Chapter 89
Billionaires on the Berlin Red Carpet
Zhou Yan drove to a spot not far from Gao Yuanyuan's house and waited quietly.
Not long after, Gao Yuanyuan ran over with a small backpack and sat in the passenger seat.
"Why didn't the director call me?" Gao Yuanyuan asked in surprise.
"You're paying for it yourself, while we're on government funding."
"Ah..." Gao Yuanyuan was immediately disappointed.
"It's okay, it won't cost much even if I pay for it myself. Your husband is rich," Zhou Yan said. He was now really wealthy, with his total net worth approaching 100 million.
Just a few days ago, the royalties from the Shanghai People's Publishing House were transferred, breaking the historical record.
Last year, his royalties totaled nearly 50 million yuan (after tax).
It can only be said that the nationwide book signing tour was worthwhile, with Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan contributing 20 million in revenue.
Some loyal fans even bought up all of Zhou Yan's works.
In addition, there are the film and television adaptation rights to "The World's Number One", as well as GG's endorsement fees, etc.
This doesn't even include the dividends from [Nanhua Film & Television], or the value of Tencent shares.
Zhou Yan's cash holdings alone approach one hundred million.
The expenses for Gao Yuanyuan's trip to Germany were negligible.
"I don't need yours, I have my own money," Gao Yuanyuan said, not that she was penniless.
She has earned some money from filming Gossip Girl over the years.
"Alright, why are you being so polite between us?" Zhou Yan looked at Gao Yuanyuan with a big smile. "You're all mine, not to mention your money."
"You spending your own money is the same as spending my money."
"I'm yours, and my money is yours too?" Gao Yuanyuan's eyes widened.
"nonsense!"
The two arrived at the visa application center and took their numbers to wait.
"I wonder if I can win an award at this year's Berlin Film Festival," Gao Yuanyuan said, full of anticipation.
"I don't know," Zhou Yan said. He knew that "Beijing Bicycle" had won an award, but he couldn't say it.
"By the way, how are the preparations for 'The World's Number One' going?"
"Preparations are almost complete. We'll hold the launch press conference next month, and then officially start filming," Zhou Yan said, having poured his heart and soul into this TV series.
He was involved in everything from directing to casting.
The cast of "The World's Number One" is incredibly strong.
From Huang Haibing to Zhou Yan, from Fan Binbin to Zhang Weijian.
In addition, Li Binbin, Liu Songren, and Jia Jingwen have joined the cast.
It can be described as luxurious.
Zhou Yan and Gao Yuanyuan were talking about "The World's Number One" when it was their turn.
The staff did not obstruct the visa process, and I passed through smoothly.
After returning home, Zhou Yan and Gao Yuanyuan began preparations.
Zhou Yan even had a suit and leather shoes custom-made.
Gao Yuanyuan also ordered a dress for herself.
When you're out and about, you can't lose face.
……
After more than ten hours of flight, the group arrived over Berlin.
Gao Yuanyuan looked out the airplane window, her eyes filled with excitement.
Zhou Yan felt the same way. Looking at the magnificent steel city below, the scene of the "Battle of Berlin" couldn't help but come to mind.
After Zhou Yan and the others got off the plane, they went to the hotel that the organizers had partnered with.
During the Berlin Film Festival, filmmakers from all over the world gather here.
Not only from Europe, but also from the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
Therefore, the organizers arranged a hotel in advance for everyone to rest.
Zhou Yan, Wang Xiaoshuai, and Cui Lin traveled at public expense, while Gao Yuanyuan paid for her own trip.
International film festivals are a time to showcase oneself to the world, and generally speaking, the host country is not too stingy.
Can't afford to lose that person.
In fact, the hotel where Zhou Yan and his friends stayed was quite nice, with a great artistic atmosphere, attracting many tourists to come and take photos!
Wang Xiaoshuai, Zhou Yan, and Cui Lin explained the film festival schedule.
All activities must be conducted according to established procedures.
