I really don't want to be the top streamer anymore

"That was brilliant! Xia Yuze delivered the best dramatic performance of his acting career!"

"It's definitely worth the ticket price. The actors' performances were almost perfect, and they all delivered outstanding performances. The script is also excellent. However, you need to watch it at your own pace, as this film is quite information-rich."

"I know that Xu Kong's script will definitely not disappoint!"

"It was wonderful, but the ending was a bit tragic. All three brothers died, leaving one with nothing but a sigh of helplessness."

"Pang Qingyun died because of his own idealism, but this was inevitable. As can be seen from the fact that the three of them pledged their allegiance to each other, he and the other two brothers were completely different from each other."

……

The box office of "The Warlords" on its opening day quickly exceeded 100 million.

Unsurprisingly, it became the leading film in the National Day holiday box office.

As for online reviews, they are almost all positive.

However, some people said they went to see it because of the cast, especially Xia Yuze.

However, the amount of action scenes was much less than expected.

Moreover, the fight wasn't satisfying enough, and the ending left people feeling somewhat frustrated.

Some people even went there expecting to see a blockbuster movie.

But I found that I couldn't understand some of the plot.

Unfortunately, despite the many foreshadowing elements and details throughout the film.

However, the true inner thoughts of the protagonist, Pang Qingyun, have always been a hidden theme.

In addition, there are some covert operations on the side of the imperial court.

In reality, the entire movie is not a simple commercial action film.

Those familiar with this part of history might find it fascinating and could even clearly identify the prototypes of the so-called adults in the story.

……

"This film, 'The Warlords,' is adapted from the famous assassination of Ma Ying-jeou, one of the four great unsolved cases."

"However, there are indeed many different versions of the story about the prototype."

"The film borrows a framework more, but the core story is still Xu Kong's own..."

On the second day after the film's release, Ego, who had watched it twice, immediately posted his review.

I didn't even have time to watch some of the other movies released during the National Day holiday.

I just dedicated my time to this movie, "The Warlords".

Of course, she believes that what she did was worthwhile.

Because this movie is indeed worth analyzing very carefully by many film critics.

Not only the plot, but also the acting of the three main actors, including Xu Kong, is worth discussing.

It's quite obvious that one episode isn't enough to finish the show.

Besides her, other colleagues also shared their opinions immediately.

……

"The Warlords" was released quickly, and its score immediately jumped to 8.8 before gradually dropping back to 8.6.

However, it is still the film with the best rating and word-of-mouth during the entire National Day holiday period.

Such a cast and such popularity.

It can be said that as long as the reputation doesn't collapse.

Then they definitely won't pounce.

Three days after its release, the film has grossed a total of 14.2 billion yuan, still leading the box office during the National Day holiday.

Of course, it didn't result in a complete rout.

The other films still performed well at the box office.

Two of them even exceeded 10 billion.

The difference between it and "The Warlords" isn't particularly significant.

……

This is also closely related to the film's own style.

Ultimately, this kind of movie is indeed not very friendly to many ordinary viewers.

While the theme is somewhat heavy, it also requires a certain level of understanding for viewers.

Couples on a date or a family are unlikely to choose this kind of movie.

To break this situation, it would be necessary to become a phenomenon.

Like Xu Kong's "Infernal Affairs" back then.

However, the upper limit of "The Warlords" does not reach the level of "Infernal Affairs".

The final box office estimate is just over three billion.

……

November has arrived.

After a month in theaters, "The Warlords" has reached a box office of 30 billion yuan.

Even with extended keys, it's estimated that there won't be much further growth.

Of course, it remains the box office champion during the National Day holiday.

Actually, this box office figure is not low.

After all, the domestic box office has already exceeded 10 billion yuan.

But those are only a few phenomenal hits.

Let alone 10 billion, even those who reach the 5 billion threshold are only a minority.

……

"Director Guo, are you still not satisfied with these box office results?"

"You're setting your standards way too high."

Xu Kong looked at Guo Jiayu in front of him and couldn't help but smile as he spoke.

Guo Jiayu blushed slightly upon hearing Xu Kong's words.

Of course, he couldn't possibly have any complaints.

Ultimately, he comes from a background as a television drama director.

Having entered the film industry in just over a year, he already has two films that grossed over 3 billion yuan at the box office. Such achievements are quite remarkable among domestic film directors.

