Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

As of early August this year, 118 new cinemas were added in mainland China, bringing the total to 1545, with a total of 4097 screens, an increase of 16.6% compared to 2007.

With nearly 600 new screens added in a year, the film industry is saying that the Chinese film market has officially entered a fast track.

"Back to Youth" has grossed 93 million in two weeks since its release, and pirated copies are already circulating.

During this period, I received countless congratulatory phone calls and text messages, including one from Yang Mi.

Starting from the 15th, three Hollywood blockbusters were released in succession, impacting the screenings and box office of "Back to Youth".

Daily box office revenue hovered around two million until it dropped below one million on the 22nd.

Wang Xuan was very satisfied with this result; reaching 100 million was inevitable.

Meanwhile, Shi Dongmin brought good news: the export deal to South Korea was settled, and the issue of the film remake's copyright was also resolved.

Wang Xuan had to have a serious talk with China Film Group about the copyright fees. As one of the producers, screenwriter, and director, he was expected to take the lion's share.

After leaving China Film Group, Wang Xuan went directly to the airport, followed by a car from China Film Group.

The lead actors completed all the city tours as planned, but he, as the director, "ran away" halfway through and personally went to the airport to pick them up and express his apologies.

Wang Xuan sat in the back of the Alphard van, sinking into the seat and scrolling through news and information online.

Liu Xiang's withdrawal from the competition has caused a huge uproar online. The more he was praised for breaking the record in Athens, the more he is now being criticized.

Modern netizens may not realize that Asia might not produce another Liu Xiang in a hundred years.

Among the almost entirely sports-related news, Wang Xuan saw a report on "Returning to Youth".

According to data from its affiliated cinemas, "Back to Youth" grossed over 100 million yuan in 22 days, becoming the fifth film to break the 100 million yuan mark this year.

Wang Xuan becomes the fourth director to join the 100 million yuan box office club, following Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, and Feng Xiaogang.

He became famous overnight, receiving even more attention than Ning Hao back then, who had already made several art films when he filmed "Crazy Stone".

Wang Xuan is even younger, and "Back to Youth" is his directorial debut.

If he can prove himself by making just one more commercial film, he will join the ranks of top-tier commercial film directors.

···

"Director Wang, with 'Back to Youth' grossing over 100 million yuan, who do you think deserves the most credit?"

As soon as Wang Xuan appeared at the airport, he was surrounded by a group of reporters.

He hadn't yet adjusted to becoming the focus of media attention.

Despite the film's remarkable success, external criticism has never ceased.

Some believe the subject matter was too cleverly chosen, as comedies have always been popular in the market. Others argue that the performances of Ge You and Song Dandan contributed 80% of the film's box office success.

In short, out of all the great directors in China, only four can make commercial films. Why should a young person like you be able to?

"The film's success is undoubtedly due to the efforts of the entire creative team and the support of the audience; it's impossible to say who contributed the most..."

"Director Wang, as a newly minted member of the '100 Million Yuan Director Club,' what are your thoughts? Do you have any upcoming projects?"

"I'm grateful to be born in the best of times. As for work, the new script has been submitted, and I expect to have a result soon."

Wang Xuan revealed the news.

"What genre is it? Is it still an art film?"

"You'll know when it's made public."

Seeing Zhu Yilong and the others emerge from the station exit, Wang Xuan ended the interview and walked towards them.

"Thank you all for your hard work, especially Teacher Ge You and Teacher Dan Dan, who ran the whole course together."

Veteran actors are truly dedicated. After touring all over the country, even the younger actors like Zhu Yilong were exhausted, but the two older ones didn't utter a single complaint.

"If the movie is good, we'll benefit too. This little bit of hard work is nothing," Ge You waved his hand.

Song Dandan nodded in agreement, dragging her tired body, showing no interest in speaking.

