Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 372 Ning Hao, don't you dare embarrass me! The expansion of "Incense" include

Chapter 372 Ning Hao, don't you dare embarrass me! The expansion of "Incense" includes Xiao Ran and Ya Ya!
The layout of coffee shops in Beijing is different from other places.

Fresh milk and sugar are not always on hand; you have to ask the staff for them, and they will only give them to you if you do so with an annoyed expression.

As night falls, white-collar workers who have to work overtime often have to spend nearly thirty yuan to get a cup of coffee.

This is still the price that hasn't increased.

If someone complains to the owner that the coffee is too expensive.

The boss will definitely yell: "Where is it expensive? It's always been this price! If you think it's expensive, you should reflect on whether you've worked hard enough to get a raise!"
The office workers drank it hot and went to work overtime with renewed energy.

If you're willing to spend a little more money, you can buy some cookies or bread rolls to have with your coffee.

Newcomers to the workplace generally don't have such lavish spending, while seasoned veterans will make excuses like "I'm on a diet" or "I've gained weight recently."

Only elites who wear suits but no ties would stroll into the shops next door, order chicken and duck, and indulge in a feast without caring about the price.

Ma Xun had worked part-time while he was in school and had seen many busy figures.

These many memories were interrupted only by the appearance of one person.

Ning Hao was the only person in the coffee shop who was putting on a smile at that moment.

He was both awkward and generous.

Ma Xun could tell that Ning Hao had definitely dressed up specially for today.

He was wearing a suit, which was clearly borrowed, and it made him look thinner.

There's no need to delve into the brand.

You want to save face, but you also have to be able to swallow your pride.

Ning Hao hesitated for a moment, not even knowing how to start the conversation.

In this respect, he's not even as good as Kong Yiji.

At least they know to say one thing: the four ways to write the character "回" (huí)...

"Please take a seat."

"Thank you, Mr. Ma."

Kong Hao... Oh, Ning Hao finally sat down, his attitude as if he had been granted a pardon made Ma Xun not even want to fool him anymore.

“I am very interested in this book, ‘Incense’.”

At the very beginning, Ning Hao's forced smile turned into an even bigger one.

"Mr. Ma, you have excellent taste!"

In fact, Ning Hao is definitely a very intelligent guy, and also very capable, courageous, and strong... basically, a person with a lot of power.

The reason he's acting like Kong Yiji now is because he knows very well that he's met a real big boss.

He knew very well that this big boss in front of him would change his life.

That's why they are so cautious.

Then, Ma Xun didn't hold back.

"The notebook is good, but it also has many problems."

"I understand, it was originally just a group of us classmates taking pictures for fun."

"That won't work."

"Huh? What... can't I do?"

"I mean, just taking pictures for fun isn't enough."

"Yes, yes, yes."

Ning Hao's cautious and meticulous manner only made Ma Xun find it more amusing.

"Your script has a really good story, with a touch of dark humor."

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Ma."

This guy is really something, he's got the full face of his smirk.

Ma Xun then laughed and said, "But the story is too short. It's fine for you guys to make for fun, but it's definitely not good enough for theatrical release."

"Yes, yes... Oh? It's going to be shown in theaters?"

Ning Hao had been echoing others, but when he heard about the theatrical release, he was completely stunned.

At the same time, his eyes were full of ambition.

Ma Xun knew this was his true state; Ning Hao was the bad monkey who would later become a pushover.

However, what happens to him later is another matter; for now, let him be of use to me.

"What? Don't believe it?"

"No, no, of course I believe it. Being released in theaters means it's a complete movie. This is... this... Mr. Ma, I really never thought it would be released in theaters. I'm so happy, haha..."

"Look at you, you pathetic sight!"

Ma Xun's words were indeed meant to discourage Ning Hao, but Ning Hao did indeed have some talent.

"Hehe... Mr. Ma, I'm so excited."

They are not ashamed, but proud!

Sure enough, he's someone worth mentioning.

Ma Xun stopped hiding his thoughts and said, "Very good. Your reaction shows that you know when to advance and when to retreat."

Well, I'll be frank then. I have high hopes for "Incense," but you have to make the story longer while maintaining the original story logic.

