Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 695 Should we do a crossover?
Star Entertainment, Smoking Room
The smoking room was small, with a set of gray fabric sofas against the wall and thirty ashtrays on the coffee table, which were already full of cigarette butts.

Zhang Chen leaned back on the sofa by the window, legs crossed, a lit Zhonghua cigarette between his fingers. He squinted through the swirling smoke as he watched Ning Hao pace back and forth in the room, the heels of his leather shoes making a soft "rustling" sound as they scraped against the floor.

"Can you sit down for a while? You're making me dizzy."

Zhang Chen flicked his cigarette ash, which landed precisely in the ashtray: "There's so much to do at the end of the year, it's like a spider web. I finally get a chance to relax and catch my breath, don't keep spinning like a wind-up top."

Ning Hao chuckled twice, pulled over a folding chair next to the sofa and sat down, the chair legs scraping against the floor with a harsh sound.

He took a deep drag on his cigarette, burning the butt almost to his fingers before finally exhaling, the smoke billowing out in two white plumes from his nostrils: "It's not that I'm being nosy, it's just that the trailer for 'The Ancient City of Jingjue' was released today, and I don't know how the readers are reacting..."

"Don't worry about it. The publicity department is keeping an eye on things. If there's any bad word-of-mouth, they'll definitely let you know."

"I'm just worried that I won't meet the readers' expectations."

Zhang Chen curled his lip, stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray on the coffee table, sparks flew up and then quickly went out: "You were just like this when we were filming 'Train to Busan,' staring at the zombie makeup and hair every day and saying 'not scary enough,' and what happened? The word-of-mouth was practically overflowing."

Besides, the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" IP has a huge foundation; there are tons of fans of the original work by Tianxia Bachang. As long as we don't make any random changes and capture the rules of the "tomb raiders" and the mystery of the ancient tombs, we're set.

Just then, the door to the smoking room was gently pushed open a crack, and Lu Yang poked his head in, his eyes behind his round-framed glasses narrowed to slits, and he sniffed the room like a puppy: "Hey, you two are having a private session here? The smell of smoke is even reaching the scriptwriting team on the third floor. That's not very nice of you, you didn't even invite me to smoke."

Zhang Chen smiled and waved, pointing to the cigarette pack on the coffee table: "Come in, come in. I knew your nose was sharper than a police dog's. I was just about to have my assistant call you, and you've delivered yourself right to my door. There are cigarettes on the table, help yourself."

Lu Yang pushed the door open and closed it behind him. He took a cigarette from his pack, lit it, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a smoke ring: "Just came from the screenwriting team. What were you guys talking about, so engrossed?"

"What else can we talk about? Ning Hao is worried about the box office of 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' again."

Zhang Chen pointed at Ning Hao, his tone slightly teasing: "You should give him some advice. He's a veteran director who's made movies that have grossed over 100 million yuan. Why is he still acting like a fresh graduate, so anxious and insecure?"

Just as Lu Yang was about to speak, he saw Guo Fan walking by outside the glass curtain wall, looking down at his phone. He was wearing a black down jacket with the collar turned up high.

He quickly put down his cigarette, walked to the window, and knocked on the glass: "Guo Fan! Over here! The boss is having a smoking party here!"

Guo Fan looked up and saw them, paused for a moment, then smiled and quickened his pace to walk over.

Pushing open the door, a strong smell of smoke hit him. He instinctively fanned the smoke with his hand, frowned, but still walked in, took off his down jacket and draped it over the armrest of the sofa: "Oh ho, you guys are having a meeting in the smoking room?"

"Stop talking nonsense, are you going to smoke or not? If you're going to smoke, hurry up and do it!"

Ning Hao handed him a cigarette and then lit it for him with a lighter from the table.

Guo Fan took the cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag. His brow relaxed a little. Just as he was about to speak, the office door was pushed open again. This time it was Wen Muye and the two old smokers he often smoked with: "I was wondering why the smoking room was so smoky today. Turns out everyone's come here..."

Zhang Chen waved his hand and pointed to the sofa in the corner: "Find a place to sit. There are cigarettes on the table."

