Chapter 957: A Tribute Film for Fair Competition; Think About It!

The next day's box office: 235 million!

On the morning of the 18th, *Never Say Die* undoubtedly dealt another heavy blow to the film industry.

It not only stung the eyes of the production industry but also made things worse for the other films in the same release window, with some even showing signs of withdrawing early.

*Ex-Files 3* dropped from 4.25 million to 1.15 million; *Bleeding Steel* was slashed for the second time, falling from 28.68 million to 14.24 million;

*The Thousand Faces of Dunjia* only reported 10.13 million yesterday, down from 20.62 million the day before; the most resilient of them all was Feng Xiaogang’s *Youth*...

The collective support from so many actors and celebrities truly had a visible effect: it brought in 30.05 million yesterday, a drop of only 760,000 compared to the day before!

Regarding the current one-versus-four, lopsided situation of this New Year release window, to use the teasing words of the media and netizens: Director Chen must be happy to see this.

Because his *Legend of the Demon Cat* is waiting right behind, and if the comedy from Mahua FunAge can completely crush the four films in the current window, then *Legend of the Demon Cat* will undoubtedly be able to reap the rewards.

Inside and outside the industry, almost everyone thinks so.

Therefore, the buzz for Director Chen’s film has shown the momentum to rival *Never Say Die* since early this morning, and it is even more intense.

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

The same applies to films; a blockbuster that has yet to be released always carries the label of "high box office" and the possibility of a higher ceiling.

"I heard the *Legend of the Demon Cat* premiere venue has already started being 'decorated' in a flashy way. Why does Director Chen always like this style?"

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

The "decoration" she mentioned wasn't just a simple red carpet setup, but a live-action cosplay show on both sides of the red carpet with an ancient background, and one that even included a storyline.

Back when *The Promise* had its premiere, they pulled a stunt like that: two teams of soldiers in ancient armor, wearing red and silver robes and holding spears, fought back and forth... Chen Kaige and Chen Hong walked out from the "Gate of the Promise," made a "V" sign with their arms, and even personally shouted the slogan.

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

"Hmm, I think it’s the ritualistic nature of it, and also a reflection of Director Chen’s inner confidence. The more confident he is, the more tricks he has, and the grander the spectacle," Lin Nan said with a smile, teasing.

"If you put it that way, then the scene setup for the red carpet today... wouldn't it be in the style of the High Tang?" Liu Yifei took over the conversation, her smiling face showing a hint of surprise and anticipation.

"Oh my, then I must go and see it with you two this afternoon. I actually turned down Lao Han two days ago, telling him to go with Uncle Ren instead."

Upon hearing the words "High Tang style," Han Jia immediately became interested.

She hadn't attended the premieres of *The Promise* or *Sacrifice*, and she felt quite regretful that she hadn't seen that kind of "awkward" ritualism in person.

"Then shouldn't you go home now to prepare your clothes and makeup for this afternoon's event?" Lin Nan said with a teasing smile.

"No need, casual wear is fine. I'm not an actor or a celebrity; directors don't care about these things," Han Jia waved her hand dismissively.

"But you're a woman, too. It's better to pay attention to your image!"

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

Hearing this, Liu Yifei wasn't angry at all; instead, she raised an eyebrow at Director Lin: "What do you have to say?"

Lin Nan was instantly amused and, as if possessed, replied to Han Jia: "But you don't have her face!"

The atmosphere in the living room froze for a moment. Liu Yifei was laughing hysterically, while Han Jia exploded: "Are you insulting me? And calling Lao Han ugly? You two just wait, I'm calling my dad right now..."

The post-production of *A Cool Fish* was very efficient, which is why Little Han was able to sneak over to Shunyi this morning.

In her own confident words, she was certain she could submit the final cut to the Film Bureau by the middle of next month, or the 20th at the latest.

This also meant that Lin Nan had to rack his brains again to think about the release schedule. After all, there were simply too many films from his company to be released next year, from the beginning of the year to the end... Goodness, for any decent release window, one could see films invested in by Lin Nan Pictures or Red Star Dock!

The morning passed quickly; there is always some new film and television news that can hit the public's itch. Just like that, the latest drama filing list from the General Administration hit the trending searches in the afternoon.

