Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 745: Acquired "The Great Laughing Jianghu" without spending a penny? A mature Hao Lei, a haggard Fei Hong!
Don't pull this on me again!

"what happened?"

"We're doing something, and you're taking that phone call! I... I really want to give you both a stun gun!"

"Haha... What are you afraid of! I only answered the phone because I knew who she was."

"Pah! So what if I know who it is! You may be shameless, but I still have my pride!"

"Alright, alright, we know you have a sense of shame now, haha..."

"You, you... Humph!"

Clearly, Hao Lei is still a Northeastern woman in private, and she strongly condemned Ma Xun's act of making a phone call during their conversation in her hometown dialect.

Making a phone call is indeed a shameful thing, but it is also quite exciting.

Hao Lei's reaction was clearly not just because she was shy. Besides, she was originally a daring girl who was always willing to take risks. However, in this timeline, she listened to Ma Xun's advice and did not act in the movie directed by Lou.

In fact, the film ultimately chose someone who surprised Ma Xun, but wasn't entirely unexpected.

She's the girl who got beaten up by her boyfriend during her school years, causing a huge uproar and making the Central Academy of Drama look bad.

This young lady was able to get into the Central Academy of Drama entirely because of her face, which resembles Zhang Ziyi's.

Zhang Ziyi became an instant sensation with her pure and innocent image in "My Father and Mother," while this young lady, Tong, hadn't even graduated yet and had already coined a new term: "Shun Shenme Jian" (顺什么奸). Ma Xun was even embarrassed to remember this term.

So, Zhang Guoli's son couldn't hold back and beat the man up, but his beating backfired and made things worse.

At the time, Teacher Zhang had to beg and plead with everyone to pull strings in order to save his son's life, and he was able to get into the entertainment industry to act afterward.

As for that girl, well, she got in too. And she even landed a role in a major production by Director Lou.

According to Hao Lei, Director Lou had previously invited Zhang Jingchu, but the beauty, who was known as "Little Zhang Ziyi," declined. This leads to speculation that Director Lou later found someone who resembled Zhang Ziyi...

This guy is clearly looking for someone suitable for art films.

Ma Xun was slightly distracted as he thought about these things, but overall, it was a good thing that Hao Lei met him in his life.

But when he lost focus, Hao Lei thought he was thinking about something unusual, like whether this guy was really angry.

"No, you're really taking what I said about the ozone layer to heart?"

This was a test, but it made Ma Xun laugh.

"Haha... Of course I'm not angry, but now I can tell you something."

"What is it?" Hao Lei felt much more at ease. To be honest, she was really comfortable with Ma Xun. She didn't plan to find another man, especially after seeing so many scumbags in this circle.

Many of those people appear so respectable in public, talking about art and how amazing they are, claiming others don't understand them, but the despicable things they do behind the scenes are truly terrifying.

Honestly, Hao Lei now feels quite lucky. She got through her most vulnerable period with Ma Xun; otherwise, she might have been bullied terribly. After getting through that period, she can now refuse many things. Of course, she still remembers Ma Xun's kindness.

To be honest, Ma Xun is a pretty good guy... except for the fact that he plays with too many women.

Ma Xun, of course, had no idea what Hao Lei was thinking. He said to himself, "Although this Lunar New Year film season has only just begun, it can already be said that a winner has been decided."

"Huh? So fast?" Hao Lei was still enjoying the pleasure of relieving Ma Xun's lust and didn't think much of it.

"It happened so fast. Of course, some people were also impatient. The movie 'The Laughing Swordsman' was already a failure. Its reputation was so bad that Director Zhu from Taiwan couldn't accept it at all. In addition, it was because Le Shi wanted to use this movie as cannon fodder. These guys were only responsible for its production and not for its distribution. They did the publicity and promotion for them, and this is how it turned out. Hehe..."

As Ma Xun spoke, he started laughing at himself.

In fact, although the film "The Laughing Swordsman" had a terrible reputation in its original timeline, it actually did quite well at the box office.

Over 100 million! Almost all of the film's budget went to actor salaries. In reality, the appearance fees for Zhao Benshan's troupe weren't as high as one might imagine. Often, if you hit it off with Uncle Benshan, he might help you out for free. Of course, such situations are relatively rare.

