Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 320 They're afraid of Hollywood blockbusters, but I'm not! Wan Qian hitches a ride

With "Hero" scheduled for release during the summer season, Ma Xun is aiming for the title of summer box office king.

He wasn't just saying it for show.

So, after finalizing some details with Han Sanping, he flew directly to Hengdian.

Of course, we can't go directly there now; we have to go to Yiwu first.

Bai Xiaohang still followed, and he even suggested that a few more people should be added.

Ma asked him if there was any unusual activity going on.

This guy just said: It's hard to say.

Clearly, there might be something in the intelligence community, but it's not certain yet.

Ma Xun didn't care about that now. Anyway, he was the kind of guy whose whereabouts were unpredictable, so it wouldn't be easy to cause him trouble.

As for Sun Donghai before... to be honest, although Ma Xun drank that glass of wine, he definitely did not let his guard down towards this old friend.

Sun Donghai was a name that Ma Xun had high hopes for; he was the kind of guy who would hire someone to kill for a woman.

However, given all the previous actions, from the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival to the Spring Festival Gala, Ma Xun should still be quite safe.

So let's focus on the movie for now.

The main reason for going to Hengdian was to see how the movie "Hero" was being filmed.

It should be said that the production of this drama took place in various locations.

While I can't say I've traveled all over China, I've certainly been quite a few times.

Yulin, Jiuzhaigou, Shunan Bamboo Sea...

Many beautiful scenes are captured in this film.

Especially Jiuzhaigou, where the film depicts the duel between the Broken Sword and the Nameless Sword, a creation of Qin Shi Huang.

The two of them flew around on the lake, and when their long swords were dipped into the water, they could fly up again.

This fight was of a very high artistic level, as if it were a fight between sword immortals.

The visuals are also very beautiful.

The lake was like a mirror.

The water in Jiuzhaigou is really clear.

But Ma Xun remembers that if you've been to the filming location, you'll find... what is this thing!
They filmed the scene at a small opening in the woods by the lake.

Actually, making movies is like this: if we just look at it with our eyes, we might not notice anything, but through the camera... hey, that's amazing!

Although Zhang Yimou has many flaws, the beauty of his films is something that cannot be criticized.

Leaving all that aside, Ma Xun led Bai Xiaohang to the Qin Palace in Hengdian.

What a coincidence, we stumbled upon a scene.

"What are the six kingdoms! I will conquer a vast territory!"

Daoming's lines were indeed excellent, and his portrayal of Qin Shi Huang was spot-on.

Well, it also has to do with the fact that he's handsome.

He was wearing armor and had the same hairstyle as the Qin people, just like the terracotta warriors.

And then there's his face.

It's so lifelike!
However, Ma Xun couldn't help but think of Daoming Uncle's later role as Liu Bang.

Good heavens, he was the one who established the Qin Empire, and he was also the one who destroyed it.

It is true... but at this moment.

"Cut! Add another one."

Zhang Yimou's style is truly impressive.

No need to say anything, let's do one more.

then……

"Cut! Secure it with another line..."

These two sentences differ by only one word, but their meanings are completely different.

Ma Xun's inner thoughts: My money!

Fortunately, it wasn't all his money that was burned.

Of the 100 million yuan that was obtained from Columbia Company, Ma Xun initially provided 50 million yuan, and that money has now been used up.

According to the plan, the money will mainly be used for set design, such as the Qin Palace, which is completely different from the previous film crew.

It seems that the main colors inside this palace were red and gold when "Jing Ke Assassinating the King of Qin" was made.

Now it's mainly black.

It was that really deep black...

In fact, there are many shades of black. Later, a meme emerged in the workplace: "a black with a variety of colors."

If you're being serious, it actually is true... the crow's fur is a patchwork of colors, black and white.

Of course, this is not to defend anyone.

Looking around here now... even Bai Xiaohang couldn't help but feel a little restless.

"This palace is so oppressive."

After listening, Ma Xun nodded, signaling him to say less.

Those who have seen the finished film should know that the Qin Palace in "Hero" is indeed very oppressive.

Once that side is stable, everything will be fine.

Only then did everyone start talking normally.

"Mr. Ma, you were completely focused on filming just now."

"Teacher Zhang, don't worry about me, I'm just learning."

Zhang Yimou was polite, and Ma Xun was also very polite.

But right now, the two of them don't match up.

Ma Xun is now an investor and a boss. The people who can rival him are Zhang Weiping and Jiang Zhiqiang.

Of course, both of them were there too.

Ma Xun greeted Uncle Daoming and then started chatting with the two bosses.

