Chapter 305: Great Battle of the New Year Slot

Beep beep beep...

Beep beep beep...

Beep beep beep...

It was busy for three consecutive calls; the office was deathly silent, with only Chen Dadao's heavy breathing.

Clearly, the anger value was almost full, but this wasn't his territory, so he couldn't smash any cups.

Han Han Shanping changed the number, and it was connected quickly.

"Director Han, hello!"

"Xiao Chen? Where is your Boss Lu? Why can't I get through to his phone?"

Chen Chen Zhixi smiled: "Did you forget? He just finished the roadshow in Korea with the *Tangshan* crew."

"He is now participating in the second round of bidding in Kuangou, and the security level is very high, so his phone must be turned off."

Han Han Shanping slapped his thigh: "Oh! That's right!"

"By the way, Xiao Chen, I have a question for you. You've seen that *Bun* video on the internet now, right?"

Xiao Pingtou turned on the speakerphone, signaling his fairness and impartiality to Chen Kaige and his wife.

Chen Hong was speechless; you don't give the evidence material to the other party when judging a case, isn't this giving them time to deal with the aftermath?

How could this female assistant admit it?

"I saw it."

Chen Kaige and Chen Hong looked at each other and then looked at Han Han Shanping together, the meaning in their eyes was very obvious:

See? See?

She admitted it herself! She saw it a long time ago!

It's just that Chen Chen Zhixi's subsequent explanation made them confused: "The video came out on the 24th, which was the second day of our *Tangshan* premiere."

"Director Lu told me to quickly block that user's account, so Director Han, you can take a look; it's not on Wenjie Video."

"We have operation logs here, as well as evidence of the company's internal OA process; we can provide them if needed."

Han Han Shanping and the couple looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a while.

"Alright, Xiao Chen, let's leave it at that for now."

"By the way, call me back after you contact your Boss Lu."

"Received, Director Han, let's leave it at that for now."

Han Han Shanping hung up the phone, and before he could explain, Chen Kaige was already angrily patting the sofa and analyzing.

"Director Han, this is called a guilty conscience!"

"Why didn't you tell us when you discovered it for the first time? We are all industry colleagues; I won't even talk about seniors or juniors, we are all alumni of Beidian, right?"

"And operation logs, what process evidence, isn't this just trying to cover up, waiting for the incident to happen so they can clear their relationship!?"

Chen Hong chimed in: "Director Han, this Director Lu has always been someone who doesn't take the usual path, and he is extremely smart. You heard what the little girl just said."

"Since he has made up his mind to pit our Old Chen, with his methods, he must have done it seamlessly, and we can't find fault even if we want to."

"But you are the leader, you have to keep your eyes open and make the decision for us, right?"

The couple sang in harmony, making Old Han a bit confused; how did they convict the other party in just a few words?

The truth of the matter hasn't been clarified yet, right?

But after this analysis, Old Han was indeed a bit suspicious.

If nothing else, Yanda Huayi had been tamed in the past two years, and the methods were so ruthless and sharp; how could it be a 23 or 24-year-old young man?

To be honest, Old Han was somewhat biased towards Boss Lu in his heart.

Not to mention that he had made a fortune from the films he invested in or participated in distributing in the past two years.

*The Foreign Land* won the domestic historical box office championship, exported national culture, and won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, directly removing the "deputy" word from his head.

But *Zhang Wuji* was indeed a project heavily invested in by China Film Group, and he had only been promoted for less than a year, so of course, he had to protect it.

"How about this, I will contact Seeing Lu Kuan as soon as the bidding ends, and I will definitely get to the bottom of the truth."

"For now, let's take measures to suppress the heat of this video to the lowest level; there are still half a month before it's pulled from theaters!"

Chen Kaige stood up abruptly: "My Director Han! Don't try to smooth things over at this time!"

"I'll put my words here! If China Film Group doesn't give an explanation, I'll go to Director Tong, and if that doesn't work, I'll go to the General Administration!"

"I don't believe it. Is the film circle someone's one-man show, or someone's private territory? Don't they reason at all?"

Chen Hong saw Han Han Shanping's rapidly darkening expression and secretly thought it was bad; if he was really provoked, things would be even more complicated.

Now is the time to unite comrades; we can't push Han Han Shanping to Seeing Lu Kuan's side!

