nucmednet Chapter 114 Master Han Goes All Out
Chapter 114 Master Han Goes All Out
Chapter 114 Master Han Goes All Out
On February 2, 2009, the eighth day of the first lunar month, Beijing was still immersed in the afterglow of the Spring Festival.
The red lanterns on the streets and alleys have not yet been taken down, and the couplets at the entrances of some shops are being blown up by the wind, making a rustling sound.
At 7:15, when Jiang Yu came out of his apartment in Yintai, the security guard, Old Chen, was rubbing his hands and breathing on them to warm them. Seeing him, Old Chen quickly stood at attention: "Mr. Jiang, so early?"
"Good morning, Master Chen." Jiang Yu nodded with a smile. "We need to get to work early today."
"Yes, yes, yes, it's for giving out red envelopes!" Old Chen grinned. "My son works at the coffee shop downstairs from your company, and he said there was a line of young people waiting for red envelopes as early as six o'clock today. You're such a generous boss!"
Jiang Yu waved his hand and got into the black Audi A6.
The driver, Xiao Zhao, had already warmed up the car; the heater was on full blast, and the seat heaters were also turned on.
"Mr. Jiang, shall we go straight to the company?" Xiao Zhao asked.
"Yeah, lots of things to do today." Jiang Yu leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples.
I was reading the investment company's annual report until 2 a.m. last night, and I'm still a little sleepy.
Jiang Yu looked at the scenery passing by outside the window and planned out his schedule for the day: distribute red envelopes at eight o'clock, and hold short meetings for each department at ten o'clock—it was going to be very busy.
At 7:25, the car stopped in front of Building 2 of Wanda Plaza.
As Jiang Yu got off the bus, he saw several familiar figures coming out of the subway entrance.
They were several programmers from Light and Shadow Cloud. The leader was Xiao Li, a key technical staff member under Wang Jian. He wore thick glasses, carried a huge backpack, and was arguing with his companion about "the optimization problem of distributed algorithms".
"Good morning, Mr. Jiang!" The group greeted him quickly upon seeing him.
"Good morning." Jiang Yu nodded with a smile. "What are you arguing about, so engrossed?"
Xiao Li scratched his head: "We were discussing the new architecture that Director Wang proposed yesterday. I think the third option is better, but they insist on the second one—"
"Alright, alright, it's the New Year, take a break from your thoughts." Jiang Yu patted his shoulder. "After you get your red envelopes, go buy some good food to nourish yourself."
The group chuckled as they entered the building.
As Jiang Yu stepped into the lobby on the first floor, his eyes lit up.
Ten huge red storage boxes were neatly arranged in a row, with the character "福" (fortune) pasted on them.
The box was already cordoned off with barriers, and a red carpet was laid out on the ground, creating a strong sense of ceremony.
Xiao Li from the finance department and several colleagues from the administration department are busy.
Today, Xiao Li was dressed in a red Tang suit, looking like a New Year's picture doll. Upon seeing Jiang Yu, he quickly ran over: "Good morning, Mr. Jiang! The red envelopes are all ready, each one is 888 yuan, brand new bills, specially delivered by the bank yesterday. There are a total of 1,000, and I prepared 50 extra, just in case."
"Thank you for your hard work." Jiang Yu walked to the box, picked up a red envelope, and weighed it in his hand.
It's of moderate thickness and feels great. "The ribbon is tied nicely; whose idea was that?"
There was also a chubby guy wearing glasses who, after receiving the red envelope, pulled out a calculator from his backpack, typed away rapidly, and then looked up and said, "Mr. Jiang, based on last year's salary increase and this year's expected returns, the rate of return on this red envelope amount is—"
"Alright, alright, let's not settle accounts during the New Year!" Wang Jian slapped him on the back. "After you've collected your money, hurry back and start writing your code." Everyone laughed.
At 10 o'clock, the Light Chaser Pictures team arrived.
Jiang Xuerou wore a bright red Chanel suit and 10-centimeter high heels today, exuding an aura of immense power.