Understand? "

Ning Hao had originally made many plans, meaning he intended to make many concessions.

To put it simply, as long as there's investment, I don't care how much money it is, I'd even agree to change the male lead in "Incense" to a woman!
After all, he had met quite a few coal mine owners back in his hometown, and those guys loved to put actresses in movies.

However... those coal mine owners looked down on him.

Even if Ning Hao wanted to go all out and rewrite the script, he wouldn't have the chance.

Now, finally someone has recognized his talent and seen his potential... That's what Ning Hao was thinking.

Ma Xun only asked him to make the story longer, which is absolutely a reasonable request.

The original story of "Incense" was very short, and even if it were filmed, it would only be considered a short film.

It's simply impossible for it to be shown in theaters.

Ning Hao is also knowledgeable in the industry; he knows that there are very strict requirements regarding the timing of a film's theatrical release.

In short, it can't be too long or too short.

Two hours is generally ideal.

From this perspective... Mr. Ma is truly reasonable!

Where can you find such a great boss?
Ning Hao's evaluation of Ma Xun has risen several notches.

However, this is just normal practice for Ma Xun.

Oh, so this is normal... It seems Ning Hao has encountered quite a few abnormal bosses.

Then...

"As for how to change it..."

"Boss, I'll change it exactly as you tell me to!"

"Not bad."

"Boss, you are my future and my hope. I will definitely listen to you."

"Okay, let's change it like this..."

Actually, the story of "Incense" is quite fun.

This story begins in a small temple in a village.

There was only one young monk in the temple, and one day, he discovered that his shoe had a hole in it.

How to do?
The temple naturally houses a Buddha statue, and beneath the statue is a small piece of cloth.

This is perfect.

The young monk then used the cloth to mend his shoes.

The script says to be very careful and even check if the Buddha statue is alright.

As a result, after the shoes were repaired, a loud bang was heard.

The Buddha statue fell to the ground, breaking into pieces and revealing the barnyard grass that filled it.

The little monk felt like his world was collapsing, because without the Buddha statue, the good days ahead, when he could earn a lot of money from incense offerings, were gone.

And also, this temple is probably going to be destroyed.

How to do?
He went to the village chief, asked for some money, and then asked him to recast the Buddha statue.

But the village chief ignored him completely and even tried to drag him into fighting with him.

The village chief was a butcher who slaughtered sheep.

The monk didn't intend to do this job; after all, he was a monk.

However, the monk was also thinking about the village chief's younger sister.

Well, he was a monk after all.

When the village wouldn't help, he went to the county town.

It still didn't work.

The main problem is... Catholic churches send gifts by the boxful, but he doesn't have that kind of financial means.

How to do?
The person in charge gave him a way out: if his temple could be designated as an ancient site or something, things would be much easier.

So he tried to find a solution, but unfortunately, it was too late.

How to do?
He begged for alms.

Believe it or not, he tricked me out of 1 yuan.

But he was arrested by the police.

When they were arrested, the police also arrested several sex workers.

Don't let the small size of the county town fool you...

Then I had my fortune told. I easily made 100 yuan; it said that so-and-so and the other person were a good match.

As a result, the fortune-telling business flourished.

But after making money, it was stolen from them.

However, things took an unexpected turn when he mentioned something that made him a revered monk again.

Before I knew it, I had made another three thousand.

Anyway, it was a whole experience, and later the Buddha statue was rebuilt.

A truly golden body and image.

The incense offerings will be available again soon.

But someone came to tell him:
This is not an ancient site; the temple is about to be demolished.

If we want to build a road to prosperity, your temple is right on the roadbed.

In the end, it was all for nothing.

This story, though simple, has a distinctly dark sense of humor.

In Ma Xun's view, there is a lot of room for expansion.

It could easily be considered a very good dark comedy film.

So, the area to be expanded is...

"Why don't you take your relationship with the monk and the butcher's sister to a deeper level?"

Ma Xun's statement delighted Ning Hao!

"Boss, I didn't know you really understood movies!"

Ma Xun pursed his lips at those words.

"I misspoke! Mr. Ma, of course you understand movies!"

Ma Xun then brought up another area that could be improved.

"Those prostitutes I encountered at the county police station, do you understand?"