"Director Han, Kaige is just talking out of anger; please don't take it to heart."

"When we received the news and confirmed the truth, the first thing we did was come to China Film Group to disturb you; that is truly 100% trust."

The charming Chang'e smiled: "Just listen to you, handle the problem first, and wait for Seeing Lu Kuan's reply."

Xiao Pingtou's expression eased slightly; if he didn't know that this old guy Chen Kaige had this temper, he would have given him a good scolding if it were someone else.

Who do you think you're talking to?

"Fine, then you two go back first; I still have some official business to handle."

Even though Chen Hong said soft words, he didn't have much reaction, returning to his desk and picking up his teacup, taking a light sip.

This was a signal for them to leave.

Chen Hong followed her furious husband downstairs, sighing secretly as she looked at his still straight spine.

Fortunately, she followed him on this trip; otherwise, if the scene became too stiff, they might end up becoming enemies.

The grudges between adults are often like undercurrents in the water; when you feel them, you have already been swept into the vortex.

They don't even know when the friction was produced.

Chen Hong sat in the driver's seat, and just as she started the vehicle, she was stopped by Chen Kaige.

"Take a detour and go to Building 2."

"Hmm?"

Chen Hong looked at the passenger seat in confusion: "Aren't we going back?"

Chen Kaige silently looked at his phone, adjusted his seat, and lay down comfortably: "Director Tong will be back after the meeting in half an hour; wait."

"This?"

Chen Dadao looked at his ignorant wife; her egg-shaped pretty face was still charming, her red lips slightly pouted, and the stray hair by her ear added a style that young girls didn't have.

The romantic poet's interest in being a teacher, just like two days ago, arose, especially towards the beautiful woman who was dripping with charm.

"Just now, I deliberately provoked Old Han; his butt is already crooked, and he can't be relied on."

"The impact of this matter has already been caused, and saying more is useless."

"The impact of the video must be eliminated, but as the victim, we cannot give up the compensation we deserve!"

Chen Hong looked at Chen Kaige with a stunned expression; she truly didn't expect that her husband had already reached this level: "You mean? Director Tong?"

Her heart raced, and she suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "Oscars?"

"That's right!"

Chen Kaige had an expression of being sure to win: "I have already greeted several uncles and grandfathers; we must get the quota for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this time."

As mentioned earlier, the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film is mainly based on the submission of the film management unit of each country.

In the country, the decision-making power lies with the International Exchange Division of the Film Bureau.

It's just that the works qualified to participate in the submission in recent years were almost all invested in by Han Han Shanping's China Film Group, so his say was a bit bigger.

The 2006 Oscar awards ceremony will be held on March 5th, and in the later life, it was undoubtedly *Zhang Wuji* that was submitted.

But in this life, with the sudden appearance of Boss Lu, there was some suspense.

At least in Han Han Shanping's view, it was better to wait until both films were pulled from theaters before making a final decision.

Whoever is good, choose whoever; anyway, they are all invested in by China Film Group, and they are all political achievements.

If neither is good, that's simple, *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* goes up!

According to the Oscar rules of screening before participation, *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* is fully qualified.

And for Chen Kaige, the Oscars could be called an opportunity to change his fate against the heavens.

A nomination for Best Picture is a box office increase of 30 million USD, and winning doubles it.

Even if he only participates in the competition for Best Foreign Language Film, if he packages it properly at that time and sings a good show of blooming outside the wall and smelling inside, it is also a good move!

In this era, domestic audiences and fans have a blind worship and praise for the Oscars.

I have been nominated for heavyweight awards like Best Foreign Language Film; can those blind and incompetent film critics in the country rest now?

The Oscars are the best PR for the current crumbling word-of-mouth.

Chen Dadao's operation today is to first write the word "victim" on his forehead, and then provoke Old Han to give up and handle it coldly.

He then "grievously" finds Director Tong, and with the help of the uncles, gets the quota for the Best Foreign Language Film submission.

Chen Hong looked at the man in front of her with admiration; in her impression, the talented poet who had always been arrogant and solitary actually had such extraordinary wisdom.

She sighed and took her husband's right hand in her palm: "Kaige, I still have a lot to learn from you."

"Haha, take your time."

