Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 552 Military Order! Can "Assembly" earn 4 million?
"Regarding the issue of Huayi Company... relevant personnel have already come forward to provide an explanation."

"We will do our best to cooperate with the relevant departments in the investigation, and we will also do our best to conduct our own investigation... Future projects will continue to operate normally."

"Next, our company will vigorously promote the 'Kung Fu King' project."

The outcome is in: Boss Wang has been taken away for further investigation, but many people have already deduced that he will definitely not escape this investigation.

Generally speaking, this will likely implicate some people, as well as Huayi Company.

However, judging from the various announcements so far, it doesn't seem like there's anything serious going on.

If Boss Wang has done something wrong, then Boss Wang should be the one to accept the punishment.

As for other things, especially many of Huayi Brothers' films... they haven't been affected much.

This situation surprised many people, because wasn't Wang Laoda originally the head of Huayi?

However, people quickly began analyzing it online.

"That's normal. We've already investigated it before. Besides, Huayi used to be very powerful and had a lot of connections. Of course, the most important thing is that he belongs to Jia Yueting now. He's not the same as the Wang brothers from before."

"That's right, Jia Yueting is said to have a very powerful background."

"Anyway, the project and the person are separate now, it's up to Jia Yueting."

"Does Jia Yueting really think he's so great? I doubt it!"

"Don't be jealous of her, Jia Yueting is indeed a promising person..."

This analysis, putting everything else aside, has at least given many people a good impression of Jia Yueting.

It should be said that, so far, Jia Yueting's reputation is indeed quite good.

These days, many bosses, or capitalists, have fans.

Look at that Pan Shiyi, this guy still acts in movies and appears on all sorts of shows, he's really good at showing off.

There are also quite a few people in the IT field who are admired by many.

Of course, the current worship of the rich is just average. But later on, what about that alien Ma... what is the whole internet shouting about?

Let’s not talk about this anymore.

Jia Yueting currently enjoys such a good reputation, but what about him?

This guy is in a state of shock.

The matter of Boss Wang was settled just like that. The result was nothing special. The key question was, how did Ma Xun manage to settle it so easily?

Yes, Ma Xun is the key.

What did he do?

This statement is not meant as a reprimand, but rather as it is purely literal.

Jia Yueting was very curious about how Ma Xun had managed to get Boss Wang imprisoned.

Of course, on the surface, it seems that Boss Wang's arrest has nothing to do with Ma Xun.

But Jia Yueting knew perfectly well that Ma Xun had orchestrated everything.

This eldest brother is quite formidable. When his younger brother talked back, he stepped forward alone, intending to turn the situation around.

At least, many people can't do anything about him.

After all, this is an economic case, and such cases are inherently very complex.

But right now, Ma Xun seems to have taken this guy down with ease.

This this……

Jia Yueting found it somewhat unbelievable. If it could be that simple, then he… no, it definitely wasn’t simple.

Yes, at least our accountant Jia can't deny himself, can't admit that he's worse than Ma Xun.

But he still knew very well in his heart that Ma Xun was definitely not that simple.

Although she knew from the beginning that Ma Xun was a formidable figure, this time, he still gave Jia Yueting an even greater shock.

The key point is that Jia Yueting is very clear about this.

He and Ma Xun are definitely rivals, and they will surely have a showdown in the future!

He never mentioned it, but he could see it very clearly.

The reason is very simple.

Jia Yueting is currently going around telling his 'stories,' which is his ecosystem, in order to attract more investment.

Of course, these guys all recruited business tycoons, like Liu.

But most of what Jia Yueting talked about still exists in the future, even though he has already started to do it.

But what about now?

If we only consider the combination of the internet and film and television, Ma Xun's approach is far superior to Jia Yueting's.

Yes, you're the one bragging, but Ma Xun has already done it.

This...this means that in the future, everyone will be enemies.
Therefore, the more capable Ma Xun becomes, the more Jia Yueting needs to be wary of him.

But how can we prevent it?

The film "The Forbidden Kingdom" is going to continue, and everyone is still working together, so... how about we set some difficulties for him?
Just as Jia Yueting was deep in thought, his capable assistant Zhang Zhao arrived.

"Boss, right now, this 'Kung Fu King'..."

"Wait a minute, what advantages do you think we have if we cooperate with Ma Xun this time?"

This is a very strange question.

If we've already partnered, what advantages are left?
Zhang Zhao was taken aback, but he was a smart man after all. He had been good at studying since he was a child and later entered the system. His ability to understand his superiors was extraordinary.

"The Forbidden Kingdom is actually easy to handle. It's definitely a film that will make money. Let's think about this year's summer blockbuster season."

"Summer movie season?"

"Yes, this summer's movie season is packed with American blockbusters, with Transformers being the most eye-catching."

"Oh, this movie is really amazing... I knew it without even watching it." Jia Yueting understood; it was just a nostalgic feeling from her childhood.

