The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 113 The Great Journey, Three Monks (24)

Han Sanping's face was flushed.

"Shandeng! You've come at the perfect time!"

"The preliminary box office figures for Sunday are out. Judging from the trend starting this afternoon, it's estimated to still be around 20 million!"

"Shandeng! You've created an incredible miracle! Three weeks, 340 million! This momentum is terrifying!"

Shen Shandeng corrected, "Without the support of the leadership and the help of China Film Group, there would be no 'The Eunuch' today."

Having secured the benefits and gained control over the cinematic universe, Shen Shandeng will offer some emotional support, considering Old Deng's courage and determination in crucial moments.

"Haha, it's everyone's achievement, and also the audience's support." Han Sanping said modestly, but his smile became even wider.

"I plan to officially launch the promotion on Monday, which is tomorrow, to break the box office record held by 'Titanic' for ten years! 'Titanic's' record of 3.6 million has stood for ten years! It's time to break it! We should completely boost the industry's confidence and sweep away the smog and gloom left by 'The Sin' into the dustbin of history! What do you think?"

Han Sanping stopped pretending and started calling roll when necessary.

Shen Shandeng's heart was also filled with turmoil.

He knew this day would come, but he didn't expect it to come so quickly and so violently.

This is not just a number, but a symbol, a change of era!

Now that he has actually arrived, Shen Shandeng also feels a sense of disbelief.

Shen Shandeng met Han Sanping's gaze with unwavering confidence and determination: "Chairman Han, I completely agree."

"This is not a victory for just one of our films; it is a testament to the size of the Chinese film market and the choices of its audience."

"The success of 'The Eunuch' is a vote cast by the audience with their real money. Breaking records will be a historic moment, telling everyone that Chinese films can do it, and are doing it!"

"It's time to let everyone see what miracles this land can produce. This is a historic moment that deserves to be celebrated."

"Good! Good! Good!" Han Sanping said three times in a row, "I've been waiting for you to say that! Let's work together to write this history!"

Before leaving.

Shen Shandeng brought up the matter of Tian Lili acting as a go-between.

Han Sanping glanced at Liao Yun.

Liao Yun silently shed tears, but still slipped out, making sure to close the door behind her.

"Sigh, like father, like son."

Han Sanping sighed and agreed, "We should meet them. From now on, we should focus on advancing our own projects and not try to win them over. Their lack of interference is a form of support in itself."

“This isn’t the kind of reconciliation we’re talking about, at least not a private one.” Shen Shandeng shook his head instead, saying, “I’m just seeing if there’s a chance to take Marco Müller under my wing.”

"Huh?" Han Sanping couldn't control his expression: "What conditions do you want to set?"

"Even without the necessary conditions, I do have a method that has a high probability of success."

Shen Shandeng explained simply, "Once we take it, we can use it. We're planning the Beijing Film Festival, right? We'll involve them then, and China Film Group will control the market. In the future, if the International Film Festival can do it, we can do it too."

Han Sanping was stunned!

It's impossible not to improve now!

back home.

Shen Shandeng smiled when he saw the small dining table filled with several home-style dishes.

Da Mimi sat cross-legged on the soft carpet, several fashion magazines spread out in front of her, but her mind was not on the glamorous clothes and accessories at all. She rested her chin on her hand.

Upon seeing him, Da Mimi clung to Shen Shandeng like a koala: "Looking at houses today was exhausting, but we found a few great options. Sister Lan is joining the cast of 'Nanjing Nanjing,' and we just saw her off together."

Listening to her chatter, Shen Shandeng stroked the kitten in his arms: "I like everything you choose. If it's hard to choose, we'll buy them all, consider it an investment."

"I'll choose carefully." Da Mimi felt that the two of them would have to live together in the future, so improving their housing situation only required one person. She asked, "How about that dinner party?"

Shen Shandeng didn't take it seriously: "What dinner party? You mean the one about 'Creating Sins'? We're still in talks. I only agreed in principle."

"I want to go too." Da Mimi immediately moved over and hugged his arm, her voice soft and coquettish: "Let me go! I promise I won't say a word, I'll just watch from the side and serve you tea and water! He's the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival!"

"If you want to be a Best Actress, I'll arrange it for you; nothing else is necessary."

Shen Shandeng said, "What are you going to do amidst the flashing swords and shadows? Are you going to watch me eat people, or watch me scare people in all sorts of ways?"

"Ah, what Best Actress?" Yang Mi was stunned.

Shen Shandeng said, "Marco Müller, the Venice Film Festival Best Actress, still has a few years left in her term, I'll arrange it for you then."

"Don't brag!" Da Mimi snapped out of her daze, not believing it.

In her heart, Venice, though not Cannes, is still a temple of art.

Shen Shandeng said, "If I succeed, you'll blow the whistle for me."

Da Mimi covered her mouth.

"I meant blowing into your ear," Shen Shandeng joked.

