Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 398 Meeting Zou Wenhuai
The publicity of "Search" closely follows cyberbullying, the leak of 500 celebrity phone numbers, and last year Zhang Chen's home address was exposed...

The focus of the publicity is on the Internet, so you can see topics about human flesh searches everywhere on the Internet.

Of course, online promotion is not so direct. Usually they start by creating a topic, and then after the topic becomes popular, they will move on to the movie.

The subject matter of "Search" itself is about cyber violence. As long as it becomes popular, just mention "Search" casually and the popularity will pass.

As for traditional print media, it is much simpler. It is to promote the new movie "Search" directly and tell everyone that a movie about cyber violence is about to be released. That is enough.

"After May, I will start filming a TV series called "The New Legend of Jigong". Are you interested in playing a cameo role?"

Zhang Guoli is also a person who cannot sit still. Not long after finishing "Search", he is already planning another TV series.

"New Legend of Jigong"?
Zhang Chen has an impression.

I have the impression that it's quite good, at least better than the version starring Chen Haomin called "The New Living Buddha Jigong".

It seems that Zhang Mo is the lead actor. It seems that Uncle Guoli is doing his best to support his son.

He couldn’t remember the ratings, but Zhang Chen vaguely remembered that the show had a good reputation and Zhang Mo contributed the best acting skills of his life.

Zhang Mo’s acting skills are actually pretty good, above the passing line, which is pretty good among second-generation stars, at least better than Arthur.

If I hadn't been so disappointing and touched that thing, maybe I could have really made it.

"I can guest star, but my schedule is not fixed, so it's better to find someone with a smaller role. Also, is your play still in need of investment~"

Zhang Guoli probably wanted to use Zhang Chen's influence to help his son move to the next level, and Zhang Chen was happy to do him a favor.

In fact, in Zhang Chen's opinion, he doesn't need to do that.

Zhang Guoli is already a big name in TV dramas.

What is a TV drama celebrity? It means that as long as the TV drama involves him, the TV station is willing to buy it.

Zhang Chen is nothing in the field of TV dramas. His most famous work is "Wulin Waijia", but that is a sitcom, which is a marginal subject in TV dramas.

Alas, I hope Zhang Mo can work harder in this life. He has been reminded of everything he should have. If he can really turn over a new leaf and have his father personally protect him, he might really be able to become an independent actor.

It is unlikely to catch up with his father's achievements, but it is still possible to become a quasi-first-tier player.

……

Tianjing
The writer Long Yi had just returned from the vegetable market carrying a lot of bags. He walked in, put the plastic bags of vegetables and meat into the kitchen, and then started to clean up.

Cleaning, cutting, the sound of the knife chopping on the chopping board can be heard~
The opening music of the Chinese entertainment report came from the TV in the living room. Long Yi turned up the volume a little. This was his interest.

Although he is a rough guy, he likes to listen to gossip in the entertainment industry, especially the incident that Zhang Chen caused at the Academy Awards two days ago.

He didn't take sides, he just wanted to listen for fun, just like the people in Tianjing loved to listen to crosstalk.

Sonya's unique voice sounded, "The reporter visited the crew of "Before the Dawn" today and interviewed the leading actors~"

"Hello everyone, I am Chen Daoming, and I play the role of Tan Zhongshu, the director of the Eighth Bureau of the Kuomintang in this drama~"

"Hello everyone, I am Zu Feng..."

"Hello everyone, I am Zhang Jiayi..."

"Hello everyone, I am Wu Gang..."

"Hello everyone, I'm Yang Xiaomi..."

"Hello everyone, I am Sun Dapu..."

Several main creators greeted the camera one by one, and then under the guidance of the reporter, they talked about the plot of "Before Dawn".

This is not the first time that Chinese entertainment reports have reported on "Before the Dawn". Long Yi has seen it many times before.

What he was most interested in was a sentence in the film: "Before Dawn" was written based on the model of American TV series, and the plot rhythm was similar to "Prison Break"~
Long Yi has never watched American TV series, nor does he understand what the American TV series mode is, and he doesn't know how to use BT, eMule, Orient Express, etc. But it doesn't matter, Sohu.com currently has the genuine version of "Prison Break".

After watching one episode, Long Yi couldn't stop.

He didn't know what it meant to leave a hook, but he was hooked and just wanted to know what happened next.

