This director only directs blockbusters.

"Jiang Zhiqiang just spoke to me on the phone, he said it himself!" Han Shanping sat down opposite him, poured himself a cup of tea, his hands still trembling slightly.

He said that several major distributors in Hollywood are inquiring about you, asking about the background of this Chinese director.

Toho Japan has offered to sign the Japanese distribution rights for your next film!

The aroma of tea filled the air. Han Shanping pushed the teacup towards Yang Ning, his tone softening, but his eyes shone even brighter.

"Yang Ning, what did I say to you when you came to see me six months ago?" he asked.

"You said this is a gamble."

"Yes, gambling." Han Shanping nodded, "but I didn't expect the winnings to be so large."

He leaned forward: "Now it's all over the industry—Han Shanping made the right bet, China Film Group has struck gold."

Yesterday, the leaders of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television held a meeting and specifically praised "The Purple Cloud Era" for "achieving a breakthrough in the internationalization of Chinese films." This sounds like empty talk, but do you know what it really means?

Yang Ning knew this, of course. It meant the official stance had been set, and that things would be much smoother from now on.

"So," Han Shanping leaned back in his chair and smiled, "I heard your new notebook is out? Let me take a look."

This time, the attitude is completely different from six months ago. Back then, it was about scrutiny and weighing the options. Now, it's about anticipation and initiative.

Yang Ning took a folder out of his bag and handed it over.

Han Shanping took it, opened the first page, and raised an eyebrow: "Dragon Shield Crisis: South African Rampage? That's a catchy title."

He looked quickly, but very carefully. When he saw the budget of 220 million, he didn't even frown.

"Seventy million more than 'Purple Clouds'." He looked up. "Why?"

"Upgraded scale, international production." Yang Ning succinctly stated, "《紫霄》 proved that we can make special effects blockbusters, and this one will prove that we can make hardcore action films that sell globally."

"The cast..." Han Shanping laughed when he saw Nicholas Tse's name. "You always pick the best value for money."

"He needs to turn things around, and we need people with real skills," Yang Ning said. "It's a win-win situation."

Han Shanping continued flipping through the pages. When he saw the settings such as helicopter cableway pursuit and port moving maze, he tapped his fingers lightly on the paper.

"These shots have never been filmed in China before."

"That's why we need to make films," Yang Ning said. "If you're always following behind others, you'll never get anything."

Han Shanping closed the folder without speaking immediately. He lit a cigarette, took a drag, and slowly exhaled.

Through the smoke, he looked at Yang Ning.

"Tell me, what are your conditions this time?"

straightforward.

Yang Ning didn't mince words: "I want the copyright. As the screenwriter and director, I'll take 20% of the film's net profit. Not the box office, but the net profit after deducting all costs."

Han Shanping flicked his cigarette ash: "A 20% net profit... Do you know how much net profit 'Purple Cloud Era' could ultimately achieve based on its current trajectory?"

"A rough estimate is at least 500 million," Yang Ning said.

"If you take 20%, that's 100 million." Han Shanping stared at him. "One film, and you personally get 100 million. This has never happened before in the history of Chinese cinema."

"So we need you to set this precedent." Yang Ning met his gaze. "And I deserve it—I can earn you even more."

The office was silent for a few seconds.

The cigarette burned slowly between Han Shanping's fingers.

Then he laughed, the kind of laugh that says, "I knew you'd say that."

"What about the investment structure?"

"China Film Group will invest 40%, totaling 80 million. Jiang Zhiqiang will invest 30%, totaling 66 million. Shanghai Film Group and Huayi Brothers will each invest 15%, totaling 30 million each."

Yang Ning had already prepared, "A total of 220 million. If that's not enough, we can add more later, but let's stick with this initial budget."

"What about Huayi Brothers..."

"The Wang brothers are shrewd, but they know their stuff," Yang Ning said. "The success of 'Purple Clouds' speaks for itself; they know they can make money by following us. And with you in charge, they can't cause any trouble."

These words struck a chord with Han Shanping. He nodded and stubbed out his cigarette.

"I can give you the copyright. 20% of the net profit..." He paused, "I'll talk to the higher-ups. But there are two conditions."

"Please speak."

"First, the film must be safe." Han Shanping held up one finger. "The theme of protecting Chinese scientists is excellent, but in its implementation, we must be careful to strike the right balance. There can be no political risks—that's the red line."

"clear."

"Secondly," he held up a second sign, "we'll sign a five-year strategic cooperation agreement. Over the next five years, China Film Group will have priority investment rights in your projects. Specific terms can be discussed, but the overall framework needs to be finalized."

An old fox. Always calculating the long-term consequences.

Yang Ning smiled: "Okay. But China Film's terms must be the best in the market—including the investment ratio, profit sharing mechanism, and publicity resources, all of which must be clearly stated."

"Of course," Han Shanping laughed. "I'm treating you like a treasure right now, how could I possibly mistreat you?"

This was said half-jokingly, but it revealed the truth.

The success of "The Purple Cloud Era" transformed Yang Ning from a young director whom China Film Group needed to assess into a core asset that they had to firmly hold onto.

"The tea's gone cold, let's make another brew." Han Shanping got up and boiled water again, his movements swift and efficient. "Have a meeting this afternoon, and explain the project in detail to each department. Now, whatever you say, they'll listen to—no one dares to question you."

The water has boiled. The freshly brewed tea has an even richer aroma.

"Yang Ning," Han Shanping said as he poured tea, "do you know what I admire most about you?"

"Please advise me, Chairman Han."

"It's not your talent—there are plenty of talented people." Han Shanping pushed the teacup towards him. "It's that you know when to brew tea and when to ask for a price."

Six months ago you asked for 1.2 million, but it ended up being 1.5 million – that's a rash move. Now you're asking for a 20% cut – that's demanding. And you're doing it with a clear conscience, because you have results to back it up.”

He picked up his teacup: "In this industry, too many people either don't dare to take the plunge, or they don't dare to accept the offer. You dare, and you can do it. That's called skill."

The teacups touched lightly.

They both took a sip. The tea was excellent, and the timing was perfect.

The afternoon meeting took place in the main conference room, which was packed to capacity.

Yang Ning stood in front of the projection screen, flipping through the PowerPoint slides one by one. Global box office data, new project outlines, budget breakdowns, shooting schedules…

The audience was completely silent. No one whispered or looked down at their phones—it wasn't like this six months ago.

After he finished speaking, the CFO was the first to raise his hand, but his tone had completely changed: "Director Yang, with a budget of 220 million, what kind of technical support do you need for the special effects? Let's connect with resources in advance."

The head of the distribution department continued, "For overseas distribution, should we communicate with film festivals like Cannes and Venice in advance? We can send people to pave the way first."

The head of production was even more practical: "We have resources for the local partners filming in South Africa; we can contact them immediately if needed."

The questions have all become "how to cooperate" instead of "why is it so expensive".

This is the power of discourse that comes with success.