Da Mimi was still a little unwilling, blinking her big eyes as she tried to prove her worth: "I can help you remember who's being dishonest!"

“No need.” Shen Shandeng laughed and pinched the tip of her nose. “Your battlefield isn’t here. Stay home and work on your boss’s wife manners. Make me comfortable, that’s better than anything else. There are people who are suitable for that kind of occasion.”

"Someone suitable for that kind of occasion?" Da Mimi muttered, then instantly understood: "That bad woman?!"

Bad woman, bad woman!
I promised I wouldn't steal her man!
Shen Shandeng stated that it was all official business: "This is not a good thing. You know I'm with Wu Jing with me. What if a fight breaks out?"

Da Mimi tried to sow discord among Fan Bingbing: "Fan Bingbing has handled these kinds of situations a lot, of course she performs well! She's the best at handling things! She knows how many men she's involved with! Hey! Go get a medical checkup!"

Shen Shandeng quickly replied, "My relationship with her is completely innocent, but my relationship with you is ambiguous."

Da Mimi laughed, her eyes darting around, and said, "I bet you're hiring an assistant. Are you looking for a woman? Hmph, I've heard that your boss is only hiring when he's busy, and when he's not busy?"

“Men,” Shen Shandeng said. “Women can’t keep up with my pace, you know.”

Da Mimi couldn't stand it: "Don't bring everything into that direction."

Shen Shandeng looked innocent: "I didn't."

Da Mimi got straight to the point: "You said you wanted me to be a canary, but even if the cage is golden, I'd still feel suffocated. How about I be your secretary, your little secretary? You can ask me to do things for you, and when you're not busy, hehe."

"Alright, I'll test him with this," Shen Shandeng said with heartache, "Baby, I don't want you to be too tired."

How could I possibly agree to that? If Yang Mi becomes my secretary, how am I supposed to build a harem?

Shen Shandeng felt that it was better to give Da Mi Mi something to do.

Keeping this career-minded woman at home is like locking a husky inside—it'll eventually tear the house apart. It's nothing like the warm and cozy atmosphere of Shen Shandeng's home.

The atmosphere inside the executive suite of a star-rated hotel was not pleasant.

Tian Lili forced a smile on his dark face and raised his small white porcelain teacup: "Mr. Muller, you've come from afar, thank you for your hard work. Mr. Jiang, it's also a rare treat to have a gathering like this, let me first offer a toast to both of you."

Marco Müller, seated in the main seat, nodded slightly and gracefully picked up his teacup.

The Italian man had his hair neatly combed and spoke fluent Chinese with a slight accent: "Director Tian, ​​you're too kind. Returning to China feels like coming home."

He was polite on the surface, but inwardly he cursed the damn Americans for disturbing his vacation.

But since the other party insisted, he couldn't refuse.

From the outside, it may seem that the awards at each Venice Film Festival are selected by a jury, but that is not actually the case.

He is the direct controller of the film festival, with the artistic director in charge of the core planning and overseeing the entire process.

These are long-term positions, some lasting for more than ten or even twenty or thirty years.

The artistic director is responsible to the highest governing body of the Venice Film Festival, a comprehensive cultural foundation, the Venice Biennale.

This foundation is jointly managed by the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Venice City Government, and the Veneto Regional Government, with its highest decision-making body being the Board of Directors.

Due to historical reasons, the United States has a great deal of influence on the board of directors.

The Americans sent Mark Müller to Shen Shandeng in order to win him over or influence him.

And that is exactly his job.

Sinologists who engage in purely academic research will live in poverty; only those who pursue non-academic pursuits can achieve fame and fortune.

Marco Müller's job is to contact, cultivate, and guide Chinese filmmakers and shape Western film culture symbols.

After graduating with a master's degree, he met five generations of directors who were studying at the Beijing Film Academy.

My favorite movies are those by Tian Lili, because they are obscure and difficult to understand.

Now Tian Lili occupies a key position, and they have reaped great rewards.

Marco Müller took a sip of tea, his gaze thoughtfully sweeping over the elegant Chinese-style decor of the private room: "The decor of this hotel is very tasteful, both traditional and modern, like the art of film."

Jiang Zhiqiang reluctantly raised his glass, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep for days, and his once well-fitting suit now looked a bit too big.

"Mr. Muller's personal visit to BJ is an immense honor."

"Mr. Jiang."

Muller gently interrupted him, putting down his teacup. “Let’s not rush into business. Director Tian, ​​I remember when I first came to Beijing Film Academy in the 80s, I felt that pure artistic pursuit atmosphere, which I still miss.”

He turned to Tian Lili, his smile both friendly and subtly condescending.

A look of joy flashed across Tian Lili's dark face: "Yes, in the past, people pursued movies as art. Unlike some people now."

He scoffed, "Treating movies purely as a business, or even as a weapon."