She was followed by more than forty people, including producers, directors, screenwriters, and talent agents, all dressed smartly. The men were in suits and the women had exquisite makeup. They were from a completely different world from the group of people from the technical department.
"Happy New Year, Ms. Jiang!" Jiang Xuerou accepted the red envelope with a bright smile. "Our film department will definitely achieve even greater success this year!"
"I look forward to your performance." Jiang Yu shook hands with her. "We need to speed up the progress of 'Lucy' and 'The Thief'."
"It's already in progress." Jiang Xuerou lowered her voice. "Luc Besson will be in Beijing next week, and Director Choi Dong-hoon will be here at the end of the month."
It was already 10:30 when I finished sending out the red envelopes from Guangying Digital.
Nine and a half of the ten boxes were empty; the remaining half-box was reserved for employees who couldn't come.
Jiang Yu had been standing for over two hours; his legs were a little sore and his throat was a bit dry, but seeing the happy smiles on his employees' faces made it all worthwhile.
have to.
Just as I was about to return to my office, my phone rang.
It was a private number, and the caller ID showed "Han Sanping".
Jiang Yu glanced at the time: 10:40.
The timing of this head of China Film Group is truly impeccable.
He answered the phone: "Mr. Han, Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year, Mr. Jiang!" Han Sanping's voice was loud and clear; even through the phone, one could imagine his imposing face. "Did I disturb your red envelope distribution?"
"Just finished sending it." Jiang Yu walked towards the elevator. "What are your instructions, Chairman Han?"
"I wouldn't presume to give instructions," Han Sanping laughed. "I just wanted to invite you to dinner, to catch up. I tried to arrange it twice before the New Year, but you were busy both times. Today is the first day back at work; you should be free, right?"
Jiang Yu pressed the elevator button: "Since Chairman Han has spoken, I have to make time, even if I'm not available. Time and place?"
"Noon, Kunlun Hotel, the usual place. Just the two of us, having a simple meal."
"Okay, I'll definitely be there."
After hanging up the phone, he sent Jiang Xuerou a text message, and the elevator doors opened.
Jiang Yu went inside and pressed the button for the 35th floor.
His face was reflected in the elevator mirror; he was young, but his eyes held a maturity beyond his years.
He knew why Han Sanping wanted to see him and had prepared a response plan.
The elevator arrived at the 35th floor.
As soon as the door opened, Jiang Xuerou was already waiting in the corridor, holding a folder in her hand, with a serious expression.
"Yes, lunch at Kunlun Hotel." Jiang Yu walked into the office, took off his suit jacket and hung it on a hanger. "You're coming with me."
"Okay." Jiang Xuerou followed her in and closed the door. "I just received news that in addition to Han Sanping, the China Film Group will also be bringing his secretary, Chen Ze. Also, there might be someone from the Film Bureau, but I'm not sure."
Jiang Yu sat down at his desk and turned on his computer: "As expected. Han Sanping is making a show of force. It's just the two of us on our side, so it looks important but isn't ostentatious."
Jiang Xuerou nodded and placed the folder on the table: "This is the latest progress report on 'Lucy' and 'The Thief'. I guess Han Sanye will mainly bring up two things today: one is that he wants to participate in our new project, and the other is to probe the bottom line of our cooperation with Disney."
After Jiang Xuerou left, Jiang Yu sat back down in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.
Fragments of memories from my past life flashed through my mind: in 2009, the Chinese film market had just surpassed 60 billion yuan in box office revenue, less than one-tenth of what it would be ten years later.
This blue ocean market is about to experience explosive growth, and what he needs to do is to plan ahead and seize the initiative.
As I was thinking, my phone vibrated.
It was a text message from Liu Yifei: "I heard you gave out red envelopes today? Did I get one? (playful)"
"6
Jiang Yu smiled and replied, "Yes, I'll make it up to you tonight. I'll give it to you personally, and it'll be thicker than theirs."
