Chapter 170: Gemini
Putting Fan Bingbing's matter aside, Li Chen dedicated himself to the post-production of "the thieves."
Warner was pressing hard for New Line's affairs.
Li Chen entrusted the negotiations with Warner to Tim, who was well aware of Chiyou Films' bottom line.
After more than half a month of back-and-forth, both parties signed a contract, effective after "the golden compass" was released.
If Chiyou Films were to take over New Line, it would have to sell no less than 25% of its shares to Warner.
Furthermore, if Chiyou Films were to go public in the future, Warner's shares could not be diluted.
Old Shaye of New Line never dreamed that the scenario he envisioned of two tigers fighting while he profited would not come to pass.
With Tim overseeing the subsequent music and editing for "the thieves," Li Chen and Liu Yifei boarded a flight back to China.
"so young" had already begun its roadshow in major cities across China, moving at full throttle.
Among the lead actors, the most popular was not Pan Yueming, who played Chen Xiaozheng, the mainland's Xu Xian.
Nor was it Yang Mi, who played Zheng Wei, the little Eastern Heretic.
It certainly wasn't Jing Tian, who played the sweet-looking campus belle.
Instead, it was Hu Ge, who played the second male lead, Lin Jing.
All of them combined didn't have as much popularity as Hu Ge alone.
At the same time, Maggie Cheung also added fuel to the fire for "so young."
Southern Weekly Report:
"Maggie Cheung confirms in an exclusive interview that her next film will begin shooting next year, but it will not be Chen Kexin's 'The Warlords' nor Jia Zhangke's 'A Touch of Sin.'"
"She was unable to reveal specific details about the subject matter and content but told the media that it is a very challenging role."
"The director is the widely speculated Li Chen, and the producer is Hua Zai, the producer of 'so young.'"
During an exclusive interview with Hong Kong media personality Liu Tianlan in Hong Kong, Maggie Cheung frankly stated that she now prioritizes the excellent quality of a film when choosing roles.
She tries to avoid repeating past characters and completely rejects films that only approach her because of her fame and market value.
As soon as the news broke, Maggie Cheung's fans went wild.
"Maggie choosing Li Chen means it's probably another awards-contender. Filming next year, could it be aiming for Venice?"
"If Li Chen wins Venice Film Festival Best Actress for Maggie, I'll enshrine him at home and offer incense three times a day, morning and night. I won't go back on my word!"
"Will next year's Hong Kong Oscar contender also be this film? Produced by Hua Zai, it definitely won't pass censorship!"
Mainland netizens also joined in the excitement.
"If Maggie Cheung wins Venice Film Festival Best Actress, that would truly be legendary, the first person in the world."
"Maggie Cheung choosing Xiao Li Zi is perfectly fine. Whether it's Chen Kexin or Jia Zhangke, when compared to Xiao Li Zi in terms of script, awards, or box office, they would be unequivocally crushed!"
"Xiao Li Zi must not think highly of the Oscar prospects for 'the banquet' and 'curse of the golden flower,' so he's going for it himself next year!"
"Going through Hong Kong is also good, a roundabout way to save the country, after all, there aren't as many restrictions."
Hong Kong Film Awards Chairman Wen Jun and Vice Chairman Chen Jiasheng also expressed their anticipation, from afar, that this film could compete for Hong Kong's Oscar entry next year.
Media outlets called Yingyi Entertainment one after another, but the person in charge of Yingyi Entertainment only told the media that the matter was true.
The specific subject matter and content were still to be kept confidential.
However, a piece of news was also revealed: apart from the male and female leads, all other supporting roles would be selected from Hong Kong artists, which was also to ensure a better fit for the film.
Yang Siwei, facing the overwhelming media bombardment, simply responded:
"Everyone can pay attention to Rongchen Film and Television's film slate plan next month."
Huo Wenxi also contacted Yang Siwei immediately.
"Siwei, isn't it time to put that film we discussed on the agenda?"
Yang Siwei replied smoothly, "Mani Jie, rest assured, Rongchen Film and Television will not go back on its word for what it promised."
"'father's love continued' will be on next month's film slate plan!"
Huo Wenxi felt relieved and then smiled, "Siwei, I wonder if we'll have a chance to participate in Director Li and Maggie's film?"
Yang Siwei chuckled, "Mani Jie, I can't make decisions on this matter."
Huo Wenxi didn't press further, "Alright, Director Li should be back in the country soon, right?"
"He's almost landed now," Yang Siwei said with a smile.
