Chapter 106: Good Things Come in Pairs
Chapter 105 (The previous chapter number was wrong)
The night before The Promise premiered, there was a preview screening, which still shattered Hero’s preview record with an overwhelming momentum.
The public release finally arrived, and at the same time, riding alone for thousands of miles also held its Premiere in Yunnan.
Online discussions suggested that Zhang Dapao did it on purpose, intending to divert attention from The Promise.
Zhang Dapao would never admit it, stating directly that the date for the Premiere had been set long ago, and Yi Mou’s movie didn't need to siphon anyone's popularity.
At the cinema, Zhu Yawen kept his promise and invited Liu Yifei, Shu Chang, Luo Jin, and Tangtang, who was watching it for the second time, to watch The Promise together.
After leaving the cinema, everyone was silent.
It was Zhu Yawen who spoke first.
“What did I just watch? I can’t remember anything, except for one line: Do you want to know what’s under my clothes?”
“Don’t laugh at me, but actually, I, I didn’t understand it either,” Shu Chang mumbled.
The other three smiled slightly, not expressing an opinion.
Luo Jin had heard about the Premiere from Tangtang, so he already had expectations.
Liu Yifei knew this would be the outcome from the start.
“Are you three mute? Or did you understand it?”
“Exactly, Yifei, why aren’t you saying anything?” Shu Chang asked, digging for answers while holding her best friend's arm.
“You and Xiao Zhu said everything there was to say, what can I add?” Liu Yifei laughed.
“When we left the cinema just now, I heard a lot of people cursing, saying they were crazy to watch The Promise without even eating.”
“Where did those 350 million yuan actually go? It feels on par with Tangtang’s painted skin, and the special effects aren’t even as good as painted skin,” Luo Jin also spoke up.
Tangtang, beside him, couldn't help but reveal, “My boss told me that the crew’s daily expenses were over one million yuan, and they filmed for half a year, so the daily expenses alone were over one hundred million yuan.”
“What? Over one million yuan a day? Where did the money go?” The others gasped.
“Celebrity appearance fees, food, accommodation, transportation!”
“No wonder, the money wasn’t spent where it mattered!”
“The internet must be buzzing right now, and Director Li will definitely be mentioned.”
Liu Yifei’s eyes darted, and she turned her head, smiling, “Tangtang, why don’t we go see what your boss is doing right now?”
“Okay, let’s go.” The two hit it off instantly.
“Hey, if you two leave, what about us?”
Their guesses were correct. In fact, after the preview screening last night, people had already commented and rated it on Douban.
Nine out of ten gave it one star, and a small number gave it two or three stars.
Not a single five-star rating!
At this time, Douban already had over 50,000 registered users, with daily page views around 200,000.
Those who could finish watching and immediately go to Douban to comment and rate without sleeping must have been absolutely furious!
“The Promise, utterly boring!”
“Miraculously limitless, six extraordinary people, each using their superpowers to explain the meaning of The Promise!”
“Its reputation is truly undeserved!”
“Chen Kaige, a man wandering between fame and ideals!”
Under each title was a short essay, and The Promise was like the last fig leaf being torn away.
These were just comments from movie fans on Douban, at most expressing their displeasure at spending dozens of yuan to watch a bad movie.
But there were also thousands of media outlets and tens of millions of netizens online, who would not be so gentle.
The first to speak out was News Noon, which directly opened fire on the day of the public release.
“Limitless in form, limited in content!”
Southern Metropolis Daily: The harder Chen Kaige tries, the worse the movie he makes!
New Beijing News: The Promise defeated by itself!
Netizens were even more direct, and inevitably, Li Chen was also dragged into it.
“Director Li is the Golden Palm 999 gold, confirmed!”
“What sin did I commit, I didn’t even eat, and spent 80 silver dollars to watch The Promise!”
“If this is a comedy, I give it full marks; if you don’t laugh, come find me!”
“Finally, I understand the hidden meaning behind Director Li’s words: I still prefer farewell my concubine! It has to be Director Li, even when he criticizes you, it sounds like praise!”
“The one above is right. My heart aches for Director Li for three seconds, it was too hard for Director Li, respecting elders is a traditional virtue!”
Even more intense reactions followed. Besides movie fans, netizens, media, and film critics,
cross-industry figures also jumped out to criticize The Promise.
For example, writer Han Han wrote a short essay titled “We have always misunderstood Zhang Yimou, thoughts on watching The Promise!”
Sun Yunxiao: The Promise is good, but not suitable for children!
Director Chen, far away in Taiwan, was so frustrated his face turned green!
Chen Hong felt her husband was about to cry.
