Huayu: I'm reborn, but you still force me to be a scumbag?

Chapter 403 Don't Make Me Say It a Second Time
Thanks to Pierre, Chen Nuo finally realized what was happening.

you do not say?

Before coming, I did all sorts of research, even calling Zhang Yimou, Wang Ka, and Wei to ask all sorts of questions. I felt like selling movies in Cannes was some kind of mysterious and high-end thing.

Damn, how different is this from selling a house in the country?

This advance screening is like showing clients the blueprints before a house is even built. The premiere is like building a showroom where everyone can visit and evaluate it together.

The awards ceremony is like handing over a new house. Winning the Palme d'Or means huge profits from the increased property value, while winning other smaller awards means living in a high-quality residential community with excellent landscaping and a beautiful mountain and water view.

But if you don't gain anything, don't expect your property to appreciate overnight.

All I can do is pray to the gods and Buddhas that the house doesn't leak, isn't poorly soundproofed, and that there aren't any graves outside the windows.

So, he might not be good at selling movies, but he's a pro at selling houses.

At that time, Chen Bicheng put him in charge of sales and marketing. To prove that he was not useless, he even took a week-long sales training course with the saleswomen and learned "How to make customers your obedient dogs" from the sales manager that Chen Bicheng had specially poached from Vanke.

Although he had only been there a week, he was scolded by Chen Bicheng for a small mistake, who called him a good-for-nothing who was hooking up with the number one guy, and banned him from stepping into the sales office from then on.

As a result, he was unable to learn the last chapter from his teacher, and he didn't know how to make customers obedient, nor how to transform the second-to-last chapter, which promised a lifetime of wealth, or the third-to-last chapter, which promised a life of riches and glory.

But he did finish the first three chapters! Isn't it just about dangling a sweet and tempting carrot in front of customers to arouse their desires and make them willingly follow along?

Yes, he can!
……

……

Roberto Proya, a senior acquisitions manager at Eagle Pictures, Italy's largest independent distributor, has been in the industry for nearly 30 years. He experienced the 80s, when he competed with Harvey Weinstein for "Sex and the Beast," and the heyday of Miramax in the 90s. European film festivals, big and small, are practically his home, and he has attended countless advance screenings.

However, this seemed to be the first time he had ever experienced something like this.

Even after returning to the hotel, he was still somewhat dazed.

And his assistant, market analyst, and lover, Anna Casali, seemed to be the same.

The two sat on the sofa in silence for a while, then Roberto Proya said, "Anna, tell me your thoughts."

“Uh…you need to let me sort this out, Roberto. I feel like an elephant just stepped on my head.”

"Well, let's start from the beginning, from the movie itself. How about that?"

"it is good."

What did you think of this movie?

“C-,” Anna Casali said without hesitation.

Roberto Proya also opened his notebook at this moment.

Although he couldn't bear to watch for more than two minutes, he still faithfully fulfilled his duties as the movie screening manager and wrote down his thoughts on the movie in his notebook.

"The narrative ambitions are grand; it remains to be seen whether they will be brought to a close later on."

"Liang's performance was as consistently stable and excellent as ever."

"The visual style is sharp and has the influence of the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men."

"The second male lead is an excellent actor."

"The director has solid skills and precise direction, attempting to strike a balance between thriller and dark humor. So far, he has done a good job."

"The camera work is realistic, the color design is unique, and the sound effects are average."

"The story is compelling and engaging enough to keep the audience engaged."

"The female lead was impressive. The overall performance of the actors was surprising."

"The ending was unexpectedly clean and concise. The visual language enhanced the sense of desolation, echoing the opening and forming a closed loop."

Summary: An excellent road thriller with dark humor.

And so, at the end, I wrote an Italian title: "Regione inabitata No Man's Land".

There's a score next to it: C-.

Exactly the same thing Anna Casali just said.

In Eagle Pictures' selection criteria, only films rated B or higher will proceed to the negotiation stage. C-, for most films, simply means they are worth considering.

Unless there's a big prize coming up, I won't consider it.

