FYN Chapter 103 Wanwan's Wonderful Adventure
Chapter 103 Wanwan's Wonderful Adventure
Chapter 102 Wanwan's Wonderful Adventure
Outside the banquet hall of the Beijing Hotel, at 6:30 p.m.
The afterglow of the setting sun slanted in from the west end of the street, turning the restaurant walls golden.
The red carpet stretched from the lobby entrance all the way to the banquet hall, with cameras and tripods already set up on both sides. Photographers had taken their positions early, their tripods clustered together.
This is the celebration banquet for "Reign of Assassins".
It broke 100 million yuan in eight days and now has a box office of 1.32 million yuan, causing a small earthquake in the Chinese film market.
Today's celebration banquet, though ostensibly a celebration, is more like a showcase of achievements. It's for investors, for industry insiders, and for the media.
When Zhang Jun's car arrived, a large crowd had already gathered at the scene.
There were onlookers and fans holding up signs.
There were signs for Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, and even Zhang Jun himself. Several young girls held up signs that read "Go Director Zhang!" and jumped around looking in the crowd.
The car door opened, and Zhang Jun got out first.
He was wearing a dark blue suit today, without a tie, and the top button of his shirt was undone.
His hairstyle was simple and neat, and his face was expressionless. The reporters immediately stirred, pointing their cameras at him, and flashes went off everywhere.
Then Zhang Linwan got off the bus from the other side.
The little girl was wearing a white dress today, her hair was in a ponytail, and she had light makeup on.
It was her first time at such an event, and she was a little nervous. She almost tripped when she got out of the car, and Zhang Jun reached out to help her.
With just this one move, the reporters swarmed in like sharks smelling blood, their cameras zooming in.
"Director Zhang! Look this way!"
"Who is this person next to Director Zhang?"
"Director Zhang, is this your girlfriend?"
Questions came one after another, their voices mingling together.
The flashes were so intense that Zhang Linwan couldn't open her eyes and instinctively hid behind Zhang Jun.
Zhang Jun frowned, shielded her behind him, and said to the reporters, "Excuse me, please make way."
The two walked along the red carpet towards the banquet hall, while reporters backed away, taking photos and continuing to ask questions: "Director Zhang, please respond!"
"May I ask your surname, young lady?"
Zhang Jun didn't answer, but simply protected Zhang Linwan and walked forward.
When they arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall, Gao Yan was already waiting there.
She glanced at Zhang Linwan, then at the reporters who were hot on her heels, and said to Zhang Jun in a low voice, "I'll handle this."
""
Zhang Jun nodded and turned to face the reporter.
The flash went off again.
The reporter who had asked the loudest question earlier squeezed to the front. He was a man in his thirties, slightly sleazy-looking, with a press pass hanging around his neck.
He held the microphone directly to Zhang: "Director Zhang, is this your girlfriend? Are you going public with your relationship?"
The noise was loud; the banquet hall door wasn't closed properly, and everyone inside could hear it.
The once noisy banquet hall fell silent for a moment.
Yang Mi was talking to a few child actors when she heard this. Her champagne glass wobbled, and she almost spilled the wine.
She turned to look at the doorway and could only see Zhang Jun's back and the white hem of his skirt behind him.
On the other side, Fan Bingbing was chatting with He Xuan when she heard the noise and looked over.
Upon hearing the word "girlfriend," she raised an eyebrow, but her expression remained unchanged; she simply swirled her wine glass slightly.
Gao Yuanyuan arrived a little late and heard this as soon as she entered the banquet hall. She paused, looked towards the entrance, and her eyes were filled with complex emotions.
"Girlfriend?" someone whispered nearby.
"Does Director Zhang really have a girlfriend?"
"Looks quite young —"
Outside the door, Zhang Jun looked at the reporter with a calm expression.
Gao Yan then stepped forward and stood in front of the reporters: "Dear reporters, taking pictures is allowed, but please respect personal privacy."
The photos of Director Zhang's family that I just took cannot be published without permission.
If any media outlet is found to have published this content without authorization, our lawyers reserve the right to pursue legal action for infringement of portrait rights.
That's a firm statement.