“What do these people know! My three years of painstaking effort are not something they can easily understand!”
“They are all shallow people!”
Watching her husband panting, Chen Hong also felt unusually wronged.
She and her husband had worked tirelessly day and night for The Promise, traveling half the globe, only to be met with a crushing blow on the first day of its release!
Not to mention her husband wanting to cry, even Chen Hong’s eyes were welling up at this moment.
Han Sanping never dreamed that The Promise, which he had invested 350 million yuan in against all odds and spent three years on, would receive an overwhelming wave of negative reviews, even malicious ones, on its first day of public release!
“Are you sure no one is playing tricks?” Han Sanping asked with a dark face, still holding onto a sliver of hope.
“Mr. Han, with this kind of uproar, it’s impossible for anyone to be playing tricks. The entire internet is criticizing it, everyone is criticizing it.”
“Alright, stop talking, you can leave!” Han Sanping flared up.
Sitting dejectedly in his armchair, Han Sanping still couldn't accept reality.
He knew very well how word-of-mouth affected box office performance.
He was no longer thinking about whether it could surpass painted skin.
He was now considering how to face the internal doubts about him within the group!
He wasn't the only Vice Chairman!
Fortunately, Li Chen's shoplifters and painted skin filled the void left by The Promise! Otherwise, his position in the group would definitely not be easy.
He didn’t expect Li Chen to be right.
Remembering Li Chen, Han Sanping immediately called him.
Li Chen was in high spirits at the moment, besides Gu Yongkeng having returned to China and arranged a meeting with him.
He had 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 just started, and there aren’t many readers on Tianya!” Wu Bin advised.
“Brother Wu, I know all that you’re saying. Listen to me, go and talk to him about signing a contract.”
“I want the exclusive adaptation rights for this novel’s film and television series! Including all his future ghost blows out the light series novels.”
“The price can be higher, so that no one can say we undervalued it later!”
“Alright, since you’ve decided, I’ll handle this.” Wu Bin no longer elaborated.
“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.
Li Chen picked it up and looked at it for a long time. Wu Bin was still very efficient.
In addition to red sorghum, which Li Chen mentioned, he also bought the copyrights for many award-winning works.
Among them were Long Yi’s two award-winning novels, “Days Without Heroes” and “The Boy on the Rooftop.”
But Wu Bin didn't know that this person’s most famous work was not these two award-winning novels.
But his other short story, “lurking.”
After leaving Li Chen’s office, although Wu Bin didn’t understand Li Chen’s actions—not buying an award-winning novel, but buying a short story.
But he would still execute Li Chen’s decision one hundred percent.
After sending Wu Bin away, Li Chen continued to surf the internet, scanning the charts.
At this moment, in the general manager's office of Daylight Entertainment on the second floor, Hou Hongliang was in a dilemma, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Their “crossing the guandong” hadn't even been released yet, and someone had already come begging for investment.
“Director Kang, Daylight Entertainment will not invest in your script. I don’t need to explain the reasons; you should understand,” Hou Hongliang said bluntly.
Kang Honglei was a bit dejected; he had hit dead ends everywhere and couldn't attract investment.
Could it be that without women, without love, without melodramatic plots, this “soldiers sortie” couldn’t be made?
Kang Honglei was from Inner Mongolia, stubborn by nature, and even more stubborn in temper, otherwise, he wouldn't have persisted for two years without giving up on this “soldiers sortie”!
Being rejected wasn't the first time.
Leaving Hou Hongliang’s office, Kang Honglei entered the elevator and saw the floor indicator sign inside.
Third Floor: Rongchen Film and Television
He suddenly remembered Zuo Xiaoqing mentioning to him that he could try his luck at Rongchen Film and Television.
However, she couldn't guarantee it, as Rongchen Film and Television had never produced TV dramas; Daylight Entertainment always did.
But Rongchen Film and Television had always supported new directors and actors, for example: Xu Zheng, who acted with her in lost on journey.
Thinking of this, Kang Honglei was somewhat moved. Since he was already here, why not give it a try? Being rejected didn’t matter, it wasn’t the first time he’d been rejected!
He decided to act on his thought. The elevator reached the first floor, and Kang Honglei pressed the third-floor button again.
On the third floor, the receptionist didn’t recognize him.
After he introduced himself and said he wanted to see Director Li, the receptionist politely asked, “Do you have an appointment, Mr. Kang?”
Kang Honglei had a flash of inspiration and lied, “Call Director Li for me. Just tell him I’m Zuo Xiaoqing’s friend, and he’ll know.”
“Alright then, please wait.”
