Chapter 794: Chairman Ren tries out the

After nearly four months of filming, *The Founding of an Army* finally officially announced its wrap on the afternoon of the 22nd, just past 3:00 PM.

It must be said that this film is worthy of being the finale of the "Founding of the Nation Trilogy," a grand historical commercial film presented as a tribute to the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army:

Controlled by China Film Group, and co-produced by units including the Hu Hu Bayi Film Studio, Bona Film Group, Media Asia, and 3D Pictures;

La Peikang served as the general producer, Han Sanping as the general planner and artistic director, Huang Jianxin as the executive producer, and Liu Weiqiang as the director... with 54 lead actors and a total of 108 stars participating.

With such a super-luxurious configuration, even the wrap-up process was broadcast live in its entirety by CCTV. com; from top to bottom, it could be said that the importance attached to it was extreme!

And in the footage of the relevant news reports, La Peikang stood in the center, accompanied by the head of the Hu Hu Bayi Film Studio, Liu Weiqiang, and Yu Dong on the sides; the level of prestige was also maxed out.

That's right, Han Sanping did not go to the scene, but instead spent the afternoon accompanying his daughter at Lin Nan Pictures for auditions and casting, as if *The Founding of an Army* had nothing to do with him at all.

Admittedly, to use Ren Zhonglun's "sarcastic" words, it was:

"From the moment La Peikang agreed to use a large number of 'little fresh meat' and traffic stars, our Third Master Han began to openly distance himself from this tribute film project, to avoid being held responsible together later!"

On the way home, Lin Nan was driving, while Liu Yifei sat in the passenger seat skipping through songs.

Playing on the car audio was the promotional song for *The Great Wall*, "Battlefield," sung by Zhang Jingying.

To be honest, although Lin Nan was tone-deaf, he had the ability to appreciate music, and he felt that this song was not very good;

Especially as a film promotional song, he couldn't hear anything that would make people's eyes light up.

By comparison, the previous song, "Fate's Bridge," was different; he felt it was very good, and it was completely more suitable as a promotional song than this "Battlefield"!

"*The Great Wall* officially premieres on the 16th of next month, but advanced screenings will begin at 7:00 PM on the evening of the 15th. The global premiere ceremony is even moved up to the 7th of next month; we both have to go that day."

Lin Nan suddenly remembered the premiere invitation sent over yesterday. As Zhang Yimou's first major co-produced film, the entire domestic film industry was waiting with bated breath.

"Mm, I'm also looking forward to seeing this magical blockbuster. Didn't Director Zhang say that the special effects are great?"

Liu Yifei turned off the music and playfully blinked at Lin Nan. "Hm? Zhu Yawen is calling."

"Answer it, put it on speaker."

Lin Nan shook his head speechlessly; he vaguely guessed the purpose of this guy's call.

"Good luck with the wrap, classmate Zhu." Liu Yifei answered the phone and teased with a smile.

"Thanks, Producer Liu. I won't ask if your Lin Nan is beside you; he definitely is. Let me tell you something: how about I come over tomorrow to cut in line? Over at *Dying to Survive*."

"You have to talk to Han Jia about that. You really are persistent, aren't you? Didn't I tell you already, there's no role suitable for you; you can't pull it off."

"If there's no lead role, a cameo will do. Such a meaningful realistic film; if I don't participate, I'll always feel a bit regretful. It just so happens that *The Founding of an Army* has wrapped, hasn't it?"

Good grief, he said it quite "righteously"! Lin Nan and Liu Yifei looked at each other, both speechless.

"Alright then, you go talk to her yourself first to let her know, tell her you want to cameo, and see how they arrange it tomorrow."

"Alright, thanks Lin Dao and Producer Liu. I'll take my leave now, won't disturb you two anymore."

"Hey, this dog!" The moment he heard the busy signal, Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh and curse.

"Let's go see how Jia arranges him tomorrow. Will she be impartial and reject him too? Hehe..." Liu Yifei enjoyed watching the drama.

"Hehe, better to have him rejected!"

On the morning of the 23rd, the eyes of many film production companies in the film circle continued to focus on *I Am Not Madame Bovary*.

After experiencing daily box office returns of 45.45 million, 36.42 million, and 32.15 million in the first three days, this film did not exceed the industry's expectations; on weekdays, the daily revenue plummeted.

The day before yesterday, Monday, it reported 28.20 million; yesterday, Tuesday, the daily box office dropped even harder, with only 22.11 million.

And the screening rate given by the theater chains today didn't even bother to pretend anymore: the comprehensive screening rate was 17%, and Wanda was at 2%.

You have to know this was only the 6th day, and the comprehensive screening rate had actually dropped by half!

As for what Huayi's reaction was? Like a dead dog, they accepted their fate.

Actually, they had no choice but to accept it, because Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei were still holding onto a last shred of wishful thinking—for the sake of next month's *The Wasted Times*, they didn't dare to provoke Wanda.

