Chapter 82: A Meal

Jing Tian has received many more notices recently.

Unlike her previous EP, although the director was Ning Hao, it was just a music video with limited impact.

"The Martian" is different.

This film has truly earned this young girl attention within the industry.

"You still have to shoot films for big directors."

Lu Zheng said to Jing Tian with a smile; the latter had just returned from shooting a commercial, accompanied by her female assistant.

"Uncle Lu, I want to invite Brother Lin to a meal," the girl said, sharing her idea.

"A meal? Hmm, that's a good idea, I'll arrange it."

"Let's just have it at home..."

Lu Zheng was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded.

"Home is good, it feels more intimate."

"The Martian" reached 320 million without suspense, continuing to crush "Red Cliff: Part I" and reclaiming the box office record lost by "Painted Skin."

The authorities hope to hold a seminar regarding this film, which is truly in line with the national situation.

Lin Nan sat among a group of "scholars," listening to them talk about the "spirit" of "The Martian."

His head was buzzing, and he even doubted if this was the film he had shot; how come he couldn't understand what they were saying?

After returning, he heard from Liu Yifei that she had received an invitation.

Xiang Huaqiang has invested in serviced apartments in the capital, and first and second-tier stars and celebrities in the circle are all on the invitation list.

Lin Nan certainly wasn't going, so Liu Yifei declined as well.

Later, looking at news reports, Zhang Yimou didn't go either.

The group from Huayi was quite supportive, though.

When that family accepted an interview, they still looked regretful, "Not being able to invite a few big directors is the biggest pity."

Lin Nan remembered what Yang Shoucheng had told him; the previous Hong Kong media reports about Lin Nan excluding Hong Kong artists and only using mainland actors likely had something to do with this family as well.

Two companies competing, yet the flames of war spread to Lin Nan, who had just signed the "Ip Man" contract with Emperor Motion Pictures; the methods were truly a bit disgusting.

Liu Dehua might really like "The Martian," as he specifically called to say he had accepted a big-budget sci-fi film, starting production next month.

Lin Nan curiously asked for specific information; the director is Wang Jing, and the film is called "Future X-Cops."

Listening to that, it seemed Liu Dehua quite liked the script. A big-budget Hong Kong sci-fi film... one can only hope it doesn't flop too hard when the time comes.

Liu Yifei was dressed in her finest, preparing to attend a brand event for Garnier.

This was an endorsement she had just obtained not long ago, with a contract fee reaching eight figures.

Among all female stars in the country, this counts as the very top tier, especially since she is only in her early twenties.

The effect of three Hollywood films was manifested vividly; other actresses could only watch with envy.

"Wait for me to come back."

Liu Yifei waved her hand and got into the car.

Lin Nan watched Liu Xiaoli and the others drive away, and his phone vibrated.

"Butterfly Lovers," which Hu Ge previously acted in, was released on the 16th.

Although a large number of viewers complained that the plot was ridiculous and poorly made, the box office was okay, taking in 15 million in the first four days of the opening weekend.

Industry insiders analyzed that this film took advantage of a gap in the schedule.

"The Martian" was in front, charging ahead for twenty days; no film chose to seek death, so a sudden arrival of "Butterfly Lovers" at this time just happened to pick up the scraps.

"What is your President Cai thinking? 'Painted Skin' already lifted you up, and then she let you go act in this kind of trash film?"

Lin Nan held the phone, joking with Hu Ge.

"Nothing I can do, President Cai said it was a past favor; who knew the word-of-mouth would be this bad."

"Take my advice, don't take any more Hong Kong films in the future. They are very xenophobic; good films won't be given to outsiders."

That group in the Hong Kong circle is very strange; they are practically begging for food, yet they spend all day thinking about using mainland actors to carry their sedan chairs. They have no self-awareness at all.

What's even more infuriating is that some mainland film and television companies and actors are still willing to swallow it, flocking to them.

Hu Ge was just sent over by Cai Yinong to play a supporting role for them.

"I regret it now too, I will definitely learn my lesson in the future..."

The good reputation accumulated from "Painted Skin" was completely offset by this "Butterfly Lovers"; Hu Ge must be feeling stifled.

Some of his fans are still quite rational, suggesting he choose scripts and crews carefully in the future.

If he really can't figure it out, he should consult others, for example, Director Lin Nan.

…………

Only with comparison can there be a choice.

The daily box office of "The Martian" was miraculously increasing.

By the 20th, China Film Group announced new data to the public.

The cumulative box office of "The Martian" broke through to 385 million.

Major news websites began reporting one after another.

This year's domestic film box office record has already been refreshed 3 times.

But this time it is particularly important; it is very likely to break through the 400 million mark.

The 21st, 394 million.

The 22nd, 403 million.

…………

"Domestic films have officially entered the 400 million box office era!"

"'The Martian' has created a new record."

"Lin Nan—the first director in the 400 million box office club!"

"The pride of Beijing Film Academy..."

……

The entire industry, all major film and television companies, are watching.

"This is, 400 million?"

Before this year, the box office record was still in the hands of "Curse of the Golden Flower."

From April to now, counting fully, it's only been 7 months, and the box office record has been raised by over 100 million; Lin Nan has even set a new record twice. All other big directors feel the pressure mounting.

"I announce that 'If You Are the One' has officially wrapped up..."