The reporters were taken aback. Having been in the entertainment industry for a long time, they were used to seeing celebrities and their agents smiling obsequiously at reporters, afraid of offending the media.
Such a direct warning is rare.
The reporter wearing glasses changed his expression: "We're just doing our job. The public has the right to know if Director Zhang brings a female companion to public events."
"The right to know does not include the invasion of privacy."
Gao Yan stood firm: "This is Director Zhang's sister, not his female companion. If you all continue to ask personal questions, today's interview session can be canceled."
"Sister?" The reporters looked at each other.
Zhang Jun then spoke up, his voice not loud but clear: "This is my younger sister, Zhang Linwan. She's still in school. She insisted on coming today to broaden her horizons, so I brought her along."
He stepped aside, revealing Zhang Linwan. The young woman was a little embarrassed, smiled at the reporters, and waved.
The misunderstanding has been cleared up.
But the reporter who asked the question was embarrassed and wanted to say something, but was pulled back by his colleague next to him.
"Never mind, she really is my little sister."
"You can't be this arrogant!"
"He's a director, not a star. He doesn't rely on your writing to make a living."
"Exactly, just make a simple call to your boss and you'll be out of a job. Stop bothering me."
That makes sense. The reporters calmed down and readjusted their questions.
After the interview, Zhang Jun led Zhang Linwan into the banquet hall.
The door closed behind me, shutting out the noise from outside. The banquet hall was warmly lit, with soft music playing, and a champagne tower and exquisite desserts were laid out on the long table.
Quite a few people have already arrived, and they are chatting in twos and threes.
Zhang Linwan breathed a sigh of relief: "Brother, those people were terrifying."
You'll get used to it.
Zhang Jun patted her shoulder: "Come on, I'll introduce you to some people."
He led his sister around the banquet hall, first going to Andy Lau's side.
Zhang Linwan blushed with excitement: "Andy Lau! Can I take a picture with you?"
"sure."
The little girl was satisfied after taking a photo and getting an autograph.
Next up was Zhang Ziyi: "Director Zhang's sister? She's really pretty."
"Hello, Sister Zhang!"
Zhang Linwan said sweetly, "I loved your performance in 'Reign of Assassins'!"
"Thanks."
Zhang Ziyi laughed and said, "We're practically from the same clan now, you can come visit me sometime!"
"Okay!" Zhang Linwan said with a smile.
After circling around, he arrived at Fan Bingbing's side. Fan Bingbing was talking to several people in the industry, and when she saw Zhang Jun coming over, her smile immediately brightened.
"Zhang Jun."
She greeted them, then her gaze fell on Zhang Linwan.
"Who is this?"
"My younger sister, Zhang Linwan."
Zhang Jun introduced: "Wanwan, this is Fan Bingbing, who played Ye Zhanqing in 'Reign of Assassins'."
"Sister Fan!"
Zhang Linwan's eyes lit up: "You acted so well! Especially the scene where you were buried in the dirt, I couldn't breathe while watching it!"
Fan Bingbing smiled even more broadly, and gently pinched Zhang Linwan's cheek: "Wanwan has such a sweet tongue. How old are you?"
"twenty."
"It's the perfect age."
As Fan Pangbing spoke, she took a small box out of her handbag.
"Since it's our first time meeting, I'd like to give you a small gift."
Zhang Linwan opened it to reveal a delicate silver bracelet, simple yet exquisite in design.
"This is too precious—"
"It's not valuable, just a little trinket."
Fan Bingbing took it and put it on her: "It goes perfectly with your dress."
Zhang Jun watched from the side without saying a word. Fan Bingbing's skill in winning people over was truly remarkable.
"Thank you, Sister Fan!"
Zhang Linwan shook her wrist, and the bracelet glittered under the light.
"Come visit me often, sister."
Fan Bingbing said, "I know a dessert shop in Beijing that's really good. I'll take you there."
"Okay, okay!"
As they were talking, Gao Yuanyuan walked over. She nodded to Zhang Jun first, then looked at Zhang Linwan with a gentle smile.
"This must be Wanwan, right? I've heard your brother mention you."
"Hello, sister!" Zhang Linwan was no longer nervous and was much more lively.