The reply came instantly: "Then I'll look forward to it! Remember to eat lunch, don't get hungry while talking about business."
"Yes, ma'am."
Putting down his phone, Jiang Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
In this world full of calculation and competition, it is a very happy thing to have someone who simply cares whether you are hungry.
At 11:20, Jiang Xuerou knocked on the door precisely on time: "President Jiang, the car is ready."
Jiang Yu stood up, put on his suit jacket, and straightened his tie in front of the mirror.
"Let's go," he said. "Let's go meet Master Han."
The private room at the Kunlun Hotel is named "Kunlun Hall" and is one of the most luxurious private rooms in this long-established five-star hotel.
The space is 60 square meters, decorated in a Chinese style with mahogany furniture, and the walls are adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. A blue and white porcelain vase sits in the corner.
The south-facing window is a full-length window that overlooks the Liangma River.
Jiang Yu and Jiang Xuerou arrived at exactly twelve o'clock.
The waiter pushed open the heavy, carved wooden door, and three people were already sitting inside.
The person in the main seat was naturally Han Sanping, with his secretary Chen Ze to his left, and a stranger in his fifties to his right, wearing a dark gray jacket and looking very refined.
"President Jiang, President Jiang, welcome, welcome!" Han Sanping stood up to greet them, his voice booming, "Come, come, have a seat."
"Happy New Year, Chairman Han." Jiang Yu shook hands with him, then looked at the other two, "Hello, Secretary Chen. And this is—"
"Oh, let me introduce you," Han Sanping said, pointing to the bespectacled man, "This is Director Li from the Film Bureau. He happened to be having a meeting nearby today, so I invited him to come along and join in the fun."
"Hello, Director Li." Jiang Yu smiled and shook hands.
He knew perfectly well that the person nearby was someone Han Sanping had specially invited to provide cover.
With the film bureau officials present, things became much easier to discuss.
"President Jiang is young and promising," Li Jianguo said slowly and deliberately, with the tone typical of someone in officialdom. "We've all seen the achievements of Zhuiguang over the past few years. Very good, very good."
"Director Li, you flatter me. I still need more guidance from the leadership."
Everyone took their seats.
Han Sanping sat in the main seat, with Li Jianguo and Chen Ze on his left, and Jiang Yu and Jiang Xuerou on his right.
The round table was large, and the five people could sit comfortably.
The waiter began serving the dishes.
The four cold dishes are: Crystal Pork Belly, Jellyfish with Scallion Oil, Osmanthus-flavored Lotus Root, and Cold Mixed Dragon Beard Vegetables.
Next came the hot dishes: braised sea cucumber with scallions, clear soup bird's nest, braised shark fin, and several seasonal vegetables and desserts.
The liquor is 15-year-old Moutai, already aged and ready to be poured into the decanter.
"Come on, let's have a drink to celebrate the New Year and our gathering today!" Han Sanping raised his glass.
The five people clinked glasses.
Jiang Yu took a small sip; the wine was mellow and fragrant, indeed a fine wine.
He noticed that Li Jianguo only took a small sip, while Chen Ze drank it all in one gulp, befitting a secretary.
After a few drinks, the atmosphere became lively.
Han Sanping began to talk about industry trends, from Hollywood's financial crisis to the recovery of the domestic film market, from the box office miracle of "If You Are the One" to the gains and losses of "Red Cliff".
Jiang Yu listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a word or two, never interrupting, and always getting to the point.
Jiang Xuerou took the lead in supporting the event, asking questions and echoing others at just the right time.
When discussing "If You Are the One," Han Sanping remarked, "Feng Xiaogang is truly talented. He managed to gross over 300 million yuan with a romantic comedy. What does that show? It shows that audiences still prefer films that resonate with real life."
"Chairman Han is right," Jiang Yu chimed in. "However, I think there's another important factor in the success of 'If You Are the One': the perfect release date. It coincided with both Christmas and New Year's Day, and it was also part of the Lunar New Year film season—the timing was perfect."
