Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 460 Ma Xun's Attempt to Scam 600 Million? The Truth Behind the Terrible Movie "Red Cliff"! (Part 2)

It's probably been too long since we've had that.

Jiang Zuping initially bit her lip, but then couldn't help but undo her hair that was tied up.

Her flowing hair was tossed around in the air.

It was perfect to match her rhythm.

Ma Xun didn't have any particular feelings, but looking at Jiang Zuping's face, she really... seemed to be getting younger and younger.

Well, she's very young, her skin is so smooth and delicate.

So...

"Boss, what's the next task..." Jiang Zuping wiped her pretty face with a tissue, looking both shy and sexy.

But they didn't forget their mission.

Ma Xun interrupted her, saying, "Don't you want to ask me what reward I'll give you?"

"Well... actually, I'm happy just to be able to serve the boss."

Jiang Zuping is telling the truth. Her current success in the industry and her constant stream of film offers are all thanks to her boss, Mr. Ma.

Of course, what's interesting is that she was an undercover agent for Lin Jianyue, infiltrating Ma Xun's group, and in reality... she was still one of Boss Ma's people, since Boss Ma was so handsome.

Moreover, they are quite generous and have a lot of resources.

Jiang Zuping will play Dingxiang in "The Lotus Lantern" this time.

Although she's not the female lead, Jiang Zuping is naturally very happy that the show is so popular now.

But for this next task… the boss actually asked what reward he wanted first? Could it be…?

Jiang Zuping's answer is actually a standard workplace response.

Ma Xun is a big boss now, and he has heard far too many similar answers.

"You've already physically laid your heart bare in front of me, so why are you still hiding anything?"

Jiang Zuping was buttoning her clothes when she heard Ma Xun's words, and she became even more shy.

"Boss, why are you saying that about people?"

Jiang Zuping simply stuck to him; although they were a pair of little bears, they were undeniably cute.

Ma Xun laughed and said, "If I told you that if this succeeds, you might get to star in a blockbuster movie..."

Before Ma Xun could finish speaking, Jiang Zuping exclaimed in surprise.

"What? It flew away again?"

Ma Xun's teasing remark made Jiang Zuping so embarrassed that she covered her face with her hands.

It was around that time that she liked to say she wanted to fly, she wanted to fly...

"I...I'm just so surprised. This blockbuster movie, really...I can...?"

Jiang Zuping's response was quite interesting; it was practically saying: "This time I'll definitely succeed, and then I'll get a reward from my boss."

Upon hearing this, Ma Xun couldn't help but laugh and said, "What are you thinking! Since it's a blockbuster, it's bound to be very difficult."

That's right, it's definitely not easy.

But Jiang Zuping was very good at talking. She buried her head in Ma Xun's arms and said gently, "But I've always known that the boss's methods are the most powerful, and he will definitely win."

Listen!

Girls from mainland China, you should take note.

Taiwanese girls have their own unique charm!

Ma Xun was in a very good mood, so he simply said, "Then the mission is clear: Red Cliff!"

“This…but…I…” Jiang Zuping stammered immediately, but it was not her fault.

Ma Xun gently pinched her nose and said, "To be precise, it's not that difficult. You just need to pay attention to some changes in their schedules, such as when they meet with the Japanese. Just give me the time and place, that's all."

"Japanese?" Jiang Zuping was completely stunned. Why was that?
Ma Xun didn't give a detailed explanation, and if he did, there would definitely be many loopholes. So, he simply said, "I heard before that this film has Japanese funding."

And don't you know? The Japanese are extremely fascinated by the history of the Three Kingdoms. Of course, their interests differ from ours, but back then, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" really sold for a good price.

"Oh, I just remembered, the Japanese have made quite a few games based on the Three Kingdoms period."

"That's right, but in terms of film and television, they can only make animations. If it's live-action, that won't work."

"why?"

Jiang Zuping was really curious.