"Mr. Ma, I heard you acquired Jiahe before?" Jiang Zhiqiang said this with an expression full of envy.

"Brother, you really are a man who gets things done quietly!" Zhang Weiping was actually quite envious.

Ma Xun said casually, "I only participated in a part of it."

He appears humble on the surface, but is actually pretentious.

Ma Xun played this move very skillfully.

Zhang Weiping and Jiang Zhiqiang didn't say anything; they just cooperated.

The man before you is a young master from the capital!
Next, they got down to business.

"Actually, the main reason I came here this time is to have a good talk with the two of you. I made a solemn promise to Master Han before, and this time I will fight against Hollywood blockbusters again during the summer season!"

Ma Xun spoke with great force, but his words caused Zhang Weiping and Jiang Zhiqiang to frown.

"Brother, isn't this a bit too hasty?"

"Yes, we haven't finished filming yet, and then we have to do post-production. In terms of time, it will only take a few months. Isn't that too rushed?"

Upon hearing what these two said, Ma Xun naturally understood what they meant.

What wasn't filmed yet?

This is the final dialogue scene; all the difficult action scenes from before have already been filmed.

As for post-production, that's where Ma Xun's post-production budget comes in.

Zhang Yimou has very high standards; he insisted on hiring a foreign special effects team.

Then let's go find them. They're supposedly the company that made "The Lord of the Rings".

Of course, these kinds of blockbusters usually involve many companies; it's not something that one company can handle entirely.

There are also subcontracting and the like.

Therefore, we can't have all of them being foreign companies.

We need to have our own domestic ones too.

Don't forget, I, Ma Xun, also have my own special effects company!

However, this company is ostensibly a 'branch' of Citron Research, and the CEO is Cherie Chung.

I also did the special effects for "Storm Riders" before, although not all of them, but they were still not ordinary cannons.

Then we'll divide some among ourselves... Later, because although our company has many young people, we are very efficient.

And so it went, with each division resulting in more and more.

Upon closer examination, it turns out that over 20 million jobs were given to this company.

Wait a minute, looking at it this way...

The movie "Hero" hasn't been released yet, but Ma Xun has already made a fortune!
This 100 million originally belonged to Columbia Company; you could say that Ma Xun didn't actually invest any money.

Then, the money was mainly invested in Hengdian Qin Palace and Ma Xun's own special effects company.

Wow! That's really something!

Even Zhang Weiping and Jiang Zhiqiang weren't fully aware of these matters. Ma Xun's business deal was brilliant!

And now they're talking about the production progress of "Heroes"...

"I've inquired about the special effects; the production is going smoothly, and it should be completed in another two months."

As for the other tasks, I believe they will be completed within two months.

Submitting the film for review was even simpler; I couldn't see any problems with this movie.

As for anything else...

Hey guys, this summer movie season is really good!

Ma Xun's words are good, especially because they shut Zhang Weiping and Jiang Zhiqiang up.

Not enough progress?

Don't try to fool me!

Our movie "Hero" will probably be released in July or August, which is plenty of time!
Zhang Weiping and Jiang Zhiqiang could only look at each other.

Jiang Zhiqiang spoke up, "Brother Ma, there are a lot of Hollywood blockbusters coming out this summer."

Actually, that's the key!

They're afraid!
Old-school Hong Kong filmmakers like Jiang Zhiqiang have absolutely no resistance to Hollywood movies.

To put it bluntly, if this were really a war, they would definitely be the first to surrender!
In the minds of these old-school Hong Kong filmmakers, Hollywood movies are invincible, and they don't even have the thought of resisting them.

In reality, Zhang Weiping is still a new boss in the film industry. The reason he listens to Zhang Yimou so readily is entirely because of his lack of experience.

A boss like that is naturally easily swayed.

Jiang Zhiqiang is experienced; he handled "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" very well, which grossed $200 million in the United States.

Zhang Weiping would naturally listen to him. Even if Ma Xun had achieved success in the summer seasons in the previous two years, Zhang Weiping would not think that Ma Xun was more awesome.

Or it could be the saying... "A young man with no experience is unreliable."

Ma Xun is too young.

But it's precisely because they're young!

"Hey guys! I know you're scared, I know you're terrified of Hollywood blockbusters!"

I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid at all!
On the contrary, our "Hero" is definitely a domestic blockbuster!

Just look at our filming, just look at how far we've traveled all over the country, just look at our director and our actors.

In what way is it inferior to Hollywood blockbusters?!

Ma Xun seemed to get more and more excited as he spoke, and his voice grew louder and louder.

Naturally, their imposing presence overwhelmed both Zhang Weiping and Jiang Zhiqiang.

