During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 774 Backdoor Listing: The Celestial Beauty Returns for a Feast

In the film market, the last imported film of March, "Kingsman: The Secret Service," was released.

The film, adapted from the comic of the same name, showed an incredibly strong presence as soon as it was released.

With less than 28% of screenings, it raked in 1.48 million yuan at the box office in its opening weekend, topping the weekly box office chart.

The critical acclaim online is also phenomenal, with an impressive 8.4 rating on Impression.com.

While this score may be partly due to the bias of some viewers towards imported films, it still speaks volumes about the film's potential for future success.

According to industry insiders, before the release of "Furious 7", this movie should have no other competitors and will be able to fully reap the market rewards. Perhaps the box office is expected to exceed 5 million!
As a result, "Gone Girl," which was already in its third week of release, has seen a clear decline in its box office performance.

After the total box office surpassed 600 million yuan and reached 6.24 million yuan, the daily box office has fallen below 15 million yuan.

But these are still considered good; the rest of the domestic films are in a terrible state, with daily revenue basically only reaching two or three million, completely becoming cannon fodder.

In light of this, the promotion of several upcoming films, especially those scheduled for the Qingming Festival holiday, has entered a fever pitch, with various premiere invitations being sent out extensively within the industry.

However, at this very moment, a news report from a financial channel once again stirred up the storm in the film and television industry.

According to the latest announcement from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the acquisition of Tianma Film by Nuclear Power Pictures has been officially approved.

The transaction involves 4.86 million yuan. Upon completion of this acquisition, Nuclear Power Pictures will hold 58.71% of the shares of the former Hong Kong-listed company, Pegasus Motion Pictures.

According to business registration information, the shareholders of Nuclear Power Pictures include legal entity Shanhe Media, and individuals such as Zhang Yimou, Ning Hao, Tsui Hark, Lu Yang, and Guo Fan, along with more than ten directors.

According to industry analysts, Nuclear Power Pictures is expected to complete its restructuring and resume trading within two months.

Following the acquisition of 21 Holdings by Huanxi Media, jointly established by Dong Ping, Xu Zheng, and Wang Jiawei, another director alliance company is about to list on the Hong Kong stock market through a reverse merger.

The news quickly spread and topped the headlines of major media outlets, portal websites, news headlines, and Weibo trending topics, leaving countless people in the industry stunned.

Many industry insiders believe that although Nuclear Power Pictures is a backdoor listing, it should not be underestimated.

After all, with Shanhe Media acting as the middleman, more than ten renowned directors joined the project, including the award-winning director Zhang Yimou, billion-dollar directors Ning Hao and Tsui Hark, and rising stars Lu Yang and Guo Fan.
In terms of prestige, Nuclear Power Pictures is in no way inferior to those leading companies in the industry that have officially gone public through an IPO.

Smaller companies like Hairun and Huanxi Media, which are listed through backdoor listings, are simply outmatched. Their benchmarks should be Fiber Optics and Huace Media!
"Brother, I remember that Tianma Films is controlled by Huang Baiming, right? Are they father and son retiring from their criminal activities?"

"Yeah, it seems so. But these days, even rehashing old movies isn't making money, so it's no wonder they're like this. A few hundred million is enough for their retirement."

In the office, Wang Zhongjun spoke with a touch of emotion.

Huang Baiming was once considered a minor figure in the Hong Kong entertainment circle, and had collaborated with his company many times. Now, he is about to leave the circle completely.

Fortunately, Nuclear Power Pictures is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Otherwise, the addition of such a group of big-name directors would have attracted a lot of attention from mainland capital, which would have been quite detrimental to Huayi's stock price!
"Alright, let's not talk about that. How's the communication with that Korean kid going?"

Huayi has already tasted the benefits of working with top Korean stars, but Wu Yifan has already chosen Cheng Long, so Wang Zhongjun can't say anything and can only turn his attention to other people.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhonglei shook his head. "Brother, it's probably hopeless. He's already reached an agreement with S&M to develop their business in China as a collaborative studio. They can't be tied to us."

"Heh, it seems Lee Soo-man has become smarter, he's starting to make exceptions now?" Wang Zhongjun sneered mockingly.

However, since S&M is involved, the benefits for Huayi are greatly reduced. Therefore, after a moment's consideration, he gave the following instructions:
"Since he wants to be a loyal subject, we don't need to invest too much. Let's give him the second male lead role in this project to test the waters and see how it goes."

"Okay, I see."

"Congratulations, Director Lu. No, Chairman Lu!"

After a scene was finished on the set of "Love Like a Bouquet," producer Chen Xi walked up to the monitor and joked, "Shouldn't we treat everyone to a nice meal tonight?"