Why is this happening?

Perhaps at film festivals in Rotterdam or Croatia, this film would be worthy of a B- rating.
But unfortunately, this is Cannes.

This place brings together the world's best movies.

As a film with an Eastern narrative, it is merely excellent, lacking the power to move people's hearts, and it has a similar feel to "No Country for Old Men," which is simply not enough to impress him.

In fact, if it weren't for the dark, grimy face in the promotional poster, he wouldn't have attended the advance screening.

Eagle Pictures, as Italy's largest independent film distributor, rarely distributes Chinese films; they generally only purchase Western films from France, Germany, or the United States.

Chinese films?

Only niche film companies like I Wonder Pictures or L'altro Film would occasionally produce such films.

The only reason he would attend the screening was because he became interested in the owner of that face after winning the prize money from Blueberry Nights.

And after tasting success with "Mother" and "Under the Hawthorn Tree", he couldn't stop.

To this day, he remains quite interested in all of this man's films.

However, to be honest, he was very disappointed until the end of the movie.

Before he went, he was wondering why his movie was having an advance screening. As a regular at film festivals, he couldn't recall ever having an advance screening for a movie starring this person.

"The House of the Mute" is not included, nor is "My Blueberry Nights" at Cannes, nor is "Mother" or "Under the Hawthorn Tree".

Those damn producers are hoarding the film like they're holding a 99.99K pure gold doll; they'll definitely wait until after the premiere to open it up for sale.

It's as if they had no idea that doing business with these big film distributors at advance screenings is the most mainstream way of trading in the film market at major film festivals.

What happened this time?
Then, when the owner of that big face was hit by a car and killed, he suddenly realized what had happened.

Cazzo! It turns out it was just a cameo!

So, after that, Roberto Proya couldn't stand it anymore.

Although he still recorded so much, it was only because he was already there.

But now... he's moved, he's really moved.

"Let's write C- rating for this movie. C-. Now, as usual, let's see if we can raise its score."

“Okay, Roberto.”

"Let's begin... First, do you think it has the potential to win an award?"

"It's difficult. Its style isn't particularly distinctive. If you have to say it has one, it's just the mystery that comes from the Chinese background and the desert. Other than that, there's not much new in it. And the humor in it is hard to understand."

"So you think there are no points to be added here?"

"Yes, not at all."

"I agree, next. What do you think about the premiere? How much more can we add?"

Anna answered without hesitation, "B-!"

Roberto laughed and said, "Are you sure? It's that easy to skip C+ and go straight to B-?"

“Certo (Of course)! There’s only one reason: his new film is about to be released worldwide, and the whole world has been waiting for it for two whole years. I think the chances of it failing are extremely slim. If it does succeed, Roberto, when he comes to Italy to promote our film, it will be a storm! Even though he only appears for two minutes, so what? How many people go to see ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ just to see Nicole Kidman’s two minutes of nudity?”

"Hahaha. Okay, I agree with you, B-, that's enough for us to call them and talk about pricing. But now, let's move on. How about a free local language subtitle, poster, and trailer for the first ten contracts?"

"Hahaha. That's hilarious!" Anna laughed.

Roberto Proya laughed along, shaking his head as he said, "This is absolutely the stingiest company I've ever seen in my life. What does he mean? Does he mean that not only will they not provide voice-over, but they also have to pay for the subtitles, posters, and trailers themselves, even though they're one of the top ten companies on the contract?"

Anna laughed and said, "I think so. Just thinking about that scene gives me the creeps. Luckily, no matter how we rank, we're still in the top ten."

"Yes. So do you think this will earn you extra points?"

"Sure? If we had to pay for our own Italian posters and trailers, I think the company would eat us alive."

“Now we’ve reached B+. This is a score we need to actively strive for. But let’s continue. Those who sign contracts before the premiere will receive an 8.8% discount.” Roberto Proya asked, puzzled, “Actually, I find it rather strange, why an 8.8% discount?”

Anna shrugged. "Who knows? But I think that's just a hypocritical statement. It won't earn me any points. Next one."