Back then, Hasbro's Transformers toys were really expensive, and many kids couldn't afford them, but everyone had watched the animated series.

How to do?
Now that the movie is out, those who regretted it back then can buy a ticket and watch it.

"In addition, there's Pirates of the Caribbean 3 and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix..."

Why is Zhang Zhao saying all this?
Jia Yueting was no ordinary person; she understood almost instantly and nodded, adding, "But we're also in this film, 'Assembly.'"

Zhang Zhao continued, "Isn't this even better? Anyone can see that Ma Xun's side attaches great importance to this film, 'Assembly.' So, let's just hand over the entire operation of this film to him. In order to avoid him suspecting any trickery, we can increase the normal publicity and distribution budget for him. For example, if the publicity and distribution budget for this film is set at 10 million, we can increase it to 12 million to 15 million."

But this wasn't done for nothing; he had to sign something like a 'pledge of allegiance' and set a box office target.

If "Assembly" fails to reach this box office threshold, it would mean that Ma Xun and his Enlight Media's marketing and distribution of the film has been a failure.

Then we can make a fuss about it.

What a... what a vicious and treacherous scheme!
Jia Yueting's face lit up with joy upon hearing this, and he was very pleased with himself. This Zhang Zhao was indeed quite something!
Zhang Zhao originally worked in the film and television industry, that is, in the entertainment industry. However, he worked for a state-owned company. He was very smart, and his experience in the state-owned company gave him a thorough understanding of interpersonal relationships and many other things.

He really can see right through what our boss, Mr. Jia, wants.

It's just dealing with Ma Xun!

This is easy to handle.

Although, on the surface, Jia Yueting doesn't actually have much of a chance to face off against Ma Xun.

We're all working together now, whether it's "Assembly" or "The Forbidden Kingdom," we're all on good terms.

However, this situation is perfect for Zhang Zhao!
Isn't it just internal strife?

Isn't it just departments tripping each other up?

He knows it all too well... *cough cough* Of course, I'm not saying there's any infighting or anything like that within the system; there's none of that, it's very harmonious.

Now, Jia Yueting and Ma Xun are like two separate departments.

Alright then, let's have the kind of competition that Zhang Zhao mentioned between the two departments.

The key point is that 'military pledge'... that's so representative.

Jia Yueting naturally understood as well, as he had also worked within the system, albeit for a relatively short time.

So...

"But if the profit is too small..."

"Let's set a higher line and increase the percentage of revenue sharing for Ma Xun."

"Yes! For example, if the box office of 'Assembly' does not reach 200 million, then the responsibility lies with Ma Xun! He will need to compensate us for the publicity and distribution expenses that we collectively paid to Enlight Media."

Furthermore, they cannot receive any money.

However, if the box office of "Assembly" exceeds 200 million, then the revenue sharing will naturally proceed as usual.

But, if it can exceed 300 million, then…

Jia Yueting's statement was actually a kind of bet, which is not common now, but it has become quite common in the entertainment industry.

He just doesn't know these things yet.

But Zhang Zhao was even bolder, saying, "Why not design it to be even higher? If 'Assembly' can break 4 million, let them take 8%!"
With such a tempting offer, there's no doubt Ma Xun won't fall for it. 4 million?
That's the highest-grossing film in Chinese film history right now.

If he can achieve this level of box office success, then Jia Yueting will accept defeat.

Of course, he wasn't stupid; he was certain he wouldn't lose.

So Jia Yueting nodded and said with a smile, "And we'll handle the marketing and distribution for those Hollywood movies."

Ok?
Zhang Zhao nodded with a smile, "Boss, that's a brilliant idea! Anyway, it's a Hollywood movie. China Film Group will need to promote and distribute it after importing it, and China Film Group's own promotion and distribution methods aren't that great. After all, Leshi is also a media company."

The boss is also the boss of Huayi Advertising Company, so that makes perfect sense.

These words reached Jia Yueting's ears, and he burst into laughter.

But in reality, Zhang Zhao was just using these tactics to flatter him.

However, by now I understand everything.

Zhang Zhao's plan was to have Ma Xun handle the publicity and distribution of "Assembly". If he succeeded, he would be awesome and would get a bigger share of the money and the publicity and distribution fees for the movie.

It's worth noting that this film was originally produced by Huayi Brothers, but it's now a collaborative product of several bosses, including Ma Xun and Jia Yueting.

So, this publicity and marketing expense is everyone's money, and using everyone's money to incentivize Ma Xun... In reality, this is a lure.

If Ma Xun does a great job and the movie really gets high box office returns, then let him take more.

However, he will absolutely not succeed.

Because Jia Yueting's music is used to promote Hollywood blockbusters like "Transformers," "Harry Potter," and "Pirates of the Caribbean."

No matter how you look at it, these Hollywood blockbusters are awesome enough.

Compared to these blockbusters, "Assembly" is really hard to beat.

