Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 393 $600 million! Xu Qing and Yu Feihong kidnapped Ma Xun?

"Wait a minute, your leg... can it be like this?"

"Surprised? This is just the basics?"

"Brother Ma~ People can do this too."

"Ah, this... Xiaoran, I didn't expect you to be so talented."

"Brother Ma, what are you saying?"

"Then why didn't you perform it before?"

“You never made this request before.”

"In my opinion, you didn't feel any pressure before Yaya was around."

"Brother Ma, what are you saying?"

Good guy, really good guy.

Ma Xun was truly amazed. Ya Ya showed off her waist and leg skills, and then Xiao Ran, not wanting to be outdone, also showed off her skills.

One has a supple waist, and the other has exceptional leg skills.

Ma Xun... really likes it.

However, what he said wasn't wrong. Xiaoran hadn't been under much pressure before, so her demonstration in this area was only superficial.

Now that we have an opponent, we have to show our true skills.

Unfortunately, Xiaoran has been away from the dance circle for a long time, so she is indeed a step behind Yaya in this aspect.

As for Ma Xun... before, when he was supporting someone's leg, the back of the leg faced him, but now it's the other way around.

You can imagine how that feels.

Please forgive Ma Xun for being at a loss for words at this moment; after all, it's better to do more and talk less.

Of course, he knew exactly what was going on.

After another round of profuse sweating, the three of them had some more private conversation.

"Brother Ma, I never imagined you and Gong Li would actually..."

"Ya Ya, so you care about her this much?"

"I-I didn't."

"Haha... It's nothing, things aren't as complicated as you think."

"You mean, just like us?"

"They are somewhat different."

"How are they different?" the two women asked in unison.

"She is an international film queen."

Ma Xun only said half of what he meant, but that was enough. The rest, which involved a rather unique process, was something he didn't need to explain.

Let these two beauties figure it out themselves.

Sure enough, Xiaoran and Yaya were stunned for a long time, probably thinking about just how different they were.

Ma Xun laughed heartily, performing a flourish like a roc spreading its wings, and then said with a smile, "Let's talk about this movie. 'Incense' should be able to be released overseas, and then..."

"We've become popular overseas too?"

Again in unison.

But Ma Xun shook his head, "The possibility is rather small."

These words were so realistic that they immediately dimmed the faces of both the beautiful women.

They were sweating quite a bit, their faces were flushed.

Ma Xun knew this would be the outcome, so he continued, "Even if you become famous overseas, it won't actually benefit you much."

I know many people are desperate to get into Hollywood.

To put it bluntly, even if you get into Hollywood, what you really make is the exchange rate difference, isn't it?
Top American stars earn around $20 million, while top Chinese stars earn around 20 million RMB.

The US dollar is indeed valuable now, but who can truly command top-tier salaries?
Even for someone like Jet Li or Jackie Chan, the maximum would be ten million US dollars.

But you should know that this money has to be divided among many people. The actors' union will take a share, the American agency will take a share, the lawyers will take a share, and the bodyguards, RVs, and other expenses will be paid for in the United States.

Upon closer examination, it's actually quite similar to what we have in China.

Not to mention, apart from big names like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, even Chow Yun-fat had to lower his status and beg on his knees to get a role.

Here you're a big star, but in Hollywood people just treat you like a little Karami.

So I dare say now, no matter how much fun they have in Hollywood today, they'll have to come back in a few years.

Upon returning, they would likely discover that the market that originally belonged to them had been taken over by others.

Ma Xun's words are truly insightful, and only someone who is truly knowledgeable in the field could analyze them so thoroughly.

Many celebrities boast about how high their pay is, especially those who go to Hollywood.

But in reality... well, most of them won't tell the truth, just like many of the people who went there.

Of course, I can't tell the truth.

People who go to the United States may face discrimination, be unable to earn money, sleep on the streets, or even be forced to eat excrement by the locals.

They all have to say it smells amazing!
Otherwise, wouldn't their move to go to the United States be a huge idiot's act?
Unless they really can't hold it in anymore, unless they really can't take it anymore.

It's like that immigration agent who only dared to tell the truth after his own two children got into trouble.

He used to just keep bluffing.

And to see the real situation of these people who have made it in Hollywood... it's too easy!

See, they all came back later!

This is clear evidence.

If they were better off in the US than in China, why would they come back?
Of course, I still trust Brother Long.

Ma Xun stopped there, explaining that he was doing this for Xiao Ran and Ya Ya's own good.

Because for celebrities like them to make it in Hollywood... there's a woman named Bai Ling, she's simply amazing.

I won't go into the details, but basically, it was a complete display of utter depravity.

Xiaoran and Yaya should stay in China; at least they have Ma Xun protecting them.

The two of them naturally understood Ma Xun's good intentions.

"Brother Ma, don't worry, we're not going to Hollywood."

"Exactly, there's nothing good over there."

