The entertainment empire began with Liu Yifei's premarital pregnancy.

As the Spring Festival approached, Lin Bufan received several New Year's greetings via text message and phone call.

"Old Lin, want to have a drink tonight? Got some time?"

Tomorrow is Lunar New Year's Eve. Lin Bufan was just getting ready to go to sleep when he received a call from Zhu Yawen.

Who are they?

"There's no one else, just you and me, and we still have our necks."

The "neck" that Zhu Yawen mentioned refers to Huang Bo, who was in the same year but in the vocational dubbing class.

During his years of study at the Beijing Film Academy, Lin Bufan only had good relationships with Zhu Yawen and Huang Bo; he was merely an acquaintance with the others.

"Okay, send me the address."

Lin Bufan hung up the phone, took out his coat, and went out.

Considering he had been drinking, Lin Bufan did not drive.

"It's really hard to get a taxi during the Spring Festival!"

Lin Bufan walked on the somewhat deserted streets of Beijing. With the Spring Festival approaching, the once crowded city of Beijing had all gone home to celebrate the holiday.

Walking on the streets of Beijing now feels like walking through a ghost town.

"Wow, it's so cold today!"

Finally, after more than half an hour, Lin Bufan arrived at a barbecue restaurant in the back alley of the school.

"Xiao Lin is here. Xiao Zhu and Lao Huang are in the private room inside. Just go in."

As soon as Lin Bufan entered the barbecue restaurant, the owner warmly greeted him.

During his years at the Beijing Film Academy, he, Zhu Yawen, and Huang Bo would often come here for barbecue, and they had become quite familiar with the owner.

"Uncle Li, aren't you going home for the New Year?"

Lin Bufan stamped the snow off his feet. When he came out, it hadn't snowed yet, but shortly after he got into the taxi, it started snowing heavily.

He remembered that Uncle Li was from Northeast China and would go back home half a month early every year for the Spring Festival.

Tomorrow is Lunar New Year's Eve, and Uncle Li's barbecue restaurant is still open, so he obviously isn't planning to go back home.

"There's no one left in my hometown, I'm not going back!"

Uncle Li said with a smile, but Lin Bufan could sense a hint of desolation and loneliness in his tone.

"Alright, you can go in first. The food will be ready soon and I'll bring it to you."

Uncle Li chuckled and changed the subject.

Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, and he doesn't want to upset the other person because of his own problems.

"Okay, Uncle Li."

Lin Bufan nodded, but did not continue the previous topic.

"Old Lin!"

Lin Bufan pushed open the door to the private room. Zhu Yawen and Huang Bo heard the sound, turned around and looked at him, and warmly got up to greet him.

"You two, didn't you go home for the Chinese New Year?"

After Lin Bufan sat down, he looked at the two of them and asked in confusion.

Zhu Yawen is from Yancheng, Jiangsu, and Huang Bo is from Qingdao, Shandong. Neither of them is close to Beijing. They haven't left tonight, and they won't be able to go back before New Year's Eve tomorrow.

"I'm too busy with work, I'll come back next year when I'm less busy."

Zhu Yawen shook his head.

Since the release of "Love is Not Blind," Zhu Yawen has experienced what it means to become an overnight sensation, and has been so busy lately that he barely has time to rest.

He participated in commercial activities all around Beijing, and in just one month, he raked in millions.

"I go back every year, but I'll skip it this year."

Huang Bo shook his head.

Although Huang Bo and Lin Bufan are both from the 02 class of Beijing Film Academy, Huang Bo was born in 74.

For men, thirty is the age to establish themselves.

Huang Bo is 32 years old this year. His career can be described as a complete failure, and he is embarrassed to go back home for the Chinese New Year.

As Huang Bo later said: "When you become famous, you'll be surrounded by good people."

This statement wasn't just directed at people in the industry, but also at so-called relatives.

Becoming famous means becoming rich, and becoming rich means that everyone around you, whether friends or relatives, will treat you well.

Lin Bufan nodded slightly, thought for a moment, and looked at Huang Bo: "I don't have any suitable roles for you right now, but if I do, I'll arrange one for you as soon as possible."

During his university years, Lin Bufan only had two people he could call friends: Zhu Yawen and Huang Bo.

If a good role comes along, he certainly won't forget his two good brothers.

Unfortunately, none of the films Lin Bufan has signed on for so far have a suitable role for Huang Bo.

"Old Lin, I won't say anything more. We'll keep our brotherhood in our hearts."

Huang Bo picked up the wine in front of him, looked at Lin Bufan, and drank it all in one gulp.

"If we're brothers, then don't stand on ceremony."

Lin Bufan returned the favor by drinking a glass of wine to Huang Bo.

"By the way, I remember you sang pretty well, Lao Huang."

After putting down his wine glass, Lin Bufan suddenly remembered: "After the New Year, go directly to my company and find the music department manager. Tell him that I sent you there, and he'll know."

Lin Bufan suddenly remembered the songs "I Will Love You Till I Die" and "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies," both of which are rock songs and would be suitable for Huang Bo.

Undeniably, Huang Bo sings well, but only well; there's still a gap compared to professionals. However, his singing skills are sufficient for rock music.

"good!"

Huang Bo didn't mince words and readily agreed.

The three of them ate and drank, and before they knew it, it was past midnight.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Zhu Yawen looked out the window at the heavy snow falling and sighed.

"yes!"

"Old Lin, what are your plans for the future?"

"I haven't decided yet."

Lin Bufan shook his head slightly.

Of the films he signed up for, "Love is Not Blind" and "Manchester by the Sea" have already been filmed.

"Lurking" and "Kung Fu Panda" are currently in production, and "Night at the Museum" is in pre-production. As soon as funding is secured, filming will begin.

During this time, Chen Kaige was also studying the script.

Only five films remain unreleased: Taken, I Am Legend, Final Destination, Painted Skin, and Lust, Caution.

He hasn't decided which movie to make next.

"I Am Legend" was the first film Lin Bufan rejected. Even if he had the funds, he wouldn't be willing to direct the film himself.

"Manchester by the Sea" doesn't count; that's an art film made to win awards.

Next, he needed to carefully choose his first Hollywood blockbuster, so he passed on both "Final Destination" and "Taken".

Domestically, "Love is Not Blind" has grossed over 260 million yuan, but its daily box office is now less than 100,000 yuan, and it will be taken off the screens in a few days.

His first Chinese-language film had such a high box office; his next one certainly won't be any lower.

He remembered that the box office of "Painted Skin" never exceeded 2.3 million, so it was obviously not within his consideration.

Lin Bufan used the film "Lust, Caution" to prepare for his application to the Venice Film Festival next year.

The Venice Film Festival takes place at the end of August and the beginning of September each year. As long as the film is submitted before August 1st, there is still enough time.

[Ding, system upgrade in progress, please wait...]

Just as Lin Bufan was pondering this, the system's voice suddenly rang in his mind.