Of course, this isn't a comparison; there's no direct competition between us.

But this will definitely lead to the box office failure of "Assembly".

If it doesn't reach 200 million... Ma Xun can expect to taste the bitterness of failure!
That's a really vicious plan.

Or, to put it another way, if a movie is well-made, then it's just well-made.

Publicity and promotion are also extremely important.

If you can't do this well, then it's still a failure in the end.

As Jia Yueting thought about it, she became happier and happier.

But he couldn't help asking about what happened before.

“I’ve already finalized the deal with Ma Xun for ‘The Forbidden Kingdom,’ but what about the revenue sharing in the domestic market for this film… should we split it, or should we give him the money?”

Zhang Zhao listened, and although he could give an answer instantly, he pretended to think about it for a while.

This is a very useful skill... If your boss or leader is hesitant about something and asks you for a solution, wouldn't it make your boss or leader seem stupid if you immediately provide a solution?

Therefore, even if you have talent, you must know how to use it, otherwise it will have the opposite effect.

Zhang Zhao seemed to suddenly realize something and said, "The Forbidden Kingdom is different from ordinary martial arts films. It's really hard to decide which one to choose. But to be on the safe side, we should just give Ma Xun the money and send him away."

This movie is guaranteed to do well at the box office in China.

Pretty!

This flattery was so subtle, it left no trace, like a gazelle's horns hanging in the air.

Jia Yueting was even more delighted upon hearing this, "Great! Let's do it that way!"

……

Ma Xun completed the Saturn Award process in the United States.

The news had a very strong effect when it reached China.

"So this Cloverfield film is actually a Chinese movie?"

“Ma Xun has already gone to receive the award, so what else is there to say?”

"Holy crap! No wonder this movie is awesome!"

"So you mean a Sino-US co-production?"

"That's absolutely right. All I can say is, Ma Xun is awesome!"

Now, the undeniable facts are right in front of us, proving wrong those netizens who previously thought this movie was just a Hollywood film.

Most of them have already changed their tune.

However, there are some particularly stubborn individuals who say the opposite.

"I didn't realize Cloverfield wasn't a Hollywood movie, so I won't watch it anymore."

"It's pointless! They're just using Hollywood's name as a shell!"

"I'm not watching this movie anymore; it's not a Hollywood blockbuster at all."

These comments... really leave one speechless.

But that's just how the internet is these days; there really is a large number of people who are completely ingrained in their beliefs.

There are just too many monsters and demons around these days.

However, Ma Xun certainly didn't care what those guys thought.

If you hear crickets chirping, are you not going to plant crops?

Soon, Jia Yueting came over and finalized the last details about "The Forbidden Kingdom" with Ma Xun.

It means giving money.

While giving money, Jia Yueting also revealed the publicity plan for "Assembly".

"Mr. Ma, this is the result of my discussions with the other shareholders, this pledge..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ma Xun interrupted him directly and said with a smile, "It's just a military order, it's okay, sign it."

They agreed immediately!

At that moment, Jia Yueting felt an inexplicable admiration for Ma Xun.

Because Jia Yueting knew that Ma Xun must have already guessed something.

Ma Xun continued, "It's just a bet, no problem, I have a lot of confidence in this movie."

That's a very standard statement, but...

"But I'd like to know, Mr. Jia, when you're promoting LeEco this time, will you focus on Transformers or Pirates of the Caribbean?"

He actually guessed it?!

Beads of sweat appeared on Jia Yueting's forehead, but he didn't wipe them away, trying to prove that it wasn't cold sweat.

He laughed and said, "We at Leshi are also a media company. How can we refuse these jobs when they come to us?"

That makes sense.

Ma Xun didn't expose him, but simply said, "Should we go all out with this bet?"

After saying that, Ma Xun looked at Jia Yueting with a smile.

Jia Yueting felt inexplicably afraid. "Ahem, let's forget about it."

Persuaded!

He's never been a daring guy, but this time he chickened out... Jia Yueting immediately regretted it.

Does that mean we'll always be overshadowed by Ma Xun?

Jia Yueting was unwilling to accept this, but now he was at a loss.

And just like that, Jia Yueting left, no longer staying in the United States, and returned to China.

It's normal that "Pirates of the Caribbean" is scheduled to be released in June, and that time is fast approaching.

Transformers was released in early July, and Harry Potter was released at the end of August.

Therefore, the time left for "Assembly" is roughly one month, from the end of July to mid-August.

Can I get this movie to gross 4 million yuan in a month?

The thought crossed Ma Xun's mind, and he then smiled.

Because isn't this also an interesting challenge?

Honestly, he should have gone back to China, but at this time, a woman came to his door.

Is Mr. Ma here?

"Oh, you..."

Ma Xun's rented house was very large, and he had actually seen this person a long time ago.

But I was still surprised, even after opening the door and checking again.

This person is Zhou Xun...

(End of this chapter)