Chapter 748: Han Sanping

A new day began, and the focus of film and television discourse online and within the industry shifted, starting with CCTV naming and shaming exorbitant actor salaries, *Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace*, and stars Zhou Xun and Huo Jianhua.

However, the most popular news sweeping the entire internet was the episode of *A Date with Luyu: Journey of the Big Shots* that aired last night.

Big Lao Wang's line, "If you want to be the richest person, that is the right direction to strive for, but it's best to set a small goal you can achieve first—for example, let me earn 100 million first," instantly went viral across the web.

The term "small goal" was thus, for the first time, concretely quantified by the richest man: exactly 100 million!

In this day and age, such earnest advice from the richest man, especially in the form of such "plain and unadorned" pearls of wisdom, would undoubtedly become a "classic" and go down in history.

Lin Nan set off from home at eight o'clock sharp in the morning. Listening to the news on the car radio, he couldn't help but chuckle.

When Big Lao Wang said those words with a straight face, he definitely never imagined he would be teased and joked about by countless netizens online;

Even if he were to lose his glory in the future, this line would never fade; it would circulate for a long time... He would live on in the hearts of massive numbers of netizens, living on the internet!

The vibration of his phone caused Lin Nan to turn off the news; it was a call from Yue Jun.

"Speak quickly, I'm driving."

"Lin Dao, the notice from the Administration has just come down, asking us to attend a major meeting at the end of the month. Judging by the tone, it's nothing more than the 'exorbitant salary' issue, but it's a case of 'Zhou Yu beating Huang Gai'—no matter how many initiatives are launched, it's useless.

Also, I've already told Director Guo Fan and Director Lu Yang to come to the company tomorrow morning..."

Lin Nan adjusted his headset and laughed: "If there's a meeting, there's a meeting. You can just represent the company when the time comes. Besides, aren't you curious why I turned down *Operation Red Sea*?"

Hearing Lin Nan's question, Yue Jun laughed out loud: "Not curious, I can guess; there must be quite a few reasons, haha..."

Fine, the great Lin Dao was a bit speechless; he truly was an old partner of so many years, he just understood him.

"Mm, as long as our own people know."

"Don't worry, Lin Dao, it won't spread outside and 'attract hate' for you. But some of the reasons really almost laughed me to death, haha..."

Hanging up on Yue Jun with a huff, Lin Nan continued to watch the road and drive, grumbling.

Since returning yesterday afternoon, Han Sanping hadn't had a pleasant look on his face.

And Han Jia, who was usually carefree and boisterous, was currently like a frost-bitten eggplant—a bit wilted, not daring to speak or talk back.

Because she knew very well that her debut screenplay had truly caused a "major problem," one so big that even her own father had a headache, his brows furrowed for nearly a whole day.

"I'll say it again: I originally thought you would just be messing around with small things, and I was prepared to invest money for you to toss about. But I didn't expect you, girl, to really give me a surprise—such a huge surprise."

In the living room, Han Sanping said this with deep satisfaction, his tone unusually light and gentle.

"You'd better just scold me twice." Han Jia muttered softly.

"Scold you? Are you stupid? Can't you hear I'm praising you?"

Han Sanping was so angry he laughed. Han Jia looked up at him, a bit suspicious if he was lying to her. "But, what about the censorship issue?"

"Let it be. You don't need to worry about that; I'm not dead yet." Han Sanping's tone couldn't help but become heavier; it was clear he was also under some pressure.

After all, this film script really couldn't be resolved just by going through the Film Bureau; there were too many heavyweight departments that needed to be run.

"They're here!"

The sound of a car in the courtyard reached the villa, and the father and daughter sat up instantly.

A moment later, Lin Nan was startled by this "welcoming" formation, and immediately joked: "Han Dong, this is the first time you've come out to welcome me; I'm truly flattered!"

"You're full of yourself, get in here quickly."

"Senior Brother Lin, hurry up, my dad has been waiting for you since early morning."

Han Jia's heartfelt words instantly made old Comrade Han lose some face; he snorted coldly and walked quickly into the living room.

One minute later, Lin Nan was leaning comfortably on the sofa, facing the father and daughter.

