Chapter 859: Third Master's Male Lead; Get Lost!

Although the main purpose of today's gathering was to entertain the core creative team of *Operation Red Sea*, other people from Lin Nan's film company who had no scheduled engagements or work were also included.

As a result, the number of people was so large that an ordinary large private room simply wasn't enough.

So earlier, Yue Jun had decisively ordered a medium-sized banquet hall—spacious, where they could eat while playing, even watch movies or do casual games.

"It's been a week since we got back, and there's still not the slightest sign of the tan fading." The moment Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei walked in, they spotted Xu Jiao Xu Jiao Junyan sighing in the middle of the bustling crowd.

"You guys are going back into production in three days anyway. Even if you manage to get a bit fairer in the next few days, what's the point?" Lin Nan immediately teased with a smile, drawing a burst of laughter from everyone present.

Still, one had to admit—wherever the eye landed, not a single person from the *Operation Red Sea* crew wasn't dark-skinned and rough!

This made Shu Chang, Tang Yan, and Han Jianü stand out conspicuously in the crowd, because they were so fair and smooth, completely out of place with everyone else.

"Eight months! Eight months of wind and sun, either out at sea or in the Gobi. Director Lin, Producer Liu, do you have any idea how we got through these eight months?

It was simply unbearable—every one of us weathered and aged a whole lot..." Zhang Yi said with a long face, his acting at this moment genuinely a bit overdone.

"I can see that. But I'd still suggest you wait another two months, wait until you've completely wrapped, then slowly take care of yourselves and recover." Liu Liu Yifei offered kindly, barely able to keep from laughing.

Because wherever her gaze fell, Guo Fan and the others were almost all dark-skinned with rough complexions—especially Yu Nan, who looked like he was back at the wrap of *No Man's Land*.

That really hits the nail on the head, haha..."

While Lin Nan and more than twenty others were having a lively gathering and dinner, outside, news of International Zhang's first-ever "descending to the mortal world" for a TV drama also abruptly "leaked" out...

The news first dropped onto the entertainment headlines of all the major portal websites, then began to sweep through the entire film and television industry like a hurricane, forcefully grabbing the attention of countless industry insiders.

Click-throughs and topic discussion volume across the entire web skyrocketed in a short time... It unquestionably became today's most explosive trending news in the film and television industry:

After Gong Li, the most successful "Hou Mou Girl"—Zhang Zhang Ziyi—is she also going to "descend to the mortal world" to act in a TV series after 20 years in the business?!

"At exactly 12 noon today, Zhang Zhang Ziyi's studio released an announcement for the TV drama project:

The costume drama *The Imperial*, starring Zhang Zhang Ziyi and adapted from a hit online IP of the same name, is officially greenlit as of today..."

"According to insiders, the film and television adaptation rights for *The Imperial* were acquired by Zhang Zhang Ziyi's studio as early as the beginning of this year; the lead production company for this TV drama is also a film and television company in which Zhang Zhang Ziyi holds shares..."

"When the media called Zhang Zhang Ziyi's studio for an interview, they received a confirmed reply:

As of now, the script for *The Imperial* is still being written and refined. The core creative team plans to spend half a year completing the final script, casting, and pre-production preparations.

During this period, Zhang Zhang Ziyi will join the production of the Hollywood blockbuster *Godzilla: King of the Monsters*; once she wraps her role, she will immediately return to China as a producer to participate in the audition and casting for *The Imperial*..."

"It is reported that *The Imperial* is planned to be 100 episodes long, with an investment budget as high as 700 million RMB. Zhang Zhang Ziyi intends to invite many top-tier industry heavyweights to co-star, making her TV drama debut..."

The internet truly exploded—a 20-year film industry veteran, International Zhang, a triple-crown Best Actress, is going to act in a costume drama! What does this count as? In the eyes of countless people in the industry and online, isn't this a dimensional reduction attack?

Although looking back, Zhang Zhang Ziyi does have quite a few unsavory gossip stories, no one can deny her achievements in film—after all, she did play a Hollywood leading lady...

Therefore, *The Imperial* was undoubtedly a hit, and an explosive one at that.

Top gimmick, top prize, top costume drama, top cast... For this *The Imperial*, every adjective the film and television industry could think of, it has.

The reason is that it's Zhang Zhang Ziyi's TV drama debut. All the selling points revolve around her!

"Getting married and having kids are simple things, but making a comeback and starting over—that's hard. Add to that the joint suppression from several top actresses, and she's practically in a state where a comeback in the film industry is hopeless.

