We asked you to make an anti-corruption film, but you made one in the name of the people!

Lin Mo did not answer immediately.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his mind raced.

Can "Dying to Survive" be made?

can.

Of course.

Not only was this movie made, but it also became a phenomenon, scoring 9.0 on Douban and grossing 31 billion yuan at the box office, thus driving the reform of China's medical insurance system.

Just because it could be filmed in the past doesn't mean it can be done in this world. Scale, censorship, and the attitudes of all parties involved—these are all factors that need to be considered.

He looked at Han Jianu: "Ms. Han, what was the inspiration for this script?"

Han Jianu sat up straight and said earnestly, "A few years ago, there was a news story about a man named Lu Yong who helped fellow patients purchase generic drugs from overseas and was prosecuted. Later, because of the high level of public attention, the prosecutor's office withdrew the charges. After seeing that news, I couldn't shake the feeling in my heart. What should those patients who can't afford the genuine drugs do? Was the person who helped them buy the drugs breaking the law or saving lives? There is no standard answer to this question, but I want to film it."

Lin Mo looked at her and nodded inwardly.

This perspective is exactly the same as the starting point of "Dying to Survive".

He then looked at Wen Muye: "Director Wen, if you were to direct this, how would you plan to do it?"

Wen Muye pushed up his glasses, sat up straight, and said in a slightly tense voice, "Director Lin, I want to make a realistic film. Not the kind of tearful, melodramatic movie, but one that has both laughter and tears, the kind that makes you laugh and then cry. The protagonist isn't a saint; he initially only wanted to make money, but after seeing the patients around him die one by one, he began to reflect. He transformed from a selfish person into a selfless one, but this transformation wasn't sudden; it was gradual."

After listening, Lin Mo basically understood the situation.

These two people—Han Jianu's script and Wen Muye's directing vision—were both right.

He placed the script on the table and looked at Han Sanping.

"Chairman Han, this script is worth filming."

Han Sanping's eyes lit up.

"But—" Lin Mo changed the subject, "there are a few things to be aware of."

"Go on," Han Sanping said, picking up his teacup and listening attentively.

Lin Mo counted on his fingers: "First, the core conflict of the film—the original drugs are expensive and the generic drugs are cheap—cannot be avoided, but it cannot be portrayed as the original drug manufacturers being the bad guys. The drug manufacturers have invested billions in research and development, and there is a logic to their high prices. You need to let the audience see the positions of both sides, instead of one-sidedly criticizing the drug manufacturers. That way, the drug regulatory authorities will not feel uncomfortable."

Han Sanping nodded, glanced at Han Jianu, and Han Jianu took out her phone to take notes.

"Secondly, the protagonist's act of helping others buy things is illegal. But you can't let the audience feel that the law is bad. The final outcome must be within the legal framework—the protagonist is punished, but his actions drive changes in the system, so that the censors won't hold you back."

Fumino quickly jotted it down in his notebook.

"Third—" Lin Mo thought for a moment, "The core of this movie isn't medicine, it's people. It's about the patients who can't afford medicine, the person who helps them buy medicine, and the people within the system who are trying to change the status quo. You want the audience to not hate anyone after watching it, but to think—if I had the chance, I would also like to do something."

Han Sanping put down his teacup and remained silent for several seconds.

Then he stood up, walked around the table, stood in front of Lin Mo, and extended his hand.

"Director Lin, thank you."

Lin Mo quickly stood up and shook his hand: "Chairman Han, you're too kind."

Han Sanping shook his hand twice, then let go and turned to look at Han Jianu.

"Jia Nu, did you hear that? Go back and revise the points Director Lin mentioned."

Han Jianu nodded: "Dad, I'll change it when I get back."

Han Sanping then looked at Wen Muye: "Muye, you heard it too. Director Lin said it can be filmed, so it can be filmed, but you have to film it well—not for me, but for the people."

Wen Muye stood up and nodded earnestly: "Chairman Han, Director Lin, I will definitely live up to your expectations."

Lin Mo looked at him and said, "Director Wen, if this movie is well-made, everyone will remember your name."

Wen Muye paused for a moment, then his eyes reddened.

He is not a new director; he has been working in the industry for seven or eight years, making several short films and winning a few minor awards, but he has never had the opportunity to make a feature film.

Now is the chance.

Moreover, Lin Mo said—everyone will remember him.

Han Jianu looked at Wen Muye's expression and smiled slightly.

Han Sanping sat down again, poured Lin Mo a cup of tea, and his tone was much more relaxed.

"Director Lin, I feel reassured now that you say it can be filmed. However—" he changed the subject, "there's one more thing I'd like to ask you."

"Chairman Han, please speak."

"I'd like to ask you to be the producer of this film."

Lin Mo was taken aback.

Producer?

Han Sanping continued, "It's fine if you don't add my name. Just consider it a collaboration between China Film Group and you. You can help oversee things, especially regarding the sense of proportion. How to revise the script, how to film it, and how to get it approved—you know these things best."

Wen Muye chimed in from the side, his tone incredibly sincere: "Director Lin, I would feel much more at ease if you could be the producer. I could learn all your experience in a lifetime."

Han Jianu also looked at him, her eyes filled with expectation.

Lin Mo thought for a moment and nodded.

"OK."

Han Sanping slammed his hand on the table: "Alright! It's settled then!"

He picked up his teacup, looked at Lin Mo, and said with a smile, "Director Lin, this meal is on me."

......

It was almost nine o'clock when the dinner party ended.

Han Sanping asked the driver to take Han Jianu back first, and then stood at the restaurant entrance and chatted with Lin Mo for a few more minutes.

"Director Lin, what do you think of Wen Muye?"

Lin Mo thought for a moment and said, "He can achieve great things."

Han Sanping glanced at him and smiled: "You have a good eye for people, I trust you."

He patted Lin Mo on the shoulder, turned around, and got into the car.

Wen Muye hadn't left yet. He stood at the door, clutching the file folder in his hand, looking at Lin Mo, hesitant to speak.

Lin Mo walked over: "Director Wen, is there anything else?"

Wen Muye opened his mouth and said, "Director Lin, I was actually quite nervous before meeting you today. I've watched your films many times, at least five times for each one. Your grasp of nuance, your understanding of the characters, and your handling of social issues—I'm truly impressed. I'll digest the three points you mentioned today when I get back."

Lin Mo looked at him and thought of someone.

Wen Muye in his previous life.

That young man who directed "Dying to Survive" and won the Golden Horse Award for Best New Director.

That director who later made "Miracle: The Stupid Kid," proving once again that he was not a flash in the pan.

He looked at Wen Muye and said calmly, "Director Wen, you are talented. But you must remember—talent is for storytelling, not for showing off skills. When you tell a story, focus on the characters and hide your techniques. The audience won't remember you because of the camera language you used; they will only remember you because of your story."

Wen Muye stood there, stunned, his lips moved but he couldn't say a word.

Lin Mo patted him on the shoulder: "Alright, go back and get ready. Send me the revised script so I can take a look."

Wen Muye nodded vigorously, then turned and left.

After taking a few steps, he turned back and called out, "Director Lin! Thank you!"