Ma Xun was naturally pleased with their obedience.

However, he still had something to say.

"At present, our domestic film market will become increasingly strong, and it will be a period of strong development for at least the next twenty years."

As for overseas, we should change our strategy. Just like when I was talking to those foreigners today, I always maintained a high-handed attitude.

What I mean is that we Chinese filmmakers don't need to keep focusing on the three major European film festivals and the American Oscars like we used to.

Our fundamental goal is to make good films and serve our domestic audience in China; that's the most important thing.

This was said in a rather formal way, which made Xiaoran and Yaya chuckle softly.

"Very well, we've learned something."

Ma Xun knew he was being too serious, but these were topics best left unsaid.

In fact, "Incense" is quite different from the other films that participated in the festival, especially the last shot.

The monk's temple is gone, but there are two girls.

One was a girl from the village, and the other was a prostitute from outside.

In fact, this is a choice.

It is a choice about the future.

The key lies in the word 'future'.

Many of China's previous films, especially those that won awards overseas, were critical of the past.

But this time, "Incense" is looking to the future.

This shot was also added by Ma Xun, and his meaning was very clear.

Let's put an end to the old model of going overseas to win awards with the film "Incense".

We Chinese filmmakers should look to the future.

Of course, this doesn't mean we'll never go overseas to win awards.

If you have the opportunity and the invitation is well-intentioned, then you should go.

However, there's no need to make movies just to win awards or to cater to Western film critics.

Moreover, Ning Hao's upcoming films will also undergo significant changes.

As for whether the two beauties in my arms understand or not...

"Brother Ma, um..."

"Just say what you have to say."

"Will Gong Li be angry?"

Alright, we're back to this topic of romance again.

Ma Xun laughed heartily and flipped Ya Ya over.

Seeing this, Xiaoran shyly pressed herself against him.

Forget about being angry. Even if you gave Ma Xun an international Best Actress award, she wouldn't trade it for him.

……

The Tokyo International Film Festival has ended, and good news has reached China.

"Sweeping two major awards! Chinese cinema has a bright future!"

"Huo Jianqi wins again! New director Ning Hao shines in Tokyo!"

What story does "Incense" actually tell?

When will the movie "Warm" be released?

Winning two major awards is definitely a great thing.

The domestic media really hyped it up.

Netizens were quite happy, but of course, there's still that other matter.

Let's not dwell on that matter any further.

Ma Xun hasn't gone back yet; after all, he's in Tokyo, having a great time playing with beautiful women.

Of course, it wasn't all for fun.

He's already cast his bait and is now just waiting to reel in his line.

As for the play "Incense," whatever it sells, it's all good; he'll definitely make a profit, a huge one at that.

After all, overseas copyrights are priced in US dollars.

The key lies in "Kung Fu Hustle".

Now, Ma Xun is offering a bundled sale.

That's right, if you want "Kung Fu Hustle", you have to buy "Incense".

In this way, you'll make an even bigger profit!

Everyone knows that bundled sales are good, but Ma Xun is using it even better now.

In fact, it wasn't just Harvey.

Ge Luming also intends to acquire the rights to "Kung Fu".

But business is business. That's an American proverb.

Ma Xun still maintains his stance: this movie cannot be cut!

Ma Xun was also taking precautions against this.

Because in the original timeline, the movie "Kung Fu Hustle" was cut too much.

In the United States, some people just keep thinking about one thing.

90 minutes.

They simply believe that a 90-minute movie is the most suitable for theatrical release.

But those in the know understand that 90 minutes is really too short.

120 minutes would be better.

Of course, if the movie is too long, like 240 minutes, then that's not so good.

Theaters don't like showing movies for such long periods, partly due to economic considerations.

Therefore, 120 minutes is still better.

In fact, Ma Xun remembers very clearly that the theatrical release version of the film "Kung Fu Hustle" in the original timeline was 100 minutes long.

This is clearly an abridged version.

Ma Xun is now aiming for 120 minutes, or even 110 minutes would be fine.

Don't underestimate those ten minutes; sometimes, a difference of just two or three minutes can make the plot more substantial and coherent.

Being able to add ten minutes to the original runtime is a huge advantage for the film.

Ma Xun's actions may seem stubborn, but he has his own reasons.

Because he knew it very well.

The movie "Kung Fu Hustle" is the last shining moment of Chinese kung fu films!

This movie is really great!
Moreover, it later gained an excellent reputation internationally, with many foreigners giving it a thumbs up after seeing it.

This movie would be even better if it were ten minutes longer!
Even if we take a step back and consider it from an economic perspective...

The more exciting the movie, the more money Ma Xun can earn!
The initial offer was $500 million, which was actually acceptable.

That's equivalent to 4000 million.

Anyone else would have agreed long ago.

As for Ma Xun... I have that kind of patience!

Sure enough, his patience paid off!
Harvey has made another bid.

"$600 million! But the film must be kept under 100 minutes!"

