Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 514 They're gambling on humanity! Da Bai says it's a sure thing, Xiao Mi is watching the drama.

"This is actually not just a trivial matter of whether a play is popular or not."

"Then what are they arguing about?"

"Have you ever thought about why Feng Xiaogang or the Wang brothers were so pessimistic about the TV series 'Soldiers Sortie' in the first place?"

"I heard it's because there aren't any female characters? Or maybe the plot is too boring?"

Ma Xun shook his head at Xiao Ran's answer, but of course, our boss Ma didn't mean to blame her.

This warmed Li Dabai's heart.

"They didn't really understand it to begin with."

Xiaoran's tea ceremony skills have been getting better and better lately.

Ma Xun was naturally very pleased, but he should first explain the so-called 'bet'.

Chen Guofu didn't seem to have any particular reason for agreeing to the bet.

Moreover, he must have discussed it with Feng Xiaogang before coming, otherwise he wouldn't have been so decisive.

Xiaoran was filled with "why" questions, and well, it even affected her large... well, you know.

Ma Xun, please tell me about it.

"This is not even a clash of ideologies."

It's human nature!
Chen Guofu and Feng Xiaogang both viewed the film and "Assembly" from a humanistic perspective.

From a human nature perspective, it's easy to conclude that people are afraid of death.

Moreover, there is another issue of change.

That is, even though many of our ancestors were not afraid of death, after all these years, especially now, people's lives have become better and better. So, will people still be the same as before?
It's definitely different now; there have definitely been changes!
So what about the soldiers of our time?
Indeed, in the eyes of Feng Xiaogang and Chen Guofu, soldiers of our time are definitely afraid of death.

They recognized this and reflected it in the script of "Assembly".

As for Lan Xiaolong and me, we are absolutely certain that they are wrong!
But what do the general public think?
What do ordinary people in our time think of our soldiers?
Feng Xiaogang and Chen Guofu, that's what they're actually betting on!

Only when things got to this point did Xiaoran realize how important this matter was.

What may seem like a mere squabble over personal feelings actually contains so many profound implications.

So……

"Does this mean that if viewers still like 'Soldiers Sortie,' it means they still identify with the spirit of the past—the spirit of not being afraid to die or sacrifice?"

Xiaoran stopped drinking tea at this point; her thoughts had even started to wander.

Ma Xun was very happy and said with a smile: "To be precise, the TV series 'Soldiers Sortie' is different from the previous ones and has changed, but many of its core elements have not changed."

You'll understand when you see the beginning of the play, you'll understand it even more when you see the middle part, and you'll have an epiphany when you see the end.

Okay, to sum it up, this drama is about the performance of our soldiers in the new era and in peacetime.

It's different from the war years, and different from the difficult times of the past, but the core remains the same!

"So that's it."

In fact, Ma Xun didn't explain it very clearly; he hoped Xiao Ran would have the opportunity to see it for herself.

However, Xiaoran understood everything at this moment.

So what was the result of this bet?
"Will we win?" It's normal for Xiaoran to ask this.

Ma Xun laughed and gave a very interesting answer.

"Actually, we are different from the people on that island. In essence, we can no longer be considered the same kind of creature as many people on that island. They have been living in lies and deception, and have long forgotten their roots. They don't know who they are or where their future is headed."

We have always known who we are.

We are Chinese sons and daughters, descendants of Yan and Huang. Everything that our predecessors and martyrs have done has been inherited and continued by us.

Although, at times, we have also experienced confusion, such as financial difficulties, difficulty in finding a job, and the pressure of life.

But when faced with major issues of right and wrong, we will definitely be able to make the right judgment.

It's something ingrained in your bones.

Therefore, I believe it.

Xiaoran was actually moved by Xiaoran's simple statement, "I believe you."

"I never expected you to be like this, Brother Ma."

"Huh? What's wrong with me now?"

"No, I just thought that you were usually either playing around with women or waging business wars, but I didn't expect you to be so steady when it comes to matters of principle."

Was Xiaoran's comment a compliment?
Ma Xun didn't care about these things. He simply said, "Don't underestimate what I'm saying. For us, these might be issues we don't need to consider. For example, we are Chinese, and we don't need to think too much about our identity."

However, most countries on this planet will continue to struggle with this kind of problem, and even waste a lot of resources.

For example, here.

Here? In America?
"Oh, you mean the issue of immigrant countries?" Xiaoran suddenly realized again.

Ma Xun nodded, "That's right. In fact, many of the problems in the United States are rooted in the fact that it is a country of immigrants, so it is really not easy to find a sense of identity."

So, when you're studying in this country, you practically have to swear an oath to the Stars and Stripes every day.

Almost every household has a Stars and Stripes flag, which is displayed whenever there is a major or minor event.

Simply put, this sense of identity consumes a huge amount of the country's resources, and it's also prone to causing problems, sometimes major ones.

That's a bit more advanced.

Seeing Xiao Ran's slightly bewildered look, Ma Xun simply pulled her back.

"Back to this bet, I estimate that Feng Xiaogang and Chen Guofu will value the benefits more."

They'll act out of self-interest, so I'm sure I'll win.

What exactly is the reason for this?

Xiao Ran had no time to ask that question; she simply gave him a kiss.

"Brother Ma~ before I go back..."

"You want a child."

"Oh dear, that's not what they said!"

He didn't say it, but he'd already lifted his leg.

……

Beijing.

Chen Guofu flew back as quickly as possible and went straight to see Feng Xiaogang.

Naturally, he also used the shortest amount of time to explain the bet with Ma Xun.

