Huayu Chunqiu, starting from being adopted by a fairy mother

Chapter 448 Betrayed by Family, Sisi Suffers from Both Sides
Gao Yuanyuan may not be as capable as Bai Bing, but in terms of providing emotional value, Bai Bing is far superior.

The assistant followed Liu Jing back to Yandu from the film set and did not notice anything unusual about his boss.

The moment Gao Yuanyuan entered the office, she sensed that her lover was acting strangely.

A few minutes later, the two walked into the small conference room, chatting and laughing.

There were only a dozen or so people attending the meeting.

Everyone was somewhat surprised to see Liu Jing arrive, and then fell even quieter.

Zeng Li was sitting at the very back, and Liu Jing went straight to the empty seat next to her.

It was completely subconscious, because of all the people present, he was closest to Zeng Li.

Gao Yuanyuan's lips twitched. When did these two get together? Right under my nose, there are things I don't know about. Zeng Li, you're really something. No wonder you're from the Central Academy of Drama. The last one I belatedly realized was your junior, Tang Yan.

"Is everyone here?" Gao Yuanyuan looked around, her usual demure demeanor completely gone.

"Everyone's here," Tang Wei replied.

"Okay, let's begin." General Manager Gao naturally sat at the front, and there were no unnecessary opening remarks, which was very efficient.

Tang Wei was even more efficient, immediately opening the PowerPoint presentation: "Good afternoon, everyone. Before we talk about 'The Message,' let's take a look at our competitors. This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival is on September 3rd, quite a distance from the National Day holiday. The films released during this period share a common characteristic: they're all related to patriotic themes. On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, two films were released: Ye Daying's 'Tiananmen' and Yu Feihong's 'Love Comes Again.' Their box office performance was mediocre and not worth paying attention to. Um, sorry, but it's still worth noting; Duan Yihong is a point of interest."

A dozen people laughed. Duan Yihong smiled bitterly, put his hands together, and begged for mercy.

After ten years of preparation and a 40 million yuan investment, the box office was only 2 million yuan. There's really nothing worth paying attention to.

Liu Jing suddenly realized that the source of Duan Yihong's gossip was probably this movie, "Love Comes Again".

"Please look at the big screen. These are the films that will be released after the Mid-Autumn Festival. The good news is that due to the domestic film protection month, our film 'The Message' won't be affected by Hollywood blockbusters. The bad news is that there's a patriotic film called 'The Founding of a Republic.' Besides this film, there are three others that we need to pay special attention to: 'Cow,' 'The Great Earthquake,' and 'Nanjing.'" Tang Wei waved a laser pointer around on the screen showing "The Founding of a Republic."

"Team Leader Tang, do you have any analysis of the box office performance of 'The Founding of a Republic'?" Gao Yuanyuan asked.

“Yes.” Tang Wei nodded, pressed the laser pointer, and the PPT turned to the next page. “This is a chart showing the daily box office trend of ‘The Founding of a Republic’ since its release, as well as data on screenings, occupancy rates, and so on. This is an analysis of box office data for various cities…”

Tang Wei was well-prepared, spending five or six minutes presenting data before analyzing the reasons: "I believe there are four main reasons why the box office performance of 'The Founding of a Republic' is so abnormal."

"First, the subject matter is excellent, and the all-star cast is very eye-catching. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the audience's national pride provides fertile ground for the film's emotional impact. With 172 stars gathered together, it's practically a grand parade of the film industry. It's hard to replicate, unsustainable, and difficult to reproduce."

"Secondly, the release date was well chosen, avoiding the Hollywood blockbusters during the summer season, with no competitors, and exclusively enjoying the market gap before National Day."

"Third, the distribution is strong, with 1500 film prints made nationwide and simultaneous digital cinema screenings, ensuring over 80% of screenings. Audiences have virtually no other choice when going to the cinema. As for why the screening schedule is so incredible, everyone understands the reason."

"Fourth, as the holiday approaches, government agencies, schools, and other organizations are booking out screenings to support the box office..."

After Tang Wei finished speaking, Shen Ao joked, "Sister Tang Wei, you forgot to mention one thing: the support of 'Nanjing'."

"The film *Nanjing* was a foil to *The Founding of a Republic*, but an attack on us. These are some of the hot topics I've compiled, and after investigation, I found they were all instigated behind the scenes. First, the torture scenes in our film. Second, the director played a Japanese soldier. Third, there were fights during filming. Fourth, my reasons..."

