Entertainment from Divorce

On the morning of March 1st, the capital city still carried the slight chill of early spring. Just as dawn was breaking, birds outside the window began to chirp and sing, adding a touch of life to the quiet morning.

In Tan Yue's bathroom, warm water was steaming from the tap.

Chen Ziyu was combing her long hair in front of the mirror, her phone next to the sink, when a news notification popped up with a particularly eye-catching headline.

International Cultural Center: Interstellar's final global box office has surpassed five billion US dollars, reaching five billion and one hundred million US dollars!

Chen Ziyu paused for a moment, then excitedly turned around and shouted to Tan Yue, who was shaving, "Yue! Come and see! Interstellar has surpassed 5 billion at the box office! 5 billion and 1 million US dollars!"

Tan Yue, who was still holding a razor, quickly went over to take a look when he heard this.

On the phone screen, the official page of the International Cultural Center clearly displayed the box office data, along with a box office trend chart. The blue curve continued its upward trend in the final week, eventually settling steadily at $5.5 billion and $1 billion.

"We've really broken 5 billion!" Tan Yue smiled, his eyes full of satisfaction. "I didn't expect to make a push in the last week. This result is too unexpected."

Chen Ziyu leaned close to him and said with a smile, "What's so surprising about that? The quality of your movie speaks for itself, and the audience is definitely willing to pay for it. Now that's great, you have another movie that has grossed over five billion US dollars, which will increase your influence in the industry and benefit the development of our Brilliant Entertainment."

Tan Yue nodded, genuinely happy.

Higher box office revenue means a wider audience for the film, which greatly helps the company in enhancing its brand, securing project financing, and attracting talent.

He wiped the water droplets from his face and said, "This is not just my achievement; it's the result of the whole team's hard work and the audience's support. When I get to the company later, I'll have to share this good news with everyone."

The two quickly washed up, ate a simple breakfast, and rushed to the company.

On the way, Chen Ziyu's phone kept ringing with congratulatory messages from her company employees. She replied to each one, her smile never fading.

Tan Yue also received many messages, including congratulations from friends in the industry and greetings from business partners. He replied with a smile, feeling a great sense of accomplishment.

As soon as the car entered the parking lot of the Brilliant Entertainment Building, we saw many employees already waiting at the entrance, holding ribbons and balloons, their faces full of excitement.

As soon as they saw Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu's car arrive, everyone crowded around and shouted in unison, "President Tan! President Chen! Congratulations on 'Interstellar' surpassing 5 billion at the box office!"

Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu got out of the car and thanked everyone with smiles.

"Thank you everyone. This achievement is inseparable from everyone's hard work," Tan Yue said. "Let's have a simple celebration ceremony in the company lobby later to celebrate properly."

Upon entering the building, the lobby had been completely renovated, with a red banner reading "Congratulations to Interstellar for surpassing five billion US dollars in global box office." The screens on both sides displayed box office data and messages of congratulations from the audience, filling the entire lobby with a festive atmosphere.

At this time, major domestic media outlets had already begun reporting on it.

"People's Daily: Interstellar's global box office has surpassed five billion US dollars. This film not only demonstrates the creative strength of Chinese filmmakers, but also shows the world the potential of Chinese science fiction and opens up a new path for Chinese culture to 'go global'."

"Guangming Daily: The success of Interstellar signifies that China's film industry system has become increasingly mature, reaching world-class levels in everything from scriptwriting and special effects production to distribution and promotion. The $5 billion box office is not only an affirmation of the film itself, but also an encouragement to China's film industry. I believe that more excellent Chinese films will go global in the future."

Major entertainment media outlets also followed suit, launching special reports that analyzed in detail the box office performance of "Interstellar," the reasons for its success, and its impact on the Chinese film industry.

Some media outlets also interviewed the film's creative team, uncovering behind-the-scenes stories and allowing more people to understand the hardships and sacrifices involved in the film's production.

The online discussion exploded.