This sentence simply poked the poet's G-spot instantly, making him have an intracranial orgasm immediately.

Looking at the beautiful and refined wife in front of him, in this dimly lit car, there was quite a bit of elegance of adding fragrance to the red sleeve.

It was quiet in the car for a while, and Chen Hong asked suspiciously: "Then Seeing Lu Kuan... what should we do?"

Chen Kaige pondered for a few seconds; the letter paper was indeed suspicious, and there was a possibility of framing, but he absolutely could not admit it.

Things have reached this point; if he wants to get the quota for Best Foreign Language Film, this basin of dirty water must be splashed on Seeing Lu Kuan no matter what.

His expression was stern: "Do what you have to do; I can't be afraid of a young boy."

Forty minutes later, the Film Bureau office in Building 2.

This time, Chen Kaige and his wife didn't have the courage to interrupt the director's contemplation and "movie watching."

After he finished watching, the leader pondered for two seconds and then deliberated: "Kaige, I suggest you handle this through judicial channels."

Chen Hong said with a difficult expression: "Director Tong, this..."

Old Han might still have some Jianghu spirit, but Director Tong is a standard leader style, not getting involved in these endless disputes if not necessary.

It is possible that Seeing Lu Kuan did this, and it is possible that you, Chen Kaige and his wife, are playing tricks; he has no way to distinguish.

If you want the bureau to take a stance, then take the conclusion of the judicial organ as the standard; then no one can say anything strange.

Chen Kaige said in a deep voice: "Director Tong, Seeing Lu Kuan is also the vice chairman of the Film Association, and has various other official titles."

"If it wasn't for the fact that this matter was done too much, we wouldn't want to make it big and let such family ugliness in the domestic film industry be exposed."

Director Tong smiled: "I understand! I certainly understand!"

"*Tangshan Earthquake* and *Zhang Wuji* are both blockbusters invested in by China Film Group, and we have high hopes for them, including the quota for Best Foreign Language Film you just mentioned."

"The bureau has also communicated and discussed it, and it should be decided in the next few days; after all, we have to give you time to run PR in North America."

"Kaige, Chen Hong, the bureau will pay attention to this matter, and I have also received your demands; handle it as you should!"

Although Director Tong didn't drink tea and send guests away like Xiao Pingtou, the pen cap he unscrewed was writing like a dragon and a snake on the document, and Chen Kaige and his wife had no room to interject anymore.

Chen Hong drove to the company: "Kaige, what should we do?"

"Find a lawyer if you should, and speak out if you should."

The poet's expression was cloudy and sunny; he didn't expect that Seeing Lu Kuan's weight in Director Tong's place was not light either.

At least regarding his evil fire and grievances, the leader's tone about the Best Foreign Language Film quota didn't loosen at all.

He sat on the right side of the back row and took out his phone to contact his uncles and grandfathers.

If people don't offend me, I won't offend people; since there is no private coordination channel on the official side, then let's be open and honest; after all, I am not the one who is in the wrong.

Let the whole country and the whole industry see what kind of dirty things you, the sixth richest man, genius director, and Olympic bidder, have done!

Thinking of the brilliant record of the young director in the past, Chen Hong glanced at her husband's expression through the rearview mirror, and a very strong sense of unease surged in her heart.

But the pressure of *Zhang Wuji* is there, and if it goes on like this, losses are inevitable; she has to consider her husband's professional honor and reputation.

——

The second round of bidding for the Olympic opening and closing ceremony plans is certainly much higher in specifications than the first round.

Just looking at the leaders present, in addition to the Olympic Organizing Committee leader Liu, there are the Disabled Federation leader Deng, and the two big leaders of the Sports General Administration and the Ministry of Culture.

The reporting pressure faced by the five teams today is not small.

With the opportunity to supplement materials and explanation materials, the reporting of the Wenjie team in the second round was even more handy.

It is still based on the core logical clue of heaven, earth, and humanity, but the effect display carefully produced by Butian Film made the eyes of the leaders unable to move away.

From the origin of the Chinese nation, the harmonious symbiosis of various cultural images such as the Four Great Inventions, Tai Chi, bronzeware, and neon clothes, plus the high-tech means of vertical and horizontal, truly achieved the integration of classical culture and modern technology.

