During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 797 It's Better to Miss a Turn Than to Be Trapped, Fan Meiren's First Taste of Candles

It must be acknowledged that a suitable release date can significantly boost a film's success.

The combination of the summer movie season and the Dragon Boat Festival holiday has given "Bad Genius," a film with an exam theme, unleashed unparalleled power.

In just four days, its box office revenue swept past the 400 million mark, reaching 4.13 million!
With an average daily box office exceeding 100 million, it stands head and shoulders above the rest, even surpassing the daily box office of "Jurassic World"!
As for the other movies, whether it's "The Class of 2013" or "Divergent 2," they all became cannon fodder!
In light of this, all upcoming films, such as Hollywood Adventures, Monk Comes Down the Mountain, The Crossing Part 2, and Seattle 2, will be affected.
The publicity campaign has entered its final, frenzied phase, with invitations and press conferences pouring in.

At this point, the battle for the summer movie season is truly beginning, and a major showdown is about to erupt!
However, compared to previous years' expectations for the summer movie season, both industry insiders and moviegoers are currently more focused on the stock market.

The sharp drop in prices before the holiday was truly disastrous.

Fortunately, with the end of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the bad luck seemed to have ended as well.

On the first trading day after the market opened on the 23rd, the A-shares market rebounded smoothly, closing up 2.19%.

"Boss, do you think I left too early?"

In the office, while Wei Jin was reviewing the detailed budget for "The Wandering Earth," Chen Xi scrolled through her phone for a while and felt a little annoyed when she saw the large area of ​​red on the screen.

"Sure, if you feel you're losing out, you can still enter the market now. Anyway, you're a rich woman with plenty of money."

Wei Jin replied jokingly, knowing that Chen Xi was just saying it for the sake of it; the latter was a typical conservative.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have immediately liquidated their positions and fled on the 15th when the market experienced a sharp fluctuation.

Sure enough, the next moment Chen Xi shrank back and said, "Then let's forget it. The market has been too volatile lately. It's better to take the profits and be safe."

"I can't be bothered with you, let's get down to business."

As Wei Jin spoke, he tossed the documents onto the table, then wrote out a list and handed it over.

"Now that the budget is out, notify these companies to come over and discuss the share. As for the specific time, let's say Sunday morning."

Chen Xi glanced at the list, didn't say much, just nodded and said, "Okay, boss, I'll take care of it right away."

For three consecutive days, the A-shares market has shown a trend of "fluctuation and recovery," and many voices on the Internet have been advocating "6,000 points."

Many experts even asserted that the previous significant adjustments were precisely for the purpose of making a decisive push to the top!

The reversal came too fast, so fast that it was unbelievable, so fast that it was despairing!

On the 26th, the day "Hollywood Adventures" was released, the A-share market experienced another massive plunge.

By the close of trading, the Shanghai Composite Index had plummeted 7.4%, the Shenzhen Component Index had plunged 8.24%, and the ChiNext Index had recorded its largest single-day drop in history at 8.91%.

Of the 2761 stocks traded that day, excluding 401 suspended stocks and 5 newly listed stocks, more than 2,000 stocks hit their daily limit down, setting a new historical record!
Looking around, the headlines and trending topics on major portal websites and Weibo are all filled with the words "Black Friday," as if they were stained with blood!

In light of this, the central bank intervened, announcing a targeted reserve requirement ratio cut of 0.25 percentage points on the 27th to reassure the market.

Whether it will be effective depends on the market response on Monday, and countless people are eagerly awaiting the outcome.

"Uncle, shouldn't we go in now?"

Inside the spacious apartment in Wangfujing, Fan Bingbing, who had just finished filming "Pacific Rim 2," leaned lazily against Wei Jin, her face flushed, and asked him a question.

This market downturn also severely impacted Meitao Entertainment, whose market value plummeted from a peak of 62 billion to 43 billion, shrinking by nearly 30%.

However, due to the backdoor listing, the lock-up period is shorter than that of the regular listing.

After holding the shares for a full year, Fan Bingbing, following Wei Jin's instructions, gradually reduced her holdings, maintaining only the combined controlling stake held by the two of them.

In other words, this wave only reduced her book value; her actual liquid assets exceeded 8 million, making her a huge profit!
Now that the national team is starting to get involved, Fan Bingbing is also thinking about getting in on the action to make some more money, since making money in the capital market is really too fast.

"Crack~"

Wei Jin did not answer the question, but instead slapped the woman's shapely buttocks.

In an instant, waves surged from her buttocks, and a faint red mark quickly appeared on her fair skin.

"Uncle~~ What are you doing? It hurts so much~~"

Fan Bingbing pouted her red lips and shook the dejected Xiao Wei with one hand to express her dissatisfaction.

Wei Jin seized control of the situation and, showing no mercy, pinched her twice, saying, "I'm just trying to wake you up. Stop thinking about getting rich through the capital market!"