As soon as Li Chen and Liu Yifei landed, the two quickly slipped away through the VIP channel.
As soon as they got into the car, Li Chen's phone rang.
"Han Dong, did you install a tracker on me? I just landed, and your call came in already."
Han Sanping scoffed, "Do you think you're still the unknown college student from a few years ago?"
"The moment you boarded the plane in Hollywood, the news was already known in China."
Liu Yifei, sitting next to him, was flipping through a magazine in the car.
Seeing the newly crowned first golden eagle goddess Sun Li on it, she pointed to Li Chen, who was on the phone.
The meaning was clear: "You lost my golden eagle goddess."
However, Liu Yifei didn't care at all in her heart.
As Li Chen would say, what kind of value did that golden eagle goddess have?
It wasn't as high-end and classy as the 'White Moonlight' halo.
Moreover, the most talked-about people that night were not the actors, but the two super girl champions, Li Yuchun and Shang Wenjie.
"Come to China Film Group Corporation when you get back. I'll be waiting for you."
After speaking, he hung up without allowing for a reply, leaving Li Chen momentarily stunned.
He mused, "Why does Old Han sound more and more assertive when he speaks?"
"Could it be that Old Han has been promoted from deputy to full director?"
The more Li Chen thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
Sure enough, when he met Han Sanping in the China Film Group Corporation office, Li Chen clearly felt that Han Sanping's entire demeanor was more domineering.
As soon as Li Chen entered, he smiled and said, "Han Dong, what urgent instructions do you have for calling me here?"
Han Sanping stood up and glared at Li Chen, annoyed.
"I wouldn't dare. How dare I instruct you? I can't even get you to delete a post."
Li Chen laughed heartily and sat down with Han Sanping.
"Han Dong, this isn't my fault."
Han Sanping snorted, "Forget it, let's not talk about that."
"What's going on with Maggie Cheung's film? Is the subject matter something that won't pass in the mainland?"
Li Chen didn't hide it from him, "That's right, the story doesn't conform to the situation in China, so it can only be filmed in Hong Kong."
Han Sanping nodded, "Old Chen's 'forever enthralled,' are you interested in investing in it?"
Li Chen looked at Han Sanping in surprise, "Forget it."
Han Sanping's gaze was clear, "Don't look at me like that. For biographical subjects that promote traditional culture, even if it loses money, China Film Group Corporation will support it."
Li Chen secretly gave Old Han a thumbs up in his heart.
But Han Sanping's next sentence made Li Chen laugh and cry.
"Send me your company's film slate for next year, and I'll pick a few!"
Li Chen looked at Han Sanping and couldn't help but laugh, "Han Dong, are you planning to recoup the money you lost on Chen Kaige from me?"
"No wonder you didn't even bat an eye when talking about investing in 'forever enthralled.'"
Han Sanping laughed domineeringly, "What, which time have I not directly shown you China Film Group Corporation's scheduled release plan and let you pick?"
"It's only fair that you should bring your company's film slate for me to pick from, shouldn't you?"
Li Chen gave Han Sanping a thumbs up, "Alright, Han Dong, you even rob with righteous words. I'm impressed. I'll send it to you later."
Han Sanping couldn't help but laugh, "That's more like it!"
When Li Chen left China Film Group Corporation, he confirmed his suspicions with Han Sanping's secretary.
Indeed, once he stepped into the ranks of the main hall, his way of speaking was different.
The next day, Li Chen returned to the company.
Today was the hundred-to-ten selection for the child actors of "draw the bow, Daddy."
Wu Bin handed Li Chen a list of one hundred child actors selected from across the country.
Li Chen glanced at it and surprisingly saw two familiar names.
One was Dilraba Dilmurat on the sister's selection list.
The other was Hazikizi on the younger sister's selection list.
Li Chen searched carefully again but did not find another actress, Guli Nazha, who was as famous as Dilraba Dilmurat.
He wondered what 14-year-old Dilraba Dilmurat and 10-year-old Hazikizi would be like.
The photos in their profiles were only half-body shots.
With a curious mind, Li Chen met the young girls in Conference Room 1.
Dilraba Dilmurat was wearing a white dress today, with long hair draped over her shoulders, looking timid.
As soon as she entered and saw Li Chen's familiar face sitting in the center, she immediately dared not look further.
Li Chen nodded secretly, one thing was certain: the young girl was naturally beautiful and couldn't hide it; at least she hadn't had plastic surgery.