China Entertainment's Standout

Chapter 722: Go for broke, a new emperor, a new minister
"Stephen Chow directed the movie "The Mermaid" in 19 days, and the box office exceeded 30 billion. After Zhou Yutang, Stephen Chow entered the billion box office club!"

"The Chinese film industry has been crowned the best for two weeks. As of the 26th, the cumulative box office of "The Mermaid" has reached 30.05 billion yuan, and it is expected to top the list!"

"The Film Bureau announced: Approved the application for the extension key of the film "The Mermaid" submitted by the producer. The film will be postponed to the evening of April 4!"

After the new year, "Joy of Life 3" dominated the small screen without any rivals, and "The Mermaid" also made a big splash in the Chinese film industry.

A series of news turned the entire Chinese film industry upside down.

"Detective Chinatown" raised the peak record of the Chinese film list to 3 billion, topping the Chinese film scene, and just ended perfectly, with another box office monster taking over the crown.

Jiangdong Grand Commander, which started operating after the New Year, started from the Beijing TV Drama Fair. It has been on the hot searches on B Station, and before the limelight has even passed, it has been on the headlines again.

The double-week combination that Stephen Chow had repeatedly proposed during variety shows and roadshows once again sparked heated discussions among netizens.

Just imagine, if these two gods really join forces, it would be the ultimate bomb among bombs, and it is definitely worth looking forward to.

There are people who are more concerned than the fans. The head of China Film Group personally called to lock in a ticket for the biweekly cooperation project in advance. Zhou Yutang explained with a smile,

"Boss La, it's all Zhou Xingxing's doing to hype things up."

He came up with the idea of ​​using Stephen Chow to do sentimental marketing. Stephen Chow was also very smart and took advantage of him a lot.

——Knowing what the audience likes to hear, during the film roadshow, whenever Stephen Chow opens his mouth he expresses his desire for cooperation. It depends on the schedule, and he can hook the audience into asking for it.

"That's a pity."

La Peikang didn't catch anything, so he didn't pay much attention to it: "I heard that "Tomb Raider" will be released in South Korea?"

"Well, just these two days. I have to go there later."

"."

La Peikang felt a little regretful. If it weren't for the special subject matter, the movie "Tomb Raider" could have been promoted as a cultural exchange and cooperation project between the two countries.

Zhou Yutang chatted with La Peikang absentmindedly for a few words and quickly hung up the phone.

He reached out and grabbed Liu Tianxian's white and tender little feet, and squeezed them almost subconsciously.

Miss Liu arched her feet and couldn't help struggling, she began to beg for mercy: "Let me go, stinky Xiao Zhou, it itches so bad!"

Just now when Zhou Yutang was talking to La Peikang, Liu Tianxian stretched out her leg mischievously and rubbed it gently like a kitten's paw.

It makes people stand still.

Perhaps because he had not practiced Taoism for nearly two weeks, Liu Tianxian was particularly proactive during this reunion.

For cultivators like me, dedicating ourselves to the path of immortality is our natural responsibility.

As they were whispering in each other's ears affectionately, Liu Yifei suddenly received a call from Mr. Zhou. She made a hushing gesture, and the unique voice calmed Zhou Yutang down.

"She's been in the spotlight lately."

A down quilt seemed to cover him, and Zhou Yutang's legs stretched out from the edge of the quilt, but were entangled by the smooth and delicate legs of the fairy.

Liu Yifei was chatting with Zhou Gongzi, and he did not disturb them, but just replied to their messages.

Ms. Zhou can be said to be the top celebrity in the circle.

With the honors of winning the three major film awards, she is the ceiling of female actresses in the domestic entertainment industry. She has both popularity and status, and is the object of many big directors' competition to work with.

There was a lot of news about her on the Internet during the period before and after the New Year. During the New Year, Liu Tianxian and Zhou Yutang talked on the phone for a long time and often talked about her.

"Is the film "When Will the Moon Rise" directed by Anhua Hui about to be finalized?"

"Sister Xun is preparing to join the film directed by Ann Hui, and the TV series Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace seems to be about to be finalized."

"Xiao Zhou, Sister Xun said that we'd meet for dinner tonight."

"Are you here to eat and drink for free again?" Zhou Yutang said unhappily.

"Don't say it so harshly."

Liu Yifei finds it funny when she thinks about it.

