Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 458 The Strategy of Huo Yuanjia! Is Xiao Mi going to be Ma Xun's person?
Ma Xun certainly wouldn't take a small art exam too seriously.

However, Wen Yongshan is already a signed artist under the company, so of course they need to ensure that she can attend a good school.

Of course, Ma Xun didn't actually do much. For example, he has already passed the art exam, but Ma Xun hasn't done anything, not even asking around.

Well, it's pretty clear that Wen Yongshan did well on the exam.

Although it's just a preliminary test, that's how art exams are. At least whether or not you'll be noticed by the teachers is obvious to anyone who isn't stupid.

Therefore, Wen Yongshan should be guaranteed a spot.

Ma Xun then stopped caring too much about the art exam and just let it be.

Ma Xun returned to his normal work.

"Boss, Director Wang has sent over some documents."

"Okay, transfer it to me."

Xu Qing went on vacation, but as for what kind of vacation... Ma Xun knew perfectly well.

Now, he is short of a secretary, so Wang Changtian has to fill in temporarily.

Fortunately, any business handled by a big boss like Ma Xun is bound to be significant, so the volume of this business isn't particularly large.

And this Director Wang is, of course, Wang Xiaoshuai, and his documents...

Ma Xun hung up the phone and started operating the computer, and the moment he grabbed the mouse...

Wen Yongshan's smiling face appeared in his mind.

This……

To be honest, Ma Xun was fully aware of Wen Yongshan's thoughts.

How could a young girl possibly outmaneuver a seasoned driver like him?

Let me reiterate: it's true that Ma Xun plays around with women, but he's not a pervert.

He doesn't appreciate youthful beauty.

However, it seems like it's been more than a year since we first met, and Wen Yongshan has indeed grown up.

She has definitely matured a lot since she was that little wild model.

Girls her age have this characteristic; as the saying goes, a girl changes a lot as she grows up.

However, Ma Xun then laughed.

Even if it grows, it'll still be about the same size as a mouse?

Garlic bird garlic bird.

Ma Xun stopped thinking about it and started reading the document.

"...The film 'Shanghai Dreams' has been completed and is currently only awaiting approval, but I think there shouldn't be any major issues with the approval process."

Recently, I met with some well-known filmmakers from Europe…

What kind of nonsense is this? It sounds so literary.

However, this is indeed Wang Xiaoshuai's style, after all, this is also considered an article.

This is for Ma Xun, the big boss, to see.

Fortunately, Ma Xun saw it very clearly.

Wang Xiaoshuai said that after filming "Qinghong" was finished, the next step was the bureau's review, but he had a "fortuitous encounter" and might be able to go to Cannes.

The so-called well-known filmmakers from Europe are probably just film selectors.

This guy definitely wants to make a name for himself at Cannes!

Ma Xun naturally knew more about this matter than Wang Xiaoshuai.

You won a big prize; this film definitely has substance.

This is indeed the correct answer.

However, there are regrets.

The regret lies here with Yuanyuan.

Later, there was a term that Bingbing popularized, and it became quite famous.

Carpet star.

It's just about going to international film festivals to walk the red carpet.

This matter itself actually reflects the level of economic development in our country.

In the past, nobody would ever walk the red carpet at an A-list international film festival like Cannes!

The key issue is that we can't afford to pay that money.

But later, everyone realized that walking the red carpet at an A-list international film festival like Cannes was so cheap!

Let's go! Let's take a ride!
Okay, just kidding.

But you must understand one thing: the so-called three major European film festivals are all capitalist film festivals, where everything has a price and a price tag.

Red carpets have their price, and they are indeed a bit more expensive.

But if you don't have much money, you can actually mooch off them.

For example, in Cannes, there's a place called Cinema Corner where you can show your film for 80 euros.

This is official; it's not even a magazine or event program.

In other words, for just 80 euros, your film can display the Cannes logo.

Of course, those of us in the know understand that this is meaningless; Cannes is mainly about the main competition and the major awards.

Returning to the issue of "carpet stars," many female celebrities, including Bingbing, have tried to ride on this trend.

But the source of this whole thing is Yuanyuan!
Of course, Yuanyuan is definitely not a "carpet star".

It's just that she was nominated for Best Actress at Cannes because of the movie "Shanghai Dreams," and there are even rumors that she has a pretty good chance.

So, during the Cannes Film Festival, Yuanyuan wore a different outfit every day, and each one was quite eye-catching.

Especially the Chinese-style off-shoulder evening gown.

It looks like there's a white crane embroidered on it.

The photos and videos from the Cannes Film Festival went viral on Chinese social media.