"Oh, Mr. Jiang, you also know about scheduling?" Li Jianguo pushed up his glasses.
"I know a little bit," Jiang Yu said modestly. "When we at Light Chaser Animation are working on projects, the release date is of paramount importance. The same film can have a box office difference of up to half if it's released during the summer or the Lunar New Year season."
"That makes sense." Han Sanping nodded. "That's why China Film Group is releasing 'The Founding of a Republic' this year, also taking into account the special nature of the National Day holiday. The 60th anniversary is a time of national celebration, and this atmosphere is a natural guarantee for box office success."
coming.
Jiang Yu and Jiang Xuerou exchanged a glance.
Han Sanping put down his wine glass and gave Chen Ze a wink.
Chen Ze immediately took out two documents from his briefcase, handing one to Jiang Yu and the other to Jiang Xuerou.
"This is the detailed plan for 'The Founding of a Republic'," Han Sanping said. "We've cast Huang Jianxin and me as directors, and Wang Xingdong and Chen Baoguang as screenwriters. As for the cast—we've invited the most influential actors in China to act without pay. The preliminary list is here; take a look."
Jiang Yu opened the file.
The proposal was exquisitely prepared, a thick stack of documents, covering everything from the project's significance and filming schedule to the cast list and publicity plan.
The cast list page was filled with dozens of names: Tang Guoqiang, Zhang Guoli, Xu Qing, Chen Kun, Liu Ye, Zhang Ziyi, Cheng Long, Li Lianjie — almost encompassing all the top stars in the Chinese film and television industry.
"This lineup—" Jiang Xuerou exclaimed softly.
"Unprecedented." Han Sanping said with some pride, "Lao Huang and I called them one by one, and everyone expressed their support. This is a tribute film, a national mission, and all the actors have an unshirkable duty to do it."
Jiang Yu closed the proposal and pondered for a moment: "Chairman Han, it's an honor to have such an important project entrusted to us. However, why doesn't China Film Group do it themselves? Or find a more reliable partner?"
He deliberately left something unsaid.
Han Sanping smiled and looked at Li Jianguo.
Li Jianguo understood and slowly began, "President Jiang, to be honest, the Film Bureau also attaches great importance to this project. Chairman Han's decision to collaborate with you was made after careful consideration. Light Chaser Animation has developed rapidly in recent years, possessing both domestic resources and an international perspective. Your investments in 'Iron Man,' 'Inception,' and 'Avatar,' as well as collaborations with Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros., and the huge successes of your own productions like 'Twilight,' 'Insidious,' and 'The Witch,' all demonstrate your vision and capabilities."
He took a sip of tea and continued, "The Founding of a Republic is not just a commercial film, but also a mission. We need a company with both strength and vision to participate. Chasing Light is young and energetic, which can bring a fresh perspective to the project. Of course, this is also a test of your trust in us."
That was a very well said statement.
Jiang Yu knew in his heart that this was both an olive branch and an exchange of benefits.
"Thank you for your trust, Chairman Han and Director Li." Jiang Yu raised his glass. "Since the leaders think so highly of us, we at Chasing Light will definitely go all out. However, regarding the specific details of the cooperation—"
"The details are easy to discuss." Han Sanping waved his hand. "Let's set the tone today. China Film Group will contribute 60%, Light Chaser Animation Studios will contribute 30%, and the remaining 10% will be reserved for other partners. China Film Group will decide on the director, screenwriter, and main actors. You can be deeply involved in production, publicity, and overseas distribution. How does that sound?"
Jiang Yu quickly made a mental calculation.
A 30% stake would require an investment of approximately 1000 million.
For Light Chaser Animation Studios, it wasn't a huge sum of money, but the resources and intangible status it gained were priceless.
"We have no problem with that." He nodded. "However, Mr. Han, since we're going to be deeply involved, I'd like to send a producer to join the production team and oversee the entire process."
