Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 558 4 Million Hard to Break? Delicious Li Hong
"Confirmed! This is one of the best movies of the year!"

"I think we can remove 'one of'!"

"This film, 'Assembly,' is truly fantastic! Moreover, it doesn't adhere to the traditional format."

"The production quality is excellent, you can tell they spent a lot of money, and most importantly, the story is very engaging."

"I feel that the whole story has a bittersweet feel to it, but it is also quite interesting to watch, and there are always funny moments."

The excellent box office performance of "Assembly" on its first day was only the first day.

This movie sparked considerable controversy even before its release, but now that it's been released, everyone has seen it.

Although the controversy hasn't disappeared, the quality of this film speaks for itself!
This is an excellent movie!

At this time in 2007, "Assembly" was excellent enough.

Those netizens who previously supported this movie can now feel triumphant.

Of course, some people are still raising some 'problems'.

"This movie is still the same old thing!"

"I'll ask you just one question! Would you still rush to be cannon fodder? That's clearly against human nature!"

"I finally understand why Teacher Liu Heng is angry! This outdated worldview is truly disappointing!"

"It's the 21st century now, can't we change it?"

Yes, such voices still exist, meaning that those so-called public intellectuals are still buzzing around on the internet.

Their current strategy is very simple and direct: choose to side with Liu Heng.

Yes, that's it.

These guys are pretty smart. Even if something goes wrong, they can just say: "We're just supporting Professor Liu Heng."

Fortunately, even if they do happen now, it's just a buzzing sound, and overall the noise isn't loud.

Many netizens have also realized that these people have ulterior motives and are up to no good.

However, some netizens are always criticizing them and arguing with them, but it doesn't have much effect.

These guys either delete or disable comments, or they have a huge following who help them hurl insults.

That's the current situation; netizens who believe in justice are indeed at a disadvantage online.

However, these buzzing noises did not affect the box office performance of "Assembly".

After achieving excellent results on its opening day, the film continued to receive good news.

By the 6th, which was a Monday, the first week of "Assembly" had completely ended.

Around 5 p.m. that day, the official website for "Assembly" released a box office poster.

Breaking 100 million!

Breaking 100 million in the first week?!

Of course, many movie fans are aware of this.

It has actually been showing for more than 5 days.

This is a bonus from the premiere, plus the box office benefits of the two weekend days of the 4th and 5th.

That's how they broke 100 million.

It seems like a normal performance, but it's still quite gratifying.

Netizens, movie fans, and many friends who support "Assembly" are all very happy.

However, some people are different...

Leshi Headquarters.

"I can't believe it's reached 100 million so quickly."

Jia Yueting has been thinking about this movie, "Assembly," lately.

He naturally has many other things to deal with; Le Shi is currently setting up many businesses.

However, after watching the movie at the Great Hall of the People, Jia Yueting felt uneasy.

Now, with such outstanding results, his mind is in complete turmoil.

Zhang Zhao had long realized that his new boss was quite similar to Yuan Shao.

Forget it, I can't talk about that. Let's talk about the film instead.

"Boss, there's really no need to worry. With this box office performance, although it's difficult for us to really cripple Ma Xun, we probably won't be able to reach 4 million in box office revenue either."

These words sound quite confident, but only at a superficial level. If you think about the meaning of these words carefully... it seems that they have still failed.

Jia Yueting originally intended to embarrass Ma Xun and make him stumble, but now that the box office has exceeded 100 million, it's clear that stumbling is no longer an option.

However, Zhang Zhao managed to portray a bad thing as a good thing, which showed considerable skill.

“4 million…yes.” Jia Yueting felt much better after that.

Zhang Zhao naturally continued, "As far as a movie is concerned, not to mention our domestic films, even Hollywood blockbusters will experience a precipitous drop in popularity within two weeks. Just look at Transformers before, such a strong movie, but now it's just so-so."

To be fair, that's absolutely right.

Many current factors make it difficult for a film to maintain a strong box office performance for an extended period.

Especially in our country... piracy is one reason, but there are other factors as well, such as...

"Boss, although it's only the beginning of August, the promotional period for the next Hollywood blockbuster will begin in two weeks. Even if 'Assembly' is strong enough to have a three-week run, it will face a powerful competitor in the fourth week."

Upon hearing this, Jia Yueting's face was full of smiles.

"Great! It's the latest Harry Potter!"

That's right, that's it.

Harry Potter is a truly outstanding film, especially in terms of its box office performance.

According to Zhang Zhao, just as the box office of "Assembly" was experiencing a significant drop, a powerful Hollywood blockbuster was released.

This is tantamount to cutting off the escape route for "Assembly"!

The competition during the summer movie season is already very fierce, so this situation is normal.

And these calculations are based on the current box office situation, basically...

Jia Yueting finally felt at ease. "Good! Very good! We still can't relax too much. We need to increase our promotional efforts for 'Harry Potter'."

"No problem. In fact, we have already started activities in bookstores in major cities across the country."

Zhang Zhao had prepared this move long ago.

Harry Potter is a book that's a global bestseller, and with the release of the movies, it's sure to sell even more.

Of course, this is a children's book, not that adults can't read it, but if adults read it, they might feel that... it's just a straightforward narrative with no twists or turns.

It's just children's books, that's all. What more could you ask for?

However, this book-related event, which was held in a bookstore, actually had a positive effect on the film industry.

It definitely has a positive impact.

Imagine this scenario: a child reads the book, clamors to buy it, and then sees a message from the bookstore that the movie adaptation is also showing. The child will definitely want their parents to take them to see it.

This technique is simple, but its effect is enormous.

As for its impact... at least it reduced the number of screenings for "Assembly".