At this moment, Han Sanping didn't engage in too much small talk and went straight to the point:

"After the Lu Yong incident occurred, the relevant legal provisions were brought up at the major meeting and questioned... After countless investigations and meeting discussions over the past year or two, the final revision and confirmation work is currently underway.

The news I heard yesterday afternoon is that by the end of October this year at the latest, the Supreme People's Procuratorate will issue an official document, releasing revised legal provisions regarding the Lu Yong incident, and re-characterizing all such cases in the future."

"Although the general trend is like this, the difficulty of submitting for censorship and filming a film script based on this event as a prototype is something I don't need to explain; you should all know, the national... situation..."

Han Sanping was indeed Han Sanping; the things he could find out were far beyond Lin Nan's reach. Before this, he had completely misunderstood the specific handling process and progress of this matter within the system; today was the first time he understood it clearly.

"So, what must we do to obtain the filming permit most efficiently? I imagine those old guys in the censorship department would be scared to death if they saw this script, right?"

Lin Nan asked uncertainly, and Han Jia was also waiting anxiously for her father to provide the next steps.

"Don't talk about the censorship department; even Director Tong wouldn't dare to make the decision to pass this script alone. Only after the health, propaganda, and judicial departments nod will the Film Bureau let it through... Not only that, but this also involves the interests of many capital giants in the pharmaceutical field..."

The voice interrupted, and Han Sanping stared at Lin Nan, saying very seriously: "

This time, I will set aside this old face and use the favors, connections, and achievements of the past few decades to run relationships with the higher-ups.

But at the same time, it would be best if we could have a few reliable allies who can provide help and build momentum, even if it's just letting us borrow their authority..."

"Han Dong, please speak." Lin Nan understood the other party's meaning.

"Dad, hurry up, you're killing me with anxiety."

"For the production lineup, call on Western Film Group; Wang Yong can cooperate with me to run the relationships in the film system. As for other departments... I will go find the leaders myself."

"This time, we must bring in Shanghai Film Group. In the capital circle, Ren Zhonglun's influence is far stronger than mine, stronger than China Film Group; the Shanghai circle is very strong... Old Ren can even persuade the Shanghai government to provide help;"

"Finally, if—I'm saying if—if the suggestion you made to the Navy Political Department yesterday passes, then we will take the opportunity to invite the Navy Political Department to participate in the joint production of *Dying to Survive*, and hmm, we must also invite Golden Shield!"

Han Sanping's words were finished, and for the first time, Lin Nan felt such "dreaminess" in him. It seemed this was the first time "Mountain-Seizing Eagle" had taken the initiative to invite Shanghai Film Group?!

Fine, after all, it was his own daughter's debut screenplay; he valued it more than anyone, and Shanghai Film Group could truly provide unimaginable help; that side could influence the Shanghai authorities.

"Didn't Junior Sister Han register a studio? Add that too this time." Lin Nan nodded, looking at Han Jia. The latter's eyes lit up, and a smile immediately appeared on her face, "Mm, mm, okay."

"Then add her."

Han Sanping glanced at his own "broken cotton-padded jacket" with "disdain." Wasn't the investment money still going to come from him? He was providing labor, effort, and money—was this "living off one's parents"?!

"Screenplay, producer, script—these can all be used as investment... Han Dong didn't mention China Film Group today, which actually surprises me a bit?"

Walking toward the refrigerator on his own and taking out a bottle of cold water, Lin Nan muttered as if unintentionally.

"Compared to Ren Zhonglun and Wang Yong, he can provide almost no help. Everything he can provide, I can do, and my favors are even several times more effective than his..."

"Besides, do you think I don't know what's on your mind? Since it's already like this, why would I mention China Film Group?"

Han Sanping retorted to Lin Nan with a huff, making Han Jia burst into laughter.

"I'll handle the contact with those two people; Lin Nan, you don't need to intervene. Your target is too big, and it's easy to attract too much media attention. This time, we must also be prepared for a protracted war."

After two seconds of silence, Han Sanping exhorted earnestly again.

"Okay, I know."

"Dad, then who is going to deliver the script?" Han Jia couldn't help but ask.

