Chapter 90: Bullets, Qualifications

The 25th.

The wrap-up press conference for *Chinese Paladin 3* was held in the capital as scheduled.

Lin Nan Film Industry is one of the production companies for this drama, and Yue Jun also came along.

The number of film and television companies, media, and artists in attendance is far greater than when Tang Ren held press conferences in the past.

As for the reason, Cai Yinong doesn't even need to think to know.

They are all here for Lin Nan.

Inside the venue, the giant promotional posters feature stills of the various protagonists from *Chinese Paladin 3*.

Perhaps due to first impressions, Lin Nan always feels that *Chinese Paladin 1* has more texture.

"Perhaps it's because Liu Qianqian is in it..."

Yue Jun and Cai Yinong are representing their respective companies while being interviewed by reporters.

Lin Nan and Hu Ge are chatting on the side, grabbing some food while they're at it.

Yang Mi walked over, looking sincere, "Director Lin, I'm truly sorry about the phone call last time, I..."

If he were to nitpick, it would only make Lin Nan look petty.

"Let's leave it at that, don't let it happen again."

Lin Nan waved his hand, ignoring Yang Mi.

Over there, Cai Yinong is already bragging to the reporters.

She is truly sparing no effort in highlighting Tang Ren's Liu Shishi.

She even told Yue Jun that if there are any TV drama projects in the future, he could consider Tang Ren's actors.

Liu Qianqian's Zhao Linger is an unavoidable hurdle today.

The media is most concerned about this matter; when the character posters were released earlier, Tang Ren had pulled the actresses from both dramas out to compare them for promotion.

"*Chinese Paladin 3* will definitely not be worse than *Chinese Paladin 1*."

"The actresses of the two dramas each have their own merits and unique characteristics..."

Near the end of the press conference, Cai Yinong brought Liu Shishi over to Lin Nan's side.

"Director Lin, the promising talent I mentioned to you at the Beijing Film Academy that New Year's Day, is her."

"Since she is a talent favored by President Cai, then Tang Ren should cultivate her well."

Lin Nan spoke first, blocking whatever Cai Yinong was about to say next.

The latter felt a bit awkward, but still smiled and said: "If Director Lin has any suitable roles in the future, please give her a chance..."

Lin Nan nodded perfunctorily, and only then did Cai Yinong lead her away.

Hu Ge watched from the side and shook his head.

He felt it was necessary to remind Cai Yinong not to keep dragging Liu Qianqian into their promotions in the future.

News about *Chinese Paladin 3* is increasing rapidly online.

Various stills and behind-the-scenes footage have been released, and a large number of *Chinese Paladin 1* fans are looking forward to this drama.

"Tang Ren has already sold the first-run rights to a satellite channel. The second and third-run rights are still being negotiated."

"High efficiency. I remember the post-production for this drama isn't finished yet, right?"

"Yes, but it shouldn't take much longer."

"After all, the premiere date has already been set for the first half of next year."

Yue Jun replied. He has always been the one handling the specific business affairs for *Chinese Paladin 3*.

Returning to the academy, Lin Nan continued to immerse himself in the editing of *The Hunt*, with only the final bits left.

The first "National Drama Festival" was very grand.

The theme was: Looking back at 30 years of domestic TV dramas.

Those attending the festival were all actors, directors, and producers from the past few decades, a massive number.

Lin Nan declined Wang Changtian's invitation and let Yue Jun attend on behalf of the company.

He stayed in the editing room alone, working overtime, and finally completed all the post-production editing for *The Hunt* on the second day of the New Year.

He watched the film from start to finish once, and the final result was excellent.

"Well, now I'm just waiting to submit it as my graduation project."

Ning Hao had called many times over the past two days, but Lin Nan was truly too focused on his work and only answered a few from Liu Qianqian.

"What is it this time?"

"It's the promotion for *Crazy Racer*. Xu Zheng's wife is giving birth, and the other leads have performances; it's killing me."

"I don't need you now, but you must come to the premiere."

"No problem, I've been rushing the work these past two days, the post-production is already finished."

After finishing the business talk, Ning Hao started acting unserious, telling Lin Nan to go online and check the news.

The latter suspiciously opened a web portal.

Good heavens, Lin Nan was dumbfounded.

Beach-gate, lots of photos and videos.

A red bikini, lying down to sunbathe, then taking off the top while sunbathing.

The man applying sunscreen for her, and as he rubbed, the woman's swim trunks were pulled down, a hand reached inside—did that need to be rubbed too?

Finally, the man pressed his whole body on top, and after a long while, it was over...

"In broad daylight..."

Netizens at this time are not very tolerant of celebrities.

Lin Nan saw all kinds of posts, with scorn and abuse visible everywhere.

"How is this any different from animals! Doing this in full view of everyone?"

"Embarrassing ourselves to the foreign media..."

"Are they that desperate?"

Lin Nan is relatively traditional and cannot understand this behavior.

The *Forever Enthralled* crew was instantly back in the spotlight.

This film is a hot favorite for the Golden Bear, and the lead actress Zhang Ziyi is qualified to compete for the Silver Bear for Best Actress.

The competition between female stars is much fiercer than among male artists, and sometimes it's quite underhanded.

For Zhang Ziyi's affair to spread so wildly, it's impossible that no one "helped."

*If You Are the One* surged to 300 million during the three-day New Year holiday.