Because she simply can't get good film resources and roles, otherwise she wouldn't be thinking of breaking through via TV dramas.

But we also have to admit that her first TV drama does come with earth-shattering traffic." At Alibaba Pictures, Zhang Zhang Qiang muttered with a burning gaze.

"President Zhang, what do you mean?" The assistant, deep in thought, had already guessed something.

"Tell Youku to contact Zhang Zhang Ziyi's studio—we want this drama. We can negotiate the exclusive online broadcasting rights in advance, at least lock down the intent. Once post-production is completely finished, we'll talk about the final price!" Zhang Zhang Qiang ordered directly, a satisfied smile on his face.

Youku has already secured Fan Li Bingbing's *Win the World*; if you add Zhang Zhang Ziyi's *The Imperial*... these two big dramas can at least sustain Youku for several years, or even longer.

They might even become the crown jewels in their vault, you never know. Just like *Empresses in the Palace* was for LeTV... As for Tudou? Forget it, they have too many hit shows over there.

"Understood, President Zhang, rest assured. I'll notify Youku shortly."

……

The morning of the 29th.

Director Lin Da sat on the sofa, staring wide-eyed at Han Jianü sitting diagonally across from him—one looking exasperated, the other shamelessly brazen—while Liu Liu Yifei watched the show with a grin from the side.

Lin Nan knew that after this vacation, there would definitely be plenty of things waiting for him. But he never expected that he'd also have to accompany Han Jianü to do ideological work on her family's Third Master Han?!

"Speaking of which, when you initially lobbied your dad to play 'Zuo Zuo Shandiao,' you weren't this timid, were you? What's going on now, you want me to come with you? Scared?"

"I don't know why either. Back then I just felt it was no big deal, so I marched into his office and slammed the table at him. But now, honestly, I'm actually a little afraid he won't agree. I can't just go back to being unreasonable and irrational with him, can I?"

Han Jianü spread her hands, a bit exasperated at her own state of mind.

In Lin Nan's view, Han Jianü was a typical case of caring more, thus being more "timid." Also, this proved that Little Han had matured a great deal compared to before—she knew to consider Old Han's feelings and would prioritize her own father's feelings, but she still wasn't thinking things through thoroughly enough...

"Let's go. Reality will tell you that you're just overthinking it. Don't be fooled by Chairman Han's usual domineering 'strangers keep away' look—toward you, his only little cotton-padded jacket, he's always sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. If you ask for the moon, he'll never half-heartedly give you a star..."

Saying this with a smile, Lin Nan stood up, beckoned to Han Jianü, and also gave Liu Liu Yifei a look. "Liu Qianqian, come along. Once we've sorted out her matter, the two of us will go shopping."

"Sure, let me change first." Liu Liu Yifei responded immediately, jumping up from the sofa and heading quickly toward the stairs.

"Oh right, while you're at it, bring down the budget for *The Unnamed* from my study."

"Mm, got it."

"Senior Lin, thanks a lot." Han Jianü showed not the slightest bit of embarrassment, boldly blurting out a thank-you.

Lin Nan waved it off breezily—it was all trivial stuff. Because *The Unnamed* was a small-to-medium budget film, he had already helped put together a rough budget at the company yesterday afternoon.

Before long, two cars drove straight out of the villa complex... Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei in one, Han Jianü driving her own car.

……

Enlight Media, Chairman's office.

At this moment, sitting across from Wang Wang Changtian was Chen Hong, who had come to check on the promotional plans for *Secret Fruit*.

If necessary, she could promote the film in person—though mainly to promote her son.

"On this matter, Producer Chen can rest assured. Because *Secret Fruit* opens on July 7th, twenty days away from *Wolf Warrior 2*, Enlight will definitely not favor one over the other in promotional resources, because the two films are in no conflict whatsoever!"

Hearing this answer, Chen Hong was considerably relieved. "If you need anything, Chairman Wang, just say the word. Director Chen may not be able to spare the time, but I definitely have time to help out."

As for Chen Hong's half-truthful words, Wang Wang Changtian only took half of them to heart.

He was well aware that Chen Hong could definitely come to promote the film, but Chen Chen Kaige? That wasn't a matter of being busy—it was that the great director couldn't bring himself to lower his dignity to promote a youth film. Director Chen couldn't afford to lose that face!

"Mm, alright. I'll have Director Li look at the June promotional schedule, and we'll coordinate the timing with Producer Chen when the time comes…"

"Sure, just call me anytime." Chen Hong smiled and nodded, then immediately brought up another project.

