Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 397 Wang Zuxian's "Empress-Level" Strategic Vision! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

"Brother Chenglong"

"Hello, Director Tang!"

Tang Wen personally went to the door to greet him. Upon seeing him, Cheng Long quickly took two steps forward and reached out to firmly grasp his hand.
"Oh dear, I wanted to ask you out for dinner when I was in Hollywood, but I've been so busy..."

"Haha, I've always wanted to go to your film crew to learn from your experience..."

The two spoke somewhat casually, but it wasn't just empty politeness.

They are indeed busy.

Advertisers in North America and Europe who want to work with Tang Wen have already set exorbitant endorsement fees.

Tang Wen had a lot of advertising revenue waiting to be collected, but he didn't have the time.

The development of Chenglong's business goes without saying.

Two years ago, "Rush Hour 2" grossed over $6000 million in its opening weekend in North America, taking the top spot at the box office.

According to Hollywood sources, Cheng Long received a $15 million salary plus a 1500% profit share for this film, bringing his total earnings to over $4000 million.

This income and benefits are already top-tier among Chinese film stars.

After this film, Cheng Long's salary in Hollywood once reached 2000 million US dollars.

Unfortunately, the film "The Tuxedo," released last year, had a mediocre box office performance.

"Shanghai Noon 2," released at the beginning of this year, was a complete flop.

Chenglong is currently pinning its hopes on the newly released blockbuster, "The Medallion".

The film was released simultaneously in Hong Kong and mainland China, and after a few days, the box office performance looks pretty good so far.

Hong Kong's revenue has exceeded ten million Hong Kong dollars.

"Infernal Affairs 3" continues to be a hit in mainland China, with "The Medallion" ranking second and its box office exceeding 10 million yuan in its opening weekend.

In the original timeline, "The Medallion" did not achieve such high box office returns in mainland China.

Tang Wen guessed that it was his own films, along with the "Infernal Affairs" series, that cultivated the habit of mainland audiences going to the cinema.

This has expanded the upper limit of the film market to a deeper and wider level.

It's clear that Chenglong's appeal remains strong.

He and other film actors did not go to the mainland for promotional tours or events.

They achieved their current success solely through some basic publicity.

Cheng Long came to see Tang Wen today, not just to visit the set.

He and Yang Shoucheng have partnered to start a "Chenglong Emperor Film Company," and they're planning an opening party in a couple of days. He came here specifically to deliver an invitation.

Actually, given the relationship between Tang Wen and Ying Huang, Cheng Long wouldn't need to make a special trip; a simple phone call would suffice.

But Cheng Long himself wanted to take the opportunity to get to know Tang Wen.

Thus, today's set visit came about.

Since Cheng Long had come to invite him, Tang Wen naturally had no reason not to give him face and agreed to attend the ceremony three days later.

After finishing their business, the two sat down for a chat. The crew assistant brewed tea and served several plates of fruit.

When Cheng Lung talked about his initial motivation for establishing this company, it was simply because Hong Kong cinema was declining while the mainland was showing signs of resurgence...

After listening for a while, Tang Wen realized that there was one crucial point he hadn't mentioned.

That is to leave yourself a way out.

Once the mainland market takes off, as long as Cheng Lung maintains his influence in China, he will always be a superstar in Asia.

The Medallion has just been released in the United States.

It's too early to say how well it will perform at the North American box office.

If this movie doesn't work out, his opportunities in Hollywood will become increasingly scarce.

As the two were chatting, a small truck drove into the film set.

It's completely covered with drinks.

"Brother Long, you're too kind."

"It's just a few boxes of water. Let the stuntmen do the work of carrying it down and distributing it to everyone." Cheng Long waved his hand.

Tang Wen glanced back.

Martial arts instructor and assistant director Zhang Jin understood his meaning, picked up a megaphone, stood on a high place, and shouted in Cantonese: "Thank you, Brother Long, for treating us to drinks!"

Voices of gratitude rang out from all directions.

With the release of his new film, Cheng Long was indeed very busy and didn't stay for a meal, leaving after only half an hour.

In the evening, the film crew wrapped up work.

Tang Wen called Wang Zuxian, but her assistant answered the phone.

"Let Sister Zuxian rest for a bit. She can come back and attend Chenglong's cocktail party with me in the next couple of days..."

The release of a new album and the premiere of "Infernal Affairs 3".

With numerous endorsements, Wang Zuxian is extremely busy.

However, since Tang Wen has spoken, the rest time can be made up.

Half an hour later, after finishing her work, Wang Zuxian called Tang Wen back, saying that she would be in Hong Kong the next day.

Hong Kong's entertainment industry is a mixed bag, filled with young models and Miss Hong Kong contestants who are daring and willing to strip, even resorting to physical violence in pursuit of fame and profit.

Wang Zuxian, who was away from home, kept a close eye on Tang Wen's situation, fearing that he might accidentally end up with a bunch of good younger sisters.

If it's just for fun, then so be it.

But Wen Di is fickle in matters of the heart, always seeking new love while never abandoning the old.

She had previously had Tang Wen move into her villa so that her people could keep an eye on him and she could return immediately if she discovered any threatening individuals.

