Huayu: Returned Overseas Chinese

"Mr. Chen, the Shan Hai Jing Cinema has been doing very well this year. When do you plan to open it?"

Seeing that Chen Jingming's expression had relaxed, Han Sanping went straight to the point and asked.

Chen Jingming wasn't surprised. The addition of over two hundred screens to the Shan Hai Jing Cinema was quite a commotion; it would be strange if this "Mountain Eagle" of the film industry were completely unaware. He smiled and explained:

"We are preparing for the opening on New Year's Day. We would appreciate it if Mr. Han would grace us with his presence then."

Originally scheduled to open in mid-November, several cinemas were still behind schedule, so Chen Jingming simply postponed the plan to New Year's Day. Firstly, the finishing touches on the construction would be more secure, and secondly, there weren't any major films releasing at the moment, making the opening more relaxed.

"Haha." Han Sanping laughed immediately. "President Chen, even if you didn't invite me, I would still shamelessly go. I'm more than happy to see you make such a great contribution to the Chinese film industry."

Chen Jingming simply smiled and didn't reply.

Seeing this, Han Sanping inwardly sighed, "Little fox," and then changed the subject:

"I've read the script for 'Nanjing Photo Studio,' and it's expected to be released to the public next month. When do you plan to start production on your end?"

Chen Jingming tapped his fingertips lightly on the sofa armrest, thinking to himself that after all this time, they'd finally gotten to the point, and then he began:

"Chairman Han, Hongyuan Film and Television has another film called 'Bright Sword' that will start filming early next year. 'Nanjing Photo Studio' may have to be postponed for a while. I plan to release this film in 2007, the 70th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre."

"That's certainly something we can wait for, no rush. China Film Group wants a 30% share, how about that?"

After listening for a moment, Han Sanping already understood. He also knew something about this film; it was submitted by overseas Chinese on Chen Jingming's behalf, otherwise the review process might not have been so smooth.

Chen Jingming pondered for a moment. Currently, the domestic film and television industry is not yet fully capitalized. According to data collected by the company, its distribution capabilities account for over 80% of the annual box office. Moreover, regarding cinema chains, apart from a few private enterprises, they are mostly state-owned enterprises, giving China Film Group extremely strong control over them. He slowly nodded:

"Yes. But as the leading party, Hongyuan has the right to control the entire filming plan, and China Film Group must not interfere."

"No problem, you can handle the filming, and I'll take care of the distribution," Han Sanping readily agreed. He wasn't one of those intellectuals who liked to arbitrarily change scripts; he only cared about substantial investments and never turned down anyone.

At this point, Han Sanping looked at Chen Jingming, hesitated for a moment, and tentatively asked:

"Mr. Chen, you're an American of Chinese descent. I'd like to ask if you have any connections over there?"

Chen Jingming was slightly taken aback, then realized what he meant and said with a smile:

"I do have some options, and I have a lot of scripts in hand, but the timing isn't right yet; we have to wait."

Han Sanping's smile deepened:

"Good things come to those who wait. If there are future opportunities for cooperation, would it be feasible to include China Film Group?"

"Okay," Chen Jingming readily agreed, adding, "Promoting Chinese culture is my duty as a person of Chinese descent."

"Good, good, good!" Han Sanping clapped his hands repeatedly, these words resonated with him. He got up to refill Chen Jingming's water, patted him on the shoulder, and said with some words of advice:

"If you encounter any problems in the film and television industry in the future, feel free to come to me. Just because of what you said today, I will protect you."

"Thank you very much, Chairman Han," Chen Jingming said solemnly. His words were not just polite formalities, but sincere.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Han Sanping let Chen Jingming leave. Watching Chen Jingming's disappearing figure, Han Sanping suddenly smiled: "An interesting lad."

……

New Year's Day 2002.

Chen Jingming, dressed in a sharp suit, got out of Xu Hu's car and saw his five roommates standing not far away, squatting and smoking.

"Hey guys, why are you smoking here? Why don't you go inside?"