He has never been arrogant; even though he is the chairman, he chats with ordinary employees in the smoking room just like everyone else.

Many of those smoking together were elderly people who had been with him since his first movie, and they often shared cigarettes with each other when they met.

In no time, the smoking room was full of people.

Several people were puffing out smoke, layer upon layer, completely enveloping the office, so much so that only a blurry halo could be seen around the ceiling lights.

From the outside, the windows were filled with a white expanse, resembling the legendary Penglai Wonderland. Passing employees couldn't help but peek inside before quickly walking away.

Everyone drew their own cigarettes. Ning Hao glanced at everyone and said, "It's only at the end of the year that we can all get together like this. At other times, everyone has their own projects, like parts scattered all over the country. It's hard to even get everyone together for a meal."

Lu Yang nodded and pushed up his glasses: "That's right. Filming takes three or four months, and then there's post-production. When the movie is released, we have to go on a roadshow. We don't have much time to spend at the company, so there aren't many opportunities to get together and smoke."

Just then, the office door creaked open.

The sound wasn't loud, but it exploded in the room like a thunderclap.

Zhong Lifang stood at the door, dressed in a well-tailored black suit skirt, holding a thick document in her hand, her brows furrowed, her eyes sweeping over everyone in the room.

The laughter inside the room stopped abruptly, and the air seemed to freeze.

Zhong Lifang glanced around the room, sighed helplessly, and said with a hint of weariness in her voice, "I knew I couldn't find anyone anywhere; it turns out they've all hidden here. With all this smoke, you'd think the company was on fire..."

Wenmuye and several ordinary employees quickly stood up: "General Manager Zhong..."

After exchanging greetings, the group stopped smoking and hurriedly left, making sure to gently close the door behind them before departing.

At Star Entertainment, Chairman Zhang Chen is down-to-earth and gets along well with everyone, but CEO Zhong Lifang is different; she's more like the top leader than the chairman.

Only Zhang Chen, Ning Hao, Lu Yang, and Guo Fan remained in the room, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

Zhang Chen cleared his throat and smiled as he offered Zhong a cigarette: "Mr. Zhong, want one? To relieve some stress. This cigarette was brought back from out of town by a friend; it tastes pretty good."

Zhong Lifang didn't accept the cigarette. Instead, she walked to the window and forcefully pushed open both windows.

A cold wind suddenly rushed in, blowing the smoke in the room away, and everyone couldn't help but shiver.

She turned around, leaned against the windowsill, and crossed her arms over her chest: "I won't smoke, you guys smoke. I also have something to talk to you about, so I don't have to go looking for you one by one."

Ning Hao scratched his head and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray: "President Zhong, is there something you need? Is there a problem with the publicity for the Lunar New Year film?"

"No, I just wanted to ask Director Zhang, do you think Inception can surpass Mission: Impossible 4 at the box office?"

Of the group, Zhong Lifang was most concerned about the box office.

Zhang Chen shook his head: "I estimate it probably won't surpass it. The competition during this year's Lunar New Year film season is too fierce, with four blockbusters being released at the same time, which will reduce audience attention..."

Generally speaking, when blockbuster films clash in release dates, the release dates are usually staggered by two weeks to ensure that most of the revenue is guaranteed.

After all, nobody's money comes from thin air. If the cost exceeds 100 million, it will have a huge impact on the company if the costs cannot be recovered.

But this year's Lunar New Year film season is different. Four blockbusters are being released one after another, all directed by big names, all wanting a piece of the pie in the bustling Lunar New Year season.

There's nothing we can do then but crash it.

The maximum time between four films is one week. Among them, Chen Shiren's "Sacrifice" is the most advantageous, as it was released in early December. Although it didn't generate as much buzz, the competition wasn't as fierce either.

But the most hurt was "The Orphan of Zhao".

The popularity of "Inception" is too high, and it features the same cast as "Mission: Impossible 4".

Fans of Mission: Impossible 4 have just watched a high-quality action movie and are still excited, so they are naturally full of expectations for Inception with the original cast.

This is a very normal feeling. Even if you know that the two movies are unrelated, you will subconsciously feel that there may be some connection.