Of course, before the second round of bidding, the Olympic Organizing Committee had already informed the specific rules.

There will be eight judges at the scene divided into five teams to score, the content is detailed into 22 items, and the team with the highest score will be the winner.

The final Olympic plan base will be based on the winner of these five plans, and then choose, adapt, and integrate from other bidding plans.

This is exactly the same as the later life.

Previously, DJI had already established a connection with the National Science and Technology Commission through the relationship of leader Liu, and in the final handshake, leader Liu again emphatically introduced Seeing Lu Kuan to leader Deng and others.

All the leaders were very curious about this young director.

When the bidding teams walked out of the conference room, the sky at 7:30 in Beiping was already pitch black, and Seeing Lu Kuan and Zhang Zhang Yimou walked to the car while smoking.

"The box office trend of *Tangshan Earthquake* is not optimistic." Obviously, the old director also cared about the situation of this film.

Boss Lu was still calm: "Yes, let's see."

Mainly looking at when the word-of-mouth of peers will collapse!

It has been released for four or five days, and although the word-of-mouth is as good as ever, the screen share has not changed much, and it is gradually starting to take over the audience of *Zhang Wuji*, it's just that the number growth is too slow.

In his expectation, if there is no strong upward trend after a week, he will have to open a rebate for the cinema chain.

This is a formal commercial means.

Zhang Zhang Yimou's phone rang: "Hello, Director Han?"

"Ah?"

He turned his head and looked at the little junior brother from Beidian beside him: "Looking for you, saying your phone has been turned off."

Boss Lu took the phone in confusion: "Hello?"

Xiao Pingtou was already a bit impatient: "Director Lu! Do you know that the whole Jinxibei is in a mess!"

*Drawing Sword* was a hit on Travel TV last year, and many lines and characters became popular memes.

"What do you mean?"

"I can't explain it on the phone. Are you coming to Xiaoxitian, or should I go to Wenjie?"

Boss Lu looked at his watch: "I'm with Director Zhang; let's have a meal together and talk while eating."

"Fine, I'll send you the address." Han Han Shanping hung up the phone and arranged for Gao Chengsheng to organize the food.

Still on the road, Chen Chen Zhixi's phone call had already come in: "Boss Lu, *The Bun* video is on fire, it's everywhere on the internet."

"Director Han called me, and from his tone, it's possible he suspects we did it."

Boss Lu didn't take it to heart: "I know, I'll talk to him."

"Don't care what others think, just keep an eye on Wenjie Video." "Yes!"

At 8:30 in the evening, in a private restaurant near Xiaoxitian, Boss Lu calmly heard everything.

"I heard, what's going on, why is this dirty water coming at me?"

Han Han Shanping listed the "evidence chain" and motive prediction that Chen Hong and Chen Kaige were so sure about, making the young director dumbfounded.

This is a disaster from heaven!

"Wenjie's letter paper, wrapped in money and sent to people."

"People with brains can't do this, and people with brains won't believe this."

"Director Han, just tell Chen Kaige like this: the clear are clear, I don't need to prove myself at all."

Old Han was a bit more casual when talking to him, his voice lowered: "It's really not you?"

"Hey! *Zhang Wuji* also has investment from China Film Group; I won't pit anyone, but I won't pit you, Director Han, right?"

"Haha, that's true, I don't believe it either; this work is too rough."

Xiao Pingtou sneered: "But the person who framed you seems to have determined that Chen Kaige would make a big fuss, and the purpose is to muddy the water."

"Think carefully about who you've offended recently."

Where would he need a reminder? The vengeful Boss Lu had already dragged his enemies over and sorted through them in that instant.

The little Japanese Katsuo Kasai and Yanda Huayi are the most likely, although he doesn't know how they captured this *Bun* as an entry point so accurately.

Yanda Huayi: First of all, I didn't provoke you this time!

"Dong dong!"

A burst of urgent knocking on the door, Han Han Shanping's secretary Gao Chengsheng pushed the door in, holding a laptop in his hand.

Boss Lu joked: "Director Gao, are you working overtime while accompanying the leader to eat?"

"No! Something happened!" Gao Chengsheng's face wrinkled like a bitter melon, and he hurriedly placed the computer on the table.

"Chen Kaige and his wife issued an announcement, they are going to sue you!"