"Hey! There's nothing left to attack now, isn't there?" Gao Yuanyuan mocked, not letting Tang Wei continue.

Because of "Lust, Caution," and because Liu Jing hired Tang Wei as assistant director, many people launched a boycott.

The expressions on the faces of those present were subtle. Before, there was nothing to attack, but now things might be different, and in the future…

Tang Wei, looking somber, began to discuss the advantages: "The premiere of 'Happy Camp' in early September will positively impact 'The Message.' The online 'Ghost Hunt' game has surpassed two million players, all of whom will become potential viewers. Zeng Li's films 'Red Cliff,' 'Lurking,' and 'Forever Enthralled' are very popular, and many viewers of these three films are waiting to see Zeng Li's performance in 'The Message.' This episode also had an unexpected result: 'Wujiapo' went viral online, boosting the popularity of 'The Message'..."

Tang Wei spoke on stage for over ten minutes, followed by Shen Ao, who said, "I'm mainly in charge of the TV series 'The Message.' 'Ugly Betty 3' is airing its finale today, but Hunan TV hasn't scheduled it for broadcast immediately. These days are the National Day holiday, so they're mainly airing other programs. Starting October 2nd, it will air two episodes every night at 10 PM. I hope it won't drag down our film's performance. Regardless of the results, at least the film didn't lose money; Hunan TV has covered for us. I don't have much to say. Please welcome the next speaker; after all, today's focus is on the film."

"Old Shen, are you trying to save face in advance?" the next employee joked before continuing his explanation. "Sister Tang Wei's explanation was very comprehensive. I'm mainly responsible for box office statistics and early warnings. As of now, our 'The Message' has surpassed 40 million in pre-sales on Youpiao. Especially with the release date approaching, yesterday alone saw an increase of 13 million in pre-sales. I made a data chart of pre-sale audiences, and 41% were converted through the ghost-catching game..."

The meeting was short, ending in just over half an hour. Most of those present were young people, especially employees, as Spring Airlines promotes a youthful workforce. They are quick-witted, efficient, and meetings rarely exceed an hour.

"Now I'll assign the tasks. After 'The Message' is released, we'll split into three groups and do a roadshow in major cities. Liu Jing will lead Zeng Li, Chen Kun, and Zhao Liying; Tang Wei will lead Wang Zhiwen, Fan Wei, and Zhou Yang; and Shen Ao will lead Zhou Xun, Duan Yihong, and Wu Gang. Here's the route map, I'll send it to you later."

Gao Yuanyuan walked to the screen, glanced at Zeng Li, and announced the lineup for the roadshow.

Zeng Li met the meaningful gaze with feigned indifference, but inwardly she was...
They were in a complete panic.

The roadshow team was supposed to consist of Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, and Zhao Liying in Liu Jing's group; this was a last-minute change.

Could it be that Gao Yuanyuan found out? I'm twelve years older than Liu Jing. If this is discovered, how can I face anyone?

Zeng Li, what's the panic? Zhang Min is actually twenty years older than Liu Jing.

Compared to President Min, you're like a younger sister.

Gao Yuanyuan muttered to herself, "She really is a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama. I can't compare to her composure."

She didn't dwell on these details and concluded, "I know the National Day holiday is coming, and everyone wants a break and to celebrate our country's birthday. But we filmmakers are different from other industries; holidays are when we work the hardest. We don't have holidays, and I hope you all won't slack off for the next month. Finally, I want to emphasize that during the release period, any rumors or speculation online must be carefully monitored. If Team Leader Tang Wei can't resolve something, report it to me immediately. Whether it's a favorable wind or a unfavorable one, things will be smooth sailing for us. Let's work together to win this battle, and I'll recommend you all for recognition. Holidays are guaranteed, bonuses are guaranteed, and you'll get everything you want. Okay, meeting adjourned."

With a shout of "Meeting adjourned," Commander Gao strode out of the conference room.

"Mr. Gao, Mr. Gao..."

“I’m two days older than you, just call me Sister Yuanyuan.” Gao Yuanyuan slowed down, waiting for Tang Wei to catch up.

"Sister Yuanyuan, is that message online true or false? I have a feeling the other party is up to no good." Tang Wei asked this question, not because she was interested in gossip, but mainly because she was concerned about work.