"That's right, Chairman Lu, we can't be stingy. Let's get the Royal Dynasty Hotel up and running."

"No way! It has to be Marriott."

Faced with the jeering and commotion from his colleagues in the crew, including the photographer and lighting crew, Lu Yang smiled and spread his hands.

"Treating people to dinner is no problem, but please don't call me Chairman Lu anymore. I'm just an independent director and I don't participate in operations. I'll still be the director going forward."

"That's a director worth over 100 million. Besides, the stock market's been doing so well lately; who knows, it might surge two or three times when trading resumes."

"Hey, it's just numbers. There's still a long sales period ahead. It's nothing like my senior, the richest man in Asia, hahaha."

Although Lu Yang said that, everyone present could still hear the barely suppressed excitement in his voice.

No wonder, even if the transaction cannot be completed for the time being, this is still an enormous fortune.

But at that moment, Wei Jin, who had just finished tidying up, walked over and asked, "Chen Xi, have you been trading stocks lately?"

"Yeah, the stock market started to recover at the end of last year. I figured my money was just sitting idle, so I bought a few stocks and held them. They've already made quite a bit of money."

At this point, Chen Xi seemed to be taking credit, "If you don't believe me, ask Yuqi. Hmm, she's made quite a bit of money following me lately, hasn't she?"

"Yes, boss, the stocks that Sister Chen Xi recommended are all doing quite well."

When called upon, Chen Yuqi nodded eagerly, then pulled out her phone, saying, "Boss, look, I've already made over 30% in just one week since the machine went live!"

Wei Jin raised an eyebrow. "Good heavens, while I'm busy filming, you two are just playing the stock market all day?"

Chen Xi and Chen Yuqi exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Boss, we haven't been affected at work."

"It has no impact, but the stock market is risky, and investment requires caution!"

Chen Xi smiled and said, "Don't worry, boss. Neither of us has much capital, and we have a good mindset, right, Yuqi?"

"Mmmmm~"

"Okay, as long as you know what you're doing."

Wei Jin was well aware of when this market trend would peak and how significant the impact would be. Before filming began, he had already instructed Xiang Wenlong on the timing of his moves.

But since they're not playing very big games, there's no need to give them special advice. A simple reminder is enough. Even if they lose money, they can just consider it a lesson learned.

Perhaps no one in the industry expected that the newly established Nuclear Power Pictures would be so efficient, with its first project emerging just two days later.

"The suspenseful crime film 'The Witness,' co-produced by Nuclear Power Pictures and Mixing Entertainment, was officially submitted to the Film Bureau for review today."

"When interviewed, Zeng Jia, the spokesperson for Mixing Entertainment, confirmed that 'I Am a Witness' has been officially approved as a project."

"It is reported that the film will star Yang Mi, one of the 'Four Little Flowers' (a term referring to four popular young actresses), and Lu Han, a top idol who returned from overseas, with a total investment of no less than 60 million yuan. Yang Mi will also be serving as a producer for the first time."

Yang Mi reacted quickly, posting a message on Weibo immediately.

"Thank you for the company's trust in me. As this is my first time serving as a producer, I will do my best to strive for perfection. The casting process for the film is about to begin, and industry colleagues who are interested can submit their resumes." With Yang Mi's confirmation on Weibo, the internet immediately became lively, and the fans were overjoyed, with traces of their merriment everywhere.

It's worth noting that although Yang Mi is a popular female celebrity with a stunning figure and many fans who admire her physique, she also has a considerable number of fans who admire her career because she has always worked very hard throughout her career.

Now she is not only a senior executive at Mixing Entertainment, but also a producer. For her fans, this is like watching their own child succeed, which makes them extremely happy.

Just as happy as the little bees were Lu Han's fans, the "Reeds".

Thank goodness, after being back in China for more than half a year, my idol's big screen debut is finally coming!
You know, when they saw Kris Wu being praised to the skies and even given the title of "new generation superstar", his fans were extremely envious.

Now the tables have turned, and it's finally our turn!

However, sometimes you have to admit that fans are really terrifying creatures, especially these immature young fans.

The movie hasn't even started filming yet, and they've already announced a box office target of 500 million yuan. Aren't they afraid of being proven wrong if they don't reach it? That's really a bit exaggerated.

But in any case, the popularity of "The Witness" has been generated!

I don't know if it's like the big-name actresses, but some kind of fate-related bond seems to exist among the members of EXO's boy group as well.

Just as casting for "The Witness" began, Huayi Brothers announced another new film, also featuring EXO members.