The three people in the room were shocked, and then looked at the statement on Chen Kaige's official blog.

To the fans:

Recently, I was shocked to hear that a spoof video targeting *Zhang Wuji* is spreading wildly, with great malice tampering, editing, and uglifying the work we have spent three years of painstaking effort on.

This has exceeded the scope of normal comments and opinions; this is not only hurting me, but also hurting everyone who has paid for *Zhang Wuji*.

What is even more sad is that with the assistance of the police, according to existing clues, this is very likely to be instigated by our competitors.

I still remembered our same origin and let your company do the special effects for *Zhang Wuji*; how can people be so shameless?!

The *Zhang Wuji* crew will take all means, including legal channels, to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, and I also ask the whole society and the whole industry to supervise, distinguish right from wrong, and do not spread it maliciously! Thank you!

The statement was issued for only ten minutes, and Blog Network, Sina, NetEase, Tencent, and Sohu had all fallen.

Wherever internet fun-seekers can spread their wings, they have directly or indirectly reprinted this manifesto of Chen Kaige and Chen Hong.

Since his debut, many people have scolded Boss Lu on the internet.

Except for ordinary netizens who make jokes about him, literary and artistic figures like Zhu Zhu Dake are regulars.

But except for the first film *Whiplash*, where he was considered low-profile and publicly criticized by the Hong Kong crew of Zhang Zhang Jianting, this is really the first time someone has publicly denounced him on the internet in the mainland.

The old director watched for a long time and finally understood what was going on: "This is a misunderstanding; I'll tell Kaige, don't make it too big."

He said he was about to get up and go out to make a call, but was pulled by Boss Lu.

"Director Zhang, this matter is really not a misunderstanding."

"Ah?"

Han Han Shanping and Zhang Zhang Yimou looked at him in disbelief; is it really you?

Boss Lu waved his hand to indicate that they had misunderstood: "I have no grudges with Chen Kaige in the past, and no grudges in the recent days. Regarding the video, he doesn't seem to have to fight me to the death, right?"

He pointed to the words in Chen Kaige's statement: "Existing clues, very likely, these are all words that avoid responsibility, indicating that they are not 100% sure that I did it."

"It's not that there is no contact information; he calls me, is it difficult to ask clearly?"

"Why do you have to go to China Film Group to find Director Han to put pressure on you, and then occupy the moral high ground on the internet first?"

Zhang Zhang Yimou smiled bitterly: "To be honest, Kaige's reaction is a bit like Zhang Weiping."

Even the old director could see that the hype was very strong, just like Old Zhang of New Picture, who would do anything to hype up everything he caught.

Han Han Shanping's expression was unhappy; he thought more.

For example, the style of Chen Kaige in his office this afternoon that even the King of Heaven wouldn't let go; this doesn't look like him, right?

Although this old guy is a bit stubborn, he is indeed not an unreasonable person. Why is he so impulsive and out of control this time?

Late at night, the banquet dispersed, and this meal today was tasteless.

The old poet was indeed not a high-profile person in the past. This dangerous move made Seeing Lu Kuan and Old Han unable to figure out his true intention for a while.

Maybe just let the bullets fly for a while.

A Fei drove his boss back to the Ideal International Building, and Chen Chen Zhixi was still communicating with the public opinion department and hadn't left.

Seeing Lu Kuan asked her about some detailed situations in the office: "Did the police come to investigate?"

"No."

"Didn't Chen Kaige post pictures on the internet with certainty, something like Wenjie's letter paper?"

Chen Chen Zhixi spread her hands: "It's too simple to get this kind of thing. The company has so many official documents with the outside world every day, and employees even take them home to use as ordinary paper."

"Hmm, go and draft a statement and send it out as soon as possible."

"Okay."

Chen the poet took the lead, occupied the moral high ground on the internet, and won sympathy in the posture of a victim; Wenjie naturally had to have a routine response as PR.

Where is it so easy to splash dirty water?

In fact, things have reached this point; Seeing Lu Kuan is more confused than worried.

In the past, he was the one who bowed into the game, made the game, and broke the game. This time, it seems that he was suddenly involved for no reason.

He inevitably thought of Katsuo Kasai, who contacted him many times and visited him during his roadshow in Japan.