"120 minutes!"

"105 minutes!"

"115 minutes!"

"110 minutes!"

"make a deal!"

...The deal's done?

Harvey sensed something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Clearly, Harvey, that old fraudster, had never heard of the "slippery hammer method."

I'm afraid my shouts will cause confusion.

And just like that, they reached an agreement.

Ma Xun also didn't forget about the payment issue.

They said it outright: you have to give them at least 500 million first.

That's a very demanding requirement.

Harvey agreed anyway.

Only after everyone had signed the contract did this guy explain his reasons.

It's because of that movie, "Shaolin Soccer".

Ma Xun knew what was going on, so he didn't say anything more.

Then Ma Xun faced Ge Luming.

This guy is decisive.

"The board believes that the key is whether the film 'Hero' can be successful."

The board of directors he was referring to was, of course, the board of directors of Columbia Corporation.

Ma Xun nodded, but also offered a suggestion: "Quentin really likes this movie, you'd better ask him to promote it."

Honest advice.

Although Quentin Tarantino is affiliated with the Weinstein brothers, this is part of film marketing, and as long as Columbia Pictures provides the funding, it's not a big problem.

Ge Luming agreed, but the key point was...

Do you have any suggestions regarding the scheduling?

Ma Xun said with a smile, "I am absolutely confident that it can be released during the summer season."

The original timeline of "Hero" was actually released in North American theaters at the tail end of the 04 summer season, which is a bit late.

It almost clashed with the Halloween season.

However, it still managed to win the weekly charts at the time.

This movie is really powerful.

After hearing this, Ge Luming nodded, "I'll try my best."

This guy even said something in Chinese.

Ma Xun didn't say much, knowing that this guy was also under pressure.

This concludes the important business deal.

In Japan, Toho acquired both "Incense" and "Kung Fu" for $230 million.

Da Shan was extremely grateful to Ma Xun.

This price is quite good.

Ma Xun didn't make things difficult for Da Shan because he made another condition.

You, Dongbao, should try to import as many of our TV dramas as possible.

Let's start with one film per year.

In fact, Japanese television stations have always imported Chinese dramas.

However, the number is not large. Don't think that Toho is just a film company, nor does it only have the Takarazuka Revue. In fact, it is also a major shareholder of Fuji Television.

It's clear that Ma Xun intends to collaborate more with Toho on television drama projects in the future.

This business is good.

He has a lot of martial arts dramas in his works, and there will be fantasy dramas in the future, all of which are very popular in Japan.

They can't film it.

In this way, the market was considered to have been opened up.

Ma Xun then returned to China with the two beauties.

However, before leaving, the two beauties didn't forget Gong Li.

"Brother Ma, aren't you going to go find them?"

Ma Xun laughed heartily.

"It would be better to wait for her to come to me."

This guy really knows how to manipulate people.

Even if she's an international film queen, so what?

……

Beijing.

As soon as Ma Xun came out of the airport, a car came to pick him up.

However, the car was strange because it started as soon as Ma Xun got in.

He abandoned the beautiful women, both young and old.

what's the situation?
Could it be that Ma Xun has been kidnapped?

Who dares to be so bold!
But then something funny happened. Xiaoran and Yaya looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

Because they both saw it.

There were two people in the car.

Xu Qing and Yu Feihong.

Why did they all come together?
This is really hard to understand, but in the eyes of both beauties, it's probably because they need some nourishment.

So, the two of them laughed quite a bit.

But in reality, Yu Feihong and Xu Qing had something important to tell Ma Xun.

Before long, the car drove to a secluded place.

Ma Xun, oblivious to the danger, asked with a laugh, "Are you planning to kill me and bury me here?"

One sentence was enough to make Xu Qing and Yu Feihong lose their composure.

"You idiot! What's the deal with that 'Terror Live' thing?"

"Do you even know how big a mess this film has made?!"

Ma Xun had actually anticipated that the two of them would turn out this way.

He understood the moment he got on the bus.

Otherwise, why would the two of them come looking for a beating?

Because it was them who came to find him, Ma Xun wasn't afraid at all.

"What huge mess? I just invested in a movie."

Light cloud and wind.

Yu Feihong and Xu Qing were furious!

"Isn't your film supposed to expose that incident?"

"Did you know? That person is already under investigation!"

Upon hearing this, Ma Xun laughed even harder, "Isn't 'The Terror Live' about things in Malaysia? Who does it have to do with? I don't know anything about it."

Good guy, really good guy.

Xu Qing and Yu Feihong exchanged a glance.

"You don't tell us the truth either."

"The film is fine, but we still put in a lot of effort."

We've already come to this point.

What else is there for Ma Xun to say?
The fragrance wafts here and there.

"I knew you guys would help me."

These words were truly... even Xu Qing and Yu Feihong couldn't hold back anymore.

There's just no way to deal with this scoundrel.

(End of this chapter)