Chapter 909: The Jury Member Invitation Plan; *Father*!

The internet was full of jokes about Jack Ma, saying he first made a film, then sang a duet with Wang Fei, followed by a wild rock performance, and finally slipped off the richest-man throne doing the moonwalk — a fall from his horse.

Such teasing and ribbing spread across the entire web, even squeezing into the top five of the trending searches; all because Forbes had just released its latest rich list for the mainland early that morning.

Although everyone knew the list couldn't be taken seriously, it made for perfect after-dinner conversation.

Sure enough, even Lin Nan on the high-speed train picked up the details of the top ten from the chatter around him:

Jack Ma dropped to second place, Big Lao Wang went to fourth, the Penguin guy was temporarily third. As for the newly crowned richest man — surname Xu.

"Real estate is still booming, huh." Lin Nan muttered with a smile, then put on his eye mask; two hours' sleep and he'd be there.

Meanwhile, in the capital, during a break at the promotional press conference for *Sky Hunter*.

It had only been 36 hours since the Golden Rooster Awards ceremony ended. Fan Li Bingbing, who should have been basking in the glory of Best Actress and the joy of a proposal, instead received a call from Cao Bao at this moment.

One phone call swept away all the joy in her heart, leaving only indignation and agitation: "Cao Dao, why is this?

Didn't we already work it out? I can join the crew anytime. But telling me sorry right now — I really can't accept it. Or is it Zhou Xun? Did she successfully steal my role?"

The backstage lounge wasn't just Fan Li Bingbing alone — her assistant and manager were both there — but at this moment she no longer wanted to control her emotions.

The prestige and destination of *She Kill*, she knew perfectly well, was aimed straight at the three major film festivals;

and Cao Bao's ability plus the subject matter of this film could absolutely let the lead actress compete again... those were the world's three major international film festivals!

Watching Fan Li Bingbing's gloomy, bereaved expression, the assistant and manager beside her didn't dare make a sound. The last time they'd seen this scene was several years ago.

Back in those years it was often like this, because she constantly had to fight openly and covertly with big actresses of the same tier... and Zhou Xun was among her opponents.

But when facing Zhou Xun in the past, her side usually won more than lost — almost a clean sweep. Only Li Li Bingbing and Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi were tougher to deal with, especially Li Li Bingbing — more than half the time she won!

But this time, why did she lose?

"... I still have to congratulate you again on winning Best Actress at the Golden Rooster. You're truly an outstanding actress. But you should also be clear why I came to you first — you have an A-class film festival track record.

But we can't deny that when we're preparing a film project, the objective factors are constantly changing. When new variables come in, and you reconsider comprehensively, the choice changes.

Li Bingbing, next time. If there's a suitable role, I'll reach out to you proactively."

Cao Bao didn't directly answer Fan Li Bingbing's challenge, but he didn't deny it either. To her, that was an admission in disguise.

"Zhou Xun stole my role!" Staring at the phone that had already hung up, Fan Li Bingbing confirmed her own judgment.

"Li Bingbing, among the producers of *She Kill* is Red Star Factory. If you're planning to make trouble for Zhou Xun, I suggest you drop that idea.

Lin Dao and Producer Liu won't allow the lead actress to be attacked before filming even begins.

In other words, if Zhou Xun could steal the role from you, isn't it possible... it's not without their backing..."

In the end it was the manager who stepped forward, analyzing and persuading rationally and calmly. Because right now Fan Li Bingbing looked like a bundle of pent-up fury ready to blow.

That sentence was like a basin of cold water poured over Fan Li Bingbing's head — she sobered up instantly.

"Keep this matter confidential, no one can let it leak. After *Sky Hunter* is released, the schedule slot originally cleared for *She Kill* can be rearranged for other engagements. As for the film contract, I'll just wait for *Cell Phone 2*."

Fan Li Bingbing instructed rationally. No fool ever reached the position of a top-tier actress!

"Got it."

……

Liu Liu Feiren, dressed in loose casual clothes and wandering outside with Watching Shu Chang, received a call from Li Yang — *Blind Way* would wrap completely the morning after tomorrow.

"I figured you and Lin Nan probably can't make it to set, so I'll just announce the schedule directly?"

"Mm, just tell the media directly, Li Dao. Red Star Factory will repost it too.

As for publicity, the people from Enlight will contact you later. Just cooperate, Li Dao — we've already given Wang Dong a heads-up."

Liu Liu Feiren took the call with her left hand while her right fingertips lightly brushed across a row of trench coats on the rack, singling out four sets. Her assistant, with great tacit understanding, nodded to the shop assistant: "Wrap them up."

"Got it, I know. Then I won't bother you anymore — and say hi to Lin Nan for me."

"No problem, Li Dao. He went to visit Director Ning Hao's set this morning. When he's back this afternoon, I'll tell him."

Liu Liu Feiren hung up with a smile, and the shop assistant was already enthusiastically handing the shopping bags to her assistant.

"Chang Chang, you done yet?"

