Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 679 Nini's Cleverness Meets the Old Fox Ma Xun!
Half an hour later, at the South Beauty restaurant by the window in the Wanda Plaza in Beijing's CBD.

Ma Xun and Nini sat down here, and their eyes met.

The food had already been ordered, and although it was lunchtime, the food was served very quickly.

To be fair, this isn't a pre-cooked meal; cooking is allowed in the store.

But the two of them were acting strangely; after all the dishes were served, they didn't touch their chopsticks.

They continued to stare at each other, as if it were a game from their childhood, where whoever blinked lost.

Okay, this game is really boring.

Nini suddenly chuckled, seemingly defeated, but said, "To be honest, I've never eaten at such a high-class restaurant before."

That statement... may be true, or it may be false.

Ma Xun had heard that Nini came from a good background and had attended many extracurricular classes since she was a child, such as dance, ballet, and even obtained a Level 2 athlete certificate in swimming.

However, those who truly understand swimming will know that the Level 2 certificate is just for bonus points; you can check the standards if you don't believe it.

Of course, you also need to practice. If you're young, you should practice for at least two or three years to reach level 2.

As for the issue of extra points... then a scandal broke out, and someone said that they couldn't swim, and that caused trouble.

I won't go into details.

Ma Xun's swimming skills are quite good, but he still didn't invite Nini to the pool... The two had only just met, and inviting her to the pool right away was indeed a bit too much.

However, Nini said she had never eaten at this South Beauty restaurant, which Ma Xun found somewhat hard to believe.

So Ma Xun's next reply was: "You're not going to tell me that you came from a poor family and suffered a lot to get the opportunity you have now?"

His words were a complete 'block,' shutting down one of Nini's 'performance' directions.

Upon hearing Ma Xun's words, Nini first showed a surprised expression, and then laughed.

"I suppose Mr. Ma has heard quite a few stories like this before."

Hey! This little girl's got some skills!
Ma Xun laughed too, "I have to admit, you're very bold to get into my car and to be so sharp-tongued in front of me."

He adopted a big shot attitude.

Nini, however, showed no fear whatsoever. She continued with a smile, "Is it not okay to ride in Mr. Ma's car?"

That's a question that's clearly being asked when the answer is already known.

At this moment, Ma Xun found the girl in front of him increasingly interesting. "You knew so many rumors about me before, so didn't you know that my car isn't so easy to get into?"

That's right, this is the point of contradiction in Nini's statements.

However, the girl managed to defuse the situation, saying, "Didn't I already make my stance clear before?"

Attitude? What attitude?

No need for that, Ma Xun and Nini both know that.

Ma Xun couldn't help but laugh again, but he didn't continue the topic. Instead, he pointed to the table and said, "The dishes are all here. They won't taste good if they get cold. You know they're expensive, so we can't waste them."

"Okay!" Nini didn't stand on ceremony and immediately started eating.

The two then started eating. To be honest, Ma Xun was also hungry, and besides, restaurants in such large shopping malls are very safe.

They were very uninhibited when it came to food.

This is interesting; the two of them devoured everything in a whirlwind.

The table was covered in red chili oil stains.

It's called South Beauty, and it's Sichuan cuisine.

But after finishing her meal, Nini still didn't seem satisfied.

"This food seems different from any Sichuan cuisine I've ever had before."

"Is it delicious or not?"

"Delicious! Absolutely delicious!"

"Really?"

Is it necessary to lie?

“It’s really delicious.”

"Ha...you tricked me!"

Nini's eyes narrowed into slits with laughter, while Ma Xun simply smiled back.

Actually, this conversation was quite interesting.

The restaurant, South Beauty, isn't exactly a traditional Sichuan restaurant. It advertises itself as a modern Sichuan restaurant, which is supposedly a modified version and not as spicy.

Moreover, their logo here is a painted face from Peking Opera, in red and black.

It's very obvious that it's different from the Sichuan region.

Sichuan Opera mainly features face-changing, and the painted faces are different from those in Peking Opera.

But this place is really popular now; in modern terms, it has a lot of traffic.

Many people have complained that the store has too many rules, is expensive, and charges a service fee.

Ma Xun's question just now did trick Nini a bit; this girl might insist that it's delicious because it's so expensive.

To be fair, this restaurant is considered quite good among high-end brand restaurants.

Now, the next topic can get interesting.

"Tell me, what is your real purpose?" Ma Xun asked while wiping his mouth.

