During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 874 The Sugar Man Squad Reunites After a Good Breakup

Compared to Feng Dapao, who was burdened with a bet and was extremely efficient, Chen Shiren, who had no performance pressure, seemed quite carefree.

The film "Legend of the Demon Cat" was announced at the beginning of the year, but it took three months for there to be any news!
According to the official website of the Film Bureau, the script for director Chen Kaige's new film "The Legend of the Demon Cat" has officially passed review and is ready for filming.

Shengkai Pictures and producer Chen Hong issued a public announcement: Starting today, the film "Legend of the Demon Cat" is officially open for casting auditions within the film and television industry.

According to sources, the film "Legend of the Demon Cat" is produced by a number of major Chinese and foreign film companies, including New Classics Media, Shengkai Pictures, Yinghuang Entertainment, and Kadokawa Corporation, and its overseas distribution has been confirmed.

"Xiangyang Tangcheng Film and Television Base issued an official announcement: The film and television base has been waiting for Director Chen and the 'Legend of the Demon Cat' crew for six years, and hopes that everything goes smoothly for the film and that filming will begin as soon as possible."

Several consecutive messages appeared on major portal websites and trended on Weibo, attracting the attention of the entire film and television industry.

Despite the stringent casting process, which relies solely on invitations and recommendations, actors in the industry are increasingly eager to participate.

However, while actresses in the industry were eagerly preparing for auditions, Wei Jin, in his office, noticed a detail.

In previous media reports and even in Chen Hong's public statements, the screenwriter of "The Legend of the Demon Cat" has always been Wang Huiling, Li An's go-to screenwriter.

—A well-known Taiwanese screenwriter who created numerous works such as "Eat Drink Man Woman," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and "Lust, Caution."

However, in the latest report, Chen Shiren's name was prominently added to the list of screenwriters.

Although he was ranked after Wang Huiling, given Chen Shiren's pride, he wouldn't have bothered to be credited if he hadn't participated in the screenwriting work.

As is well known, any script in which the poet Chen is involved is likely to end poorly.

Because he so enjoys incorporating those vague and ethereal ideas into his films, the audience is often left confused and bewildered.

Previous works such as "The Promise," "Forever Enthralled," and "Monk Comes Down the Mountain" all exemplify this.

Even if Wei Jin hadn't seen "The Legend of the Demon Cat" in his previous life, he could probably tell that the film had a very high chance of flopping!

"If Chen Shiren stops interfering with the script and just acts as a director, perhaps he can salvage his shaky reputation."

Upon hearing Wei Jin's assessment, the assistant Zhang Ruonan covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Boss, you can't let Director Chen hear you say that, or he'll throw the microphone down again, haha."

After a few months on the job, Zhang Ruonan was no longer as cautious as before, and her quirky and clever personality gradually came to the fore.

This old joke amused Wei Jin, who immediately pulled his assistant into his arms.

"Ruonan, I never knew you had such a sharp tongue! You're quite the chatterbox. Come on, let the boss taste today's flavor?"

As they were talking, Wei Jin lowered his head and kissed her, and Zhang Ruonan responded gently.

Before she knew it, Wei Jin's large hand reached for a certain place, but this also brought Zhang Ruonan, who was immersed in tenderness, back to her senses, and she quickly stopped him.

"Boss, stop fooling around, we have serious business to attend to later."

Wei Jin glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already 2:30, and the time he had agreed upon with Ren Zhonglun and La Peikang was fast approaching.

So he nodded, "Okay, I'll teach you new knowledge another day."

"Hmm~"

Fifteen minutes later, a Mercedes-Benz van and a Hongqi sedan arrived at the foot of the Shanhe Building at almost the same time.

The two chairmen got out of the car one after the other, and their expressions were quite different after noticing each other.

La Peikang didn't give him a friendly look, because Ren Zhonglun's presence here was obviously for the purpose of stirring up trouble!

Ren Zhonglun, however, was all smiles. “Chairman, it’s really rare to see you come to Shanhe Media in person. Well, how can a Sino-US co-production be without China Film Group?”

"I'll give you a proper talking about the Wei and Jin dynasties later. It's outrageous! When Old Han was in charge, those co-productions received a lot of praise from above. How come things have changed with you?"

