[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-97":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2286933,4473,"Chapter 97: Venice","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-97",97,"\u003Cp>The filming of *Lucy* is beginning to wrap up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Mu has already taken people to Venice in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>News from back home has arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Huabiao official side expressed understanding for Lin Nan's absence and hopes he will continue to contribute to the domestic film industry and achieve success in Venice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The only one that can be this reasonable is the Huabiao hosted by the Administration. Director Tong thinks highly of you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you're counting on the Golden Rooster or Hundred Flowers, that's impossible; those are run by the association.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping told Lin Nan that although he cannot attend the Huabiao, the gala will still feature his standee and personal honor resume for display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those are no problem. However, Chairman Han, I must be honest with you: I will not be staying in the Film Association anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping on the other end of the phone froze for a few seconds, then sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suit yourself. Those few people are indeed going a bit too far. What era is this, yet they still slap those kinds of labels on people...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don't look at Han Sanping as the boss of China Film Group; in the association, it's all about seniority. He truly has no decision-making power, let alone someone as young as Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the end of the month draws closer, in order to ensure the film wraps before the final day, the shooting of *Lucy* has become compact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the day, Lin Nan stays at the set almost the entire time, and Liu Yifei's state while filming is getting better and better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crew members are not fools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the start of filming, Tang Mu from Crystal Pictures was very... ingratiating toward this girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now everyone basically understands why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cake, snacks, and a bowl of longevity noodles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthday was very simple, celebrated right in the villa; including the assistant, there were only four people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here, try it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei knows that Lin Nan can cook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relatively speaking, she is a \"freeloader\" in this regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hee hee, I'm digging in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Xiaoli is cutting the cake on the side. Watching the lively Liu Yifei at this moment, a touch of warmth appears on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her daughter's stubbornness back then seems correct now. She is luckier than she herself once was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today is Liu Yifei's final scene, and also the final fight scene where she transitions from human to god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Action.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this scene, Lin Nan decided to direct it himself, and the director gladly agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the monitor is the scene in the hallway. Liu Yifei is cold and frosty, devoid of a shred of human emotion, highlighting a sense of decisive killing...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because Lin Nan is directing, Liu Yifei is striving to make no mistakes; she would sometimes NG before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One take, very good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cut.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Lin Nan's soft call, the more than a month of filming for *Lucy* is officially declared over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, *Lucy* has wrapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crystal Pictures will host a reception to celebrate; remember to arrive on time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheers and expressions of gratitude rose one after another; in Hollywood, a reception is an indispensable part of a film wrapping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did I do?\" Liu Yifei asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well. Rest for a day, and we'll set off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, okay.\" The girl nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and the others were preparing to set off for Venice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back home, the Huabiao Awards gala began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Lin Nan did not arrive, he still had his award.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Outstanding Director Contribution Award!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gives Lin Nan a headache. Although the Huabiao doesn't have high gold content, it is indeed much more inclusive than the Golden Rooster or Hundred Flowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This also shows that the Huabiao didn't take Lin Nan's absence to heart at all; to them, this is just a small matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's just that the people in the association are making a mountain out of a molehill to stir up trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I go back, I really must treat Director Tong to a meal, right? Mm, preferably at China Film Group.\" Lin Nan muttered to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Han Sanping who went on stage to accept the award on Lin Nan's behalf and took the opportunity to deliver an acceptance speech.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin Nan entrusted me to accept this award for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knows his *The Hunt* needs to be screened in Venice, so he had to prepare in advance. He is also very grateful to the Huabiao...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Sanping thought quite thoroughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan smiled and shook his head. Unknowingly, his interpersonal relationships have reached this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are many who want to knock him down or manipulate him, and many who want to promote or help him...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last day of August.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan, Liu Yifei and her mother, the assistant, and Matt Damon's group boarded a plane to Venice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone is very excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flight is not long; five hours later, the group landed in Venice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Mu was waiting early to pick them up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin, the promotional venue and screening hall are all ready; we can start at any time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, let's go back to the hotel first. We'll rest for a while, and in the afternoon, we'll go to the film festival official check-in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the afternoon, in the film festival's massive exhibition hall, there was one more *The Hunt*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ang Lee specifically called over; because he is the jury president, it is indeed inappropriate to meet, so he only expressed his welcome over the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Film distributors always like to chase after big directors and famous directors, and Lin Nan satisfies their requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time, it was also here that he sold *The Martian*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei took the assistant to browse the screening halls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it is Liu Yifei or the young Liu Xiaoli, they are both literary young women at heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Venice is just right for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, God. Lin, we meet again. This time you have finally brought a work to Venice to compete.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan is a bit dumbfounded; twice in Berlin, once in Venice—this is already the fourth time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you going to buy my rights this time? Haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin, I will only be less and less able to afford your films, who told me I'm just a small distributor. However, I still want to wish you success in winning an award...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you. You can go check out the screening hall for *The Hunt* later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Lin Nan handed over a ticket. He only plans to screen *The Hunt* five times; no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, a reporter from Sina found Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that they can be considered \"their own people,\" Lin Nan cooperated and accepted the interview.