Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 341 240 Million Yuan Income! Little Cannon Stirs Up Trouble, Wan Qian Chases After Ma Xun?

To be honest, Ma Xun really didn't intend to deceive anyone.

However, on the one hand, there was a foreign conman, and on the other hand, Feng Xiaogang was practically begging to be fooled.

What other options does Ma Xun have?
It's just a little bit of a bluff, I guess.

In fact, the matter of Hengdian was already more or less settled for Ma Xun.

If it weren't for several renowned directors coming to observe this event, he would have left much earlier.

But since these people have come, Ma Xun has to do his duty as a host.

So, it will be delayed for a while longer.

During this period, Han Sanping was very satisfied with Ma Xun's work and praised him in various ways.

Ma Xun, of course, understood why.

The movie "Hero" is very well made!
This was said by Han Sanping himself, and it was also an affirmation of his previous work.

Ma Xun understood perfectly well that the huge success of "Hero" was definitely a good start for the reform of the cinema system.

This was even a phenomenal start to the year.

In fact, many things are like this: if you don't do things well from the beginning, you can't expect anything to turn out well later.

The same applies to the reform of the cinema chain system.

Now, Hero is a success!
The film industry has suddenly opened up new possibilities!
If Han Sanping is still unhappy, then this person is really too much of a jerk.

Naturally, Han Sanping also valued Ma Xun highly.

This observation tour was actually a way of helping Ma Xun get ahead.

The intention is to let three well-known domestic directors take a good look at Ma Xun's operations in the film industry.

Look, even Hollywood directors are coming to China to make movies. The key point is, they're earning foreign exchange!

In this way, Ma Xun is definitely a rising star in the eyes of others in the industry.

Ma Xun was already a prominent young master in Beijing before, and now he's a rising star at China Film Group.

Then he'll be able to do whatever he wants in the Chinese entertainment industry from now on.
In fact, Ma Xun already has the power to act with impunity.

However, I am a low-key person. Even if I can walk sideways, I still have to walk the right path.

Of course, the filming of "Kill Bill" at the "Qingye House" in Hengdian couldn't have been done in just a few days.

And the observation by several renowned directors will not be limited to just one or two days.

However, Han Sanping could not stay here any longer; he was busy with China Film Group affairs and had to go back to handle them.

Zhang Yimou is currently very popular and has a lot on his plate, so he's taking his leave now.

So, Ma Xun had to accompany several big-name directors to watch the show.

He didn't think there was anything special about it; it was just a matter of hospitality, how much could it change?

Unexpectedly, the atmosphere changed immediately after Han Sanping left.

Meanwhile, they're filming "Kill Bill" over there, with all sorts of action scenes, especially those blood-splattering shots. After Quentin Tarantino and the other action choreographers discussed it, they decided to use condoms instead.

Yes, it explodes after being blown up too much; the spray effect is quite impressive.

But this thing is indeed somewhat amusing.

Several renowned directors laughed along with them, but then the filming took a break.

It's inevitable that people will talk about movies.

"Teacher Chen, there's something I've always wanted to ask you."

Feng Xiaogang started the discussion.

The opening itself was nothing special; Chen Kai simply responded.

"Sure, go ahead and ask."

No one else seemed to think there was anything wrong with it.

Only Ma Xun frowned slightly... I guess this little cannon fodder isn't holding back any good news!
Sure enough, Feng Xiaogang asked Chen Kaige, "Teacher Chen, your relationship with Teacher Zhang is definitely not a problem, but Teacher Zhang's blockbuster 'Hero' has been released for quite some time now. I wonder if you've seen it?"

After Xiao Gangpao said that, everyone could tell that this was no simple matter!
Zhang Yimou, you ask this question after he's left?

Upon hearing this, Ma Xun's expression became somewhat strange.

It's obvious that Feng Xiaogang is up to something!
However, it was indeed clever of him to use this opportunity to observe a Hollywood director making a film to do this.

This is a way of putting Chen Kaige in a difficult position, making him comment on "Hero".

Ma Xun was no stranger; he had heard Chen Kaige's evaluation of "Hero".

And in this situation... will Chen Kai change his mind?
We all know the relationship between Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou.

The main theme is a superficial harmony but a deep-seated discord!
But things are different now. Although Zhang Yimou has left, there are other directors.