Ma Xun laughed and said, "Those Japanese, with their tiny stature, what kind of Three Kingdoms characters could they possibly portray? They might want to make a film, but where would they find suitable actors?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zuping burst into laughter.

Of course I understand, and she even said, "Boss, you'd be perfect for playing a character from the Three Kingdoms."

"Oh? Who can I play?"

"Hmm, the kind-hearted Liu Bei?"

"That doesn't seem like it."

"Well... I see, the boss is playing Cao Mengde."

She's eloquent, truly eloquent.

Seeing Jiang Zuping's performance, Ma Xun simply pressed her down on the desk again and gave her a proper reward.

……

The tension in the office dissipated.

Jiang Zuping left with a very satisfied expression, having completed her mission.

Ma Xun decided to work overtime today. There wasn't any particular reason; he had been searching for information online ever since Jiang Zuping left.

Going home would disrupt my work rhythm, and my train of thought might get broken.

What is Ma Xun looking for?
It's actually news from Amazon.

As far as Ma Xun knows, the "Red Cliff" project was at least a collaboration between Mei Ah Entertainment and China Film Group in the original timeline.

But in reality, there are several other companies on this side, such as Bona Film Group, Media Asia, Lion Rock, and so on.

This drama involves many people, including Lung Wu, Lin Chien-yueh, and Chiang Chih-chiang.

It can be said that this is a film produced through a major collaboration between Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Although it's been said on the surface that China Film Group is the main player, that's probably not actually the case.

It's quite obvious, since most of the users are controlled by people in Hong Kong.

It's important to know that the film "Red Cliff" had a very large budget, despite the various opinions circulating online.

However, there is one figure that is relatively accurate.

$8000!
If you calculate it that way, the minimum guaranteed amount is 6 million RMB.

China Film Group couldn't possibly come up with that much money... It's the same logic as CCTV, which is that there are policies controlling it.

Furthermore, given the behavioral logic of leaders within the system, it's impossible for Han Sanping to spend that much money.

We're all in the film and television industry, how could we not know about the risks involved?
Such a large investment could be completely wiped out if anything goes wrong.

It will affect his career.

According to China Film Group's logic, the best thing would be for them to take on the funding and then cooperate in making the movie.

It's the same logic we've discussed before: as long as there's investment, we make money.

6 million! It would be so much better to just cash in on this investment.

Why insist on using China Film Group's money to invest?
Therefore, Ma Xun is certain that most of this funding came from US Asia, and this funding is inevitably overseas.

In general terms.

Ma Xun was almost certain that some of the 6 million yuan was obtained through illegitimate means.

It's just washing rice.

I won't explain any further.

But it's impossible for all of them to be the source of overseas funds...

Ma Xun is almost certain that most of them come from Japan.

In the original timeline, anyone who had seen the movie "Red Cliff" and also had some knowledge of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" would be able to participate.

Almost everyone will say, "Trash!"

This is a terrible movie, so terrible that it's frustrating.

Is there nothing remarkable about it?
Have!
With such a large investment, "Red Cliff" is actually the top-level film in terms of costumes, props and sets in China today!

The costumes, weapons, and historical details are all very well done.

But that makes the movie even worse!
The reason this movie is so bad is... the dialogue!
Absolutely, the dialogue is number one.

The plot can only be ranked second.

Those who have seen this movie will definitely have a strange feeling: what's going on with the characters in this movie?
Cao Mengde was a great literary figure, famous in history, who left behind countless poems.

But in this "Red Cliff", wow, it's really good!
The lines he uttered sounded like those of a petty thug, and he'd also throw in a couple of lame jokes all the time.

He seems so humorous, but his subordinates can't understand him at all.

As for the other characters' lines, they were all incredibly awkward. They didn't sound like historical figures at all; their speech lacked any sense of decorum.

Anyone who has seen the original version will surely agree with this.

Even in the second installment, the characters' dialogue lacked logic and was riddled with loopholes.

To be honest, the original director was speechless, and the actors in it, including so-and-so, were all well-known.

