Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 724 The mob
Because of the behemoth that is Interstellar, the final film schedule for this year's Lunar New Year film season was released later than usual.

Many low- to medium-budget films have been observing and hesitating, unable to determine their final release date.

Finally, two days before the premieres of "The Flowers of War" and "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" were to be held, this long-awaited screening schedule was officially released.

Twenty-one films were crammed together like dumplings being dropped into a pot, in the month or so from mid-December to before the Spring Festival.

The number has almost doubled compared to last year.

Immediately, the media used headlines such as "the most brutal in history" and "the most crowded Lunar New Year film season" to describe the upcoming bloody battle.

Within the industry, the situation is even more dire, with widespread lamentations.

You have to understand that the market pie is only so big, and in such a crowded period, not everyone can get a piece of the pie.

The vast majority of films are destined to become cannon fodder.

"This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous! Some movies that were originally scheduled for November and early December have all been rescheduled! Is it really necessary? Now, they're all crammed together!"

"Isn't this all because of the congestion caused by avoiding 'Interstellar'? That thing is fucking bloodsucker!"

"I suggest that we should give Wu Chen's blockbuster a reasonable release schedule! The box office is high, but we can't let everyone else die out, can we? We need to leave a way for small and medium-budget films to survive!"

"Yes! I think it's necessary! We can't give him too much preferential treatment just because he has high box office returns. That's unfair to other films!"

"We've broken the record and made money, so please don't postpone it again. How are we supposed to survive if it's postponed any further?"

Clearly, some people are starting to get restless because of their own interests.

Their goal is singular: to exert pressure through rhetoric, hoping that Interstellar will not be delayed.

China Film Group, Chairman's Office.

"...Some industry insiders want to unite and complain to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, saying that the release date of 'Interstellar' is too domineering, causing market congestion..."

The secretary reported the collected information to Han Sanping.

Han Sanping was so angry he laughed after hearing this.

"These people, is it because the sun isn't shining that the rooster is crowing too loudly? If the audience doesn't like their own movies, is it because other movies are too good? What kind of bullshit logic is that!"

He waved his hand, indicating to his secretary that he didn't need to say anything more.

"Ignore them. They're just a bunch of rabble; they can't cause any trouble."

To be honest, he has done more than enough to protect domestic films over the years.

Various protective measures were taken, and the baby was fed almost hand-in-hand.

The results of it?
They've raised a bunch of overgrown children.

When their own films are bad, they never look for the reasons within themselves; they always blame the bad release schedule or the strong competition.

"Okay." The secretary nodded.

"By the way, submit the extension request for 'Interstellar' today."

Having been in the industry for so many years, how could he not know the true purpose of this group of people?

However, even if Zhang Weiping and Yu Donglian joined forces, in his view, the delay of "Interstellar" was a foregone conclusion.

……

"mob."

In Bona's office, Yu Dong shook his head helplessly after learning the news.

To think that he could put pressure on Interstellar in this way? In his opinion, that was simply wishful thinking.

He knew his old boss's temperament all too well.

After thinking for a moment, he picked up the phone and called Han Sanping. "Old boss, I wasn't involved in any of those rumors going around."

"Hmm." Han Sanping simply responded noncommittally on the other end of the phone.

He was aware of this.

On the other hand, Zhang Weiping, though not as far ahead, was naturally pleased with this situation.

If he can really "discourage" people from watching "Interstellar," it would be a huge boon for his "The Flowers of War."

Just as he was happily making plans, his assistant knocked on the door and came in, whispering a few words in his ear.

Zhang Weiping's face instantly darkened.

"you sure?"

"It's confirmed. Someone did see Bale, Director Zhang, Wu Chen, and Liu Yifei having dinner together."

"You can leave now." Zhang Weiping waved his hand, and after his assistant left, he finally couldn't help but grit his teeth and growl.

"Zhang! Yi! Mou!"

In his view, Zhang Yimou's actions were nothing short of blatant betrayal!
The film's lead actor arrived in Beijing ahead of schedule, and the producer didn't even know a word of it!
Moreover, they were having dinner with Wu Chen and the others!
Meanwhile, in Beijing, at a private restaurant called "Li Family Cuisine".

This restaurant, hidden deep in a hutong, has no signboard or menu. What you eat depends entirely on the owner's mood and culinary skills that day.

This wasn't Bell's first time in Beijing, so Wu Chen naturally wouldn't take him to eat Peking duck or similar dishes.
"Chris, I owed you a meal before. Today, I'm making up for it," Wu Chen said with a smile, raising his teacup.

"cheers!"

Bell also raised his glass, speaking in his still somewhat broken Chinese.
Several exquisite dishes were already laid out on the table.

Jade tofu, fermented bean curd, stir-fried salted vegetables, mustard greens... these are all seemingly ordinary, yet highly skilled traditional Beijing dishes.

“This dish is very interesting.” Bell pointed to the plate of dark, fermented bean curd and asked curiously, “It smells very unique.”

"This is fermented bean curd, made from mung beans. It's served with stir-fried pickled mustard greens and green beans, drizzled with mutton fat, and has a very unique flavor," Zhang Yi explained with a smile.

The group chatted happily, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

After a few rounds of drinks and several dishes, the conversation naturally turned to Wu Chen and Liu Yifei's engagement.

"What a coincidence!"

Bell and Zhang Yimou already knew about their engagement date, Bell couldn't help but sigh at this moment.

"You're the main creators, so don't worry, you'll definitely be included in the wedding celebrations." Wu Chen smiled, his gaze shifting from Bell to Zhang Yimou. "Right, senior? Next time, you'll have to double your red envelope. You can't forget about my engagement to Yifei."

Because the engagement date coincided with the release date of "The Flowers of War," neither Zhang Yimou nor Bale could attend. Even though they had fallen out with Zhang Weiping, they couldn't give up on the film.

"Hahaha, you guys will definitely get your share!" Zhang Yi laughed loudly upon hearing this, then asked, "By the way, will Old Mu be going?"

"The teacher will go. He replied to me a long time ago."

"Mmm." Zhang Yi nodded.

That's normal. Wu Chen is Mu Deyuan's most outstanding disciple. Even if the engagement were to take place abroad, Mu Deyuan would probably still fly over.

"By the way, Wu," Bell's curiosity resurfaced, "why did you choose that day? I bet you had a special reason for it, right?"

“Hmm.” Wu Chen turned around and glanced at Liu Yifei beside him. “Because that day was the first time we officially met.”

"Wow!" Bell exclaimed in a slightly exaggerated tone, quite adept at livening up the atmosphere. He raised his glass, turned to Liu Yifei, and said, "Crystal, congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

Liu Yifei smiled.

For a moment, she felt as if her hair was being gently blown by a warm breeze, and as if there was a sweet scent in the air.
(End of this chapter)