Therefore, everyone who heard Feng Xiaogang's question turned their attention to Chen Kaige.

Without hesitation, he declared loudly, "Zhang Yimou's 'Hero' is very well made!"

This sentence... sure enough, this guy changed his tune.

The comment Ma Xun originally remembered was... wait a minute.

Suddenly, Chen Kaige changed the subject, "But there are some ideas I don't agree with."

At this, Feng Xiaogang smiled and then asked, "What is the underlying philosophy?"

Chen Kaige became serious and said, "Do we have to sacrifice so many people to unify the world? Even just to convey a message that 'I hope Your Majesty will remember,' do we have to sacrifice the nameless person?"

I cannot agree with this idea!

Upon hearing this, Feng Xiaogang nodded first, and the other directors couldn't really say anything against it.

But to Ma Xun... this is a classic philosophical question.

The Train Paradox!

Simply put, it's like a train coming, you can switch the tracks, but there are people on both tracks.

It's just a matter of which track has more people, which track has fewer people, or maybe just one person.

When it comes down to us, how do we choose?
Looking at the movie "Hero", Nameless is the one who switched the tracks.

His choice to assassinate was like choosing the most crowded railway track and letting the train run over him.

The nameless and unassailable means choosing the 'world,' which is like sending the train onto the 'less populated' tracks.

The idea of ​​unifying the world can be seen as a train paradox...

While Ma Xun was pondering, Feng Xiaogang aimed at him and fired.

"Mr. Ma, among us, you are undoubtedly one of the most intelligent people. I personally cannot understand the viewpoint proposed by Teacher Chen. I wonder if you could help me?"

As expected of you, Little Cannon!

When Ma Xun heard him bring up the issue himself, he couldn't help but laugh.

But he also had the answer.

Ma Xun looked at Chen Kaige and said, "I think this is the view on the word 'hero,' because Wuming chose to sacrifice himself."

Upon hearing this, everyone else couldn't help but nod in agreement.

That makes sense!

According to the train paradox, the nameless one did not cause anyone else to die.

He not only moved the switch but also took on the responsibility of switching it.

That's what makes a hero!

Chen Kai was taken aback by Ma Xun's statement.

Before he could say anything, Ma Xun continued, "If history is a train traveling at high speed, then the safety of the people on board should be the top priority!"

This statement doesn't explicitly mention the train paradox, but it's as if it does.

Judging from Chen Kaige's expression, he understands.

And Ma Xun's answer... was ruthless!
He didn't consider whether there were people on the railway or how many people were on that railway.

The people on the train are the most important!

The quantity is also the largest!

Just charge over there and it'll be over!

Once everyone understood this, they couldn't help but look at Chen Kaige with undisguised sneers on their faces.

Mr. Ma Xun has already laid out the path; how can you, a great director, accept it?
To be honest, Feng Xiaogang's feelings were very complicated at that moment.

He was obviously trying to cause trouble, but he didn't expect Ma Xun to respond like that.

He truly is a formidable figure; he is far superior to the two Wang brothers.

As Feng Xiaogang was pondering this, Chen Kai reacted.

"But our films need to showcase humanity! They need to demonstrate reflections on humanity! In short, I absolutely will not agree with the idea that peace can only be achieved by sacrificing a minority!"

He was still a little excited as he spoke.

Seeing that his wicked scheme had succeeded, Feng Xiaogang was overjoyed.

Ma Xun, however, remained calm and smiled, saying, "If we were to discuss this issue, it would only grow bigger and bigger, and there would be more and more things to talk about."

There's no point in us arguing like this.

I heard that Director Chen is making a big movie, right?

Actually, I also invested in a blockbuster film.

Why don't we wait and see how it goes?

Let's get back to the movie!
The key question is, what does "see the results" mean?
Feng Xiaogang is indeed quite cunning; he immediately understood Ma Xun's meaning.

"So, the result should be a comparison of who has the higher box office, right? Whoever has the higher box office means their movie has a larger audience, and a larger audience means more people choose their film, right, Mr. Ma?"

That's the idea, but who asked you to explain it in such detail?
Ma Xun cursed Feng Xiaogang in his heart, but he could also take advantage of the little firecracker's provocation.

