It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 278 Generous with other people's money? Or short-sighted? (Seeking monthly votes)
Tuesday morning, May 29th.

A considerable number of people had already gathered in the Ruishijie conference room.

Looking around, almost all of them are CEOs of various companies and investors who have cooperated with Ruishijie.

Han Sanping from China Film Group, Wang Changtian from Enlight Media, Wang Zhonglei from Huayi Brothers Media, Sun Yi'an, the newly appointed vice chairman of Xi'an Film Studio, Ye Ning from Wanda Group... even Dong Ping, the former CEO of Huayi Brothers Media, whom they hadn't worked with in a long time, came.

In addition, Wu Kebo from Orange Sky, who had been pestering Lü Rui recently, also found an excuse to come over early in the morning and refused to leave!
I have to say, this guy has a really thick skin!

But precisely because he was there, the atmosphere in the meeting room was quite delicate at that moment.

It should be noted that Huayi and Orange Sky have a long-standing feud, and the two sides are now at odds, never to speak to each other again.

This directly caused Wang Zhonglei's smile to vanish instantly as soon as he saw Wu Kebo enter the room with a cheerful expression, and he stared intently at the latter.

Some media outlets have summarized it this way: Since its inception, Orange Sky has been like a barnacle, constantly clinging to Huayi Brothers, this "whale," and sucking its blood.

Wu Kebo would naturally not admit to that.

But Wang Zhonglei already hated him to the core, and now that they met, he wished he could rush up and skin him alive and tear out his tendons!

But Wu Kebo took the shamelessness to the extreme.

Even though Wang Zhonglei was glaring at him, he still greeted everyone with a smile.

Lu Rui chose to ignore this scene.

As far as he was concerned, as long as those two didn't start fighting in front of him today, he didn't care what they did.

At this moment, Ren Zhonglun walked into the conference room.

He didn't rush to sit down, but instead fixed his gaze on Lü Rui and asked with a smile, "Chairman Lü, will you be attending the 10th Shanghai International Film Festival this month?"

As a leading state-owned film and television company in Shanghai, Shanghai Film Group is naturally one of the organizers of the Shanghai International Film Festival.

If the film festival is a great success, Ren Zhonglun, as the chairman of Shanghai Film Group, will be able to achieve tangible political achievements.

Therefore, he especially hoped that Lü Rui could be present to lend his support.

But upon hearing this, Lü Rui put down the documents in his hand and shrugged helplessly at him:

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ren, I'm afraid I don't have time. A movie I wrote will be released in Hollywood in the middle of the month, and I have to go there to attend the premiere. I really can't get away."

What he didn't mention was that another reason was that the chairman of the jury for this year's Shanghai International Film Festival was Chen Kaige.

He and Chen Kaige never clicked, so he naturally didn't want to get involved in the drama if he could avoid it.

Tian Zhuangzhuang had previously mentioned that his Go-themed film, "Wu Qingyuan," had been nominated and had a good chance of winning an award.

"Fine……"

Ren Zhonglun showed a slight disappointment on his face, but he didn't try to persuade him further.

He knew that Lü Rui's current focus was on the international market, and the release of a Hollywood film was indeed a big deal.

"But don't worry, the other directors in the company will be there too," Lu Rui added. "Zhao Peng, Shen Ao, and Ning Hao are all available. We'll have them represent Rui Vision at the conference so they can exchange ideas with people in the industry."

Upon hearing this, Ren Zhonglun immediately perked up, clapped his hands, and said:
"Hey? That works too! I'll arrange everything for them when they arrive. I'll take care of their food, lodging, and itinerary. I'll make sure they eat and drink well in Shanghai and also promote the new project."

"Then I'll have to trouble Chairman Ren."

"No trouble at all, it's nothing..."

As they spoke, the people in the conference room gradually arrived.

After everyone had taken their seats, Lü Rui cleared his throat and raised his hand to signal for quiet:

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to come. Please take your seats, and the meeting will begin shortly."

Today, I mainly want to talk to you about the "Reversal of Life" project, as well as finalizing the investment share and cooperation details. I hope we can reach a consensus as soon as possible and move the project forward.

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Lu Rui turned to look at Zhao Peng beside him, nodded slightly, indicating that he could begin the project presentation.

As the director of the "Reversal of Life" project, he naturally had to take on the main narration role.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Peng immediately stood up, turned on the projector, and projected the project PPT onto the screen.