"what do you mean……"

"If mainland audiences still like TV series like 'Soldiers Sortie,' then our 'Assembly' has no choice but to be modified."

Upon hearing Chen Guofu's statement, Feng Xiaogang quickly thought of it and nodded in agreement.

That's right, that's indeed the case.

The film "Assembly" is adapted from the short story "The Lawsuit".

This novel is not very long; many things were added later.

Conversely, anyone can change it however they want.

Now, Feng Xiaogang understands what Chen Guofu means.

The TV series "Soldiers Sortie" was previously in the hands of the Wang brothers, and Feng Xiaogang had certainly heard about it. He didn't think much of the show.

It can't be said that they were relegated to the sidelines; it was just that the Wang brothers casually threw in a little money. After all, this was a production of the August First Film Studio, and no matter what, they had to maintain a good relationship with the August First Film Studio before they could make "Assembly".

These two dramas did indeed have such a thin relationship before.

Feng Xiaogang was naturally very aware of the problems with "Soldiers Sortie".

This play is so outdated!
What era are we living in? There isn't even a female lead.
I thought they were filming old movies like "Tunnel Warfare" or "Mine Warfare"? But there were female characters in those movies too, although there were definitely no romantic scenes.

Nowadays, military dramas, I don't know when it started, always seem to include some romantic storylines.

Some were quite successful, while others were just so-so, but audiences have probably accepted this model.

What we're saying is, in "Bright Sword," they also arranged two romances for our Lao Li, didn't they?

Your "Soldiers' Assault" is terrible, it has nothing!

Moreover, in this drama... Feng Xiaogang actually served in the army, and he could tell at a glance that although "Soldiers Sortie" has many new elements, its core is still the same old stuff.

Feng Xiaogang hates those things, which is why he retired from the army and started doing what he does now.

This era... what time of year is this?!

It's the 21st century already!
Who could still be attracted to such old things?

Who still believes that?

Think of it...

"Good bet! Let's see what the audience actually likes!"

Chen Guofu knew immediately that Feng Xiaogang had come to his senses. He was originally confident that his teacher Feng would be able to change his mind.

"That guy Ma Xun is definitely going to lose!"

"Hmph! I'll make him realize the truth then!"

"Times have changed."

"That's right! It's changed!"

The two of them exchanged a smile, looking completely confident and certain of victory.

In short, they both felt that they were sure to win!
……

Another corner of Beijing.

My mistress is finally back from the grasslands.

She was exhausted from filming "Wang Zhaojun" and followed the crew around the whole time, even going on a trip to the Inner Mongolian grasslands.

I ate a lot of dairy products, beef, and mutton there.

When I get back... huh?

How did I get so old?

Xiao Mi blushes every time she lowers her head.

Indeed, dairy products and a sufficient amount of meat can promote the development of that part of the body.

Especially at her age.

After filming this time, he still had to come back to report to his godmother.

"Don't worry about the drama 'Wang Zhaojun', I guarantee there won't be any problems."

"But……"

"Tangren Media has sent an invitation, so you're basically getting roles in two projects in a row."

"hey-hey……"

"In principle, we certainly won't stop you from taking on roles, but regarding this Tangren production, we still feel..."

"Godmother~ just let me try."

The mistress's persuasive skills are quite impressive.

The two old women, Shuang Li and Li, finally agreed.

Actually, this was the play we agreed on with the uncle beforehand, but I didn't expect the two godmothers to act like this.

Xiao Mi has now made up her mind that she will leave immediately once the contract expires, no matter what.

Older men are still the best.

I couldn't help but think back to those embarrassing moments in Palm Springs.

"what happened to you?"

"No, it's nothing."

"You've got to remember this, girl. No matter what, you're not allowed to date right now."

"understand!"

"In addition, regarding schooling..."

"I'll move into the dorm right away!"

"Okay, so be it."

The two Lis are still in the dark; it should be said that neither of them pays much special attention to Xiao Mi.

These two guys had no idea about any subtle changes in Xiao Mi.

but……

"By the way, don't think it's easy to get roles these days. I heard there's going to be a TV series with no female lead, or even any actresses, going to air soon."

"Huh? There's such a scene?"

Yes, if there aren't even any actresses, then this show... I understand what the two godmothers mean.

It's to make her cherish the opportunity to act, because maybe in the future, TV dramas won't need actresses anymore.

Okay, that's an overinterpretation.

However, the two Lis are indeed urging their mistress on.

Well... of course, neither of the Lis knew that Ma Xun had also urged his mistress to change her ways.

However, these two forms of encouragement are quite different.

Never mind, I won't go into details.

The little girl is now curious about this show, "Godmother, what is this show...?"

"What's with the name 'Soldiers' Assault'? That's something Ma Xun came up with, humph!"

Clearly, neither of the Lis looked down on it.

But Xiao Mi felt she had to watch this show.

And just like that, a drama-obsessed girl appeared.

……

a few days later.

"Soldiers Sortie" was broadcast on Hunan TV.

There was no special ceremony this time, none of the previous ones.

Many viewers may not believe it, but this show actually attracted the attention of many big names in the industry.

But since there's no promotional campaign, it's probably going to fail, right?
Regardless, Xiao Mi still waited in front of the TV, hinting at her intentions.

then……

"Huh? This... Sha Gen'er, he's playing Sha Gen'er again?"

Xiao Mi's surprise is perfectly normal.

But what happened next was quite different.

However, she actually found it quite interesting.

Little did they know that just a few days later, this show would spark a nationwide craze for watching it!

(End of this chapter)