Ning Hao slapped his thigh!
"Take a picture! Boss, you're so good at this!"

Yes, first we explored the romantic relationship between the monk and the village chief's butcher sister, and then we explored the entanglement between the monk and the prostitute.

Monk, are your eyes empty?
I think you're burdened with karmic debts!
Ma Xun only mentioned these two expandable plot points, which could directly elevate the film to several higher levels.

Moreover, it can definitely increase the length of the movie.

That's fantastic!

Furthermore... as expected, Mr. Ma is indeed Mr. Ma.

Coal mine owners inserting women into plays is a simple and crude method.

Look at Mr. Ma's skills!
That's perfectly reasonable; you have to admire it.

That's why our Mr. Ma is so awesome.

These were all Ning Hao's ideas.

But then Ning Hao felt that Boss Ma was even more awesome!
"This movie obviously doesn't require a large investment."

In short, Ning Hao was rendered speechless.

But then...

"I'll give you three million upfront as preliminary preparations. You won't let me down, will you?"

"How much? Three million...?"

Ning Hao's mouth was all tied in knots!

Three million...?!
For some reason, I suddenly remembered the skit "Heart Disease" from this year's Spring Festival Gala.

The same.

At this moment, Ning Hao looked as if he had suddenly won the lottery.

I reckon he's about to have a heart attack.

Ma Xun felt incredibly pleased with himself seeing him like this.

However, some things need to be clarified.

"It's only three million, don't act like that."

Upon hearing this, Ning Hao also became serious.

"Yes, Mr. Ma! Don't worry!"

His resolute expression was completely different from before.

Ma Xun then said, "Ning Hao, you should know what my status is in the industry, right?"
If you follow me, you'll be a future great director!
You have to act the way you're supposed to.

understand?

Don't embarrass me!

These words were like a concerto by Ma Guocheng, the deputy general of Nanjing.

Ning Hao immediately straightened his back.

All that's missing is a "fuck!"
"Mr. Ma! Please rest assured, I will absolutely not let you down!"

That's quite impressive.

Ma Xun then said, "You still need to practice."

"understand!"

From now on, Ning Hao will act like an international director no matter who he meets.

It has become a well-known meme within the community.

However, recalling that the actor who played the role of "Ma Guocheng," the deputy general of Jinling, was actually a veteran Peking Opera actor, he later retired and was almost seventy years old. He even had a physical altercation with the leaders of a certain Peking Opera troupe.

It's said to be quite serious.

In short, he truly never lost face in his entire life!
This Ning Hao...

I don't think it will disappoint me.

After we finished discussing "Incense," Tong Liya and Li Xiaoran, two beautiful women of different ages, were sitting at a table not far away.

Ning Hao left after they finished their conversation.

The two of them then came over.

"That, that..."

"It seems like everything's been agreed upon, but what about the roles..."

Clearly, Tong Liya and Li Xiaoran are focused on the roles.

Ma Xun chuckled, "Now you have two important roles to choose from."

One was the village chief, who was also the sister of the butcher who slaughtered the sheep.

The other one is a prostitute in the county.

"You can choose between the two roles."

These two characters?
Ma Xun just expanded on the story.

Ning Hao has already thought of this; he must be planning to arrange for Ma Xun to be one of his own people.

Tong Liya and Li Xiaoran, who is playing whom in this role?
One is a younger sister, and the other is a chicken.

No need to think about it?

"I choose the younger sister!"

Goodness, the two beauties said it in unison.

Ma Xun laughed and said, "At present, although it has not been finalized, in terms of screen time, it should be more about the prostitutes in the county town."

This...has changed?
"Then I'll choose this one..."

They all spoke in unison!

But before they could finish speaking, Tong Liya and Li Xiaoran just looked at each other.

They couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Ma Xun was just stirring up a little trouble; he had actually planned for these two roles long ago.

"You should leverage your respective strengths."

Let Ya Ya play the younger sister.

As for Xiaoran..."

Don't you understand the advantages?
"Brother Ma~ You're so naughty~" Xiao Ran couldn't hold back anymore.

They immediately disregarded the occasion.

Fortunately, it's still during the pandemic, so the cafe isn't too crowded.

Tong Liya was laughing so hard she could barely contain herself.