It was very sudden, which surprised Nini, but she was smart and recovered quickly.

"Isn't it obvious?"

"obvious?"

“Yes, I want to be yours.” When Nini said this, her eyes were very alluring, even in a way that didn’t suit her age. In other words, her eyes carried a hint of worldliness. Moreover, she emphasized again, “I want to be Mr. Ma Xun’s.”

Bold, direct, and undisguised in their purpose.

Anyone who heard Nini's words and saw her current state would think the same way.

Ma Xun chuckled lightly, "If you don't want to tell the truth, then I'm leaving."

Nini didn't think much of it. "The famous Mr. Ma can throw a tantrum? And to just leave like that... isn't that like you?"

Her words were meant to provoke.

Ma Xun laughed nonchalantly, "No, I'm leaving now, and I should get the real answer then."

"Huh?" Nini was taken aback.

Ma Xun continued, "This shop isn't cheap. I bet you don't have much money on you. After I leave, I'll leave you here. I expect it won't be long before someone comes to pay for you."

What does this mean?
Nini's expression changed, and her smile disappeared. Finally, she said in a very serious tone, "As expected of Mr. Ma, nothing can be hidden from you."

What does it mean? Is this a riddle?

That's not the case.

It's actually quite simple; Ma Xun had already figured it out long ago...

"The one who's paying the bill must be my old friend Zhang, hehe..."

And you, with this seemingly coincidental encounter, and your proactive act of offering yourself as a bedmate.

If I'm not mistaken, it must be the "Beauty Trap" used by my old friend Zhang.

Of course, I don't rule out the possibility that you really want to work with me, but at least this time Brother Zhang's honey trap will make you feel very disheartened.

But you should have signed a contract with New Picture, right?

In other words, if you want to work with me, I'll have to pay a lot of money. I estimate the penalty for breach of contract will be at least several million, maybe even tens of millions.

Your family situation is definitely not bad, but you certainly can't afford this amount of money.

So, you might think that if you're with me, all you have to do is endure it in bed, and I might just cover the cost for you, right?

These kinds of things happen all the time in the entertainment industry.

When "The Flowers of War" is released, you will debut as a "Zhang Yimou Girl," and all eyes will be on you.

Then there's another rich fool like me who, for a few nights of pleasure, pays to buy your freedom. Then you'll have fame, attention, and your freedom.

Who knows, she might surpass Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi in the future.

Wow, this script is really great.

Great!

Ma Xun's words shattered Nini's layers of armor, leaving the girl seemingly exposed to Ma Xun without any cover.

At this moment, Nini's heart felt like it was jumping out of her throat. Although she had heard that Ma Xun was very powerful, she did not expect him to be this powerful!

This guy is incredibly shrewd! ...No, he's not even human.

Ma Xun guessed everything correctly, including many of Nini's inner thoughts.

Of course, this wouldn't work for anyone else, but Ma Xun is an insider, a time traveler, and knows a lot of gossip.

There are many details involved, which are really beyond the reach of ordinary people.

As mentioned earlier, New Pictures, the company behind "The Flowers of War," had never signed a single actor before.

It's quite an oddity in the industry, and Nini, Li Chun, and others were among the first people signed by New Pictures.

There was actually a power struggle between Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou in this situation... because most of the people who signed with Zhang Yimou's side before had signed with him.

Therefore, the conflict between the two Zhangs was already apparent at the very beginning of the drama.

According to Ma Xun, if this film wins a prestigious award such as a Golden Globe or an Oscar, then Zhang Yimou will not leave Zhang Weiping.

However, the underlying logic of the Golden Globes and Oscars is such that it's impossible for Zhang Yimou to win a major award.

To put it bluntly, you, Director Zhang, wouldn't dare to actually betray your country!
Unless Director Zhang completely disregards everything in China and is solely focused on investing there to make that kind of movie.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have given him the big prize.

Of course, our Zhang Yimou isn't that stupid. He knows very well that if he were to completely side with them, he might win a big award, but that would be the most he could get.

Looking at history, you can see that this is how it's done there. If you actually vote for them, haha... then you're worthless.

Americans always do things this way. Take their bounties, for example. The amounts sound incredibly tempting, but when you look at the history of rewards... wow, they're always just offering a bounty without actually delivering a reward!
Therefore, it's impossible for Zhang Yimou to win any major awards like the Golden Globe or the Oscar. He might get some minor awards or nominations, which might tempt him, but that's about it.