Didn't they notice that?

Ma Xun wanted to say... "Is it possible that it was intentional?"

Is it possible that this chaotic way of speaking might actually make one thing convenient?

It's a Japanese dub!

That's right, this movie was sold to Japan from the very beginning, which is why Japanese actors were cast in it.

This can be considered evidence.

Also, it did achieve very high box office returns in Japan later on.

However, another detail has emerged.

This original version of the "Red Cliff" movie... isn't it too much to the tastes of Japanese audiences?

This isn't really a problem. I believe many people who are familiar with Japanese films will have a sense of déjà vu after watching "Red Cliff".

It's very simple. This film, "Red Cliff," directed by Wu Yusen, is flawed in its pacing, action scenes, and many other details.

It was basically filmed following the formula of Japanese movies!

For example, there are plot points that seem very inexplicable to us.

For example, Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu would play the zither or perform a musical piece when they had free time.

But if this were in a Japanese movie, it would make perfect sense.

Because Japanese historical films, Taiga dramas, and the like, emphasize this: before a major battle, the commander-in-chief has to do something that has nothing to do with fighting.

That's just showing off.

They call it "unmovable as a mountain"!

To make oneself appear so calm.

Also, the fight scenes of the military generals in the movie.

Gamers will definitely recognize this; doesn't it look like Dynasty Warriors?
Is it true that generals can defeat soldiers as easily as mowing grass?
The problem is... this is Chinese history!

Ma Xun's inner thoughts: That old man Deng, he took 6 million and then made this Japanese film disguised as Chinese history. He really deserves to be shot!

and!

The biggest problem isn't actually here.

That old man Deng is really harboring malicious intentions!

This sinister intention is something many people can't even see; this is a gamble!

It's too sensitive, so it's best not to say too much about it.

In short, Ma Xun had to get his hands on this "Red Cliff" film.

What I'm saying is, if all 8000 million US dollars ended up in my pocket, Ma Xun would be in no time.

What a beautiful thing this is.

Well, that's basically impossible.

If I could swindle half of that... In a year like 2005, swindling 3 million yuan would be fucking awesome!
At the same time, I can also take down that bastard Wuyusen and his team.

But this is difficult because the information Ma Xun found online shows that an American company is in contact with this old man, Wuyusen.

It seems that it will really take some effort to do this.

So, what should we do?
After thinking for a moment, Ma Xun simply started typing on the keyboard.

He opened Word, and then a line of text appeared on it:

Battle of Red Cliffs!

That's right, he's writing a script.

However, he certainly couldn't write a large book; he was writing an outline.

The outline is very simple, because some of the stories involved are simply mentioned using historical allusions, such as the story of borrowing arrows with straw boats and the story of the self-inflicted injury.

Hey, this way of writing is really convenient.

After that... I made a phone call.

"My dear couple, do you have time?"

On the other end of the phone were the Pumpkin couple, who were also somewhat apprehensive.

“Of course, I have time.” Ma Xun didn’t waste any time and said directly, “I have a movie script about the Three Kingdoms here, which I need you to improve.”

"Okay."

"Sent."

When the couple looked at it, they found out...

"Boss, in three months..."

Ma Xun said directly over the phone, "I want to see this notebook in a month."

"Boss, we can't do it."

"100."

This……

"Don't worry, boss! We'll definitely complete the task within a month!"

Indeed, money makes the world go round!

Even the toughest old pumpkin would be smashed to pieces with a million dollars.

Ma Xun smiled and hung up the phone.

His plan... to be honest, there isn't a complete grand plan yet, but he intends to start with a 'crash'!
……

In March, the capital city was already showing signs of spring warmth and blooming flowers.

On the campus of Beijing Film Academy.

"I passed! Oh my god!"

"Ahhh!! I made the list!"

"Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!!"

The third round of testing is over, and the results have been released.

It's truly a case of some rejoicing while others grieve.

