Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 153 Take down Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! This is just my bait!
"Xiao Qian becomes a mother! 'The Abode' is a huge hit at the box office!"

"The second week was even better! Wang Yunxian successfully regained his popularity!"

"This horror film is completely subversive! It's completely different from all the previous Hong Kong horror films!"

"So creative! A whole new direction for horror films!"

“‘The Absolute House’ is a Hong Kong ghost film that can rival ‘The Ring’!”

It continued to sell well in the second week, and "The Absolute House" exceeded 20 million as expected.

It seems that the price is heading towards 30 million.

Many people's minds came alive.

On the one hand, people are praising this movie, while on the other hand, they are defining this movie as a Hong Kong movie.

Well, to be precise, it is the product of perfect cooperation between mainland China and Hong Kong in the field of film.

The level of prestige was immediately raised.

This has a direct benefit.

If this movie can surpass "The Ring", wouldn't it be a big victory for Hong Kong films?
It can even trigger a new wave of enthusiasm.

Before "Young and Dangerous" became popular, many similar movies were made in Hong Kong.

All kinds of young and dangerous people came in droves, as if there was no place for the police and other white-collar workers in Hong Kong.

As soon as "The Ring" became a hit, Hong Kong was about to be in a state of panic. Many ghost movie scripts were quickly conceived, and all kinds of evil spirits were ready to go.

Now, "The Absolute Mansion" is a huge hit, and various investors are stepping up their efforts to promote its release.

The crews that received the money all filmed horror movies as quickly as possible.

It was as if Hell had received the order and was working overtime to prepare for the birth of a new ghost.

Yan Luo even urged them to rush to Hong Kong, vowing to turn this international metropolis into a den of ghosts!
But there are also people who can't stand it.

"Rotten! Nie Xiaoqian transformed into a ghost mother with a child?"

"Wang Yunxian is not as good as me. Of course, female ghosts will also grow old!"

"This movie won't make over 30 million!"

"Even if it's over 30 million, it can't beat that Japanese horror movie!"

These sounds are indeed annoying, but if you look closely you will find out.

The main target of attack was Wang Binxian.

It is now clear who did this.

I guess it's because the second young master Lin can't stand seeing Xianxian doing well.

Rumor has it that he has been so angry for several days that he can't even enjoy his meals.

Of course, there is no basis for these rumors; they are all just nonsense.

Believe it or not.

In short, the current situation in Hong Kong is not just about the popularity of a movie.

The horror movie craze has begun!
Under this tide, how many people will be able to benefit, and how many people will be washed away by the tide.

No one knows yet.

But some people are already exploring the more distant future.

Four Seasons Hotel Longjingxuan.

The dishes here are very classic and are loved by Hong Kong gourmets.

However, it is difficult to secure a position, and generally you need some connections.

Today, Jiang Zhiqiang is going to host a banquet for two important people.

He booked this place specifically. Of course, it was also related to his identity as a rich second-generation, otherwise he would not have been able to book it.

Jiang Zhiqiang, who was waiting in the hotel lobby, felt very complicated.

Fortunately, his guests arrived.

"Director Chen Hong, this is..."

"Mr. Jiang, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Ma Bangde."

"Hello Mr. Jiang, I have heard of your name for a long time."

"Mr. Ma, I feel the same way. I have admired you for a long time."

Ma Xun and Chen Hong are today's distinguished guests.

Of course, at this moment Ma Xun is still Ma Bond.

Naturally, Jiang Zhiqiang understood his Bond immediately.

"The name Bond is really amazing. Mr. Ma is so young, handsome, and talented. He must be the dream lover of thousands of beautiful women."

There is something really interesting about this boast.

Jiang Zhiqiang was looking at Chen Qingchui, and his attention to detail was extraordinary.

As a well-known director, Chen Hong now has a happy face.

Of course there is subtext as well.

I, Jiang Zhiqiang, can probably guess what your relationship is.

This Ma Bangde should be your Chen Qing’s big money sponsor.

I didn't expect him to be so young. It's normal for you two to have some relationship.

Chen Hong and Ma Bangde will definitely understand it.