Then, his clear and powerful voice echoed in the meeting room:

"Dear CEOs, I will now introduce the basic information about 'Reversal of Life' to you."

This is a romantic fantasy film, with the core story revolving around a male protagonist who experiences 'reverse aging'.

He was born like an old man, but gradually grew younger with time. In this reverse journey of life, he and the female protagonist embarked on a deep love affair that transcended time...

The film has three main selling points: first, the fantastical concept of 'reverse aging'; second, its profound exploration of 'life and time'; and third, its numerous scenes featuring special effects on human figures…

After Zhao Peng finished his introduction, Lü Rui took over the conversation, his tone becoming serious:
"Next, I want to explain to everyone why this movie needs an investment of 3.5 million yuan."

The biggest technical challenge of the project lies in the reverse aging portrait effects. For example, it requires accurately simulating changes in facial muscles and the differences in skin texture between aging and youthful appearance at each stage, from old age to youth and childhood. This part of the technical cost already accounts for more than 30% of the total cost.

Then, he changed the subject and said very frankly, "In addition, I must tell everyone that, according to the team's calculations, the success rate of this project is only 30%."

The domestic market has limited capacity, and a budget of 3.5 million yuan requires extremely high box office returns to break even. Furthermore, expanding into the Southeast Asian market presents significant uncertainties. Therefore, everyone must consider this carefully and avoid blindly following the trend.

What he didn't say was that the 30% success rate only applied to box office revenue; the real profit point was the sale of copyrights.

However, this is a future benefit, and no one knows how much that benefit will be right now, but the risks we have to take right now are very real.

The meeting room fell silent instantly. Everyone looked at each other, their faces full of surprise.

After all, this was the first time Lü Rui had bluntly stated that his project had a low success rate.

In the past, Ruishijie's projects were almost always profitable, so much so that many people were still in shock.

"Mr. Lü, since the success rate is so low, why do you still want to do this project?" Wang Zhonglei frowned, his tone full of confusion.

In his view, there is no need to invest in projects that do not make money.

Lu Rui made no secret of the fact that "the technical challenges overcome by this project will allow the post-production team of Rui Vision to achieve a qualitative leap in their capabilities."

I believe that if Chinese films want to go global, their post-production special effects capabilities must catch up. This project is a 'training exercise,' and now it depends on whether everyone is willing to take a gamble with us.” What he didn't say was that those who were willing to participate would be compensated in other projects even if this project failed.

But for those who are unwilling to join, it will be much more difficult to get on board again in the future!

Essentially, this is still a selection process.

The goal is to select partners with whom we can work more closely in the future, and to eliminate investors who can no longer keep up with the pace and rhythm of Vision's development.

But as soon as he said that, Wang Zhonglei felt immediately unwilling and secretly complained:
"Well, you're really blunt. So you're taking the investors' money just to develop your own team?"

He subconsciously decided not to invest in this project, after all, why would he be generous with other people's money?
Wu Kebo, Dong Ping, and others sitting opposite him were also full of surprise, thinking to themselves that Lü Rui was too straightforward. Who would dare to vote after hearing this?
But the next second, a scene that proved them wrong appeared.

"I'll have one first," Han Sanping said first. "I agree with Chairman Lü's ideas. If Chinese films are to rise, the ability and level of post-production special effects must catch up. China Film Group strongly supports this."

“Shanghai Film Group is following suit!” Ren Zhonglun immediately chimed in. “I believe in Ruishijie’s control capabilities and am willing to contribute to the industry’s technological upgrade.”

“Xi’an Film Studio is joining as well.” Sun Yi’an followed suit without hesitation.

Wang Zhonglei curled his lip, thinking to himself: So you guys are spending the country's money, not your own, of course you don't care, but we're different...

However, before he could finish complaining, Wang Changtian from Enlight Media and Ye Ning from Wanda Group spoke up simultaneously:
"Enlight Media is willing to co-invest."

"Wanda should also take a share to support the expansion of Ruishijie."

The remaining investors were completely dumbfounded.

No?

Don't you guys even consider the project's success rate? And you're already jumping on the bandwagon?
Shouldn't I go back and discuss it with the team?

However, before they could react, Lü Rui had already started tidying up the documents on the table.

Thank you all for your support. I wish us a pleasant collaboration in the future.

"Hey, wait a minute!" Wang Zhonglei suddenly stood up, somewhat anxiously, "Huayi is also investing, they want 5% of the share!"

