Chapter 106 Good things come in pairs
Chapter 105 (The serial number above is wrong)
A preview was held the night before The Promise was released, and it still broke the preview record of Hero with a crushing momentum.

The public release is finally here, and at the same time, A Thousand Miles Alone also held its premiere in Yunnan.

There was a lot of discussion online that Zhang Dapao did it on purpose in order to divert attention away from Wuji.

How could Zhang Dapao admit it? He said the premiere date had been set long ago and Yimou's movie didn't need to divert anyone's attention.

In the cinema, Zhu Yawen fulfilled her promise and invited Liu Yifei, Shu Chang, Luo Jin and Tang Yan, who was watching the movie for the second time, to watch The Promise together.

After leaving the cinema, everyone fell silent.

It was Zhu Yawen who started it.

"What did I see? I can't remember anything. I only remember one sentence: Do you want to know what's under my clothes?"

"Don't be afraid of you laughing at me. Actually, I, I didn't understand it either," Shu Chang stammered.

The remaining three people smiled slightly and did not express their opinions.

Luo Jin had heard Tang Yan talk about the premiere, so he already had expectations.

Liu Yifei knew this would be the result early on.

"Are you three dumb? Or do you understand?"

"That's right, Xixi, why don't you say anything." Shu Chang took her arm around her bestie to get to the bottom of the matter.

"You and Xiao Zhu have already said everything. What else can I say?" Liu Yifei said with a smile.

"When I left the cinema just now, I heard a lot of people cursing, 'You didn't even have a meal to watch The Promise, you must be crazy.'"

“Where did the 3.5 million yuan go? It feels as if it’s on par with Tangtang’s Painted Skin, and its special effects are even worse than Painted Skin.” Luo Jin also spoke up.

Tang Yan, who was standing next to him, couldn't help but reveal something: "My boss told me that the crew's daily expenses are more than one million. After filming for half a year, the daily expenses are more than 100 million."

"What? More than one million a day? Where did the money go?" Several people clicked their tongues.

"Stars' appearance fees, food, clothing, housing, transportation, and transport!"

"No wonder the money wasn't spent wisely!"

"I guess the internet must be buzzing right now, and Director Li will definitely be mentioned."

Liu Yifei rolled her eyes, turned her head and said with a smile: "Tangtang, why don't we go see what your boss is doing now?"

"Okay, let's go." The two hit it off immediately.

"Well, now that you two are gone, what are we going to do?"

What several people guessed was correct. In fact, after the preview last night, some people had already commented and rated the film on Douban.

Nine out of ten people gave it one star, and a small number gave it two or three stars.

Five-star, not a single one!
At this time, Douban already had more than 50,000 registered users, and the daily page views were around 200,000.

Anyone who can come to Douban to comment and rate a film without sleeping after watching it must be extremely excited!

"Wuji, so boring!"

"Wonderful and limitless, six extraordinary people use their own super powers to explain the meaning of infinity!"

“It’s hard to live up to the reputation!”

"Chen Kaige, a person who is hesitating between fame and fortune and his ideals!"

Under each title is a short essay, and Wuji seems to have had its last fig leaf torn off.

This is just a comment from a movie fan on Douban, at most expressing the frustration of spending dozens of dollars to watch a bad movie.

But there are thousands of media outlets and tens of millions of netizens on the Internet, so they won’t be so gentle.

The first to speak out was the Noon News, which started criticizing the film on the day of its release.

"The form is infinite, but the content is limited!"

Southern Metropolis Daily: The harder Chen Kaige tries, the worse movies he makes!

Beijing News: Wuji was defeated by himself!
Netizens were more direct and inevitably even Li Chen was implicated.

"Director Li is the Palme d'Or 999 gold, confirmed!"

"What the hell did I do? I didn't even have a meal and spent 80 yuan to watch The Promise!"

"If this is a comedy, I'll give it full marks. If you don't laugh, come find me!"

"I finally understand what Director Li said: I still prefer Farewell My Concubine! It's Director Li again, he scolds you like he's praising you!"

"The above person is right. I feel sorry for Director Li for three seconds. It's too hard for Director Li. Respecting the elderly is a traditional virtue!"

What’s even more exciting is yet to come, including fans, netizens, media and film critics.

People from different industries also jumped out to criticize Wuji.

For example, the writer Han Han wrote a short essay titled "We have always blamed Zhang Yimou wrongly, my thoughts after watching The Promise!"

Sun Yunxiao: Although Wuji is good, it is not suitable for children!
Director Chen, who was far away in Taiwan, was so frustrated that his face turned green!

Chen Hong felt that her husband was about to cry.

