Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 328 Watching "Hero" with Yuanyuan!
"Breaking news! Director Zhang Yimou's blockbuster film 'Hero' is about to begin preview screenings..."

"A preview screening? Or a large-scale preview screening?"

"It's supposed to be a preview screening, but it seems like there are quite a few screenings."

"Don't be fooled, there aren't actually that many shows..."

"But it seems like every city has a few of them."

The latest news about "Heroes" has been released, but netizens are somewhat puzzled.

Preview screenings are a normal procedure for film releases, where a small-scale screening is held before the official release.

The number of screenings can vary, and some films are even simply turned into 'previews', targeting a select group of 'audience'.

For example, film critics and ordinary viewers, and then ordinary viewers are further divided into age groups and educational backgrounds.

Hollywood likes to use this 'preview' model; it's relatively more mature there. Film critics are essentially media professionals.

For the general audience, we categorize them by age group and education level to see the feedback from different social strata.

They did this so that theater chains could schedule films more conveniently, based on the 'trial screening' results.

However, in reality, American theater chains also schedule screenings based on the scale of a film's production. Big productions with big stars and big directors will definitely get more screenings.

No matter how good the reviews are for a low-budget film, it's difficult to increase the number of screenings.

Hollywood used to be a dreamland, but now... it's completely changed.

Back in China, the preview screening model is actually 'optional'.

Many films can't even have preview screenings because they can't even sell copies.

As for Zhang Yimou, he has a deep connection with preview screenings.

After his previous film, "Happy Times," was criticized during the preview screenings and lost all confidence, he simply gathered the main creative team and reshot a segment.

That is, Uncle Benshan and so-and-so have good tempers.

However, after its release, Zhang Yimou was still labeled as box office poison.

Now they're pulling this stunt again.

Will it backfire again?
"Zhang Yimou is definitely doomed this time!"

Inside Huayi Advertising Company, the Wang brothers laughed heartily.

At the previous college student film festival, these two guys could be said to have lost a game.

He was criticized and insulted by many bosses and investors.

They failed to steal the limelight, and their original plan was not achieved.

But thankfully, Ge You still won a big prize.

The Wang brothers managed to get away with it.

Now the opportunity has come again!
Last time with "Happy Times," they mobilized a large number of media outlets to launch a fierce attack on Zhang Yimou.

Even for the preview screenings, people were arranged to be present.

So this time...

"We absolutely cannot let this movie be released comfortably!"

"Yes! ...But..."

The two brothers planned to copy their own homework, but the younger brother had a different idea.

"explain."

"Brother, should we talk to those bosses?"

"Well... let's not do that... but we can tell some of them."

"Thirteenth Young Master?"

"Yes, he should be able to."

The two brothers made up their minds, and the reason they were convinced they could talk to the Thirteenth Young Master about this was not just because he was the most intelligent one in the group.

There is another reason.

……

"Oh... okay, I understand."

"Then I won't say any more."

"Please rest assured, both of you."

"It's simple to work with smart people."

"You two are too kind."

Thirteen Young Master received a call from the Wang brothers, and he immediately understood their intentions.

A preview screening—a great opportunity!

Previously, it was just the Wang brothers using mainland media to launch attacks, but now...

Hong Kong media join in!

That's right, Thirteenth Young Master not only has brains, he also has connections.

This preview screening of "Hero" must give Zhang Yimou a real thrashing!
……

Does Ma Xun know about the series of reactions that the preview screening of "Hero" might trigger?
"Boss, the current situation is that someone has already received a red envelope from Huayi."

"Not bad."

"Boss, should we gather some evidence? Or..."

"That's all unnecessary."

"Huh? You're not just going to let them go like this, are you?"

“This kind of thing is common. I’m not going to let them off the hook, but even with this evidence, it’s not enough to really hurt our opponents.”

"Boss, I understand."

"Okay, let's get back to work."

Ma Xun could see right through the situation, and the Wang brothers were using their old tricks again, mobilizing a large media force.

