China Entertainment’s rescue plan is hard to come by

Chapter 984 Ambition
In late September, the weather in Beijing was already showing signs of early autumn chill, with noticeable temperature differences between day and night. Liu Yifei, wrapped in a large beige shawl, fought off her sleepiness and stood at the door of her villa to see Sun Yi off.

"I already told you to keep sleeping. I'm going to China Film Group, I know the way well, it's not like I'm going on a long trip."

Sun Yi felt a pang of sympathy seeing Miss Liu looking exhausted yet stubbornly adjusting her collar for him.

Although he was also very tired, he was a man after all, and he felt it was only right that his woman should rest peacefully.

After the Golden Rooster Awards, the two only stayed in Jiangcheng for one night before flying back to Beijing the next day. They only slept for one night as well. It can be said that since returning to China from their trip to North America, the two have not been able to properly adjust to the time difference for three consecutive days.

But there was no other way; everything happened at once. The release date for "Superman" was crucial, and Sun Yi needed to negotiate it personally. It was almost National Day, a seven-day holiday, and China Film Group wouldn't be working during that time.

He didn't want to bother Chairman Han again during his break, nor did he want to waste more than a week of his time. After all, there were less than two months left until the start of this year's Lunar New Year film season. In previous years, the best slots were already booked by this time, and the longer it was delayed, the more uncertainties there would be. Therefore, Sun Yi could only try to finalize things in advance on the last day of September.

"Don't talk so much, I'm happy!"

Liu Yifei tries her best to play the role of a virtuous wife, but her inherent pride makes her unwilling to admit defeat.

Sun Yi found it increasingly amusing. It seemed that the little girl had been a bit different since they came back from her maternal grandmother's house yesterday. He couldn't quite put his finger on what was different, and he wondered if her grandmother had talked to her about something.

Liu Yifei straightened Sun Yi's collar, looked him up and down, and nodded in satisfaction. When she looked up again, she met Sun Yi's teasing gaze. Her pretty face flushed slightly, and she took the initiative to throw herself into Sun Yi's arms, giving him a light kiss on the lips before quickly pulling away.

"Let me tell you, when you meet with Chairman Han, you're not allowed to smoke less! Otherwise, I'll deal with you when we get home tonight!"

Miss Liu looked fierce, much like a wife watching her husband go out drinking.

Sun Yi chuckled inwardly, then stood at attention with a serious air and replied as if making a vow: "I will obey my wife's instructions! I will definitely smoke less, and try my best not to smoke at all!"

puff~
Liu Yifei's lips twitched, and she couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Go ahead, and don't forget to text me if anything happens."

"Okay~"

Sun Yi waved and, with Miss Liu watching him go, got into the company car, which slowly drove out of the courtyard gate.

China Film Group.

Sun Yi knew this place like the back of his hand. After the driver parked the car, there was a special reception lounge. He was led by Han Dong's secretary and went straight to Han Sanping's spacious and simple office.

There were no people waiting in line outside the office; clearly, Sun Yi had been given all the time this morning.

The secretary announced the arrival, knocked lightly on the door twice, then pushed it open and bowed to let Sun Yi pass.

Sun Yi thanked him and walked in with his head held high.

"Hey, this is our Director Sun, you've returned in triumph!"

Han Sanping stood up from behind his large desk, walked around it, and warmly shook hands with Sun Yi. He was wearing a navy blue jacket and looked very energetic, but the deep wrinkles around his eyes seemed to be a little deeper than when Sun Yi last saw him.

"I've heard that Starry Sky really stole the show at this year's Golden Rooster Awards in Jiangcheng. They won Best Music, Best Art Direction, Best Animation, Best Actress, and Best Director—they took home quite a few trophies."

Han Sanping said with a chuckle, his tone slightly exaggerated.

"Chairman Han, you're really well-informed." Sun Yi smiled and sat down on the sofa in the reception area. "It's all thanks to everyone's hard work. I'm grateful to the organizing committee for their recognition. I just happened to be born at a good time."

"You think highly of me? You little rascal." Han Sanping pointed at Sun Yi, shaking his head and laughing. He knew all about the rumors surrounding Sun Yi and the previous Golden Rooster Award.

However, this is not something that should come out of his mouth.

“However, the timing you mentioned is not a problem.” Han Sanping did not sit down, but instead picked up his purple clay teapot and poured golden tea into the teacup in front of Sun Yi, and the aroma of tea instantly filled the air.

In this office, apart from a small group of people within the system, only Sun Yi receives this kind of treatment.

"It's indeed a good time. China Film Group just finished compiling the domestic box office figures for the first three quarters of this year. Guess how much? 237.69 billion yuan. Domestic films accounted for 139.4 billion yuan, or 58.65%, surpassing imported films for the second consecutive year."

"Wow, it's already over 230 billion in just three quarters? That's a really impressive figure. I remember last year's total box office was only around 250 billion, and this year's Lunar New Year film season hasn't even started yet."

Sun Yi was equally amazed.

This was the first time he had seen this data. Only organizations like China Film Group could obtain such accurate quarterly reports. Even companies like Starry Sky could only provide a relative, approximate estimate.

"Yes, that's right. We can also look ahead to this year's Lunar New Year film season." Han Sanping picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then sighed, "The data is indeed impressive, but only those of us who are in the thick of it truly know the real story."

Sun Yi nodded; he knew what Han Sanping was referring to.

The market seems hot this year, but putting aside his own film "Edge of Tomorrow," which was released during last year's Lunar New Year season, it doesn't count.

At the beginning of the year, "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" raked in 12.46 billion yuan, setting a new box office record for the year. Films such as Zhao Yanzi's "So Young", Starry Sky's "The Coffin in the Mountain" and "Dearest", and Yang Mi's "Tiny Times" also performed well at the box office, and the overall situation was very promising.

But beneath the surface of this prosperity lies fiercer competition and faster differentiation. Many films simply cannot find a chance to breathe in theaters, and the experiences of successful films are difficult to replicate simply.

"So," Han Sanping changed the subject, looking intently at Sun Yi, "how good is this 'Superman' that you and Warner Bros. have put together this time? I heard that Warner Bros. is full of praise for the finished film. As for Alan Horn, we at China Film Group have dealt with him quite a bit. He's not one to praise people easily."

Sun Yi sat up straight, knowing that the main topic was about to begin.

He succinctly explained the creative concept and visual breakthroughs of "Man of Steel," as well as Warner Bros.' strategic significance in positioning it as the opening blockbuster of the DC Universe. He also explained Starfield's ambition to use this film and leverage Warner Bros.' channels to completely open up the global market.

Without excessive embellishment, the strong confidence he exuded made Han Sanping nod repeatedly.

"It seems you really have the confidence," Han Sanping said thoughtfully. "So, what about the scheduling? What's Warner's opinion?"

"A simultaneous global release, mid-December," Sun Yi answered clearly. "North America is targeting the core Christmas season. They hope our mainland release can also be around the same time, sharing the global promotional buzz. My initial idea is to include it in our Lunar New Year film lineup in mid-to-late December, but of course, it also depends on Chairman Han's specific arrangements."

Lunar New Year film season

Han Sanping tapped the armrest of the mahogany sofa lightly with his fingers, making a soft tapping sound.

"That's to be expected. Every year, the Lunar New Year film season should include you, Sun Yi. But you just came back from the United States. You probably don't know how hot the 'porridge' of this year's Lunar New Year film season is right now, do you?"

Upon hearing Han Dong's question, Sun Yi smiled wryly.

He actually knows the answer to this question.

This year's Lunar New Year film season is so hot it's about to explode!

(End of this chapter)