Chen Jingming walked over and asked curiously.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Liu Tiejun, Li Yang, and the others immediately looked up. Seeing it was Chen Jingming, they all stood up. Wang Hao pulled him aside, and the six of them walked to a corner before lowering their voices to say:

"Jingming, what's going on? Making us wait here for you. Goodness, I just peeked inside, and guess what? It's full of big stars and directors!"

Zhang Yimou, Gong Li, Ge You, Feng Xiaogang, Zhang Guoli, Chen Daoming, Jiang Wen, Wang Zhiwen, Hu Jun, and others.

"Jingming, where is this place? Why are there so many important people here?"

Chen Jingming smiled and said:

"This is my family's movie theater. It's opening today, so please come and support us, brothers."

Upon hearing this, the five brothers' eyes widened instantly. Liu Tiejun glanced at Chen Jingming's well-tailored suit, then at his own men, and was utterly speechless.

"You little brat, why didn't you say so earlier! Dressed like this, we're more than embarrassed for you, let alone trying to show our support."

Just as Chen Jingming was about to reply, a shout came from not far away:

"Why are you all standing there sneaking around instead of going in?"

Looking up, they saw that everyone there was a big shot from the Beijing Film Academy: Xie Fei, Zheng Tongtian, Xie Xiaojin, Zhang Jiandong, Yu Li, Wu Bing, Cui Xinqin, and others.

Chen Jingming pulled his roommate along, quickly stepped forward, and respectfully addressed the group:

"Hello, teachers. I would like to trouble you all to come and support your disciple."

"Alright, it's getting late, let's go inside."

Wu Bing noticed that Chen Jingming was a little nervous, so she patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Fei led the way inside, followed closely by Chen Jingming and the others. The moment they entered the hall, they instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Everyone nodded in greeting, with particular attention focused on Chen Jingming. Before coming, they had all roughly learned about the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" cinema, knowing it was invested in by the family of a student at the Beijing Film Academy. Seeing Chen Jingming in a formal suit, they immediately understood who the host was.

Wu Bing gently tugged at Chen Jingming and whispered a reminder:

"Go backstage and check how the preparations are going. Make sure nothing goes wrong; the leaders will be coming in soon."

Chen Jingming nodded slightly, then looked at Liu Tiejun and the others. Seeing that they were all staring at him expectantly, he knew they wanted to go backstage with him. He greeted the teachers and then walked towards the backstage area.

Backstage, Lin Dan, dressed in a suit and tie, was adjusting his attire in front of the mirror.

Before Chen Jingming could speak, Li Yang couldn't help but say:

"Jingming, you scared me to death! So many people were staring at us just now, I was so nervous!"

"Who wouldn't? If it weren't for the teachers, my legs would have gone weak."

Chen Jingming nodded. This kind of occasion was indeed quite stressful for them, a group of students, as they hadn't had much contact with so many influential figures before.

"Alright, stop making a fuss. They're just like everyone else, what are you afraid of? We'll be dealing with them a lot more often in the future. I'll go check on the preparations first, you guys find a place to sit for a while."

Chen Jingming waved his hand, pretending to be relaxed. Actually, he was also very nervous just now, especially when facing the scrutinizing gazes of some people, he didn't even dare to lower his head easily.

As soon as Chen Jingming left, the people backstage were still whispering among themselves, while the teachers from the Beijing Film Academy's Department of Film and Television were also gathered together outside, talking.

"Xiao Wu, your student is quite something! To make such a large investment at such a young age, you really have guts!"

Xie Fei is one of the leading figures of the fourth generation of directors. Not to mention Wu Bing, even fifth generation directors such as Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chen Kaige, and Zhang Yimou are all juniors in front of him.

"Mr. Xie, I really have to thank you for stepping in and standing up for me this time. Otherwise, that kid would probably have been taken advantage of."

Wu Bing quickly expressed her gratitude. When she and Yu Li discussed the matter, they only thought of asking Principal Zhang for help, but they didn't expect the school to directly invite Xie Fei and Zheng Tongtian. They only found out today when they gathered at the Beijing Film Academy.