"Here's the thing — didn't I mention it to Wang Dong before? We're preparing to custom-make a TV drama for Chen Feiyu, to build up audience affinity and tap into the fan market…"

"Starting already?" Wang Wang Changtian immediately caught on.

"Mm, the script is already done. It'll officially get greenlit in early June. As for the cast, it's just like I said — our Director Chen has already been talking with plenty of veteran actors and big names from the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan circles about this. I'm sure there won't be any problems; everyone will give face… When the time comes for this drama's promotion, we'll still need Enlight to give us plenty of help…"

Over half an hour later, Wang Wang Changtian personally saw Chen Hong out of the office, and only then could he not help but sigh:

"Zheng Zheng Shaoqiu, Li Ming, Jin Jin Shijie, Liu Liu Peiqi, Hu Jun… so many A-listers and big names going to play supporting roles for a green 17-year-old kid? Tsk tsk tsk, really does help to have a good dad!"

Suddenly, Wang Wang Changtian thought of a question: since Chen Chen Kaige could spend such a huge amount of favors and effort to build this stage, then this drama absolutely couldn't be too bad — it would only be exquisitely produced and extraordinarily heartfelt!

"'Ever Night'? Well, we could have Tudou keep an eye on it. Even if we grab it early, so what? With such a big lineup, it'd be hard to lose money!"

……

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei followed Han Jianü, and the three of them just stood there dumbly at the door, while in the living room, Han Han Sanping and Ren Ren Zhonglun sat tasting tea and chatting.

Three people staring at two people — the atmosphere was a bit awkward and eerie.

"What are you three doing, standing there dumbly?" Han Han Sanping asked irritably.

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei naturally just smiled without saying anything. Miss Liu even nudged Han Jianü, her meaning very clear: should we still bring up the matter of 'Nobody' in this situation?

"Uncle Ren, why are you still here?" Little Han's instinctive remark nearly sent Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei doubling over with laughter.

"Well, well, why am I still here? You really want me to leave? Your dad was even asking me to stay for lunch!" Ren Ren Zhonglun was immediately so annoyed he laughed.

"Day after day — are you coming in to sit or not?" Han Han Sanping glared at the three people led by his own daughter. Mm, mainly glaring at his own daughter.

Fine, sit then. Lin Nan took the lead, walking up with a smile. Liu Liu Yifei, meanwhile, looped her arm through Han Jianü's, and the two of them sat down across from Lin Nan.

"Didn't you say early this morning that you wanted to find Lin Nan to come tell me something together? Go ahead and say it — hasn't he already come along?"

Han Han Sanping told Lin Nan to pour his own tea, then turned to ask Han Jianü. He saw that Little Han had a constipated look on her face, and was subtly signaling her dear old dad with her eyes that Ren Ren Zhonglun was still here.

"What, is there something you don't want me to hear?" Ren Ren Zhonglun wore a hurt expression, his gaze moving back and forth between Old Han and Little Han — when he looked at the latter, it was the way one looks at one's own junior.

Sure enough, Little Han's expression grew even more conflicted, but after much hesitation, she still chose to come clean — though it was a come-clean full of grievance: "Uncle Ren, you're really lucky."

"I'm lucky?" Ren Ren Zhonglun was dumbfounded.

"Uncle Ren, we have a ready-made bargain at home — would you see it and not take advantage?" Han Jianü rolled her eyes, then finally looked at her dear old dad:

"The script for 'Nobody' was finished the day before yesterday. I've wanted to ask you for a long time to help me play the male lead…"

Han Han Sanping listened very attentively, his eyes full of affection, his face gentle. Now look at Ren Ren Zhonglun — well, well, his eyes were shining. That was indeed the look of someone about to grab a bargain.

Liu Liu Yifei had already circled over to Lin Nan's side, and the two of them leaned together, wanting to laugh but holding it in.

Just as Lin Nan had told Han Jianü, Han Han Sanping would not refuse his own precious daughter in the slightest — especially when it came to her directing her debut film. The moment she opened her mouth, his expression had already given the answer: he agreed!

Only today, things seemed to have hit a tiny little snag — well, there was one more person at the scene wanting a slice of the cake, Ren Ren Zhonglun…

"Old Han, Jianü's directorial debut film… as an elder, I definitely have to give my full support! Don't worry, Shanghai Film Studio won't ask for much — one-third will do. When it comes to publicity and distribution, don't worry, I'll definitely have them…"

"Get lost!"