Because, wasn't the big movie that Chen Kaige made originally aimed at Ma Xun?

It's better to just speak frankly now; there's no need to hide so many thoughts.

Chen Kaige seemed to have thought of this as well, but while he was petty, he wasn't without cunning.

He then said seriously, "A large number of people does not necessarily prove that their ideas are correct! Truth is always in the hands of a minority!"
However, Mr. Ma's challenge to me this time is not bad.

I got it!
Let's have a competition then, and see whose film gets more recognition!

It has a rather impassioned and passionate tone.

Ma Xun frowned slightly and smiled, "We're just following what Director Feng said."

Yes, let's make this clear first... It's not me who's stirring up trouble, it's Feng Xiaogang!
Xiao Gangpao looked embarrassed, but just as he was about to say something, Ma Xun didn't give him the chance.

Ma Xun continued, "I'm really looking forward to Director Chen's movie. I just hope it doesn't disappoint me."

That's settled!

Chen Kaige then put on a smiling face, probably realizing that it was Feng Xiaogang who was stirring up trouble.

He said, "Mr. Ma, this is a gentleman's fight."

Ma Xun nodded, "That's right. Let's agree beforehand that whoever loses has to say a few good things about the other's movie, how about that?" Not bad, this also takes into account Chen Kaige's evaluation of "Hero".

"Okay! It's settled!"

Chen Kai felt he wouldn't lose, while Ma Xun thought... this was a great publicity stunt!

Director Chen, your filmmaking is just so-so, but your marketing and hype are even worse!
Of course, Ma Xun didn't say these things; he just smiled and continued talking about other topics.

The tense atmosphere dissipated, and everyone resumed watching the movie.

But some people who overheard this 'little episode' couldn't help but feel extremely excited.

These big directors and bosses may seem all smiles on the surface, but they're actually scheming and plotting against each other inside—it's quite dangerous!

Among those listening in... was Wan Qian.

……

Those big directors have left.

Ma Xun is leaving too.

However, it wasn't on our way.

Most of them returned to Beijing, while Ma Xun bought a plane ticket to Xi'an.

Don't forget, he just made a bet with Chen Kai.

Let's have a gentleman's duel.

Then naturally, we should focus our work on the blockbuster "Warriors of Heaven and Earth".

Yes, this is definitely going to be a blockbuster!
The investment will be larger than that of "Hero", and the production will be even more exquisite!

Well, even without this little incident, Ma Xun would have gone to Xi'an as originally planned.

The filming of "Warriors of Heaven and Earth" is about to begin, but there are still many things to discuss.

First, there's the issue of the film set; the Western Film City is definitely a must-have.

Fortunately, Jiang Wen had a good relationship with them.

It was the movie "Red Sorghum" back then.

In addition, Ma Xun plans to build an ancient city in Yulin.

The Dunhuang documentary series "Dunhuang" built the ancient city of Dunhuang, but it was ultimately destroyed by fire.

That movie was incredibly expensive to make.

But at that time, Japan was in its bubble economy era, and Japanese film companies were indeed wealthy.

They're finished now; there will never be another film like "Dunhuang".

What Ma Xun is now building is naturally the city of Kucha.

Let's take advantage of Yulin's diverse topography and environment to carry out a big project!

Of course, this city-building plan had already been sent to Yulin beforehand.

They have started construction, but Ma Xun has no idea what stage of construction has been reached.

Better go and have a look.

The most important thing he brought with him this time was money.

A few days ago, Ge Luming sent me some news.

The initial investment was $30 million, which was later increased by another $10 million.

Get it!

Clearly, the huge success of Heroes made Columbia Pictures willing to take bigger risks.

And this is probably largely due to Quentin Tarantino's high regard for the film "Hero".

Regardless, the $3000 million is now in the account.

Ma Xun essentially got 240 million without even doing anything.

I feel so incredibly happy!
His face radiated a sense of triumph and triumph.

But this feeling, in some people's eyes...

"Boss? What are you dreaming about?"

This sudden remark startled Ma Xun.

"You..." But upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Wan Qian. Ma Xun said irritably, "What's wrong with you? Aren't you going to film anymore?"

Wan Qian smiled broadly, "Hehe... My scenes are so simple, they're all done filming."

