Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 276 Chu Hong is pregnant? A showdown with "Rush Hour 2"? I'll definitely win too! (Two parts combined)

"Brother Ma, something's happened."

"Ah? What's wrong?"

"Sun Donghai is up to no good!"

"What did he do?"

"Rush Hour 2 is coming this summer!"

"Huh?...Wait a minute, is this directly related to Sun Donghai?"

"Well... I don't have direct evidence, but I can't think of anyone else who could pull off something like this."

"You're right. Well, let's talk in detail when I get home."

Before Ma Xun even boarded the plane, he received a long-distance call from Bai Xiaohang.

To be honest, this news really surprised him.

As far as I remember, Rush Hour 2 was indeed a summer blockbuster, but this summer was Hollywood's summer blockbuster.

This movie was not released during the summer in China.

It was precisely for this reason that Ma Xun agreed to Han Sanping's previous summer release arrangement.

Conversely, the reason why there aren't enough films in mainland China's summer movie season this year is because "Shaolin Soccer" didn't pass censorship, and "Rush Hour 2" wasn't released during the summer season.

These two films were clearly originally key targets for import.

Needless to say, even if Big Brother Long's movies are made to look Hollywood-like, our mainland leaders will definitely give him face. That's Big Brother Long!
The number one Chinese movie star who set numerous box office records!

And "Shaolin Soccer" was even filmed in mainland China.

Previously, Han Sanping probably never expected that these two films wouldn't come.

Has it been changed again?!

And it's because of that guy Sun Donghai?

Although, according to Bai Xiaohang, there is no direct evidence.

But maybe it really is because of this bastard.

If that's the case, we'll have another competitor this time: Rush Hour 2...

Most people would be scared, or like Bai Xiaohang, they would curse out.

Ke Ma Xun... this guy is extremely excited right now!
Go home and win this summer box office battle!
……

Beijing.

Huayi Advertising Company.

"Boss Sun, we're counting on you!"

"Mr. Zhang, if you say that, you're really slapping me in the face. It's a small matter!"

"Yes, yes, it's a small matter, absolutely a small matter."

Sun Donghai and Zhang Xinming came to Huayi's place as guests today, and they were clearly in a very good mood.

The Wang brothers maintained their smiles throughout, and they were indeed very happy.

Because Rush Hour 2 is coming to the summer blockbuster season!

Some people are bound to ask, what benefits does this change in the movie's release date bring to the Wang brothers?
Of course there are benefits.

Since this movie wasn't released during the summer season, it will definitely be imported this year, right?

How many cinemas on the mainland rely on Brother Long's movies to make money?

So, if this film isn't going to be released during the summer season, then what release window will it be released in?
It's a Lunar New Year film season!

That's obvious.

This year, Huayi is going to make a big move. Not only has it brought in coal boss Zhang Xinming, but people like Zhou Zhengyi and Sun Donghai have also come to their side.

The presence of so many powerful business owners is enough to prove that Huayi currently has ample funds.

Of course we have to make a blockbuster, and we have to go all out!

Feng Xiaogang has already decided on the film "Big Shot's Funeral".

The script is good, focusing on the issue of hype in the current internet age.

And they also need to invite many big-name celebrities.

That American director is very famous.

In China, Ge You is the standard setup, and this year we'll pair him with a big star from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Kwan Chi-lam!
In fact, overall, the Wang brothers are indeed very good at taking care of various forces.

Ever since Feng Xiaogang officially partnered with the Wang brothers, they have been inviting Hong Kong and Taiwanese stars to film movies in mainland China.

"Endless Love" features Chien-Lien, and Chien-Lien is a big name in the industry; she's definitely a top-tier star right now.

And this year it's Rosamund Kwan.

Then there must be big stars from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In fact, this is about collaborating with Hong Kong and Taiwan capital and maintaining a fairly good relationship with them.

Let's leave that aside for now. Since this time "Big Shot's Funeral" is going to be a big production...

So, with one more formidable competitor in the Lunar New Year film season, nobody would be happy, right?

The Wang brothers originally wanted to pull some strings and try to find connections.

