I'm not a drama freak, I can really see through the script

Chapter 351, "The Angle Selection and Filming of 'Nanjing Photo Studio'"

"Li Xuan, you know him very well?"

“We’ve worked together once,” Cheng Shilong paused, then said, “We’re quite familiar with each other.”

"You're already so familiar with each other after only working together once?"

"Getting to know someone isn't about how many times you've met or spent time together. Sometimes, after just a few meetings, you'll feel like you know them very well." Cheng Shilong smiled slightly. "Li Xuan is that kind of person, someone who can evoke such emotions in me. We feel like old friends at first sight."

At this point, Li Lianjie gave a somewhat perfunctory reply.

"Hmm, it seems you really like this interesting young man."

Cheng Shilong became more and more excited as he spoke, thinking he had found a topic to talk about.

"He's a really amazing young man. If you actually get to know him, you'll find him quite remarkable."

When someone reaches the level of Cheng Shilong, when making friends, they will never consider the other person's rank, but will only consider whether the other person is interesting.

Li Lianjie felt that Cheng Shilong was quite different from him in this respect. He tended to prefer making friends with outstanding people. Perhaps it was precisely because of this difference that, although they followed similar paths, the temperament they ultimately displayed was lukewarm at best, and their relationship was even quite different.
"Um"

Li Lianjie's reply was also lukewarm.

Cheng Shilong, not wanting to be bored, could tell that he had no interest in this young and charming junior, so he said no more.

Then the Kung Fu Emperor and the King of Kung Fu Comedy fell into a silence between them.

If I had to bring up a topic...
Li Lianjie said.

"Our film, 'The Forbidden Kingdom,' is touted as a masterpiece of Sino-US co-production, and it should be one of the most anticipated projects in China."

"The Sino-US co-production is indeed real, there's nothing wrong with that, and it's also true that it's receiving a lot of attention domestically."

The two seemed to have found a common topic—the most talked-about topic in China.

This promotion is also targeted at the domestic market. In essence, it is still a "domestic" work disguised as a co-production, just with an American-style skin.

This film is a massive blow to domestic films in terms of scale.

But only the two people who stayed in America knew this.

They recently went to watch a movie at another film set.

Only then did I realize that it also had a devastating impact on "The Forbidden Kingdom".

I visited the set of Avatar and witnessed its impressive industrial capabilities.

The gap between Hollywood and the domestic film industry has reached its extreme in the realm of commercial films.

The ultimate truth and path of commercial films.

Did Jet Li return to China to develop his career because he didn't want to stay in Hollywood?
He himself knew the answer.

Everyone knows it's not because of 'love,' but because he's finding it harder to make it in Hollywood.

At this time, Li Xuan was also preparing for his next work.

Are you a little surprised?

"It was a bit of a surprise; I didn't expect you to contact me."

"Didn't you say that if I could reach a higher level, you would grant me one request? Now I'm going to use this work to reach that level. Are you afraid that I'll win the bet?"

"It's not that I'm afraid you'll win the bet, but how could someone like me possibly win the favor of someone as talented as you?"

Tang Wei still looked at Li Xuan in disbelief; he had actually come to ask him to film a movie.

It's unbelievable that recently, directors have been approaching me, but many of them come with strings attached.

After all, directors in the industry all have some reservations about this woman who uses any means necessary to climb the ladder.

They want to use the power and status they hold to exchange for something from them.

The irony is that the status one gains by selling one's dignity ultimately requires one to sell out even more and higher people in order to gain further opportunities.

Like falling into an abyss, once you make a choice, is there really no turning back?

she does not know.

All he knew was that Li Xuan was the only filmmaker recently who gave him a role without her having to pay any extra price.

"I only consider whether it's suitable or not, but if you, if you refuse, I can go find someone else."

There was no pretense in his eyes.

She had no desires whatsoever; her beauty, which she was so proud of, seemed to have no effect on Li Xuan. But precisely because it had no effect on him, she actually felt comfortable, which meant that he truly appreciated her.

Because he felt that appearing in his works would maximize his profits.

"I promise you."

"I agreed before I even read the script."

"No matter what the script is, I have confidence."