It turned out that this wasn't an action movie at all; in fact, it was quite mind-bending.

Such movies are naturally not accepted by all action fans, but there are also many people who like them.

Reviews of Inception are extremely polarized:

"It's not an action movie at all, I've been fooled!"

"It's nothing compared to Mission: Impossible 4."

"I don't understand it at all. Zhang Chen has also fallen from grace and started making this kind of incomprehensible stuff..."

That's normal; not everyone can handle mind-bending movies.

But many people also praised it:

"A masterpiece, a milestone work that officially sets Zhang Chen apart from other directors~"

"I don't understand it, but it just feels so impressive!"

Guo Fan also spoke up: "I don't think we need to worry too much. The special effects and plot of Inception are quite outstanding, especially the scene of the folded city, which I found amazing."

If the pre-release publicity is effective and the film's visual impact and mind-bending plot are emphasized, it should attract many viewers who enjoy a challenge.

Besides, the quality of films produced by our Starry Sky Entertainment speaks for itself. From "Train to Busan" to "Edge of Tomorrow," which one hasn't been a box office and critical success?

Zhong Lifang nodded and took out a publicity plan from the file bag: "What you said makes sense. I've already asked the publicity department to step up their efforts. Next week, we plan to hold roadshows in twenty cities across the country and have Tom Cruise come and interact with the audience."

In addition, we've bought a lot of ad space on short video platforms, hoping to generate another wave of buzz before New Year's Day. By the way, when you guys talked about the Lunar New Year film season, did you notice that low-budget thriller, *Midnight Heartbeat*? It's also scheduled for release during the Lunar New Year season, going head-to-head with us.”

Ning Hao paused for a moment, then scratched his head: "Midnight Heartbeat? I haven't paid much attention. Which company produced this film? The title sounds like a horror movie." Lu Yang shook his head, took out his phone from his pocket, and scrolled through it: "Not really. I only know that it was directed by Zhang Jiabei and starred Simon Yam, Francis Ng, and Yao Di."

To be honest, I really don't understand what the producers were thinking. With so many big-budget films battling it out during the Lunar New Year season, even "Sacrifice" was getting thrashed, and this low-budget thriller dared to join the fray? Wasn't that just asking for trouble?

Horror films already have a narrow audience, and during the Lunar New Year season, everyone wants something festive; who wants to watch a horror movie?

Zhang Chen smiled and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray: "You can't say that. Sometimes low-budget films can be surprisingly successful, like 'The Descent' back then. It only cost a few million, but it became a dark horse when it competed with 'House of Flying Daggers'."

He always seemed incredibly proud whenever he mentioned "The Descent".

He went head-to-head with "House of Flying Daggers," yet he managed to carve out a path for himself.

"However, it is indeed a bit risky to release the film during the Lunar New Year holiday season. Unless the film is of exceptionally high quality and can spread through word of mouth, it will be difficult to break through. I think they may want to use the Lunar New Year holiday season to make a splash and let the audience know that there is such a film, regardless of the box office results."

Zhong Lifang sighed and put away the publicity plan: "Never mind them, let's just do our own thing."

"By the way, Mr. Zhang, have you cast the female lead for 'Project Eagle 3,' the film you're collaborating on with Jackie Chan? A lot of people are eyeing this project. Yesterday, the agent of a second-tier actress contacted me, saying she'd be willing to act in it for free, just to get a role in the film."

When asked about "Project Eagle 3," Zhang Chen shook his head: "No matter who it is, reject her."

"What, you've already chosen a female hostess?"

Zhang Chen shook his head again: "Not yet, but I still have some questions about the script, and there are some parts I haven't figured out."

"Haven't figured it out?"

Guo Fan leaned closer curiously: "What haven't you figured out? Tell me. Something that's been troubling you for so long must be something special."

Zhang Chen took a drag of his cigarette and slowly said, "I'm thinking about whether to add a storyline to 'Project Eagle 3,' Lara's storyline, to link 'Project Eagle' with 'Tomb Raider.'"