"Those who are kind don't come, and those who do come are naturally not kind. Let's just do our jobs well, and the sky won't fall down." Gao Yuanyuan said calmly, as if she didn't care about any storms.

"Okay! I understand." Tang Wei breathed a sigh of relief; she was genuinely afraid that things would turn out the way she feared. Gao Yuanyuan's composure gave her a lot of signals; it seemed the company had been prepared for this all along.

"Tomorrow's premiere will be our first test; we can't afford any mistakes," Gao Yuanyuan instructed.

“I’ll be keeping a close eye on the flagship store these next few days. Sister Yuanyuan, after the release of ‘The Message,’ I’d like to request that ‘The Founding of a Republic’ have 70% of its screenings cut, and that all of ‘Nanjing’s’ prime-time screenings be moved here.”

“We’ll design it in advance, and only cut it in half.” Gao Yuanyuan had some concerns.

“Special times call for special measures. If we cut our screenings by 70%, the China Film Group's theater chains certainly won't follow suit. With a rival eyeing us covetously, it's understandable that we strive for the maximum number of screenings. Our theater chains have been expressing their support for twenty days, and it's time for China Film Group to do the same. Let the director go to China Film Group to voice his grievances and complain; I think the 'Founding of a Republic' crew will understand.” Tang Wei smiled.

"it is good!"

Gao Yuanyuan chuckled, understanding Tang Wei's meaning. Old Han from China Film Group wasn't stupid; he also understood that the mastermind would strike at the opportune moment. Before the other party made their move, "The Message" was seizing the opportunity to secure the maximum number of screenings, entirely to prepare for the crisis. Even if it was affected later, at least they'd gotten the first wave of profits.

At this moment, Lao Han must have been in a very conflicted state.

I both hope that "The Message" goes smoothly, since China Film Group invested in it, he acted in it, and he promoted it quite a bit. At the same time, I hope something goes wrong with "The Message," because no matter how good it is, it's still Liu Jing's film; "The Founding of a Republic" is his.

I don't want anything major to happen to "The Message," I just hope it doesn't compete with it for box office records.

"How did you come?"

After the meeting, everyone went about their own business, with Commander Gao being busier than Liu Jing.

Liu Jing returned to his office and was surprised to find Zhang Min inside.

"Oh, so this isn't welcome?" Zhang Min leaned forward, looking in the mirror.

The release of "The Message" is a big event for the entire company.

Zhang Min also attached great importance to it, and a few days ago he took Xiaoxue back to Yandu to personally oversee the battle.

They were all ready to fire, but unexpectedly, the first shot hit her first.

"He seems completely unaffected," Liu Jing muttered.

"The mole has been found. There are documents on the table; take a look for yourself."

Zhang Min continued to fix her hair. Liu Jing thought it looked neat, but she seemed to think it was a bit messy.

She has kept her hair short since giving birth.

Her short, ear-length hair, combined with her stubborn face, gave her a sharp and assertive aura.

"So fast." Liu Jing exclaimed in surprise.

"This isn't a police investigation; there are only a few suspects, so it's easy to solve the case."

The case was solved, but Zhang Min showed no joy, only sorrow and disappointment.

"Lin Xiu'e, born in 1960, is from Dongguan City, Guangdong Province. She has four children, the eldest son being Lin Sheng..."

On the desk were several pages of documents. Liu Jing flipped through them and read a few sentences before exclaiming in surprise, "Is this Aunt Lin?"

"Yes! Aunt Lin is a real aunt, not just some random auntie from outside. She's my mom's cousin, eight years older than me. When we were little, we were best friends. Back then, we were always short of food and drink, and she would always save the good food for me instead of eating it herself."

Zhang Min was still in front of the mirror, fixing her hair and then adjusting her earrings.

"No matter what you do, I'll support you." Liu Jing sighed softly, stood beside her, and gently patted her shoulder.

In just a few years, Zhang Min was betrayed twice by her relatives.

The first time was when she was pregnant in the United States, and many people spread rumors that she had a terminal illness. While the public was still observing the gossip and her close relatives hadn't yet made a move, her extended family and other relatives couldn't sit still. They went to several places where Zhang Min often stayed, and some even went to her company, saying they were there to watch over Zhang Min's assets so that the employees wouldn't embezzle funds.