Zhou Yan and Cui Lin listened attentively.
They may not help, but they absolutely cannot hold others back.
Wang Xiaoshuai's goal is simple: win an award and then sell the film for a good price.
This is also what most filmmakers strive for.
In this day and age, it's extremely difficult to make money through box office revenue, so most people rely on selling copyrights.
Winning an award is the best way.
"Beijing Bicycle" is quite lucky; its competitors aren't too strong this time, so its chances of winning an award are extremely high.
After Wang Xiaoshuai finished speaking, he left first, leaving Zhou Yan and the others to do as they pleased.
He was going to lobby to increase the chances of "Seventeen-Year-Old Bicycle" winning an award.
Unlike the previous session, where the chair of the judging panel was Gong Li, this session only has one member from China – Xie Fei.
Some people dislike Gong Li.
Some people like Gong Li.
However, it is undeniable that Gong Li does have a certain influence internationally.
If Gong Li were to chair the jury again this year, "Beijing Bicycle" might even have a shot at the Golden Bear.
Having someone you know help makes a world of difference compared to not having someone you know help.
Zhou Yan and Gao Yuanyuan strolled hand in hand through the streets of Berlin.
In a foreign land, with no familiar faces, they didn't have to worry about being recognized.
The two of them visited the Brandenburg Gate and strolled around the Berlin Cathedral.
They don't seem to be here for a film festival; they seem more like tourists.
Gao Yuanyuan had a lot of fun and took many photos with Zhou Yan.
Record the little things that happened today.
The film festival officially opened the following day.
Zhou Yan, Cui Lin, and Gao Yuanyuan dressed up for the opening ceremony.
For works that make it into the main competition, the organizers will hold a premiere for them and invite members of the jury to watch it.
During this period, the judges will give their scores.
This is related to whether the work can win an award.
Therefore, the decision-making power lies with these people.
Zhou Yan and the other two met up with Wang Xiaoshuai in the hotel lobby. Wang Xiaoshuai was also dressed in a suit and leather shoes, looking very energetic.
Going abroad represents not only oneself, but also the image of the country.
Zhou Yan told himself that he could not bring glory to the country, but he must never bring shame to the motherland.
Zhou Yan rarely wears suits, and this was the first time in his life that he had worn one to an event, looking exceptionally handsome.
His cold expression gave him a domineering CEO vibe.
Gao Yuanyuan, who was standing to the side, kept turning her head to look at Zhou Yan, as if flowers were growing on Zhou Yan's face.
Of the four, Zhou Yan is handsome and has a tall, straight figure, while Gao Yuanyuan is beautiful and has a sweet smile.
Cui Lin and Wang Xiaoshuai stood beside the two, like green leaves setting off red flowers.
This makes Zhou Yan and Gao Yuanyuan even more charming.
The four people boarded a van arranged by the organizers and headed to the opening ceremony venue.
Wang Xiaoshuai was very happy; his meeting with Xie Fei yesterday had not been without its gains.
As a fellow countryman, Xie Fei was very willing to help.
He naturally hopes that Chinese-language films will get better and better, and that the Chinese entertainment market will grow bigger and bigger.
The film market is never a matter for one person, but rather the result of the perseverance and hard work of generations of filmmakers.
Zhou Yan and Gao Yuanyuan sat in a business vehicle, waiting for the red carpet show.
The scene was crowded and noisy, with reporters from various countries on both sides, creating a lively atmosphere, like a bustling market.
Moreover, the red carpet at the Berlin Film Festival is different from that in China; filmmakers can bring their staff along.
Yao Chen, for example, walked the red carpet with photographers, which made the Berlin Film Festival even more lively.
Zhou Yan and the others waited quietly, and it wasn't long before it was their turn.
Zhou Yan was dressed in formal attire, his suit impeccably tailored.
Zhou Yan has a great figure and handsome looks, so he became the focus of attention as soon as he appeared.
"OMG, who is this?"
(My God, who is this?)