Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Although this was called a premiere, Zhuang Huai'an felt it was more like a preview screening.

There was no red carpet, and no barrage of cameras from major media outlets.

Most of the attendees were from the Beijing Film Academy, along with well-known figures in the industry specially invited by China Film Group, and some senior film critics with their own sections.

Ultimately, since "The Hunt" is just an art film, even though it won a few Cannes awards, the era of blockbusters hasn't started yet, and a box office of over ten million is already considered a success.

So how do movies make money these days?

It relies on overseas copyrights from major film festivals and DVD licensing.

Strictly speaking, a film has already broken even if it only gets to appear at major film festivals overseas; its box office revenue in mainland China is pure profit.

This is why directors these days are so keen on the three major European awards; winning an award is great, but not winning one isn't a loss either.

The small auditorium was packed.

There were no interviews conducted. Ning Hao, who was behind the scenes, saw that the room was quite full, so he simply and directly turned off the lights and started the screening.

As the plot unfolded, everyone's eyes were glued to the screen.

Two hours later, the movie ended and the lights came on.

Kai let out a deep sigh of relief and said to Tian Zhuangzhuang beside him, "Putting aside how eye-catching the plot is, just the fact that this kid can play with light and shadow so profoundly shows that his filming skills are no less than mine."

Tian Zhuangzhuang looked surprised. "Not your buddy? You got a good pat on the back from Zhuang Huai'an, huh? You're really supporting him like this?"

That's what he thought, but Tian Zhuangzhuang remained silent and didn't refute it. He also believed that Zhuang Huai'an's level was indeed high.

On the other side, Wang Zhonglei asked Feng Kuzi beside him, "What do you think?"

"Master level," Feng Kuzi said with a complicated expression. He had come here intending to criticize the young people, but after watching this film, he was even a little jealous.

Zhang Huijun led the applause, which was followed by a round of applause from the audience.

Zhuang Huai'an also very considerately led the crew onto the stage to bow and express their gratitude.

After everyone left, Zhuang Huai'an found Han Sanping and said with a smile, "Chairman Han, everyone came to support me, why don't you arrange a banquet to thank them in return?"

"You think I don't want to?" Han Sanping glared at him and said irritably, "China Film Group is a state-owned enterprise. Sending people to you under the guise of a distributor is already crossing the line, and you're thinking of funding a banquet for you? Do you want me to retire early?"

"You could let me know, and I'll have someone arrange a venue."

"How will I be able to find you?" Han Sanping was even angrier. "You're like a hermit in the deepest mountains once you join the crew; you can't be contacted at all!"

"Hey, this is quite a mess," Zhuang Huai'an said, somewhat embarrassed.

Han Sanping thought for a moment and then said, "There's one more thing. We invited quite a few film critics this time, and their travel expenses were deducted from China Film Group's publicity and distribution budget. Find someone to coordinate with them and make sure this expense is reimbursed."

That's why it's called a company; this practice is truly rigorous.

Zhuang Huai'an nodded to indicate that he understood. The so-called travel expenses were also called writing fees, or commonly known as red envelopes.

He knew this basic social etiquette.

Just then, Jiang Wen walked over with a little girl. Upon seeing who it was, Zhuang Huai'an was somewhat surprised: "What brings you here?"

"Hehe, I called Uncle Jiang and asked him to bring me here?"

The newcomer was Liu Yifei. Although he didn't know how she had become so familiar with Jiang Wen, Zhuang Huai'an raised an eyebrow and grinned mischievously after hearing how she addressed Jiang Wen: "You call him Uncle, and I call him Brother, so what should you call me?"

"Call him Big Bad Wolf!" The little girl wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes at him.

Zhuang Huai'an: ...

Seeing this, Jiang Wen laughed and explained to him, "A friend of mine organized a gathering a couple of days ago. This girl's godfather and Ms. Liu were also there. I bragged about you at the dinner, and after hearing that, this girl asked me for her number, saying she wanted to come and see for herself today, so I brought her along."

"I see," Zhuang Huai'an nodded. "Now that President Chen is still considered a semi-big shot, and the circle in Beijing isn't that big, so it's normal to have mutual friends."

Judging by the timeline, Red Star House has already been established, and the little girl will soon be playing Wang Yuyan.

This also signifies that this top tank in the Chinese entertainment industry is about to start building up his armor.

The group walked to the parking lot while talking.

A beautiful woman with graceful bearing was already waiting there.

"Mom." The little girl quickly walked forward and took Aunt Liu's arm.

"Auntie," Zhuang Huai'an greeted her, then asked, "Why don't you come in and sit down with us now that you're here?"

"I just arrived too," Aunt Liu said with an apologetic smile. "I originally wanted to come and broaden my horizons, but something urgent came up and I couldn't find the time. I can only go to the cinema to support you when I have more time."

"It's alright, business is more important." Zhuang Huai'an was a little embarrassed. He hadn't invited the two of them. The young girl didn't mind because of her young age, but Aunt Liu was clearly just shy.

In adult interactions, a brief conversation is sufficient; each person understands the other without saying a word.

Aunt Liu turned to look at Jiang Wen and smiled, "Director Jiang, Qianqian is such a child, thank you for your help today."

"Hey, it's no trouble at all," Jiang Wen waved his hand dismissively. "This girl has a lively personality, I quite like her."

Zhuang Huai'an glanced at his watch. "I see it's getting late. How about we find a place to sit down and chat? I'm a little hungry too."

"Sure, I know a restaurant nearby. It's small, but the food is amazing," Jiang Wen readily agreed. "Let's go together, Ms. Liu, so you don't have to go home and make a fuss."

Aunt Liu smiled and nodded, "Alright, then I'll gladly accept your offer."

There are two ways for people to get closer: eat together, sleep together... cough, wake up together.

Everyone got into their cars, with Jiang Wen leading the way. After a few minutes, they stopped at the entrance of an alley. After parking, they walked for a few more minutes and arrived at a courtyard house without a sign.

The courtyard looks ordinary on the surface, but once you step inside, you'll find it's a hidden gem with its antique decorations that are sure to catch your eye.

The owner greeted Jiang Wen warmly, seeming quite familiar with him. The group entered the private room and took their seats. Zhuang Huai'an looked at Jiang Wen and asked curiously, "Brother, where do we order?"

"We won't order anything; we'll just go with the flow today."

Seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, Jiang Wen smiled and explained, "This restaurant is run by a husband and wife team. The owner is a family heirloom chef specializing in Shandong cuisine, and his wife is a family heirloom chef specializing in Sichuan cuisine. They set a rule when they opened the restaurant: they don't accept orders from customers; they only cook according to the owner's mood. But don't worry, the taste is absolutely amazing."

"Really?" Aunt Liu replied with a smile, "Every dish brings anticipation and surprise, which is quite interesting."

Zhuang Huai'an mentally gave her another thumbs up. Tsk, that's why they say you're good at chatting.

While the group chatted, the little girl was already drinking a row of AD calcium milk.

She's not a picky eater.