[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment":3,"chapter-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-340":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Intelligence King of Chinese Entertainment",{"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},2260643,4411,"Chapter 340: Three Factions in Chaos Become Two Against One","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-340",340,"\u003Cp>China Film, conference room\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han personally presided over the mobilization meeting for \"The Founding of a Nation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition to Chinese film personnel, the heads of joint production companies including Yi’an Yanli, BoNa Fatty, Yinghuang, Media Asia, Hualu, Xinbaoyuan, and others were all present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The plan is this: Huang Jianxin and I serve as co-chief directors—he handles filming, I oversee the whole project.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Additionally, due to different locations and scattered schedules, when Guoli, Xiaogang, Bao Gang, and Kai Ge participate in shooting, they’ll also handle some scenes and segments—this is a tribute film, so everyone contributes their strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han was in high spirits; after \"The Founding of a Nation\" was approved, it progressed even more smoothly than he’d imagined, with stars from all corners rushing to join without pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the project’s primary leader, Uncle Han stole the spotlight; rumors spread that he had gathered half the entertainment industry with nothing but text messages, his fame towering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli listened while flipping through materials on \"The Founding of a Nation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to time and budget constraints, \"The Founding of a Nation\" didn’t shoot any war scenes; instead, it focused on the leaders of both sides and preparations for the founding of the nation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, the plot had few highlights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was understandable—the subject was sensitive, and as a tribute film, creative constraints were inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the three years of the Liberation War involved too many events and figures; even a fifty-episode TV series couldn’t cover everything, so the film could only offer a cursory, whirlwind overview.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for whether certain democratic figures had too much screen time, that tied into the current climate—those who understand, understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli glanced at the actor invitation list and marked several names with a checkmark; after the meeting, he informed Uncle Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since this is a tribute film, won’t casting these foreign nationals spark public controversy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past two years, Gong Li emigrated, and now rumors swirl that Li Lianjie plans to change his nationality—public debate has been fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli didn’t mean to blacklist these foreign artists; he merely felt that \"The Founding of a Nation,\" as a tribute film, needed careful handling in every aspect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could be used, but cautiously—lest they become a target for criticism and cause disproportionate damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing this, Uncle Han’s expression turned serious; Yanli had already taught him a lesson with \"The Assembly,\" and he’d become far more attentive to such matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Founding of a Nation\" was politically sensitive—it didn’t need to shine, but it absolutely couldn’t fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han paced a few steps: “What’s your suggestion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli paused, then said: “We can’t cast anyone as the heroic figures from our Party or history books, but villains and neutral characters—I think it’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s proceed that way—I’ll adjust the roles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han considered it and thought the plan was sound; if criticism arose later, they could use it to clarify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Uncle Han, pick a role like that for me too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han frowned: “What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli chuckled: “My reputation? I’d rather not sully our ancestors. Besides, I’m no big star—just a cameo will do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han clapped Yanli on the shoulder and laughed: “Others may not know, but I know you—your playboy ways are just personal flaws; your core integrity remains intact. Among your generation, you’re one of the few with true moral standing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They chatted and laughed; for \"The Founding of a Nation,\" China Film was undoubtedly the producer, while Yi’an ranked first among the co-producers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, for China Film’s major films, Yi’an had only handled distribution, not investment or production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Yi’an broke precedent—and was the most active and contributive among all companies; Uncle Han was pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yi’an was excellent in every way, but previously it had been too cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with consecutive investments in \"Painted Skin,\" \"The Wind That Shakes the Barley,\" \"The Founding of a Nation,\" and \"October 1,\" it had begun to show the aura of an industry giant—and that benefited the entire sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Yan, Changhong in Taiwan wants to make a big film—any thoughts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli nodded; he hadn’t just heard—he’d already dealt with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changhong was a Taiwan-based film company, owned by the well-known underworld boss Wu Dun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last year’s successful New Year film \"Kung Fu Dunk\" was produced by this company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encouraged by \"Kung Fu Dunk’s\" success, Wu Dun secured Zhou Jielun’s contract and, with the rising fame of Lin Zhiling after \"Red Cliff,\" planned a big project: the new film \"Crying Freeman,\" with an estimated budget of 100 million RMB.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As mentioned earlier, Yi’an was the mainland distributor for \"Kung Fu Dunk,\" and their cooperation had been smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, for \"Crying Freeman,\" Changhong first approached China Film, then Yi’an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after reviewing the project, Yanli had little faith in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The script was one issue; he also felt Changhong had vastly overestimated Zhou Jielun’s box-office draw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Golden Chicken\" succeeded because of Old Mouzi , then Faye Wong and Gong Li—Zhou’s role ranked below them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kung Fu Dunk\" and \"Initial D\" were both successful commercial films, but their themes were highly appealing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Racing and basketball appealed strongly to youth, maximizing Zhou’s popularity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Zhou’s character in these films was nearly tailor-made: a quiet, ordinary prodigy mixed with a Rexuenixi  trope—almost a self-portrait. He played it well, and audiences bought it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Initial D\" itself had excellent production and a strong cast; its box-office success was entirely expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As distributor of \"Kung Fu Dunk,\" Yi’an understood its success even better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Jielun was undoubtedly the main contributor, but other factors couldn’t be ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, Yao Ming was still active in the NBA, making basketball extremely popular—natural market momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, it blended kung fu and comedy, essentially a basketball version of \"Shaolin Soccer,\" with comedic stars like Zeng Zhiwei, Wang Gang, Huang Bao, and Wu Mengda supporting the cast—truly a constellation of stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least among casual viewers, many went to the theater for these supporting actors—or preferred their roles and plots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, director Zhu Yanping was a skilled tailor; \"Kung Fu Dunk\" borrowed heavily from countless sources—it was a chaotic mix, but stitched together decently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these conditions, Yanli believed Zhou Jielun lacked the strength to carry a major film alone; \"Kung Fu Dunk\" had significant luck involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crying Freeman’s\" plot and cast were riddled with flaws—playing a bad hand recklessly; without any system, Yanli wouldn’t touch such a project based on experience alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even suspected whether \"Crying Freeman\" was meant to make money—or to help Wu Dun launder funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past two years, mainland box-office revenues had kept rising, making many operations easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yanli knew, many shady figures had entered the industry; thus, he now placed greater emphasis on partners’ backgrounds. Wu Dun’s type wasn’t outright uncooperative, but required far more caution than ordinary companies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given his current relationship with Uncle Han, Yanli could speak plainly without formalities: he didn’t believe in the project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han said nothing; film projects always varied by taste, and Yanli was famously high-standard—he’d grown accustomed to Yanli’s caution and pickiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not investing is fine. Help me out more on 'The Founding of a Nation.' By the way, Jiang Wen will probably be there too—he recently asked me to reach out to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ask me? Why go through you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli didn’t claim to be close to Jiang Wen, but their relationship was decent—sharing meals or meeting up didn’t require Uncle Han to act as intermediary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s preparing a new film.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han spoke briefly; Yanli understood: “So Jiang Wen actually has moments of embarrassment? That’s not his style.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time, \"The Sun Also Rises\" lost a lot of money; Jiang Wen now wanted Yi’an to invest in his new film, probably feeling awkward, so he asked Uncle Han to make the introduction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t say he’s embarrassed—I’m a bit embarrassed too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han waved his hand; in truth, Yanli hadn’t lost much money on \"The Sun Also Rises,\" but he’d sacrificed his “reputation” and “favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Yanli had rallied Hua Yi, BoNa, and Yinghuang—he’d broken the myth that investing in film always guaranteed profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli understood the situation clearly; as the principals, Uncle Han and Jiang Wen couldn’t take it for granted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve read the script this time—it’s truly excellent. Personally, I think it’ll make money. Jiang Wen himself is confident. I’m just delivering the message—don’t invest because of me. If you want to, invest; if not, no one can blame you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Han clarified emphatically, distancing himself—he personally believed in Jiang Wen, and China Film was also investing in this new film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli had gone through so much trouble helping with \"The Sun Also Rises\"—all for \"Let’s Bullet Fly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Yi’an had Ning Hao, but a massive hit was rare and unpredictable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s Bullet Fly\" had outstanding reviews and box office; aside from Jiang Wen stealing some spotlight, everything else was top-tier—perfect for Yi’an’s listing strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since \"The Sun Also Rises\" had badly damaged BoNa and Hua Yi, Yanli guessed the other companies would likely avoid investing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Yanli invested in \"Let’s Bullet Fly\" now and it succeeded, combined with his past experience, it would become a legendary tale in the industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be excellent publicity for Yanli, for the company, and for the project itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After chatting a while, Uncle Han walked Yanli to the parking lot: “Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve—I won’t keep you longer. Go home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Happy New Year, Uncle Han. Leave a door open for me on the third—I’ll come to pay my respects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, I’ve already prepared the wine. Go on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli called out, then drove to Yangjiao Deng Hutong; when he arrived, his younger cousin Yan Xin was pasting Spring Festival couplets under Old Yan’s direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re pasting them now? Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xin’s returning to his hometown tonight. Let’s get it done while he’s here—save you the trouble tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli had vacation on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day; the family had been busy and wanted him to rest—trying to spare him chores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli nodded, reading the couplet: “Harmony in the home brings a hundred blessings; peace and safety are worth a thousand gold. Good words—and beautiful calligraphy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Yan adjusted his belly and pointed to a nearby courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That family has a retired professor from Zhongshi Normal University—excellent brushwork. Your mother went to ask him personally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Yanli told Wu Maowen, who was carrying things, to set down a gift box of tonic, then called to Yan Xin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take this over later and express our thanks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, Second Aunt sent over some gifts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanli knew his mother Zhang Hong too well; though the Yan family was now wealthy, his parents still clung to old habits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To them, calligraphy was a skill—but not valuable; getting a couplet meant they’d likely send some sunflower seeds, candy, or fried snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The family isn’t short on tonic supplements; cultured people value face—fulfill all the rites, so the neighbors can get along well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xin put up the Spring Festival couplets, then dashed off on an errand; Yan Li asked Wu Maowen to help unload the trunk’s contents, and when only a few items remained, he called out to stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s enough—take the rest for yourself. Don’t show up at your future father-in-law’s house looking poor. I don’t need you worrying about me—Tiger and the others take turns on duty; go about your business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Yan chuckled and patted Wu Maowen on the shoulder, the boy he’d watched grow up since childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Win some pride—seal the deal in one go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Maowen was Yan Li’s childhood friend; they were nearly the same age, now approaching thirty, at the age to marry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Xuan personally arranged the match; the girl was a posture instructor at North Film, also a graduate of North Film, a native of Jingcheng, though from the suburbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl’s qualifications were excellent, but Wu Maowen wasn’t lacking either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was now one of Yan Li’s personal drivers and security leads, with a substantial income and considerable status.\u003C\u002Fp>",2018,"2026-06-19T16:16:54.562Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c14efde67e12dc1f91499285e3f58aa7a1dbab1990bfdf192b694c61550be1f4","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-341","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-339",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-cover.jpg"]