Regarding the red envelope thing... Actually, in the original timeline, WeChat groups came along later, which made things even more convenient.

As far as Ma Xun knows, the first thing some so-called media people do is to "enter a certain circle," or to put it bluntly, to join a certain WeChat group.

Then, whenever something happens, the boss will throw out a big red envelope.

Media professionals are scrambling to get their hands on him.

Afterwards, they would write articles, either to speak well of the person or to clear their name.

This phenomenon is almost an open secret; everyone in the entertainment industry knows about it, but taking legal action won't help.

We all know that the person giving out red envelopes is a certain boss, but they're not using their own WeChat account, so what can you do about it?

Besides, it's a lucky draw red envelope. Since WeChat groups have this function, and the person is just sending red envelopes without making any requests, there's really nothing we can do about it.

And now... Ma Xun didn't want to get involved, in fact, he just wanted to take advantage of it!
In terms of the plan... suddenly, someone sent him a QQ message.

It's Yuanyuan.

"have time?"

"So there is."

"Then it exists."

What do you want to do?

When Ma Xun replied, Jiayuan responded with an angry emoji.

The expressions these days are still quite primitive; Ma Xun was just joking.

He was genuinely laughing.

However, Yuanyuan then brought up something more important.

"I want to watch a movie."

Ma Xun immediately knew which movie she wanted to watch.

"hero?"

"Yep."

I can totally imagine Yuanyuan's expression on the other end of the internet.

Ma Xun is smiling now, but his smile is different from before.

Well then, let's take a look.

Not long after, Ma Xun met Yuan Yuan near the Red Mansion Cinema in Beijing.

"Um, isn't this a bit dangerous?"

"No, you knew it was dangerous, yet you still insisted on watching?"

"They just mentioned it casually; you could have just refused."

"Haha... Why wouldn't I agree? If any scandals break out, it'll be your acting career that gets affected, Gao Yuanyuan."

"Ah, this... wait a minute, if I'm affected, won't that also affect your ability to make money?" You know what, Yuanyuan is quite good at fighting back now.

Ma Xun wasn't angry at all. Instead, he pinched her cheek and asked, "When did you learn to be so sharp-tongued?"

Yuanyuan disagreed, "This is nothing!"

She even rolled her eyes.

Ma Xun laughed heartily, "Not bad, you've improved, you're like an actress."

His words made Jiayuan feel embarrassed.

"I, I didn't do that, it's just, it's just..."

My face turned red, and I couldn't bring myself to say anything.

Ma Xun simply pulled Yuanyuan into his arms, saying, "She has a bit of a temper, which is quite charming."

These words struck a chord with Yuanyuan, making her face turn even redder.

However, the movie is about to start.

This was a preview screening, so it wasn't just about appreciating the film itself, but more about seeing the audience's reactions.

Actually, Yuanyuan thought about it much more deeply.

The preview screenings are going well now, but once "Hero" is officially released, they'll definitely be very busy.

According to past practice, Ma Xun would not do anything with her at this time.

That's right, Yuanyuan just wants Ma Xun, she wants Ma Xun to fuck her hard.

Well, it's not really appropriate to say this directly, so let's watch a movie instead.

Fortunately, this reason is not bad, and Yuanyuan also wants to see what this blockbuster is like.

"Hero" is a blockbuster film that has now spread throughout China.

Although Ke Yuanyuan is not the female lead, she is still an important actress.

I still have no idea what a movie is like.

She did film, according to the director's requirements, but her role was small, and she really didn't get to see the final cut.

In fact, most actors don't know what the final cut will look like, and some actors don't even watch the movies they've acted in.

Of course, that could be the actor's own quirk.

Yuanyuan doesn't have any quirks; she just wants to watch this movie and spend some precious time with Ma Xun.

Therefore, she dressed up carefully.

It's summer now, and it's really not good to wear too many clothes, but she still changed her style from before.

She was wearing a very mature office lady style suit, not a pencil skirt, but suit trousers.

However, there was a strand of silk in my pants.