Besides a dazzling array of ancient idol IP dramas, what attracted the most attention from the entire internet were those familiar classic series:

*Dong You Ji*, *New Three Heroes and Five Gallants*... *Chinese Paladin*, the CCTV version of *Lotus Lantern*... all are being prepared for remakes, either next year or still in development...

Consequently, Liu Yifei and Shu Chang ended up on the trending searches without any surprise or objection; simply because Zhao Linger and Xiaoyu were about to have successors.

However, the netizens' consensus online was very uniform: the newcomers are likely to have a miserable end!

By three o'clock in the afternoon, the focus of the media and the industry had shifted entirely to the premiere of *Legend of the Demon Cat*.

It was evident that Chen Kaige attached great importance to this film, to the point that the guest lineup was exceptionally strong. Even many actors from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea who had no connection to *Legend of the Demon Cat* were invited and made special trips to attend.

Near four o'clock, Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Han Jia officially set off, expecting to arrive within an hour. Ren Zhonglun and Han Sanping were also on their way.

"It's a real pity you didn't come to the Bureau's annual film and television industry report meeting this morning. The Ningying side was very active, and by comparison, the one from China Film Group looked a bit miserable. There weren't as many people around him as before, and he didn't have a smile on his face the whole time."

"The marketization of the film and television industry is already very high, and everyone is looking toward money, so China Film Group's influence has naturally diminished significantly. Plus, he has stumbled repeatedly in the last two years, and the group itself doesn't have any independent projects worth showing off... The current situation can't be called 'the tree falls and the monkeys scatter,' but it's already trending that way." In the car, Han Sanping sighed.

"Lao Han, there is something I need to give you a heads-up on," Ren Zhonglun suddenly said in a serious tone.

"What is it?"

"The year after next is the 70th anniversary. After the meeting this morning, Director Zhang mentioned to us privately that there must be a tribute film; this cannot be missing. And it needs to look good on the surface... it would be best if Hong Kong also participates."

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

"I didn't say the higher-ups were going to trouble you. But even if you don't want to get involved, what about Jia? Do you want to strive for it? From what I heard, the Bureau hopes that this time the scope will be larger, and it will still be a luxurious configuration of a general director plus several directors, and they all must be well-known directors... This project will start in the second half of next year, including the selection of the director lineup."

Hearing this, Han Sanping was indeed moved, and he nodded thoughtfully, "I can consider it, and strive for it."

"That's a matter for later; we'll talk about it then. We can help maneuver things.

But Lao Han, you don't seem to have understood the real meaning behind what I just said," Ren Zhonglun laughed in a low voice, making no effort to hide his schadenfreude.

"What's the situation?" Han Sanping didn't understand and was a bit confused.

"Think about it, since your *The Founding of a Republic*, which tribute film hasn't been hosted by a state-owned enterprise? Not a single one, right? And they were all hosted by China Film Group alone, possessing absolute discourse power to facilitate better coordination and scheduling.

But Laopeikang's performance in tribute films over the past two years... I don't need to say more, right? Well, looking at your expression, you must have realized it, haha..."

"He must be sitting on pins and needles right now, right?" Han Sanping’s face was ashen, as gloomy as if it were about to rain.

"Although Director Zhang didn't say it explicitly, he mentioned: he hopes all state-owned enterprises will participate actively next year. The Bureau will carefully consider and select the best, and finally assign and issue tasks."

Chairman Ren’s smile became increasingly "sinister." As long as the heads of the state-owned enterprises weren't fools, they would definitely understand the implication behind the leader's words:

Undertaking tribute film tasks is not the exclusive privilege of China Film Group!

"Then I should congratulate you; you can finally compete fairly!" Han Sanping took a deep breath, his spirit rapidly wilting. The honor China Film Group had under his leadership was about to crumble completely.

"Lao Han, taking your kind words as the former chairman of China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group and I will definitely 'snatch' the baton from China Film Group," Ren Zhonglun said with great excitement.

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

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

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

The events of this morning had a significant impact on him, to the point that he was still restless, even anxious.