Fan Bingbing, understanding the implied meaning from the music, disregarded the burning sensation on her buttocks and immediately leaned in with her soft, delicate body, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Uncle, you don't think it's a good idea?"

"Yes, the market will be in a state of panic for at least a considerable period of time. Don't rush; missing out is better than being stuck with losses."

Wei Jin didn't offer much explanation, only instructing Fan Bingbing not to make any reckless moves.

Over the years, Fan Bingbing had benefited greatly from Wei Jin and witnessed the man's skill and vision. She immediately nodded and promised to obey.

At this moment, Wei Jin remembered something he didn't understand and asked, "Tell me, what were you thinking? Why did you take that role?"

At the Shanghai Film Festival a few days ago, LeTV and Guo Jingming announced the cast list for "L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties".

Wei Jin could understand Yang Mi appearing in the guest appearance list, since social interactions are unavoidable, but he really couldn't understand why Fan Bingbing would star as the lead actress.

"Uncle, it's not their fault. That shorty gave too much. Sixty million! That covers the company and team's annual operating costs."

Fan Bingbing could tell that Wei Jin didn't think highly of "L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties," and she also knew that it was beneath her status to star in such a movie, so she immediately explained.

This explanation, however, left Wei Jin speechless.

Good heavens, Guo Jingming is really going all out! That's close to ten million US dollars, which is almost the price of a top Hollywood actress.

The key point is that this film is actually quite simple to shoot. It only requires capturing the actors' movements, and everything is done in post-production. The actual shooting period is estimated to be no more than a month.

With money so easy to make, it's no wonder that even Fan Bingbing, who earns hundreds of millions a year, couldn't resist the temptation!
After all, her salary for "Pacific Rim 2" was only five million US dollars, and it took her more than three months to film it. Tsk tsk tsk.
However, Wei Jin's silence made Fan Bingbing a little uneasy. She bit her red lips and said coquettishly, "Uncle, you're not angry with your sister-in-law, are you?"

"Hehe, you're right, I'm really angry right now."

Having communicated with Wei Jin for so many years, Fan Bingbing understood his meaning perfectly. She immediately began to caress Wei Jin's chest, recognizing the advantages of 34C.

"Uncle, don't be angry, your sister-in-law will calm you down~"

"That's not enough. You're making so much money, it's not unreasonable for me to take a stake, is it?"

Fan Bingbing turned pale and quickly shook her head, "No, Uncle, I have to attend the premiere of 'Monk Comes Down the Mountain' tomorrow."

To be honest, Fan Bingbing didn't resist it; in fact, she quite enjoyed that different kind of happiness.

But this man is becoming increasingly ruthless. At the last press conference for "The Great Wall," he almost revealed his weakness. Tonight, she is fighting alone again, and she really doesn't dare to take any risks.

To dissuade Wei Jin from his idea, Fan Bingbing decisively changed the subject and asked, "By the way, Uncle, are you going to participate?"

"No, I have an appointment with Chairman Wang and the others to discuss some matters."

As Wei Jin answered, he was also inwardly impressed by Chen Hong's tactful handling of the situation.

Despite the tense situation caused by the film scheduling dispute, Chen Hong still sent an invitation. Whether Wei Jin goes or not, Chen Hong has made a good gesture, and at least they can maintain a normal relationship in the future.

So, the entertainment industry is truly full of shrewd people.

However, Fan Bingbing keenly realized another meaning in Wei Jin's words and became interested, "Uncle, are you and Chairman Wang going to discuss a new project?"

"Ah."

Wei Jin was not at all surprised that Fan Bingbing could guess this.

Although Chen Xi did not submit the script for "The Wandering Earth" for review in advance to avoid trouble, Wei Jin had revealed that the new project would start in the second half of the year when "Bouquet" started filming.

Moreover, when Chen Xi went to inspect the Oriental Movie Metropolis, Fan Bingbing was filming there, so it was impossible to hide it from this woman.

As expected, Fan Bingbing, having received a positive response, immediately began to act cute and charming, with Xuezi clinging to her tightly, even making cooing sounds.

"Uncle, do you see any roles that would suit someone?"

"Yes, I have."

"Really?!"

Fan Bingbing was overjoyed, but before she could learn more, her enthusiasm was dampened by the unexpected turn of events in the Wei and Jin dynasties.

"It's fake. You'd be about 20 years younger."

"Uncle, has anyone ever told you that you can be really annoying sometimes?"

Fan Bingbing pouted her red lips and punched him repeatedly with her small fists. Wei Jin wasn't annoyed; teasing a strong woman occasionally was quite fun.

After a while of playful banter, Wei Jin lifted Fan Meiren's chin and said gently, "Alright, forget about this movie. I'll ask Hunter later if he has any Hollywood projects and keep an eye out for you."

