Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 258 Gray Chips

After Secretary Han Shanping left, the office became quiet.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was the Beijing sky in November, hazy and gray, with a few tall buildings appearing and disappearing in the smog.

"Yi Bai, how's the filming of Pacific Rim going?"

Han Shanping picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke casually.

"smoothly.

With thorough preparations and a strong cast, filming is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.

Han Shanping put down his teacup and glanced at Fu Yibai's face.

"Yi Bai, Chenxi is growing bigger and bigger, from film and television to variety shows to games."

I heard they've even started making mobile phones?

"You've set up quite a business here."

"They're all minor skirmishes."

Fu Yibai smiled.

"Haha, if this is just small-scale, then all the other companies in China are just playing house."

Han Shanping laughed loudly, then changed the subject.

"Although the business has expanded, film is the root of our dawn."

Han Shanping suppressed his smile and spoke sincerely.

"Yi Bai, I've watched you come this far over the years, relying on your focus and reverence for film."

No matter how bustling the market is, don't let those flashy things dazzle your eyes and cloud your judgment.

Han Shanping doesn't care about Fu Yibai's businesses; he's just afraid that Fu Yibai might suddenly stop making movies one day, and then he won't have such a good partner anymore.

Fu Yibai smiled.

"Chairman Han, I understand."

Film has always been the foundation of Dawn, and it remains my original aspiration.

Ten minutes later, the secretary pushed the door open and came in.

"Chairman Han, it's ready."

"Let's go take a look."

Han Shanping stood up, picked up the hard drive on the table, and walked towards the door.

The three people walked through the corridor and arrived at a small screening room inside China Film Group.

Han Shanping sat down in the middle seat, Fu Yibai sat down to his right, and Ning Hao sat next to Fu Yibai.

The lights dimmed, and the big screen lit up.

The title of the film, "No Man's Land," appeared on the screen against a black background with white lettering, devoid of any decoration, its simplicity bordering on austere.

Ning Hao's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the armrest of the seat.

The film lasted 110 minutes, and no one spoke.

Han Shanping remained expressionless throughout.

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the screen. This was his second time watching "No Man's Land," but he was still captivated by Ning Hao's narrative and visuals.

Those desolate Gobi deserts, cramped train carriages, and gloomy hotels—every scene exudes a repressive tension, like a taut string that could snap at any moment.

As the end credits rolled, the lights in the screening room came back on.

Han Shanping leaned back in his chair and remained silent for a long time.

Ning Hao sat nervously next to Fu Yibai, his gaze fixed on Han Shanping's face.

"Chairman Han, what do you think...?"

Ning Hao couldn't help but speak, his voice tinged with a hint of probing.

"It's a good film."

Han Shanping began to speak, but at a slow pace.

"Ning Hao, your directing skills are undeniable. You're adept at black humor and have a great grasp of narrative pacing."

but--"

This "but" made Ning Hao's heart leap into his throat.

"But the content is too profound, and the subject matter is too sensitive."

"Mr. Han, it would be such a pity if this film couldn't pass the censorship."

Furthermore, Director Ning also plans to use this film to participate in next year's Berlin Film Festival.

I hope Chairman Han can help me.

"Sigh, I'll try my best."

Han Shanping waved his hand.

"Mr. Han, 'No Man's Land' is not the kind of film that is simply trying to grab attention or cross the line."

It has depth, thought-provoking ideas, and artistic value.

If films like this are rejected because of their content restrictions, then the path for Chinese films will only become narrower and narrower.

and……"

At this point, Fu Yibai glanced at Han Shanping.

"Chairman Han, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."

At Franchise Films, a major project is set to launch next year.

It's called "Interstellar," a sci-fi blockbuster.

I directed it myself, with a budget of two hundred million US dollars.

If China Film Group is interested, I can help you get a 10% share.

Han Shanping's eyes lit up for a moment.

A sci-fi blockbuster with a budget of 200 million US dollars, directed by Fu Yibai himself, and exclusively controlled by the film company.

He knows better than anyone the value of those words.

In the past two years, through Fu Yibai, he has co-invested in many films produced by Franchise Pictures, and without exception, they have all yielded several times the profit.

"Yi Bai, what's wrong with you...?"

Han Shanping lowered his voice, and most of the hesitation in his tone had disappeared.

"Chairman Han, please don't misunderstand, I'm not negotiating terms."

Fu Yibai smiled, his tone becoming more relaxed.

"The Interstellar project was originally intended to find domestic partners."

The domestic market is now developing rapidly and is no less competitive than North America. Franchise Entertainment originally planned to make this film a co-production.

China Film Group is an industry leader, and with Chairman Han here, you are naturally the first person I think of.

As for "No Man's Land," I genuinely think it's a great film and shouldn't be overlooked.

Han Shanping looked at him, remained silent for a few seconds, and then smiled.

"Yi Bai, you are a person whose words and actions are impeccable."

He shook his head, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"Okay, I'll take care of things with you regarding 'No Man's Land'."

"Thank you, Chairman Han! Thank you, Chairman Han!" Ning Hao bowed deeply, his attitude almost excessively respectful.

Fu Yibai also stood up and shook hands with Han Shanping.

"Thank you, Chairman Han."

"Don't thank me, we're like family."

Han Shanping waved his hand.

"Regarding Interstellar, have your people connect with China Film Group as soon as possible."

"I've noted down the 10% share."

"it is good."

It was past noon when I came out of the screening room.

The three of them found a restaurant near the China Film Group Corporation for dinner. Ning Hao was smiling the whole time, his mouth never closing.

He held his wine glass and toasted Fu Yibai one glass after another, drinking until his face was red and his neck was thick.

"Senior brother, I salute you!"

Ning Hao picked up another glass of wine and stood up.

"If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't know what to do with this film."

"Sit down, sit down."

Fu Yibai pressed his hand.

"Don't be so polite when you're out."

You're the company's director, so it's only right that the company supports you.

"Then I must toast you too!"

Ning Hao insisted on standing, tilted his head back, and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.

Fu Yibai looked at him, shook his head, and also picked up his wine glass and took a sip.

The meal lasted until after 2 p.m., and Ning Hao was so drunk that he was staggering as he walked.

Fu Yibai asked Guo Zhenni to call a designated driver to take him home.

"Mr. Fu, are we going back to the company or back to the film set?"

Guo Zhenni turned her head from the passenger seat.

"Back to the set."

As the car entered traffic, Fu Yibai leaned back in his seat with his eyes closed.