There are many foundations and associations with such backgrounds in the US, Japan, and other countries, playing many hidden and private roles, which is not surprising.

Is this the killing formation they set up?

But to use an accidental event so accurately to stir up the dispute between the two sides, he certainly doesn't believe that Chen Kaige was bought.

The poet's personality and style are indeed unpleasant at times, but he is a big director who has won the Palme d'Or, with a clean family background, and he doesn't have no stance at all.

Then it is only possible that there are insiders who are familiar with all aspects of the domestic entertainment industry who participated in the instigation and layout.

Living two lives, strictly speaking, Boss Lu is indeed not a "good person" in the traditional sense.

But he does have times when he is wronged.

For example, many peach blossoms that he hadn't touched in this life are firmly linked to him in Xiao Liu's eyes, and there is no way to argue.

Or like this *Bun* incident, even if he had avoided it, not wanting to touch these causes and effects, he still took the blame for nothing.

Of course, it is not necessarily how wronged he is.

After all, if he had a good relationship with Chen Kaige, he could have told him about the video, solved the aftermath before it fermented, and wouldn't have caused such a big impact.

Boss Lu held the idea of watching the show, but didn't expect to be passively involved in the show.

Since he is in the show, he must sing well.

Late at night, just a few hours after the manifesto of Chen Kaige and Chen Hong was announced to the domestic entertainment industry, Wenjie used a more excellent internet public opinion influence to issue a clarification statement.

I, Seeing Lu Kuan, make the following statement regarding the *Bun* incident mentioned in Chen Dadao Kaige's statement.

First, I am the vice chairman of the Film Association, and I also come from Beidian with Chen Dadao. Although we are not very close, we have always respected and recognized each other, and it is not to the extent of the behavior described by others of fueling the flames, falling into the trap, or even hiring people to create black materials for competing films.

Second, the special effects of *Zhang Wuji* were a cooperation that Chen Dadao personally negotiated with Butian Film in 2003. I believe everyone has seen the level of special effects, and compared with *Tangshan Earthquake*, it can be said to be evenly matched, right? If I were to engage in such industry infighting that cannot be brought to the table, why would I be so dedicated? Or, if I really wanted to cause trouble for *Zhang Wuji*, I could let Wenjie Wenjie Jiahe not arrange a single show for *Zhang Wuji*, wouldn't that be more convenient?

Third, I have attended industry meetings, accepted interviews, participated in official and semi-official seminars countless times, including the original intention of the Pan-Asian Film Academy announced at the Cannes Film Festival, and I have mentioned a point countless times: the whole world is a dumping ground for Hollywood movies, our enemies are outside, not inside, the domestic film market is only the size of a palm, and we should look at the long-term.

Fourth, regarding the police investigation evidence and conclusions mentioned by Chen Dadao Kaige, I fully respect and recognize the official investigation results and am willing to provide all necessary support for the truth to come to light. Before the truth of the matter is concluded, I request Chen Dadao Kaige and his wife, Ms. Chen Hong, to immediately stop all false statements, avoid misleading the public, and causing damage to my reputation and personality dignity. If necessary, I will take legal means to safeguard my legitimate rights and interests.

Finally, the clear are clear, please ask all fans and friends and media colleagues to stop spreading related rumors based on law and facts, thank you!

Since Seeing Lu Kuan became famous, he has rarely posted on blogs or interacted with fans on the internet.

But this year, starting from May, countless topics related to him, such as car accidents, Liu Liu Yifei's confession, the Olympics, earthquake movies, and the sixth richest man, have appeared!

The blog posted at 10 pm has brought a carnival to the entertainment circle and the internet world in less than 11 pm!

"Garbage washing machine, so you are this kind of person, I won't watch your movies anymore!"

"The washing machine says he didn't play with women, I don't believe it. The washing machine says he didn't play with Chen Dadao, I believe it!"

"To be honest, the washing machine can just send a few DVDs abroad and earn more than tearing down your broken *Zhang Wuji* Emperor's New Clothes, don't be delusional."

"Don't understand, ask, is the *Zhang Wuji* you are talking about *A Murder Case Caused by a Steamed Bun*? I feel it's quite good, why are you all scolding Chen Dadao? Too much!"