"Sister Yuanyuan! I've watched 'About Time' three times."
Gao Yuanyuan smiled and took out an exquisite notebook from her bag: "I heard you're in school, so here, take this to use for taking notes."
The notebook cover is light blue with a starry sky pattern; it's very pretty.
"Thank you, sister!" Zhang Linwan accepted it, delighted with it.
Fan Bingbing watched from the side, her smile unchanged, but her eyes deepened. Gao Yuanyuan's gift was cleverly chosen—not expensive, but practical and thoughtful.
Zhang Jun spoke up at the opportune moment: "Wanwan, don't just accept the gifts. Sister Shuangbing is over there; didn't you want to take a picture with her?"
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Zhang Linwan's attention was diverted: "Sister Fan, Sister Gao, I'm going over there now!"
The little girl ran off, leaving the three adults standing there in an awkward atmosphere.
Fan Bingbing spoke first, her tone casual: "Professor Gao's dress today suits her very well."
"Teacher Fan is right, royal blue makes your skin look very fair," Gao Yuanyuan replied politely.
"You two chat, I'll go say hello over there." Zhang Jun naturally stepped aside, leaving the two women facing each other.
He took a few steps away and glanced back. Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan were still standing there, both smiling, but neither of them spoke.
A few seconds later, the two turned around almost simultaneously and walked in different directions.
Zhang Jun shook his head and continued with his social engagements.
Zhang Jun found Zhang Linwan, and Yang Mi was also there. The two started chatting.
Yang Mi is very good at interacting with young girls; she quickly built rapport with them in just a few words.
Later in the conversation, Zhang Linwan grabbed Yang Mi's hand and said, "Sister Mi Mi, can you take me to see over there? I want to take a picture with that celebrity, but I'm sorry—"
"Okay, I'll take you there."
Yang Mi naturally picked up the conversation and then said to Zhang Jun.
"Director Zhang, I'll accompany Wanwan for a while, you go about your business."
Zhang Jun nodded: "Thank you for your trouble."
"No trouble at all," Yang Mi smiled sweetly.
Yang Mi left with Zhang Linwan. Zhang Jun stood there, watching their retreating figures.
He Xuan walked over at this moment and whispered, "Your little sister is the center of attention today."
"Kids love to play," Zhang Jun said.
"It's not just about playing."
He Xuan said pointedly, "Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan are both working on her, can't you tell?"
"I can tell."
"and you----"
"You always know your limits."
Zhang Jun said, "She knows those gifts are for me, so she won't take them seriously."
He Xuan glanced at him: "You're quite carefree."
"Otherwise what?"
Zhang Jun retorted, "Am I supposed to tell them to stay away from my sister?"
He Xuan laughed: "That's true. The more you try to stop these things, the more likely they are to happen."
By 7:30, almost everyone had arrived.
Mr. Wang was the last to arrive.
He was wearing a bright purple suit today, his hair was slicked back, he had a gold chain around his neck that was as thick as a little finger, and he wore three or four rings on his hands.
As soon as I entered, my voice rang out: "Oh dear, I'm late! I'm late! There was a traffic jam on the way!"
Everyone looked over.
Boss Wang was accompanied by two young girls, dressed in flamboyant attire, who were clearly not from the entertainment industry.
He walked in with one arm around each of them, swaggering in as if surveying his own territory.
He Xuan went up to him and said, "President Wang, we've been waiting for you."
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"Why are you waiting for me? You guys start first!"
Boss Wang shouted loudly, "Where's Director Zhang? Where is Director Zhang?"
Zhang Jun walked over: "President Wang."
"Director Zhang!"
Boss Wang released the two girls and patted Zhang Jun's shoulder forcefully.
"Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Breaking 100 million in just eight days! I, Old Wang, have never misjudged anything in all these years of investing!"
"It's because President Wang has good taste," Zhang Jun said.
"Yes, yes, we're both amazing!"
Boss Wang laughed heartily: "Come on, let me introduce you. This is my goddaughter, Xiao Mei, Xiao Li. Her name is Director Zhang."
The two girls called out sweetly, "Hello, Director Zhang!"