However, the two of them were just outsiders in Beijing's social circle, and their connections and backgrounds were really quite ordinary.

Feng Xiaogang is even nicknamed "Feng the Pants".

In Beijing's social circles, people now say he's ungrateful.

They're having trouble finding the person and are quite worried.

Sun Donghai and Zhang Xinming have arrived, and Zhou Zhengyi, a big boss in the Shanghai entertainment circle, is also there.

Great, that's wonderful!

Sun Donghai has connections and can pull strings; Zhang Xinming has money; and Zhou Zhengyi can leverage the influence of the Shanghai elite circle.

Therefore, "Rush Hour 2" was simply imported by the Shanghai Film Bureau, and then Sun Donghai used his connections to set a release date, with Zhang Xinming providing the funding.

That's it!

It's done!
Big Brother Dragon originally didn't come to the summer movie season because he knew which season was the best.

It's a Lunar New Year film season!

Moreover, the previous film was released earlier this year, "The Accidental Spy".

But now, with so many big bosses involved and various forces at play...

Let's go with the summer movie season then.

This is a perfect opportunity to create the prestigious title of a simultaneous global release.

Simply put, it peaked in August.

A blockbuster movie has been scheduled for release.

And the reasons behind this are many... It can be said that most bosses are in it for the money.

But Sun Donghai seems to be a bit special.

The eldest and second eldest sons of the Wang family exchanged glances, and then the eldest son asked Sun Donghai a question.

"Brother Sun, won't Ma Xun be very upset if you do this?"

As soon as this question arose, everyone's attention was focused on Sun Donghai.

How would he answer?

"Suffering?" Sun Donghai was taken aback at first, then laughed. "Suffering is good! That's what I want him to suffer! This time, I'm not just going to make him suffer, I'm going to make him taste the bitterness of defeat!"

This doesn't sound like something he would say. He must have been thinking about it for a long time, otherwise, how could he speak so eloquently?

However, everyone understood what Sun Donghai meant.

So it turns out he wanted to settle a personal score!
That would be wonderful!

"Brother Sun, from now on we're family."

"That's right, that's right, Ma Xun is powerful, but he's also too domineering!"

"He's too ruthless! We're much better off."

After a few kind words from the group, Sun Donghai was very happy.

This guy was sitting with his legs crossed, thinking:
Ma Xun, Ma Xun, you're definitely out of luck this summer!

Clearly, Sun Donghai sabotaged the project because he knew Ma Xun was planning to produce three films during the summer season.

However, this matter cannot be described as harming others without benefiting oneself.

After all, it's actually good for him that a film like "Rush Hour 2" is no longer in the summer blockbuster season.

However, overall, it was still about causing trouble.

We're going to make sure Ma Xun suffers this time!
All three of your movies are likely to lose money!
……

Beijing.

Ma Xun in the courtyard was dressed simply in casual clothes; the brand was not small, but he was very low-key.

I just got back, took a shower, and will just wear whatever I feel like.

It's hot now.

Moreover, the person who came was also his own brother.

"Brother Ma, this situation is complicated."

“That’s right, Mr. Ma, we must prepare early.”

Bai Xiaohang didn't come alone; Wang Changtian, the president of Enlight Media, was also with him.

Both of them were considered Ma Xun's confidants, so the matter they were discussing was naturally the most important one at the moment.

Ma Xun knew exactly what the two of them were talking about, and he could completely sense their restlessness. But instead of being anxious, Ma Xun smiled and asked a question.

"You guys have absolutely no confidence this time?"

Bai Xiaohang and Wang Changtian were taken aback by the question.

According to the corporate culture in China, at this point one should respond with boundless enthusiasm.

We are absolutely confident!
However, the things we're talking about now are somewhat different.

This is Big Brother Dragon's Hollywood blockbuster!
This is no ordinary opponent!

Wang Changtian barely dared to say anything, so he turned his gaze to Bai Xiaohang.

Bai Xiaohang knew that they were closer, so he should be the one to speak.

"This, this... this one."

His brain wasn't very sharp to begin with, and now he's completely out of ideas.