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

To the higher-ups, they were very satisfied; to the public, there was nothing but praise, and the box office performance was very eye-catching.

But now? Could it be that 10 years later, under his leadership, such a special task as the 70th-anniversary tribute film would be taken away from China Film Group?

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

"Chairman Laopeikang, we have arrived," the secretary reminded him softly, being somewhat cautious.

He had a rough time on this trip. Ever since the leader returned from the Bureau at noon, the atmosphere had been cold enough to freeze someone. He didn't need to guess to know that something bad must have happened at the Bureau.

"Must strive, must strive! China Film Group's things cannot be... under my watch," Laopeikang muttered to himself, as if he hadn't heard the secretary. His tone was exceptionally firm, as if he were gritting his teeth.

When the three of them arrived outside the waiting area, it was 8 minutes before five o'clock. The red carpet had only just begun, and it was the time for second and third-tier actors to enter.

"Director Lin, Producer Liu, Director Han, what a coincidence, one after another."

Before the three could be led into the waiting area, they heard another car pull up behind them, and Wu Jing’s voice was very loud. Well, Xie Nan was beside him with a smile on her face.

"It seems Chairman Wang didn't lie to me; you really are in high spirits," Lin Nan stopped and joked with Wu Jing. The latter instantly understood: Director Lin knew about his business in Hollywood.

The five of them chatted and laughed as they entered the waiting area together. It was crowded here, and there were quite a few acquaintances.

Even though Lin Nan and Liu Yifei intentionally avoided going into the crowd, people kept coming up to greet them one after another...

Chairman Laopeikang walked onto the red carpet alone with a cold face; Wang Changtian was leading Liu Yan and others; the biggest commotion was from Huayi, which was a full-scale 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 lounge, sure enough, the scene before them was exactly as they had teased that morning:

Classical, majestic palace music played from the sound equipment; on both sides of the red carpet were hundreds of "ladies" dressed in Tang-style makeup and chest-high ruqun dresses, dancing to the music, neat and pleasing to the eye...

And the massive crowd of 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 pointed this way, each one more excited and jubilant than the last...

"Wow, Director Chen is worthy of being Director Chen; he really knows how to play, it's beautiful! But why does it remind me of Director Zhang's film?" Han Jia walked beside Liu Yifei, sighing with emotion while keeping her eyes fixed on the scene.

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

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

Lin Nan was caught by her, because he couldn't help but laugh; but he admitted that Han Jia was right. Looking at the weather, although it was a sunny day, it was only about ten degrees, and a group of young girls dressed like this... sigh, money is hard to earn.

"Is it beautiful, Director Lin?"

"Hmm, beautiful."

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

He saw Liu Yifei tilt her head slightly, looking at him with a smile, and she said softly: "If it's beautiful, take a few more looks; we're about to finish walking the red carpet."

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

Looking at Han Jia on the side, she was the type who loved to watch the chaos: "Our Producer Liu has also studied dance; let her go back and dance for you. Hmm, just wear this High Tang ruqun dress. Although you haven't played Yang Guifei on the big screen, you can act it out at home, cosplay, role-playing games! Hehe..."

Lin Nan "tightly" held the soft hand Liu Yifei had placed on him, his eyes shooting like knives toward Han Jia, "You just wait."

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

And all the Chinese and Japanese actors from the crew were also wandering through the crowd or accepting interviews from the media.

The arrival of Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Han Jia immediately attracted the attention of many, and socializing was inevitable.

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

After all, the schedules of the three of them were quite tight; after the premiere tonight, they all had to rush to the airport to fly to Shanghai, Las Vegas, and Shenzhen respectively!

Corresponding to the *The Father* crew, the *She Killed* crew, and tomorrow’s promotion for *Detective Chinatown 2*.

"Lin Nan, look, see that? You and Liu Yifei are quite the eyesore. Ever since you two walked in, those few people from Huayi have glanced over with cold eyes several times."

Ren Zhonglun smiled and gestured toward the distance to Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, who had just walked up; that was where the main group from Huayi was.

"That’s where they’re being petty. How can you bring the emotions of the box office market into private settings? Can’t they handle losing? Haha." Lin Nan’s remark immediately made the few people nearby chuckle.