On Weibo, the hashtag #InterstellarBoxOfficeExceeds50Billion# quickly rose to the top of the trending list, with views exceeding 10 billion and discussions exceeding 500 million in just two hours.

Netizens left comments under the topic, expressing their excitement and pride:

"Congratulations Director Tan! Congratulations on 'Interstellar'! Five billion US dollars, this is the pride of Chinese cinema!"

"I've been following the box office closely since its release, and it's finally broken 5 billion! I'm so happy! I've already watched it four times, and each time I'm moved by something new."

"Interstellar not only boasts stunning special effects but also a moving storyline. It truly deserves its success! I hope there will be more excellent Chinese films like this in the future."

"Director Tan is amazing! I loved his previous movies, and Interstellar exceeded my expectations. I look forward to his next work!"

Foreign media and netizens have also paid close attention to this achievement.

"The Hollywood Reporter: The success of Interstellar has shattered preconceived notions about non-English speaking films, proving that excellent stories and productions can transcend language and cultural barriers and gain global recognition. Director Tan Yue has demonstrated the creative capabilities of Chinese filmmakers, and the future looks promising."

The related topic on Twitter has garnered over 5 million views, with many foreign netizens leaving comments.

"Interstellar is the best movie I've seen this year, bar none! Its five billion dollar box office is well-deserved!"

"I've watched it three times already, and each time I'm moved by the family bonds and courage in the film. Director Tan Yue is such a great storyteller!"

"I hope to see director Tan Yue's next work soon, and I look forward to him bringing more surprises!"

After a brief celebration with their employees in the lobby, Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu returned to their respective offices.

Not long after he sat down, Chen Ye walked in carrying a stack of documents, his face full of smiles: "President Tan, congratulations! Interstellar has surpassed 5 billion at the box office, which is a great event for our company! These are documents from various departments, including plans for the development of post-film merchandise, as well as letters of intent for cooperation from several overseas distributors. Please take a look."

Tan Yue took the documents and said with a smile, "Thank you. Please put these documents on the table first, I'll look at them later. By the way, please pass on the notice that there will be a general meeting of all employees at 3 pm this afternoon in the company's main conference room. I want to share this good news with everyone and also make arrangements for the next steps."

"Okay, Mr. Tan, I'll arrange it right away." Chen Ye replied and turned to leave the office. Tan Yue picked up the document and began to read it carefully.

First, there's the plan for developing post-film merchandise, which mentions developing related products such as models, dolls, and clothing. It also plans to collaborate with game companies to release a science fiction game based on the film. Next are letters of intent from overseas distributors; several well-known streaming platforms are interested in acquiring the online streaming rights, and some overseas cinemas hope to re-release the director's cut.

Tan Yue read through the documents, making marks on them as he went, occasionally pausing to think.

He believes that developing derivative products and secondary distribution overseas are good directions, as they can further expand the film's influence and bring more revenue to the company.

However, these projects all require careful planning to ensure quality and effectiveness.

By the time I finished processing the documents, it was almost noon.

Tan Yue stretched, walked to the window, and looked at the scenery outside.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, warm and soft. He picked up the teacup on the table, brewed a cup of Pu'er tea, and sipped it slowly, thinking that the matter of "Interstellar" could finally be put on hold for the time being, and he could now focus more on the preparation of his next film.

However, before that, there is an important thing to do: reward the employees who participated in the film's behind-the-scenes work. Although they did not appear in front of the camera like the actors, they devoted a lot of effort to the film's success. From special effects production, editing and dubbing to publicity and promotion, every aspect required their hard work.

At 1 p.m., Tan Yue called Chen Ye and asked him to call Engineer Wu and Zheng Tong to his office.

Not long after, Engineer Wu and Zheng Tong arrived at the office.

Both men had smiles on their faces and congratulated Tan Yue as soon as they entered: "Mr. Tan, congratulations! Interstellar has surpassed 5 billion at the box office, which is a major event for our industry!"