"To become a master, you still have to be pure. Director Lu's career is too big, and there is no need for this kind of life-and-death struggle."

"I support the washing machine this time! The washing machine only cheats women, and the movies are all good-looking. Chen Kaige only cheats the audience, and the women are all good-looking!"

From the perspective of passersby, Seeing Lu Kuan, whose status in the international and domestic film circles has faintly exceeded Chen Kaige, and perhaps only the old director can be compared with him in terms of honor, has absolutely no motive to do evil.

Whether it is his fans or black fans (Liu Liu Yifei fans), they are mostly joking and entertaining.

However, the volume of ordinary people is small and weak, and the Southern Department and many loyal dogs who are kept like Xiao Ying have barked frequently.

Under the names of high-knowledge and industry celebrities, art celebrities, and senior reporters, they often use a lot of big truths or cite some fictional data and facts to fool netizens.

The debate on the internet has been climaxing for two days. In these two days, due to the comprehensive collapse of *Zhang Wuji*'s word-of-mouth and Boss Lu's passive hype, the box office trend of *Tangshan Earthquake* has reached a turning point.

On the morning of the 30th, the box office of *Tangshan Earthquake* for the first seven days in the mainland was released, and the figure of nearly 130 million made everyone in Wenjie breathe a sigh of relief.

The sluggishness of the first three days made Gao Jun, Zhong Zhong Lifang, and others feel uneasy, but fortunately, the trend in the later period was completely in line with Boss Lu's expectations.

This wave of traffic that *Zhang Wuji* couldn't hold onto still entered *Tangshan*'s mouth.

1833, 2240, 2199, 1900, 1987, 2811, 3300...

The first day was Friday, and the box office accelerated on the weekend and then fell back.

Obviously, the turning point of the box office came in the last two days when *The Bun* was popular and Chen Kaige opened fire on Wenjie and Boss Lu.

If, like the later life, there was only one blockbuster *Zhang Wuji* in the market, the "rotten" that everyone says wouldn't destroy the bones, but would arouse the curiosity of the audience.

I want to see how rotten it is!

But now there is a *Tangshan* that is still being criticized by a few serious critics, with excellent word-of-mouth and overwhelming promotion, it is very easy to attract more audiences.

This kind of box office counter-trend has a terrifying snowball-like effect, and the audience, word-of-mouth, and screen share will promote each other, accelerating the amplification of various positive effects.

At the same time, in the overseas market, in addition to the upcoming North American release, the good news frequently coming back from Korea and Japan is also inspiring, which has played a good effect of blooming outside the wall and smelling inside.

In the Japanese market, the first-week box office of *Tangshan Earthquake* was 28.22 million, exceeding local masterpieces like *Wolf Girl* and *Tokyo Zombie*.

Among foreign films, it was second only to the 60 million of the Hollywood blockbuster *Memoirs of a Geisha* premiered on the 10th, and the latter finally took nearly 90 million in the Japanese market.

Due to the dominance of Li Li Meijing's CJ Entertainment in the Korean market, *Tangshan Earthquake* also had a brilliant record, surpassing local films like *Typhoon* and *The Art of Seduction*, with a total box office of 24.31 million in six days.

However, it is a pity that on December 29th, a phenomenal film will be released in Korea—*The King and the Clown*, which made Lee Joon-gi popular.

There is not much time left for *Tangshan Earthquake*.

For *Tangshan*, which has a total cost and marketing expense of more than 300 million, this is now a critical period for the box office trend.

The European copyright was sold to EuropaCorp for 4 million USD, not to mention, the remaining big box office areas are Greater China and Korea, Japan, and the US.

The turning point of the domestic and Hong Kong/Macau box office has appeared, and walking steadily is the rhythm of killing everything.

The North American premiere is imminent, and they must go to run promotion and participate in programs. Now the same problem is placed in front of Chen Kaige and Seeing Lu Kuan:

The Oscar nomination in March.

Chen Dadao needs to get a nomination to prove himself, offset and break the "broken car effect" brought by *The Bun*, and avoid falling into the abyss of the box office completely.

Boss Lu also needs this nomination to give a shot in the arm to the box office in the three places of Korea, Japan, and the US, and successfully complete the *Tangshan* project, which was destined to be arduous from the beginning.