However, in Wanda's eyes, the screening plan had long been arranged, and there was no shadow of Huayi films:

After *Operation Mekong* officially premiered, it would take up the vast majority of Wanda's screening resources. And outsiders had nothing to say; after all, this time it was truly and genuinely market-determined!

From the morning, online film and entertainment news was constantly refreshing, attracting the eyes of countless netizens.

Things like *Negotiator*, starring Yang Mi and Huang Zitao, officially starting filming; Jiang Wenli and Gu Changwei accepting interviews at the airport, supporting their niece Ma Sichun in competing for the Golden Horse Best Actress award...

Director Chen speaking out, *Legend of the Demon Cat* nearing its wrap... LeEco's market value fell another 6.3 billion within half a month, Director Zhang Yimou refusing to accept relevant interviews...

The variety of entertainment information made the circle unusually lively; even the actors and artists auditioning at Lin Nan Pictures couldn't be an exception, all more or less eating melons and paying attention.

At 10:00 AM, when Miss Jing Tian Tian appeared downstairs at Lin Nan Pictures, the paparazzi immediately couldn't stay calm.

"Shouldn't she be at Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis?"

"This is for an audition! *Pacific Rim 2* is currently filming; her appetite is really big."

"It looks like it should be for that sci-fi blockbuster *The Wandering Earth*. From *The Martian* to the *Pacific Rim* series, this time she's definitely aiming for *The Wandering Earth*!"

The elevator stopped at the third floor, and Miss Jing Tian Tian, with light makeup, walked out with her assistant.

In an instant, many gazes were cast over in unison. There were actors and artists, as well as agents and assistants, followed by the sound of people smiling and greeting each other.

For all the actors at the scene, although Miss Jing Tian Tian's acting skills weren't great, she was truly a strong competitor.

Because she had obtained quite a few resources from Lin Nan Pictures, and most importantly: she called Lin Dao "brother" in public, very similar to Shu Chang.

While the staff on the third floor arranged for Miss Jing Tian Tian to enter the small reception room, inside the *The Wandering Earth* audition conference room, Wu Jing was boldly recommending himself.

"Lin Dao, Producer Liu, Director Yue, you three take a look; with my screen image, physical fitness, and appearance, it would be a real pity not to play an astronaut.

And astronauts are also soldiers, and even more so heroes; it can perfectly link with my *Wolf Warrior 2*. I'm a hero on the ground, and I can still dedicate myself in the sky, selfless and fearless. Furthermore..."

Lin Nan felt that Wu Jing wasn't here to audition today; he was here to perform a crosstalk. Not only was Liu Yifei on the side unable to help laughing, but even Yue Jun couldn't hold it in!

"Have you been asking Yu Qian for advice these past two days? You're so talkative?"

"Lin Dao, Chief Lin, I'm just excited, aren't I?" Wu Jing said with a smile and even gave a salute; this guy was clearly over-excited today.

"Alright, after your Xie Nan called that day, we two discussed it. Congratulations, Director Wu, get ready to go to the sky!" Liu Yifei really couldn't stand this guy anymore, and immediately stopped "delaying."

"Haha... thank you, leaders!" Wu Jing folded his hands and bowed heavily; the smile on his face could hardly be suppressed.

After chatting for a few minutes, Wu Jing left in high spirits. Immediately, the assistant outside ran in and told the three of them that Miss Jing Tian Tian had arrived.

"Let her in. Xixi, I'll leave it to you."

"Mm, I'll talk to her."

Regarding Miss Jing Tian Tian's role, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei had discussed it, and it would be announced to the other party by Producer Liu.

"Sister Yifei, Brother Lin, Brother Yue."

Miss Jing Tian Tian walked in and politely greeted them one by one. The audition segment was skipped by default.

"We have arranged a role for you in *The Wandering Earth*, with only one shot." After Liu Yifei nodded and responded with a smile, she got straight to the point about the role.

Hearing that there was only one shot, the light in Miss Jing Tian Tian's eyes dimmed instantly, but she still tried hard to keep a smile on her face.

"One shot is also very good." She muttered to herself to comfort herself.

"Although this role only has one shot, she is a character that connects the series. In the second film, she will be one of the leads, and it will even continue to the third film..."

With Liu Yifei's continuous additions, the light that had just dimmed in Miss Jing Tian Tian's eyes instantly brightened again; it was a surprise.

At 11:30 AM, Lin Nan ended the audition work for *The Wandering Earth* early. Because an assistant had just come to report that Zhu Yawen had entered the large conference room for *Dying to Survive*.

And Lin Nan and Liu Yifei had been preparing to go over and watch the drama early on, to see what kind of cameo role old Zhu could get, or if he would be "wiped out" by Han Jia.

After all, little Han Jia took her first screenwriting debut quite seriously and was not perfunctory at all.