In this case, it's clear that "Assembly" will not be able to break 4 million.

They initially bet that the highest box office gross would reach 4 million.

This line was drawn by Jia Yueting and Zhang Zhao.

They were absolutely certain that this film, "Assembly," would never cross that line.

Ma Xun hasn't really stumbled yet, but we absolutely can't let him break through this line.

Otherwise, Jia Yueting would suffer a great loss.

Well, if you earn less, then it's a loss.

"Alright! Let's do it this way! We must suppress 'Assembly'! We absolutely cannot let this film surpass 400 million!" "Don't worry, boss. No matter how you look at it, this movie will never surpass 400 million. Even if Ma Xun has extraordinary abilities, it won't work."

At this point, the two of them couldn't help but burst into laughter.

……

Is there really no chance of exceeding 400 million?
Ma Xun wanted to give it a try.

The building is equipped with a platform.

"Mr. Ma, it's been a long time."

"Hello, Teacher Zhu, haha..."

It's been a while since I've been here, but Ma Xun still has a good network of connections.

Look, we've only been here a short while, and we've already run into Teacher Zhu Jun.

Teacher Zhu is still in high spirits. As soon as the two met, they started chatting and couldn't help but talk about the time they flew across the Yellow River.

"Alas, it's such a pity that Mr. Ke passed away so early."

Indeed, the world has lost a good person.

In 03, Xiao Hei passed away due to illness, and the two of them couldn't help but sigh when they talked about it now.

However, that's all in the past now.

"Mr. Ma has come this time..."

"I wanted to talk to the host, Ms. Li."

"Oh, then I won't keep Mr. Ma from his important business."

"it does not matter."

Host Li?

Ma Xun directly named names, which was quite blunt.

Zhu Jun was also sensible and directly emphasized the important matter.

So, the two quickly ended their chat.

Meanwhile, on host Li's side...

This cross-strait program is currently in production, and a live video link segment has now been added.

Ma Xun didn't say anything; he simply showed up...

Upon seeing this, Li Hong immediately stumbled upon a snail.

"It's okay, we won't deduct money this time."

This was during a live broadcast, so it was a mistake, but as for the program's rental arrangements, I don't think it's a big deal.

After all, the ratings for our show depend entirely on the host.

Li Hong was genuinely surprised, because Ma Xun hadn't been around for a long time... Oh dear, I hadn't thought about him either!

Actually, it's perfectly normal for Ma Xun to be able to come and go from the show.

Everyone knows Ma Xun, especially in the TV station, where they've collaborated with CCTV on several TV dramas.

So now...

Li Hong pretended not to see him, but secretly changed into high heels when she left the show.

Normally, when a news anchor is broadcasting a program, their upper body should be very upright. But since the lower body can't be filmed, they can wear whatever they want.

Li Hong is a rather meticulous person. Bodycon skirts and stockings are a must, but as for high heels, she keeps a pair of slippers handy so she can relax her feet while the show is airing.

Now... put on your high heels.

but……

"Host Li, there are some things I'd like to talk to you about."

As the saying goes, if the mountain won't come to me, then I'll...

Li Hong was surprised that Ma Xun was so proactive. This was quite strange, but she was actually a little happy inside.

However, there is also considerable pressure.

"I, I am now..."

"This is important."

"Well, that's fine."

Actually, Li Hong planned to decline, but she didn't expect Ma Xun to be so forceful... Although what Ma Xun said was normal, don't forget that there were other people watching.

But, just keep watching, what's there to be afraid of?

Ma Xun is different now than before.

Soon, the two started chatting in Li Hong's lounge.

"What exactly is it that you have to say this about?"

I'm a little angry.

Ma Xun was actually doing it on purpose from the beginning; he approached Li Hong.

Until very close.

Li Hong's heart raced.

At this moment, Ma Xun suddenly said, "You know the movie 'Assembly', right?"

"Huh?" Li Hong was taken aback; the topic had changed too quickly.

Ma Xun was doing it on purpose, but he still said very seriously, "I hope your program can do an episode on the film 'Assembly', especially with the other side..."

Ok? ? ?
Li Hong immediately interrupted him, saying, "Assembly is a good movie, but it has nothing to do with the other side of the strait, does it?"

It should be said that there is a slight connection, since the beginning involved fighting the troops on the other side of the strait.

However, it seems unlikely that we'll get a spot on our show.

Even if Li Hong wanted to help, there was nothing she could do.

But Ma Xun laughed at that moment, "Who said it doesn't matter?"

"what is the relationship?"

"This movie will be released on the other side of the strait next week."

"what?"

Hey! There really is a connection!
That's right. When "Assembly" was auctioned off, Wang Yingxiang was involved. He's a big shot at Longxiang Films.

In the original timeline, "Assembly" was also shown on the other side of the strait, and related programs were also produced, except that Li Hong's program was not included.

Now, Ma Xun wants to make use of Li Hong's program.

So……

"Don't you want me to use you?"

Li Hong's heart raced, "But about this show..."

Ma Xun interrupted her abruptly, saying, "Actually, I've already handed over the relevant plans to the producer."

"You..." Li Hong was furious!

You've already done it, so why are you asking me again?
But Ma Xun was doing it on purpose; he wanted to see the serious female host get angry, because at this moment...

Suddenly, Ma Xun grabbed Li Hong's chin and gave her a fierce kiss.

Yes, plums are delicious at this time of year...

"I...I agreed, isn't that enough? You...you..."

After they parted ways, Li Hong even seemed speechless, just like when she stumbled over a snippet on the show.

Oh, no, this kiss is also about eating... Oh dear, what am I thinking!

(End of this chapter)