Don’t underestimate the subtext of this statement. This is Jiang Zhiqiang’s opening move.

If business negotiations can be compared to a battle, Jiang Zhiqiang has already taken action.

How do you deal with it?
Ma Xun smiled and said, "Mr. Jiang, there are other guests today, right? Should we wait for him?"

When these words were spoken, Jiang Zhiqiang's eyes lit up.

"Oh, Mr. Ma is really amazing. He guessed it all. There is indeed another guest, but he is already waiting for us at Longjingxuan."

"Well, please lead the way, Mr. Jiang."

"That's how it should be."

The conversation between the two of them seemed ordinary, but in fact, they had already exchanged a move.

Sister Hong still didn’t quite understand, but she knew that it must be a fight.

But when she arrived at Longjingxuan, Sister Qing suddenly realized.

It turns out that Longjingxuan has an inconspicuous feature.

All the tables here are not big, and each table can seat a maximum of four people.

Although the four chairs are not fixed, they match the table almost perfectly.

Therefore, Ma Xun’s response just now was that he directly guessed that Jiang Zhiqiang had hired someone else.

This just shows that Ma Xun has at least seen and experienced it before, and knows the details of Long Jingxuan.

Many people only know that Long Jing Xuan is a top restaurant in Hong Kong, but they may not know its internal situation.

There are no photos of this place on the Internet these days, and you would never know what it is like unless you come here.

This restaurant is difficult to book.

Ma Xun's simple guess elevated his identity and background.

In Jiang Zhiqiang's mind, Ma Bangde is definitely a real mainland boss with a very powerful background.

This is just a small move.

Now, Ma Xun and Sister Qing also saw the "distinguished guest" clearly.

"Hello, I'm Luming, working at Columbia Pictures..."

Brother Luming?
Jiang Zhiqiang translated for Xiaoxiao, "This is Ge Luming, an American who is very interested in our Chinese culture. He is currently a leading figure in the Asia region of Columbia Pictures."

Ge Luming... Hey! I remember now!
"Hello, Mr. Ge."

"Hello."

Ma Xun and Sister Qing shook hands with the foreigner with a Chinese name, and that meant they knew each other.

Then the four of them sat down, and Jiang Zhiqiang asked Ma Xun to order the food, and he was not polite either.

But Sister Qing noticed that there was definitely an undercurrent in this meal.

In fact, a lot of memories were flooding into Ma Xun's heart at this moment.

This Ge Luming is related to a very big melon!

Columbia Pictures is now clearly interested in the Asian film market.

Jiang Zhiqiang's introduction just now was also very interesting. He just mentioned Ge Luming as a "leading figure".

Of course Ma Xun understood, but Colombia had not yet given this guy an official title.

However, it is absolutely certain that Ge Luming will be the CEO of Columbia Corporation in Asia in the future.

This person later led a project called "Heroes of Heaven and Earth".

During this project, the foreign boyfriend that Big Eyed Thief was rumored to have was him.

What’s even more interesting is the project “Heroes of Heaven and Earth”, which is bizarre to the extreme.

The original contract for this film was that the entire investment would be borne by Columbia Pictures, while the box office revenue in mainland China would go to Huayi, owned by the Wang brothers.

The overseas parts are all from Colombia!
You see the funny thing about this contract.

Just check the overseas box office of "Heroes of Heaven and Earth" and you will understand.

This movie cost more than 7400 million yuan to make!

Our box office in mainland China is only over 4000 million, but the total global box office is less than 5000 million.

Colombia suffered heavy losses, but Huayi made huge profits!
Ma Xun dared to say this, and many people would definitely not believe it.

Are they in Colombia just such big spenders?
Of course they are not stupid, but we can make them stupid through some people and some means!

The reason for persuading Columbia to sign such a contract was, of course, the Asian box office appeal of Jiang Wen, Nakai Takaichi, and Big Eyed Zei.

Of course, Columbia is still dreaming that this movie will become popular in the United States.

It's a pity that the ideal is very full and the reality is very skinny.

Ma Xun now saw Jiang Zhiqiang and Ge Luming.