Ma Xun was very clear that "The Flowers of War" was actually a film that Zhang Yimou had no bottom line in order to win the Oscars. In it, he portrayed an American who was nothing in America and was even a money-loving alcoholic as a savior. That was already flattering enough. Did Zhang Yimou really not understand that?

But even so, those Americans won't give you any awards.

Oh right, what's this called again?

Loyalty is not absolute, it is absolutely disloyal.

So, after this film, Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping broke up, and they even had a falling out, which was a real mess.

However, Ma Xun knew what would happen next.

Hehe... New Pictures was one of the investors in Banhe Green, which later received help from the ghost soldiers.

These two old guys, Zhang, are not as simple as they seem.

These two really know how to have fun.

The girl in front of us, Nini, hadn't said a word for quite some time.

At this moment, Ma Xun pointed out to her, "The biggest problem with you young people is that you always think you are smart enough. Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou are both veterans in the industry, while I, Ma Xun, am a newcomer."

Do you think you can outmaneuver us?

Sweat beaded on Nini's forehead, but she was still unwilling to give up. "Can't I be completely loyal to you from now on? That means I'm yours from now on, and I will never betray you..." She gritted her teeth again, "I swear, I will never have another man!"

It's fair to say she's played her last card!

Ma Xun smiled after hearing this, "Do you think I'm someone who lacks women?"

Nini was deeply shocked by these words.

Ma Xun added, "I admit you're young, but do you know what? Even if Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi were under me, they wouldn't dare to play tricks on me."

That's even harsher!

Nini was already in a daze.

At this moment, Ma Xun stood up, seemingly about to leave, and Nini instinctively grabbed his hand.

"Aren't you going to give me even the slightest chance?"

That was an interesting question, at least to Ma Xun.

He laughed and said, "I gave you a chance."

"Huh? What?" This was the question that Nini asked naturally.

Ma Xun shook his head. "You call yourself smart? Isn't this an opportunity? You have dinner with me, and what will the headlines be like tomorrow? Can't you imagine?"

Ah... I understand!
Nini snapped back to her senses instantly, and her face seemed to regain its color.

"That……"

"Don't overthink it. I'm just doing this to give Zhang Weiping face, and it's also a way of showing my sincerity. You can tell him directly that that scene must be cut, otherwise I won't be interested in this film."

After Ma Xun finished speaking, he shook off Nini's hand and left.

Of course, he paid the bill too.

Nini remained seated, her mind wandering.

She understood a lot; Ma Xun's handling of the situation this time was incredibly clever.

It may seem like just taking her out for a meal, but in reality, this gossip will definitely be on the entertainment page the next day, and it will most likely be the headline.

So, she was originally just a nobody in the entertainment industry; at most, some people had heard that she was going to become a "Zhang Yimou girl," but very few people actually knew. But after this gossip, her name, Nini, will definitely become a hot topic online!

Many people ask who she is.

And that movie.

And all of this... isn't this a great publicity stunt?
Therefore, this was indeed giving Zhang Weiping face, and it can also be seen as Ma Xun expressing his attitude.

However, Ma Xun insisted on deleting that scene...

As Nini thought about it, the corners of her mouth actually turned up.

What has she figured out? Or has she figured it out?

Just as she was thinking about it, Zhang Weiping indeed appeared, as if Ma Xun were a prophet, and everything he predicted had come true.

……

Ma Xun left the Wanda Plaza.

In fact, he genuinely disliked the film "The Flowers of War," but no matter how much he disliked it, he couldn't stop the film from being made.

Yes, it's a new project from them, and it's already been approved by the bureau.

The funding, other aspects, and Zhang Yimou's insistence on making the film.

Even if Ma Xun is incredibly successful in the entertainment industry, he couldn't stop this show from being created.

So let's use some methods to reduce some of the disgusting aspects.

That's all Ma Xun can do.

Of course, it's possible that the two Zhangs were just being stubborn and insisted on taking the photos that way.

That's fine, Ma Xun can't control it, he can just watch the show.

When the time comes, some people will realize it, and you, Zhang Yimou, will be condemned by everyone.

This matter, hehehe...

In short, Ma Xun did his best. Besides, this movie did quite well at the box office; if he could have made it according to his own ideas, he could have earned a good living, which would have been quite good.

Unexpectedly, when they returned to Guangming, an acquaintance came to their door.

"Boss, our show 'My Team' has been picked up by another TV station!"

Lan Xiaolong spoke with great excitement.

Ma Xun frowned upon hearing this...

(End of this chapter)