The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 32 Getting Anxious

Zhang Nengshou looked at Shen Shandeng with a newfound caution.

Young people are terrifying!
Han Sanping recovered from his mahjong game and patted Shen Shandeng on the shoulder: "It's understandable that young people want to make a career, but they can't be too eager for quick success."

"Don't be impatient. I heard you're releasing it this year, around November. Why the rush?"

Shen Shandeng did not hide anything: "I was mainly after 'Paperclip'."

"If Cannes doesn't give Paperclip a special favor, then the film festivals he can attend will be in August or September. That would be the Toronto International Film Festival or the Venice Film Festival."

"If it's released, I hope it will be at the end of September or mid-to-late October, and I can benefit from the popularity of 'Paperclip'."

Han Sanping paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered something: "Xiao Liao, I left my cup in the car, could you bring it to me?"

Seeing that the secretary had been sent away, Zhang Nengshou, despite his curiosity, quickly said, "Director, there's a scene I need to confirm personally. Director Shen, please excuse me for a moment."

Shen Shandeng saw him off, saying, "Director Zhang, please just call me Xiao Shen."

"Director Shen, the production team will prioritize your opinion," Zhang Nengshou quickly stated.

Judging from the situation, anyone who blocks Shen Shandeng's path is blocking Han Sanping's path.

Moreover, based on what he knew, Shen Shandeng was a man of action.

He also demonstrated the same attitude towards those who are truly dedicated to their work.

If "The Eunuch" were actually made, it would definitely be a huge highlight in his career.

Just like Chen Hui boasted that his father was involved in the "Farewell My Concubine" project, who knows, in the future, Zhang Nengshou will also have something to brag about for the rest of his life at the dinner table.

Thinking of this, Zhang Nengshou felt a surge of excitement and understood Han Sanping's feelings.

No one could refuse such an opportunity that they could brag about for a lifetime.

Han Sanping and the others walked away, their tone becoming increasingly harsh: "Why are you even considering getting involved with 'Paperclip'? What are you trying to gain by associating with it?"

Shen Shandeng analyzed: "The Venice Film Festival has always been very friendly to us, and artistic director Marco Müller is an old friend of ours."

Han Sanping almost lost control of his expression: "Just because someone compliments you a few times doesn't mean you should treat them like a friend. And don't use the term 'old friend' carelessly. Do you know how difficult it is to be our old friend now?"

"Can't you even tell the difference between what others do and what they say?"

The old man was so agitated that he didn't understand why, so Shen Shandeng quickly advised him, "Don't get agitated."

Han Sanping said with great distress: "I always thought you were a very clear-headed kid. Hollywood is eyeing us covetously. How could you not know that Europe and America are one cultural family? Of course, there are differences, but for them, these differences are internal conflicts. What are they for us?"

"The legitimacy of the Eight-Nation Alliance hasn't disappeared yet. What happened to your grand pronouncements at the project launch meeting? Your assessment of the three major European powers was very accurate. How come you're confused now?"

Shen Shandeng explained, "I mean, the Venice Film Festival is very likely to give the award to the director of Paperclip, that's why."

Han Sanping said impatiently, "What's it to you?"

Shen Shandeng retorted, "How can it have nothing to do with me? If he wins the Venice Film Festival, that would be a wonderful story."

"This is an Oscar-winning director, a winner of the Venice Golden Lion and the Berlin Golden Bear, a two-time Golden Lion winner and a two-time Golden Bear winner, and a guest of honor at the Oscars and the three major European awards."

"Just imagine, a second Golden Lion win—a source of pride for the Chinese people, our glory! The movie will be a huge success, with drums and firecrackers going off everywhere. It'll definitely create a movie-going frenzy, and I'll get to share in the glory!"

Han Sanping felt his blood pressure rising, his head throbbing, and he was almost ready to strike: "What are you trying to take advantage of? What advantage do you have to take advantage of! You yourself said he's a guest of honor at the Oscars and the three major European conferences, whose advantage is he? Is it ours? What advantage are you trying to take advantage of? If anyone's going to take advantage, it's your turn!"

Shen Shandeng asked in surprise and doubt: "No, factory director, what do you mean by that?"

Han Sanping blinked: "What did I say? I didn't say anything!"

"As for you, you need to reflect on this. Don't always think about taking shortcuts at such a young age. Forget about 'Paperclip' and don't rush it. You can release it next year, in June or July. I'll make sure you get a good release date then."

"We'll put Hollywood blockbusters ahead of you to pave the way, and then give you two weeks to ensure the best release date. You'll have plenty of time for production, so there's no need to rush or get stressed."

Shen Shandeng shook his head and refused: "Director, I think this kind of crude market intervention is not advisable. Even if the movie is successful, it will still have flaws. You also said that we can't take shortcuts."

"You little brat, can't you understand human language? I can make Hollywood obey me, that's my skill. That's the confidence the country gives me. You want other countries to protect their industries? Do they have sovereignty? Can they do it?"