Zhang Jun nodded without saying anything more.
Boss Wang looked around again, his eyes sweeping over several female celebrities.
When he saw Fan Bingbing, his eyes lit up even more: "Wow, Miss Fan! You look beautiful today!"
Fan Bingbing smiled politely but didn't reply.
Before Boss Wang could say anything more, He Xuan interrupted him: "Mr. Wang, the celebration banquet is about to begin. Would you please take a seat?"
"Alright, alright, whatever you say, Mr. He."
The main table was placed at the very front of the banquet hall.
Zhang Jun, He Xuan, Boss Wang, Han Sanping, Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, Fan Bingbing, and others sat at one table. Gao Yuanyuan was seated at the next table, while Yang Mi and Zhang Linwan sat together at the table with the child actors.
At 7:45, the celebration banquet officially began.
He Xuan took the stage first: "Distinguished guests, friends, good evening. Thank you all for attending the celebration banquet for 'Reign of Assassins' tonight."
applause.
"From preparation to release, we encountered many difficulties and received a lot of help during the process of making 'Reign of Assassins'."
Thank you to all the investors for their trust, thank you to all the creators for their hard work, and thank you to all the partners for their support.
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the entire room.
"The people I am most grateful to are the audience. The film grossed over 100 million yuan in just eight days and has accumulated 1.32 million yuan in box office revenue to date. This achievement is thanks to the audience's votes with every movie ticket they have purchased."
Without an audience, there would be no success for "Reign of Assassins".
The applause grew even louder.
"So today's celebration banquet is both a summary of the past and a beginning of the future. We will continue to work hard to make better films and repay the audience's trust."
After He Xuan finished speaking, she looked at Zhang Jun and said, "Next, please welcome Zhang Jun, the director of 'Reign of Assassins,' to the stage."
Zhang Jun stood up and walked onto the stage. The spotlight followed him, and everyone's eyes were on him.
He took the microphone and remained silent for a few seconds.
The banquet hall was very quiet.
"Mr. He just thanked the audience, and I completely agree."
Zhang Jun spoke, his voice carrying throughout the venue through the speakers: "But I would like to add one more thing: I am grateful for this era."
Some people in the audience looked puzzled.
"In 2003, China's total box office revenue was 10 billion yuan; in 2004, it was 17 billion yuan; in 2005, it was 22 billion yuan; and this year, it is expected to exceed 28 billion yuan."
100 million."
Zhang Jun spoke slowly, and each number was very clear.
"The market is growing, the audience is increasing, and new cinemas are being built. This is the best era for filmmakers because you have the opportunity to be seen and recognized."
He looked down at the audience, his gaze sweeping across each face.
"The success of 'Reign of Assassins' is due to the opportunities provided by the times, the efforts of the team, and the recognition of the audience. I am just one part of it."
So today's celebration banquet is not to celebrate my personal success, but to celebrate the success of all of us.
Celebrating the growth of the Chinese film market, celebrating the breakthroughs in Chinese-language genre films, and celebrating the audience's right to choose with their feet.
There was thunderous applause.
After a brief pause in the applause, Zhang Jun continued, "But what I really want to say is that breaking 100 million is not the end, but the beginning."
Chinese cinema needs more films like "Reign of Assassins," more experimentation with different genres, and more voices from young directors.
I hope the success of "Reign of Assassins" can give the industry some confidence.
Audiences are willing to pay for good movies; the market is waiting for good works.
He raised his champagne glass: "So this glass is a toast to the audience, to the times, and to the future."
The entire audience stood up and raised their glasses.
"Salute to the audience! Salute to the era! Salute to the future!"
After this round of drinks, we move on to the ice-breaking activity.
Staff pushed up a huge ice sculpture, sculpted into the shape of the number "100000000", which was crystal clear under the lights.
Zhang Jun and Boss Wang each held a small hammer and stood on either side of the ice sculpture.
On stage, He Xuan said, "Director Zhang and President Wang, please smash this ice sculpture together, symbolizing that 'Reign of Assassins' has surpassed 100 million yuan at the box office and will reach even greater heights!"
Zhang Jun and Boss Wang exchanged a glance and swung their hammers simultaneously.