"Hehe, then thank you in advance, Chairman Ren. But you should take care of yourself first. At least China Film Group still has 'Pacific Rim 2,' which has a 15% share."

But what about Shanghai Film Studio? I don't recall seeing a single co-production, right? Oh, I'm mistaken. There are some, but they're all money-losing films.

No wonder Chairman Ren smelled the meat and traveled all this way. He's really dedicated, tsk tsk tsk.”

La Peikang's sarcastic retort immediately made Ren Zhonglun lose face, but his expression only froze for a few seconds.

"I'm not in a hurry. There's still 'The Wandering Earth,' right? A 10% share is double that of China Film Group. There's plenty of time, don't you think, Mr. La?"

When the topic of "The Wandering Earth" came up, La Peikang had nothing to say. He turned around expressionlessly and walked towards the Shanhe Building, as did his entourage.

"A small favor is appreciated, but a large one breeds resentment; if our Chairman La doesn't understand his place, he's likely to suffer another setback today, hehe."

Ren Zhonglun wore a playful expression, as if explaining to his entourage, but no one dared to respond, as this was a major taboo within the system!
Shaking his head, Ren Zhonglun, feeling rather bored, stopped talking, waved to the people beside him, and followed in the footsteps of China Film Group.
Wei Jin still remembers that the last time he was alone in a room with La Peikang and Ren Zhonglun was during the audition for "The Mermaid" in Shenzhen.

At that time, Shanghai Film Group invited him to participate in its listing plan; while China Film Group also invited him to participate in the "Great Wall" project.

Although they failed to reach a cooperation agreement, the three of them got along fairly well at the time.

However, when the scene was recreated a year and a half later, the friendly and relaxed atmosphere was gone, and there was even a hint of confrontation.

At this moment, Wei Jin, La Peikang, and Ren Zhonglun sat down in a triangular formation, with Zhong Lifang standing behind Wei Jin, while the assistant was busy pouring tea.

As for the accompanying personnel, they were all seated on the sofas on the other side of the reception area.

"Wei Jin, I won't beat around the bush. I'm here to ask you why you excluded China Film Group from the film 'The Meg'?"

La Peikang got straight to the point, but the implication in his words made Wei Jin frown.

"Chairman La, what you're saying doesn't make sense. Don't I have the right to choose my own partners for my own project?"

From last year's "The Wandering Earth" to today's "The Meg," Wei Jin's intention to distance himself from China Film Group is quite obvious.

But it wasn't until this moment that he brought the topic to the forefront, and the meaning behind his words was not hard to understand.

As expected, this question left La Peikang speechless. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke rather seriously:

"Of course you have the right to choose your partners, but given your long-standing relationship with China Film Group, it shouldn't have come to this." "Chairman La, I am very grateful for the help China Film Group has given me, and I acknowledge the role China Film Group has played in the development of the film and television industry."
But you should also understand this principle: relationships need to be maintained, and partners need to respect each other, right?

Are you still blaming me for the gold film and the golden rooster? Or are you blaming Anle?

La Peikang stared into Wei Jin's eyes, as if trying to see through him, but the latter showed no intention of dodging.

"Mr. La is exaggerating. It's not that I resent him, just that I'm a little disappointed. But since China Film Group has a special function, we have to consider the overall situation from all aspects."

Often, I can't even consider my partners' feelings, so I can only avoid getting involved and causing myself trouble.

"Yes, I admit that I didn't consider your feelings in some things before, but co-productions don't involve these issues, so there's no need for that, right?"

Seeing that La Peikang still didn't realize the problem, Wei Jin couldn't help but sigh. He was too self-centered!

"Chairman La, let me put it this way, do I owe China Film Group anything?"

Although it was a question, Wei Jin did not intend for La Pei Kang to answer. Instead, he answered himself: "No, I don't owe Zhong Ying anything, much less you, La Dong."

So I don't understand why you act as if it's your right, that I should cooperate with China Film Group, and that not cooperating is like betraying China Film Group?

"."

La Peikang stared blankly at Wei Jin, falling into a long silence, seemingly lost in thought. But Wei Jin decided to make his point clearer.

"La Dong, our relationship has run its course, so let's part ways amicably."

"."

After another moment of silence, La Peikang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and forced a smile onto his face.