"What do these people know! How can they easily understand the three years of hard work I have put in?"

"They are all shallow!"

Looking at her husband who was breathing heavily, Chen Hong felt extremely aggrieved.

The couple traveled half the world day and night for The Promise, only to be hit hard on the first day of its release!
Not to mention her husband wanted to cry, even Chen Hong's eyes were filled with tears at this moment.

Han Saping could never have imagined that the film he invested 3.5 million yuan in and spent three years to make would receive a flood of negative reviews on the first day of its release! Some even criticized it!
"Are you sure there's no one playing tricks on you?" Han Saping's face darkened, but he still held on to a glimmer of hope.

"Boss Han, it's impossible for someone to be so mischievous. The whole internet is cursing everyone, cursing everyone."

"Okay, stop talking and get out!" Han Sanping said angrily.

Sitting in the recliner somewhat dejectedly, Han Saping still couldn't accept the reality.

He knows very well the impact of word of mouth on box office.

Now I no longer think about whether I can surpass Painted Skin.

What he is considering now is how to deal with the doubts within the group!
He is not the only deputy director!
Fortunately, Li Chen's Thief Family and Painted Skin filled the hole left by Wuji! Otherwise, he would never have an easy time in the group.

I didn't expect that what Li Chen said was right.

Thinking of Li Chen, Han Saping immediately called him.

Li Chen was in a very good mood at the moment, because Gu Yongkeng had already returned to China and asked him to meet for an interview.

I also unexpectedly discovered "Ghost Blows Out the Light" on Tianya!
"Director Li, are you sure you want to buy this kind of material? It's only the beginning, and there aren't that many readers on Tianya!" Wu Bin advised.

"Brother Wu, I know everything you said. Listen to me and go negotiate a contract with him."

"I want the exclusive rights to adapt this novel into a TV series or film! This includes all of his future novels in the Ghost Blowing Out the Light series."

"You can give us a higher price, so that people won't accuse us of undercutting you later!"

"Okay, since you have made up your mind, leave this matter to me." Wu Bin said no more.

"Director Li, these are the copyrights I plan to purchase this year. Please take a look." Wu Bin handed the prepared list to Li Chen again.

Li Chen picked it up and looked at it for a long time. Wu Bin was still very efficient.

In addition to Red Sorghum mentioned by Li Chen, he also bought the copyrights of many award-winning works.

Among them are Ryuichi’s two award-winning novels, “Days Without Heroes” and “The Boy on the Roof.”

But Wu Bin didn't know that this person was not best known for these two award-winning novels.

It's his other short story "Lurking"

After leaving Li Chen's office, Wu Bin was puzzled by Li Chen's behavior. He did not buy the award-winning novel but a short story.

But Li Chen's decision will still be implemented 100%.

After sending Wu Bin away, Li Chen continued to surf the Internet and scan the list.

At this time, in the general manager's office on the second floor of Noon Sunshine, Hou Hongliang was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

Their movie Crossing the Guandong hasn't even been released yet, but people have already come to beg for alms.

"Director Kang, Noon Sunshine will not invest in your script. I don't need to tell you the reason, you should understand it." Hou Hongliang said bluntly.

Kang Honglei was a little frustrated as he ran into obstacles everywhere and couldn't attract any investment.

Is it impossible to film "Erna Assault" without women, love, and bloody plots?
Kang Honglei is from Inner Mongolia. He has a stubborn personality and an even more stubborn temper, otherwise he would not have given up on "Erna Assault" after two years!
This is not the first time I have been rejected.

After leaving Hou Hongliang's office, Kang Honglei entered the elevator and saw the floor signs in the elevator.

Third floor: Rongchen Films

Suddenly he remembered that Zuo Xiaoqing had mentioned to him that he could try his luck at Rongchen Pictures.

However, she didn't dare to make a guarantee. After all, Rongchen Pictures had never produced any TV series, and all of them were produced by Noon Sunshine.

But Rongchen Pictures has always been supporting new directors and actors, such as Xu Zheng, who co-starred with her in Lost on Journey.

Thinking of this, Kang Honglei felt a little excited. Since he was already here, why not give it a try? It didn't matter if he was rejected. It wouldn't be the first time he was rejected!

If you think about it, you have to do it. When the elevator reached the first floor, Kang Honglei pressed the button for the third floor.

When he got to the third floor, the receptionist didn't recognize him.

After he introduced himself and wanted to see Director Li, the receptionist politely asked, "Do you have an appointment, Mr. Kang?"

Kang Honglei suddenly had an idea and lied: "Call Director Li and tell him that I'm Zuo Xiaoqing's friend, and he'll know."

"Well, okay, wait a moment."