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the domestic news was updated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"*The Hunt* appears at the Venice Film Festival, favored by a large number of distributors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin's first expedition to Venice, *The Hunt* has considerable popularity...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many industry insiders cast their eyes over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's simply hellish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan saw Huang Bo; that guy is winking at him, and goosebumps instantly rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, you shouldn't be this surprised to see me, right? Come, let's have a hug, haha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a funny thing to say. *Cow* was shortlisted for the Orizzonti section, so of course I came. Director Guan Hu and Yan Ni are here too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsk tsk tsk, as expected of a big shot in the competition section, looking down on us in the Orizzonti section, didn't even notice, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo joked with a smile at the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan really had nothing to say; he truly hadn't noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Huang Bo say this, Lin Nan only then learned that there are four Chinese films in the Orizzonti section.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Cui Jian brought a 30-minute short film to Venice for promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo smiled, \"How about we get together tonight? I don't understand the language here; it's driving me crazy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan shook his head; he plans to watch a movie with Liu Yifei at night after finishing the promotion during the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Venice, there is never a shortage of romance films.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left Huang Bo a bit stunned; he never thought Lin Nan would refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you have something else? I was thinking of calling Yan Ni over to meet you; she's a fellow countrywoman of yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is something else. Before the closing ceremony, there is plenty of time; no need to rush these two days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan gave out two tickets for *The Hunt*; Huang Bo and Yan Ni, just right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good stuff. I will definitely go and study Director Lin's masterpiece; who knows, it might just be this year's Golden Lion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I also wish you win Best Actor...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo was stunned for a moment, then instantly understood, \"I'll take your kind words.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For many \"carpet stars\" without works, the easiest place to sneak into is the opening ceremony red carpet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan did not go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Liu Yifei spent three consecutive nights watching three art films, all of which were romance films.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan couldn't quite handle it; Liu Yifei was too emotional, often tearing up while watching, and he was the one who suffered for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the first screening of *The Hunt*, the general plot leaked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sina's speed was very fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the portal website, there were already reviews of the film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a work of realism that strikes directly at the weaknesses of human nature...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a Longquan sword on the tongue; it kills without shedding blood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin Nan's *The Hunt* talks about the hunting of human nature; you and I are both prey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The netizens were discussing it quite a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The graduate department of the Directing Department at the Beijing Film Academy could finally speak up when accepting interviews at this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, we gave Lin Nan's graduation feature the highest score.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real society is a hunting ground, and everyone is constantly shifting between being the hunter and the prey...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is very realistic and also very satirical. The Directing Department is proud that Lin Nan could film such an excellent work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were more and more film distributors, many of whom were acquaintances he had worked with before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew Lin Nan's habit: he would always bet on the final award results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So before the closing ceremony, they just came to greet him and express interest in the film, and would make offers after the awards ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People from China Film Group also came to see Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How to put it, Han Sanping truly regarded Lin Nan as one of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did Chairman Han say? Import or buyout?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, there aren't many quotas left for imported films. What do you think about a flat-fee purchase?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chairman Han said that the situation with *Buried* back then will not happen this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, you know what kind of films generate box office in the domestic market...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan understood the meaning. If *The Hunt* were released domestically, the box office might not necessarily be very good; this kind of film is too depressing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Make an offer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thirty... thirty million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan thought about it; this price should be considered decent for the domestic market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he took it back as an imported film, to get this amount, excluding distribution costs, the box office would need to reach around one hundred million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine.\" Lin Nan nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One knows one's own business; this type of film doesn't sell well at the box office domestically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people from China Film Group were very happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hands of other companies, *The Hunt* might not be easy to profit from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the theater chain under China Film Group is quite large, and with Lin Nan's reputation plus Matt Damon from *The Bourne Identity*, they definitely wouldn't lose money!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the next few days, the five screenings of *The Hunt* concluded, and it was no longer shown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even more distributors came to inquire for news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan took some time to see Huang Bo and Yan Ni. Manager Tong is indeed an actress with very high emotional and social intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, you're not being authentic. If I hadn't bumped into Yifei, I wouldn't have known she came to Venice with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo said with a mischievous grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone says the Little Dragon Maiden is very pretty; I've finally seen the real person this time, she really is beautiful...\" Yan Ni added with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You big mouth, you're just like Ning Hao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's slander,\" Huang Bo retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan ignored him and instead kept Yan Ni's contact information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There aren't many good actors, and as a director, who knows when a role might come up that needs someone like Yan Ni.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, see you on the closing ceremony red carpet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the three parted ways, Huang Bo waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was a bit speechless; he didn't even know if he would win an award yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, even without an award, he still had to attend the closing ceremony; the minimum level of respect had to be maintained.\u003C\u002Fp>",2204,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","c823b9b85945e911d9ad94712c3ac715e7d598f4da657c59d5fefe10ee9e352a","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-98","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-96",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]