I have to earn this money!
Then, the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is definitely a very good bait!
“Come, try this dish, a classic of Cantonese cuisine.”

"Hmm~ delicious!"

"Ahaha! Come on, this one..."

The dishes came and everyone ate and drank as if they were just gourmets enjoying the food.

We don't talk about business topics like movies.

In this case, to be honest, Chen Hong admired Ma Xun even more.

Now just eating without talking, this is called keeping calm.

Ma Xun had just demonstrated his vast knowledge, and now he was able to keep his composure. He was definitely the most reliable man in this world of fame and fortune.

The thought of having a child for him has reached its peak.

This thought even led to some poems below…

Damn it, hurry up and close the deal.

Sister Hong's appearance doesn't reveal anything at all, she has the temperament of a real lady from a noble family.

However, Ma Xun felt that Sister Hong's stockings were rubbing against his calves.

No rush, let them first...

Finally, Jiang Zhiqiang couldn't hold it anymore.

"Mr. Ma, Mr. Ge, Director Chen, please allow me to briefly introduce the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This film is adapted from a traditional martial arts novel written by Mr. Wang Dulu..."

What he said was quite formal.

That’s right, after all, among the guests this time is Ge Luming.

Although Ge Luming already has a Chinese name and is obviously trying hard to learn Chinese culture, his Chinese is comparable to that of more than 8% of foreigners.

But, after all, he is not Chinese, and he doesn't know much about martial arts.

What Jiang Zhiqiang is doing now is very similar to the business process in the United States.

proposal.

Take your own project to those big companies.

So, although he was very formal, it was a bit out of place with today's atmosphere.

Ma Xun did not look down on him, but nodded repeatedly.

When Sister Hong saw this, she naturally put away her contempt.

She just felt that Jiang Zhiqiang was a little weird.

When Jiang Zhiqiang had almost finished speaking, Ma Xun and Ge Luming looked at each other.

"Mr. Ma, do you have anything to say?"

Ge Luming smiled, and Ma Xun also smiled.

"Mr. Jiang's movie is great. First of all, I want to emphasize that I will definitely invest in it!"

After hearing these words, Jiang Zhiqiang felt relieved.

He really poured all his efforts into this film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", or in other words, he gambled his entire fortune, but the wealth he has left now is really not enough!
Ma Xun's words were equivalent to defeating Ge Luming.

"Okay! I'm determined to invest too!" Ge Luming's reaction was very good.

What’s even better is that Jiang Zhiqiang is very grateful to Mr. Ma Bangde.

Don't forget that Ge Luming is also Jiang Zhiqiang's guest, that is, a potential investor, not a real friend.

This... is equivalent to a fierce fight.

Ma Xun and Ge Luming fought a battle and were evenly matched!

Now comes the key.

Ma Xun suddenly said: "Our situation today gave me an idea of a very good plan."

"Please speak." Jiang Zhiqiang and Ge Luming spoke almost at the same time.

Ma Xun laughed and said, “Mr. Jiang is from Hong Kong, Director Chen and I are from mainland China, and Mr. Ge is from the United States.

Very good! Aren’t these the three film markets of the future?
I am sure that the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" will be released in these three major markets.

I'll make it clear: I'll invest 1000 million RMB in Mr. Jiang's film, but all mainland copyrights for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon must be mine."

Ten million for all?
Before anyone could react.

Ma Xun threw out another punch, "Mr. Ge, it's your turn."

This sentence is powerful, Ge Luming understood it immediately.

“I want the North American rights! And my current rights are $500 million.

That’s fine, since Mr. Ma is so straightforward.

$700 million! How about that?

Huh? Why are the two of them bidding here?
However, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong.

Sister Hong was watching from the side and inexplicably felt that this negotiation was very exciting.

They are attacking each other!
At this moment, Jiang Zhiqiang seemed like a cockroach caught in a crack.

"This, like this...that..." He understood it in his heart, so he left the Hong Kong market for him.

He bet his entire fortune on this movie, but in the end, he only wanted the copyright for the Hong Kong market?
Jiang Zhiqiang looked at Chen Hong unwillingly.

