Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 692 Twelve Zodiac Signs
During the 2010 National Day holiday, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol sparked a box office frenzy in theaters worldwide.

This blockbuster, which combines extreme action and a tense plot, not only brought Tom Cruise's character Ethan Hunt back into the spotlight, but also completely broke down geographical barriers for a Middle Eastern landmark—the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Thanks to the thrilling "climbing the tower with bare hands" scene in the film, it quickly became a "must-visit place for action blockbusters" in the hearts of movie fans around the world.

When Cruise traversed the 828-meter-high glass curtain wall on the screen, suspended by steel cables, with the misty Dubai cityscape below, the visual impact left a deep impression on countless viewers.

The film's explosive popularity was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, quickly creating ripples in the real world.

Prior to this, Dubai's iconic buildings were the Burj Al Arab and the Atlantis Hotel—the former known for its seven-star luxury, and the latter attracting tourists with its unique location on Palm Jumeirah.

However, after the release of Mission: Impossible 4, the Burj Khalifa's popularity surged.

Data from global travel platforms shows that within a month of the movie's release, searches for "Burj Khalifa" surged by 300%, and bookings from tourists in China, the United States, and Europe skyrocketed. Tickets for the observation deck, which originally required reservations two weeks in advance, were once sold for three times the original price, and there was even a situation where "tickets were hard to come by."

The facilities inside the Burj Khalifa have directly felt the impact of this "heat storm".

The Armani Hotel, located at the base of the tower, has 160 luxury rooms. Although it has always been fully booked due to its brand effect, it has never experienced such an exaggerated booking peak.

The hotel's front desk manager, in an interview with local media, said with a mix of helplessness and excitement: "Rooms are already booked three months in advance. Many guests come specifically because of the filming location of Mission: Impossible, and some movie fans even request rooms with a view of the tower climbing scene."

The luxury apartments located on floors 45-108 were originally intended for the world's wealthy, with an average price of over $3 per square meter. After the movie's release, the remaining 20-plus apartments were snapped up within half a month, including by Hollywood stars and members of Middle Eastern royalty.

A real estate agent revealed that an American film producer bought a penthouse duplex and specially recreated the "tower climbing props" from the movie on the terrace, just to experience "Ethan Hunt's perspective".

One of the biggest winners of this hype is none other than Dubai Prince Rashid, a key figure behind the Burj Khalifa project.

Within the inner circle of Middle Eastern royalty, there is no shortage of wealthy nobles who spend lavishly. Some collect private jets, some keep rare and exotic animals, and some spend huge sums of money to build luxury yachts. But Rashid is the first person to "turn a building into a global internet-famous landmark".

Prior to this, his presence within the royal family was not particularly prominent; at most, he was considered a "low-key pragmatist." However, the explosive success of Mission: Impossible 4 made him an overnight sensation in the industry.

At every royal family gathering, he is always surrounded by a group of people, who hold champagne and ask curiously, "Rashid, tell us, how did you convince the Mission: Impossible crew to film at the Burj Khalifa? Did you spend a lot of money?"

Faced with everyone's questions, Rashid would always helplessly shrug and explain, "It really wasn't me who invited them. The film crew came to inspect the place on their own initiative. They said that the architectural style and height of the Burj Khalifa were very suitable for the visual needs of the movie."

But to others, this answer seemed more like a "humble Versailles".

After all, the news had already reported extensively at the time that Rashid and Zhang Chen, the director of Mission: Impossible 4, were very good friends.

"Come on, Rashid," a prince said with a laugh, patting him on the shoulder. "Your photo with Director Zhang Chen has been all over the place. You still say you weren't the one who arranged it? We all know you just don't want to make a fuss."

Over time, Rashid got tired of explaining and simply smiled and acquiesced. In any case, this "trouble of being envied" also made his prestige within the royal family rise.

At another royal gathering in Abu Dhabi, Rashid was pulled to a corner by two familiar figures as soon as he entered the banquet hall—Saudi Prince Salman and Qatari Prince Hamad.

These two were Rashid's childhood friends and were also well-known "movie buffs".

Upon meeting, Salman complained with resentment: "Rashid, you've become a thorn in our side!"

My father was lecturing me yesterday, saying, 'Look at Rashid, he knows how to use movies to promote national landmarks, and what about you? You only know how to spend money on racing and parties.'"

Hamad nodded in agreement: "That's right. My father also used you as an example, saying, 'Both of you are friends with Director Zhang Chen, but Rashid can get things done, while you only chase after him for autographs.'"

Seeing their "pitiful" expressions, Rashid couldn't help but burst into laughter, his smugness barely concealed: "You can't blame me for this. Who told you not to seize the opportunity back then?"

After the three of them joked around for a while, the topic quickly shifted to another matter—Pacific Rim 3.