Meanwhile, over with the Huayi group, Feng Xiaogang was whispering to Wang Zhonglei about another piece of serious business for this evening.

"After the premiere, during the banquet, I’ll go talk to Chen Hong again. I imagine she won’t refuse; there’s no reason to. After all, where else in the industry is there such a ready-made opportunity for her son right now?

Besides Director Chen, what other big director would take the initiative to provide film resources for their youngest son? It’s only us. And Director Chen’s film production efficiency isn’t exactly high." Feng Xiaogang said quite confidently.

"Good, then I’ll leave it to you in a while." Wang Zhonglei smiled and patted Feng Xiaogang’s arm, then waved at Wu Yifan not far away. The latter quickly hurried over: "Mr. Wang?"

"How is the casting work going over at Director Zhou Xingchi’s side?"

"It just finished, mostly old faces."

"Has the start date been set then?" Feng Xiaogang asked curiously.

"The notification has been sent out, but Mr. Wang and Director Feng, please remember to keep it confidential for me. It’s immediately after the Spring Festival, entering the crew."

"After the Lantern Festival?"

"Yes."

"That really is a coincidence." Feng Xiaogang smiled with hidden meaning; his *Cell Phone 2* also received its script at that time.

Not long after, once Wu Yifan turned and left, Wang Zhongjun walked over and said in a low tone: "You shouldn’t have brought him today."

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

"The *Legend of the Demon Cat* side didn’t explicitly invite him; they just sent an invitation to our company. Most importantly, didn’t you notice? The way Director Chen looked at him was a bit disgusted..."

"That can’t be, right? It’s just that he looks a bit like..."

As he spoke, Wang Zhonglei shut his own mouth. Because he remembered, the great Director Chen didn’t seem like a very magnanimous person!

After the great Director Chen led a group of key creators in a grand speech on stage, the feature film of *Legend of the Demon Cat* officially began.

"Wow, this imagery and color are simply superb!" Han Jia gave a soft exclamation, immediately drawing nods of agreement from many.

"The cinematography is indeed very beautiful; the very first shot captured the grandeur, depth, solemnity, and weight of the imperial city... all of it. Lin Nan often says that Director Chen’s imagery and art direction are top-tier in the industry. Anyway, he’s still a little bit behind, um, four." Liu Yifei stared at the big screen without blinking, selling out her own great director.

"But I’m only a little behind in that regard; I’m still very confident in other areas." Lin Nan added speechlessly. He tugged at Liu Yifei’s single ponytail again: "Student Liu Qianqian, can you be a bit more mindful and not be so silly? Save some face for your husband?"

"Mm-hmm, I’ll be careful next time, hee hee." Liu Qianqian turned back, smiling and wrinkling her nose; she accepted the reprimand.

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

Especially in terms of imagery, color, and composition, let alone Lin Nan, even Director Zhang Yimou, who comes from a cinematography background, can’t 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’s shoulder, comforting him very affirmatively, and also explaining it to Liu Yifei and Han Jia.

"Alright, understood. Senior Brother Lin, you still need to accumulate a few more years of skill, so you can thoroughly overturn these old... wait, the first point of contention is out? The Emperor of the Great Tang looking for a monk from the Wa Kingdom to exorcise evil? Isn’t the state religion of the Great Tang Daoism? Doesn’t the Li Tang imperial family claim to be descendants of the founder of Daoism, Laozi Li Er? This is just too..."

Han Jia was joking with Lin Nan, and then she 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 Sanping had already spoken up, his tone carrying displeasure.

They continued watching the film, and the surprises from the cinematography and imagery were endless... until the progress bar reached the halfway point.

The great Director Chen ultimately did not escape his curse; the plot began to collapse like an avalanche, and the grand structure of the early stage simply fell apart... It really was a god-tier opening, with all kinds of amazement in the first half; then it fell to earth midway, and started a sloppy conclusion!

"The Yang Guifei played by that mixed-race actress Zhang Rongrong is indeed quite good, quite interesting. But as for this movie, I won’t comment too much." Han Sanping commented in a low voice.

