Jin Qiqi sent a total of twenty-two text messages.
Some of the messages detailed the new directors and actors signed by Feihe Film and Television.
Others mentioned Lingdu Film and Television and broadly described the company's current standing in the film and television industry.
The final few messages touched upon the recent developments of films, novels, and music abroad.
After reading Jin Qiqi's unread messages, Gao Fei glanced at Yang Guochun, who was on the phone nearby, and quietly waited.
After about three minutes.
As soon as Yang Guochun hung up, Gao Fei tentatively asked, "Director Yang, do you have any news about which countries will share resources with us?"
Upon hearing this question, Director Yang remained silent and instructed the driver to activate the soundproof glass in the back seat.
Once the glass was closed, Yang Guochun stated, "Five countries aligned with the United States faction will share with us, along with eight neutral countries and sixteen countries that maintain friendly relations with Long Country."
As a member of the sharing plan, Gao Fei did not hesitate to describe the twenty-nine countries in general terms.
"Those five major countries are part of the United States faction. Why would they participate in the sharing plan?"
"The United States has always been at the forefront of technology globally. However, to consolidate its hegemonic position, it strictly controls the sharing of certain technologies. Even for countries within its own faction, some technological products are only shared after they have been updated."
Yang Guochun offered a brief explanation, then continued, "The world is developing high technology. Which of these pro-US countries wishes to remain subordinate forever, with the United States perpetually holding the lifeline of their technological development? Therefore, within the sharing plan, these five countries have secretly contacted us to share some technological products."
Gao Fei nodded thoughtfully and mused, "We are the first country to develop a civilian navigation system and have publicly proposed technological sharing. Yet, this time, the United States has remained silent and has not interfered with the sharing plan. Could it be that their navigation system was already successfully developed, but it's still in the testing phase due to immaturity?"
Yang Guochun glanced at him in surprise but still nodded in agreement.
Seeing Gao Fei's preoccupied expression, Director Yang asked, "Xiao Gao, are you having trouble with your overseas ventures? Is that why you're viewing this from the United States' perspective?"
"You still can't hide anything from me, Director!"
Gao Fei feigned surprise and nodded, then recounted the events from the text messages. Jin Qiqi mentioned in her messages that although the film "Black and White Edge" had ended its theatrical run, it had been picked up by foreign video streaming sites. The film's viewership alone ranked first in the Asian region category on these platforms. However, after Gao Fei became the chief engineer of the navigation system, the film was directly removed from the video sites. Not only was the film unsearchable, but its music videos and highlight clips were also deleted. His original music was also removed from the platforms. His novels were not only banned from sale but also investigated by tax departments in multiple countries. In essence, Gao Fei's overseas career had entered a winter period.
After hearing his account, Yang Guochun understood the reasons behind it. He pondered, "The United States may continue to target you. However, I will mention your situation to those five countries during private sharing. As for whether they will continue to target you afterwards, I cannot guarantee. But the intensity of their actions will certainly be less than it is now."
"Director Yang, I am already immensely grateful that you are willing to speak up for me." Gao Fei grinned. In truth, with his fan base in China, both his novels and films were capable of generating substantial profits. So why did he place so much importance on the overseas market? The reason was simple: three words, visibility! Only by continuously increasing his visibility and gaining more fans would his ventures overseas proceed smoothly. It was like Jackie Chan in his previous life, who, when filming in foreign countries, was personally received by foreign magnates and even had official forces protecting him and acting as bodyguards for the film crew. Gao Fei's ambition wasn't yet at a level where foreign magnates would personally greet him or official forces would provide protection. His current ambition was to use his films, music, and novels to increase his visibility, boost his fan base, and establish a firm foundation overseas. The purpose of this was to pave the way for his invested businesses. The greater his fame, the higher his returns would be. As for challenging Hollywood, Gao Fei had other plans and was not in a hurry to directly confront them. However, with the United States leading the charge against him, and its aligned countries joining in, his plan to use visibility as a pathway had been put on hold. Now that Yang Guochun had agreed to help, by asking those five pro-US countries to reduce their targeting, Gao Fei's pathway plan, though not able to be completed quickly, could at least develop slowly.
...
At Feihe Pictures.
Upon his return to the company, Gao Fei received work reports from Jin Qiqi, Liu Weiqiang, and others in turn. His month-long absence had caused work to pile up like a small mountain.
"My President Gao, you disappearing without a word for a month, if it weren't for Xiao Jin holding me back, I would have almost called the police to look for you," Liu Weiqiang quipped with a smile as he sat down.
Gao Fei shot him a glance and retorted, "Director Liu desperately looking for me, it seems you truly love me!"
Liu Weiqiang's body instantly got goosebumps, and he immediately got to the point, "Boss, the preliminary preparations for the film 'Wukong' are complete. Should we wait for the novel to be released before starting the shoot?"
"By the time you finish filming the movie, the novel will likely be popular nationwide. Since the preparations are complete, pick a time, and you can start shooting anytime." Gao Fei's plan for the film "Wukong" was to shoot it while simultaneously releasing the novel.
"Then, will you, the boss, still play the protagonist Wukong?"
"I won't play the Monkey King. You'll need to find a professional who can imitate a monkey. Just reserve a role for me with plenty of screen time where I can show my face!"
"Understood!" Liu Weiqiang nodded, then coughed and said, "Boss, arrangements for actors, props, and locations have been settled. However, there's one matter that might require your help."
"What is it, just say it!"
"It's about the film's special effects." Director Liu sighed and continued, "As you know, the domestic companies producing film special effects are almost at an elementary level. Since 'Wukong' is to be made into a classic work, it definitely requires a capable special effects company. Boss, you have extensive connections, could you contact some special effects companies in the United States? After all, they are top-tier in the special effects industry. You don't need to worry about the cost; I can cover half the expenses to alleviate the company's financial pressure."
At this moment, upon hearing Liu Weiqiang mention the United States' special effects companies, Gao Fei and Jin Qiqi fell silent. The atmosphere in the office suddenly became somber. Jin Qiqi said with a grim expression, "Director Liu, our boss has already been blacklisted by the United States!"