Six months ago, the three of them finalized a collaboration with Zhang Chen: the three of them would jointly fund the filming of "Pacific Rim 3" on the condition that a Jaeger with Middle Eastern cultural elements be added to the film, and Zhang Chen would also promise that the three of them would make cameo appearances as the pilots of this Jaeger in the film.

"With Mission: Impossible 4 being so popular now, I can't help but look forward to the day when Ocean 3 is released?"

Unable to contain his excitement, Salman suggested, "Why don't we call Zhang Chen now and ask him?"

Hamad immediately raised both hands in agreement: "Great idea! I can't wait to wear the mecha costume!"

Rashid also became interested and took out his phone to dial Zhang Chen's number.

The moment the call connected, Zhang Chen's familiar laughter came through the receiver: "Oh, it's the three of you! What a rare treat!"

The four exchanged a few warm greetings on the phone, and Salman was the first to speak: "Director Zhang Chen, we just wanted to ask, when will filming for 'Pacific Rim 3' begin? We've already come up with several versions of the mecha design!"

Zhang Chen explained with a smile: "I know you're all anxious, but 'Pacific Rim 3' really won't be released that soon."

Firstly, the preparation cycle for science fiction films is inherently long, especially the design of mechs and the production of special effects, which require repeated polishing and cannot be done perfunctorily.

Secondly, with "Ultraman 1" and "Ultraman 2" being released one after the other, I'm worried that audiences will experience aesthetic fatigue. After all, if a sequel doesn't offer anything new, it's easy for it to flop.

He paused, then added, "Hollywood sequels are usually 3-5 years apart from their predecessors. I plan to release 'Panoramic 3' in 2013, which will ensure both production quality and give audiences enough anticipation."

Hearing this news, the three were somewhat disappointed, but they knew that Zhang Chen was telling the truth.

Hamad sighed, "Alright, it seems we'll have to wait a bit longer, but don't forget our 'mech agreement'!"

"Don't worry, I won't forget it!"

Zhang Chen smiled and assured him, "I'll send you the first draft of the script as soon as it's ready."

Before hanging up, Rashid added, "Zhang Chen, I've reserved an apartment for you on the 100th floor of the Burj Khalifa. It has a fantastic view overlooking the entire Dubai Creek. You can move in anytime you have time to come to Dubai."

Zhang Chen quickly thanked him, but also said helplessly, "I'm afraid I really won't have time in the next few months. The Lunar New Year film 'Inception' is going to be released, and I have to do promotions."

I also have another film in pre-production for the Spring Festival season, so I'm incredibly busy. Once I'm done with this, I'll definitely come to Dubai to meet up with you all!

After hanging up the phone, the three of them smiled at each other. Although they still had to wait two years for "Ultraman Global 3", the thought of being able to pilot mechs and save the world on the big screen in the future reignited their anticipation.

……

At the airport, Zhang Chen finished his roadshow and returned to China.

Zhang Chen walked out of the airport, got into the car that had picked him up, and instead of going home or to the company, he went to the Film Bureau. At 2 PM, Zhang Chen appeared at a high-level meeting of Star Entertainment.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was both serious and lively. Zhong Lifang took the lead in handing over the latest industry weekly report, with a particularly eye-catching cover title: "Xiao Ma Ben Teng Joins Hands with Zhang Yimou to Usher in a New Era of Standardization for Chinese Films".

Zhang Chen casually flipped through a few pages and happened to come across an interview with Li Ming, the president of Xiaoma Benteng. One sentence in particular, "The cooperation with Xiaoma Benteng marks the end of Yimou's long-standing disorderly and irregular cooperation model and the beginning of scientific and standardized cooperation with professional teams," made him frown slightly.

"Li Ming is too arrogant!"

Zhang Chen's voice was clearly displeased: "The collaboration between Xiaoma Benteng and Zhang Yimou means that the long-term disorderly and irregular cooperation model between them has come to an end. So what about our collaboration with Zhang Yimou last year on 'Aftershock'?"
Are they insulting us too?

Other executives in the conference room echoed his sentiments, with some believing Li Ming was deliberately provoking them, while others worried that his words would damage Star Entertainment's professional image in the industry.

Zhang Chen silently took a sip of tea, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

He understood Li Ming's intentions perfectly—although Xiaoma Benteng had only been in the film industry for three years, it had acquired several major IPs in succession thanks to its strong capital strength, showing great potential to overtake others.

Currently, the top tier of domestic film and television companies is generally recognized as Star Entertainment and Huayi Brothers, while the third position is being contested by Bona Film Group, Enlight Media, and the recently emerging Xiaoma Benteng.

“No need to rush,” Zhang Chen said slowly. “The market will judge for itself. Let our work speak for itself. Li Ming’s words might offend other companies, which could actually benefit us.”

