Chapter 951

Second day box office, 235 million!

On the morning of the 18th, *Never Say Die* undoubtedly gave the film circle another heavy punch.

It not only fiercely stabbed the eyes of the production industry, but also made the other few films in the same period worse, and even had a trend of early withdrawal.

*Ex-Files 3* went from 4.25 million to 1.15 million; *Bleeding Steel* was also cut in half for the second time, falling from 28.68 million to 14.24 million;

*The Thousand Faces of Dunjia* only grossed 10.13 million yesterday, it had 20.62 million the day before yesterday; the most tenacious one is Feng Xiaogang's *Youth*...

The support of so many actors and stars did indeed have a visible effect: yesterday's daily revenue was 30.05 million, only falling by 0.76 million compared to the day before!

Regarding the current one-against-four and one-sided New Year's slot battle, in the words of media and netizens: Director Chen should be happy to see it happen.

Because his *Legend of the Demon Cat* is waiting behind, if Happy Mahua's comedy can completely crush the 4 films in the same period, then *Legend of the Demon Cat* can undoubtedly sit back and enjoy the success.

Inside and outside the circle, almost everyone thinks so.

So the heat of Director Chen's film has shown the momentum to compete with *Never Say Die* from early morning, and the momentum is even stronger.

After all, as the old saying goes, an unsheathed sword is the most deterrent!

The same goes for films, that is, blockbusters that have not yet been released always carry the label of "high box office" and the possibility of a higher ceiling.

"I heard that the premiere scene of *Legend of the Demon Cat* has already started to be 'decorated' in a fancy way, why does Director Chen always like this style?"

Han Jia's question stumped both Lin Nan and Liu Yifei.

The "decoration" she mentioned is not a simple red carpet decoration, but a real-life cosplay show with an ancient background on both sides of the red carpet, and it also has a plot.

At the premiere of *The Promise*, they did just that: two teams of ancient soldiers holding long spears, wearing armor, red robes, and silver robes, fighting back and forth... Chen Kaige and Chen Hong walked out of the "Gate of Promise," arms crossed in a "V" shape, and even shouted the slogan themselves.

It was the same for *Sacrifice*, with hundreds of ancient extras lining both sides of the red carpet, and the surrounding scenery was still ancient Spring and Autumn style...

"Um, I think it should be the ritual sense at work, and it's also a manifestation of Director Chen's inner confidence. The more confident he is, the more tricks he has, and the bigger the scene." Lin Nan smiled and nodded, joking.

"If you say so, then the scene layout of the red carpet today... isn't it just Tang Dynasty style?" Liu Yifei took over the conversation, her smiling face showing some surprise and expectation.

"Oh my, then I have to go and see it with you two in the afternoon. I refused Old Han two days ago, letting him and Uncle Ren go together."

Hearing the four words "Tang Dynasty style," Han Jia immediately became interested.

She hadn't attended the premieres of *The Promise* and *Sacrifice*, and she felt quite regretful that she hadn't seen that kind of "awkward" ritual sense on the spot.

"Then shouldn't you go home right now to prepare your clothes and makeup for the afternoon activity?" Lin Nan teased with a smile.

"No need, just casual clothes. I'm not an actor or a star, directors don't care about these." Han Jia waved her hand carelessly.

"But you are also a woman, it's better to pay attention to your image!"

"Then Yifei often goes to events without makeup and wearing ugly clothes. What do you say?" Little Han classmate retorted to Lin Nan with disdain.

Hearing this, Liu Yifei wasn't angry at all, but raised her eyebrows at Lin Dao: "What do you say?"

Lin Nan was immediately amused, and by some strange coincidence, replied to Han Jia: "But you don't have her face!"

The atmosphere in the living room froze for an instant, Liu Yifei was laughing like crazy, while Han Jia was directly exploding: "Cursing me, right? Still cursing Old Han for being ugly? You two wait for me, I'm calling my dad right now..."

The post-production efficiency of *A Cool Fish* is very fast, so Little Han was able to wander over to Shunyi in the morning.

In her own words, she is confident that she can send the finished film to the Film Bureau by the middle of next month, at the latest by the 20th.

This also means that Lin Nan has to scratch his head and think about the release date again, after all, there are too many films his company will release next year, from the beginning of the year to the end... Good guy, any decent release date, you can see films that Lin Nan Pictures or StarMe participated in!

A morning passed quickly, and new film and television information always has something that can tickle the public's itch. Look, the latest TV drama filing list of the General Administration of Press and Publication hit the trending list in the afternoon.