However, this qualification for the Best Foreign Language Film has been debated for a long time in the bureau, and no decision has been made between *Zhang Wuji* and *Tangshan*.

There are many reasons to choose *Zhang Wuji*.

The first domestic fantasy epic romance film, the all-star lineup has greater influence internationally.

The key is that China Film Group's investment is huge, and no one wants to see this loss.

For *Tangshan*, not to mention the box office figures, it is impeccable in terms of word-of-mouth and the director himself.

But the only point is that although the Chinese people are happy to see the exposition of the unity of the army and the people and the national spirit in the film, this kind of plot seems to be an excessive beautification of a certain army in the eyes of North American audiences and positions.

If it is deliberately guided by public opinion and defined as a government propaganda film, then it will be even more hopeless for nomination.

Rather than this, it is better to give the quota to *Zhang Wuji*.

Of course, these arguments mainly come from the uncles and grandfathers that the poet sought help from.

Online, the disputes and scolding on the internet are endless.

Offline, the investigation into whether Hu Ge was bought and instigated by Wenjie is still ongoing; such a matter without a beginning and an end is too difficult to investigate.

And the power struggle between Lu and Chen in the General Administration is also constant, and the situation is somewhat deadlocked for a while.

The people in the game have not yet broken the game, and the next move of the game maker has already been placed.

US West Coast time, January 1, 2006, at noon, the *Tangshan* crew arrived in Los Angeles after a long flight, preparing to participate in the North American premiere.

At the same time, in the Sakura Restaurant on Liangmaqiao East Street, the bespectacled Taro looked excitedly at Wu Wu Kebo and Katsuo Kasai opposite.

There is actually a Japanese businessman who wants to know himself; are they going to invest in his movie!

"Director Lu, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Katsuo Kasai, one of the shareholders of the Japanese NEC Group."

"Kasai-san, this is the famous young director in the country, the rising star Mr. Lu Lu Chuan."

The two shook hands enthusiastically, both feeling like they met too late.

Not many people know the true identity of Katsuo Kasai.

He contacted Seeing Lu Kuan before, just to express his investment and willingness, but it was keenly sensed by the hanging man that something was wrong.

And for Lu Lu Chuan, whether it is this wealthy businessman with a prominent status or Wu Wu Kebo, who has faintly been on par with Yanda Huayi, they can be considered very high-quality investors.

He is really lacking opportunities!

In this life, Taro's fate line was also "tampered with," though "The Missing Gun" still brought him considerable reputation as usual.

But "Kekexili" could have directly elevated him to the quasi-first-tier position of the Sixth Generation in later generations!

Just look at the honors he received for "Kekexili" in later generations to see a glimpse of it:

The Jury Grand Prize at the 17th Tokyo International Film Festival;

Best Film at the 41st Taiwan Golden Horse Awards;

Best Asian Film at the 25th Hong Kong Film Awards.

And a series of domestic awards like the Huabiao Award for Outstanding Feature Film, the Golden Rooster Award for Best Feature Film, etc.

In this life, he was unlucky; because he was implicated and retaliated against for being a lackey for Yanda Huayi and Zhou Jun, "Kekexili" was tragically reported for plagiarism, and he only received some scraps.

The three of them drank and chatted, discussing many common topics, such as the recent small ripples in the domestic entertainment industry.

Gexi Xiong sighed: "To be honest, I originally admired this Director Seeing Lu Kuan very much, but his personal character is truly somewhat disappointing..."

Wu Wu Kebo laughed: "Gexi-san, don't be discouraged; every industry inevitably has its share of vermin, and domestic directors are still mostly upright."

He gestured toward Lu Tian in front of him: "Director Lu comes from a scholarly family, and his father is a great writer and critic in the domestic Writers Association."

"I heard that when filming 'Kekexili,' Director Lu personally crawled on ice and lay in the snow, which is how this feature film with a unique documentary style was born; it is truly rare."

"Haha, you flatter me! It's all just work, hehe." Taro couldn't hide his smugness, almost wanting to claim the two people in front of him as soulmates.

The feeling of having talent but no opportunity—who understands?

Gexi Xiong and Wu Wu Kebo exchanged a glance, both feeling the time was ripe, and the latter began to guide the conversation.

"Director Lu, do you have any film plans recently?"

(End of chapter)