Feng Xiaogang successfully became the third director in the country to join the 300 million club.

The premiere of *Red Cliff II* also arrived with great momentum.

"*Red Cliff I* was the first domestic film to break 300 million at the box office."

"We have great confidence in *Red Cliff II*; it can reclaim the box office record for domestic films!"

Wu Yusen's remarks at the premiere sparked heated discussion.

A large number of netizens mocked and expressed disdain.

"Have we lost our minds? Getting fooled once is enough, why a second time?"

"Actually, the movie is okay, it's quite funny, but they shouldn't be so delusional!"

Reporters even specifically ran to the Beijing Film Academy to find Lin Nan to ask for his opinion, but unfortunately, they missed him.

However, they did get the news that *The Hunt* had finished production.

Jiang Wen called several times, asking Lin Nan to go eat.

The latter knew in his heart that there must be something going on, otherwise Jiang Wen wouldn't be beating around the bush like this.

Lin Nan wore sunglasses and drove to the location.

It wasn't just Jiang Wen and his wife; there was another man.

"Director Lin, you finally arrived, we were just waiting for you." Zhou Yun greeted him with a smile.

"This is Ma Ke, my partner," Jiang Wen introduced.

"Director Lin, long time no see."

After exchanging greetings, Lin Nan finally learned the purpose of Jiang Wen's invitation.

It was his first time making a commercial film, and although he was full of confidence, he still wanted Lin Nan to help him look at the script, as the latter's commercial films had never lost money.

If he lost money again this time, no one would be willing to invest in him in the future.

"Did Chairman Yang cover everything for you?" Lin Nan asked.

"You have to get up from where you fell, right? Haha..."

"*Let the Bullets Fly*?"

Lin Nan held the script and smiled.

Only Jiang Wen could film this style of movie and make it feel right.

"No rush to read it, let's eat first; I'm very sincere today."

With that, they sat at the table, chatting while eating.

This time, Emperor Motion Pictures only gave Jiang Wen 150 million, which included promotional costs; if that wasn't enough, he would have to find a way himself.

Jiang Wen had already decided that his own company would put up another sum of money to make it 200 million.

After being wined and dined, Lin Nan began to flip through the script.

The content and style are definitely from that film; adapting a novel like this makes it entirely a work by Jiang Wen, with the original text effectively providing only the structure and outline.

"Although the name 'Fire Clouds' sounds quite grand, it's a bit too artsy."

Before Lin Nan could finish his sentence, he saw Jiang Wen looking delighted. "Not bad, I think so too, but I really can't think of a better name for the time being; this is already the most fitting one."

Lin Nan didn't speak; he figured that the dialogue and certain scenes in this script would likely need to be revised and cut even if they were filmed.

"How about I come up with a name for you? But you have to give me a role."

Lin Nan said with mischievous intent.

"You? If you can give me a better name, I'll give you a supporting role.

If you're willing to come act, I can even add you to the main cast, haha."

Jiang Wen really dared to think big; if he had agreed to perform, Jiang Wen would have spread the news by this afternoon.

"Hehe, a supporting role will do.

As for the name..."

Lin Nan placed the script on the table and pointed to a spot, and several people immediately gathered around.

"Simplify this line of dialogue, and it can be used as the film's title."

"'Let the Bullets... Fly'?" Zhou Yun read it out.

"Yes, that's it. Director Jiang, what do you think?"

Jiang Wen muttered the name to himself, then finally slapped his thigh.

"Good, that's it! When it's time to finalize the cast, just send someone over."

"Mm."

Jiang Wen is a very domineering person, much like Zhou Xingchi on set.

But he has one merit: his word is his bond.

Once he makes a promise, he won't change it; even if an accident occurs, he will find a way to make it up to you elsewhere.

According to their plan, the actual filming of this movie shouldn't start until the second half of the year. A small portion of the sets still needs to be built from scratch.

Lin Nan felt quite impressed; among so many directors in the country, Jiang Wen is definitely the first to dare to add such metaphors into a script, giving one the feeling of walking on the edge of a blade.

Having secured a supporting role, Lin Nan felt his trip was well worth it.

The Beijing Film Academy official website announced the registration dates for the February art exams and the arrangements for the graduate entrance preliminary exams a few days later.

Among the examiners for the February graduate re-examinations, the media discovered a surprise.

Lin Nan's name was actually among them.

The dissent was minimal; almost no one questioned Lin Nan's qualifications or ability.

Of course, excluding a few "old-timers" who claimed he lacked professional titles and seniority.

Some even called the academy leadership to ask why such an absurd decision had been made.

"Haha, you don't know. The vice dean was in our directing department office at the time.

He replied directly: 'Because he has two Silver Bear trophies and holds the box office record for domestic films; even the leaders at the Film Bureau say he's good.'"

"And then?" Lin Nan was happy to listen to the joke.

"And then there was silence on the other end; could he go and interrogate Director Tong?

I also find these old fossils annoying, just lying on their laurels all day pointing fingers, and the key is they haven't achieved much themselves."

Old Jiang smiled and spread his hands, wearing a playful expression.

Lin Nan nodded; as long as there were no problems, it was fine.

Tian Zhuangzhuang had told him before that being one of the examiners for the graduate re-examinations would only benefit him; prestige was a minor matter, as this group of people would all become connections...

Let yesterday's events just pass like that; don't ask me for the result.