He just felt a little sorry for Xu Kong.

This time, he personally wrote the script and gathered three award-winning actors for him, all of whom also starred in the film.

Ultimately, the box office performance wasn't significantly different from that of "Operation Red Sea" at the time.

He felt that Xu Kong's expectations for this movie were at least 5 billion or more.

As for why it didn't reach that goal...

That definitely has little to do with Xu Kong himself; it's only related to him.

……

"Who said my goal is five billion?"

Xu Kong glanced at the other person with some surprise.

"Is not it?"

Guo Jiayu countered with a question.

After all, the investment in this drama is substantial, and the cast is incredibly strong.

Even if it doesn't break a box office record, the box office should at least surpass 5 billion.

Xu Kong shook his head.

"I am already very satisfied with these results."

“It was even worse than I had anticipated.”

……

Guo Jiayu believed that Xu Kong was trying to comfort her.

However, that was actually what Xu Kong really thought.

They were even prepared to lose money.

After all, in the previous life, although "The Warlords" was later exonerated, its ratings also rose.

The film's quality speaks for itself, but back then, it suffered significant losses.

He chose this movie to see if its quality would repeat the mistakes of his previous life.

In fact, it was much better than he had expected.

The box office has surprisingly broken the 3 billion mark.

This was truly unexpected.

Of course, there are many factors involved.

For example, the overall market environment is different, and the influence of the actors themselves and their reputation with the audience are also different.

In addition to that, there is also the issue of deletion and modification.

……

The reason why the previous version of "The Warlords" flopped both critically and commercially was directly related to the excessive cuts made to the theatrical release.

Moreover, the parts that were cut weren't just unimportant; they were all crucial to the entire film.

For example, some of the inner monologues and motivations of the protagonist, Pang Qingyun.

It's a subtle, often overlooked detail that's difficult to understand.

As a result, everything was deleted.

The result is that the audience is completely confused.

It's clear that Pang Qingyun betrayed his brothers for his own future, but the logic behind his actions after the betrayal is completely illogical.

These are all big problems.

Fortunately, in this lifetime, almost all of them have been resolved.

So while the genre of this film may preclude it from achieving high box office returns, its strong cast, deep and engaging plot still manage to attract a large enough audience to buy tickets.

……

The second installment of the Legend of Sword and Fairy series has officially wrapped filming.

We're still working on the later stages.

For Xu Kong, this meant he could finally get some rest.

Of course, because of the filming of Chinese Paladin 2, he intentionally slowed down the filming pace.

In reality, it definitely felt like a vacation.

Sometimes filming is always fast-paced, not because of so-called cycle limitations, but simply because we're used to it.

It's a habit I developed from watching the first season of "Someday or One Day".

But now that things have slowed down, Xu Kong feels it's pretty good.

There's really no need to rush, considering how long and intensely we've been working on this project.

Besides the influence of some long-cherished wishes from the previous life, there are also times when I am pushed along.

Feng Ge, for example, is now clearly unable to stop under his influence.

Businesses such as overseas market expansion cannot be abandoned; they can only be continued.

……

But for Xu Kong, he didn't have to be so tired.

After all, he had already achieved his original goal.

Nowadays, it's mostly due to the inertia left over from before.

So, he can be said to have gained some enlightenment during the filming of Chinese Paladin 2.

Despite his penchant for poetry and song, he still works as a screenwriter and producer on these projects.

However, there won't be much further intervention afterward.

If all else fails, just take the loss. These days, Feng Ge can afford to lose money on most projects, let alone just one.

If things don't work out later, there will be plenty of opportunities to make it back.

As for him personally, he should slow down and develop at his own pace.

This includes being a director, actor, and even a singer.

Everyone needs to proceed at their own desired pace.

After finishing directing and acting in Chinese Paladin 2, Xu Kong felt it was time to take a break.
During this period, my main focus has been on the post-production of Chinese Paladin 2.

However, after the series ends, Xu Kong plans to take a break.

And the album he promised to release hasn't been released yet.

Xu Kong's so-called first album has been around for many years, but there's still no sign of it, and it's almost become a meme online.

Although singles and the like are being produced continuously.

However, many of them have now become songwriters and lyricists.