Click—
The ice sculpture shattered, ice fragments scattered, and applause and cheers erupted once more.
Next is free time for discussion.
As soon as Zhang Jun stepped off the stage, he was surrounded by several people. There were investors, producers, and actors' agents.
Everyone wanted to chat with him, hand him their business cards, and say, "We'll have a chance to collaborate sometime."
Zhang Jun responded politely but kept his distance.
Han Sanping walked over at this moment, and the others tactfully dispersed.
"President Han," Zhang Jun greeted him.
"Well said."
Han Sanping held a glass of red wine in his hand: "A toast to the times, a toast to the future—that's a statement with vision."
"Just telling the truth."
"That's why the truth is so rare."
Han Sanping looked at Zhang Jun: "Many people succeed and think it's all due to their own abilities. But you can see the factors of the times and the market, which is very clear-headed."
Zhang Jun smiled but didn't say anything.
Han Sanping lowered his voice: "China Film Group has several key projects next year, one of which is a historical film with a large investment. I will be the chief director."
You can participate if you're interested.
"What genre?"
"It's a secret for now, but I'll be inviting an all-star lineup."
Han Sanping said, "Your current business performance is solid enough, and the higher-ups have taken notice. If you're willing to be my assistant director, you can come."
"In that case, why don't I take on a cameo role?" Zhang Jun said.
"OK!"
Han Sanping patted him on the shoulder: "Work hard, Chinese cinema needs young people like you."
He left, and then someone else came. Zhang Jun continued to deal with them, drinking one glass of wine after another, his face gradually becoming hot.
Around 8:30, Zhang Jun found a moment to go outside to the terrace of the banquet hall for some fresh air. The night breeze carried the warmth of summer.
The sound of high heels came from behind; it was Fan Bingbing.
She came out too, holding a glass of champagne, leaning against the railing: "It's too stuffy inside."
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"Um."
The two remained silent for a while. The lights on the terrace were dim, and the traffic on Chang'an Avenue below could be seen.
"Your sister is very cute," Fan Bingbing said.
"Spoiled."
"She's a young girl, it's normal to spoil her a bit." Fan Pangbing took a sip of his drink. "The notebook Gao Yuanyuan gave me was quite thoughtful."
Zhang Jun glanced at her: "You put a lot of thought into this. The bracelet must have been expensive."
"Small change."
Fan Bingbing didn't care: "She likes your sister, which is the same as her liking you. I understand that."
"No need to go to so much trouble."
"I do."
Fan Bingbing turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling in the night.
"Zhang Jun, I know I'm not the only one by your side. But I don't care, just occupying one place is enough for me."
These words were spoken directly. Looking into her eyes, Zhang Jun saw ambition and sincerity.
The two returned to the banquet hall and immediately saw Gao Yuanyuan talking to Zhang Linwan at the dessert table.
The little girl was holding a piece of cake and eating it happily.
Fan Bingbing paused for a moment, then walked over with a smile: "Wanwan, is the cake delicious?"
"It's delicious! Sister Fan, you should try some too!"
"OK."
When Gao Yuanyuan saw Fan Pangbing, her smile faded slightly, but she still greeted him politely: "Teacher Fan."
"Professor Gao," Fan Pangbing nodded, "What are you talking about?"
"We were talking about Wanwan's school."
Kao Yuan-yuan said, "Wanwan is under a lot of pressure from studying, and I'm just telling her how to relax."
"Studying is important, but health is more important."
Fan Pangbing casually put his hand on Zhang Linwan's shoulder: "Wanwan, don't overwork yourself. It's okay if you're not good at studying, your brother will support you."
"That won't do!"
Zhang Linwan shook her head: "I want to pursue a master's degree, and then a graduate degree."
"That's ambitious," Gao Yuanyuan smiled.
Zhang Jun watched this scene from a short distance away, but did not go over.
He Xuan walked over and whispered, "Your little sister is becoming a hot commodity."
"Let them be," Zhang Jun said.
"You seem to take it all in stride."
"Otherwise what?"
Zhang Jun countered, "It's better for them to treat Wanwan well than to treat her badly."