Feng Xiaogang just wants to do a good job on post-production now; as for the box office, let's set a target of 300 million. Anything more wouldn't be bragging, it would have to be realized in a dream.

Zhang Weiping hurriedly looked for Zhang Yimou; letting a greenhorn hold such a huge title, how could that work?

"Yimou, let's put that art film aside for now. You've been busy with the Olympics all year, and the company's operations are in the red. Let's switch to a commercial film..."

After so many years, Zhang Yimou actually resents others interfering with his creation, but Zhang Weiping has indeed helped him a lot, and he also needs someone to handle the rear for him.

"But what about the script? Currently, this art film is the one I have prepared most thoroughly."

"We can completely adapt a novel or a foreign film..."

…………

Beijing Film Academy has already hung up a banner.

"Congratulations to our school's Director Lin Nan for his work 'The Martian,' opening a new chapter for domestic sci-fi films."

A large number of students coming and going saw the new banner.

"Senior Lin Nan has such a big face? The school pulled a banner for him?"

"You're ill-informed! I heard this is already the third time. The first two banners were because Senior Lin Nan won the Silver Bear for Best Director..."

"Old Tian, this student of yours is indeed not suitable to stay at the school. With these results, having awards, having box office, and breaking records from time to time, wouldn't keeping him at the school be sabotaging him?"

"So I rejected the school at the first opportunity, although I hadn't told him at that time, haha."

Lu Zheng called Lin Nan to invite him to a meal.

He said it was to thank him for the help "The Martian" gave to Jing Tian.

When Lin Nan drove to the place, he found something was wrong.

This isn't a hotel, a restaurant, or a private kitchen.

It actually arrived at a high-end residential area, all detached villas.

For a moment, Lin Nan regretted coming.

"Brother Lin Nan, here."

Just as Lin Nan was preparing to make a call, he heard Jing Tian's voice.

The other party appeared behind Lin Nan with a look of surprise.

"Tiantian? There shouldn't be a hotel here, right?"

"Haha, no, but we can go to my house to eat."

Jing Tian said, and began to lead the way.

Lin Nan looked at the architectural environment here; the price is definitely no worse than where he and Liu Yifei are.

"Usually, I live here..."

Jing Tian walked in front, speaking every now and then, looking in a very good mood.

Before long, the two arrived at a villa, and Lu Zheng stood outside with a smile on his face.

"Basking in Director Lin's glory."

Lin Nan didn't understand this remark; what reflected glory was he supposedly basking in?

Only after entering the villa did Lin Nan realize that Jing Tian likely lived here alone, as the decor was entirely in a girl's style.

"Big Brother Lin, Uncle Lu, you can go wash your hands first; we'll be eating right away."

The nanny and Jing Tian brought the dishes out one by one, and finally, the former departed.

Lin Nan truly hadn't expected that he would be eating this meal at Jing Tian's home.

"I've known Tian Tian's elders for a long time, and becoming an actress has been her wish since she was a child.

I also have to thank Director Lin for *The Martian*; Tian Tian has finally made a breakthrough, and recently she's had no shortage of advertisers, endorsements, and scripts, haha..."

"Thank you, Big Brother Lin, I'll toast you."

Jing Tian held up a glass of orange juice, imitating the gesture of a toast, looking quite clumsy.

"You're welcome, just consider it helping a fellow countryman." Lin Nan also raised his glass of juice.

It was evident that Jing Tian seemed to have a moment of disappointment.

"Shall we dig in?" Lu Zheng said at the right moment.

"Okay."

…………

Lin Nan felt that the cooking of Jing Tian's nanny was a bit ordinary.

"Director Lin, have you finalized the roles for your graduation play?"

Lu Zheng suddenly asked.

Before Lin Nan could speak, Jing Tian looked at Lu Zheng in astonishment instead.

"Uncle Lu?"

"I'm just helping you ask Director Lin, hehe."

"This is a foreign-language film."

Lin Nan picked up a meat burger from the table and started eating; this was the proper way to treat a guest, knowing what he liked to eat.

Lu Zheng's eyes brightened even more, "Then what about Tian Tian?"

"Her acting skills aren't up to standard."

"I had good intentions back then and gave President Lu some advice, but you didn't listen, did you?"

Lin Nan felt that Lu Zheng really dared to dream; even if there were a suitable role, he would prioritize Liu Yifei, so how could he possibly give it to someone else?

Lin Nan's comment that her acting skills were not up to standard made Jing Tian feel a sudden, inexplicable panic.

"I will work hard to learn," she said in a low voice.

"Actually, training on a film set is fine, but you have to start from supporting roles and slowly work your way up; you definitely can't handle a lead role right out of the gate. Not every actress has the talent of Zhou Xun."

It was clear that Lu Zheng would not listen to this advice from Lin Nan either.

After finishing the meal and sitting for an hour, Lin Nan prepared to leave.

The two of them personally saw him out of the residential complex and watched Lin Nan drive away.

"Uncle Lu, you shouldn't have asked."

"I was doing it for your own good; what if there had been a chance?"

Lu Zheng sighed endlessly and remarked again: "Did it take a long time to learn how to make today's meal?"

"Not very long..."

Jing Tian replied in a low voice, then turned and walked toward the villa.

Today, she really just wanted to invite Lin Nan over for a simple meal; she hadn't thought of anything else, nothing at all...