Yuanyuan didn't know who she heard it from.

Black stockings can conquer men, but what's even more alluring than black stockings are ripped black stockings, and what's even more powerful than ripped black stockings is open crotch stockings...

Oh dear! What are you thinking about!

She blushed whenever she saw that kind of thing, and never dared to wear it.

But right now, he's wearing a suit and trousers, and large sunglasses over his face.

Yuanyuan is at least 10 years older than her.

In Ma Xun's eyes, Yuan Yuan at this moment was quite similar to the Yuan Yuan in "Caught in the Web".

To be fair, "Caught in the Web" is one of Chen Kaige's better works; it's just a pity that he has too few works like this.

Of course, let's watch a movie now.

I bought tickets for the last row; it's safer there, and...

"It seems, it seems like the surroundings..."

"normal."

It's summer vacation now, and there are lots of young couples around.

Our film "Hero" is indeed having preview screenings, but not in the traditional way; it has quite a few screenings.

After all, Ma Xun was going to make a bet with Zhang Yimou.

And during the summer holidays, movie theaters will naturally be filled with young couples.

It's easier to have a romantic conversation when the air conditioning is on.

Ma Xun is utterly shameless.

"It's okay, you can snuggle into my arms too."

Although Yuanyuan had done this many times before, it was always in bed.

People are a bit reserved in movie theaters these days.

She lightly punched him in protest.

But then, the movie started.

Wow!

From the very beginning, "Hero" gave us a powerful and impressive start!
First and foremost is the soundtrack by Tandon.

In the scene, the sky is vast and the fields are boundless.

A horse-drawn carriage entered the Qin Palace.

The visuals are grand and majestic, and the music is powerful and moving.

Actually, there are subtitles.

Copy down the Records of the Grand Historian.

Then, the story goes that King Ying Zheng of Qin was assassinated by several assassins.

The person who came today is the head of the Langmeng County Pavilion.

He killed several assassins and entered the palace to meet King Ying Zheng of Qin.

Actually, there's a detail here.

Langmeng County itself was part of the Zhao state.

So, there's a little ambush here.

Afterwards, the young pavilion chief presented three weapons.

These are the signature weapons of the three assassins.

Only then was he able to get within ten paces of the King of Qin.

In fact, this one scene alone is enough to win people's hearts.

The grandeur of the Qin Palace and the imposing presence of the officials and palace guards were enough to awe anyone.

In contrast, King Ying Zheng of Qin sat alone in the vast palace.

The palace is predominantly black.

The King of Qin was dressed in armor, his murderous aura concealed.

The pavilion chief was nameless, and the path to the top was a series of steps, each seemingly extremely difficult.

Then into the main hall, a hundred steps, thirty steps, ten steps...

They all have a clear system of rewards and punishments.

Every frame, every detail, is meticulously crafted.
This highlights the strictness of Qin's laws and also hints at King Ying Zheng's suspicious and cautious nature.

But no matter what, arresting people is really, really tough!
Even now, Ma Xun and Yuan Yuan can feel that many viewers have been captivated.

Because there was little noise from the crowd, the only comments were exclamations and praises about the film.

I've never seen a domestic blockbuster like this before!
Afterwards, the King of Qin asked Wuming how to kill Changkong.

As the nameless narrator recounts the story, the scene shifts, and we arrive at the chess club where Chang Kong resides.

The Qin Palace's several guards were no match for Chang Kong.

Nameless makes his appearance!

Longsword against long spear!
Then an old man played the zither.

This battle in the rain is definitely a moment that will go down in film history!
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!

Clap clap... The movie isn't even over yet, and some audience members can't help but applaud!
"This...we succeeded?" Yuanyuan whispered in Ma Xun's ear.

Ma Xun's ears were itching; he was absolutely certain of the film's success, so...

Are you flirting with me?

"I... I didn't."

Yuanyuan felt embarrassed again. Unfortunately, at that moment, many of the couples around them were already secretly making out.

Let's have some then...

(End of this chapter)