After watching several episodes in a row, I finally remembered that it was time to cook.

Looking at the watch, it’s too late if I don’t do it now. At noon, when my wife comes back to pick up the children from school and finds that there is no food, she will be scolded.

I suppressed my curiosity and ran into the kitchen to get busy.

Full-time writers are basically part-time housewives.

His hands kept moving, but Long Yi's mind had already flown to somewhere else.

He was interested in Before Dawn because the play was similar to a short story he was writing.

The short story is called "Lurking", which is a spy drama. It is also his first attempt at a spy novel, so he didn't plan to write a long one.

In fact, it is very simple. It is the story of Yu Zecheng and Lao Ma fighting wits and courage.

That’s right, in the original novel of “The Hidden Corner”, there is only one villain, Lao Ma, and the whole novel has only more than 10,000 words in total, so it is impossible to have too many characters.

Ma Kui, Lu Qiaoshan and Li Ya in the TV series were actually created by screenwriter Jiang Wei based on Lao Ma.

The manuscript of "The Lurker" had just been completed and was in the revision stage, but Long Yi's heart suddenly began to beat.

"Before Dawn" is said to be a spy story written in the style of "Prison Break". I just watched "Prison Break" myself, and it was simply amazing. When I was watching it, I just couldn't stop. One thing led to another. Now that I calmed down, I sighed that the screenwriter was very good and he understood the human heart.

In comparison, my own "Lush" is too stiff and not attractive at all.

Just as Long Yi was considering whether he should make some modifications based on "Prison Break", there was a sudden knock on the door.

I look at the watch. The time doesn't seem right. Did school end early today?
That doesn't make sense. His wife has the key, so how could she knock on the door?

Realizing that it might be someone else, Long Yi wiped his hands on the towel and then went to open the door.

The next second, Chen Xi outside the door saw the image of a family man wearing an apron.

A little surprised, but still asked: "Hello, are you the writer Long Yi?"

Long Yi nodded: "Yes, I am Long Yi."

Long Yi is a pen name. Since the other party can find this place, he must be a fan of the book. However, it doesn’t look like that.

"Hello, Mr. Long Yi, I'm Chen Xi from Xingchen Entertainment, I want to talk to you about something~"

"Oh? Oh, please come in~"

As Long Yi let the person in, he wondered in his mind, what kind of company is Xingchen Entertainment? Why does it sound so familiar?

Then I suddenly remembered that this was the company that produced "Before Dawn" and Zhang Chen seemed to be from this company as well.

The melons he has been eating recently are all other people's.

Thinking of this, Long Yi immediately became enthusiastic.

"Are you the ones who produced Before Dawn?"

Chen Xi smiled and nodded: "Yes, "Before the Dawn" is produced by us, and it is still being filmed..."

"Oh, so why are you here today..."

Long Yi had no intention of being polite, and Chen Xi also liked to be straightforward: "It's like this, I heard that Mr. Long Yi is currently writing a spy short story called "Lurking"? "

Long nodded subconsciously, but he was actually a little surprised.

He remembered that he had never told anyone how the other party knew about "Insidious" and also knew that it was a short story.

"Is it finished?"

Long Yi nodded again: "Just finished writing, and I'm revising it recently."

"Can I read it? Our company is currently acquiring related copyrights and wants to adapt it into a TV series..."

Looking at Long Yi again, his face was stiff.

The ultimate dream of a writer is probably to have his or her work adapted into a film or TV series.

He didn't dare to confirm, fearing that this was a dream, until Chen Xi confirmed again: "Is it convenient?"

"That's convenient. Please take a seat. I'll go get the manuscript~"

Chen Xi sat down, and then heard the sound of tinkling coming from the inner room. Long Yi must be very excited.

Chen Xi waited quietly. She could understand the feelings of these writers. Suddenly, her nose moved, as if she smelled something.

Then I saw the food still cooking in the kitchen.

When Long Yi excitedly came out with the manuscript, he saw Chen Xi helping him turn the pot.

"I'll do it, I'll do it, don't get your clothes dirty~"

Long Yi hurriedly took the spatula, and Chen Xi took the manuscript back to the living room and began to read.

By the time Long Yi turned off the fire and returned to the living room, Chen Xi had already finished watching.