However, Tang Wen made an excuse that he was too far from the film crew and didn't fall for it.

Then, news that Tang Wen had a Korean woman by his side spread throughout Hong Kong media.

After reading Lee Hyori's information, she felt that this woman would probably be staying by Tang Wen's side for a long time.

This can't go on.

However, Wen Di is too young, and cough, his body is excessively robust. It's not entirely his fault that he has no one to accompany him. Dong Xuan and Xiao Ran really should have arranged the shifts much earlier!
"Hurry up, the weather's nice tonight, let's add a few more night scenes. The crew will give everyone a special meal."

Hearing the second half of the sentence made everyone a little happier.

Tang Wen's efficiency in mobilizing the film crew far surpasses that of ordinary directors.

How to set up the scene, what effect the actors should achieve, and how the camera crew should move the camera—all of this was clearly in his mind.

The production crew simply had to do as instructed.

Efficiency is naturally maximized.

However, the staff are truly exhausted.

"That's a wrap! Everyone worked hard. We'll have a day off in two days. Let's all keep up the good work tomorrow and the day after."

Tang Wen is good at managing his time.

Two days later, he was to attend the opening reception of Chenglong and Emperor.

They simply gave the film crew a break.

However, the workload missed that day needs to be caught up within these three days.

Most people in the martial arts industry go home after get off work.

The remaining staff members packed up their belongings.

"Director Tang, you're really going all out!" a stuntman said weakly.

"No wonder he's so successful at such a young age."

"If I were him, I'd be going to clubs to pick up girls every day. And when it comes to making movies, I'd just find a director from outside. There are so many directors in Hong Kong."

Footsteps sounded from outside; Zhang Jin had arrived.

Several veteran stuntmen, relying on their seniority in the Yuan family troupe, did not shut up and continued to talk and complain.

The two young men in the middle fell silent and greeted him, "Brother Jin."

Zhang Jin smiled at them, looked at the few complaining people, and said without any nonsense: "I know you've all worked hard. Director Tang said that if we can finish filming on time this month, everyone's bonus will be at least tens of thousands."

Martial arts performers in Hong Kong have very tiring jobs and low pay.

They were paid daily wages.

The highest daily wage for an ordinary martial arts performer is 800.

Very few people can get that number.

Unless you dare to do dangerous stunts, you can't become a seasoned martial arts master.

A senior martial arts instructor's daily limit is over a thousand Hong Kong dollars.

Injuries are a separate matter.

One level up are stunt performers and team leaders; those who do well can earn several thousand Hong Kong dollars a day.

Hong Kong's film industry has been in a slump for the past two years.

Last year, more than 90 films were started in Hong Kong, but in the first half of this year, less than 30 have been started.

As martial arts performers compete for a living, prices have fallen significantly.

The minimum wage for ordinary martial arts performers has already dropped to three or four hundred yuan a day. Quit?

If you don't do it, plenty of others will!
Tang Wen's crew offered better benefits, but stuntmen didn't work every day.

Even if the film crew provides meals, the average stuntman's monthly salary is barely over ten thousand.

The two young people were very excited.

Several seasoned veterans couldn't believe it:

"Ah Jin, don't lie to your brother."

"Yeah, Jinzai, you said it yourself, filming will be finished this month, and then we'll all go our separate ways, right?"

Zhang Jin shook his head: "I can't run away. As long as you guarantee the quality of the filming this month, if you don't get 10,000 yuan, come find me."

The seasoned veterans immediately believed it to a large extent.

One of the men, who hadn't said a word for a while, was the first to lift Zhang Jin up:
"Ah Jin is one of us. If you don't trust him, who else can you trust?"
Director Tang has taken a liking to you; everyone will need your help in the future.

"Director Tang is a real savior, we have no doubt about it, we'll definitely finish on time!"

Zhang Jin smiled, said a few words of reassurance, and turned to leave.

"Director Tang wants me to assemble a stunt team. These veteran stuntmen are indispensable; their experience is invaluable. But the headcount must be carefully controlled..."

The next day, the sun was setting.

Wang Zuxian arrived at the film crew.

The road was filled with greetings.

After watching her walk away, they began to discuss among themselves:
"She's more famous now than she was in the 80s and 90s!"

"Did you choose the right person to follow?"

"She's so lucky."

"Countless female stars in Hong Kong are envious of her."

"..."

Of course, many people envy Tang Wen even more: "Director Tang is truly a role model for men."

"Is Wang Zuxian the third one?"

"She was my favorite when I was little."

The crew's late-night snack was treated by Wang Zuxian; it was plentiful with meat and vegetables, and also included drinks.

Whether it's Hong Kong martial arts performers or staff at Blue Star Entertainment, they are all familiar with her.

The expressions of gratitude were also incredibly diverse:

"Sister Zuxian is getting more and more popular!"

"Sister Xian is the most beautiful woman in Hong Kong!"

"..."

Wang Zuxian just smiled and left the set with Tang Wen in her arms.

The car broke through the crowd of entertainment reporters and drove all the way back to the villa on the hillside.

Indoors, Wang Zuxian had just taken off half of her thin coat.