Today, one Palme d'Or winner was in a state of disgrace, while the other was filled with joy.

I didn't expect that the person in front of me would come to me on his own initiative.

"Director Li, what are you laughing at?" Kang Honglei was a little unhappy, thinking that Li Chen was making fun of his clothes.

The two sat down and Li Chen asked his assistant to serve tea.

"Don't get me wrong, Director Kang. I noticed that you were thinking of another Mongolian friend of mine. He was my assistant director of Painted Skin, Wu Ershan."

"Oh, so I thought Director Li was making fun of my outfit."

After listening to Kang Honglei's explanation of his purpose, it turned out to be just as he expected.

Soldiers Assault, or what he called "Elna Assault", was full of men with overflowing hormones. There wasn't even a female cockroach in it. Who would invest in it? "Director Kang, I speak directly. Don't mind if it doesn't sound good."

"It's okay, Director Li, you go ahead and talk."

"I can invest in this play, and I can add another 300 million."

Kang Honglei was overjoyed!
"Is what Director Li said true?"

"Of course, but I have a condition."

"Director Li, please tell me. Don't just ask for one condition. Even if you ask me ten, I will agree to them without hesitation."

He thought that maybe Li Chen wanted to force someone in, but then he thought again and it seemed that Rongchen Pictures had no male artists.

"I hope you and this screenwriter Lan Xiaolong can join my company?"

"what?"

After leaving Jinxiu Mingzuan, Kang Honglei felt that the biting cold wind in the capital had become gentler.

He called Lan Xiaolong and told him Li Chen's conditions, and the two immediately decided to join Rongchen Pictures.

A big tree provides good shade, the salary is generous, and I can complete this "Erna Assault", so what is there to hesitate about?

It was Liu Yifei’s first time coming to Rongchen Pictures, and the lady at the front desk was stunned.

The boss's rumored girlfriend and the company's top artist showed up at the company like good sisters.

"Is the boss in the office?" Tang Yan asked with a smile.

"In the"

Liu Yifei smiled sweetly and waved to the stunned lady at the front desk: "Hi, hello"

The two young ladies at the front desk also waved their hands mechanically as if they were struck by lightning, and watched the two of them leave arm in arm.

"The rumors outside can't be true, right? Why do I feel like the boss lady is here to check on me?"

"Nine out of ten times, if Tang Yan wanted to see Director Li, she would at least let us know."

"That's not necessarily true. Didn't Liu Yifei and Director Li work together for so many years? Maybe she's here to talk about something."

Li Chen had just answered Han Sanping's call when the door was pushed open. He was wondering who was so ignorant of the rules.

But when he saw someone coming, he immediately smiled.

"Hey, Li Chen, are you listening?"

"Listen, Mr. Han, you say."

Li Chen signaled them to sit down first. Liu Yifei and Tang Yan both heard the name "Dr. Han" and knew that Li Chen was talking to Han Sanping on the phone, so they sat quietly in the guest seats.

"The project has to be replaced by a different actress. Angelina Jolie will be replaced by Charlize Theron."

"Julie didn't make the deal?"

Han Saping can also accept Charlize Theron, because she is the woman known as the Queen of Seron and also an Oscar-winning actress.

Although not as popular as Julie, she is not much different.

"Yes, she wants to extend her schedule. I heard she is pregnant."

Liu Yifei was a little surprised. She didn't expect that Julie was pregnant.

"Okay, Charlize Theron is also fine. Her salary should be cheaper than Jolie's. Let's decide it quickly."

"Okay, I'll do it as soon as possible."

"Li Chen, you are right, thank you."

Li Chen was stunned for a moment, then he realized that Wuji's big trap must have dug a big hole into Han Saping.

He desperately needed a big project to divert his attention.

And thieves are undoubtedly the best choice.

"You're welcome, Mr. Han." Li Chen said with a smile.

After hanging up the phone, Han Saping had a clear idea in his mind, so he called Director Yang again.

……

"Why are you here? Xixi?" Li Chen stood up and said with a smile.

"What? Are you not welcome?" Liu Yifei stood up and said playfully.

He bypassed Li Chen and sat directly on Li Chen's boss chair.

Tang Yan suppressed her laughter and said, "Yifei, you are trying to usurp the throne and drive the boss out of office."

Li Chen also laughed: "Welcome, warm welcome, it's great to have the boss lady come to inspect our work."

"Tangtang, go call the heads of all the departments in the company to meet the boss lady!"

Tang Yan smiled and said, "Okay, Boss."

"Okay, I was just kidding. I just finished watching The Promise and came here with Tangtang to take a look. Your company is so grand and your office is so big!"