Lara and Jack are locked in a battle for the rabbit and rat heads. Jack wants to return the artifacts to his homeland, while Lara wants to keep them for herself. Their initial hostility transforms into a united front against a common enemy, enriching the storyline and attracting a wider audience of Tomb Raider game and movie fans.

Zhong Lifang's eyes lit up, and she stood up from her chair: "This is a great idea! The Tomb Raider IP itself has a high level of popularity, with hundreds of millions of fans worldwide. If it can be combined with Project Eagle, it will definitely generate a lot of buzz and maximize the topic's popularity."

Ning Hao agreed, finding it increasingly feasible: "Chenzi, you're so clever, always coming up with novel ideas. But, are there any issues with the copyright? We don't own the Tomb Raider rights, do we? I think it belongs to Crystal Dynamics. Paramount also made a version. If we want to collaborate, should we buy the rights from Crystal Dynamics or Paramount?"

Zhang Chen waved his hand: "Copyright isn't a priority, I haven't decided whether to collaborate yet~"

"what happened?"

"If there's going to be a crossover, it would definitely be with the Angelina Jolie version, but that version's box office performance was just so-so. I'm thinking of remaking 'Tomb Raider,' and if we do that, there's no need for this crossover. We can just wait until the 'Tomb Raider' remake is done and have Jack cross over with Lara..."

Zhang Chen's words seemed to open a new door for them, and their thinking suddenly became much clearer.

Yes, Paramount can make Tomb Raider, so why can't we?

Yes, this is a decision that can't be made lightly; you have to think it through carefully before making a decision.

Zhong Lifang stood up: "Alright, take your time to think about 'Project Eagle 3'. If you need any cooperation from the company, just let me know. The legal department and the marketing department will fully support you."

Let's talk about the other projects in the Lunar New Year film season.

Starry Night Entertainment has two films scheduled for the Lunar New Year season: Ning Hao's *Candle in the Tomb: The Lost City* and the *Running Man* movie.

The "Running Man" movie is purely a money-making project; it doesn't even qualify as a movie in the strictest sense. It's just a bunch of variety show episodes strung together with some irrelevant plot points.

But it doesn't matter, as long as I can make money.

With variety show movies being so popular right now, the marketing department thinks that if "Running Man" were made into a movie, it would definitely be a huge hit, although of course, it would certainly be met with criticism...

Zhong Lifang's expression turned serious: "Don't worry too much about the 'Running Man' movie. Just follow the previous plan and serve the fans well, and the box office will definitely be fine."

However, Ning Hao, you need to put more effort into "Candle in the Tomb: The Lost City." The Spring Festival film season is one of the most important periods of the year, with even fiercer competition than the Lunar New Year film season. There will be many family-friendly movies released during that time.

The box office performance of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is crucial, as it determines whether "Ghost Blows Out the Light 2" will be approved, and also affects the company's subsequent investment in adventure films.

Ning Hao's expression also turned serious, and he put down his coffee cup: "I know, President Zhong."

"Ghost Blows Out the Light" is a major IP, and Star Entertainment wants to make it into China's "The Mummy".

Whether this IP can continue depends entirely on Ning Hao's "Candle in the Tomb". If it flops at the box office, the project will definitely have to be shelved and it will be impossible to restart it for at least a few years.

Zhang Chen patted Ning Hao on the shoulder to encourage him: "Don't worry, I believe in you. You proved your ability when you filmed 'Train to Busan,' so 'Candle in the Tomb' will definitely be fine too. If all else fails, you can go and film a self-produced drama for PPTV next year; they happen to be short of an experienced director."

Ning Hao was taken aback for a moment, then looked up: "PPTV? Making self-produced dramas? What kind of dramas? I've never heard of them before."

Zhang Chen explained, "PPTV's first self-produced drama isn't a Chinese drama, but a Korean drama, and it's a zombie drama called 'The Fall of the Nation.' You have experience directing 'Train to Busan,' so it shouldn't be a problem. Besides, the online drama market is very hot right now; if it's well-made, it can be just as popular."

Zhang Chen then gave a brief introduction to the plot of "The Fall of the Kingdom".

Ning Hao didn't think that film directors making TV series was beneath them; he just felt it was inappropriate.

