novelraw Chapter 41 - Premiere, the overwhelming first-day box office
Chapter 41 - Premiere, the overwhelming first-day box office
Chapter 41 Premiere, the overwhelming first-day box office
The final result of the review will not be notified on the spot. After the performance, once off the stage, Qu Yiming sat next to Ben Shan, who was sitting in a corner of the audience area, and asked, “Master, do you think there’s anything I can improve in my performance?”
Ben Shan replied, “From my perspective, there’s nothing that needs improving. But I can’t think too hard about it now; every time I try, my head protests.”
Qu Yiming quickly responded, “Master, you should focus on your health first.”
“It’s fine, after resting a bit, I should be able to go up to the sixth floor,” Ben Shan said.
While speaking, Ben Shan looked at Ma Li, who was talking to Jia Lin, and said, “You’ve chosen a good partner. A good supporting actor like this is rare. But as someone with experience, I want to tell you, if there’s a performance, you must confirm the revenue share with your partner beforehand. Don’t let a single penny owed to your partner be missed.”
From Qu Yiming and Ma Li, Ben Shan saw echoes of a former co-star with whom he had acted in “Ma Dashuai.”
“I understand.”
Qu Yiming asked again, “By the way, Master, what show are you recording today?”
“Art Life.”
Ben Shan answered, “I’ll record it later. I came today mainly to see how your sketch is going. The premiere is set for the eighth, right?”
“That’s right.”
Ben Shan said, “Alright, I’ll show up then to support you.”
Qu Yiming replied, “That would be such an honor, Master. But don’t worry if you can’t make it, your health comes first.”
“Mm, I know.”
…
A few days later, the premiere of Lost in Love 33 Days was held at Haidian Cinema, just like The Journey. As one of the most highly anticipated events in the entertainment industry, it naturally attracted media from all directions. The process was the same as always.
Familiarity bred ease. Qu Yiming streamlined the whole process considerably. First, invited celebrities walked the red carpet, signed autographs, and took photos before entering the cinema. Then, the audience entered, holding tickets, to avoid freezing in the cold for too long.
In December, the temperature in the four-nine city wasn’t exactly warm. Not many artists were invited to this premiere. Since Qu Yiming was still in competition with Three Guns, the wisest move for an artist was not to attend either side, so no one would be offended, and there would still be room for future cooperation.
Thus, Qu Yiming only invited Yang Mi and Cai Yi Nong. Yang Mi also brought her best friend Tang Yan along, and Cai Yi Nong brought along his top star Hu Ge and top actress Liu Shi Shi. The entire Tang Dynasty poetry team was present.
“Mr. Cai, I didn’t expect you to give me such face, coming all the way here with your artists,” Qu Yiming said with a smile, shaking hands with Cai Yi Nong.
Cai Yi Nong replied, “When Director Qu personally invites, how could I not come?”
Then, she turned to introduce, “Director Qu, this is Hu Ge, known for his role in the Xianjian series, he looks great in ancient costume roles.”
“Hello.”
“Hello, Director Qu.”
Qu Yiming shook hands with Hu Ge.
Cai Yi Nong introduced further.
“And this is Liu Shi Shi.”
“Mm…”
Qu Yiming nodded.
“She has very beautiful eyes.”
Liu Shi Shi replied, “Thank you.”
Cai Yi Nong: “…”
Cai Yi Nong tactfully said, “Director Qu, last time you mentioned there might be a project suitable for Shi Shi, what kind of genre is it?”
“I’ve been too busy lately and haven’t started writing yet,” Qu Yiming replied.
“…”
Could this guy be messing with me?
Cai Yi Nong asked, “Director Qu, would it be convenient to have a private chat after the premiere?”
“Sure.”
“Great, I won’t keep you.”
Cai Yi Nong left with Hu Ge and Liu Shi Shi. Liu Shi Shi saw Yang Mi and Tang Yan not far away and wanted to greet them but was worried about upsetting Mr. Cai, so they could only communicate with eye contact.