In addition to a large number of dazzling ancient idol IP dramas, the most attractive to the entire internet are those familiar classic dramas:

*Dong You Ji*, *New Three Heroes and Five Gallants*... *Chinese Paladin*, CCTV version of *Lotus Lantern*... all are preparing for remakes, either next year, or continuing to be in preparation...

As a result, Liu Yifei and Shu Chang unexpectedly and naturally hit the trending list; just because Zhao Linger and Xiaoyu are about to have successors.

However, the tone of netizens on the internet is very uniform: the latecomers, I'm afraid they will die very miserably!

After 3:00 PM, the perspective of the media and the industry has all focused on the premiere of *Legend of the Demon Cat*.

It can be seen that Chen Kaige attaches great importance to this film, so the guest lineup is exceptionally strong. Even many Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japanese, and Korean actors who had no connection with *Legend of the Demon Cat* were invited and made a special trip here.

Near 4:00, Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Han Jia officially set off, and it is expected that they will definitely arrive within 1 hour. And Ren Zhonglun and Han Sanping were also on the road.

"The year-end report meeting of the film and television industry at the bureau this morning, it's a real pity you didn't come. Ning Ying is jumping around, by contrast, this one from China Film looks a bit miserable, and there aren't as many people around him as before, and there was no smile on his face throughout."

"The marketization of the film and television industry is already very high, everyone is looking at money, and China Film's influence has naturally decreased greatly. Coupled with the fact that he has stumbled repeatedly in the past two years, and the group itself doesn't have any independent projects that can be taken out... The current situation cannot be said to be a tree falling and monkeys scattering, but it is almost this trend." In the car, Han Sanping sighed.

"Old Han, I have to tell you something." Suddenly, Ren Zhonglun said with a serious tone.

"What is it?"

"The year after next is the 70th anniversary. After the meeting ended in the morning, Director Zhang mentioned it to us privately, saying that there must be a tribute film, this cannot be less; and it must look good on the surface... It's best if Hong Kong also participates."

In an instant, Han Sanping narrowed his eyes, but then relaxed again: "I'm old, I shouldn't be involved."

"I didn't say the bureau would trouble you? But although you are not willing to be involved, what about Jia? Do you want to fight for it? I heard that meaning, the bureau should hope that this time the stall will be bigger, and it is still a luxury configuration of a general director plus several directors, and they are all required to be well-known directors... This project will start from the second half of next year, including choosing the director lineup."

Hearing this, Han Sanping was indeed moved, thinking and nodding, "Can consider, fight for it."

"This is a later story, let's talk about it then, we can help operate it.

But Old Han, you seem to have not understood the real meaning of what I just said." Ren Zhonglun laughed in a low voice, not hiding the gloating expression.

"What's the situation?" Han Sanping really didn't understand, a bit puzzled.

"Think about it, since your *The Founding of a Republic*, which tribute film was not hosted by a state-owned enterprise? There is not one that isn't, right? And they were all hosted by China Film alone, possessing absolute right to speak to facilitate better coordination and dispatch.

But La Peikang's achievements in tribute films in the past two years... I don't need to say more, right? Look at your expression, you should have thought of it, haha..."

"At this moment, I'm afraid he is already restless?" Han Sanping's face was livid, as gloomy as if it were going to rain.

"Although Director Zhang didn't say it clearly, he mentioned a sentence: I hope all state-owned enterprises will actively participate next year, the bureau will carefully consider the best, and finally assign and issue tasks."

Chairman Ren's smile gradually became "insidious." The implication behind this sentence of the leader, as long as the helmsmen of several state-owned enterprises are not fools, they must understand:

Undertaking tribute film tasks is not China Film's exclusive privilege!

"Then I have to congratulate you, you can finally compete fairly!" Han Sanping took a deep breath, his spirit withered rapidly. The honor China Film had in his hands is about to completely disintegrate.

"Old Han, thanks to your good words as the former chairman of China Film, Shanghai Film and I will definitely 'grab' the baton from China Film." Ren Zhonglun laughed excitedly.

"Shut up, let me be quiet for a while."

"No problem, I'll call you when we get there, hahaha." Chairman Ren still couldn't suppress that excitement.

On the other side, La Peikang, who was about to arrive at the premiere of *Legend of the Demon Cat*, was also closing his eyes and resting in the car.

The events of this morning indeed had a significant impact on him, so much so that even now, he was still restless, and even uneasy.

10 years ago, the 60th-anniversary tribute film *The Founding of a Republic* was handled by the then-chairman Han Sanping.

Above, the leaders were very satisfied; below, the general public was also full of praise, and the box office performance was very eye-catching.