"The subject matter of 'The Fall of a Kingdom' is very novel, but the story is ultimately within a historical framework. I don't understand Korean history, so I probably won't be able to film it well. It would be such a pity if I ruined a good script because I don't understand history."

Zhong Lifang nodded approvingly: "Well said. A director must have a sense of awe. Ning Hao, you are better than Wu Baige in this respect. If you don't know something, just say so. Don't give orders blindly. That's the professional attitude."

Zhang Chen agreed: "That's right. Those of us in this industry have to be responsible for our work. We can learn what we don't understand, but we can't just do a shoddy job. Since you think it's not suitable, I'll think of someone else for PPTV."

The group then turned their attention to Guo Fan.

Lu Yang asked, "Guo Fan, what about you? What are your plans for the future? You're best at science fiction films, but the company doesn't have any science fiction projects this year. Do you have any ideas?"

Guo Fan smiled and said, "Actually, I already have an idea. I've got my eye on one of the company's scripts—'The Shallows 2'."

Zhang Chen shivered. "The Shallows 2? Isn't that 'The Meg'?"

He was the one who came up with the idea, and since they were both shark-themed, the company simply continued the IP of "The Shallows".

"Frankly speaking, isn't this project a bit too easy for you? You just finished filming a big-budget sci-fi movie like 'Edge of Tomorrow,' and now you're making 'The Shallows 2.' Isn't that a bit of a waste of your talent?"

Guo Fan shook his head: "I don't think it's a waste of my talent. The quality of a script doesn't depend on the size of the subject matter, but on whether the story is engaging. I've read the script for 'The Shallows 2,' and the story is very tight, with exciting special effects. Besides, I haven't directed a shark-themed film before, and I'm thinking of giving it a try..."

"The female lead still needs Fan Xiaopang?"

"Mm." Guo Fan nodded.

Since it's called "The Shallows 2," it would be best to continue with the female lead from the first film, and Guo Fan himself is used to working with Fan Bingbing.

Zhong Lifang nodded: "I think it's good. With the success of the two movies 'Gravity' and 'Edge of Tomorrow,' your partnership with Fan Bingbing has become a brand, somewhat similar to Feng Xiaogang and Ge You."

Audiences instinctively feel that a film is bound to be good when they see the two of you working together. If you two continue to collaborate on *The Shallows 2*, the box office is guaranteed.

Lu Yang chimed in, "That's right. Besides, the investment in 'The Shallows 2' isn't too big, so the risk is relatively low. Even if the box office doesn't meet expectations, the company won't suffer too much loss."

Zhang Chen thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, since you like this script, then this project will be yours. If you need any cooperation from the company, just let me know."

Guo Fan smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Zhang, thank you, Mr. Zhong. I will definitely do my best to make the film and strive to create another box office miracle for the company."

Zhong Lifang glanced at her watch. "Alright, it's getting late. I have a meeting to attend. You two can continue chatting, but remember to put out your cigarettes and close the windows." With that, she picked up the documents on the table, turned, and left the office.

The relaxed atmosphere in the office returned to normal. Zhang Chen took a drag of his cigarette: "Alright, let's continue. Where were we?"

Lu Yang said with a smile, "Speaking of Guo Fan's upcoming film 'The Shallows 2,' I think it's a great project. Guo Fan, you'd better seize the opportunity."

Guo Fan nodded: "Don't worry, I'll definitely do a good job filming. By the way, Director Zhang, when will you finalize your idea of ​​a crossover between 'Project Eagle 3' and 'Tomb Raider'? I'm really looking forward to it."

Zhang Chen smiled and said, "I don't know either, I'm still struggling with it."

Ning Hao also chimed in: "If you need any help later, just let me know. I'm quite interested in ancient tomb themes, so maybe I can give you some ideas."

After they finished speaking, the group left one after another. Zhang Chen took the last puff of his cigarette and stubbed it out in the ashtray.

He picked up the cigarette pack on the table and shook it. There was only one cigarette left, so he decided to finish it before leaving.

Then, Zhang Chen roared from the smoking room: "Damn it, which bastard stole my lighter?!"

(End of this chapter)