"The romantic comedy film 'Ex-Files 2,' produced by Huayi Brothers, was officially announced today. It is reported that the film will be directed by Tian Yusheng, the director of the first film, and will star Zheng Kai, Amber Kuo, and Zhang Yixing."

Before the news broke, there was little reaction within the entertainment industry, but Zhang Yixing's fans were the first to object.

Why is it that Wu Yifan can get two movie resources as soon as he comes back, while Lu Han, after signing with Shanhe Media, also has two hit variety shows and is the male lead in a drama with Yang Mi?

But when it comes to their own idol, it becomes a movie with a production cost of less than 20 million and a meager cast, and he's even the second male lead?!
It’s so bullying!!!
Many fans are speaking out for Zhang Yixing online, and some have even started attacking Huayi Brothers' official Weibo account, saying that Huayi Brothers is using their idol to promote Zheng Kai and that they must give an explanation!
As expected, Huayi simply wouldn't pay any attention to these brainless fans.

Zhang Yixing, on the other hand, posted a Weibo message in the afternoon to reassure his fans.

"As a newcomer to film, I feel honored to have the opportunity to play the second male lead and to act alongside and learn from senior figures in the industry."

I also thank my fans for their love and support. I have received all your earnest hopes and blessings, and I will work harder and harder to live up to everyone's expectations.

It must be said that most fans are quite obedient; once the celebrity speaks, the vast majority of voices disappear.

This also made the industry realize once again the influence of top boy group members. Even though he has the fewest fans among EXO's Chinese members, he is definitely not to be underestimated!

Wei Jin ignored the online disturbances. After finishing a day of filming, he took Jing Tian home and then went to a Western restaurant.

Led by the waiter, Wei Jin, disguised, arrived at a private room at the end of the corridor, where he saw Liu Yifei, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, sitting there with a smile.

Speaking of which, since the Spring Festival, this girl has been busy with all sorts of announcements, such as Spring Fashion Week, magazine covers, and endorsement advertisements.

For nearly two months, she was extremely busy and only returned to Beijing today.

There's no way around it; top female celebrities are just that busy. This is even the result of Red Star Studio filtering out 80% of the announcements and endorsements.

In the past, Wei Jin would have advised the young woman to take on fewer gigs, since she wasn't short of money.

But nowadays, he has more and more women around him. He doesn't dare say he wishes they were all busy, but he lets them do as they please so as not to be overwhelmed.

"Brother, where's Tian Tian? Didn't she come with you?"

Standing up and taking Wei Jin's large hand, Liu Yifei glanced back, somewhat surprised.

"Hehe, unfortunately, she's not feeling well."

Upon hearing Wei Jin's words, Liu Yifei immediately understood. A faint blush appeared on her delicate face, and she rolled her eyes at Wei Jin.

"Alright, let's eat first?"

"okay."

After a cozy candlelight dinner, Wei Jin and Liu Yifei couldn't wait to return to the Xishan Villa.

As soon as Wei Jin entered the house, he was pinned against the wall in the entryway by a girl who had drunk quite a bit of red wine.

How could Wei and Jin refuse the kindness of such a beautiful woman?
As he lowered his head to greedily savor her alluring red lips, his hands roamed freely over the girl's hot, delicate body.

In April, the temperature in Beijing had already risen, so the little girl was dressed quite lightly today, wearing a white short-sleeved shirt on top and a red and blue striped skirt on the bottom.

Dressed like this, he was clearly defenseless against the invasion of Wei and Jin. He simply flicked his hand a few times, and the clothes quickly fell away from where they were supposed to protect him.

"Mmm~ Brother~"

In an instant, Liu Yifei's skin broke out in goosebumps. She tilted her head back and mumbled incoherently, her hands unconsciously pressing down on the back of Wei Jin's head.

However, as the Wei and Jin dynasties conquered cities and territories everywhere, Liu Yifei, who had not been trained for a long time, was simply unable to resist.

Her long, slender, snow-white legs seemed to have no strength left, and her whole body was so limp that she was about to collapse.

Seeing this, Wei Jin could only carry the girl to the sofa, stroking her delicate body as he teased, "Yifei, what's wrong?"

"Ugh, you're just pretending not to know the answer!"

After biting her red lips and saying something coquettish, Liu Yifei reached out and pushed Wei Jin down, her long black hair instantly falling loose.

"Um~~~"

After a long separation, Wei Jin felt he couldn't let the girl work alone, so he patted her pretty face and gave her instructions.

"Baby!"

Upon hearing this, the girl

Despite the delicious Western food, Wei Jin still had a great appetite.

As everyone knows,

Fortunately, the Wei and Jin dynasties were experienced.

About a few minutes later,

That night, the celestial being, whom we hadn't seen in a long time, was very hospitable.

(End of this chapter)