Tang Yan muttered, “Didn’t Liu Shi Shi see us? I noticed her gaze wasn’t focused.”
“Ha…”
Yang Mi couldn’t help but laugh, “You know her eyes are just like that.”
Tang Yan commented, “You didn’t sign with Tang Ren, so Mr. Cai is probably upset about that.”
Yang Mi said, “Yeah, Director Qu mentioned recently that Mr. Cai was offering the second female roles in two TV dramas in exchange for Qu not signing me, but fortunately, he didn’t agree.”
“Director Qu is such a good person.”
Tang Yan added, “Mi Mi, if there’s a suitable role in Director Qu’s upcoming shows next year, remember to bring me along.”
“Sure,” Yang Mi said with a sweet smile.
But in her mind, she thought, I’ll take the big roles, no one else can compete with me!
The pre-screening process of the premiere quickly came to an end. Inside the theater, over a thousand audience members had gathered. In the center of the front row sat Mr. Han, with Ben Shan next to him. The lights in the theater dimmed. The movie began.
Lost in Love 33 Days tells the story of a strong-willed woman who, after being dumped by her boyfriend, spends 33 days getting over her heartbreak. The plot unfolded slowly. The audience watched intently.
After the scene where Wang Xiaojian confessed to Huang Xiaoxian, many of the audience members, who were currently experiencing heartbreak, had tears in their eyes.
Hiss~
After watching, Cai Yi Nong didn’t have red eyes but took a deep breath in.
Zhang Tian’ai’s acting is so strong!
Next year, she’s very likely to win the Best Actress award.
The first 90s Best Actress?
If Yang Mi joins Yiming Media next year and has a similar role, what will happen to Liu Shi Shi?
Cai Yi Nong’s brows furrowed into a deep shape.
“So touching…”
Beside her, Liu Shi Shi gently wiped the corner of her eyes.
How heartless!
“Hu Ge, you go back to the hotel first. I need to take Shi Shi to handle something,” Cai Yi Nong said.
“Oh, okay.”
…
After seeing off all the guests, Qu Yiming met with Cai Yi Nong in the reception room connected to the theater.
“Director Qu, our company can fully cover the production costs of the movie, and for the box office split, I’m willing to share it fifty-fifty with you,” Cai Yi Nong offered right away.
Qu Yiming replied, “Mm, I understand your position, Mr. Cai, but we must consider the order of things. I have to prioritize supporting our company’s artists.”
“Then can I buy your script exclusively?” Cai Yi Nong asked.
Qu Yiming responded, “The script I’ve written will only have a high chance of success if I direct it. If someone else takes it, it will fail miserably. Since you’re my friend, I can’t let you suffer, Mr. Cai.”
Cai Yi Nong replied, “Shi Shi, you go out for a moment.”
“Oh.”
Liu Shi Shi obediently stood up and left.
Huh?
Why are you sending her out?
With only two people left in the room, Cai Yi Nong surveyed her surroundings, confirming there were no cameras, then grabbed Qu Yiming’s hand and tilted her knees towards him in a seductive manner, saying, “Director Qu, can I cut in line?”
Wait, is the boss and agent personally involved?
“Mr. Cai, what do you take me for?”
Qu Yiming quickly pulled his hand back and stood up.
“You should think carefully about what you’re doing.”
Wait…
Is there a director who doesn’t fall for this?
Cai Yi Nong was confused.
“Director Qu.”
When Qu Yiming walked out, Liu Shi Shi quickly greeted him. Qu Yiming didn’t say anything and walked straight out.
Huh?
Looks like he’s mad?
Liu Shi Shi looked confusedly towards the reception room.
What happened?
…
A few days later, the first-day box office numbers for Lost in Love 33 Days and Three Guns were revealed. Lost in Love 33 Days, which premiered nationwide on December 9, earned 45 million on its first day, thanks to the extensive roadshow tour.
Three Guns, which premiered nationwide on December 10, only made a little over 10 million on its first day…
…