Ma Xun's face was full of smiles, perhaps amused by the two burly men, or perhaps for some other reason.

"We should have confidence, right? What? Does that mean your film is guaranteed to be amazing? That it's guaranteed to be a success?"

That sounds reasonable, but the problem remains.

Big Brother Long's movies are really amazing.

Ma Xun continued, "How about I give you more confidence?"

"Okay!" the two of them said in unison.

"Let's not watch Big Brother's blockbuster yet, let's watch our own movie first."

In short, we are going to produce three films this summer.

"Beijing Bicycle" has already been released, and I think the box office is doing well.

Next up is the Korean version of "My Sassy Girl." With the groundwork laid by the previous films, it shouldn't be bad.

Then came "50 First Dates".

Logically speaking, "50 First Dates" is indeed no match for Hollywood blockbusters.

In terms of investment, they are several levels apart.

However, we also have a chance to win!
I had already thought about it carefully on the plane, and I personally summarized two important opportunities for winning.

First, there's continuity. Last year, our "My Sassy Girl" was a huge success.

This movie is a romantic comedy.

"50 First Dates" is also a romantic comedy.

Both of these films were primarily directed by me, and they inherently share a stylistic continuity.

The release date has now been extended.

I think this is a very important opportunity to win. To put it bluntly, we should have a lot of repeat customers.

Secondly, our film is a pilot film for the theatrical release system.

Let's look at the most direct effect of the theater chain system.

That means it will be released simultaneously nationwide.

While the movie "Rush Hour 2" starring the eldest brother seems to be a Hollywood blockbuster and has the added boost of his popularity, they can't have it released nationwide like we do.

This is also a crucial opportunity to win.

It can be said that these two major opportunities have an absolutely positive correlation with box office revenue.

I have immense confidence in this summer's box office battle!

These words were spoken slowly and deliberately by Ma Xun.

That's really well-reasoned.

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaohang and Wang Changtian's expressions changed!
Yes, the advantage is in my hands!

Simply put, Rush Hour 2 has a bigger brand, while the others are not as good as our 50 First Dates.

Our advantages are all directly related to box office performance.

It's like a nationwide simultaneous release; that's incredibly important.

Piracy is rampant these days.

Besides, with Brother Long's movies, pirated DVDs are practically always available even before they're released. It happens almost every time.

Therefore, from this perspective, we are not without the ability to fight.

Ma Xun then said, "I have something else to tell you."

"Okay." The two said in unison, and then quietly listened.

"When my brother's 'Rush Hour' was released in 98, the box office was actually like this: it did very well overseas, in the United States and Europe, but in China, it was relatively poor."

Do you remember who was the box office champion that year?

Upon hearing this question, Bai Xiaohang and Wang Changtian immediately laughed.

"Storm Riders!" they exclaimed in unison once again!
But this time, after they finished speaking, all three of them burst into laughter.

Confidence has returned!

We are definitely a force to be reckoned with this summer!
Rush Hour 2, starring Jackie Chan, isn't necessarily amazing.

Because of the movies he made in Hollywood, his compatriots didn't really appreciate them.

So, this great battle...

Ma Xun told Bai Xiaohang something at the end.

"Let's contact Sun Donghai and have another meal together."

Bai Xiaohang was taken aback, but immediately nodded.

He understood what Ma Xun meant.

……

Eating meat in the middle of summer isn't necessarily a bad thing.

But it is indeed a bit strange.

Sun Donghai did not refuse Bai Xiaohang's invitation.

After all, he and Bai Xiaohang hadn't completely fallen out.

But he was also well aware that it must be a trap set by Ma Xun's group.

Sure enough, Ma Xun arrived, along with the three of them.

The water in the copper pot is already boiling; let's add the mutton tail fat first.

There is indeed such a method, because lamb tail fat is rich in oil, so cooking it first will make the soup better.

Next comes the other meats, and once you've eaten most of the meat, you can then cook the vegetables.

This way of eating hot pot meat tastes better, but if you don't eat it this way, it's not a big deal.

But today is different.