"Almost, almost. This one, this one, and the one I tried on — I want all of them." Watching Shu Chang answered Liu Liu Feiren without turning her head, then immediately started instructing her own shopping guide.

In a short while, the two of them, trailed by their assistants and laden with bags, walked out of the ready-to-wear store. Mm, time to move on to the next one.

"Li Dao Yang's international fame, influence, and filmography — in the end, there's still a big gap." Adjusting the sunglasses on her nose bridge, Liu Liu Feiren couldn't help muttering to Watching Shu Chang.

"Huh? Liu Qianqian, what are you saying? You don't mean next year..." Watching Shu Chang reacted quickly — in the blink of an eye she'd guessed it.

"Mm, Lin Nan has already started working on the jury member invitation plan, especially the only Chinese juror besides himself. He mentioned it a couple of days ago — said Li Dao Yang is out of the question, because his own track record can't convince the crowd, no persuasive power." Liu Liu Feiren nodded, speaking frankly.

"That actually makes sense. Li Dao has only made three narrative features in total, the third being *Blind Way*. In terms of awards, he only has a Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution. Putting him on the Venice main competition jury would probably earn him a lot of passive-aggressive sniping."

At this point, Watching Shu Chang naturally thought of the other jury members. "So your Lin Dao Da — which foreign jurors is he planning to invite? Not those Hollywood guys, right?"

"That's the idea, but it still needs careful consideration. What's certain is that we'll definitely bring people in from that side."

Liu Liu Feiren said with conviction, then her eyes lit up. She immediately ended the topic and gestured toward a shop ahead to Watching Shu Chang. "This one looks nice. Come on, let's go in."

"Oh, shoes? Let's go, let's go..." Watching Shu Chang had also spotted the beautiful samples in the window, her eyes instantly narrowing into crescents. As for the steep prices on the tags, the two of them automatically ignored them.

……

Lin Nan's "sudden" appearance caught the entire crew of *Crazy Alien* off guard — followed by pleasant surprise.

Of course, this didn't include Ning Hao and Xing Aina.

"Oh, finally a chance to congratulate Lin Dao in person. Congrats on another big prize at Venice, ha ha ha."

Shen Teng cupped his hands with a cheeky grin, looking for all the world like he'd slipped into sketch-comedy mode.

"Shen Teng, let big brother here teach you something. You can't flatter Lin Dao at such a low level." Huang Bo put down his chopsticks, stood up, and patted Shen Teng on the shoulder.

"Oh? Then will you teach me, brother?" And just like that, the two of them were doing a crosstalk routine.

Lin Nan couldn't be bothered with the two of them. He went straight to sit beside Ning Hao and took the crew lunch and fruit plate Xing Aina handed him.

At this point, Huang Bo had already cleared his throat with a couple of "ahems," and turned to Lin Nan with a grin: "Lin Dao, congrats on Liu Yifei — Venice Best Actress! The second from the mainland after Gong Li!"

One sentence from Huang Bo made Lin Nan embarrassed. Looking around at the rest of the crew, every single one was laughing and giving Huang Bo a thumbs-up.

"Bro, no wonder people say you've got connections all over the industry. That EQ of yours is crushing me, hahaha." Shen Teng half-bent over, laughing and cupping his fists toward Huang Bo, utterly conceding defeat.

"You two cut it out, I didn't bring red envelopes." Lin Nan pointed his chopsticks at the two of them, barely holding back his laughter as he roasted them.

"Since Lin Dao came to visit the set, how about we take the afternoon off?" Suddenly, Xing Aina looked at everyone and asked, as if egging them on.

In just two seconds, the five-thousand-square-meter soundstage erupted with bloodcurdling cheers—holiday!

Lin Nan and Ning Hao exchanged a glance, saying nothing.

……

A little past 1 p. m., inside the hotel the crew had booked, in the conference room.

When Lin Nan walked in carrying a document folder, Ning Hao and Xing Aina were still completely baffled. Even at this point they still had no idea what serious matter Lin Nan wanted to discuss, only that it was important—important enough to give the crew half a day off.

"If you can't come up with something earth-shattering today, I'm not letting you off the hook. I was shooting with such momentum, the rhythm was perfect." Ning Hao snapped back, annoyed.

"Heh, hope you can still be this feisty in a moment." Lin Nan wasn't annoyed at all; instead, he teased with hidden meaning in his words.

"Just hurry up and say it. The two of us have had this weighing on our minds these past few days—our OCD is about to act up." Xing Aina urged him on as well.

With a "smack," Lin Nan tossed the document folder in his hand onto the conference table and said to Ning Hao: "The award-contending A-festival screenplay you asked me for earlier—I don't have one, but I do have some outlines. Pick through them."

"For crying out loud, is this worth such a big production? Couldn't you have waited until I wrapped the film and got back?"

Ning Hao slapped his own forehead, utterly speechless.

"Next year, the President of the Main Competition jury at the 75th Venice International Film Festival—is me!" Lin Nan's voice was like lightning splitting the sky, echoing through the vast conference room, stunning both Ning Hao and Xing Aina into silence.