"It can definitely pass. After all, the first half could get a 95, so even if the second half is only a 55, the average is still a 75." Lin Nan smiled and added.

At the banquet, when Chen Hong led Chen Feiyu toward Lin Nan’s side with a smile on her face, even Liu Yifei was amused. She whispered to her own great director with a smile: "Sure enough! I’m going to go eat over there with Jia first, you handle it."

"No problem."

"Director Lin, Yifei, how come you left as soon as you saw me coming?" Chen Hong asked with a playful smile.

"How could that be? She’s just a bit hungry. Look, isn’t she heading to the buffet area with Han Jia?" Lin Nan pointed to the distance, where Liu Yifei and Han Jia had already picked up plates.

"Sister Chen Hong, this is?" Lin Nan finally opened the conversation.

"Feiyu?" Chen Hong called out.

"Hello, Director Lin. Let me introduce myself to you again, formally: I am Chen Feiyu, 18 this year, I’ve already entered the industry, and I’m currently filming the TV series *Ever Night*..."

Lin Nan had to admit that at this moment, Chen Hong’s youngest son was indeed more poised than when he first greeted him at the Beijing Film Academy.

"So, this is?" He asked with a smile, still pretending to know nothing.

"Director Lin, I brought him over to recommend himself to you. Disney’s *Mulan* is currently the most high-profile and largest resource in the entire Chinese-language film circle; I imagine there should be many supporting roles.

I brought him to audition in advance to see if he can catch your eye, Director Lin. Just a small role with some screen time is fine; of course, if you think it’s okay, Director Lin, even a few lines would be great, haha..."

Chen Hong controlled her voice well; on one hand, it didn’t affect her joking with Lin Nan, and on the other, it ensured it wouldn’t spread too far.

Besides, many people around had already intentionally kept a few meters away; after all, it was clear that Chen Hong was here to talk business with Lin Nan.

Regarding this situation, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei had already anticipated it while at home. So at this moment, Lin Nan didn’t appear caught off guard:

"Sister Chen Hong, you’re really looking for me a bit too early. I’ll be straight with you: the script for *Mulan* hasn’t come out yet, and there isn’t even a script outline. If you ask me to hold an audition, I can’t do it, right? Because I don’t even know if there are any roles for Feiyu."

Lin Nan stopped there and smiled, saying no more.

Looking at the mother and son opposite him, Chen Feiyu couldn’t hide his expression and was already a bit embarrassed; Chen Hong, however, appeared calm and composed, saying with a tone of regret:

"Then I really was a bit too hasty. But if the script comes out and casting begins, please consider Feiyu, Director Lin. I’ll bring him to audition then."

"Of course, no problem. He is also welcome to come to my company to interview for roles when the time comes."

Lin Nan responded with social pleasantries; he would deal with the rest later. It was truly too early right now.

A moment later, Chen Hong took Chen Feiyu and took her leave. The mother and son walked straight toward the direction of Chen Kaige and his group, but halfway there, they were stopped by Feng Xiaogang.

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

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

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

"Producer Chen, I’m preparing to start a film after the New Year, and the lead actress is already set as Fan Bingbing. I think Feiyu is quite suitable for a supporting male role in it; would you like to have him come and try out?"

Hearing this, Chen Feiyu’s spirits were immediately lifted, and he looked at his mother. Chen Hong, however, was much more cautious: "Director Feng, what kind of film is it?"

"It still needs some confidentiality for now, but I can guarantee it will absolutely be a high-quality film. Liu Zhenyun is rushing the script; Producer Chen should trust his scripts, right?" Feng Xiaogang said with great certainty.

However, Chen Hong’s answer was somewhat unexpected to him; she did not agree immediately.

"Director Feng, how about this. I’ll go back today and discuss it with our Director Chen, consider it, and give you an answer later?"

"This... alright, that works too." Feng Xiaogang nodded helplessly, and a few seconds later, he let Chen Hong and her son greet him and leave.

"She really is a great producer; just like the great director, she sure knows how to put on airs! She wants a role in *Mulan*, so she fawns over Lin Nan to consider her son. But when I kindly invite him for a role, she wants to consider me instead?!" Feng Xiaogang muttered to himself, full of resentment.

…………