There are more than 10,000 words, and if I can read ten lines at a glance, I can finish reading it in one minute.

"What do you think?"

Long Yi asked cautiously, not knowing where to put his hands.

He suddenly remembered that "Before the Dawn" was someone else's. Compared with that, the plot of his "Insidious" was too bland.

To be honest, Chen Xi didn't think it was very good.

For a short story of more than 10,000 words, the space available for description is too limited.

But this novel was specifically requested by Zhang Chen.

Chen Xi raised his head and said, "Mr. Long Yi, our company is currently searching for novels with similar themes and wants to adapt them into TV series. Your short story is good, and I want to buy the film and television adaptation rights for 100,000 yuan. What do you think? If possible, we can sign the contract now."

Long Yi was surprised, but also a little confused. One hundred thousand yuan didn't seem like a lot.

“Isn’t this price a bit…”

Long Yi didn't seem to be very confident when he said this. After all, "The Hidden" was just a short story with just over 10,000 words.

"Mr. Long Yi, "The Hidden" is just a short story. It can't support a TV series. We can't use it directly after we buy it. We need to make major changes. After the major changes, probably only the background and name of this novel will be retained, so..."

Chen Xi complained bitterly, and at the same time, he retreated to advance, "How about you think about it again, I'll go look around at other people's places, and we can contact each other later..."

“No, no, one hundred thousand is fine…” Long Yi was indeed anxious.

He prepared himself mentally. After all, for a short story, ten thousand yuan was not a small amount.

He was really afraid that Chen Xi would leave and never come again. He didn't think "The Disguiser" was that good. It was just a test work.

Especially after watching "Prison Break", I felt that what Chen Xi said was right. They probably only bought the framework of the story with the 100,000 yuan.

"Well, happy cooperation~"

The contract was signed and the finance department was notified to make the payment. The cooperation between the two parties was exceptionally smooth.

"I have other works, would you like to take a look at them too~" Long Yi was very happy after receiving the money, and he started to promote his other works by the way.

"I won't read those. If we need similar topics in the future, I'll visit you again~"

Chen Xi said goodbye, and after Long Yi sent him out the door, he sat on the sofa and began to recall the details of what had just happened.

Somehow, one of my short stories sold for 100,000.

There was the sound of a key opening the door. It was his wife coming back with the child.

"Dad, I'm hungry~" The child shouted hungry as soon as he came in the door.

The wife saw Long Yi sitting on the sofa, then looked at the empty dining table, and immediately frowned: "You didn't cook today?"

Long Yi laughed foolishly: "Let's go out to eat~"

"Why go out to eat?" His wife is from Tianjing.

"Good news. One of my novels sold for 100,000 yuan."

……

Golden Harvest Headquarters, Hong Kong
Zhang Chen and Dong Jianqiang visited together. Along the way, Dong Jianqiang never stopped talking, and it was unclear whether he was cheering himself up or giving Zhang Chen some scientific knowledge.

"Zou Wenhuai lost a lot of money in real estate speculation in 97..."

"This man is the godfather of Hong Kong movies. His achievements in the film industry are far beyond what Run Run Shaw can compare to. His influence on the Hong Kong film industry is similar to that of Han Sanye to the mainland. Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Hong Jinbao, Chen Kexin and many other artists became famous under his hands..."

Zou Wenhuai's vision is really sharp. First, Bruce Lee, then Xu Guanwen, and then Cheng Long...

I haven't made any mistakes once.

Then he started playing around with satellite companies, producing many excellent works, and defeating his old employer.

If the more perverted New One City hadn’t emerged later, Golden Harvest would have been the most competitive.

"But if you think Zou Wenhuai is a good guy, you are totally wrong. Since he is the godfather, he must have some tricks. If you don't believe it, think about the Cai Ziming case back then..."

Zhang Chen himself knew about Cai Ziming's affairs, and might even know more about them than Dong Jianqiang.

In later generations, there is basically only one identity for Cai Ziming - Jet Li's agent.

But in fact, Cai Ziming has another identity. He is a Dutch gangster who handles guns.

After arriving in Hong Kong, he saw that the Hong Kong film industry was profitable. It just so happened that Jet Li's contract with Golden Harvest had expired, but because he had not filmed enough movies, the two parties were in a lawsuit.