Tang Wei then took the script, paused, and said, "I won't let you down. I definitely won't."

One more lead actor is needed.

It's this gentle and refined Japanese soldier right in front of me.

Unlike when he first started copying, this Japanese boy named Ito now wears glasses, has a handsome and refined face, and exudes an air of elegance and manners in his every move. He is even very polite.

It seems that this awareness is telling itself.

Not all Japanese soldiers were barbarians; some of them were civilized.

However, Li Xuan looked at the consciousness in front of him and did not speak to it. No matter what it said, no matter how knowledgeable, polite, or cultured it was, all its behavior expressed the feelings that an international friend should have.

If he hadn't been wearing that military uniform, people might have thought he was a decent guy.

This was also Li Xuan's first time.

Ignore the "illusions" that arise around you.

Communication, interaction, immersion.

Interact with the byproducts of these systems and try to understand their feelings.

Only this Japanese soldier, no matter how he appeared.

No matter how enthusiastically I tried to talk to Li Xuan, I received no response.

At this point, Li Xuan arrived at the headquarters of Huayi Brothers, which was also his first time visiting this place.

After arriving, he called Wang Haiyang, who, upon learning that Li Xuan had come to Huayi Brothers, personally came downstairs to greet him.

"We meet again."

Wang Haiyang's feelings towards this junior who caused headaches for the Huayi Brothers were undeniably complicated.
Now that all the profits have been transferred, is he here just to show off his power?
This is really not a wise move.

Even if Huayi Brothers, as a major player, is willing to accept defeat this time, it is not a reason for them to be insulted.

Dignity still exists.

But in reality, if I put myself in their shoes, if I could win big with such a huge disparity in skill, I would also be very arrogant and feel a sense of triumph. But that would be absolutely unwise.

Wang Lei, who was in the office, was somewhat upset after hearing about this.

It's one thing to lose.

And you have to give people attitude.

Is there anything more frustrating than this?

At this moment, Li Xuan paused and then spoke.

"I'm here to discuss cooperation."

"Shall we talk about cooperation?" Wang Haiyang shook his head: "Let's skip the betting."

We, the Huayi Brothers, are truly afraid of you. With your talent, we simply can't compete with you.

It's fair to say that betting against Li Xuan was a huge mistake.

His talent was underestimated.

And now.

Even if Li Xuan came here to swindle funds through a betting scheme, he wouldn't be able to get a single penny out of him.

Don't even think about making us bet against you!
"You're not black and white people either, are you? Even if we have different stances, we both have things that the other doesn't. So, even on the basis of opposition, we can still cooperate to a limited extent, right?"

At this moment, Li Xuan smiled slightly, standing in front of this large corporation, his every move exuding naturalness.

There was no sign of stage fright.

From Zhao Yanzi to Huang Xiaoming, and then to Zhou Xun, no matter what achievements they have made after becoming famous, standing under the Huayi Brothers banner, they still unconsciously exude an aura of inferiority in front of this giant.

But Li Xuan wouldn't.

That kind of spirit alone.

This is something that ordinary young people cannot compare to.

This admirable spirit is only one of Li Xuan's strengths. His greatest strength is his astonishing talent, which is the core of Li Xuan's appeal.

He has the confidence to be strong.

"Indeed, we are on opposite sides, but in this situation, we also have things that the other does not have, and in such a situation, we can use each other to a limited extent."

"Please come to my office, Mr. Li."

At this moment, Wang Lei called Wang Haiyang.

Wang Haiyang then waved his hand.

"Mr. Li, please."

At this moment, Wang Haiyang was in Wang Lei's office, looking at this capital tycoon from the Beijing circle and the talented young man, who sat facing each other.

In front of Wang Lei, Li Xuan didn't feel inferior at all.
They have absolutely no presence or charisma!

"So, Mr. Li, what kind of cooperation do you want to discuss with me? Are you here to ask for investment?" Wang Lei said indifferently, looking at the peasant in front of him. It was now difficult for him to truly regard Li Xuan with the same attitude he had towards peasants.

In Wang Lei's eyes, Li Xuan was no longer a "low-value" target.

Faced with such value, one's background becomes insignificant.