Liu Jing was so angry that she laughed one time. Her cousin came over and said that Liu Jing had embezzled Zhang Min's property and asked Liu Jing to take stock of Zhang Min's shares in Chunqiu so that she could sell them to a big boss.

Her relatives did all sorts of absurd things that even an idiot wouldn't do.

At that time, this woman named Lin Xiu'e scolded these relatives several times. It was because of this action that Zhang Min hired her as a nanny and entrusted Xiaoxue to her care. The monthly salary was quite substantial; Zhang Min paid her tens of thousands of yuan each month.

Three months ago, Lin Xiu'e resigned from her job to stay home and take care of her grandson.

This is a perfectly valid reason. No matter how much the aunt trusts the baby, she can't trust the baby as much as the biological grandmother, especially since the biological grandmother knows about wet nurses.

"In May of this year, Aunt Lin went back to her hometown, and that's when this incident probably happened. A month ago, Aunt Lin's eldest son bought a house in Guangzhou for over two million yuan in cash. Sister Li had someone check her family's accounts, and her daughter-in-law's account had an extra 500,000 yuan. On May 16th, her eldest son, youngest son, and eldest daughter-in-law all had an extra 500,000 yuan in their accounts. It wasn't a transfer; it was cash deposited. In July, they received another 500,000 yuan, and in August, they received one million yuan, all in cash deposits, and they were deposited in different places. In the year or so that Aunt Lin has been with me, her salary and other income totaled about 700,000 yuan." Zhang Min felt terrible; this was the second time she had been betrayed by a relative.

They received two million in cash in three months, and their family didn't run any business; this money is the evidence.

This also shows that the person behind the scenes was very clever; they didn't transfer money but instead used cash for the transaction.

Aunt Lin's family isn't stupid; they know how to diversify and transfer funds.

"Flies don't land on eggs without cracks; this was premeditated," Liu Jing remarked, unsurprised. No secrets stay hidden forever; rumors had been circulating in Shanghai since last year that Zhang Min had a child.

It's perfectly normal for those who have their eyes on Liu Jing to try and make their moves from here.

“Li Jie and I analyzed that the information that Aunt Lin… Lin Xiu’e provided to the other party was probably photos, videos, or recordings.” Zhang Min pushed Liu Jing away and finally stopped looking in the mirror.

"Why analyze? Just ask directly."

“Ask them about the police and judges, not me. We signed confidentiality agreements, and since we did this, we have to bear the consequences. If they dare to expose Xiaoxue today, they'll dare to do something to harm her tomorrow. My relatives need to be taught a lesson. I don't mind them making money off me, but I can't tolerate them profiting from me,” Zhang Min sneered.

When she was little, she didn't realize she had so many relatives, but since she made it onto the Forbes list, her relatives have grown exponentially. Many of them are people she doesn't know, and even her parents aren't familiar with them.

When the company was first established, some relatives came to her asking for a job, and she took them in almost all of them.

When news of her terminal illness broke last time, she took the opportunity to kick some people away, but it seems she didn't manage to kick them all away.

Although Zhang Min said this, she secretly arranged for someone to go to Guangdong Province to see what the other party actually had.

"Mr. Min is awesome!" Liu Jing praised him.

Zhang Min snorted lightly, with disdain and self-mockery, "So, Xiaoxue's exposure is only worth two million. Her family is too greedy; if they asked for ten million, the other party would have given it to them."

"You can't calculate things like that," Liu Jing said, both amused and exasperated.

"Why can't it be calculated like this? Qianqian just called me; she's already prepared everything. The public relations expenses are ten million, and she wants me to reimburse her." Zhang Min smiled; the fact that she could still joke meant the relationship was still intact. If even a joke couldn't be made, this relationship wouldn't just be a simple rift.

"Eating from both ends," Liu Jing muttered.

"She didn't ask you to reimburse her too, did she?" Zhang Min asked in surprise.

"Twenty million." Liu Jing looked gloomy. Qianqian wasn't worried that he wouldn't give it to her; she felt that the twenty million she had just lent to Shu Chang was about to disappear.

"Uh, hahahaha..."

A hearty laugh rang out from the office, faintly drifting outside and echoing down the corridor.

The atmosphere in the entire company instantly lightened up because of this burst of laughter.

(End of this chapter)