"Afterwards, I will take it to the Film Bureau privately. I'll sit down and talk with Director Tong first, to let him have an idea..."

Not staying long with old Han and young Han, after finishing the matter of *Dying to Survive*, Lin Nan went straight to the company.

During this period, the post-production of *Marriage Story* had been intermittent, to the point that Ning Hao was sending messages to complain about him, saying that at Tiangong Color, there wasn't even a companion to brag with.

Outside, LeTV didn't know what kind of madness it had caught, inexplicably promoting the news of Boss Jia happily gaining a son.

This kind of plot, often seen in TV dramas, gave the film and television industry a very nonsensical sense of fragmentation. Since when did internet companies learn this set of tricks? The birth of the Crown Prince, the foundation of the country is stable?

But it had to be said, this set of "random punches" actually had some gains, namely, slightly slowing down the decline of LeTV's stock price, which was very fantastical.

However, by this point, no matter how the market value stopped falling, there were signs that it was of no avail.

Because there were already rumors spreading in the capital circle that LeTV's problem wasn't just a broken capital chain; its internal debt was even higher;

Even from several years ago, LeTV had been operating like walking on a tightrope; a slight carelessness would result in being smashed to pieces.

Sure enough, Lin Nan had just arrived at the company when he received a call from Wang Changtian; old Wang couldn't wait to share the heavyweight inside information he had just obtained.

"I heard that the inside of the CSRC is already arguing; some radical high-level officials have proposed the opinion of forcing LeTV to delist; but most are still desperately protecting it, believing that heavy punishment is enough;"

"Because suspending and delisting a listed internet company and prohibiting its stock circulation is a very major accident, and the CSRC would have to bear the responsibility for ineffective supervision."

"I estimate this matter will drag on for at least a year; unless there is external interference, it is impossible to cut the Gordian knot, and it is impossible to let LeTV delist..."

Although Lin Nan didn't turn on the speakerphone, Ning Hao beside him could hear the voice on the phone completely. He looked at Lin Nan in shock and whispered:

"If they delist, wouldn't the stocks of Director Zhang Yimou and the others... be completely washed away?"

"Ning Hao?"

"Chairman Wang, it's me."

"No one can be sure of this result now; it's just a possibility. Let's just gossip privately, don't go spreading it around; it's easy to cause unnecessary panic..."

Wang Changtian hurriedly exhorted; after all, his source of information was a friend at the CSRC, which was very authentic.

A few minutes later, Wang Changtian hung up the phone in a hurry. Listening to the movement on the other end, it seemed to be Wang Baoqiang's voice. Lin Nan and Ning Hao looked at each other and couldn't help but shake their heads; they truly sympathized with him.

"When Director Zhang and that group of people swapped and increased their LeTV shares in the first half of the year, what was the lock-up period they signed?" Suddenly, Ning Hao asked an irrelevant question.

Don't say, Lin Nan couldn't remember for a moment, and only had an impression after recalling for a long while: "I seem to have heard it was a year and a half? Mm, it's a year and a half, I'm sure."

"At that time, Wang Wei even complained, saying that for newly listed companies, the shareholder lock-up period is only one year; LeTV is just doing special things, and it's half a year longer!"

"Oh, then I wish LeTV at least holds on until September next year. Otherwise, the twenty-something people including the great Director Zhang, Guo Jingming, Huang Xiaoming, Sun Honglei, and Deng Chao will really have to cry!"

"You really don't think it's a big deal to watch the fun?" Lin Nan laughed and scolded Ning Hao implicitly, but while speaking, his eyes were also avoiding the other party.

"Since I'm watching the fun, I'm naturally going for the big fun. To be honest, I wish LeTV would collapse; the great Director Zhang is a hot commodity, haha..."

Ning Hao laughed unscrupulously, and it was impossible to tell if he was joking or serious.

At noon, neither of the two great directors went home; they found a restaurant near Lin Nan Pictures.

Lin Nan was because Liu Yifei and Liu Xiaoli had gone out to watch a stage play and wouldn't be back at noon, so he was too lazy to go back;

And the great Director Ning's reason was much more ridiculous; he told Xing Aina that Lin Nan was treating him to a meal and wouldn't let him leave... This guy really didn't want his face anymore!