Watching the two of them dumbfounded and half-doubting, Lin Nan doubled down: "The letter of appointment from the Venice committee is sitting at home. When the launch ceremony press conference for the 75th Film Festival is held next April, this will be officially announced to the global film industry."

"Big bro, you're not messing with me, right?" Ning Hao grabbed Lin Nan with one hand, urgently questioning him.

Xing Aina, meanwhile, had already covered her face with one hand, too embarrassed to face anyone. Could these two be serious for once? So unreliable!

"We're not close, so whether it's true or not, that's that." Saying this, Lin Nan reached out to take back the document folder he'd tossed on the table.

"This isn't something to joke about—give me a straight answer, you're not messing with me, right?" Ning Hao immediately pressed down on the document folder, once again asking Lin Nan with a grin.

"We're not close." Lin Nan smiled deviously.

"Don't push me!"

"We're really not close." Watching Director Ning's anxious, hopping-mad look, Lin Nan's playful streak flared up for a moment.

"Fine, I'll call you daddy, godfather, happy now? Hurry up, you're killing me here!"

The unspoken understanding between men—Director Ning got it. He finally lowered his head and yielded. Only Xing Aina was completely embarrassed now, cursing: "You men are so childish, how old are you all?"

"Sis, you just don't get it. Between men, this is the fun—getting cheap verbal wins."

Lin Nan answered with a smile, then turned to Ning Hao and began his passive-aggressive routine: "Director Ning, where did that blustering momentum just go? That wild, untamed spirit of yours? That backbone? Hahaha."

"Hurry up!" Ning Hao urged impatiently, his mind entirely on the serious matter. As for face? He only cared about substance!

After enough horsing around, Lin Nan decisively got serious and began: "I'm not lying to you—the Main Competition jury president next year really is me. Cao Dao Bao already knows about this, which is why he accepted my 'suggestion' and gave the female lead in Her Killing to Zhou Xun.

If you're sure you also want to compete at next year's Venice International Film Festival, then Cao Dao will be one of your rivals. As long as you both make it into the Main Competition shortlist, I'll show appropriate favoritism toward Chinese-language films. Fairness and justice are always relative, never absolute."

"Her Killing? That screenplay isn't easy to handle." Xing Aina was a professional screenwriter, so she knew very well the value of Her Killing—it was based on a true story.

"Sixteen outlines, pick one yourselves. Time is precious—once it's decided, Sis needs to head back immediately to finish the screenplay, and you need to rush on Crazy Alien… because the approximate registration window for next year's Venice International Film Festival is mid-April to the end of May." Lin Nan didn't respond to Xing Aina's comment; he continued with a solemn expression, earnestly giving his instructions, and the two opposite listened very attentively, their faces solemn.

"Don't worry about the screenplay—once the outline is set, I can head back right away. Mm, I'll fly back to the capital with you this afternoon and start rushing the script."

Xing Aina cut Lin Nan off. She knew very well this was Ning Hao's once-in-a-millennium, most hopeful shot at an award—just like back when Zhang Zhang Yimou and Li Ang served as jury presidents for each other and showed mutual "favoritism."

"Pick now. Weigh everything and choose the one that suits you best, or the best one." Lin Nan waved his hand, then took out his phone—he was about to message Liu Liu Yifei.

"Didn't you do any pre-screening? Which one do you think is best?" Xing Aina had already opened the document folder and was flipping through the outlines. Ning Hao, meanwhile, chose to ask Lin Nan directly, because he knew Lin Nan's style.

"You two pick first, we'll compare at the end and see if we agree."

Xing Aina was a professional screenwriter, and Ning Hao was one too, so the two of them flipped through the outlines with impressive speed and efficiency—browsing all sixteen in just half an hour. The husband and wife exchanged a glance, clearly in sync.

"Which one?" Lin Nan asked with keen interest.

"This last one." Xing Aina pushed that page over to Lin Nan.

"Well, well, you two really did pick this one!" Lin Nan smacked his lips, unable to hold back his laughter.

"Sure about this one?"

Ning Hao frowned slightly, then nodded decisively. "This is the one."

"This outline really is top-tier. Its rights come from the stage play The Father, which we bought back a couple of years ago.

If you pick this screenplay, you'll need to make certain changes and breakthroughs in style, because it's different from No Man's Land. This time, you can only pour your heart into the film—be heartfelt, be emotional. You can only move people with 'emotion,' and do it delicately.

Of course, themes of fatherly and maternal love, no matter which international A-festival, are unquestionably universally effective and applicable. Because this is one of the rare themes that can transcend East-West cultural differences!

Also, what I told Zhou Xun, I'll say to you two now as well: just pour your heart and soul into this film, give it everything you've got—as for everything else, don't overthink it."

Lin Nan looked at that page of the outline and earnestly gave his instructions.

And the film's title on that page tugged at the heartstrings:

The Father Trapped in Time!

……