Zhu Yilong chuckled and playfully punched Wang Xuan on the shoulder:

"Old Wang, you're really not being fair, leaving us all behind to go watch the opening ceremony."

"You should thank me properly. If I go with you, who will pay attention to you?" Wang Xuan retorted with a laugh.

"Brother Wang Xuan, whenever we do a roadshow in a market, many audience members call my name."

Shuangzi blinked her bright eyes.

Chai Biyun immediately retorted, "Don't be so conceited, Jia Lin is the most popular."

"Not at all, the audience came for the director, and they were quite disappointed not to see you." Jia Lin spoke with respect.

This movie completely changed her life; she was bombarded with offers for GG endorsements and films.

Wang Xuan smiled. Jia Lin has good emotional intelligence; she's not ostentatious or seeks credit.

"Get in the car, everyone. China Film Group is hosting a celebration banquet for us. They've booked an entire banquet hall."

Wang Xuan ushered everyone into the car, but Shuangzi lingered behind, tugging at his sleeve and saying timidly:

"Brother Wang Xuan, I've never ridden in a nanny van before, may I sit in it for a bit?"

Seeing the hopeful look in her eyes, Wang Xuan couldn't bear to refuse: "Get in the car."

Chai Biyun, who always keeps her little radar on, wasn't going to be left behind: "I want to ride too. I'm exhausted from the journey. I'll rest in your car for a bit."

Director Wang was somewhat speechless: "Let's go, let's hurry up."

···

The China World Hotel, Qunxian Banquet Hall, was chosen as the venue for the victory celebration banquet.

Wang Xuan didn't expect that China Film Group would value him so much, inviting many people from the film and television industry.

Besides people from China Film Group, there was also Yu Dong from Bernard, Wang Changtian from Enlight Media, Xiao Wang from Huayi Brothers, as well as famous producers and agency owners...

"Let's welcome the creative team behind 'Back to Youth'."

The applause in the banquet hall was enthusiastic, and many people were sizing up the up-and-coming commercial film director.

"Director Wang, let me introduce you. This is Chairman Han of China Film Group Corporation." Shi Dongmin introduced the leader in front of him.

"Hello, Chairman Han, I've heard so much about you."

Wang Xuan finally recognized the infamous "Mountain Eagle," and his handshake was quite firm.

Han Sanping, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, with a crew cut and small eyes, sized up Wang Xuan and praised him:

"Young and promising."

After chatting for a bit, a staff member came over to remind us that the ceremony was ready.

On the stage, there were ice blocks that had grossed over 100 million yuan at the box office.

Han Sanping gave a few opening remarks, then handed the microphone to Wang Xuan, who thanked him twice and then smashed the ice.

With a loud "bang," the fireworks exploded.

The victory celebration banquet began.

This is a celebration banquet, and also an occasion for everyone to connect, get along, and expand their networks.

Yu Dong, holding a wine glass and sporting a round belly, walked towards Wang Xuan:

"Director Wang, I hope Bernard will have the opportunity to collaborate with you."

"No problem, Mr. Yu," Wang Xuan said dismissively, raising his glass.

"Director Wang, my name is Wang Zhonglei. We share the same surname, Wang, and were family five hundred years ago. Would you be interested in joining Huayi?"

With a stereotypical smile, Mr. Wang extended an invitation to Wang Xuan.

"Thanks for the invitation, but I think it's more comfortable to be your own boss."

Wang Xuan smiled and declined, not because he had a problem with Huayi, but simply because he was annoyed by the title "Director Xiao Wang".

Everyone else addresses him as "Director Wang," or at the very least, "Actor Wang," but this "Little Director Wang" makes him seem less senior.

"One success does not guarantee future success. Film investment is not as easy as you think. If you change your mind, Huayi welcomes you anytime."

"If no one else invests in me, I'll come to you, Mr. Wang," Wang Xuan said with a smile, raising his glass.

Just as they had gotten rid of the smiling tiger, they were stopped by someone else.