Ma Xun casually asked, "Then what are you doing at the airport?"

This question sounds strange at first glance, as if it's saying Wan Qian can't come to the airport.

But in reality, it makes perfect sense.

Since Wan Qian is still a student at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, her summer vacation is over, and filming for "Kill Bill" has also finished.

She should go back to school.

Therefore, Ma Xun's statement is entirely correct.

However, Wan Qian seized on this topic, pouted, and said in a wronged tone, "Boss, do you look down on me that much? Can't I fly?"

Ma Xun was amused by her. "Just tell me what's wrong."

Yes, there must be something going on with you doing all this.

Wan Qian immediately changed her expression and started grinning again, "I just want to follow you."

"Huh?" Ma Xun couldn't help but be surprised.

"What? Is it not allowed?" Wan Qian asked matter-of-factly.

“You, a little girl, following me? Heh…” Ma Xun didn’t say what he meant.

Wan Qian understood perfectly well, but she said quite generously, "They've taken such a initiative, isn't that a good thing?"

initiative?!
Good grief, he just said it outright!
Ma Xun raised an eyebrow. "I'm not the kind of person who will eat anything when desperate."

Enough!

How ironic!
If it were the past, Wan Qian would definitely have been angry and had a big fight, but now, she wasn't hurt at all.

"That's not necessarily the case."

Ok?
Ma Xun, on the contrary, became somewhat curious, "What exactly are you thinking about?"

Actually, there's quite a bit of subtext in those words.

But Wan Qian replied more cleverly, "I want to be with you."

Her current approach is all about: "It's easy for a woman to pursue a man."

Ma Xun could see through it all. "Want resources? Aren't you doing well with what you have now? So many people want to be extras in Hollywood movies, and you're already getting close-up shots even though you have no fame at all."

That's absolutely right.

Wan Qian was even more direct, saying, "But I just can't satisfy my desires."

Does this statement... also have a subtext?
Ma Xun didn't intend to say anything more, only saying, "I won't reimburse your airfare."

After saying that, he went to check in.

But Wan Qian didn't back down at all. "I didn't expect you to reimburse me anyway. Just tell me which flight you're taking..."

Ma Xun smiled. Meeting Wan Qian was truly an unexpected surprise.

And so, the two of them arrived on the same plane.

With nothing to say on the plane, Ma Xun simply pretended to be asleep.

But after arriving in Xi'an...

"Ah! Not good!"

"what happened?"

"I've lost my wallet!"

"real or fake?"

Why would I lie to you?

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You just want to stay at the same hotel as me, don't you?"

"Hehe...it's a room."

Wan Qian's words even added further explanation for him.

Ma Xun immediately pulled the girl in front of him.

"Don't forget, what Stephen Chow wants is your innocent and pure image!"

Yes, at that time, Wan Qian was actually a pure and innocent young girl.

Her feeling perfectly matches that of the female lead in "Kung Fu Hustle".

From the plane to now... Wan Qian has been no different from a slut.

But Wan Qian still laughed, "Are you just making excuses for yourself?"

She's actually fighting back!

Moreover, it was a provocation tactic!

Ma Xun always tries to fool others; will he fall for it this time?

"Okay, I'll give you a chance. Let's see how you can seduce me."

Did the provocation work? ... In fact, Wan Qian was also very nervous, but at this moment, she was all smiles.

So, the preliminary plan was completed.

In this way, Ma Xun took Wan Qian to the hotel he had booked.

The hotel room was still his usual one, a luxury suite.

It has to be befitting his status as a big boss.

Originally, Ma Xun was supposed to wait for Bai Xiaohang here.

But now there's Wan Qian too, humph!
Let's see what kind of trouble she can cause.

Wan Qian was quite interesting; once she moved in, she simply used the bathroom.

It's still the bathroom in Ma Xun's room!
The smile on Ma Xun's face is really interesting.

What kind of offensive power could Wan Qian's figure have against me?

Ma Xun was quite confident; after all, he had seen it all... the entertainment industry was full of beautiful women, both voluptuous and slender...

But soon the sound of water stopped, and Wan Qian came out.

A nimble foot, with blue veins showing, timidly stepped onto the carpet.

In that instant, Ma Xun felt a flutter in his heart...

(End of this chapter)