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Master Zhou took several sisters from Shanxia School to a hotpot dinner.

After eating and drinking to their heart's content, he shamelessly said that the school at the foot of the mountain was late for the New Year's Eve dinner, and that the Grand Commander of Jiangdong would pay for it himself, and he ate a free meal with a clear conscience.

The manager of the Wangfujing branch was stunned at the time and made a special phone call to ask the boss for instructions. He was photographed by passers-by that night and became a hot topic.

I have eaten hotpot quite a lot these days. First, I attended the wrap-up banquet for the filming of "Operation Mekong", and then I had a private gathering with my three brothers Zhang Ruojun and Zhu Yilong.

What kind of hot pot has beautiful women in Huaixiang?

Zhou Yutang felt a little resistant in his heart, but was too lazy to move. He pretended to be asleep and refused to get up.

Liu Yifei shouted a few times but to no avail, so she had to use her ultimate move.

She kissed him gently on the cheek, her warm breath sprayed on it, her plump legs slightly bent, and she hugged Zhou Yutang's arms, making him fall into a dreamlike and soft spring light.
The most important thing is Miss Liu's voice, which is so soft that it makes people feel soft inside: "Xiao Zhou, get up, you are the best, I want to eat hot pot too, please please."

Although he enjoyed it physically, Zhou Yutang couldn't help sighing in his heart that even a great hero can be tempted by beauty.

There is probably no man in this world who can withstand the fairy's smooth combo of multiple moves.

Even Governor Zhou, who was in charge of Wanniu, found it difficult to control himself.

Wangfujing, meet hotpot.

There was laughter and joy in a VIP box.

Master Zhou was chatting and laughing with Li Gengxi, Zhuang Dafei and a few other young girls.

This group of young girls, who were either born in the 1990s or the 2000s, mingled well with the shareholders and honorary acting professors of Yamashita Gakudo.

"Sister Zhou Xun, will Governor Zhou really come tonight?"

Zhuang Dafei suddenly asked, and the other girls all turned their expectant eyes to look over.

"Of course. If he doesn't come, who will pay for it?"

As soon as Mr. Zhou finished speaking, the door of the box opened automatically, and a manager in a formal uniform led people in.

The box, which was a bit noisy at first, became quiet in an instant as if a silencer was turned on. Li Gengxi, Zhuang Dafei and several other girls' eyes were attracted to Zhou Yutang like a magnet.

He was wearing a classic black Armani coat with a black turtleneck sweater underneath. As usual, he was not wearing any makeup. His handsome face seemed to be glowing in the night, illuminating the entire box.

Being handsome or not has always been a subjective feeling, but at this moment it was unanimously agreed upon in Zhou Yutang without any controversy.

As soon as he glanced into the box, the girls' heartbeats quickened and they all became extra reserved and ladylike.

"Boss Zhou, why are you here so late?"

Mr. Zhou patted the seat beside him carelessly and called out eagerly: "Xixi, come and sit next to me."

Only then did everyone notice Liu Yifei next to Zhou Yutang. They were stunned for a moment, and then their faces gradually became strange.

Beret + scarf + black down jacket + gray skirt, and a cute lambswool bag on the shoulder.

This outfit is not coordinated in any way, but with that enviable face, it can actually hold it up.

"The popular female star who ate a free meal, you are the one talking about, right?"

Zhou Yutang took off his coat, and Liu Yifei followed suit and hung her down jacket on the clothes rack in the box.

Li Gengxi pulled the hand of Zhuang Dafei beside her under the table. The two best friends lowered their heads and whispered to each other, laughing secretly. They were at the scene at that time.

How could a big star like Zhou Gongzi not be able to afford a hotpot?
It was just a joke because I was familiar with the Grand Commander.

"Boss Zhou, when did your catering business become so big?"

Mr. Zhou asked with great interest, "A lot of people come here to check in. If I hadn't borrowed Sissi's black card, I would have had to wait in line for half a day."

“It’s really super popular.”

Li Gengxi, Zhuang Dafei and other young girls all agreed, and it seemed that they came here often to spend money.

Nowadays, many idols debuted in South Korea and then returned to China to develop their careers. This is the case with the four returning boys, all of whom are top stars.

But a hot pot restaurant like Yu Jian, which has become popular in China from South Korea, is unique.