Looking at it now, I should probably take the time to fulfill my promise.

……

So for the next period of time, Xu Kong began to have a more relaxed life.

The post-production of Chinese Paladin 2 did require some work, but aside from offering his own ideas and opinions, he couldn't offer much help.

Even in terms of editing, Xu Kong felt that he only needed to do the final review.

After all, when the script was written, the storyboards and other details were quite clear and detailed.

For Xu Kong, it was just something that happened by chance.

It's become a habit.

The main reason I did this was to help other directors avoid making mistakes in major aspects when I was writing scripts for them.

However, for him, filming Chinese Paladin 2 actually didn't require a script.

Or rather, the script is all in one's mind.

Now, these storyboards have become reference materials for post-production editors.

He only needs to review a few details, and if he feels something is wrong, he can send it back.

……

"Director Xu, I was wondering why I couldn't find you. Turns out you were here."

Seeing Yan Rui's appearance, Xu Kong felt somewhat helpless.

"Didn't I already say that you don't need to ask me unless it's something important?"

"Isn't President Song there?"

The reason he took over the overall management of Fengge was because it was a special period.

At that time, Fengge had been completely ruined by Zhu Changyun's betrayal.

But now, Fengge has basically returned to normal operation.

It is even more powerful than at its peak.

Almost any collaboration or business deal rarely encounters obstacles.

In fact, most companies would love to choose Fengge as their partner.

Therefore, Xu Kong naturally had no intention of wasting any more of his time and energy on this.

……

"But we can't get in touch with President Song!"

Xu Kong was stunned for a moment.

"could not be reached?"

Yan Rui nodded.

This made Xu Kong panic for a moment.

He hadn't seen Da Song Fu Quan in a long time, and subconsciously wondered if something might have happened to him.

However, after seeing his expression, Yan Rui spoke directly:
"Director Xu, don't worry, I guess it's because President Song went fishing again and the signal is bad..."

Xu Kong: ...

……

Subsequently, after verification, Xu Kong confirmed that it was indeed as Yan Rui had said.

Song Fuquan actually went fishing.

"Little Xu, I can't even have a peaceful fishing trip. What's going on?"

Song Fuquan was very unhappy about being disturbed by Xu Kong.

Xu Kong realized that Song Fuquan had truly become a hands-off manager.

Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the other party had not been to the company for almost three months.

Song Fuquan always spoke with conviction:
"I'm at ease with you here. Don't worry about going!"

Xu Kong: "Uncle, you are the largest shareholder of the company."

Song Fuquan: "How about I sell you some shares?"

……

Xu Kong was completely speechless.

It seems that Song Fuquan is now completely at ease and fully prepared to enjoy his retirement life.

However, it's understandable, since the other party spent almost the entire first half of their life developing Fengge from a small company into a domestic giant.

At this stage, although I'm far from retirement age, I'm only in my fifties.

But I've experienced everything I needed to, and I've achieved all the goals I set when I was young.

Now that there is such a perfect successor as Xu Kong, it is impossible for him not to have much interest in returning to public life.

……

However, the biggest problem is that Xu Kong himself doesn't really want to get involved!
If possible, he would prefer to simply be a contracted artist or director under his company.

Ultimately, the job fell to Lin Hong.

It was at this moment that Xu Kong discovered that Lin Hong had actually moved to the Song family long ago.

What about overseas business?

Lin Hong did not directly refuse Xu Kong's request.

But her main focus now is on expanding into overseas markets.

"Don't they have a person in charge in every place?"

"After the branch office is established, you should no longer need to travel abroad so frequently."

"Besides... your uncle doesn't want you to travel so often."

……

Xu Kong's words made Lin Hong glare at Song Fuquan.

The other party, feeling guilty, pretended not to see it.

The main reason was that neither he nor Xu Kong wanted to take on some of the miscellaneous management tasks in the company.

"Ugh……"

"Fine, let's do it your way."

Lin Hong finally agreed.

Compared to Song Fuquan, she definitely wanted to do something more.

In particular, she had watched Feng Ge grow up to where she is now.

It's impossible to be as carefree as Song Fuquan, who no longer cares about anything.

As for Xu Kong, there's no need for him.

He naturally didn't want Yan Rui or anyone else to keep running over to him, whether there was something to do or not.

...(End of chapter)