Fortunately, most of those who make it to the third round will also be on the list.

Of course, there will also be candidates who are eliminated even after advancing to the third round.

And this result...

"Great! I actually passed the exam! What about you?"

"I passed the exam too."

"Oh!"

"congratulations!"

"congratulations!"

Xiao Mi and Wen Yongshan both saw their names.

They were both happy.

But in a corner they didn't notice, a girl was frowning.

I saw it; I definitely saw my exam number.

But with this ranking... he's out of luck for undergraduate studies!
It must be said that the Central Academy of Drama and Beijing Film Academy recruit a lot of vocational college students every year.

However, the success rate of vocational college students is much lower than that of undergraduate students!
Most importantly, vocational colleges are two-year programs, but you have to pay 2 yuan in tuition fees every year!

The undergraduate program is four years long, with an annual tuition fee of 1 yuan!

In other words, everyone is spending the same amount of money!
Two more years of study are needed.

I'm heartbroken.

At this moment, the examinee with a furrowed brow and a bitter heart is Re Yizha.

I only got into a vocational college, but that girl Xiao Mi... I'm so angry!

She sang off-key, so how could she still get into a university?
Pooh!
The thought that his mistress might have used connections made Re Yizha even angrier.

But as soon as the two people looked over... Re Yizha quickly left.

The girl was very conflicted; should she attend the vocational college or not?

Or, should I take the exam again next year?
This this……

Just as he was thinking this, Reyza suddenly bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry." That was all the person said before leaving immediately.

Reyizha wasn't injured or anything, so there's nothing wrong with what people say, but still, Reyizha noticed that this person was... Ma Xun?
In an instant, something popped into the mind of this conflicted candidate.

Could it be that he helped his mistress get into a four-year university?

Pooh!
Shameless!
unfair!
Why wasn't it me who got help?

……

Ma Xun didn't feel much; he had only bumped into someone.

No one really cared; after all, it was a trivial matter.

Moreover, the fact that they didn't say anything means that nothing happened at all.

Ma Xun came to China Film Group to find Han Sanping, and of course, he brought his latest 'project script' with him!
However, he came in a low-key manner this time, so he parked his car quite far away.

They probably knew that today was the day the Beijing Film Academy results were released.

Never mind, let's talk to Han Sanping first.

Not long after, Ma Xun met Han Sanping, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then handed over the notebook.

"The Battle of Red Cliffs?"

"Yes, this movie is definitely a big production! It's our top priority project going forward. So, of course we'd like to collaborate with you, the leaders."

"This...this is indeed a good thing."

"That's great! Let's get started right away..."

"Don't rush, don't rush."

Han Sanping waved his hands repeatedly. Ma Xun appeared surprised, but in reality, he was already laughing inside.

It worked!

"Xiao Ma, your notebook is really good, but this project..."

"Really? I want a big project, are you suggesting that China Film Group should stop me?"

Ma Xun's words carried a hint of emotion.

Han Sanping immediately understood and laughed, "Oh, it's not about that. It's... let me put it simply, a company is currently in talks with us about a Three Kingdoms movie, and it's also a project related to the Battle of Red Cliffs."

Ma Xun didn't even need to listen; he knew Han Sanping would say that. The key was that his "emotion" was spot on.

Look, Han Sanping felt a little guilty.

Ma Xun went straight for the kill, "Boss, no problem, let's have a competition. I dare say we're more efficient and will definitely get our shots out before the other side."

Han Sanping immediately waved his hands again, "Little Ma, that project... how about this? What if we could all cooperate?"

"Cooperation? Why?" Ma Xun feigned ignorance.

Han Sanping immediately said, "Because the other party may be willing to invest around 8000 million US dollars!"

"Holy shit..." Ma Xun's curse was perfectly timed.

No problem, the swearing was intentional and deserved, Han Sanping didn't mind at all, he even laughed.

"See, you also think this investment is amazing, right?"

Ma Xun wanted Han Sanping to react this way, and he immediately picked up the conversation.