But is that all Ma Xun's goals are?
In fact, the louder he speaks, the more people will hear him.

Our film crew, the people in this film crew...

Zhang Yimou couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Ma, you really have guts!"

Yes, I heard you.

Ma Xun's words contained praise for Zhang Yimou, though it might not be noticeable unless you paid close attention.

But Zhang Yimou was a man who, at this moment, was somewhat smug.

Ma Xun was definitely saying that on purpose!
When Zhang Weiping heard Zhang Yimou say this, even though the famous director's words were just a compliment to Ma Xun, it was tantamount to agreement.

"Brother! No problem! I'm a man too! I'll stick with you this time!"

Alright, he's already said that, what other options does Jiang Zhiqiang have?
Jiang Zhiqiang originally planned to release the film during the Lunar New Year holiday season because he knew that was the best release window in mainland China.

But now... there's nothing he can do; he can only be considered a small investor.

Even if Ma Xun and Zhang Weiping were combined, he would be no match for them.

"Okay! Let's go for the summer release then."

agreed!
Okay, very good!

Without a word, Ma Xun shouted out generously.

"I'm treating everyone tonight, the whole crew is coming!"

Everyone was overjoyed to hear this.

"Okay!"

"Haha... Mr. Ma is so generous!"

"Mr. Ma is awesome!"

Everyone was overjoyed and full of spirits.

However, all of these things fell into Uncle Daoming's eyes.

This Qin Shi Huang, holding a cigarette between his fingers, is smiling as he looks at Ma Xun.

Do you think this young man is too impulsive?

Do you still think this young man is reckless?
Or maybe this young man is really awesome?
I can't tell, I really can't tell.

……

Finally, we've got this "Hero" sorted out.

I finally managed to convince these people to join me in battling Hollywood blockbusters this summer!

This is not easy.

Because investing in this movie requires real money.

Just like at the banquet, when Jiang Zhiqiang was slightly drunk, he said, "Brother Ma, you absolutely have to lead us to victory! Only victory matters, otherwise, our money..."

Ma Xunhui replied very frankly, "I also invested a lot of money in this movie!"

His words deeply moved the slightly tipsy Jiang Zhiqiang, and naturally touched the others as well.

But... wait a minute.

Isn't this money from Columbia Company?

Moreover, Ma Xun made a considerable portion of that money!

That's why Ma Xun isn't afraid of failing this summer's box office.

Of course, he was definitely aiming for a resounding victory.

As for the plan, Ma Xun will have to come up with a surprise move this time.

So, what did he mention to Han Sanping, Zhang Weiping, and Jiang Zhiqiang?
"Hero" is a blockbuster film from China!
That's right, this time we won't be subordinates anymore!

The next day.

The remaining scenes for "Hero" are almost finished.

Ma Xun, on the other hand, changed his activities and started doing things elsewhere.

The cast and crew of "The Return of the Condor Heroes"!
According to the established process, this large-scale TV series has already been filmed for more than half of its episodes.

This marks the beginning of the Heartbreak Valley storyline.

However, the final battle of Xiangyang will probably not be filmed for another two months.

This is why Qin Lan was able to play the role of Zhihua.

There's no way around it; the city's construction speed, plus the need for green screen walls, means there's a lot of work involved.

Old Xu, how come you're acting all high and mighty?

Ma Xun planned to find this guy and give him a piece of his mind.

This time, he went alone, while Bai Xiaohang stayed behind to supervise their filming of "Qin Palace".

Unexpectedly, Ma Xun encountered someone on the way.

He has to drive there, because there are construction sites everywhere in Hengdian right now, and they're quite large.

And this person was on the roadside, intending to wave to stop a car.

She's a little beauty.

She has short hair, a striking presence, and eyes as dark as stars in the night sky.

Isn't that Wan Qian...?

Ma Xun parked the car, and Wan Qian immediately gave him a smile.

"Master, can you take me to the Valley of Heartbreak?"

master?

Such an unfamiliar and classical name.

Ma Xun thought to himself, "I'm a handsome guy, surely you little girl can't tell?"

Of course, Wan Qian didn't notice the change in Ma Xun's expression; she only knew to pull out her trump card.

"Master, please help me out? You see, I'm going to the Valley of Heartbreak, so I must be an actor. Do you want a celebrity's autograph? I'll get it for you."

This girl has some skills at stopping cars.

Ma Xun said what was on his mind: "If I want a celebrity's autograph, that's just a piece of cake."
But at this moment, he was seized by a sudden urge to play.

"Get in the car, I'm going to the Valley of Heartbreak too."

Wan Qian was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately sat in the passenger seat of Ma Xun's car...

(End of this chapter)