also served as an assistant director on several of my films."

"Moreover, both of them have multiple independently directed film works, and their box office results and reputation are obvious to all; they are very outstanding..."

"In addition, their styles complement each other perfectly, which will surely allow *Operation Red Sea* to reach the expected results, or even surpass them..."

After Lin Nan finished speaking, he looked at the Chief from the Navy Political Department. The other party didn't speak, but his brows were indeed slightly furrowed, clearly deep in thought.

"Lin Nan + Guo Fan + Lu Yang, this can completely be called the most luxurious behind-the-scenes team configuration in the country to date!" Han Sanping said a good word at the right time, which was also the plain truth.

However, he was also thinking about his daughter's film, and between *Operation Red Sea* and his daughter's film, he undoubtedly had selfish motives, hoping Lin Nan would direct the latter.

Because the benefits of this to his own daughter were beyond doubt!

"If you put it that way, then Lin Nan's proposal is indeed impeccable and very worth considering."

"Hmm, that's right. Currently, in the case where Lin Nan is not directing, there really is no stronger choice in the country than the combination of these three!"

Tong Gang and Zhang Hongsen affirmed one after another, and Ren Zhonglun and La Peikang also nodded in agreement.

The Chief from the Navy Political Department looked at the two people on his left and right, and after an exchange of glances, he spoke to everyone, especially Lin Nan:

"I cannot give a definitive answer to Lin Dao Nan's proposal at this moment. But I can promise that we will hold a meeting to discuss it in the next two days, and once there is a result, we will contact you immediately."

"Good, thank you, Chief. However, it really does need to be quick. The sooner it's decided, the sooner we can initiate the project and cast, and after that, we need to hurry up and prepare for training..."

At this point, everyone started picking up their chopsticks, and for the rest of the time, they didn't talk about *Operation Red Sea* again.

At two in the afternoon, Tong Gang led Lin Nan and the others to see the Navy Political Department's group off at the Bureau's main gate.

Watching the motorcade disappear into the traffic, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were also preparing to go home.

"Lin Nan, come to my place tomorrow morning." Suddenly, Han Sanping called out to Lin Nan.

"What for?" After helping Liu Yifei, who was wearing a dress and high heels, into the passenger seat, Lin Nan looked at Han Sanping jokingly.

"Nonsense, about the script for Jia'nu's film. When I go back later, watch me scold her to death... She actually acted on her own initiative to find you!"

"That's easy to say, but every time you can only talk big. When have you ever had the heart to scold her? Or when have you ever won an argument against your daughter? With that sharp tongue of hers, haha..."

Lin Nan's teasing made Liu Yifei in the passenger seat laugh non-stop.

Ren Zhonglun was also watching the fun from the side, adding fuel to the fire: "Don't look at him as a 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao' outside and in the circle; at home, he has no authority at all and is completely wrapped around his daughter's finger!"

Looking at Han Sanping's teeth-gritting but unable-to-refute appearance, Lin Nan changed the subject and talked about *Dying to Survive*:

"Han Dong, you should really take a good look at Jia'nu's script when you go back this afternoon."

"What's wrong, is there a problem?" Han Sanping heard the subtext in Lin Nan's words.

"That script is truly a good script, but the problems are also truly huge, involving many aspects... You might have to sell your old face this time and pull out all the favors, connections, relationships, and achievements you've accumulated in your life!"

Facing Lin Nan's serious tone, Han Sanping calmed down instantly, his aura seemingly returning to the "Zuo Zuo Shandiao" era of the past—murderous and domineering!

"I'll go back and look at her script first. Isn't that what a father is for?"

"Old Han, count me in too. No matter what problems her script has, count me in."

Ren Zhonglun also said very seriously, but the peripheral vision he cast toward La Peikang's back slightly betrayed a tiny bit of his inner thoughts.

"Hmm, if I need you, I naturally won't be polite." Han Sanping rarely didn't refuse Ren Zhonglun, because he understood Lin Nan, so he naturally understood how heavy Lin Nan's words were!

"Han Dong, Chairman Ren, see you later. Yifei and I are leaving first, bye..."

"Han Dong, Chairman Ren, goodbye." Liu Yifei also waved with a smile.

In less than a few seconds, only Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun were left on the spot. A moment later, they turned around and walked slowly into the Bureau.

…………