Especially after the media found out that the boss behind the scenes was the Grand Commander of Jiangdong, the incident became unstoppable and instantly became a trend.

When Zhou Yutang first wanted to make money in South Korea, he ate hotpot to comfort his stomach. After opening the store, he just became a hands-off boss.

Yu Jian has not opened many branches, only five in South Korea and a new one in Neon last year. There are more than a dozen branches in first-tier cities in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, etc., which together do not exceed 25.

The manager Zhou Yutang recruited from Haidilao through a headhunting company made great contributions.

This person has a quick mind and clear operational ideas. He has been deeply involved in first-tier cities, with a relatively high positioning and average customer price. However, due to the good quality control of food ingredients, attentive service, and the current trend, his business is of high quality and has certain social attributes.

Even many celebrities in the circle came to show their support, and young people also came to dine and check in.

Li Gengxi and Zhuang Dafei were taking photos of their besties, while Liu Yifei and Zhou Gongzi were chatting. "Sister Zhou Xun, has Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace really been confirmed?"

"The contract has been signed, and it should be officially announced in a few days."

Zhou Xun smiled and raised his glass proudly: "Come on, Boss Zhou, I'll toast you!"

Zhou Yutang and Liu Yifei's arrival made Zhuang Dafei and the others feel a little restrained. They would pretend nothing had happened and secretly glance at them from time to time.

They are destined to enter the entertainment industry, and they can't help but admire top female stars like Liu Tianxian.

But for Jiangdong Grand Commander, a legendary figure in the domestic entertainment industry, it was just like an ordinary person meeting an idol, it was pure worship, and sometimes they would say flattering things without even realizing it.

Li Gengxi was more relaxed and lively. Because of Xu Jinglei, she had performed in the play of the Grand Commander since she was a child. When she saw Zhou Yutang was about to take Liu Yifei away, she quickly spoke up.
"Boss, can I take a picture with you?"

"no problem."

Realizing that several girls including Zhuang Dafei had a hint of envy in their eyes, Zhou Yutang took care of their feelings and smiled gently:
"Come together."

On a cold winter night, friends gather together to eat hotpot, which warms the stomach and soothes the heart. The atmosphere is indescribably warm and pleasant.

After drinking a little wine in the evening, the driver drove very steadily. Liu Tianxian leaned on Zhou Yutang's shoulder in the back seat.

Recently, Miss Liu has become addicted to watching Douyin. When she saw a UP host deliberately edited together classic film and television shots of herself and various female stars, she couldn't help laughing out loud and shared it with Zhou Yutang.

"Xiao Zhou, look at this."

"." The fairy had a refreshing fragrance on her body. Zhou Yutang put his arm around her slender waist and leaned over to watch her watching Douyin.

The power of big data is really terrifying. We just talked about "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" while having dinner, and related film and television information was immediately pushed to me.

"Tsk, it looks like Lao Cao and Lao Jia are really going to go all out."

"It is reported that the sequel to "Empresses in the Palace", the Qing Dynasty drama "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace", adapted from the novel of the same name, is about to be launched. It is produced by New Classics Media and will be starred by triple-Award winner Zhou Xun. LeTV has bought out the online broadcast rights at a high price of 900 million per episode!"

This piece of news caused an uproar in the entire Chinese film and television industry.

The triple-Award winning actress has descended from heaven to play the role of Zhen Huan's daughter-in-law, Qianlong's Empress Ulanara. This is also Zhou Xun's first Qing palace drama, so it naturally attracted much attention.

People in the industry are all getting restless. The newly popular "Joy of Life 3" is the current sales record holder in the TV drama circle.

Rumor has it that "The Lonely and Great God" was sold at a sky-high price at the TV drama trade fair in Beijing a few days ago. I originally thought that the Grand Commander was invincible, but I didn't expect that there would be another master?

"Honey, you don't have the copyright?"

Even Liu Shishi, who had just been beheaded by Governor Zhou, couldn't sit still and called to inquire.

"Indeed, he is not here."

Zhou Yutang smiled.

"Oh, that's such a pity."

Liu Shishi sighed: "Sister K had her eyes on this project last year, but unfortunately we didn't get the deal."

"Mr. Cai is very stingy in her work, so no one would be interested in her little things."

Zhou Yutang chuckled.

At that time, he was still immature and it was quite difficult for him to operate "The Legend of Zhen Huan" independently, so he specially sought out Zheng Xiaolong to cooperate in the development.