Ma Xun heard that before filming even started, Zhu Yanping led a group all the way to Northeast China and practically kowtowed to Uncle Benshan. Zeng Zhiwei also acted as a go-between, which is how the film was finally agreed upon.

It seems that Uncle Benshan felt that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family, and that cooperating with Hong Kong and Taiwan was a good opportunity to show his abilities, so he didn't ask for more money.

As for Zeng Zhiwei, he has very close ties with Taiwan. His corrupt father went there, and his daughter is even a lovely host on Wu Mouxian's show.

Actually, if you think about it carefully, isn't this short, ugly man and his daughter just like an earlier version of Qu Wanting?

Forget it, let's not talk about that wretched short fat guy anymore.

Ma Xun continued, "Just now on the phone, Lin Xilei told me that Director Zhu is completely distraught and he should agree to my conditions. In short, they will sell me the rights to 'A Chinese Odyssey'."

ah? this……

Hao Lei then realized that Ma Xun's phone call was to discuss business, so from this perspective, she had misunderstood the man.

She was a little embarrassed, but she wasn't very good at saying nice things.

"So how much are you planning to offer?"

The tone of the question still carried a somewhat aloof feel.

Actually, she had no reason to be aloof at all. Fortunately, Ma Xun didn't care at all; he didn't have Hao Lei's delicate thoughts.

"Spend money? Why spend money?"

what?
Hao Lei was stunned. "Do you think they'd sell it to you if you didn't pay?"

"Ha..." Ma Xun chuckled. "This is called psychological warfare. Director Zhu is already panicking, and Le Shi is completely ignoring it. So, if I step in to help now, what do you think they'll think?"

"Are you the great savior?" Hao Lei wasn't being sarcastic; she had probably guessed it.

Ma Xun didn't say much, but simply picked up his laptop, opened it, found a file, and sent it out in a flash.

An email?!
"That's it?" Hao Lei really couldn't understand it.

Ma Xun smiled and opened the file. "Take a look for yourself."

"Brother Lu, although the movie 'The Laughing Swordsman' has received a lot of criticism since its release, from a comedy perspective, it still has its merits. Judging from its box office performance, it might bring unexpected surprises..."

In my opinion, we should wait and see how this film performs. If it can maintain its box office performance per screening, then there's no need to rush to switch to another film..."

Hao Lei instantly understood, "You're planning to use this email to exchange for the rights to a movie?"

Ma Xun nodded with a smile, "It's also very hard for me to type on the computer, you know."

Good heavens! You've really gone to all that trouble!
However, if there were no such letter, or if it wasn't Ma Xun who sent it, or if Ma Xun and Mr. Lu didn't know each other, or if their relationship wasn't very good.

Then this project will not be possible, and it is very likely that the screenings of "The Laughing Swordsman" will drop rapidly.

In other words, Ma Xun did indeed only send one email, but that email was something that someone like Zhu Yanping could never accomplish even if he tried his whole life!
Ma Xun essentially helped "The Laughing Swordsman" maintain its screening schedule, which meant helping them recoup their costs.

So, this is considered getting something for nothing?!
Do you think typing doesn't take time? I, Ma Xun, can write hundreds of thousands of words per second!
In fact, Lin Xilei was also shocked; after all, she had never heard of such a thing before. But, it was indeed a possible deal.

Ma Xun's words to Lin Xilei were very simple: "Your director Zhu can ask Wanda if it was I, Ma Xun, who helped maintain this screening schedule."

Conversely, if your Director Zhu rejects this deal, then the screenings of "The Laughing Swordsman" will definitely drop rapidly!
Therefore, Director Zhu actually had no other choice!
Ma Xun had already calculated everything long ago. Anyway, this film has potential, but if that potential can be realized with just one email, that would be incredibly appealing.

Hao Lei was completely stunned. She felt that she had grown a lot over the years, but when she saw Ma Xun again, she found that this guy was simply... freakish. How could someone be so powerful!

In terms of growth, Ma Xun has had a breakthrough almost every year; who can stand that?

"What about *The Piano in a Factory*?" Hao Lei had actually seen the movie before and thought it was very good, but if they maintained the style of *The Laughing Swordsman*, then *The Piano in a Factory* would either flop at the box office or...