Not long after the mutton tail fat was put in, Sun Donghai started adding vegetables.

Logically speaking, you could add sauerkraut too.

The result was green leafy vegetables.

This...is it disrupting things? Making trouble?
Ma Xun laughed, "Brother Sun, what you're doing seems a bit off, doesn't it?"

Sun Donghai stiffened his neck and said, "What's wrong with that? I've been eating like this lately, is that a problem?"

Bai Xiaohang couldn't help but say, "I'm telling you, you used to be so particular, why are you like this now?"

Although he may not have thought of much, his words certainly carried enough meaning.

Sun Donghai rolled his eyes at him. "I told you, I love eating like this now! What are you going to do about it?"

Ma Xun picked up the conversation and laughed, "Sure, you can eat however you want, it's none of our business, but there are some things I have to say."

Sun Donghai was quite pleased with himself at this moment, so he simply brought up the topic directly, "About the movie? Let me tell you, I was the one who strongly advocated for 'Rush Hour 2' to be imported! Since it's going to be imported anyway, what's wrong with putting it in the summer season?"

Bai Xiaohang was furious. He had thought it was definitely that bastard Sun Donghai, and it turned out to be him!
But to be honest, Bai Xiaohang originally thought that if Sun Donghai kept a low profile, it would be easier for them to talk in the future.

And what have you done... damn it! You're not planning on making up!

Ma Xun smiled and said, "Let me be frank, what if I win this time?"

what?
Sun Donghai was stunned. "You can win? What kind of celebrity is that guy? You can beat him? Haha..."

This guy is clearly convinced.

Big Brother Long's "Rush Hour 2" will definitely beat Ma Xun's movie to a pulp.

Bai Xiaohang couldn't stand it anymore and said, "Sun Donghai, I advise you to leave yourself some leeway!"

There's nothing wrong with that.

Unfortunately, Sun Donghai is not listening to any of that advice now.

"Heh, what a load of crap! Let me be blunt, if your 'Fifty Times' can beat 'Rush Hour 2'..."

Ma Xun, I'm putting this out there today!

I'll personally come to you and kowtow three times!

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaohang knew that this guy was determined to go against them.

Ma Xun's smile faded. "Brother Sun, aren't you going too far? I'm not a very fortunate person, I can't accept such a generous gift from you."

Good grief, is he implying that he's sure to win?
Bai Xiaohang wanted to laugh when he heard this, while Sun Donghai was furious.

"Ma Xun! You're dreaming! By the way, what if you lose?"

"Then I will..."

Just as Ma Xun was about to say something, Sun Donghai stopped him.

"Give me that little wench!"

Damn! This bastard is still eyeing Bai Zhi.

……

"Brother Ma, what's the deal with that girl?"

"That explains why you're so concerned about this."

"So, our falling out as brothers really was all because of a woman?"

"Don't be so gossipy."

"Alright, but, this woman..."

Who would have thought that Bai Xiaohang would be such a gossip?

But there was nothing they could do. After all, Ma Xun had previously said that the brothers had fallen out because of a woman.

But he knew in his heart, of course, that women were not the main thing.

To be honest, Ma Xun didn't expect that Sun Donghai would have such a plan.

Sun Donghai, don't you know that I've definitely slept with Baizhi?
Are you fucking sick?
Forget it, I'd rather not think about these things anymore.

Ma Xun now has to do something that can determine the outcome of this battle.

He plans to go to Hong Kong.

The Korean version of "My Sassy Girl" will be handled by Wang Changtian, who, along with Enlight Media, will be the main operating unit for this film.

After all, we need to strengthen this company.

Then came the big showdown in August between "8 First Dates" and "Rush Hour 2".

This is of utmost importance!
Ma Xun's trip to Hong Kong was actually unplanned.

He originally intended to launch the "Condor Heroes" project.

Now, he has no choice but to hand over the pre-production work of this film to Yu Feihong and Cai Yinong.

Fortunately, Ma Xun had acquired Tangren Media beforehand; otherwise, the current production team would be rather weak.

Otherwise, he really wouldn't be able to go to Hong Kong.

