Huayu: Everyone's been reborn, who's still going to be an actor?

The Distinguished Citizen received good reviews and generated a lot of buzz, so its box office performance was naturally strong.

The box office was nearly 10 million yuan on the first day, but only slightly declined on the second day.

The box office totaled 19 million over two days.

Even disregarding overseas copyright revenue, this film recouped its costs in just two days from its box office performance in mainland China, and there's still room for profit.

On March 4th, Cheng Yuan had just learned about yesterday's box office figures when Liu Yifei called.

"Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday?" Cheng Yuan was taken aback at first, then came to his senses and said, "My birthday is on the 1st this year, it's been two or three days already, isn't it a bit late for you to call and wish me a happy birthday?"

"Isn't your birthday March 4th?" Liu Yifei said. "I'm not mistaken."

"Aren't birthdays usually celebrated according to the lunar calendar?"

"Isn't it the Gregorian calendar?"

"I don't know about other places in the country. But where I'm from, we celebrate birthdays according to the lunar calendar," Cheng Yuan said. "However, if you want to celebrate my birthday, I can celebrate it anytime."

"Are you free today?" Liu Yifei asked. "Are you in the capital? Aren't you out doing any promotional work?"

"I came to Shanghai yesterday for a promotional event. I should be back in the capital this afternoon," Cheng Yuan said. "You're in the capital?"

"Then you'll treat me to dinner tonight."

Liu Yifei hummed in agreement, and then said.

"good!"

Cheng Yuan smiled and agreed.

It's his birthday, so naturally he'll treat everyone; there's nothing wrong with that.

Cheng Yuan was surprised that someone would actually celebrate his birthday.

His parents only call him once a year on his birthday.

Cheng Yuan returned to the capital in the afternoon and went straight to his company.

Today I met with several film companies to discuss the share of "Kung Fu Panda" film.

However, by the time he arrived at the company, the matter was already over.

"Wanda?"

Cheng Yuan looked at Hou Hongliang and asked with a smile.

Hou Hongliang nodded.

Wanda securing that 10% share was something that had been anticipated beforehand.

"How much of a premium?"

Cheng Yuan then asked.

"Fifty percent."

Hou Hongliang said, his words carrying an indescribable sense of emotion.

That's an extra few million US dollars, which is tens of millions!

They're incredibly wealthy.

Cheng Yuan was stunned when he heard this.

"How many?"

Cheng Yuan asked, somewhat incredulously.

This far exceeded his expectations.

He felt that a 20% premium would already be a pleasant surprise.

Unexpectedly, Wanda directly offered a 50% premium, which meant they had given up their half-percent of the price.

Making tens of millions just by selling a share? Why the hell do I bother making movies?

For some reason, the phrase "foolish and rich" popped into Cheng Yuan's mind.

"A 50% premium," Hou Hongliang said. "However, Wanda has one condition."

"What are the conditions?"

Cheng Yuan calmed down. This is more normal now.

Rich people aren't stupid.

If the premium is 50%, what return on investment would be needed to break even?

"You need to include Wanda in your future films, especially big productions," Hou Hongliang said. "Besides Wanda, the highest offer was 25% from Emperor Entertainment."

"You can bring Wanda along for future big productions," Cheng Yuan said. "But forget about 'Taken'."

The investment share for "Taken" has been finalized.

The film had a budget of 200 million, with Cheng Long receiving a salary of 60 million, taking 30%.

Emperor Group invested 40 million and will take 20%.

China Film Group took 30%, while Yuancheng Film & Television took 20%, with director and screenwriter Cheng Yuan receiving a 10 million yuan salary.

He naturally wouldn't take the ten million; instead, he would convert it into an investment for his studio.

Remote video conferencing only accounts for about 15%.

Although his investment share was not high, Cheng Yuan held the dominant control over the film, including the rights to the sequel.

It's not that remote filmmakers can't ask for more shares, it's just that they don't have the money.

"I've already discussed this with General Manager Zeng."

Hou Hongliang nodded.

"Is that Zeng Maojun?"

Cheng Yuan looked at Hou Hongliang with some surprise.

"President Ye is here too," Cheng Yuan said. "When they left, they mentioned investing in our company. I reckon it wasn't just a passing fancy; they'll probably come back to discuss it later."

"There's no rush."

Cheng Yuan glanced at Hou Hongliang and said.

Cheng Yuan didn't object to bringing in other shareholders.

Wanda's investment is beneficial to the company, as it provides convenience in the cinema industry.

However, this matter is not urgent; he needs to think it over.

He still has a lot to learn.

What do you want to eat tonight?

At 10 p.m., Liu Yifei called. When the two met, Cheng Yuan looked at Liu Yifei and asked with a smile.

"What do you want to eat?" Liu Yifei asked. "It's your birthday today, you're the boss."

"I want to eat you!"

Cheng Yuan smiled mischievously and said...

"snort!"

Liu Yifei blushed slightly, but then snorted coldly.

How to eat it?

She naturally understood, after all, she was an adult.

"There's a private Sichuan restaurant that serves pretty good food. How about I take you there to try it?"

Cheng Yuan made a joke, and then spoke.

Han Sanping took him there.

It's a bit pricey, but it's definitely worth the money.

He is now financially independent, so he doesn't need to worry too much about that.

"OK."

Liu Yifei nodded.

That private kitchen not only has exceptional taste, but it's also quite secluded, so you won't be disturbed.

"Where's my gift?"

After ordering, Cheng Yuan smiled and looked at Liu Yifei, asking for the food directly.

"What gift?"

Liu Yifei smiled, but pretended not to understand.

"My birthday present," Cheng Yuan said. "Don't tell me you didn't prepare anything? Or rather, you're planning to give yourself to me as a birthday present?"

"roll!"

Liu Yifei pursed her lips and uttered a single word.

She was used to Cheng Yuan joking around, so she didn't celebrate her birthday because of it.

"Happy birthday!"

Liu Yifei then took a box out of her bag and handed it to Cheng Yuan.

"What?"

Cheng Yuan asked a question, but couldn't wait to open it.

A watch?

And it doesn't look cheap.

"Why did you decide to give me a watch?" Cheng Yuan said with a smile. "You're making me start to imagine things."

"What are you daydreaming about?"

Liu Yifei asked in confusion.

"In some cultures, watches are also seen as a symbol of commitment. When a girl gives a watch, it may mean that she is willing to build a closer relationship with the boy and hopes to keep some important agreements or promises together in the future," Cheng Yuan said with a smile. "Don't worry, no matter where I am, I will always think of you and feel your companionship and care."

As Cheng Yuan spoke, he put on the watch and examined it carefully, clearly liking it very much.

"what!"

Liu Yifei was taken aback by Cheng Yuan's words; she hadn't thought that much about it at all.

"I don't know, and I didn't think that much about it," Liu Yifei said. "It's just a gift, it doesn't have that many meanings, so don't overthink it."

"I'm already overthinking things."

Cheng Yuan said with a smile.

"Then think about it," Liu Yifei said. "Do you like it?"

"Of course I love it, thank you! This is the best gift I've received in over twenty years," Cheng Yuan said. "Sigh, I used to dread my birthday when I turned twenty, but now I look forward to it because I can receive your birthday present."

Why don't people want to celebrate their birthdays after they turn twenty?

Liu Yifei asked curiously.

"Before twenty, that's called growing up," Cheng Yuan said. "After twenty, that's called getting old. Sigh, I'm twenty-two now, the legal marriage age, but I'm still a single dog."