He Xuan smiled: "That's true, at least for now they're all trying to please your sister, not making things difficult for her."
Around 9 o'clock, He Xuan went on stage again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there is one more announcement to make."
Holding the microphone, her voice tinged with laughter, she said, "The overseas distribution of 'Reign of Assassins' has made a breakthrough."
The banquet hall fell silent.
"Currently, we have reached agreements with distributors in five countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and 'Reign of Assassins' will be released in theaters in these countries starting in August."
Copyright negotiations in Europe and North America are underway, and results are expected soon.
There was thunderous applause.
"This is a small step for Chinese-language films to go global, but a giant leap for Guanzhi Pictures."
He Xuan said, "In the future, we will continue to promote the overseas distribution of outstanding Chinese-language films, so that audiences in more countries can see Chinese stories."
This news brought the celebration banquet to a climax.
Overseas copyrights mean additional income, but more importantly, they mean influence. Being able to sell movies abroad is proof of strength.
Overseas distribution was something he had planned long ago, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly. Zhang Ziyi's connections in Hollywood came in handy, and Andy Lau's influence in Asia also helped.
The right time, the right place, and the right people—all three were in place.
The celebration banquet lasted until 10:30 p.m., and people gradually left. Zhang Jun stood at the door to see the guests off.
He shook hands with everyone, said "thank you," and wore a perfectly appropriate smile.
When Boss Wang left, he was already a little drunk. He put his arm around Zhang Jun's shoulder and said, "Director Zhang, I'll invest in the next film! You name it, I'll make it!"
"Okay, thank you, Mr. Wang."
"Money is no problem! I, Old Wang, may not have much else, but I have plenty of money!"
Boss Wang had a loud voice: "As long as you film it, I'll invest! Let's cooperate and make big money!"
"must."
After finally seeing Boss Wang off, Zhang Jun loosened his collar. There weren't many people left in the banquet hall, and the waiters began clearing the tables.
Zhang Linwan ran over, holding several autographed books in her hand: "Brother, this is my haul for today!"
"Are you happy?" Zhang Jun asked.
"happy!"
The little girl's eyes lit up: "I saw so many celebrities! Andy Lau is such a nice guy, he even chatted with me for a bit."
Sister Yang Mi was so kind, she stayed with me the whole time—Sister Fan and Sister Gao both gave me gifts!
As they were talking, Yang Mi, Fan Bingbing, and Gao Yuanyuan all walked over. It was as if the three of them had arranged it, or as if it happened by chance.
Yang Mi spoke first: "Director Zhang, shall I take Wanwan home? You must still have things to do here."
Fan Bingbing chimed in, "I'll take you. My driver is downstairs."
Gao Yuanyuan said gently, "It's on my way, I can give Wanwan a ride."
The three women looked at Zhang Jun, waiting for his decision.
Zhang Linwan blinked, looking at this and that, a little confused.
Zhang Jun calmly asked, "Wanwan, who do you want to go with?"
"what?"
Zhang Linwan thought for a moment and said, "I—I'll go with Sister Mimi. She promised to take me out for a late-night snack."
Yang Mi smiled and took Zhang Linwan's arm: "Okay, let's go get some late-night snacks."
Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan didn't say anything, they just smiled.
Yang Mi left with Zhang Linwan, and Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan exchanged glances and also left one after another.
The banquet hall was completely empty.
Zhang Jun stood at the door, watching their figures disappear at the end of the corridor.
Gao Yan walked over and said, "Boss, I've already spoken to the reporters. The photos won't be released randomly."
"Thanks for your hard work."
"Also, a few investors left their contact information earlier, saying they'd like to invite you to dinner to discuss the project. I've compiled the list and will send it to you tomorrow."
"Okay." Zhang Jun nodded.
Before leaving, Zhang Jun received a call from Liu Yifei: "I'm sorry, Director Zhang, I was supposed to come today, but something came up and I had to make it."
Zhang Jun expressed his understanding: "It's okay, the thought is what counts."
Liu Yifei, however, was quite embarrassed: "If you have time, I'll treat you to dinner tomorrow!"
Zhang Jun thought about tomorrow's schedule and agreed: "Okay, you can decide what we eat."
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