However, the antagonistic situation remains unchanged; as long as Li Xuan does not join Huayi, he will remain an "enemy."

Even from Wang Lei's perspective now, even if you join the Beijing circle but not Huayi itself, it still feels like an adversarial relationship.

"I want someone."

"Who do you want?"

"Huang Xiaoming."

"You're designating me first? How is that possible?"

At this moment, Huang Xiaoming found Wang Haiyang's words unbelievable; Li Xuan had actually come to find him.

Is this finally going to be a prank on me?

To be honest, Wang Haiyang was looking at Huang Xiaoming with a pitying expression at this moment. It seemed that he was going to get a beating. The other party had clearly stated that Huang Xiaoming would play a Japanese character.

They're clearly treating him like a treasure.

In fact, Wang Lei had also considered this point. As a promising young talent, Huang Xiaoming definitely had an advantage among the younger generation. Huayi also provided him with sufficient resources to allow this member of the Beijing Film Academy's "Three Musketeers" to compete with his seniors.

Although he made a fool of himself many times when facing Li Xuan, that was only when facing Li Xuan. Under normal circumstances, his strength is beyond doubt.

His acting skills are also excellent.

It looks like Li Xuan is trying to mess with him. If there really is such a precedent, would I agree to it?
Absolutely, easily!
When Wang Lei also decided to "punish" Huang Xiaoming, he agreed to it.

They lent someone to Li Xuan to play a Japanese character.

As for Huang Xiaoming's mistakes, the biggest mistake was not winning, and the biggest mistake was not generating profits for the group. During this period, the news coming out was quite negative. Although this wasn't enough to make Huayi abandon Huang Xiaoming, it certainly made him dissatisfied.
That's why Wang Haiyang felt pity for him.

And Huang Xiaoming's silence.

There's also the lesson Wang Lei learned – normal business practices. Back when TVB and ATV were in such dire straits, they could still borrow people from each other, so why can't Huayi and Li Xuan do the same?
Yes.

“He’s clearly trying to mess with you. If you don’t agree, I can help you bear the pressure, since you’re one of my artists,” Wang Haiyang added. Although Huang Xiaoming, as an artist, doesn’t have the right to refuse, he can still mediate.

"Thank you, Brother Wang, but this time I promise, no need. I'll act in his movie. Even if it's to humiliate me, I think acting with Li Xuan will greatly improve me, so let it be an insult."

At this time, Huang Xiaoming said lightly.

A feeling that made Wang Haiyang look at him with new respect; a little 'insult' was just a side dish.

I'm more mature than before.

his future.

Then you will definitely be able to go to higher places.

That's the only thing that's certain.

"Let him film it. What can he possibly make of it? A prostitute, and someone who barely manages to be one of the so-called 'Three Musketeers.' Fan Wei and I filmed this together when he was still in the Northeast circle. Gao Yuanyuan is also in one of my films. I wonder if she'll be in it too."

"This is a project I started preparing to film in 2005. How long does he plan to take to complete it? Three months?"

Lu Chuan was even a little worried that Li Xuan's filming schedule would not be able to keep up with his schedule.

But if filming really only takes three months, then it's predictable that it will be a visibly rough product.
However, when Lu Chuan inquired with China Film Group, he learned that Li Xuan seemed to really be planning to extend the filming period to three months. In the time it would take to film a very 'ordinary' movie, his first reaction was anger.

If you treat me with this kind of perfunctory attitude as your 'opponent,' I'll find it quite boring.

What's the point of making an example of someone when the chicken used as a warning to others is a diseased one?
He now even hopes that Li Xuan can make a good film about Nanjing, so that he can feel pleasure when he sees the film being used to massacre and humiliate people.
However, no matter what, Li Xuan, this challenger, is just a 'dessert,' a small-scale contest; his goals are much higher and farther.
Red Cliff and CJ7.

It was the performances of John Woo, Stephen Chow, and other leading figures of the Fifth Generation cinema, and even Hollywood films, that truly stirred his passion and made things interesting. It was the awards he received two years later that truly resonated with him.

If the dessert was made in a rush, it's unlikely to taste good.
(End of this chapter)