Today, one Golden Palm was utterly disgraced, while the other Golden Palm was showered with good news.
He never expected this person to deliver himself to his doorstep.
"Director Li, what are you laughing at?" Director Kang Honglei was a little displeased, thinking that Li Chen was making fun of his attire.
The two sat down, and Li Chen had his assistant serve tea.
"Don't misunderstand, Director Kang, seeing you reminded me of another Mongolian friend of mine. He's the associate director of painted skin, Wu Ershan."
"Oh, I see. I thought Director Li was laughing at my outfit."
After listening to Director Kang Honglei's explanation of his purpose, it was exactly as Li Chen had expected.
soldiers sortie, which he referred to as "Erna Sortie," was a story about a group of men with overflowing hormones, without even a female cockroach in it. Who would invest in that?
"Director Kang, I speak frankly, please don't mind if it's not pleasant to hear."
"It's fine, Director Li, please speak."
"I can invest in this play, and I can even add another 3 million yuan."
Kang Honglei was overjoyed!
"Is what Director Li said true?"
"Of course, but I have a condition."
"Director Li, please tell me. Not to mention one condition, even ten, I will agree without hesitation if I can."
He thought that Li Chen might want to insert someone, but then he quickly remembered that Rongchen Film and Television didn't seem to have any male artists.
"I hope you and screenwriter Lan Xiaolong can join my company together?"
"Ah?"
Leaving Splendid Diamond, Kang Honglei felt that the biting cold wind of the capital had become gentle.
He made a phone call to Lan Xiaolong, and after explaining Li Chen's conditions, the two immediately decided to join Rongchen Film and Television.
It's good to have a big tree for shade, generous salary and benefits, and to be able to complete this "Erna Sortie." What was there to hesitate about?
It was Liu Yifei's first time coming to Rongchen Film and Television, and the front desk ladies were stunned.
The boss's rumored girlfriend and the company's leading artist appeared brightly in the company like good sisters.
"Is the boss in the office?" Tang Yan asked with a smile.
"Yes, he is."
Liu Yifei smiled sweetly and waved to the stunned front desk ladies: "Hi, how are you?"
The two front desk ladies mechanically waved back as if struck by lightning, watching the two leave arm-in-arm.
"Could the rumors outside be true? I feel like the boss's wife is here to check up on him!"
"Nine out of ten, otherwise, if Tang Yan usually wanted to see Director Li, she would at least let us announce her."
"That's not necessarily true. Didn't Liu Yifei and Director Li co-star in those years? Maybe they're here to discuss something."
Li Chen had just answered Han Sanping's call when the door was pushed open, and he wondered who was so impolite.
But when he saw who it was, he immediately smiled.
"Hello, Li Chen, are you listening?"
"I'm listening, Han Dong, please speak."
Li Chen gestured for the two to sit down first. Liu Yifei and Tang Yan both heard the words "Han Dong" and knew that Li Chen was on the phone with Han Sanping, so they quietly sat in the guest seats.
"The project needs a change of cast. Angelina Jolie will be replaced by Charlize Theron."
"Jolie didn't agree?"
Charlize Theron, Han Sanping could also accept her. She was known as the "Queen Charlize" and an Oscar-winning actress.
Although she wasn't as popular as Jolie, she wasn't far behind.
"Sort of, she wants to extend her schedule. I heard she's pregnant."
Liu Yifei was a little surprised, she didn't expect Jolie to be pregnant.
"Okay, Charlize Theron is also fine. Her remuneration should be cheaper than Jolie's, so let's finalize it quickly."
"Okay, I'll do it as soon as possible."
"Li Chen, you were right, thank you."
Li Chen was stunned, then immediately realized that the huge pit of The Promise had probably troubled Han Sanping quite a bit.
He urgently needed a big project to divert his attention.
And the thieves was undoubtedly the best choice.
"You're welcome, Han Dong." Li Chen said with a smile.
After hanging up the phone, Han Sanping felt confident and then called Yang Dong again.
...
"Why are you here, Xixi?" Li Chen stood up and said with a smile.
"What? Not welcome?" Liu Yifei stood up and said playfully.
She walked around Li Chen and sat directly in Li Chen's boss chair.
Tang Yan held back a laugh and said, "Yifei, you're trying to usurp the throne and kick the boss out."
Li Chen also laughed heartily: "Welcome, a warm welcome! It's a pleasure to have the boss's wife come to inspect the work."
"Tangtang, go and call all the department heads of the company to meet the boss's wife!"
Tang Yan said with a chuckle, "Okay, boss."
"Alright, I'm just kidding. I just finished watching The Promise and came over with Tangtang to take a look. Your company is so grand, and your office is so big!"