"Agreed, next one. The top five will receive a free media interview. How about that?"

Anna said bluntly, "He deserves two points! We should put him on shows like 'Che Tempo Che Fa' or 'Tiki Taka.' I believe that even though he doesn't speak Italian, just look at how he was on stage today. I bet if you give him a microphone and a talk show stage, he'll make people pay to go to the movies."

"Hahahahahaha."

Robert Proya laughed. “I completely agree. But right now, it seems our score is a bit too high. We're at APLUS now. That's the score we need to sign as soon as possible. What about all that stuff he mentioned later? Like the mystery grand prize?”

Anna Casali calmly stated, “The discounts and raffles are irrelevant. As for the grand prize, it sounds more like a marketing gimmick. Robert, what we need to do now is try to sign contracts with the top five and secure the premiere and media interviews. Call the company and tell them what we think.”

Robert Proya smiled and said, "No rush, Anna. There's one more thing. Now that this film has already scored over A+, are we really only after Italy?"

Anna Casali paused for a moment, then exclaimed in surprise, "Robert, you mean..."

“I want to package the entire Southern European market and have him accompany us on a roadshow across half of Europe. What do you think?”

……

……

The first advance screening on the morning of May 12th has ended.

This is for major clients in key markets such as Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the United States.

The second session in the afternoon was for publishers in Southeast Asian and Latin American markets, such as Malaysia, India, Thailand, Brazil, and Mexico.

The 13th, which is the last screening before the premiere, is a special screening in the United States.

Because there are more film studios in the United States than in other countries, they were grouped together.

The three advance screenings combined essentially covered all 30-plus of the world's largest and most important film markets. The actual coverage was even greater, likely exceeding 70 countries, as some smaller nations are traditionally grouped together. Afterwards, he couldn't say anything in front of everyone, but he had already decided in his heart to properly thank Pierre.

Other people's 8.8% discount is obviously a numbers game; anyone who believes it is an idiot.

However, Pierre was prepared to take it seriously.

Of course, it's not a real discount for StudioCanal, but rather a real 12% bonus for Pierre.

Just a token of my appreciation.

After the first meeting, Chen Nuo didn't plan to personally handle the afternoon session. After all, when selling houses, does the boss always have to do it himself? That's the saleswoman's job, of course.

"Mr. Chen, I... I really haven't practiced my spoken English well enough, I'm scared." Gulnazar never dreamed that she would suddenly find herself in such a big mess.

Just thinking about having to speak her broken English in front of so many people that afternoon made her legs tremble.

Chen Nuo comforted him, saying, "Spoken English just needs a lot of practice. I think you can handle basic conversations now, so be bolder. If there's anything you really can't say in English, you can ask a translator to translate for you."

"Yes, but..."

"No buts. It's settled then. Just do it the way I told you this morning. I've already explained everything clearly. Okay, now stand up straight and let me see."

As soon as he spoke, Gulnazar instinctively stood up straight.

No wonder she used to be a model.
Wearing a white off-the-shoulder skirt, the hem of which just reached above her knees, she stood up straight, which immediately accentuated her slender waist and long legs.

Xinjiang girls have porcelain-white skin, a unique exotic charm, and three-dimensional and delicate features, with a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and clear and bright eyes.

Her thick eyelashes trembled slightly, revealing a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. Her long, black hair was simply styled into a low bun, with a few strands falling beside her ears, adding to her gentle and graceful demeanor. She exuded a unique blend of Eastern charm and Western beauty.

Chen Nuo couldn't help but nod in approval.

Putting everything else aside, with that figure and those looks, if she were in a real estate sales office, even if she were mute, as long as her skirt was two centimeters shorter and she unbuttoned a couple more buttons, she would still have a chance to be the top salesperson.

Gulnazar's heart fluttered under his gaze, but she dared not look down, her pretty face growing increasingly red.

