The Fleeting Years of Chinese Entertainment

Lin Mo, who had initially felt a pang of regret for having spent so much on favors, now felt it was all worthwhile.

After all, the biggest "obstacle" to his relationship with Liu Yifei has been removed, something that no amount of favors could buy back.

"Boss, the banquet is about to begin, you should head over now..."

Standing not far from Lin Mo, Xiao Min watched as Liu Yifei and her daughter left completely, and her boss was still standing there dumbfounded. She couldn't help but step forward and remind him.

"Huh? Oh... okay, I'll be right there."

The dinner for "The Crowd"... it would be more accurate to call it a social gathering for filmmakers.

Lin Mo, as the host, was busy running around, toasting and drinking with the "big shots" who came.

Lin Mo would talk more to those of high status and big names, but he would just gloss over those of lower status who were just there to broaden their horizons with their superiors.

"Haha... Director Lin, seeing is believing! You're much more handsome than you appear on TV."

Cheng Long walked towards Lin Mo with his signature smile.

"Brother, it's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for gracing us with your presence," Lin Mo replied with a smile.

"Hey... Director Lin, what are you saying? You're currently the highest-grossing director in China. I'm the one who should feel honored to receive your invitation," Jackie Chan joked.

"Hehe... Brother, you flatter me. You are now the top star in the country. I should be the one who feels honored."

"You're just being modest. If you don't mind... I'll call you Mo-zai?" Cheng Long squinted his eyes and probed slightly.

Lin Mo couldn't figure out what kind of trouble Cheng Long was trying to cause by being so "close" to him, but he decided to remain calm and wait for the right opportunity.

However… there was an unavoidable scrutinizing quality in their gazes as they looked at Cheng Long.

"Of course I don't mind, brother, please do as you please."

Seeing Lin Mo's rather scrutinizing gaze, Cheng Long chuckled and said:

"You figured it out, haha... Director Lin, is there ever a chance to work together? I really love the movies you make."

Cheng Long decided to explore further, so he put his free arm on Lin Mo's shoulder.

Lin Mo felt slightly uncomfortable being hugged by Cheng Long; it has to be said that these action actors are incredibly strong.

"Hehe... Big brother, you're too expensive!" Lin Mo said, subtly shaking off Cheng Long's arm.

Cheng Long didn't say much about Lin Mo's actions, after all, he had already achieved his goal of testing Lin Mo.

Moreover, Lin Mo is no longer the kind of small director who can be manipulated at will; he still needs to be given the respect he deserves.

"I know you don't lack investment right now, Mo Zai, so I won't mention investing money in you. I genuinely want to work with you once. I can lower my fee for the role, so... could you consider it?"

Seeing Cheng Long, who had already lowered his stance, Lin Mo's heart stirred slightly.

After all, he's currently worried about how to repay all the favors he owed from a while ago in one go!

Collaborating with Jackie Chan, a big name with considerable international influence, could be quite promising.

Moreover, as a director, Lin Mo had always been eager to make a blockbuster, and Jackie Chan's initiative to visit him was exactly what he wanted.

After all, Jackie Chan has no shortage of fame and influence. The reason he's declining is simply because he lacks a good script.

As for hit scripts... they're really not a problem for Lin Mo!

"Since you're being so kind, I can't refuse. We can work together, but besides the payment, I have another question..."

Seeing Lin Mo's sudden reluctance to stop, Cheng Long understood Lin Mo's meaning after a moment's thought.

The power of discourse! Lin Mo wanted to have complete control over the discourse of filmmaking.

To be honest... Jackie Chan's status on film sets now, while not necessarily higher than the director's, is definitely not lower.

Of course, this only applies to China, and it excludes top domestic directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige.

Although Lin Mo can be considered a top director in China, he is still too young and lacks experience.

Cheng Long's initial probing was also to see if Lin Mo was an easy person to talk to.

pity…

"Hehe... Director Lin, please feel free to ask any questions. I'm all ears," Cheng Long said with a smile, his tone vague.

"As you know, although I haven't been in this industry for long, I've already achieved some success. I believe I have some experience in filmmaking."

Jackie Chan nodded, agreeing with what Lin Mo said. After all, no director in China other than Lin Mo could make 3 million US dollars for a movie.

However, Cheng Long still felt that Lin Mo's words were implied, and if he was right... Lin Mo's main point might be coming soon!

Lin Mo smiled as he looked at Cheng Long, who was patiently waiting for what would happen next, and continued:

"Brother, as you know, the most taboo thing on a film set is the division of power among directors, which prevents them from effectively coordinating and directing the crew, so..."

Cheng Long understood. He was right. Lin Mo did indeed want to control the narrative during filming, and he wanted absolute control.

To be honest... after being in this industry for so many years, and finally reaching the point where he can "point fingers" on set, Jackie Chan is really reluctant to give up this power.

However… the complete flop of “Around the World in 80 Days” caused him to lose all his influence in Hollywood; that’s how it is in North America…

When you can bring them benefits, they will beg you to make movies on their knees. But once your movies fail at the box office, they will immediately become disdainful of you and won't even look at you.

Having finally made up his mind to return to China to develop his career, he wanted to take this opportunity to prepare his resources and make a comeback in Hollywood.

However, the box office failure of "New Police Story" made Jackie Chan himself start to lose some confidence.

After hesitating for a long time, Jackie Chan finally made up his mind and said, "Director Lin, if we can really work together, I'll give you the final say. You can decide how to film it, and I won't say a word more."

Hearing that Jackie Chan no longer called him "Mo Zai" and instead addressed him as "Director Lin," Lin Mo naturally felt Jackie Chan's "sincerity."

"Hehe... Brother, you've already put it this way, so I have no choice but to agree. It seems you're really sincere. Alright, I agree."

Lin Mo said with a smile…