The result is that although Yuanyuan did not win the Cannes Best Actress award, this trip to Cannes definitely elevated her status, and by a significant margin.

As a result, those who followed suit.

Yuanyuan is not a red carpet star, and she didn't attend Cannes to crash the red carpet.

It did have such an impact, leading to a significant increase in "carpet stars" (celebrities who wear red carpets for celebrities).

That's really quite interesting.

Then I thought about how she had only acted in some mediocre TV dramas before, such as that version of "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre".

Although that version of "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre" received many positive reviews, it actually didn't cost much money. Moreover, the show wasn't really made to promote Zhao Min and Zhou Zhiruo, nor was it made to promote Alec Su's Zhang Wuji.

Actually, this version of "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" was made for those three old men: Guoli, Tielin, and Heshen... oh, the third one...

Anyway, it's just the three of them, and this movie was also put together by the three of them.

This isn't just idle talk; look at the movie poster.

These three old men, positioned in the center, firmly suppressed Zhang Wuji, Zhao Min, and Zhou Zhiruo below them.

We ordinary viewers might find it bizarre, but this is actually the normal state of affairs in the industry, because the three of them are the producers, investors, and the biggest stars in the film.

That's why Tie Lin kissed Xiao Tao Hong on set and filmed many takes.

Of course he acted so recklessly; he knew very well that in this play, Xiao Taohong had to obediently let him bully her like this.

That's all the gossip I have about this show.

Back to Yuanyuan, when she played Zhou Zhiruo, she had a falling out with reporters, and she was quite assertive at the press conference.

Therefore, in the original timeline, before "Shanghai Dreams", Yuanyuan's status was really not that great.

He has indeed acted in quite a few bad productions.

But after "Shanghai Dreams", she can finally pick and choose her scripts.

Of course, Yuanyuan's ability to pick out notebooks is also quite average.

It’s different now!

Yuanyuan is with me, Ma Xun, and is already mine.

So, wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to win a Cannes Best Actress award for fun?

This wasn't just something Ma Xun was thinking randomly.

That speechless person really did say that Yuanyuan was just one vote away from winning.

In other words, this is a pretty good opportunity!

It shouldn't cost too much. As long as what Wuyusen said is true, then it's just one vote.

As long as you secure one vote... even if things don't go that far, it won't cost much.

Furthermore, if Yuanyuan becomes the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress, not to mention the time he has sex with her later, he will have also become the Best Actress.

Wouldn't that double the happiness?
Ahem... Let's not talk about that. Even if we take a step back and consider the worst-case scenario, the economic benefits are still enormous!
It's certain that Yuanyuan will be promoted to a higher level; fame brings benefits.

And naturally, they will gain more benefits!
And so, this matter was settled:
A fantastic investment project with low cost and high returns!

Ma Xun made a decision immediately after thinking about this.

Do it!
This year's Cannes Best Actress award has to go to Yuanyuan, I'm telling you!

So, the next question is very practical.

How exactly do we do it?
Ma Xun's connections in Europe aren't very strong right now; they might even be weaker than Wang Xiaoshuai's.

Are they just going to throw money at the problem?

This should be left until last; let's think of other solutions first.

Soon, Ma Xun thought of Wuyusen.

To be honest, Ma Xun really dislikes Wu Yusen, even though this guy is currently the highest-grossing Chinese film director.

That old dog is no good.

However, Wuyusen is one of the judges at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

If you want to stir up trouble, going through him is the way to go.

But then another problem arose: Ma Xun really didn't have much interaction with this speechless person.

We're not familiar with each other.

How to do?
Just as Ma Xun was thinking this, he was lucky; his wish came true.

Suddenly his cell phone rang.

Big bosses like him usually have multiple cell phones, but this time it was the one that rang that belonged to an important business partner.

I took a look.

It was Jiang Zhiqiang.

"Brother Jiang, what brings you here this time?"

"Brother Ma, I'd like to talk to you about a film."

"Oh, what kind of play is it?"

How about "Fearless"?

"Oh? You want to film this great hero?"

"Of course, and our investment in this film also includes..."

"Given Brother Jiang's skill level, he should have already arranged everything."

"Haha... After all, we need to cooperate with the mainland. If Brother Ma can help us, that would be great."

"Have the personnel arrangements been finalized?"

"Jet Lee? How about it?"

"No problem! But what about him..."

"I was the one who first discussed this role with Sister Baozhu."

"Oh, I see."

Jet Li is Li Lianjie, and Sister Baozhu is actually one of Li Lianjie's benefactors.

