Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 716 The Billion-Dollar Club: Shanda Literature's Last Stand

In November, the weather in Beijing was already quite cool.

Under the gray sky, the sound of pigeon whistles still echoed loudly in the alleys of the old city.

An old man wearing a thick cotton-padded coat walked slowly, carrying a birdcage. The white breath he exhaled mingled with the chirping of the thrush inside the cage.

Inside the high-rise buildings, it's like another world.

The white-collar workers, hurrying along, wrapped themselves tightly in their coats, holding steaming hot coffee in their hands, and plunged into the revolving door, shutting out the winter chill.

This is a season of transition, and also an era of transition.

Just like Chinese films right now.

China Film Group, Chairman's Office.

Han Sanping was stunned when he heard the number reported by his secretary.

"A billion?"

One second he was still so angry about the petty things between Yu Dong and Zhang Weiping that his liver hurt.

The next second, a number of "billion" just floated down on us.

This made him feel much better.

Although he knew that the billion-dollar mark wouldn't stop "Interstellar," he still felt a sense of reassurance when his own director's work reached that milestone.

That's how he felt after witnessing the box office grow from ten million to one hundred million and now to one billion.
Times have truly changed.

However, everything is moving in a positive direction.
"It should be about two more years."

Han Sanping stood up with a smile, feeling a sense of loss.

The news that Interstellar had grossed over 1 billion yuan at the domestic box office spread like wildfire across the internet.

This time, the media was very excited.

Because, just yesterday, Interstellar's cumulative box office had quietly surpassed that of Transformers 3.

Now, all that remains in front of it is the ultimate peak of Avatar, which cost $13.5 billion.

Everyone believed that it was only a matter of time before the mountain was moved.

The media reacted quickly.

[One Billion! Interstellar sets a new record for the fastest film to surpass one billion yuan in Chinese film history]

[The Road to Glory! Interstellar Surpasses Transformers 3 at the Box Office, Aiming for the Top Spot in Chinese Film History!]

Wu Chen sets a new record, becoming the first director to join the billion-yuan club.

Liu Yifei becomes the first Chinese actress to star in a film that grosses over 1 billion yuan, joining the "1 Billion Yuan Actress Club".

Compared to the reactions of the media and netizens, the response was much more direct and enthusiastic.

"A billion! I participated in a billion-dollar project! I contributed three tickets! One for 2D, one for 3D, and one for IMAX! I'm so proud!"

"Another film has grossed over a billion yuan; finally, a Chinese director has appeared."

Is there a chance that it will surpass Avatar next week?

"Wow, how many years will it take for someone to break Liu Yifei's record?"

"."

Wu Chen and Liu Yifei both entered the billion-dollar club. Although they belong to different clubs, they are both unique in their respective fields.
There were many congratulatory messages.

For Liu Yifei, regardless of whether they are big or small actresses, those who are envious or jealous will leave a comment below, but whether they are sincere is hard to say.

As Yang Mi sent out congratulatory messages, she also felt a little sad.

After being sidelined by Chen Kaige's "Caught in the Web," her professional image suffered a significant blow, and to make matters worse, misfortunes never come singly.
"Are you sure? Paparazzo Zhuo's Fengxing Studio took photos of him entering and leaving my residence in Beijing?"

"Yes, confirmed." Zeng Jia said helplessly.

"Now you have no choice but to turn the tables and announce your relationship. The company has planned to use this to shift your focus from 'career setback' to 'bravely acknowledging your love.'"
His image should be able to turn around and resolve this crisis. Perhaps a more honest attitude could even win him a lot of goodwill and blessings from passersby.

To be honest, she thought Yang Mi had terrible taste, but there was no other way at this point.

"Ok!"

As Yang Mi watched the congratulatory comments from industry professionals pop up one after another under Liu Yifei's Weibo post, she felt a strange pang of sadness.

While the industry and the public were discussing the matter, Wu Chen was at home watching TV with Liu Yifei.

Liu Yifei sat cross-legged on the sofa, holding a bag of potato chips in her arms, watching intently.

Her small mouth pursed and then widened in sync with the plot, her bright eyes fixed on the screen. She didn't even notice Wu Chen walking up to her. The TV was showing the wildly popular drama, "Empresses in the Palace."