Tan Yue smiled and invited them to sit down, pouring them a cup of tea: "Thank you all. This achievement is also inseparable from your hard work. President Wu, the publicity and distribution work for this film was done very well, achieving excellent results both domestically and internationally."

"Mr. Zheng, the film production process went very smoothly, and the post-production editing and special effects were also excellent. You all worked very hard."

Engineer Wu and Zheng Tong quickly waved their hands: "President Tan, you're too kind. This is what we should do. We are honored to be able to participate in a project like 'Interstellar'."

Tan Yue nodded, his tone becoming serious: "I've called you here today because there's something important I need to tell you. The success of 'Interstellar' wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of every one of the behind-the-scenes staff. I'd like you two to compile a list of all the employees involved in the film's production, including the special effects team, editing team, dubbing team, distribution team, and staff from various departments who worked together—no one can be left out."

Engineer Wu and Zheng Tong exchanged a glance and nodded quickly: "Okay, President Tan, we will definitely get it sorted out as soon as possible."

Tan Yue continued, "After compiling the list, we will prepare a generous reward for these employees. In addition to cash bonuses, we will also award them certificates of honor to recognize their contributions."

Engineer Wu smiled and nodded: "No problem."

Tan Yue solemnly stated, "They have contributed a great deal to the film, and these rewards are well-deserved. Moreover, this will also motivate more employees to work hard and contribute to the company's development. Our company's achievements today are due to everyone's concerted efforts. Only when employees feel their own value will they have a greater sense of belonging and motivation."

Zheng Tong agreed, saying, "President Tan is right. These behind-the-scenes staff members are indeed very hardworking. Many of them often work overtime and stay up late during film production, and some haven't had a proper rest for months. Giving them this reward is not only an affirmation of their work, but it can also motivate them to devote themselves to the work ahead."

Tan Yue smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you. Please compile the list as soon as possible, and also formulate the reward plan. Please let me review it tomorrow morning."

"Okay, Mr. Tan, we will finish it as soon as possible." Engineer Wu and Zheng Tong stood up and said goodbye to Tan Yue.

Watching them leave, Tan Yue picked up his teacup and took a sip.

He knew that rewarding the behind-the-scenes staff was not only a recognition of their abilities but also an investment in the company's future development. Only when employees felt cared for and valued by the company would they be willing to put in more effort for its growth.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the company's conference room was filled with employees. Tan Yue stood on the stage, looking at the excited faces below, his heart filled with emotion.

He first announced the good news that Interstellar had surpassed five billion US dollars at the box office, and the meeting room immediately erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Next, Tan Yue reviewed the film's production and distribution process, thanking every employee for their contributions. He said, "The success of 'Interstellar' is not just my achievement, but the result of the collective efforts of our entire team. From scriptwriting to the film's release, and then to the subsequent publicity and distribution, every step required everyone's hard work. I am proud to have such an excellent team!"

Subsequently, Tan Yue outlined the company's next priorities, including the development of film merchandise, overseas secondary distribution, and preparation for new film projects.

He encouraged everyone to continue their efforts and strive for even better results in the new year.

After the meeting, the employees were all very excited and expressed their determination to work harder and contribute to the company's development.

Tan Yue watched everyone's backs as they walked away, his heart filled with anticipation.

He knew that with such a united and outstanding team, Brilliant Entertainment would surely achieve more in its future development, and Chinese films would surely occupy a more important position in the world film industry.

Back in his office, Tan Yue turned on his computer, looked at the box office figures for "Interstellar," and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

The $5 billion box office achievement is an affirmation of past efforts and an inspiration for the future.

He believes that in the future, he will make more excellent films, bring more emotion and surprise to the audience, and contribute his own strength to the development of Chinese films.

Tan Yue stopped smiling, leaned back in his chair, and turned to look out the window.

For the next period of time, he will need to focus on handling company affairs.

The company also needs to improve. (End of Chapter)