Cui Baozhu was quite accomplished in the Hong Kong film industry, but she had been working behind the scenes for a long time. What truly made her famous and significantly elevated her status was Li Lianjie.

The "Once Upon a Time in China" series, and later he even co-founded Zhengdong with Jet Li.

These were all done by Cui Baozhu.

Therefore, Jiang Zhiqiang mentioned Sister Baozhu.

Ma Xun then understood that it was actually Li Lianjie and Jiang Zhiqiang who wanted to film this movie.

Because Jet Li and Sister Baozhu are clearly in cahoots.

So, they also wanted to leverage the power of the mainland... Ma Xun then realized that in the original timeline, China Film Group was fully involved in the production of this film. In other words, the original timeline's film "Fearless" was actually a collaboration between three forces.

China Film Group, Jiang Zhiqiang, and Li Lianjie.

But now, Jiang Zhiqiang has actually called me...

"Brother Jiang, why don't you go directly to talk to Master Han?"

Ma Xun's line was quite powerful.

It may sound like a lighthearted remark, but Jiang Zhiqiang took it to heart.

Jiang Zhiqiang on the other end of the phone chuckled first, then said, "Brother, who doesn't know your status in the mainland entertainment industry these days? Even Master Han would have to think twice before saying what you're saying."

Everyone loves to hear that, and Ma Xun was no exception.

However, he still had to say a few words of modesty, "I dare not accept such praise, Brother Jiang."

Jiang Zhiqiang naturally joked with him.

In fact, Jiang Zhiqiang was speaking from the heart. Putting aside the past, the recent events have made Jiang Zhiqiang both wary of and want to cooperate with Ma Xun.

It's related to that gossip, the one about Jay Chou appearing on the Spring Festival Gala.

Ma Xun essentially agreed to this Lunar New Year film battle, and even showed off his skills afterwards.

Jay Chou's move was something only those in high positions within the industry could truly understand.

Jiang Zhiqiang is undoubtedly a prominent figure in the Chinese film and television industry today, so he naturally understands this clearly.

That's why this phone call happened.

At this moment, Ma Xun also realized that Jiang Zhiqiang was... a real liar!

"Brother Jiang, I'm definitely investing in this project!"

Ma Xun's Wang Duoyu-like demeanor impressed Jiang Zhiqiang.

"Good! You certainly have guts, brother!"

But Ma Xun then asked, "The lead actor has been decided, but what about the others? What about the director?"

Jiang Zhiqiang replied, "We have shortlisted a few candidates for director, but nothing has been finalized yet. If you have any recommendations, that would be great."

Ma Xun was waiting for him to say this. "Okay, then, what do you think of director Wu Yusen for this kind of work?"

"Oh, he's too famous, we're afraid we can't get him to come."

"I'll do this."

After Ma Xun said this, what could Jiang Zhiqiang say?
"Brother! Good job, Serai!"

That concludes our discussion of "Huo Yuanjia." Ma Xun hung up the phone, his face beaming with smiles.

Wasn't the original "Huo Yuanjia" filmed by Ronny Yu, the Ghost King?
Would Ma Xun really give this pie to Wu Yusen?
Of course it’s impossible!

The directorship of "Fearless" was just bait Ma Xun used to lure Wu Yusen.

Ma Xun knew very well that Wu Yusen had actually been rejected by Hollywood.

As for the rest...

"Chang Tian, ​​help me make some arrangements, that is, to release a press release saying that we intend to hire Wu Yusen to act in a movie."

"Huh? This..."

"Is there a problem?"

"No, no, but he seemed really aloof."

"It's okay, just send it."

"Understood!" Wang Changtian agreed on the phone, but he immediately added, "Boss, shouldn't we hire a secretary instead?"

"Oh? You go and take care of it."

"But, it still has to be you, boss..."

"Ok."

Ma Xun interrupted Wang Changdian because he understood what Wang Changdian meant.

Let me, Ma Xunlai, make the final decision; it's all about looks, isn't it?

Pooh!
I, Ma Xun, have never been interested in women!
Publicly inviting Wuyusen is just the first step.

Ma Xun then called Han Sanping.

……

Beijing Film Academy, on campus.

"That's awesome! Haha..."

"Yes! I'm here!"

Now, exam results are posted directly at the school, so seeing the results has a special sense of ritual.

With a very anxious heart, Xiao Mi went to find her name on her exam admission ticket.

at last!

She only breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her own name.

I passed the first test!

That's really not easy.

But what about the second round of interviews?

What about the third round?
The key question is, what about the rankings?
What if I pass all three tests, but in the end I only get a vocational college degree?
My relaxed mood has turned tense again.