"Really? You're not kidding me again, are you?"

"Hmph, whether it's true or not, that depends on your sincerity, sister-in-law."

Seeing the mocking smile on Wei Jin's lips, Fan Bingbing bit her red lips, steeled herself, and whispered in his ear, "Uncle, the special candles you mentioned before, they've been bought."

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin perked up. After trying bondage and whipping with his sisters several times, he became interested in candles.

However, this way of playing is a bit brutal, and normal people can't accept it, including Fan Bingbing, who declined it several times.

Unexpectedly, although the woman verbally refused, she secretly prepared all the props.

It seems they had planned this all along, waiting for the right price to sell and reap some benefits in return!
"Don't worry, sister-in-law, your uncle keeps his word. It's a Hollywood A-list production, with at least a second female lead. Hurry up and bring out the stuff!"

"Don't worry, I'll go right away."

Soon Fan Bingbing returned with the things, but as the moment approached, she felt a little uneasy.

"Uncle, you have to be careful, don't leave a scar."

"Don't worry, sister-in-law. I wouldn't want to waste such beautiful skin."

Since the dinner party at the beginning of the year, La Peikang felt increasingly estranged from Wei Jin, so he was very happy to receive Chen Xi's message.

I set off from China Film Group early, arriving at Shanhe Media ten minutes earlier than the notified 10 o'clock.

But the moment he stepped into the conference room, the smile on his face vanished, replaced by a solemn expression.

It's understandable that Fiber Optics Old Wang is here, since "The Martian" and "Passengers" were both in the lineup back then, only "Gravity" fell behind.

It's somewhat understandable that they're coming back now, since it's a big project. The premiere of "Bad Genius" that day was probably about this.

But the appearance of Shanghai Film Group and Xi'an Film Group really gave La Peikang a bad feeling. With two more companies, China Film Group's market share was bound to be affected.

Moreover, this is not the most crucial point. What is even more fatal is that Wei and Jin's science fiction projects have always been limited to only the most core allies!

What does this mean? It means that Shanghai Film Group and Xi'an Film Group have completely boarded the ship of Shanhe Media!

Given the similar nature of these three state-owned enterprises, China Film Group will no longer be indispensable, and may even...
"Boss La, didn't you sleep well last night? You look terrible."

"Chairman La, China Film Group bears the heavy responsibility of developing China's film industry. You should take care of your health, haha."

Listening to Ren Zhonglun and Deng Yong's seemingly concerned but actually sarcastic words, and seeing the annoying smiles on their faces, La Peikang felt even worse.

However, not one to back down, La Peikang immediately retaliated.

"Thank you for your concern, but the capable are always busy. China Film Group has been quite busy lately, not as relaxed as Shanghai Film Group and Xi'an Film Group. The two chairmen actually arrived in Beijing a day early, tsk tsk tsk."

"Chairman La, you're mistaken. If even the chairman is busy, it only means that the subordinates are incompetent. Management needs to be strengthened."

“Chairman Ren is right. And no matter how important something is, nothing is more important to me than cooperating with Brother Wei.”

"Heh, does Xi'an Film Studio still have money to invest? This isn't some small project."

"Then there's no need for Mr. La to trouble himself. Xi'an Film Studio may lack funds, but it has banks! Coincidentally, the group happens to have some vacant land, hehe."

"Chairman Deng really has great courage!"

"."

Watching the three heads of state-owned enterprises exchange ideas, Wang Changtian and Ye Ning on the sidelines were quite engrossed; such a scene was rare indeed.

Wei and Jin also watched with great interest. The introduction of Western and Shanghai films was intended to balance and compress the Chinese film industry, and even gradually replace it.

However, tech geek Wang Gong didn't like the strange atmosphere and spoke up to break the deadlock.

"Um, Mr. Wei, shall we begin?"

"Well, that's fine too."

With Wei Jin nodding in acknowledgment, Chen Xi distributed the detailed budget sheet for "The Wandering Earth" to the six investors present.

"According to the budget team's report, the final budget for this film was set at 6 million yuan. Of course, it is possible to reduce the budget if necessary."

By focusing on aspects such as actor salaries, marketing costs, costumes, props, and sci-fi elements, we could probably save tens of millions of yuan.

"No need to be stingy. If we're going to be so stingy with projects from the Wei and Jin dynasties, what will people think?"

No sooner had Chen Xi finished speaking than Ren Zhonglun waved his hand dismissively, as if he had plenty of money to spare for the clothes.

Ye Ning, from Wanda's dog-owning tycoon family, had an even more impressive presence: "Exactly, exactly. Let's stick to this budget, and we can add more if it's not enough!"

When Engineer Wang from Aerospace Science and Technology saw this, he regretted his decision, realizing he had been too conservative.

Wei Jin and Chen Xi exchanged a smile. "Alright, since everyone agrees, let's talk about the share."

(End of this chapter)