But now? Could it be that 10 years later, in his hands, the special task of the 70th-anniversary tribute film will be taken away from China Film?

When the leader intends to let other units "compete fairly" for the "privilege" that originally belonged to you, this attitude is undoubtedly very clear: extremely dissatisfied with you!

"Chairman La, we are here." The secretary reminded softly, a bit cautiously.

He had a hard time on this journey, ever since the leader returned from the bureau at noon, this aura was cold enough to freeze people to death. He didn't need to guess to know that he must have encountered something bad at the bureau.

"Still have to fight, must fight! China Film's things cannot be... in my hands..." As if he didn't hear the secretary's words, La Peikang murmured to himself. The tone was exceptionally firm, as if he were gritting his teeth.

When the three of Lin Nan arrived outside the waiting area, it was 8 minutes before 5:00. And the red carpet had just started not long ago, it was the entry time for second and third-tier actors.

"Lin Dao, Producer Liu, Director Han, we are really a coincidence, one after another."

Before the three were taken into the waiting area, they heard another car stop behind them, and Wu Jing's voice was very loud. Um, there was also a smiling Xie Nan beside him.

"It seems Chairman Wang didn't lie to me, you really have a high-spirited spirit." Lin Nan stopped and joked with Wu Jing. The latter instantly understood in his heart: Lin Dao knew about his business in Hollywood.

The five people chatted and laughed, and then went into the waiting area together. It was crowded here, and there were quite a few acquaintances.

Even though Lin Nan and Liu Yifei intentionally didn't go into the crowd, people coming up to greet them were one after another, endless...

Chairman La, with a cold face, walked the red carpet alone; Wang Changtian led Liu Yan and others; the biggest movement belonged to Huayi, completely a large troop formation...

Han Jia refused the beckoning of Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun, and chose to walk the red carpet with Lin Nan and Liu Yifei.

When the three stepped onto the red carpet from the other side of the rest area, sure enough, the scene in front of them was exactly as they teased in the morning:

Classical and atmospheric palace music sounded from the audio equipment; on both sides of the red carpet were neat rows of hundreds of "ladies" wearing Tang makeup and chest-high skirts, they danced with the music, neat and pleasing to the eye...

And the massive fans and passersby on both sides of the red carpet were kept at least 15 meters away; all kinds of mobile phones and cameras were aimed at this side, one more excited and jumping than the other...

"Wow, Director Chen is worthy of being Director Chen, he really knows how to play, beautiful! However, why did I think of Director Zhang's film?" Han Jia walked beside Liu Yifei, staring intently while sighing with emotion.

"What film?" Liu Yifei also looked at the classical dance on both sides with great interest, nodding while appreciating.

"*Curse of the Golden Flower*." Han Jia made a slip of the tongue, and smiled embarrassedly.

Lin Nan was pitted by her, because he also couldn't help laughing; but he admitted that Han Jia was right. Just look at this weather, although it's a sunny day, it's only ten degrees, a group of young girls dressed like this... sigh, money is not easy to earn.

"Is it beautiful, Lin Dao?"

"Um, beautiful."

Lin Nan blurted out subconsciously, and then his brain crashed instantly, damn it!

I saw Liu Yifei slightly raising her head, looking at him with a smile, and gently replied: "If it's beautiful, look at it a few more times, we are about to finish walking the red carpet."

"I meant you are beautiful, what does it have to do with walking the red carpet?" Lin Nan's brain was like a supercomputer, turning so fast it was almost smoking.

Looking at Han Jia on the side, she is a typical person who doesn't think it's a big deal to watch the fun: "Our Producer Liu has also learned to dance, let her go back and dance for you to see. Um, just wear this kind of Tang Dynasty skirt. Although she hasn't played Yang Guifei on the big screen, she can act at home, cosplay, role-playing games! Hehe..."

Lin Nan "tightly" held the soft hand Liu Yifei placed on him, his eyes "whooshing" like knives towards Han Jia, "You wait for me."

Inside the venue, Chen Kaige is undoubtedly the core focus. He is chatting and laughing with a group of big-name guests with Chen Hong and Chen Feiyu who rushed back from the *Ever Night* crew.

And all the Chinese and Japanese actors of the crew are also walking in the crowd, or accepting media interviews.

The entry of Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Han Jia immediately attracted the attention of many people, and social interaction was inevitable.

Especially Xin Baiqing, Huang Xuan, and Liu Haoran, who took the initiative to come over to greet them.

After all, the schedules of the three of them are quite tight, and they all have to rush to the airport after the premiere tonight, flying to Shanghai, Las Vegas, and Shenzhen respectively!