Cai Yinong was probably drooling with envy at the astonishing revenue brought by "The Legend of Zhen Huan".

I asked about the price of Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, but was scared away.

After the subsequent TV series of "The Legend of Zhen Huan" was broadcast, it became a phenomenal hit, allowing Zeng Li to prove herself as the Green-Robed Empress. The original author Liu Lianzi also reaped the benefits, with her net worth increasing a hundredfold. Naturally, the subsequent copyrights of her novels also rose in value, and she was immediately targeted by the giants in the film and television industry.

"Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" is the sequel to "The Legend of Zhen Huan" which Liu Lianzi spent five years polishing.

Today, the copyright of the novel and script has been acquired by New Classics Media at a huge cost, in preparation for a major project to help New Classics go public.

“Is it true that the sales per episode are over 900 million?”

"How can it be."

Zhou Yutang shook his head and laughed.

Cao Huayi had previously mentioned that he would use this project to exchange for shares of "Eternal Love" or "Snow".

Zhou Yutang didn't agree.

Lao Cao immediately made a plan and promoted "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace", investing a lot of effort in it. The rumors he released at first were both true and false.

It is true that Miss Zhou starred in the film, but given her status, no matter how big she is, she is not as big as Governor Zhou.

Besides, the TV series hasn’t even started filming yet, how could it be sold at this price?

It's just a gimmick to create hype.

This is also one of the common routines in the film and television industry.

"The Mermaid is far ahead of the rest and continues to lead the Spring Festival box office, with the single-day box office dropping to 20 million!"

"The box office of "The King's Woman 3" has exceeded 10 billion, temporarily ranking third in the Spring Festival box office. Wang Jing has become a billion-dollar box office director. Chow Yun-fat and Andy Lau have gathered in Hong Kong to celebrate!"

"The total box office of Journey to the West: The Monkey King 11.25: The White Bone Demon soared to billion, ranking second during the Spring Festival!"

"Directed by Yuen Woo-ping and co-starred by Kung Fu superstars Zhen Zidan and Yang Ziqiong, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: Sword of Destiny grossed 1.57 million yuan!"

The smoke of the Spring Festival movie has cleared. In addition to "The Mermaid" being the only film that stood out during the Spring Festival period, this classic martial arts sequel to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" has also attracted a lot of attention.

After all, the previous film made a huge splash at the Oscars, which made director Li An soar to fame.

After the Weinstein Company took over the sequel, it created a lot of hype and Hollywood's top team put a lot of effort into it, but the box office results were not satisfactory.

Zhou Yutang didn't watch the movie.

Even if he wanted to manage his time, he couldn't torture himself by going to the cinema.

You can get a rough idea by looking at the collective complaints of film and television up-loaders on Bilibili.

The tone was set too high, and the poor tail that came fifteen years late is bound to be disappointing.

When the project was first launched, Weinstein wanted to ask Director Li An to take charge, but Li An was busy, so he asked Yuan Baye to take over and even hired a Hollywood screenwriter to write the script.

Can American screenwriters understand Chinese martial arts culture?
If the producers had enough confidence in the movie, they would have released it during the Spring Festival to compete head-on with "The Mermaid". Why would they adjust the release date and even be afraid of those romantic films during the Lover's Day period?

It was quietly released in the second half of the month, but it still received a bad response. Even Zheng Peipei, who played the Blue Eyed Fox in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, posted a very straightforward Weibo post to complain.
"Apart from Yeung Tsz-kiong, there is no way you can associate it with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

The beauty from Xichang Factory took part in the third round of the Beijing Film Academy’s art exam, and the list of the third round of exams will be announced at the end of the month.

The popular Beijing princess Guan Xiaotong, mermaid Zhou Ye, SNH48 member Zhao Jiamin, and little Guo Xiang Zhang Xueying are on the list.

Zhou Yutang took some time to visit China Film Group.

Compared to the past when Han Sanping was in office, he has come less frequently in recent years, giving people a sense that things have changed and people have changed.

One emperor and one courtier.

Xiao Zheng, the secretary of Zuoshandiao, who used to have a close relationship with him, is no longer in this position.

Han Sanping had already made proper arrangements and now he has reached a higher level. During the Spring Festival, he even sent a New Year's greeting to Zhou Yutang on WeChat.