Happy Mahua.

Ma Li had already started packing her bags, preparing to join the crew.

According to the schedule, the earliest the script for *Never Say Die* would pass censorship would be the middle or late part of next month. Plus casting and crew preparation, the start date would be around the end of the year.

And during this time, she could just go to another blockbuster and play the second female lead.

"In our company, Ma Li can be considered the first actor to step onto the international film stage. A Chinese-Russian co-produced fantasy blockbuster, and she's partnering with Big Brother Cheng and Arnold Schwarzenegger."

Shen Teng teased meanly, and a burst of booing sounded around.

"Forget it, you guys didn't see my makeup look. Tsk tsk tsk, I got goosebumps when I saw it, hehe..."

Ma Li had an embarrassed, super awkward expression, complaining about herself. She would have to show skin then, and her figure... it was truly full of laughs!

"Since you say so, we must go visit the set." Yan Fei was busy; he had just hung up the phone and ran in to tease.

"Then you guys wait until the film is released, go to the cinema and book the whole hall to laugh at me; it can be considered contributing to the box office. Anyway, this is my first time fighting in a co-produced blockbuster."

Ma Li picked up her bag and was ready to leave the company. She was going to fly to Russia with the China Film Group team in the afternoon, hmm, to join the crew of *The Mystery of the Dragon Seal*.

"Okay, okay. Let us watch our pillar Ma Li go further and further..."

"Go to hell, who are you sending off?"

Amidst talking, laughing, and cursing, Ma Li got into the car and disappeared from everyone's view.

At this time, Yan Fei looked at Song Yang and the others and talked about work: "Our company is small, so the plan must be made in advance."

"At the end of October, *Mr. Donkey* will be released, and *Never Say Die* will start filming before the end of December. As for the next film project... Song Yang, you should lead it; let's adapt *Hello Mr. Billionaire*."

"Mm? Okay. But this seems a bit difficult, if making a film script."

August arrived at the 28th, and the summer schedule could almost be considered over.

Because all major universities had started school, even art universities including the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama had started military training.

Lin Nan had avoided the opening ceremony before, but although he hadn't arrived, the posters were there.

As the active "top card" of the Film Academy, the great Lin Dao was truly too popular.

Sure enough, early in the morning, old Jiang called again, hinting in his words that he wanted to ask if he had any teaching arrangements this semester?

Looking at the steamed bun in his hand and then looking at the breakfast on the table, how could the great Lin Dao have the heart to consider bringing a class at this moment? Eating was important. After eating, he still had to drive to the company himself!

"Mm, I'm quite busy in the later period; film post-production, film promotion and release, and two films to prepare... At that time, if conditions permit, my crew will accept students from the school for internships, those in behind-the-scenes majors. Mm, odd jobs!"

"Got it, having this last sentence from you is enough; I can go and confront several deans and directors of secondary departments."

"Also, the film that Director Tian is participating in is about to start filming; if you have time, you can come and show your face."

"Forget it, I don't have a good impression of that director." Lin Nan refused immediately.

"Okay, I know you have a friendship with Gong Li and hate those few people at the Golden Horse Awards, so that's it."

A few minutes later, Lin Nan got up and looked at Liu Yifei, who was still slowly drinking nutritious porridge there, and asked: "Xixi, shall we go to the company together?"

"No, I have to go to Red Star Dock in a while. Director Jiang said the second and third round negotiations for *Eternal Love* are today, I'll go take a look."

Miss Liu raised her head, looking listless. This was the result of her mother being at home, waking her up early in the morning.

"Then okay. Mom, I'll go first."

"Drive slowly on the road." Liu Xiaoli's voice came from the direction of the kitchen in the distance, and Liu Yifei pouted, very dissatisfied; she was sleepy.

Lin Nan Pictures.

Guo Fan and Lu Yang arrived very early; the two of them even ate something in Lin Nan's office—ordered by the assistant.

"Speaking of which, I'm still looking forward to the Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony next month, although the probability of *Brotherhood of Blades 2* winning an award is very small."

