Chapter 139: Even More Popular (2)

Any film that chooses a midnight release is, without exception, a major production! It represents a status—a prestigious status!

Do not talk nonsense, claiming all films count their box office starting from midnight. In a single cinema, with so many films debuting on the same day, if a film is incredibly famous and likely to be a massive hit, which theater would willingly hand the prime slot to you? Don't even think about it!

The fact that so many people were waiting for this film proves just how explosive "The Enchanting Prince of the City" truly was.

Yang Xiaofan was just drifting off into a daze when Zhao Liufang’s call came through.

"Hello, Mr. Zhao? It’s late at night; why are you calling me instead of sleeping?"

"Sleeping? Who the hell can sleep? Get up and celebrate! Do you know what our film’s pre-sale box office has reached as of one minute ago?"

"How much?"

"Four hundred million!"

"Four hundred million? That’s alright, I suppose. It’s not like you’re short on that kind of money."

"This isn't about the four hundred million itself! It’s the fact that it’s four hundred million in *pre-sales*! Do you have any idea what that concept means? Last year, that top Hollywood IP—the most popular one—only managed seven hundred million in pre-sales, and that was after years of anticipation! We’ve hit four hundred million right out of the gate with far less promotional power. This means our film will easily break three billion, and we might even challenge the new domestic box office record!"

"Is it really that much?" Yang Xiaofan couldn't help but exclaim.

The current domestic box office peak was over five billion. If the film he starred in could surpass that, wouldn't it leave a profound mark on the entire history of Oriental cinema?

"It’s definitely that much. This investment has paid off big time."

"Then congratulations to you." Since the earnings had nothing to do with him, Yang Xiaofan couldn't be bothered to overthink it.

"It is I who should be thanking you. If not for you, I would never have dared to dream of such an honor. This is enough to leave my name in the annals of film history. Mr. Yang, from now on, if you need anything at all, just say the word. Even if it’s climbing a mountain of blades or plunging into a sea of fire, if I, Zhao Liufang, take a single step back, consider me your grandson."

"..." Yang Xiaofan was left speechless.

"Mr. Zhao, you're exaggerating. Besides, we don't know what the final box office will be yet. Let’s wait and see."

"Fine! I’ll be sure to tell you when the time comes. Thank you so much again. Without your popularity, it would have been impossible for the premiere box office to be this high."

"Mm, you're welcome. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

"Alright, goodbye."

After hanging up, Yang Xiaofan drifted into a deep sleep. He couldn't quite grasp Mr. Zhao’s excitement; to him, a few of his paintings were worth hundreds of millions. As for movies, no matter how much money they made, it took a long time to earn it. It couldn't compare to the speed at which he made money, so he saw no reason to care.

Mr. Zhao, however, was different. His eyes were bloodshot with excitement, and he remained in his office, monitoring the box office fluctuations.

His long-legged secretary in professional attire eventually came in to advise him: "Mr. Zhao, it’s already very late. Why don't you get some rest and check the numbers again tomorrow morning? Your health is the most important thing."

"It’s fine. I’m not sleeping yet; I can't. Open a bottle of '82 Lafite and bring it to me. I need it to stay sharp."

"Yes, sir."

...

For some, the long night passed in a flash; for others, it was an agonizing crawl. Zhao Liufang watched the numbers climb, his eyes burning with excitement, until he eventually collapsed into sleep without even realizing what time it was.

...

The next morning, past ten o'clock, Zhao Liufang was still fast asleep when his secretary rushed in.

"Mr. Zhao! Mr. Zhao!"

Zhao Liufang tumbled off his office chair, taking a hard fall that made him wince in pain. Yet, he ignored the ache, scrambled to his feet, and shouted, "What’s going on? What happened?"

The secretary hurriedly replied, "Mr. Zhao, our film is a smash hit! From midnight until now, the box office has already broken three hundred million, and it’s still climbing!"

"The Maoyan rating has over twenty thousand reviews, holding steady at around 9.4."

"Major cinemas have already started increasing our screen counts. Afternoon and evening are the peak viewing times. Even without counting the pre-sales, our first-day box office will be at least eight hundred million!"

"Good! Brilliant!" Zhao Liufang slapped the table in excitement.

"I knew this film would explode. Quick, ramp up the promotion! Take one hundred million—no, three hundred million—and spend it on advertising. We must push this film to its absolute peak. Also, strictly control pirated versions; online monitoring must be intensified. We’ll edit our own clips and upload them to short-video sites to boost exposure and attract audiences."

"Yes, sir. But Mr. Zhao, news reporters are waiting downstairs, hoping to interview you. What should I..."

"Interviews! Of course, we’ll do interviews!" Zhao Liufang adjusted his suit with a smug look on his face. "It seems that I, Zhao Liufang, am truly destined to leave a legacy that lasts for generations!"

It was well worth the effort he put into inviting Yang Xiaofan to participate. This guy was a dark horse among dark horses. Although Zhao Liufang had been confident the film would perform well, the results since Yang Xiaofan joined were nothing short of explosive.

Zhao Liufang soon went downstairs, and the reporters immediately swarmed him. Flashes and microphones were thrust toward him, almost touching his face.

"Mr. Zhao, is this truly Yang Xiaofan’s first time acting?"

"Of course."

"Mr. Zhao, I heard it was your credit that Yang Xiaofan participated. How did you think of inviting him? He has never participated in any acting before."

"I trust my eye for talent. Mr. Yang Xiaofan’s acting skills are beyond doubt. This is a skill I’ve honed over many years. Look at the artists in our company—how many of them haven't become hits?"

"Mr. Zhao, have you already signed a contract with Mr. Yang Xiaofan? May I ask what his signing fee is?"

"Regarding Mr. Yang’s signing fee, I offered a base guarantee of two billion. However, he hasn't signed it yet because we are such close friends that he doesn't want our relationship to be defined by a contract. Mostly, we prefer to interact as friends."