A pair of strong arms wrapped around her slender waist from behind.

"Wen Di, wait a minute. Tell me first." Although her body had gone limp, her words remained defiant:
"That Korean woman, how come... um," she began, her voice trembling with embarrassment as she spoke.

'She really is my nemesis.' Wang Zuxian's beautiful eyes filled with helplessness.

Then, my body felt light, and I was lifted up.

late at night.

Wang Zuxian, with a hoarse voice, brought up this topic again.

Tang Wen placed her on the bed, enthusiastically found the body lotion, and began massaging her long legs.

As for Wang Zuxian, he had nothing to hide.

I explained Lee Hyori's situation.

"Anything else? Tell me everything."

Wang Zuxian: There should only be this one, right?

It seems that Hong Kong media only reported on this one woman.

Wang Zuxian pulled a pillow and a silk quilt over her back, then stretched her long legs forward to make it easier for him to reach her.

"Hmm, there's also a South Korean named Son Ye-jin..."

Wang Zuxian, who had just mentally prepared herself, really wanted to kick him.

Her feelings for Tang Wen were different from those for others.

It's not just about the love between lovers, but also about the deep affection and doting of an older sister for her young and talented younger brother.

She listened quietly without showing any negative emotions.

He spoke softly, "Brother Wen, have you thought about this?"

She seemed a little reluctant to say it, afraid of hurting Tang Wen.

"What?" The masseur, Tang, had already touched the adorable toes.

Wang Zuxian suppressed her unease and asked with concern, "If one day—and I mean if—they want to leave you, what will Wendi do?"

She was in the Hong Kong entertainment industry and knew many stories about wealthy men and female celebrities.

Most of them were fleeting affairs.

One is rich and resourceful, the other is young and beautiful; they each get what they need.

But Tang Wen's case is clearly different.

The women didn't want to leave; each of them dreamed of rising to a higher position.

Unfortunately, Wen Di was also a man of deep affection.

With so many people, what will become of us?

Tang Wen's hands didn't stop moving: "Who wants to leave?"

“I’m definitely not leaving unless you kick me out.” She paused, then added, “I was just saying that hypothetically.”

Having lived two lives, Tang Wen is more open-minded: "I definitely won't let you leave, but as for others, if they really can't be kept, I won't force them."

Tang Wen is confident and capable; the good woman he sets his sights on will definitely not leave.

But if people like Huo Siyan and Huang Shengyi get older and have made enough money, and want to find an honest... cough cough, anyway, he won't forcefully stop them.

"Really?" Wang Zuxian was skeptical: "Wen Di, don't make it sound so easy in front of me. What if one day someone is really neglected by you and leaves you heartbroken? You can't make things too embarrassing."

Tang Wen: What? In Sister Zu Xian's eyes, I'm not a scumbag but a Casanova?
My dear sister understands me so well.

Tang Wen was somewhat moved, so he repaid kindness with enmity and rewarded Wang Zuxian twice more.

Chenglong Yinghuang Film Industry Opening Ceremony.

Wang Zuxian presented two gifts, one that was different from those given to ordinary friends, but not too expensive, in her own name and in the name of Tang Wen.

What was given to Cheng Lung was a Pixiu figurine, worth tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars.

The one given to Yang Shoucheng was even more expensive; it was a landscape painting by a famous Hong Kong artist. Hong Kong people believe in this, as mountains represent having a strong support system and water represents wealth.

It has a very good meaning.

In the evening, luxury cars came and went, and socialites gathered.

Such a scene naturally attracts reporters.

"City Dragon must have a lot of influence; most of Hong Kong's stars must be here."

"Not only that, look at that Rolls-Royce over there. The Xiang family is here, and Lin Jianle from Huanya is here too... Isn't that giving them too much face?"

"You didn't know? That big shot from the mainland who's filming in Hong Kong is coming over tonight."

"real or fake?"

The middle-aged reporter who had just spoken fell silent, only continuing to cooperate with the photographer, adjusting the camera angle.

Shortly after, he successfully photographed Tang Wen and Wang Zuxian getting out of the car, hand in hand, and walking into the Emperor Grand Hotel.

Tang Wen and his companion arrived rather late.

Upon entering the banquet hall, one immediately attracts the attention of most people.

All eyes swept past Wang Zuxian and landed on the handsome young man next to her.

In Hong Kong's entertainment industry, the senior staff have remained relatively stable over the years, with few fresh faces. They've all grown tired of seeing the same people repeatedly.

Tang Wen, a bigwig in mainland China, is so young and handsome that he outshines Li Ming, attracting the attention of many Miss Hong Kong, models, and actresses.

They completely disregarded the fact that Wang Zuxian was still there.

They dared to confront the wives of wealthy men head-on.

Wang Zuxian may be famous, but she's not a big shot in the industry who controls resources, so she's not afraid at all.

The bodyguard quietly retreated and used a hidden camera to film the way the women looked at Tang Wen.

This was Wang Zuxian's instruction; she wanted to show the video to other women.

They're so caught up in their internal strife that they have no idea how dire the situation is outside!

(End of this chapter)