Seeing that there was no need to worry about the girl's temperament, Chen Nuo didn't say anything more, but simply encouraged her, "Sell well, and I'll give you a commission." He casually added, based on the commission he received from selling houses in his previous life, "two per thousand."

Unfortunately, he was giving a flirtatious look to a blind man.

Gulnazar had never passed math since she was a child, so how could she possibly know how much money he was talking about for two-thousandths?

The girl had only one thought in her mind: this was the first task Mr. Chen had given her, and she had to do it well.

……

……

It's been about a year since I last saw Chen Nuo and Chen Kexin, the ones with long hair.

The two were especially affectionate when they reunited in Cannes.

"Hahaha, Nuozai!"

"Haha, what a new director."

In a café next to Chen Nuo's villa, the two shared a warm hug. Then he turned to the smiling woman beside him and said, "Hello, Sister Junru."

Wu Junru opened her arms and laughed, "Chen Nuo, I've finally met you! Come give me a hug."

Since that's the case, Chen Nuo didn't stand on ceremony and gave her a light hug.

Wu Junru said, "After hugging such a handsome guy like you, I won't be washing my hands for at least a month."

"Me too. After hugging a beauty like you, Junru, I wouldn't wash for at least three months."

"Hahahahahaha."

Several people laughed.

After everyone was seated and ordered their drinks, Chen Nuo sincerely said, "Congratulations to the new director Ke on being nominated for the Cannes main competition. You must bring home the Palme d'Or this time."

Sandra Ng laughed and said, "If he can win the Palme d'Or, I'd be fine running naked in the street. Unless you, No-jai, are in it, but you're not! I'd be grateful if it made more money."

Chen Kexin smiled and said, "I dare not dream of winning the Palme d'Or; I would be satisfied with just being nominated."

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "No, no, no, I believe you will definitely win the award this time."

“I never thought about it, I really never thought about it…” Chen Kexin waved her hands repeatedly. “Vice President Luo Rui said that this time, competing with Woody Allen and The Tree of Life, our movie basically has no chance. We would be satisfied if we could win a screenplay award.”

"Her? Just listen to her words, don't take them as gospel." Chen Nuo curled his lip, making a disdainful look.

Chen Kexin couldn't help but exchange a glance with Wu Junru.

After many years of marriage, they had long since developed a deep connection.

Chen Kexin noticed the surprise in Wu Junru's eyes and couldn't help but smile.

Before coming to Cannes, the couple talked about the relationship between Lori Eisner and Chen Nuo. Chen Kexin said that the two were really good friends, but Wu Junru never really believed it.

But at this moment, Chen Nuo's tone revealed an extraordinary and deep friendship between the two.

Of course, Sandra Ng would be surprised.

Thinking of this, Chen Kexin said with some emotion, "Speaking of which, I really have to thank you, Nuozi. Without you introducing me to Miss Eisner, I wouldn't even have had the money to make this movie, let alone come to Cannes."

"Director, please don't say that. If it weren't for your 20 yuan, I wouldn't even be able to start the company."

"Hahaha. By the way, I also want to congratulate you. From actor to big boss, it's only been a short time, and your company's film has already made it to Cannes. Amazing, truly amazing."

"Oh, it's all luck."

Afterwards, the two chatted about their respective movies.

It's not easy for anyone.

Chen Nuo's No Man's Land, though it went through many difficulties before finally obtaining the Dragon Seal and being able to go to sea to compete, also went through many hardships before Chen Kexin's Queen Road Ripper, a collaboration with Netflix, was made.

"Vice President Luo Rui is truly remarkable; she is capable and has great courage." Speaking of the difficulties she faced back then, Chen Kexin sighed repeatedly, "If it weren't for her standing up against all opposition and shielding me from so much pressure, this movie definitely wouldn't have been finished. In my twenty years, I've met two young people who have made me feel ashamed of myself; one is you, and the other is her."

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "I don't know about her, but I'm sure it's not her... Hey, she's here."

Chen Nuo waved towards the door, and Rory Eisner, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, immediately smiled at him.