Sister Hong felt a little soft-hearted and said, "Actually, there are also filming and extra work. As you know, Mr. Ma and I have connections at the Beijing Film Studio."

This provides a resource.

But these resources cannot be given for free, right?
Ma Xun coughed to interrupt her and said, "Yes, I actually have one more thing to add, which is that this aspect can be invested at a price of 10 million.

Mr. Jiang, a movie in mainland China only makes 30 to 40 million yuan at the box office, and I invested 20 million yuan."

You decide for yourself!
In fact, there is no such thing as 20 million.

Sister Qing wanted to laugh in her heart, but Ma Xun’s ability to deceive people was indeed strong.

But what he was greeted with was Ma Xun's somewhat angry look.

Oh, it looks like I’m going to suffer when I go back.

At this time, Ge Luming was also threatening Jiang Zhiqiang.

"I don't believe anyone else can invest more. Okay, I'll add another million! You know, if it's more, I'll have to work hard to convince the board of directors. They're all difficult people."

It’s mentioned 800 million US dollars!

Ma Xun smiled after hearing this, because he knew it very well.

The total investment of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is 1700 million US dollars!
This was something he had focused on learning when he was in school.

After all, this movie is too famous.

Jiang Zhiqiang was somewhat willing to agree.

Ma Xun suddenly spoke again.

"How about this, Mr. Ge? I have some connections in Japan. If I can take over the market there, you can just give me another million and I will sell the Japanese market to you. Then your Columbia company can raise the price to $1000 million to make it a round number.

It's like the North American and Japanese markets are all yours."

This...what a strange logic.

Sister Hong didn't understand at all, because the Japanese market was not something you could find immediately.

Why did you sell it?
It also did not get the consent of the Japanese side.

But now, Sister Qing dare not say a word.

Ge Luming's performance at this moment is even more interesting.

"That's really great! Just 1000 million!"

He also gave Ma Xun a thumbs up!

This is so strange!

But no matter what, all the pressure now falls on Jiang Zhiqiang.

Is Hong Kong the only piece left for him?
"Well, in Taiwan..."

Sure enough, this guy still wants to struggle

Ma Xun said directly: "I am indeed not familiar with that place."

Ge Luming was a bit ruthless. "Don't overthink this market. Hong Kong is actually very good too. In addition, you can also negotiate with Southeast Asia."

Directly put an end to Jiang Zhiqiang's thoughts.

This, this is not right!

Isn’t it Li An that Jiang Zhiqiang invested in?
Li An must have connections in Taiwan Province, so he should be able to be won over.

In fact, it is wrong to think so.

Because in the current Taiwanese film market, most theaters are American.

Jiang Zhiqiang had no other choice at the moment and had to look at Ma Bangde.

"Mr. Ma, this film has arrived in mainland China..."

Ma Xun interrupted him and said, "When the time comes, there will definitely be high-level publicity. You may not know that the mainland film and television market is now in the era of martial arts."

When he mentioned this...

Sister Hong added, "Mr. Ma has made a lot of efforts to open up this era of martial arts."

This shocked Jiang Zhiqiang again.

"Okay! It's settled then!"

He nodded.

Ma Xun and Ge Luming shook hands first.

"Mr. Ma, great!"

"Mr. Ge, VERYGOOD!"

These two people actually started to praise each other's business.

Anyway, Ma Xun knew very well that Jiang Zhiqiang was going to sell "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" to Columbia.

Now I can dig out a piece of meat, which is definitely a big success!

And after this movie, the real key lies!
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a bait!
I am targeting Columbia, a big Hollywood company!
This bait has to be fragrant enough.

Of course, I can’t say more than these.

This Longjingxuan is really good, the level is impeccable.

Everyone ate well and had a great conversation.

Next…

"Ma Xun, this..."

"Those two extra words of yours cost me a lot of my efforts."

"What they're thinking is, why not give Jiang Zhiqiang a way out? And these resources..."

"That's better when Jiang Zhiqiang speaks up himself."

"I know I was wrong."

"What if I make a mistake?"

"I am willing to be punished..."

Back at the hotel, Sister Hong simply knelt down under Ma Xun's suit pants...

Iz.

(End of this chapter)