Gu Wenhua lowered his eyes and said in a low but clear voice:
"I have no doubt that the novel 'The Rules Grocery Store' can become a classic of genre fiction. But if it were adapted into a movie and put into the commercial film market, it would likely be a complete financial disaster."
Shang Yechu didn't know what her expression was like, but it probably wasn't very good.
The pre-production work is almost complete. Only the director and a few other key personnel are missing. Ji Juntao's sponsorship and investment are also in place. Filmmaking is a massive money-devouring machine; once production begins, stopping it isn't so easy.
Gu Wenhua presents data and confidently asserts that this film will definitely flop. Is this claim credible?
Shang Yechu didn't want to believe it. Even though, deep down, a voice kept reminding her: what he said makes sense.
Gu Wenhua is a proven genius commercial film director with an innate sensitivity in this area. Sheng Wenzhi, on the other hand, was nothing more than a madman who died young in his previous life while pursuing realism in his writing.
When Ji Juntao first saw the script, she hesitated for a moment. Was it her subconscious business acumen that sensed some crisis? However, Qingping Entertainment's repeated successes and Shang Yechu's confident arguments made Ji Juntao subconsciously lower her guard. After all, even a script like "The Mute Woman," lacking any substantial resources, could be turned into a huge success through Ji Juntao's efforts. Sheng Wenzhi's novel was truly terrifying, and Ji Juntao couldn't help but waver.
Shang Yechu heard herself say in a dry voice, "However, among the top 100 at the box office, there are also pure thrillers like 'The True Story: The Return of the Soul'..."
"The True Story: The Return of the Souls was the first found-footage horror film," Gu Wenhua explained earnestly. "In that era, it was a groundbreaking format. Many people thought it was based on true events. In addition, it underwent viral marketing on the internet, releasing a lot of information about 'encounters with spirits.' It sparked a lot of discussion. And coincidentally, there were few competitors at the same time. Its box office success was a product of a combination of the times and luck."
Gu Wenhua observed Shang Yechu's expression, his voice growing softer and softer: "Yechu, we can't gamble on having the same luck as them. Audiences are already used to all sorts of marketing tactics. Our era is too late; nothing is new anymore."
We're living in a time that's too late; nothing is new anymore!
Shang Yechu frowned deeply. Her heart ached at those words.
She suddenly realized her arrogance. Relying on living a decade or so longer than others, she thought she possessed a vision beyond her time. However, in her previous life, Shang Yechu was nothing more than a muddled and mediocre person.
It was only a decade or so of half-awake, half-asleep time, yet she arrogantly believed that she could control the market and the cultural trends!
Gu Wenhua pulled his chair back, as if he suddenly realized that he was too close to Shang Yechu.
“In short,” Gu Wenhua cleared his throat, “you said yesterday that you wanted to make this film because you wanted to change your image and prove that you could carry commercial films at the box office. If that’s your reason, I really don’t recommend you take this film. It won’t help you change your image at all; it will only waste your energy and time. President Ji’s opinion is correct.”
Shang Yechu wanted to smile bitterly. President Ji's view was originally correct, but unfortunately, Yechu led him astray!
What should I do? What should I do?
The investment has been secured, the project has been established, and the promises have been made to those below. This behemoth, chewing on gold, has opened its bloodthirsty maw, and suddenly, it's time to forcefully suppress it…
For the first time, Shang Yechu felt caught in a dilemma. Stopping abruptly would lead to unpredictable consequences; but making a film that he knew would fail was pointless.
"How much do you predict this movie will gross?" Shang Yechu asked, still unwilling to give up.
Gu Wenhua shook his head: "No one can accurately predict the box office. But it will definitely not surpass the upcoming film 'The Strange Case of No. 96 Tianjing' - maybe not even half of it."
A sense of desolation washed over Shang Yechu, and a wave of immense regret washed over her.
Shang Yechu's regret wasn't that she had made a mistake by betting on a film with almost no chance of making a profit; rather, she was regretful that not only had she misjudged the situation, but she had also dragged the entire Qingping Entertainment company down with her. Ji Juntao is still lying in the hospital!
People who have lived an extra lifetime are still so unambitious!
Shang Yechu slumped up, looking at the ceiling. The stark white ceiling seemed to reflect Qingping Entertainment's shattered future. Impatiently, Shang Yechu looked down at the floor; the intricately patterned tiles on the floor were dizzying, like the abyss beneath Qingping Entertainment's feet.
This abyss was found by Shang Yechu himself, leading the company through countless hardships.
Looking at Shang Yechu's expression, Gu Wenhua wondered what she was imagining: "Yechu, I know you're upset. But actually, not being able to film this movie isn't your loss. If you're willing..."
Gu Wenhua suddenly stopped talking.
Shang Yechu's attention was drawn back: "What?"
Gu Wenhua awkwardly touched the porridge bowl: "Director Gao Sanfu's film is still missing a female role. I recommended you to him."
"..." It's back again, that strange, unusual emotion.
"What role is it?" Shang Yechu wasn't actually interested in the role at all. Her mind was completely focused on how to bring Qingping Entertainment to its knees as it was about to plunge into the abyss. She asked this question only to avoid embarrassing Gu Wenhua.
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