Cai Ziming offered to help Jet Li settle the matter.

He wanted to use his gangster skills to make Jiahe surrender, but in the blink of an eye he was shot six times at close range and died on the spot.

Jet Li was so scared that he fled to the United States.

He may believe that only a strong dragon can cross the river, but there is another saying that a strong dragon cannot defeat a local snake.

Cai's death was not tragic, but it served as a serious warning, and nothing like this has happened since then.

It's obvious who did it.

But no one in the circle wants to talk about this because it is just a rumor and there is no evidence.

"But it was this person who, in his later years, felt like a tiger in plain land being bullied by dogs.

Golden Harvest’s studio was originally located on Axe Hill Road. After Hong Kong’s return to China, the government wanted to take back the land for other uses. Golden Harvest was planning to move the studio to Tseung Kwan O, but unexpectedly, it was attacked by several companies, resulting in the loss of the studio in the end…”

Speaking of this, Zhang Chen immediately stopped feeling sleepy.

In fact, all these can be regarded as retribution for Jiahe. Zou had done things in a very unethical way in the past. He started his business with a satellite company, but he often withheld money from the satellite company.

Wang Jing and Hong Jinbao both went to court with Jiahe over this matter.

In the end, most of the satellite companies under its control broke up with Golden Harvest.

In addition to Jackie Chan, who is Ho Kuan Chang's godson and a top artist, Golden Harvest will definitely show him favor.

However, after leaving these satellite companies, Golden Harvest has not produced any good works and gradually declined.

It interprets the saying that success and failure are both due to Xiao He.

I entered the Peninsula Center, took the elevator, and when the elevator door opened, it was Zou Chongheng who was waiting at the door this time.

"Hello, Director Zhang, we meet again~"

"Ms. Zou, sorry to have kept you waiting~"

"Director Zhang, you're welcome. My father has been waiting for you two for a long time. Come with me~"

In the office, Zhang Chen finally met the former movie emperor.

He didn't have any aura that looked down on the world. He just looked like an old man, and the light in his eyes was not sharp.

"Mr. Zou, sorry for the wait~"

"Director Zhang Chen, Manager Dong, please take a seat~"

Zou Wenhuai pointed with his finger, and Zhang Chen and the other man sat down.

"Ah Heng, serve tea~"

Only Zou Wenhuai, his daughter, Zhang Chen and Dong Jianqiang were left in the room.

Zou Chongheng made tea for everyone.

Zou Wenhuai spoke first: “I heard that Director Zhang was interested in Golden Harvest, so I asked someone to do some research.

Director Zhang has suddenly emerged in the past two years, with two to three movies a year, all of which are classics and big sellers. To be honest, they remind me of our era..."

Zou Wenhuai should be referring to the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, which was the boom period for Hong Kong films, with many excellent works and many talented people.

Good actors, good screenwriters, good directors, good lyricists and composers emerged in large numbers in that era...

"I'm not really envious of Director Zhang's achievements, after all, our generation wasn't that bad.

What really made me want to meet Director Zhang was actually "Taken."

Now it was Zhang Chen who was confused: "I'd like to hear the details."

“Hong Kong is known as the Hollywood of the East, but in fact, we are far behind Hollywood. Hollywood movies are much richer than Hong Kong movies in terms of both scale and subject matter.

And all we can show off are kung fu movies.

Of course, in the field of Kung Fu movies, we have achieved perfection. When people all over the world talk about Kung Fu movies, they have to give a thumbs up to Hong Kong movies. Among all the film companies in Hong Kong, Golden Harvest is the best at making Kung Fu movies..."

Zhang Chen nodded in agreement: "Indeed, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan were both promoted by Golden Harvest..."

Zou Wenhuai smiled and said calmly, "But now, Hong Kong's kung fu movies are out of date. They are not selling well and are not good to watch. Even the mainland, which has the same roots as Hong Kong, doesn't like to watch them anymore..."

After a pause, Zou Wenhuai continued, "But Taken is different. It sold over 6000 million Hong Kong dollars in Hong Kong, the annual box office champion. I heard it was also the box office champion in the mainland, and it also sold very well in North America~
For this purpose, I asked Chongheng to take me to see it once. To be honest, I was shocked at that time.

A brand new style, with gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and a variety of novel elements...