Zhou Yutang was not very familiar with La Peikang's secretary. In response to his excessive enthusiasm, he just nodded and smiled politely as a greeting.

Sitting in his position, he is surrounded by people saying nice things to him. His ears are almost callused from hearing so much. How could he be one more person?

La Peikang had another meeting, so Zhou Yutang was in the chairman's office, leaning back on the sofa, taking the film schedule prepared in advance by the secretary and starting to look through it.

After a while, there was a voice outside the door. The moment La Peikang pushed the door open, his originally gloomy face was instantly filled with a friendly smile.
"Yu Tang, I'm sorry, I have a meeting and kept you waiting."

"Boss, I just got here a while ago."

"Come and try my Anxi premium Tieguanyin."

Pei Kang didn't need to do anything, the secretary was very considerate and poured tea for the leader with quite skillful movements.

"How's the schedule?"

“Let’s release The Unbreakable Love Letter on May Day, Blade of the Assassin 2 on the summer schedule, and Operation Mekong on National Day, depending on the situation.”

Zhou Yutang glanced at the screening schedule and had a plan in mind.

The two previous films, "Beijing Meets Seattle" and "Assassins Spring Blade", were very successful at the box office, and the box office potential of the sequels is worth looking forward to.

As for "Operation Mekong", the post-production is being done by Vision Media. Some special effects plans for this main-theme commercial blockbuster have already come out, and if the post-production can be completed within half a year, it will definitely be released during the popular schedule.

Zhang Yimou's "The Great Buddha" and Cao Baoping's "The Dark Knight" are both art films. Their commercial attributes are not obvious and their box office expectations are not high.

"Director Zhang and Director Cao's two new films have both been submitted to the Shanghai Film Festival, right?" La Peikang put his lips on the edge of the antique teacup.

"Well, Director Ren called and talked about this a few days ago."

Zhou Yutang glanced at him casually, and La Peikang narrowed his eyes and said calmly: "Old Ren is like this, always so anxious to do things."

"What does The Meg say?"

“It will be ready for launch next month.”

"."

There was no reminiscing, only business. The secretary outside came in and leaned over to La Peikang and said something. The head of China Film nodded slightly, put down the teacup in his hand, and smiled:
"Yu Tang, it's rare for you to come here, how about we have lunch together in the cafeteria at noon?"

"La Dong."

Zhou Yutang stood up and said, "There are still some things waiting for me to deal with at the company, so I won't bother you anymore."

La Peikang sent him to the door, and Zhou Yutang then discovered that Wu Baige and his assistant were sitting in the waiting area.

Wu Baige, who was chatting and laughing with a senior executive of China Film Group, suddenly stopped smiling and his expression became a little stiff when he saw Zhou Yutang.

Looking at his subtle body movements, it seemed that he wanted to stand up and say hello, but he couldn't open his mouth and just stood there awkwardly.

After Zhou Yutang said goodbye to La Peikang, he strode out with his head held high.

If we are not on the same path, there is no need to say hello.

However, Ni Ni, who was following him, looked back and whispered, "Wu Baige is here for 'The Chase', right? I heard that Oguri Shun was also invited?"

"hehe."

Zhou Yutang chuckled.

"Boss, what are you laughing at?"

With the tacit understanding cultivated over the years, Ni Ni could vaguely understand Zhou Yutang's thoughts. The flat-headed iron tower-like bodyguard opened the back door of the Maybach S600 armored sedan for him first.

Zhou Yutang sat in, leaning back in a relaxed position, with his legs naturally crossed: "Do you know what Ren Zhonglun has been doing recently?"

"You mean"

The person came out of China Film Group, but the person he was asking was the president of Shanghai Film Group. Ni Ni's heart moved slightly, and she suddenly understood.

No matter what large multinational projects Wu Baige was working on, his boss didn't take them seriously at all.

What he should be concerned about is the underwater game between the two giants, Shanghai Film Group and China Film Group.

Ren Zhonglun took the lead and joined several other bigwigs to fire again at the meeting, demanding to take control of the trading rights of the Shanghai Film Festival.

"La Peikang is quite calm and seems to be unmoved by anything."

Zhou Yutang turned his head to look out the window at the China Film Building getting farther away. Many fleeting thoughts and profound meanings flashed through his pupils, and he murmured:
"To be able to sit in this position, he is no simple person."

(End of this chapter)