Xiao Mi swore that she had never done anything like this in her life.

But this is the college entrance exam, it would be strange if you weren't nervous.

But just as she was about to go back, she turned around and saw Wen Yongshan.

"You've passed." Xiao Mi had just seen Wen Yongshan's name.

“I know,” Wen Yongshan said confidently.

Xiao Mi was heartbroken.

But then, Wen Yongshan whispered in her ear, "Do you want to get more resources?"

These words were extremely tempting to the mistress.

The two girls, who were originally at odds, now seemed to have become allies.

……

Beijing Film Studio.

"Huo Yuanjia?"

"Yes, that's the project."

“I’ve heard about it before. Oh right, Sister Baozhu talked to me about it.”

"Oh, I see."

"how is everything?"

"Haha... It's alright, boss. Do you trust my judgment?"

"Of course I believe you!"

Ma Xun's visit this time was very straightforward and to the point.

"The movie 'Huo Yuanjia' still has a lot of potential!"

When Han Sanping heard him say that, her eyes lit up.

"Okay! With you saying that, I have more confidence! But..."

"As for investment, it's easy to talk about. I can confirm that Li Lianjie will take a pay cut."

"This……"

"That's what he meant by sending Baozhu."

"Oh!! I get it!"

Ma Xun was truly intelligent; he understood Han Sanping's concerns about the film "Huo Yuanjia" from Han Sanping's very first sentence.

Baozhu came to talk to us, but why didn't we reach an agreement immediately?

Also, why did Jiang Zhiqiang come to find Ma Xun?
Ma Xun had asked directly before, "Why didn't you go to find Han Sanping?"

Although Jiang Zhiqiang gave that reason, Ma Xun actually knew the truth in his heart.

It's very likely that Han Sanping was extremely hesitant!
The reason is very simple: it's all because of Jet Li's salary.

This guy wants a hundred million!

He is currently the highest-paid Chinese actor in Hollywood, with a net worth of $1500 million.

That's over 100 million RMB!

The problem is, if we give more than 100 million RMB to this actor, what about the rest?
Yeah, there's no way to film it!

This project cannot be started.

Back when "Hero" was made, Zhang Yimou brainwashed Jet Li, making him voluntarily take a pay cut.

If the price drops further now... well, they've changed the person in charge; it's not Zhang Yimou anymore.

When Ma Xun arrived, he directly pointed out the key point.

If Cui Baozhu comes to talk, then anything can be discussed.

The key is that it can be changed to a split!
"As long as Jet Li is willing to take a share, China Film Group has no problem with that!"

Han Sanping made a direct guarantee.

Ma Xun immediately nodded in agreement, "It's good to hear that from the leader!"

Alright, the two of them have reached an agreement.

Don't rush to discuss the details later.

Ma Xun then threw out a particularly strange request.

"Boss, even if Jet Li agrees to take a cut, the production costs for this film will still be very high, so other aspects will have to be cut. Therefore, regarding the director..."

"Xiao Ma, as long as you recommend someone, I'll definitely support you!"

Han Sanping was indeed insightful.

Ma Xun smiled and said a name, "Yu Rentai".

"Ah, him? Okay! No problem!"

Han Sanping was very surprised, but if Wang Changdian and Jiang Zhiqiang heard it, they would be even more surprised!

Shouldn't we be speechless?

Ma Xun then added, "Boss, I did this all for our film!"

Yes, Yu Rentai is much cheaper.

It's incredibly expensive.

Han Sanping had no doubts and readily agreed.

And in this way... the bait becomes even more effective!

……

Ma Xun never intended to give this piece of cake to that old bastard, Wuyusen.

But not giving it is the bait that will lure this old fox to take the bait.

However, there must be some skill involved.

Now that Ma Xun has completed his plan, all that's left is to wait for this old fox to take the bait.

Of course, the ultimate goal was to get this old man to support his own Yuanyuan in winning the Best Actress award.

There's no rush for this right now.

After leaving the Beijing Film Academy, Ma Xun went straight to his car.

But before he could even open the car door, a young girl suddenly appeared.

"you……"

"Mr. Ma, I want to be one of your people!"

This girl is Yang Mi.

When she said this, her face was flushed, whether from the cold or from her heart beating too fast, it was hard to tell.

When Ma Xun saw her appearance, he couldn't help but laugh.

"You little brat, do you even know how to become one of my people?"

This was meant as a joke, a way to discourage people from making a decision.

But Xiao Mi puffed out her chest and said, "I know!"

(End of this chapter)