At that moment, I really felt that I was old. I couldn’t make a movie like this, so Golden Harvest gradually declined.

There was no trace of bleakness in Zou Wenhuai's tone, as if he was already accustomed to life and death.

"At the time, I was actually thinking, if you were a Hong Konger, maybe this stagnant Hong Kong would come alive~"

At this point he suddenly sighed again: "But then I heard that you made a scene at the Academy Awards and cursed some people. I knew that you didn't like Hong Kong movies in your heart. But if you didn't like them, why did you acquire Golden Harvest, a Hong Kong company..."

Hearing what Zou Wenhuai said, Dong Jianqiang's heart suddenly tightened. It seemed that Zou Wenhuai was not satisfied with them.

Zhang Chen seemed unaffected. He looked at Zou Wenhuai and then at the others:

“Of course I have my own considerations for wanting to acquire Golden Harvest. The censorship system in the mainland means that many themes cannot be filmed.

However, if these themes were released in Hong Kong and produced by a Hong Kong team, they would pass review. The film censorship system always gives Hong Kong a break.

Apart from anything else, Hong Kong is the only city that can currently produce police and gangster-themed films, and this is its biggest advantage.

It is such a waste of resources that Hong Kong filmmakers fail to take advantage of such a huge advantage.

Since they don't want to take the photo, I'll do it.

The filmmakers here are still too arrogant and short-sighted. I’m afraid they will have to wait until they are at the end of their rope before they can face reality...”

Zou Wenhuai clapped his hands and exclaimed: "This 'end of the road' is a good expression. Hong Kong films are indeed like this. They have reached a critical moment of life and death."

“It’s not that no one has seen the truth, otherwise there wouldn’t be so many people heading north, but these people just can’t let go of their pride, and they still act superior even to their future financial sponsors.

I acquired Golden Harvest not to save Hong Kong films, nor to save these Hong Kong filmmakers. At most, I just set an example for them and told them how to treat the mainland. Hong Kong films can only survive if they integrate into the mainland..."

"If someone else says they can save Hong Kong movies, I would think they are just bragging, but if you say you can save Hong Kong movies, I believe it~"

Zou Wenhuai looked at Zhang Chen with his old eyes: "Chengtian and you all want Golden Harvest, who do you think I will sell it to?"

After asking this question, Zou Wenhuai stopped talking, as if waiting for Zhang Chen's answer.

Zhang Chen hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to tell the truth: "I think the final winner should be us. Orange Sky has Japanese capital background, and he certainly doesn't have the same feelings for Golden Harvest as we do for Golden Harvest.

If I bought shares in Golden Harvest, I would definitely not touch the Golden Harvest label.”

In the previous life, after Golden Harvest was acquired by Orange Sky, the label became Orange Sky Golden Harvest.

But Zhang Chen was not prepared to do so.

Jiahe is Jiahe~
"Secondly, I will invest in several movies, mainly action and comedy movies, so that Golden Harvest can restart its production business and return to its peak step by step. I am confident that Golden Harvest can once again become the number one film company in Hong Kong~"

After Zhang Chen finished speaking, Zou Wenhuai suddenly closed his eyes.

Seems to be thinking, but also seems to be asleep~
After a long time, he opened his eyes again. Zou Wenhuai said, "I am old now and cannot talk for too long. I have almost asked all the questions you wanted to ask. The rest, I will let Chongheng talk to you. I just hope that what you said today is true..."

After Zou Wenhuai finished speaking, he stood up tremblingly and left the room with the help of a cane.

In the room, Dong Jianqiang and Zhang Chen looked at Zou Chongheng, who smiled and said, "Father has agreed to sell the shares to you. Let's talk about the price~"

For Zou Wenhuai in the past, it didn’t matter to whom Golden Harvest was sold, because only Orange Sky showed interest.

But today is different, there is competition.

Faced with competition, Zou Wenhuai would certainly prefer to sell the company to someone he approves of.

And to be recognized by him at least means that he believes this person can restore Golden Harvest's glory.

At his age, he counts down every day, and the only things he can't let go of are probably Golden Harvest and Hong Kong movies.

It just so happened that someone he was optimistic about became interested in his company, and Zou Wenhuai determined that this was the last chance God gave him to help Hong Kong films.

……

Ask for a monthly ticket

(End of this chapter)