On the screen, Consort Hua, in a high-pitched voice, rolled her eyes at the camera and uttered her classic line: "A bitch is just pretentious!"

"Is it that pretty?"

Wu Chen leaned closer, took a look, and looked somewhat puzzled.

"It looks good!" Liu Yifei didn't even turn her head. She simply took a chip from the bag, popped it precisely into her mouth, and mumbled:
"At first, I didn't believe Changchang when she recommended it to me. But after watching a few episodes, I was completely hooked. The revenge plot is really exciting to watch."

Wu Chen smiled.

"I think there's something wrong with the title. Instead of 'The Legend of Zhen Huan,' it should be called 'Emperor Yongzheng and His Women.'"

"Haha, you've chosen a pretty good name."

Liu Yifei was finally amused by him, turned around and punched him lightly.

Wu Chen's gaze swept across the screen and landed on the actress playing Consort Hua.

"Speaking of which, Jiang Xin, you two acted together in 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' before. You two had a pretty good relationship."

"It's alright! We still exchange messages occasionally!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei slapped her thigh as if she had remembered something important. "Oh dear! If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have been so engrossed in watching her performance that I forgot to call and congratulate her!"

The TV series "Empresses in the Palace" is indeed incredibly popular, and its main actors are receiving a lot of attention.

Listening to Liu Yifei's cheerful laughter and Jiang Xin's clear voices on the phone, Wu Chen couldn't help but shake his head and smile.

Sometimes, Liu Yifei's little head does indeed have a bit of a silly side.

The crew of "Arrow on the String" in Hengdian.

Jiang Xin hung up the phone, a slightly flattered smile still on her face.

Although she and Liu Yifei do contact each other occasionally, it's mostly through text messages.

This is the first time I've ever had someone call me directly and we've talked for so long like this.

Moreover, Liu Yifei has now flown far too high.

Cannes Best Actress, Oscar nominee, and the global lead actress in "Interstellar".
Not to mention actresses who are still struggling in the second or third tier, even the most popular actresses in the industry are incredibly envious.

"Sister Xin, could it be Liu Yifei on the phone? I think I heard her voice," a young girl playing a supporting role asked curiously as she leaned over.

Seeing this, Jiang Xin smiled and nodded.

"Wow! It really is her! I'm a fan of hers." The little girl's eyes lit up instantly.

The rest of the crew, upon hearing this name, all turned to look, their eyes filled with envy and curiosity.

Who doesn't know the resources Liu Yifei represents now?
Sometimes, the difference between acquaintances and strangers can be significant at crucial moments, especially since Starry Sky Pictures tends to favor acquaintances when it comes to resources.
Wu Chen wasn't very interested in "Empresses in the Palace".

He picked up his phone and refreshed the industry news.

Currently, globally, besides his own "Interstellar," the most eye-catching works are those from Marvel.

The first poster for "The Avengers" has been completed and released globally.

Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye.
Familiar characters appeared together on a poster, exuding a powerful aura. Each of these heroes, taken individually, has a huge fan base.

Now that they have come together, the buzz they've generated is unprecedented.

Wu Chen couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Marvel, or rather Disney, is finally about to start releasing films in droves.

"IP Universe"

The word clearly appeared in Wu Chen's mind.

Leaving aside traditional historical and mythological IPs in China that do not have copyright issues, Shanda Literature is undoubtedly the largest IP treasure trove in China at present.

Chen Tianqiao hasn't given up yet and plans to make one last push next year to launch an IPO.

Goldman Sachs and Starry Sky are also ready to conduct a new round of financing for Shanda Literature.

However, Wu Chen also knew that the founding team of Shanda Literature, led by Wu Wenhui, was currently challenging Hou Xiaoqiang and Chen Tianqiao to reclaim the share of profits that belonged to their founding team.

This internal strife has doomed Chen Tianqiao's attempt to launch an IPO next year to fail once again.

That was the time when he took action against Shanda Literature.

"Hopefully, things won't get too out of hand."

Wu Chen pondered silently in his heart.
(End of this chapter)