The conversation quickly shifted to something more important.

Zhang Chen composed himself and said seriously, "I went to the Film Bureau for a meeting as soon as I got off the plane. Director Tong specifically called Wang Zhongjun and me to his office to talk about Golden Harvest's ban on 'Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame'."

The meeting room fell silent the moment those words were spoken.

"Director Wang's meaning is very clear: Hollywood is the biggest enemy of Chinese films, and he does not want infighting among domestic films."

Zhang Chen continued, "Now Hollywood blockbusters are having an increasingly greater impact on the domestic market. 'Transformers 3' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' have both earned a lot of box office revenue this year. He said that at this time, internal divisions should not be allowed to occur."

He said that Golden Harvest had banned "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" for half a month, and even if there were previous conflicts, they should have vented their anger by now. He hoped that we could take the initiative to lift the ban and set an example for the industry.

After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he looked at everyone. Back when the ban occurred, he had predicted that the Film Bureau would step in as a "peacemaker"—after all, maintaining industry stability is an important responsibility of the competent authorities.

"We definitely have to give the Film Bureau face."

He immediately made the decision: "Notify the distribution department to have Golden Harvest lift the restrictions on 'Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame' starting tomorrow."

Zhong Lifang, who was standing to the side, laughed and said, "Director Zhang, it's too late to lift the lockdown now. 'Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame' has been showing for almost a month, and the box office curve has long passed its peak. Even if the lockdown is lifted, it won't make up for much of the losses."

Zhang Chen shrugged: "That's not something we need to consider."

Then he added, "There's one more thing. Enlight Media wants to incorporate Rush Hour into their spy universe..."

"Rush Hour? Jackie Chan?"

"Ah."

Everyone had strange expressions on their faces, but Dong Jianqiang finally said, "Brother Cheng Long's action style is more inclined towards comedy and real combat, which doesn't seem to fit well with the hardcore espionage of the spy universe."

"Yes, that's what I thought too, so I rejected them. But I do want to work with Jackie Chan again, I just haven't decided on a theme yet."

Just then, Zhang Chen's phone rang, and the screen displayed the name "Rashid".

He got up and walked to the window to answer the phone. Rashid's enthusiastic voice immediately came through the receiver: "Zhang Chen! I've finally thought of it."

"What are you thinking about?"

"How can I thank you enough? Mission: Impossible 4 made the Burj Khalifa a global phenomenon, I owe you a huge favor!"

Zhang Chen smiled and said, "We're all friends, no need for thanks. I'm happy to be of help."

"No, no, you must thank me!"

Rashid's tone was very firm, "I know you are not short of money now, and I know you have always been concerned about Chinese cultural relics lost overseas. I have already asked my team to make contact and prepare to buy back the rabbit and rat heads that were lost from the Old Summer Palace and give them to you! It is my way of doing my part for the return of Chinese cultural relics!"

When Zhang Chen heard the words "rabbit head and rat head," his pupils suddenly contracted, and it felt as if a lightning bolt had struck his heart.

He suddenly had an idea for what he should collaborate on with Jackie Chan—"Chinese Zodiac".

Everyone in the conference room was startled by his sudden excitement. Zhong Lifang quickly asked, "The Twelve Zodiac Animals? What kind of subject is that?"

Zhang Chen walked to the conference table, picked up a pen, and wrote the four characters "Cultural Relics Recovery" on the whiteboard: "The story revolves around a group of cultural relics hunters who travel across borders to search for the twelve zodiac animal heads lost overseas. They experience various adventures along the way and ultimately return the animal heads to their motherland. With Jackie Chan's action scenes combined with a sense of national pride, this subject matter definitely has potential!"

Everyone looked at the four words on the whiteboard, and then at the light in Zhang Chen's eyes, and instantly understood his thoughts.

Zhong Lifang was the first to react, excitedly saying, "This subject matter is fantastic! It has elements of a blockbuster film, as well as profound thematic significance, which will definitely resonate with the audience!"

In the past two years, news about the auction of the bronze animal heads from the Old Summer Palace has been constant, and China has protested many times, but the West has ignored it.

This subject matter naturally attracts attention and has real-world relevance.

"Dude, you've solved my big problem."

This time it was Zhang Chen's turn to thank Rashid. It was like a godsend. He was worried about what topic to choose, and Rashid's phone call gave him a clue.

"What?" Rashid was completely bewildered.

"It's nothing, I was just chatting with you and suddenly I know what my next movie should be about."

"Ah, what is it?"

"It's about our cultural relics, haha, Rashid, I should thank you, but I'll let it go if you buy back the rabbit and rat heads. If you're so kind, could you help me find out where the dragon head is? I would be extremely grateful."

"Uh, okay, no problem."

(End of this chapter)