Han Sanping glanced at Li Jianguo, who nodded slightly.
"Sure," Han Sanping readily agreed. "You decide on the producer, and Lao Huang and I will oversee the process."
"Understood," Jiang Yu said earnestly. "We will set up a special team to strictly follow the requirements."
"Great!" Han Sanping happily raised his glass. "Then it's settled! Cheers, let's drink to the success of our collaboration!"
The five people clinked glasses, and the atmosphere reached its climax.
Setting down his wine glass, Han Sanping said casually, "By the way, I heard that your company, Chasing Light, recently registered two new projects?"
"Lucy and — The Thieves?"
It's finally here. Jiang Yu chuckled inwardly, but kept a straight face: "Yes, it's in preparation. 'Lucy' is a Sino-US co-production directed by Luc Besson, and 'The Thief' is a Sino-Korean co-production directed by Choi Dong-hoon."
"That's a huge investment," Han Sanping remarked. "Lucy cost $4200 million, and The Thieves cost $2500 million. The budgets are getting bigger and bigger."
"These are all good projects and worth investing in," Jiang Yu said. "Moreover, we are confident that we can recoup our costs and even make a profit."
"Of course." Han Sanping nodded. "But President Jiang, for such a great project—could you include China Film Group in the project?"
"Twilight lost money, I have to make up for it."
He said it half-jokingly, but his eyes were very serious.
Jiang Yu laughed: "Of course, if Chairman Han asks, we can. However, the shares for 'Lucy' have already been distributed, and we, along with France,..."
The agreement with the US is signed, so it's difficult to change. Regarding *The Thieves*—we own 40%, and we can give half to China Film Group.
Han Sanping's eyes lit up: "20%?"
"Hmm." Jiang Yu nodded. "However, Chairman Han, let's be clear from the start: we can provide the share, but China Film's distribution resources must be in place. Screening schedules, publicity, media relations—all of these need to be coordinated. Since we're going to cooperate, we need to show our sincerity."
"Tell me more about it?" Han Sanping leaned forward.
"First, guaranteed screenings." Jiang Yu counted on his fingers, "In the first week of 'The Thief's' release, China Film Group must allocate more than 35% of the screenings, and no less than 30% in the second week. Second, publicity investment, China Film Group must allocate 1500 million yuan for on-the-ground publicity and media promotion."
Han Sanping pondered.
Chen Ze whispered a reminder from the side: "Chairman Han, 35% of the screenings is a bit high —"
"Sure." Han Sanping waved his hand, "When will 'The Thief' be released?"
"Tentatively scheduled for next summer," Jiang Xuerou added, "to avoid the National Day and Lunar New Year holidays."
"Then there's no problem." Han Sanping made the decision. "I guarantee the screening schedule, and the publicity investment is also fine. You have to agree to one condition."
"Please speak."
"The domestic distribution of 'The Thief' will be handled entirely by China Film Group." Han Sanping looked at Jiang Yu. "You can participate, but the main control rests with China Film Group."
Jiang Yu quickly weighed the options in his mind.
Domestically distributing the film to China Film Group would indeed save a lot of trouble, as China Film Group's resources and connections in the cinema industry are unmatched by Light Chaser Animation.
"Okay." He nodded. "We need to send a producer to participate in all distribution decisions. In addition, the box office revenue sharing ratio needs to be determined in advance and written into the contract."
"Of course," Han Sanping laughed. "Then it's settled! Come on, let's have another drink!"
Another round of toasts.
Li Jianguo then spoke up: "President Jiang, I heard you're in talks with Disney about a $2 million project?"
Jiang Yu smiled inwardly, but remained calm on the surface: "We're still in the early stages of contact, nothing's decided yet. Disney has very high requirements, we're still evaluating them."
"Two hundred million US dollars—" Li Jianguo exclaimed. "The Film Bureau is paying close attention to this matter. If it can be successful, it will be a huge encouragement to the industry."
"We'll do our best," Jiang Yu said conservatively.