"What you said is wrong!"

"What's wrong?" Miss Liu wondered.

Li Chen smiled and said, "It may be because our company is so big that there is no difference between you and me!"

Miss Liu glanced at Li Chen with a reproachful look.

"Oh, I can't stand it anymore, boss. I'm leaving. You two are so disgusting!" Tang Yan found an excuse and was about to leave.

"No, Tangtang, as soon as you go out, everyone will know what happened!" Miss Liu said hurriedly.

Then he stood up and said with a smile: "Tangtang and I will go together and not disturb Director Li's work."

"Leaving now? Why don't you stay for a while?" Li Chen said with a smile.

Miss Liu took Tang Yan's hand, waved, and left without looking back.

Miss Liu didn't know what the purpose of her trip was, but she felt that she should come and take a look, and she felt at ease.

The first day box office of The Promise is out, 2115 million! Second only to Painted Skin's 2305 million.

Now everyone has a rough idea in their mind that Wuji will definitely not be able to surpass Painted Skin.

Both were released on Thursday, and the box office data is the most intuitive comparison.

As the saying goes, good fortune never comes in pairs, and misfortunes never come alone.

Apart from its hot box office in mainland China, The Promise suffered a global setback.

In Asia, The Promise was strongly sniped by King Kong which was released at the same time and was no match for it at all.

In North America, Weinstein, the distributor of Wuji, took the opportunity to suppress the issue price of Wuji, otherwise he would have shelved Wuji.

The Promise, which was originally scheduled to be released in the United States on December 12, has yet to be released.

For four consecutive days, "The Promise" was scolded to death, but the box office was getting higher and higher every day, which is really sad.

The box office in the first four days was 7400 million. If it weren't for Painted Skin, it would have been the undisputed No. 1
Unfortunately, there is no if, and the winner is now clear.

Forget about surpassing Painted Skin to win the annual box office championship, and forget about the 300 million box office target.

It’s good enough to get over 1.5 million, because the reputation is so bad that it can’t be any worse.

The upcoming releases of The Monkey King 2 and The Alone Man are bound to make things even worse for Wuji.

What's more, there is a Painted Skin with great stamina standing aside and not wanting to be left out.

Painted Skin has been in theaters for two weeks.

Box office exceeded 2.4 million!
It is a foregone conclusion that it will surpass Hero's 2.5 million.

Even though there are pirated copies, Painted Skin still makes four to five million a day at the box office.

The media would gather downstairs of Rongchen Film Company every day to hear what he had to say about Wuji.

Li Chen is not stupid. All the directors in the circle have kept silent, so he will not be the first to speak out.

What's more, many celebrities have come out to support Wuji and praised him highly!
Pu Cunxi: The film is amazing, brand new, and will be respected by the world!
Hu Xuehua: The best Chinese-Women film in recent years.

Song Jia: As a student of an acting family, Chen Kaige really has the genes! I will invite more friends to watch it.

Yang Siwei went to the premiere of A Chinese Odyssey and came back to complain: The Promise is not as good as A Chinese Odyssey!
In fact, Li Chen also thinks so.

Han Sanping was extremely anxious. Thinking back on all the bold words he had said before The Promise was released, he felt like he had been slapped in the face.

He didn't think about Oscar anymore. If he had known this would happen, he would have reported Painted Skin instead, and he wouldn't be in such a dilemma now.

"Dad, I told you to take it easy. Director Li warned you, and I warned you too, but you were like possessed and refused to believe me!"

"Is this all right now?"

"Get out!" Han Sanping roared angrily.

Han Jianu shrugged her shoulders, looking as if it was my fault.

There are many people who want to laugh at "The Promise", and the most common ones are people from the Hong Kong circle.

Especially sterile couples, because American magazine Variety predicted that The Promise was not among the favorites to win an Oscar.

But this time Wu Jinru learned his lesson and did not jump out again. Instead, he watched the joke in silence.

Just when Chen Kaige was exhausted and went on various shows to analyze the situation for Wuji.

A piece of news from Berlin instantly attracted the attention of people in the circle.

Bridegroom Entertainment News

"The first batch of films participating in the main competition unit of the 2th Berlin Film Festival, which will be held from February 9 to 19 next year, was announced yesterday!"

One of the videos even made people in the industry wonder if the Sina reporter had made a mistake.

Buried

Li Chen
中帼
Let's take another look at the starring role

Andy Lau
Liu Dehua?
There is also Liu Dehua himself lying in the coffin on the poster. Friends of Li Chen and Liu Dehua in the circle and media reporters called Liu Dehua and Rongchen Pictures to verify the specific information of being buried alive.

(End of this chapter)