Tian Lili sighed and said, "Mr. Marco, I want to explain to you that we Chinese filmmakers still have an international consciousness and a critical mindset. Not everyone is a sycophant."

“Shen Shandeng is not making movies, he is cultivating a personality cult. There is a problem with our education system, which produces arrogant people like Shen Shandeng.”

“I’ve seen your work; directing programs always produce excellent students.” Muller chuckled inwardly: “The balance between art and commerce is an eternal topic.”

“I remember meeting Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige at the Beijing Film Academy in the 80s. They were all young, but their pursuit of film art was moving. The reason I appreciate Director Tian’s work is precisely because you have continued this insistence on the purity of art.”

Jiang Zhiqiang, feeling extremely uneasy, couldn't help but interject, "Mr. Muller, Director Tian, ​​let's talk about the current situation. The situation with 'The Sin' is very bad right now; the official characterization will be decided soon. If it's really determined that way, I'm completely finished!"

Tian Lili said, "Hasn't Mr. Jiang already offered two projects as a gesture of goodwill?"

"Who am I supposed to invest in? Who am I supposed to direct?" Jiang Zhiqiang said with a wry smile. "That's for the future. I just hope this matter can be put to rest."

Marco Müller frowned slightly, but his tone remained calm: "Mr. Jiang, artistic evaluation should not be subject to political interference. I remember when 'The Creation' was screened in Venice, the audience and critics reacted very enthusiastically. Director Paperclip's exploration of the complexities of human nature is very profound."

"But public opinion is completely against us right now!" Jiang Zhiqiang almost cried. Why were the two people in front of him so out of sorts?
"That brat Shen Shandeng is relentlessly pestering me; my goodwill has been completely ignored!"

Tian Lili took over the conversation, looking embarrassed: "I just spoke with Ma Youde, one of Shen Shandeng's subordinates. Shen Shandeng has agreed to meet in principle."

"However, he asked us to show our sincerity first, and to publicly express our support for 'The Grand Eunuch' and admit that 'The Evil' has problems."

"What?!" Jiang Zhiqiang stood up abruptly, his face ashen. "I've already taken it off the screens! Paperclip has also made a statement! What, is this still happening?!"

Mark Müller frowned as well: "This is indeed a rather unusual demand. Artistic debates should usually be conducted through equal dialogue."

A flicker of alertness crossed Marco Müller's eyes; he saw a familiar shadow in Shen Shandeng's methods.

That's exactly the tactic they used to manipulate Chinese directors: first crush their self-esteem and confidence, then give them limited recognition and a way out.

Tian Lili sighed: "I told you, this kid is incredibly arrogant. Now that he has box office success to back him up, he's even more disdainful of everyone. I argued with Ma Youde, saying that Mr. Muller is the artistic director of an international film festival and came here specifically for this purpose, so he should be given basic respect. But he wouldn't budge an inch, saying that this was the prerequisite for meeting him."

"He's humiliating us!" Jiang Zhiqiang paced back and forth excitedly. "How many years have I been in this industry? Who does Shen Shandeng think he is? If it weren't for the current situation..."

Marco Müller raised his hand to stop Jiang Zhiqiang's outburst: "Mr. Jiang, please control your emotions. We need to analyze this rationally."

He turned to Tian Lili: "Director Tian, ​​what do you think Shen Shandeng's real purpose is? Is it merely to humiliate his opponent, or is there another plan?"

Tian Lili snorted: "I think he's just greedy and unforgiving. After 'The Sin' fell, his 'The Eunuch' monopolized the market. All that talk about 'Chinese core' and 'film industry' is just a pretext to eliminate dissent."

“Art shouldn’t be like this,” Muller sighed. “I have been dealing with Chinese filmmakers for over forty years, from Xie Jin’s ‘The Red Detachment of Women’ to Zhang Yimou’s ‘Raise the Red Lantern,’ from Chen Kaige’s ‘Yellow Earth’ to Jia Zhangke’s ‘Xiao Wu.’ The charm of Chinese cinema lies in its diversity.”

Listening to the two of them still rambling on about their past, a glimmer of despair flashed in Jiang Zhiqiang's eyes.

He originally intended to send Tang Wei up to the dinner party.

Shen Shandeng was young and hot-blooded; let him calm down.

Who knew that now they can't even organize a game!

"Or I could issue a statement, since I've already given you the paperclip."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present understood the implication.

“Mr. Jiang!” Muller raised his voice for the first time: “We are talking about art, not making a deal. Art is not a bargaining chip.”

His tone clearly showed displeasure.

Tian Lili frowned and said, "Old Jiang, are you out of your mind? How can you say such a thing?"

Jiang Zhiqiang slumped into a chair, covering his face with his hands: "Then what do you think I should do? If I do nothing, all my years of business in mainland China will be for naught! Paperclip can go back to Hollywood, but where can I go?"

"You can be high-minded, but I have to survive!"

(End of this chapter)