Chapter 427: Setting a Release Date
Chapter 427: Setting a Release Date
In this era, the cost of producing a movie ranged from 2 to 5 million Hong Kong dollars, with the higher-end reaching 4 to 5 million. Even with all the films he had made, Nie Jingting's most expensive production barely exceeded 2.8 million. Lu Jiaxin's film, with a budget of 5.8 million, was considered very high; a more frugal production could have made two films with the same amount.
Nie Zhan asked, "When do you plan to release this movie?"
Lu Jiaxin replied, "According to Tian Pengyu, families prefer to watch feel-good movies during the Chinese New Year. Our film might suffer if we release it during that time."
"Our film isn't a tragedy," Nie Zhan said. "It can still be released during the holiday season."
The female lead, Ming Xia, was strong and independent, and she worked hard to uphold fairness and justice in the legal system. The film could inspire ordinary people, and releasing it during the holiday season wouldn't be a problem.
Having lived through these times before, Lu Jiaxin knew that the timing of a movie's release was crucial. Sometimes, even excellent films suffered at the box office because they were released at the wrong time, competing with stronger films.
After some thought, Lu Jiaxin said, "Since we're not professionals, let's show the final cut to the cinema managers and hear their opinions."
At the same time, she needed to find out what other films would be released during the 1987 holiday season. She had watched most of the quality films produced in Hong Kong, but she didn't know their exact release dates.
After watching the final cut, the high-level executives of Bao Princess and Jiahe believed that the film was good enough for the holiday season. However, upon learning that there would be strong competitors like "Dragons and Tigers," "Prison on Fire," and "Rich and Famous" during that period, Lu Jiaxin decided to forgo that plan. She had confidence in her film, but with so many excellent movies vying for attention, there was no need to fight for box office sales.
After some deliberation, Lu Jiaxin called Tian Pengyu to discuss setting the release date on Valentine's Day. "Legal Beauty" had a sweet romance that could be a great marketing point.
Having watched the final cut, Tian Pengyu was astonished when he heard her suggestion to use the lead couple's romance as a selling point. "But Feng Di and Lin Rui eventually part ways. Isn't it inappropriate to release it on Valentine's Day?"
There were multiple reasons for the couple's breakup: first, Lin Rui's prominent family wouldn't accept Feng Di's background; second, the two had different values, and Feng Di was unwilling to compromise, making it impossible for them to continue.
Lu Jiaxin asked, "Don't our protagonists have a sweet romance?"
"Of course."
"Then is their breakup because of a third party?"
"No."
"In that case, it's fine. Dating doesn't necessarily lead to marriage. As long as the couple is sweet and loving during their time together, promoting the movie this way isn't deceiving the audience."
Tian Pengyu felt that her idea was too radical. He immediately shared her thoughts with Nie Zhan, "Young Master Nie, Lu Jiaxin's idea seems a bit risky."
While outsiders were still speculating about whether Lu Jiaxin would marry into a wealthy family, she only wanted to date and had no thoughts of marriage. Nie Zhan's sincere heart might be misplaced.
Nie Zhan remained calm and said, "It's normal for her to think that way. At your age, you probably haven't thought much about marriage either, right?"
If he was this understanding, Tian Pengyu felt that Nie Zhan was too deeply involved. Sighing, he thought, 'People say Young Master Nie is an iceberg, but they're wrong. He's a romantic at heart.'
In the evening, Nie Zhan invited Lu Jiaxin to a newly opened Cantonese restaurant for dinner. "The Lunar New Year is approaching, and since Ms. Gu isn't here, I'll spend the holiday with you."
Lu Jiaxin didn't refuse. "Of course, I'd love that. I'm just worried that Old Mr. Nie might not approve."
According to customs, one had to visit the ancestors' graves on New Year's Eve. Gu Lanlan and Lu Jiaxin's mother's graves had been relocated, so she would definitely follow this tradition. Additionally, as she had moved into a new house this year, she also had to spend the New Year there, according to customs.
Nie Zhan smiled, dismissing her concerns. "I've already talked to my grandfather about it. He said that since you have no other relatives in Hong Kong, if I don't accompany you, you'll be spending the holiday alone, which would be too lonely."
Lu Jiaxin felt that Old Mr. Nie was quite open-minded, but she also knew that her own strength played a part in this. If she were someone like Kang HuiJuan, he wouldn't be so accommodating.
Thinking of Kang HuiJuan, Lu Jiaxin asked curiously, "I remember you mentioned that your grandfather wanted Nie JingShu to get a divorce, and he agreed. But did Kang HuiJuan agree as well?"
Nie Zhan nodded. "Nie JingShu agreed, but Kang HuiJuan didn't, so the matter is at a standstill for now."
However, with the second brother's consent, the issue wouldn't drag on for long.
Lu Jiaxin, ever the astute one, understood immediately. "So, she has something on someone in the family? Is it about Nie JingShu or the Nie Corporation?"
Nie Zhan laughed. "You're overestimating her. If she had something on the Nie Corporation, she wouldn't have done something as foolish as hiding Nie JingShu to avoid his responsibilities."
"Jiaxin," Nie Zhan continued, "my grandfather doesn't have any requirements for family background. As long as the person we choose is smart, capable, and virtuous, he will approve. Kang HuiJuan has a narrow mind and likes to create discord. My grandfather has been displeased with her for a while, but he tolerated her for the sake of the three children. However, the incident with the hotel crossed his bottom line, so he wants them to divorce."
With Kang HuiJuan's inability to distinguish between close and distant relatives, any family would have difficulty accepting her. It was only thanks to her ability to bear children and her lack of causing trouble outside the family that Old Mr. Nie had tolerated her for seven years.
Lu Jiaxin's curiosity piqued, and she asked, "So, if Kang HuiJuan doesn't agree, the divorce won't happen?"
Nie Zhan smiled and said, "My grandfather has taken back all the industries under Nie JingShu's name, and the family fund's annual expenses for them have also been stopped. At most, within a year, Kang HuiJuan won't be able to take it anymore."
"Didn't you mean to say that it's your second brother who won't be able to take it?" Lu Jiaxin asked. "How can a young master born with a golden spoon handle the struggle for livelihood?"
Nie Zhan shook his head. "My second brother is the type to go with the flow as long as he has food and shelter. On the other hand, Kang HuiJuan is very particular about her spending. She needs at least 100,000 Hong Kong dollars every month. Making her go back to a lifestyle of only a few thousand dollars a month will be unbearable for her."
Lu Jiaxin understood. It was as the old saying goes: it's easier to go from frugality to luxury than from luxury to frugality. "You know, my second sister-in-law doesn't say it out loud, but every time she mentions you and your family, she shows a worried expression."
"Why?"
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "Of course, it's because the Nie family is a prestigious family, and she's worried that I'll be wronged after marrying into your family. But with your aunt's temperament, it would be difficult for any daughter-in-law not to be wronged."
Nie Zhan didn't deny this. Without even mentioning Kang HuiJuan, his first aunt, who was so kind, had also been subjected to her fair share of nitpicking and lecturing. "Don't worry about that. I've lost my temper twice before, and she won't dare to give you a hard time."
Lu Jiaxin said, "Unless it's necessary, I won't go to the Nie family's old house."
"You still have to visit during the holidays, but you don't have to go at other times if you don't want to," Nie Zhan replied.
Lu Jiaxin was very satisfied with his answer, but she still sighed, "It's not easy to be a wife in a prestigious family. Without some ability, even after giving birth to children, you can still be kicked out."
(End of Chapter)
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