"Speaking of domestic awards, they are indeed naturally exclusive to films like martial arts and comedy; it's really a pit!"

Lu Yang complained as he spoke. Go abroad? It's unrealistic now, because it's long past the time when *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* won awards abroad.

"Wait and see on that day; didn't it get nominated for several awards? Besides, the company seems to have done public relations for this session."

Guo Fan comforted with a smile; anyway, the probability of *Go Away Mr. Tumor* winning an award should not be small. Last time at the Huabiao Awards, it won an award.

"Then keep a normal mind; I wasn't good at chasing awards anyway."

"Mm, this mentality is very good." Lin Nan took over Lu Yang's words and walked into the office.

"Lin Dao, morning."

"Lin Dao, you're so mysterious, what exactly is the matter?"

Lin Nan sat in his position, looking at the two people opposite the desk, not intending to beat around the bush, and immediately started talking:

"The day before yesterday morning, I was called to the Film Bureau. People from the Navy Political Department were also there. The Navy is preparing to shoot a military-themed mainstream commercial blockbuster—*Operation Red Sea*, adapted from the Yemen evacuation incident early last year."

"The script is ready, no limit on scale, the Navy will cooperate, providing warships, live ammunition, real shooting! The filming locations are abroad and at sea... After project approval and casting, the crew will follow the Navy for at least three months of militarized training. Filming starts in February or March next year, with an estimated filming time of five to six months."

"They drew up a list of directors, and I was ranked first, but I refused. I recommended the two of you to co-direct, and I will be the producer."

Hearing Lin Nan's concise description, Guo Fan and Lu Yang were instantly energized—a big project!

"Why did Lin Dao refuse?"

Guo Fan reacted quickly and asked with a smile. Lin Nan was a bit speechless, opened his mouth, and joked back: "Want to hear the truth or the lie?"

"Lie first, then truth." Lu Yang didn't play by the rules, a treacherous smile appearing on his face.

"The lie is, I'm not interested in it."

"Mm, Lin Dao, this is quite a lie. Which man doesn't like warships and cannons? Just thinking about it is exciting! Besides, this is the Navy's mainstream; listening to your introduction, it's about shooting without cost, without limit on scale, to one's heart's content." Guo Fan decisively "criticized" Lin Nan.

"Truth, I'm more interested in the truth." Lu Yang followed closely, urging.

At this moment, Lin Nan became a bit more serious:

"This *Operation Red Sea* is indeed the largest military-themed mainstream commercial blockbuster in terms of production scale in the country so far, but to be honest, it really doesn't have much significance to me now."

"Besides, I've accepted Han Jia's script; I believe that film can go down in history; from now until the end of the year, or even the first half of next year, I just want to focus on Han Jia's script and the company's hardcore sci-fi film!"

"Lin Dao, continue. Although this reason fits your style, I don't think it's enough, haha..."

"Yes, there must be other reasons."

Damn, Lin Nan wanted to curse. The two guys in front of him were old partners who had followed him for many years; he really couldn't disguise it!

"Fine, I'll say it."

"Think about it, from the preparation stage of *Operation Red Sea*, everyone in the crew has to follow the Navy for militarized training until the film starts in February or March next year, and it will be even harder after filming starts..."

"What is militarized training? Getting up earlier than chickens and sleeping later than dogs; doing this from the preparation and training stage until the film wraps. That's at least seven or eight months, right?"

"Running outside for so long for this one film, delaying the two films originally planned? And with my lazy personality, I really don't want to suffer the hardships of the troops, haha..."

Speaking to the end, Lin Nan didn't even want his face anymore. But *Operation Red Sea* really didn't have much significance to him; he had already shot two mainstream blockbusters, so once or twice was enough, and three times could be forgotten.

"Oh, understood, Lin Dao doesn't want to suffer!"

Lu Yang looked at Lin Nan with a "provocative" look, full of teasing; he was really good at taking things out of context; it was a pity he didn't become a paparazzi or self-media person.

"Is there also a consideration similar to the Golden Rooster Awards?" Guo Fan's words instantly made the office quiet.