The operational plan for "Fifty First Dates" was also handed over to Wang Changtian.

Therefore, he can rest assured now that Ma Xun has gone to Hong Kong.

But this time I'll have to bring Bai Xiaohang with me.

Bai Xiaohang didn't go to Japan before because he got married, and also because Sun Donghai's influence in Japan wasn't enough to reach him.

It's relatively safe.

This trip to Hong Kong was different.

So Bai Xiaohang followed along.

But to be honest, Bai Xiaohang himself had no idea what Ma Xun was planning to do.

What exactly is this important matter?
"Um, please try your best..."

"I understand, keep your distance."

"It's mainly the women this time..."

"Huh? Brother Ma, you came to Hong Kong just to meet women?"

"It's not that simple."

Ma Xun felt he couldn't quite explain things to Bai Xiaohang; the guy was getting quite gossipy these days.

Never mind, let's just go to Hong Kong and see what happens.

……

Airplanes are really fast.

When Ma Xun and Bai Xiaohang arrived in Hong Kong, apart from some backaches and leg numbness, everything else was alright.

This time it was rather strange, though, because Ma Xun didn't go directly to his mansion.

Instead, they went to a hotel first.

He had reserved a table there in advance, and was waiting for Mrs. Zhong.

Chung Chor-hung looks radiant today, dressed in an elegant and glamorous black suit.

She seems to have gained some weight.

She sat gracefully in front of Ma Xun.

"Mrs. Zhong, it's been a long time."

"Yes, but did you notice?"

"Huh? What?"

"I have it."

Oh...right, the plan from last time.

It seems she really did get pregnant using technological means.

But then, Chung Chu-hung moved her lips, and Ma Xun was completely surprised after seeing it.

If I'm not mistaken, the lip reading given by Cherie Chung is:
One of them is yours.

Ma Xun returned a glance, and Chung Chu-hung nodded.

Good heavens, Mrs. Zhong is pregnant with twins!

Ma Xun didn't really know much about this, but they must be fraternal twins.

It seems difficult to tell, since they all have the same mother.

Hey, why are you thinking about these things!
Ma Xun came here on serious business, and it was something very important.

"You know about Rush Hour 2, right?"

"Of course, Hong Kong's release will be a little later than the US's during the upcoming summer season. Oh right, it seems the latest news is that the mainland will also release it, but it seems to be even later than Hong Kong's."

"Yes."

Ma Xun nodded. After all, "Rush Hour 2" is a Hollywood blockbuster, so it is mainly aimed at the American market.

So it aired in the US in July, then in Hong Kong at the end of July, and finally in mainland China in August.

This is how it is now; originally, we in mainland China were supposed to wait until around December.

Ma Xun is now going to take advantage of this time difference in the release date to stir up trouble!
"First of all, I want to tell you that this movie has now become my opponent."

"Ah? This..."

"It's nothing, I'm confident of victory."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"So what kind of movies are you watching?" Mrs. Zhong was genuinely curious.

Ma Xun directly stated the name: "Fifty First Dates".

"A romance film? That's going to be hard to beat."

"Of course, so I need your help."

Mrs. Zhong liked what Ma Xun said.

"I'm all yours, why are you talking about helping me or not?"

Mrs. Zhong has become quite bold in her words.

Ma Xun laughed; not only was she pregnant, but she had also become much more flirtatious.

He then said, "I want you to do this: release '50 First Dates' at the same time as 'Rush Hour 2'."

"What...what are you doing? This is going to be terrible!"

Mrs. Zhong's reaction was fine.

But Ma Xun said it like this.

"Terrible? You've got it wrong. What I want is for '50 First Dates' to beat 'Rush Hour 2'."

This, what does this mean?
Mrs. Zhong was bewildered; she really couldn't understand it.

Ma Xun then leaned closer to Mrs. Zhong and said, "Even if 'Rush Hour 2' has a higher box office, I still want '50 First Dates' to win! Understand?"

Mrs. Zhong was utterly shocked. "Fake news?"

Ma Xun nodded...

(End of this chapter)