Ma Xun grabbed one of them and laughed, "Are you worried about me? Don't worry, 'The Piano in a Factory' won't be affected."

Actually, although the movie "The Piano in a Factory" has become very commercially viable under Ma Xun's influence, with Tokyo Film Festival Best Actor and Best Actress winners joining the cast, Bingbing's commercial prowess is truly impressive.

However, the film originally only grossed over 600 million yuan. And it should be noted that this film was originally highly regarded by all sectors and actually won quite a few awards both domestically and internationally.

Even so, the film didn't do very well at the box office; it's fair to say that watching this film required a certain level of understanding.

Therefore, if Ma Xun's actions lead to "The Piano in a Factory" grossing 3000 million, it will be a huge success.

It could even be said to have exceeded expectations.

If it can break 100 million... that possibility is really slim.

It's probably around 30 to 50 million.

From this perspective, no matter how "The Laughing Swordsman" is arranged, it won't affect "The Piano in a Factory".

Ma Xun had already planned everything out long ago.

Hao Lei was utterly astonished. Even the person who had just eaten the prickly food was momentarily speechless until…

"You, you're so mean."

"If I had known you would be so alluring after you matured, I would never have let you leave back then."

Ma Xun's words were quite flirtatious, but to Hao Lei, they sounded like the best love confession.

They should talk less and do more.

……

"The Laughing Swordsman suffered a critical collapse, but its box office performance was outstanding!"

What kind of comedy films does this film market really need?

"Comedy films shouldn't just focus on making the audience laugh!"

The 2010 Lunar New Year film season had only just begun, but it was already rife with controversy.

"The Laughing Swordsman" was criticized the most, but when people saw it, the movie actually did quite well at the box office.

The online debate was fierce, with a group of people insisting on assigning value to comedies, constantly emphasizing that comedies can't just be funny.

These people not only insist on adding value to comedy films, but they also add value to themselves by emphasizing one thing in their posts.

Chinese cinema is finished!
Yes, that's what they really say, they said it years ago, and they still say it now, and the reasons they give are all sorts of bizarre.

The reason why Chinese films are doomed is that so many people still buy tickets to watch terrible movies like "The Laughing Swordsman," which means that Chinese films are finished!

This reason... is absolutely bizarre.

However, the fact that even one of the "Ten Releases" like Zhang Xiaobei said this shows how deeply ingrained this viewpoint is.

But many netizens also found this strange.

I watch a comedy to relax, is it wrong for me to want to laugh?
I'm willing to spend some money to watch movies for fun, but in the eyes of you bunch of clueless film critics, it's considered an act that harms Chinese cinema?

Seriously, many netizens with bad tempers just ctm (a vulgar expression).

People like Zhang Xiaobei, when they post that criticizing movie, are expressing their deep sorrow and even directly criticizing the audience for not knowing how to appreciate it.

Honestly, there are quite a few people like Feng Xiaogang and Chen Kaige.

Even film critics like Zhang Xiaobei and Cheng Qingsong are unaware that they are criticizing ordinary moviegoers.

Of course, these weirdos are also quite interesting. Take Cheng Qingsong, for example. He's gay and he harasses handsome newcomers in the film and television industry. There are quite a few victims.

However, in the internet and certain circles at this time, these people are always honored guests.

I don't know if this is a tragedy or not.

So, are people like Zhang Xiaobei right, or are ordinary moviegoers right?
Let's wait and see.

"The Piano in a Factory" was a great success, grossing over 3000 million yuan in just seven days after its release.

This data is much better than Ma Xun expected.

It seems that Ma Xun made a mistake in his plan; he should have given this movie more screenings.

However, Ma Xun is now facing a very special person and her problem.

Yu Feihong.

Our Fairy Jinghong looks rather haggard now.

Ma Xun hadn't seen her for almost a year, and in fact, this was intentional on Ma Xun's part.

As for why...

Upon seeing the haggard Fairy Jinghong, Ma Xun seemingly abruptly uttered these words.

"Still not out of this?"

Yu Feihong looked at him with a very complicated expression.

He seemed to hesitate for a long time before finally saying something.

"Are you here to see my joke?"

This……

(End of this chapter)