That smile made the blonde Barbie, who looked remarkably like Vivien Leigh, appear at least five years younger, instantly transforming her from a serious and rigid career woman into a sunny and cheerful beauty.

Luo Rui was not alone; she was accompanied by a man and a woman.

After the introductions, I learned that the handsome man was named Harper, her assistant, and the other pretty young woman with brown hair was named Ruth, her secretary.

Harper wore a polite smile, but inside she felt as if a venomous snake was biting her.

Looking at the Asian man across the table, she embraced the beautiful princess in her heart, who seemed so high and mighty.

Then, a beautiful smile that he had never seen before suddenly bloomed on her face.

Having been by her side for more than half a year, this was the first time he had seen her smile so happily.

how come?
What exactly is their relationship?
What makes him so close to the noble Disney princess?!
However, this mere Chinese man who became famous by selling his looks is worlds apart from Eisner's noble bloodline, that damned bastard. He should be mindful of his identity!

Chen Nuo didn't notice the look in Luo Rui's assistant's eyes; he was having a very pleasant conversation with Luo Rui.

Although there were outsiders present, making it difficult to discuss many truly private matters, the reunion of old friends provided endless topics for conversation.

"Is Reed Hastings jealous that you're more famous than him now?"

"Shut up, you."

"Hahahaha, I'm telling the truth. The former president of Netflix, who even knows him now? All of Hollywood knows that Netflix is ​​now making a big push in streaming, and leading the charge is a ruthless, cold-blooded witch who, upon taking office, reorganized three departments and laid off 70% of the staff..."

"Chen, do you want to die?"

"Hahahahaha!"

Chen Nuo laughed as he said, "I'm telling the truth."

Rory Eisner seemed about to say something, but her eyes darted over Chen Kexin's face, and she shut her mouth. Then she changed the subject, saying, "Never mind me, did you organize three advance screenings for your movie this time?"

"Yes, how do you know?"

"Of course, I only heard about it."

"Who said that? I clearly signed confidentiality agreements with every single one of them. I'm going to sue anyone who tells anyone!"

"Come on," Lorraine Eisner said irritably. "Before you say you're going to sue anyone, please stop smiling so happily. Judging by the way you're grinning, I know you've struck it rich this time. How much did you sell it for? Tell me."

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "Compared to you guys, I only earn a little bit of money, it's not worth mentioning. By the way, the director said you were just talking to a French film company? How did it go, did you close the deal?"

Lorraine Eisner smiled and said, "No."

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "That's terrible! Do you want me to help you?"

Luo Rui raised her chin, proudly and disdainfully saying, "No need. I can handle it myself!"

Chen Nuo laughed so hard, "Hahahaha" for a while, and said, "Oh, we're all friends, don't be so polite. What kind of relationship do we have? As long as you ask me, I'll tell you my long-treasured sales secrets, how about it?"

Harper had been listening for a while, but when he saw Chen Nuo's smile and heard what he said, his anger erupted like a volcano, and he could no longer hold back.

In a fit of anger, he said, "Excuse me for speaking frankly, Chen, Vice President Eisner doesn't actually need your help."

"We had a good talk with the French film distributor, but his offer was lower than we expected. The vice president rejected his offer and told him very firmly to go back and reconsider."

"I believe he will come back to beg us by tomorrow at the latest."

"Don't think the vice president really needs your help! Take back your insulting words!"

After he finished speaking, everyone present was stunned.

Then, Chen Nuo, who was directly involved, reacted the fastest. She awkwardly touched her nose, about to say something...
But before he could speak,
Lorraine Eisner interrupted him, turning to Harper with a blank expression and saying, "Get out."

Harper was stunned, her face flushed as she explained, "Vice President Eisner, he didn't respect you, I just..."

“Shut up! I want you, you idiot, to disappear from my sight right now. Now! Don’t make me say it a second time!” Rory Eisner’s azure eyes narrowed suddenly, revealing an expression of extreme disgust as she spoke coldly.

At that moment, she truly resembled the cold-blooded and wicked witch of legend, appearing extremely fierce.

(End of this chapter)