Corresponding to the *The Father* crew, the *She Kills* crew, and the promotion of *Detective Chinatown 2* tomorrow.

"Lin Nan, look, see, you and Yifei are quite eye-catching. From the moment you two came in, those few from Huayi have glanced coldly several times."

Ren Zhonglun pointed to the distance to Lin Nan and Liu Yifei who walked to him, where Huayi's large troop was.

"This is them being unreasonable, how can the emotions of the box office market be brought into private? Can't afford to lose? Haha." Lin Nan's words immediately made the people on the side laugh.

And at the same time, on the side of Huayi's group, Feng Xiaogang was also whispering to Wang Zhonglei about another serious matter tonight.

"After the premiere dinner, I will go and mention it to Chen Hong again. I think she will not refuse, and there is no reason to refuse. After all, where is there such a ready-made opportunity for her son in the circle now?

Besides Director Chen, which big director would take the initiative to provide film resources for her youngest son? Only us. And Director Chen's film production efficiency is not high." Feng Xiaogang said quite confidently.

"Good, then I'll leave it to you later." Wang Zhonglei smiled and patted Feng Xiaogang's arm, then beckoned to Wu Yifan not far away. The latter quickly came over: "Wang Zong?"

"How is the casting work for Director Zhou Xingchi?"

"Just finished, most of them are old faces."

"Then has the start-up time been set?" Feng Xiaogang also asked curiously.

"It has been notified, but Wang Zong and Director Feng remember to keep it secret for me. It's after the Spring Festival, enter the group immediately."

"After the 15th day of the first lunar month?"

"Um."

"That's really a coincidence." Feng Xiaogang smiled with words in his words, his *Cell Phone 2* also got the script at that time.

Not long after, after Wu Yifan turned and left, Wang Zhongjun walked over, his voice low: "You shouldn't have brought him today."

"Why?" Wang Zhonglei was a bit puzzled, and so was Feng Xiaogang.

"*Legend of the Demon Cat* didn't explicitly invite him, they only sent an invitation to our company. Most importantly, didn't you notice, Director Chen's eyes looking at him were a bit disgusted..."

"Not really, right? Just looks a bit like..."

As he spoke, Wang Zhonglei shut his mouth himself. Because he remembered, Director Chen doesn't seem to be a generous person!

After Director Chen led a group of main creators to give a generous speech on stage, the main film of *Legend of the Demon Cat* officially started.

"Wow, this picture and color are simply amazing!" Han Jia whispered, immediately attracting many nods and echoes.

"The lens is indeed very beautiful, the first lens expressed the atmosphere, depth, solemnity, and weight of the imperial city... all of it. Lin Nan often says, Director Chen's picture and art color are first-class in the industry, anyway, he is still a little bit behind, um, four." Liu Yifei stared at the big screen intently, selling out her own director.

"But only in this aspect, I am still very confident in other places." Lin Nan added speechlessly. He pulled Liu Yifei's single ponytail again: "Student Liu Qianqian, can you be more careful, don't be so silly? Save some face for your husband?"

"Um um, I'll pay attention next time, hehe." Liu Qianqian turned her head and wrinkled her nose with a smile, she admitted the punishment.

"Lin Nan didn't lose in professional skills, he lost in time. Director Chen is 66 years old this year, he has been a film director for 44 years; now every frame and every painting of his film is the accumulation of 44 years of skill.

Especially in terms of picture, color, and composition, let alone Lin Nan, even Director Zhang Yimou, who is from the photography department, cannot compare to him. In this area, he is undoubtedly the well-deserved number one among domestic big directors!" Han Sanping smiled and patted Lin Nan on the shoulder, comforting him very affirmatively, and also explaining to Liu Yifei and Han Jia.

"Okay, understood. Senior Brother Lin, you still have to save a few more years of skill, so that you can completely overturn these old... Damn, the first point of complaint came out? The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty looking for a Japanese monk to exorcise evil? Isn't the state religion of the Tang Dynasty Taoism? Isn't the Li Tang royal family claiming to be the descendants of the Taoist ancestor Laozi Li Er? This is too..."

Han Jia was joking with Lin Nan, and then was shocked by the plot of *Legend of the Demon Cat*.

"Don't chatter, watch your movie." Before Lin Nan and Liu Yifei could remind Han Jia, Han San-ye had already spoken, his tone filled with displeasure.

The film continued to be watched, and the lens and picture gave everyone amazing things one after another... until the progress bar reached halfway.