"If there's anything you need support for, just say so," Li Jianguo said meaningfully. "We support any project that benefits Chinese films going global."
"Thank you, Director Li."
The meal didn't end until 2 PM.
After seeing Han Sanping and his two companions off, Jiang Yu and Jiang Xuerou stood at the entrance of the Kunlun Hotel waiting for their car.
The warm spring sunshine shone on my body, and the surface of the Liangma River shimmered.
"President Jiang, you're amazing!" Jiang Xuerou couldn't help but say. "Even someone as powerful as Master Han couldn't gain any advantage in front of you. We traded 20% of 'The Thief' for 30% of 'The Founding of a Republic.' This deal was incredibly worthwhile."
The.
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"It's a win-win situation." Jiang Yu looked at the traffic in the distance. "Han Sanping needs fresh blood to prove China Film Group's openness, and he also needs good projects to save face. We need China Film Group's resources to consolidate our domestic position, and we also need projects like 'The Founding of a Republic' to boost our capital. It's mutually beneficial."
"How did you know he would agree to 35% of the screenings?" Jiang Xuerou asked curiously.
"Because he had no choice." Jiang Yu smiled. "The failure of 'Twilight' put him under a lot of pressure. The board of directors and the film bureau were watching his performance. He desperately needed a successful commercial project to prove himself. 'The Thieves' had a strong cast, an appealing genre, and was an international co-production, making it his best choice. So as long as the conditions weren't too unreasonable, he would agree."
Jiang Xuerou nodded thoughtfully.
The car is coming.
The two got into the car, and Jiang Xuerou was still savoring the negotiation: "But President Jiang, are we really going to make 'The Founding of a Republic'?"
Those kinds of patriotic films probably don't make money.
"We won't make money, but we'll gain fame," Jiang Yu said. "Besides, I've calculated it; a 30% investment is about 1000 million yuan. Even if the box office is only 1 million yuan, we can still break even. More importantly, this project will be beneficial for passing censorship and securing policy support in the future."
He paused, then continued, "Also, didn't you notice? Li Jianguo specifically mentioned the Disney project today. What does that mean?"
This means that those above are paying attention to us.
Jiang Xuerou suddenly realized: "So that's how it is—"
"Oh, right," Jiang Yu remembered something, "When you're negotiating with China Film Group regarding the 20% share of 'The Thief,' make sure the contract terms are clearly written. The distribution obligations, publicity investment, and guaranteed screenings should all be quantified. Also, be careful when choosing a producer; they need to understand the business and be good at communication."
Do you have any recommendations?
Jiang Yu thought for a moment and said, "Let Lin Xuan go. He did the domestic publicity for 'Iron Man,' he's familiar with the process, and he's a reliable person."
"Okay." Jiang Xuerou noted it down. "Then, about 'The Founding of a Republic'—"
"You'll personally oversee this," Jiang Yu said. "This is a political task, we can't be careless. Since we've taken it on, we have to do it well. By the way, let Wang Kai participate too, even if it's just a small role; it'll be good for him to have a chance to appear in this kind of tribute film."
"clear."
The car drove onto Chang'an Avenue.
The afternoon sun shone through the car window, making it feel warm and cozy.
Jiang Yu leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.
Today's battle was brilliantly fought.
Fortunately, he wasn't alone.
With capable assistants like Jiang Xuerou, technical geniuses like Wang Jian, rising stars like Zhou Shouzi, and a warm haven like Liu Yifei.
Thinking of Liu Yifei, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
He took out his phone and sent her a text message: "The negotiation is over, it went very smoothly. Want to have dinner together tonight?"
She replied almost instantly: "Sure! You choose the place, I'll treat, to celebrate your lucky start to the new year! By the way, did Changchang invite me to dinner tomorrow?"
Jiang Yu smiled and typed, "Okay, see you tonight. Do you need me to bring anything?"
"Just bring you! But—you could bring a bottle of red wine (chuckles)."
"Yes, ma'am."
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