"What you said is not right!"
"What's wrong?" Miss Liu asked in confusion.
Li Chen smiled and said, "It should be 'our company is so big.' Between you and me, there's no distinction!"
Miss Liu gave Li Chen a reproachful glance.
"Oh, I can't take it anymore, boss. I'm leaving. You two are too mushy!" Tang Yan found an excuse to slip away.
"No, Tangtang, if you leave, everyone will know what's going on!" Miss Liu quickly said.
Then she stood up and said with a smile, "Tangtang and I will leave together. We won't disturb Director Li's work."
"Leaving already? Won't you stay longer?" Li Chen said with a smile.
Miss Liu pulled Tang Yan, waved her hand, and left without looking back.
Miss Liu didn't know what the purpose of her visit was, she just felt that she should come, and seeing it made her feel at ease.
The first day's box office for The Promise was out: 21.15 million! Second only to painted skin's 23.05 million.
Now everyone pretty much knew that The Promise definitely couldn't surpass painted skin.
Both were released on a Thursday, so the box office data was the most direct comparison.
As the saying goes, blessings never come in pairs, but misfortunes never come alone.
In addition to its booming box office in the mainland, The Promise suffered a Waterloo globally.
In Asia, The Promise was strongly challenged by King Kong, which was released at the same time, and was no match at all.
In North America, The Promise's distributor, Harvey Weinstein, took the opportunity to suppress The Promise's distribution price, otherwise, he would shelve The Promise.
The Promise, originally scheduled to be released in America on December 9th, was repeatedly delayed.
For four consecutive days, The Promise was criticized relentlessly, but its box office grew day by day, which was truly regrettable.
The first four-day box office was 74 million. If it weren't for painted skin, it would have been the undisputed No. 1.
Unfortunately, there are no if-onlys, and this clearly showed which was superior.
Forget about surpassing painted skin to win the annual box office championship, and forget about the 300 million box office target.
It would be good if it could exceed 150 million, because its reputation had already become irredeemable.
And the upcoming crazy stone and riding alone for thousands of miles would undoubtedly make The Promise even worse.
Not to mention there was still a strong painted skin on the side, not content to be ignored.
painted skin has been released for two weeks.
The box office exceeded 240 million!
Surpassing Hero's 250 million was already a certainty.
Even with pirated copies, painted skin's box office still brought in four to five million daily.
The media blocked Li Chen downstairs at Rongchen Film and Television every day, just wanting to hear his comments on The Promise.
Li Chen was not foolish. All the directors in the industry had kept silent, so he wouldn't be the one to stick his neck out.
Moreover, many celebrities had already come out to endorse The Promise, praising it profusely!
Pu Cunxin: The film is amazing, brand new, and will earn the world's respect!
Hu Xuehua: The best China film in recent years.
Song Jia: Chen Kaige, as a descendant of a performing arts family, truly has genetic talent! I will invite more friends to watch it.
Yang Siwei went to the Premiere of crazy stone and came back to complain: The Promise is not even as good as crazy stone!
In fact, Li Chen also thought so.
Han Sanping was in a state of anxiety. Thinking about his bold words before the release of The Promise, he felt utterly humiliated.
He no longer thought about the Oscar. If he had known this, he would have submitted painted skin instead of being in this predicament now.
"Dad, I told you to take it easy a long time ago. Director Li reminded you, and I reminded you too, but you acted as if you were possessed and just didn't believe it!"
"Now look what happened?"
"Get lost!" Han Sanping roared furiously.
Han Jianv shrugged, with an expression that said, "Don't blame me."
Many people were laughing at The Promise, especially those in Hong Kong.
This was particularly true for Wu Junru and her husband, because America's Variety magazine predicted that The Promise was not among the Oscar favorites.
But this time, Wu Junru learned her lesson and didn't jump out again, instead quietly watching the show.
Just as Chen Kaige was frantically appearing on various shows to explain The Promise.
A piece of news from Berlin instantly attracted the attention of people in the industry.
Sina Entertainment News:
"The first batch of competing and exhibiting films for the main competition unit of the 56th Berlin Film Festival, to be held from February 9th to 19th next year, was announced yesterday!"
One of the films made industry insiders briefly think that the Sina reporter had made a mistake.
"buried"
Li Chen
China
But then they looked at the lead actor again.
Andy Lau
Andy Lau?
And on the poster, Andy Lau himself was lying in a coffin. Friends of Li Chen and Andy Lau in the industry, as well as media reporters, called Andy Lau and Rongchen Film and Television to verify the specific information about buried.