The moment Lin Nan and Liu Yifei pushed open the door to the large conference room for *Dying to Survive*, both of them burst into laughter at the same time; they really couldn't help it.

What did they hear? Han Jia was arguing with Ren Zhonglun, educating Ren Zhonglun... the content was very explosive!

"So what if it's a small hotel owner who uses and sells Indian divine oil? Uncle Ren, you are the chairman of Shanghai Film Group, a giant in the film and television industry; why are you being so picky about a cameo role?

You aren't like this when you educate other actors; why are you so unable to accept it when it comes to yourself?

*Dying to Survive* is of great significance; what's wrong with sacrificing your ego a little? This is asking you to open a couple's hotel in the film, and incidentally sell Indian divine oil imported from the protagonist, not asking you to open a small hotel in reality and sell divine oil on the side..."

"Old Han, control your daughter. Why can Wang Yong cameo as the police chief, while I have to cameo as such a role?"

"I think it's quite good. I even played the Mountain Vulture back then! With your level of vision, that's all there is to it; no wonder I was always suppressing you back then..."

Han Sanping nodded at Lin Nan and Liu Yifei with a smile, and then continued to provoke Ren Zhonglun.

Although everyone could see through this routine at a glance, it was indeed effective. They saw the great Chairman Ren silent, his face looking sour, sitting there without saying a word; he had accepted it!

Looking at Zhu Yawen again, this guy looked like a "defiled" young girl, sitting on the side with a listless expression, not wanting to live.

"Chairman Ren, it's quite good. You are a character who appears at the very beginning, and you even have a few lines of testimony after using the Indian divine oil, haha..."

Lin Nan couldn't help but tease, and then he was glared at fiercely by Ren Zhonglun. Liu Yifei leaned her head against Lin Nan's arm, laughing until she trembled: "You stop talking, humph..."

"That's right, it's all for the good of the film." Han Sanping echoed with a smile.

"What's wrong with you, with this attitude?"

Lin Nan asked Zhu Yawen, and the latter immediately had a mournful face, "She wants me to dance the pole dance, I... I just played the Premier, I..."

Old Zhu pointed at Han Jia, looking like he was complaining to Lin Dao and Producer Liu.

"You don't have to play the nightclub manager anymore!"

Suddenly, Han Jia interrupted Zhu Yawen's "complaints." The large conference room instantly became quiet, including Ren Zhonglun and Han Sanping; everyone looked at Han Jia.

"Director Han, Screenwriter Han, I was just complaining; you don't have to treat me like this, do you? We are old acquaintances!" Zhu Yawen had a flustered expression and hurriedly conceded.

"I'm not joking with you, and I'm not targeting you. Because I have a more suitable candidate for the cameo."

As Han Jia's words fell, Lin Nan subconsciously took a step back, his throat swallowing involuntarily.

Because he found that the way Han Jia looked at him was a bit wrong, and what was with the smile on her face? It was a naked, malicious grin!

"Brother Lin..."

"No!"

Han Jia's and Lin Nan's voices echoed together in a flash.

At this moment, Liu Yifei, Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, Jiang Xuerou, and Zhu Yawen, how could they not see Han Jia's intention? She, she wanted Lin Nan to cameo as the nightclub manager, to dance the pole dance and striptease!

"No, absolutely not!" Lin Nan's emotions were intense, and he sternly refused again. How could he cameo as that role? He was someone who cared about his face and reputation!

"I agree, hehe." Liu Yifei's eyes flashed with light, and she giggled as she backstabbed her husband; she really loved watching the drama and didn't mind it being big, specifically pitting Lin Nan.

"Hey, Yifei still has awareness! How did you persuade me just now? Lin Nan, you are a great director; what's wrong with sacrificing your image for the film? I didn't say anything when I went to sell Indian divine oil, and you aren't willing to dance a pole dance and striptease? Young man, don't take your face so seriously; it's all for the sake of *Dying to Survive*, a film that can be recorded in film history and speak for countless patients..."

"Lin Nan, since Jia said so, I really feel that this cameo role is meant for you..."

"Old Lin, although you stole my role, I don't resent you, brother. If today's trip was in vain, then it was in vain; I'm happy... Hahaha..."

Lin Nan scanned the crowd, his expression speechless to the extreme!

"Chairman Ren, how are you embarrassed to open your mouth? Chairman Han, you're standing and talking without back pain, aren't you? Han Jia, you're quite capable, aren't you? Zhu Yawen, get the hell out of here!"

Lin Nan finally looked at the person beside him holding his hand; Liu Yifei immediately gave him a sweet smile and rarely acted spoiled: "Lin Nan, I want to see you dance the pole dance, hehe... dance the other one at home..."

The smile on his face was uglier than crying; this was the expression of Lin Dao at this moment, "What a sin!"

... ===== CHAPTER 795 =====