Director Chen finally didn't walk out of his curse, the plot began to collapse like an avalanche, the grand pattern of the early stage collapsed directly... It was really a god-level opening, the first half was amazing; then it fell to the mortal world halfway, and began to finish in a sloppy way!

"The Yang Guifei played by this mixed-race Zhang Rongrong is indeed quite good, a bit interesting. But this film, I won't comment too much." Han Sanping commented in a low voice.

"Passing is definitely passing. After all, the first half can get 95 points, even if the second half only has 55 points, the average is still 75 points." Lin Nan smiled and added.

Dinner time, when Chen Hong led Chen Feiyu with a smile from afar towards Lin Nan, even Liu Yifei was amused, and whispered to her director with a smile: "Sure enough! I'll go eat something over there with Jia, you handle it."

"No problem."

"Lin Dao, Yifei, why did she leave when she saw me coming?" Chen Hong teased with a smile.

"How could it be, she is a bit hungry. Look, isn't she running towards the buffet area with Han Jia." Lin Nan pointed to the distance, Liu Yifei and Han Jia had already picked up plates.

"Sister Chen Hong, what is this?" In the end, Lin Nan opened his mouth.

"Feiyu?" Chen Hong shouted.

"Hello Lin Dao. Let me introduce myself again, and formally: I am Chen Feiyu, 18 years old this year, I have entered the industry, and I am currently filming the TV series *Ever Night*..."

Lin Nan had to admit that Chen Hong's youngest son was indeed more generous than when he first greeted him at the Beijing Film Academy.

"So this is?" He asked with a smile, still pretending not to know anything.

"Lin Dao, I brought him here to recommend himself to you. Disney's *Mulan* is currently the most eye-catching and largest resource in the entire Chinese film circle, I think there should be many supporting roles.

I brought him here in advance to audition, to see if he can catch your eye, Lin Dao. As long as there is a small role to show his face, of course, if you think it's okay, Lin Dao, giving a few lines is also fine, haha..."

Chen Hong controlled her voice very well, on the one hand not affecting the chatting with Lin Nan, and on the other hand ensuring that it would not spread too far.

In addition, many people around had intentionally avoided a few meters; after all, it could be seen that Chen Hong came to talk to Lin Nan about serious business.

Regarding this situation, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei had expected it at home. So at this moment, Lin Nan didn't look caught off guard:

"Sister Chen Hong, you are indeed a bit early to find me. I'll tell you clearly, the script for *Mulan* hasn't come out yet, and there isn't even a script outline. You ask me to audition, I can't audition, right? Because I don't know if there is a role for Feiyu at all."

Lin Nan said this, smiled, and said no more.

Looking at the mother and son opposite, Chen Feiyu couldn't hide his expression and was already a bit embarrassed; Chen Hong looked calm and indifferent, her tone regretful:

"Then I am indeed a bit anxious. But if the script comes out and casting begins, please consider Feiyu, Lin Dao. I will bring him to audition again."

"Of course no problem, and he is welcome to come to my company to interview for roles then."

Lin Nan socialized, let's talk about later things later. It's indeed too early right now.

A moment later, Chen Hong took Chen Feiyu and left. The mother and son walked straight towards the direction of Chen Kaige and others, but halfway, they were called by Feng Xiaogang.

"Director Feng, is there something?" Chen Hong asked with a smile.

"Hello Director Feng." Chen Feiyu also greeted politely.

"This looks really like Director Chen, handsome!" Feng Xiaogang praised with a laugh, then went straight to the point and invited:

"Producer Chen, I am preparing to start a film after the New Year, the heroine has already been set as Fan Bingbing. I think Feiyu is quite suitable for a male supporting role in it, do you want to let him come and try?"

Hearing this, Chen Feiyu was immediately energized and looked at his mother. And Chen Hong had to be much more cautious, "Director Feng, what film is it?"

"It still needs some confidentiality right now, but I can guarantee that it is definitely a high-quality film. Liu Zhenyun is rushing the script, Producer Chen should trust his script, right?" Feng Xiaogang said very confidently.

However, Chen Hong's answer surprised him a bit, the former did not agree immediately.

"Director Feng, let's do this. I will go back today and discuss it with our Director Chen, consider it, and give you an answer later?"

"This... good, that's fine." Feng Xiaogang nodded helplessly, and a few seconds later let Chen Hong and the two greet and leave.

"It really is Producer Chen, just like Director Chen, quite able to put on airs! Wanting a role in *Mulan*, smiling and asking Lin Nan to consider your son. As a result, I kindly invited him to give a role, but you want to consider me instead?!" Feng Xiaogang muttered in his heart, full of resentment.