5% of 3.5 million is 1750 million, which is a sum he can afford to gamble.

Wu Kebo, Dong Ping, and others quickly stood up, eager to echo the sentiment and express their willingness to vote.

But Lu Rui, who had already packed up the documents, laughed and said, "Sorry, we don't need that many investors. Five are enough. Let's have another chance next time. That's all for today. Meeting adjourned."

After saying that, he led Zhao Peng away.

Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, and others also got up and, with their assistants and secretaries, prepared to sign the contract.

In the meeting room, only Wang Zhonglei, Wu Kebo, and others who hadn't received their shares remained, and for a moment they looked at each other in bewilderment.

Is this the end?
Is it really that fast?!
As Wu Kebo walked out of the meeting room, he felt uneasy.

Lü Rui's actions today were very unusual.

They claimed the project had only a 30% success rate, yet so many investors were vying to invest.

I wanted to join in the fun, but I was flatly and decisively rejected...

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed, so he simply turned around and walked quickly toward Lü Rui's office.

Upon seeing Lü Rui, he immediately put on a smile: "Chairman Lü, busy? I've come to talk to you about that cooperation we discussed before. How have you been thinking about it lately?"

Even now, he hasn't given up on his previous idea of ​​working with LaRuiVision to serve Japanese capital.

However, Lü Rui had already lost interest in playing with him.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wu, I've thought it over carefully, and I still think it's better for Ruishijie to develop on its own."

When collaborating with others, disagreements are inevitable, which can hinder the company's development. Therefore, I cannot agree to your proposal.

After saying that, he stood up and picked up the file bag on the table: "Mr. Wu, I have to attend a press conference this afternoon, so I won't see you off. Goodbye."

Wu Kebo stood there, stunned, watching his departing figure, unable to react for a long time.

After a while, he suddenly realized that all his lobbying and flattery over the past few days had been for nothing.
"Is this kid just playing games with me all along?"

His face darkened instantly, and he was both angry and annoyed. He immediately began to hold a grudge against Lü Rui.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhonglei was rushing back to Huayi, his ominous premonition growing stronger.

As soon as he got back to the company, he went straight to Wang Zhongjun's office and told him everything that had happened at Ruishijie that day.

Lu Rui bluntly stated that the project had a low success rate, investors such as China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group were vying to invest, and he himself was rejected when he wanted to invest 5%...

He had hoped to gain his brother's understanding, but to his surprise, Wang Zhongjun flew into a rage as soon as he finished speaking, pointing his finger at him and berating him:
"Are you out of your mind?! Lu Rui is screening potential partners, can't you see that?"
Even if the success rate of a 3.5 million yuan project is only 30%, how many resources and subsequent opportunities can you get by following Ruishijie?

"And what you're doing! You hesitated at first, and only remembered to vote when everyone else was full. You're just pushing away Huayi's chance to get on board!"

Wang Zhonglei lowered his head after being scolded, feeling wronged: "I just thought the success rate was low and I was afraid of losing money... Besides, he made it clear that it was to train his own team, so we don't need to be the ones to suffer the consequences, right?"

"A sucker?"

Wang Zhongjun slammed his fist on the table in anger, “Do you think China Film Group, Enlight Media, and Wanda are all fools?”
What they value is not the profits from this one project, but the long-term partnership with Ruishijie!
Look at Yang Shoucheng of Yinghuang. To cooperate with Ruishijie, he didn't hesitate to offend the entire Hong Kong entertainment circle. That's real guts! You're just short-sighted!

"Then... is there still a chance to salvage the situation?" Wang Zhonglei asked cautiously.

Wang Zhongjun glared at him: "Make amends? Lü Rui has already made his position clear, how can you make amends? In the future, keep a close eye on Rui Vision's movements, and take the initiative to show goodwill when you have the chance. Don't make such a low-level mistake again."

Wang Zhonglei nodded, turned around and walked away dejectedly, his heart filled with regret.

They were kicked out of the game for no reason. This is so unfair!

"And another thing!" Wang Zhongjun's cursing voice chased after him from behind: "Didn't I tell you to stop targeting Fan Bingbing? What the hell are you doing? You've made everyone look bad now."

"I'll make arrangements right away."

"Let me tell you, this is a one-time exception. If you do this kind of short-sighted thing again, I'll find a new manager and replace you!"

"I...I know..."

Wang Zhonglei felt extremely wronged, but dared not argue back, so he could only shrink his head and walk quickly out...

(End of this chapter)