"Alright, since we've said all that, it would be rude of me to keep arguing. I wish Mr. Wei great success in his business. Goodbye!"

"Mr. Zhong, please see Mr. La off for me."

Wei Jin blurted it out subconsciously, and La Peikang did not refuse.

Zhong Lifang understood and immediately followed, a professional smile on her face, as if she hadn't been affected by what had just happened.

After all, even without cooperation, Shanhe Media and China Film Group both belong to the film and television industry, and the latter is a functional management department, so there are plenty of opportunities to interact.

Silence fell in the office once again after the group left.

Ren Zhonglun hesitated for a long time before speaking, "Brother, I'm not like La Peikang."

“I know, Mr. Ren, there’s no need to worry.”

Wei Jin raised his hand to indicate that it was alright, and then explained: "It's just that we'll have to disappoint Chairman Ren this time. The Chinese share of 'The Meg' is not large, only 40%."

Considering that Xi'an Film Studio needs this project more than Shanghai Film Studio, I made this arrangement. I hope Chairman Ren understands; we have a long future ahead of us.”

"I understand, I understand, haha."

Although Ren Zhonglun felt some regret, he wasn't too upset.

Compared to China Film Group's permanent exit from the competition, Shanghai Film Group is at least still part of Shanhe Media's empire, and as Wei Jin said, there's still a long way to go.

Compared to this, Ren Zhonglun felt a surge of happiness, but then he thought of Xi'an Film Studio's "easy win" and couldn't help but sigh.

"But brother, you've really done everything you could for businesses in your hometown. Old Deng is lucky."

Wei Jin smiled and said, "Chairman Ren, if Chairman Deng heard you say that, he might want to switch places with you."

"I won't do that, hahaha!"

The atmosphere in the office improved a lot after we stopped talking about serious matters.

Wei Jin and Ren Zhonglun chatted about industry gossip, the film market, and the latest projects. Laughter gradually filled the air.

Meanwhile, inside the villa in Xishan, Chen Yao appeared somewhat nervous facing Liu Shishi, the company's top female executive who was also a shareholder and senior manager.

She was in class at the Beijing Film Academy today when she suddenly received a call from Liu Shishi and was summoned over.

Although she knew that President Cai's initial arrangement was tacitly approved by Liu Shishi, Chen Yao, who was in her early twenties, was still quite embarrassed at this moment.

She looked like a mistress caught red-handed, her head almost buried in her chest—if she had one.

Fortunately, Liu Shishi didn't reprimand her too much; she simply asked a few questions and made some requests.

In short, she would have to follow Liu Shishi from now on, and her place in the hierarchy would be after Jin Chen. Furthermore, she was not allowed to hide any news she heard from Wei Jin.

"Senior Sister, don't worry, I will definitely listen to you."

Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Yao immediately expressed her loyalty. After all, a local official is more powerful than a distant one, and her contract was still in the hands of the sugar figurine maker.

Moreover, although Wei Jin treated her well, it was clearly not as much as the affection he showed to Liu Shishi.

Putting everything else aside, this villa alone is worth over 100 million yuan, and it also has shares in Sugarman, a large apartment in Shanghai.
In other words, although Liu Shishi was not as good as those other "Jin Girls", she was definitely special. If someone really wanted to deal with her, there would be no one to complain to!
"Yes, as long as you listen to me, I won't treat you badly."

Liu Shishi didn't expect to win Chen Yao's heart completely today, but as long as she stayed at Tangren, this little girl wouldn't be able to cause any trouble. It was only a matter of time!
"Come to the kitchen with me. You're from Sichuan Province, and your brother likes Sichuan food. Do your best at dinner. Also, you can stay tonight."

Liu Shishi knew that the Wei and Jin dynasties were busy, and there were many beautiful women in the capital who would not pay much attention to Chen Yao, so she decisively offered him a sweet treat.

Sure enough, a look of joy appeared on Chen Yao's face the next moment.

"Yes, thank you, Senior Sister."

It must be admitted that when women get into fierce competition, men have it too easy.

When Wei Jin returned to his villa in Xishan, he not only enjoyed authentic Sichuan cuisine, but was also served a bath by two beautiful women, one older and one younger.

Heaven have mercy, Chen Yao, who is not yet 22 years old, has already tasted the sweetness of favor for almost half a year.

~~~
(End of this chapter)