"Being too smart is actually not good. Director Guo should know how Yang Xiu died, right?"

Lin Nan said with a huff; this was even guessed. Simply, he stopped pretending completely.

"That's right, there is this consideration. The main controller of *Operation Red Sea* must be the Navy Political Department. Suppose I accepted it; what if the Golden Rooster Awards deliberately came to disgust me then?"

"They run to the Navy Political Department and blow for a while, saying this film is too good, worthy of strong support and promotion, and the Golden Rooster wants to give it an award... The Navy Political Department is an official unit; if the Golden Rooster invites them like this, do you think the Navy Political Department can refuse? There's no way to refuse! Within the system, how could they refuse their own 'professional' award? It's impossible to refuse, and they can't refuse; this is an open conspiracy!"

"And my business with the Golden Rooster is known to the whole industry. We've long since torn our faces off; last year, I even humiliated them fiercely with a Golden Rooster trophy with a starting price of 100 yuan. Don't they want to retaliate and humiliate me back? If they award me an award in the name of *Operation Red Sea*, and then another director award, should I go or not?"

"This is directly putting me on the fire to roast! Because no matter if I go or not, they can be considered to have successfully disgusted me, pressing my face to slap, spitting a mouthful of thick phlegm at me!"

"To avoid this series of troubles, it's better to stay far away from the beginning..."

Guo Fan and Lu Yang were silent, because what Lin Nan said last was truly the style of that group of people at the Golden Rooster. They could do it, using an open conspiracy to mess with you!

A moment later, Lin Nan picked up the tea on the table to moisten his throat:

"*Operation Red Sea* really doesn't have much significance to me now, but it's different for you two. Your previous box office results and resumes are enough; the two of you co-directing is completely heavy enough to take down this film!"

"The Navy Political Department is also very well prepared; as long as you don't jump out of line, follow the script, and with the assistance of the Navy, *Operation Red Sea* will inevitably be a very successful military-themed mainstream commercial blockbuster!"

"Afterwards, whether it's using this film to increase your influence in the industry, or brushing up your reputation and connections with the officials, the help for you two will be very great!"

"But Lin Dao, how much certainty do you have?" Guo Fan asked, with firmness in his eyes.

"Lin Dao, if the two of us direct, will the Golden Rooster give an award? What if they give it, what should we do?" Lu Yang thought quite a lot.

"You two have longed for it, right?" Lin Nan's words left the two speechless.

"I am me, you are you. I won't demand how you two should do things because of my affairs? If they award you, you go and receive it. After receiving the award, turn around and auction it for charity... The starting price is still 100 yuan! What a simple thing, haha."

Lin Nan joked happily, while Guo Fan and Lu Yang accompanied him with smiles, "Don't say, that's a good idea."

"As for how much certainty there is to get *Operation Red Sea*... Director Tong and Director Zhang, they will help. Besides, with me plus you two, is there such a lineup in the country? No, only this one!"

"Mm, that's true!"

"Indeed, our company's combination, there really isn't a second one in the industry that can take it out!"

The sounds of talking and laughing filled the office, and Guo Fan and Lu Yang summarized for Lin Nan, quite detailed:

"Tsk tsk tsk, Lin Dao, these reasons for not accepting *Operation Red Sea*, if said out, might be scolded, right?"

"First, no energy next year, and Lin Dao thinks *Operation Red Sea* doesn't have much significance to yourself;"

"Second, learn the lesson of *The Taking of Tiger Mountain*; if it's not a mainstream film controlled by our own company, never touch it;"

"Third point, I'm afraid this is the most important reason, right? Lin Dao doesn't want to follow the Navy to suffer for more than half a year or even nearly a year, can't bear to part with Yifei... haha..."

Lin Nan stared at the two people opposite with a cold smile; he felt it was necessary to silence them.

Was he the kind of person who stayed at home, loved home, and couldn't leave his wife? This was purely slander, naked slander and defamation!

"The company's profits this year aren't very good, you two should make a contribution... The profit-sharing, it won't be issued this year..."

"Don't, Lin Dao, I'm just preparing to change to a bigger villa."

"Yes, yes, I also..."

... ===== CHAPTER 749 =====