Han Sanping stopped pretending and started cursing in his hometown dialect: "Don't be foolish. You won't get any benefits from this. There's no benefit for you to gain. This is a very complicated situation. Just focus on making movies and don't do anything reckless."

Han Sanping, somewhat exasperated, blurted out: "Look at the award-winning films overseas, what are their box office returns in China? If they could guarantee box office success overseas, Jia Zhangke's 'Still Life' won the Golden Lion Award, shouldn't it break records? But what happened? 30."

"They're not playing with movies, it has nothing to do with movies. Movies are just a tool."

No, what's wrong? Why are you getting angry?
Shen Shandeng, afraid of upsetting the old man, said, "I actually think so too."

"Don't worry about what you think! What you think is useless!" Han Sanping had to completely dispel this idea: "Don't get involved in these things. This is a whirlpool. Once you get caught up in something, you can't get rid of it for the rest of your life. If you can live a clean life, then let's just ignore some things."

Han Sanping talked a lot, because the situation was so complicated that even he couldn't be sure what the future held.

If Shen Shandeng acts cleverly, he is likely to be targeted by both sides. The pressure from all sides will be many times greater than the slogan "a weak country has no art". Either side can easily crush him.

Shen Shandeng said seriously, "Actually, I have read the original novel of 'Paperclip'."

"You've read the original novel?" Han Sanping instinctively denied it, stopping halfway through his sentence. He then broke down a bit, but still held a glimmer of hope: "And then?"

Shen Shandeng said, "You said that with Director Paperclip's talent, according to you, he could be a guest of honor in Hollywood and the Big Three European cinemas."

"First of all, that's what you said. Secondly, spit it out if you have something to say." Han Sanping's composure was about to crumble, and he was starting to lose control.

Shen Shandeng honestly said, "I just felt that with Director Paperclip's expressive power, the film might be even more moving than the original novel."

"Will this cause any problems with the film's release?"

Even if it's successfully released, what if something unexpected happens?

"Even if nothing unexpected happens, will my reputation be ruined? If any link in the chain goes wrong, I can take advantage of the situation."

"With a blockbuster like 'Paperclip' in the release window, other films will definitely avoid it. If I manage to snag a spot, the 'The Eunuch' project can enjoy a two-week uncontested release window, which would be half the battle won."

"You, you, you..." Han Sanping broke down: "Are you kidding me? Are you taking advantage of this? What do you have to do with taking advantage of this?"

Is this alright? Deceiving him, a fifty-year-old comrade!
This isn't the first time!

This isn't the first time!

This isn't the first time!

Han Sanping really wanted Shen Shandeng and Hua Yi to have a showdown; who knows who would bully whom!

Shen Shandeng felt wronged: "I was just afraid you wouldn't understand. If I told you rashly, you might be confused. Now that I think you understand, I don't need to hide it anymore."

Han Sanping was still angry and didn't want to talk to Shen Shandeng anymore: "If you want to make a fortune, remember one thing: keep quiet and don't get involved in anything."

"It seems you know this very well. Remember, if you actually run into it, you've come out ahead. Just take the benefits."

"It's okay to say a few words of regret for the other person, that's fine, just be smart."

Done.

Han Sanping was a little tired.

Shen Shandeng repeatedly assured: "There are some things that can be said but not done, and some things that can be done but not said."

Han Sanping gave him a deep look: "I hope you're really smart. Hurry up and get on with your project. We'll talk about it later if you can catch up."

After calling to his secretary, Han Sanping quickly left.

I don't want to deal with Shen Shandeng for the time being.

It's too emotionally stimulating for him, like a rollercoaster ride. If this happens a few more times, his blood vessels will have problems.

As soon as Han Sanping left, Shen Shandeng immediately announced good news: "President Han had a very high opinion of our work, and the project will receive further support from China Film Group."

Then we immediately arranged communication with the hospital: "We conducted a project demonstration with interested TCM hospitals. We received full support from China Film Group, which is also to promote TCM culture."

"We also told other hospitals that if we succeed, we will greatly promote traditional Chinese medicine. Do you think Western medicine is content to let traditional Chinese medicine be the only one that shines?"

By any means necessary—no, by any means necessary, we'll go to great lengths to get free support from the hospital.

After finishing his work during the day, Shen Shandeng was still busy at night.

"Who did you eat out with tonight? You didn't have a party today." Honey's checking up on him hinted at an impending crisis.

Shen Shandeng had been itching to do it before, and now...
Shen Shandeng was puzzled. Who leaked the secret?
"Sister Bingbing contacted me. If we can get her to join our project, we'll have a top-tier celebrity."

Da Mimi: "Which Bingbing? Is it Li Bingbing?"

"Fan Bingbing".

Oh no, Da Mimi felt like the sky had fallen.

"Could you please not do things behind my back?"

(End of this chapter)