"Boss, how about this? I'll make a certain investment."

These words...

"Oh dear, why are you so stubborn? Why are you even making any investments? We should be thinking about how to make the best use of these investments."

Hey!
Han Sanping himself didn't realize that he had already included Ma Xun in his group.

But actually, this move by China Film Group was intentional.

Ma Xun immediately understood and said, "Boss, you mean we provide the personnel, the venue, the scenery, and the props?"

"That's right!"

Han Sanping had an expression that said, "You finally understand me."

Ma Xun then smiled, "No problem! Red Cliff definitely involves naval battles, so there must be islands or something."

"Our Hengdian branch can provide a lot of resources. Also, you can go to Peach Blossom Island; I'm quite familiar with the local leaders there."

These words were actually meant to demonstrate Han Sanping's strength.

Simply put, China Film Group can take on this project and then outsource it to Ma Xun.

The meaning is all in the words; it's not on the surface.

Han Sanping laughed heartily, "Good! Very good!"

The subtext of this sentence is: You really do understand what I mean.

Ma Xun then said, "Oh, I remember Jia Nu is about to take the college entrance exam, right? Is she going to take it for acting or directing? It doesn't matter, I can provide internship opportunities here."

Uh-huh?

How did it suddenly jump to Han Sanping's daughter?

"Little Ma, you're being too impatient!"

"Boss, yes, I am indeed a little anxious."

ah? What's the meaning?
That is to say, we haven't reached that point yet.

If Ma Xun wants to get an outsourcing opportunity from Han Sanping, shouldn't he give this leader some benefits?

Han Jia Nu, that young lady, is about to take the college entrance exam, right? This...

There's no need to say more; Han Sanping understood, and was quite pleased.

Ma Xun is just doing a favor, after all, it's an $8000 million investment, right?

However, Ma Xun is quite a greedy person.

"Boss, I hired a famous screenwriter to write this script, and I spent over a million yuan on it."

"That's easy! We can discuss it with them later. They don't even have a draft yet; right now it's just an intention."

"That's great!"

Ma Xun had an expression that suggested he would use his notebook.

Han Sanping continued, "Don't worry, this notebook won't be useless."

The meaning is clear.

It's over a million dollars, and I won't let you spend it all. If the deal goes through, this money will be part of the $8000 million.

Ma Xun laughed heartily, "Boss, thank you very much. As for the other aspects..."

"You'd like to recommend someone?"

"With such a large investment, we must choose a good director. Boss, what do you think of Director Chen Hong?"

Hey! Ma Xun, that was a brilliant move!
If Sister Hong heard this, she might give Ma Xunsheng another child.

"This, this..."

"Or how about Jiang Wen?"

"Him? He's not bad."

"And the day has come."

The phrase "the day has come" served as a reminder to Han Sanping.

Yes, Jiang Wen should be released from ban.

It's been 5 years.

"We can consider it! We can consider all of them!"

Han Sanping laughed and accepted them all.

Ma Xun laughed heartily, "Please rest assured, leader."

"I can rest assured that you will do the work!"

Alright, these two guys have now formed an alliance. Next, they'll have to deal with Asia Pacific and the American companies.

……

After Ma Xun spoke with Han Sanping, he completed the first step of this grand deception.

Honestly, he wasn't sure if it would succeed.

But the door opened quite well.

He wrote a script for one million dollars and won the opportunity to swindle 8000 million dollars.

worth it.

Besides, as Han Sanping said, this million won't be spent.

So that's how it is... huh?

After Ma Xun returned from Han Sanping's place, he naturally went back to the company.

But when he returned to his office, he found a row of people standing there.

"Boss, you're back. These are our carefully selected candidates for the chairman's secretary. In the end, of course, it's up to you to make the final decision."

Wang Changtian said with a smile.

But Ma Xun discovered an interesting face among them.

A hot bowl?
Why did she apply for the job of my secretary?
(End of this chapter)