Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 184 The Cat Who Did a Backflip
In early December, filming of "The Chinese Feast," which had been going on for more than a month, finally wrapped up.

This film marks the first Lunar New Year film produced by Cao Jian's film company.

In the past two years, the competition in Hong Kong's Lunar New Year film season has been exceptionally fierce.

After the 1992 film "All's Well, Ends Well" grossed 49 million at the box office, all film companies wanted to make a fortune during this period.

Last Chinese New Year, "All's Well, Ends Well" was a box office hit, outperforming Stephen Chow's "Fight Back to School 2".

Having tasted success in this year's Lunar New Year film season, Wong Pak-ming has produced another film, "It's a Wonderful Life," again featuring actors such as Leslie Cheung and Leung Ka-fai, hoping to recreate the glory of "All's Well, Ends Well."

Stephen Chow also starred in "King of Destruction," a film that produced many memorable scenes, during this year's Spring Festival.

Just when everyone thought that this year's Spring Festival film season would either be dominated by Stephen Chow or Huang Baiming, Cao Jian, a newly emerging director, also released a film called "The Chinese Feast".

With two months to go before the Lunar New Year, the Hong Kong entertainment industry is already brimming with the smell of gunpowder.

On the day filming wrapped, Cao Jian and Wang Zuxian chatted about the movie they had just finished shooting.

"Director Cao, do you think our movie this year can beat Stephen Chow's?"

"I guess we can't beat 'King of Destruction' when it comes to using memes."

If it were just that one show he'd never even seen, "The Rich Family," Cao Jian would definitely crush him.

But Cao Jian still has some concerns about "King of Destruction".

Famous lines such as "What I mean is, everyone here is trash" and "You don't take me, Thunder Hand Wen Tailai, seriously" are still talked about with relish thirty years later.

That's the charm of Stephen Chow's movies.

Cao Jian never thought he could surpass this genius, but in terms of box office revenue, breaking 30 million would be quite good.

Although they haven't reached the final stage yet, this woman is actually very concerned about Cao Jian's career.

Hearing that Cao Jian was so optimistic about "King of Destruction," she suggested, "Then why don't you avoid Stephen Chow's movies?"

"If we meet on a narrow road, I'll avoid him. People in the entertainment industry will think I'm afraid of Stephen Chow."

Cao Jian laughed and said, "Besides, how can we avoid it? Stephen Chow's 'King of Destruction' is released in February, and 'Hail the Judge' is in March. Am I supposed to release mine in April?"

"That's true. Stephen Chow's box office influence is really quite terrifying."

"Fortunately, Stephen Chow also has a cameo in our film."

"So you had this planned all along. How cunning."

"If I'm not cunning, how can I win you over?"

Cao Jian smiled smugly and said, "Besides, our show is pretty good too, and you're here with us."

The two were chatting when Chen Hong walked over.

"Sister Zuxian, so you've been here all along."

Wang Zuxian is one year older than Chen Hong, and the two have the best relationship on set. Chen Hong always calls this senior "elder sister".

She smiled and said, "I'm moving into my new home today. According to our local custom, I'm hosting a dinner party at my house. I don't know many people in Hong Kong, so I'd like to invite you to my house for dinner."

"Who else but me?"

Wang Zuxian did not agree immediately, but asked who else had been invited.

"Just Director Cao, you, and me, that makes three people. I'm not familiar with the others, and it would be difficult to communicate with them due to the language barrier."

"Just three people?"

Upon hearing that there were only three people, Wang Zuxian had a vague feeling that there might be a trap involved.

Cao Jian then interjected with a laugh, "Sister Zuxian, she has a cat at home that can do backflips. Do you want to go check it out?"

"The cat that did a backflip?"

Wang Zuxian believed it to be true and even thought that such a cat really existed.

"Anyone interested in watching? Not only can we see cats, but we can also have drinks, chat, and sing together. It'll be like a party, and I'll grill meat for everyone."

"Then go have a look."

After hearing Cao Jian's arrangement, Wang Zuxian finally agreed to go and take a look.

I've never seen a cat do a backflip before.

Besides, even if this man is setting a trap, given their relationship, it seems like it's time for me to fall into it.

After finishing their business, the three of them went to the house that Cao Jian had bought for Chen Hong.

The house is quite spacious, nearly 200 square meters, which is more than enough for Chen Hong to live in alone. It also has a large balcony, which is perfect for gatherings.

"Try my grilled chicken wings."

Cao Jian placed the grilled food on a plate and casually asked, "Sister Zuxian, has anyone asked you to film a movie these past few days?"

“Since returning to Hong Kong, I have received many phone calls, but I have turned them all down.”

Wang Zuxian took a bite of the chicken wing and felt that the taste was just as good as that of a professional barbecue restaurant. He praised, "I didn't know you had this skill."

"Hehe." Cao Jian laughed, "Are you really only going to make movies for my company from now on?"

"I really wanted to take a good rest. I only agreed to help you with your filming because you wanted to date me."

Wang Zuxian also laughed and said, "But you're really working hard now, not only making movies, but also TV series."

"There's no other way. If we don't make money, how can we support you all?"

Cao Jian deliberately said "you all," but unfortunately Wang Zuxian didn't catch it.

She said, "Who asked you to support me? Hong Kong property prices are rising very fast now. I plan to invest in some real estate and become a landlady. I'll have more money than I can spend in my lifetime. Why work so hard?"

Chen Hong, who was eating chicken wings, listened to the conversation between the two and felt envious of Wang Zuxian.

They're a year older than me, and now they can act whenever they want and rest whenever they want.

I'm still only moderately famous, so I can only keep working hard.

When Cao Jian heard Wang Zuxian say that, he laughed and said, "You're quite Zen-like now."

"Buddhist-style?"

Wang Zuxian was taken aback, feeling that the word "Cao Jian" was used very well, as it perfectly summarized his current state of mind.

She took a sip of beer and asked, "What about that cat you were talking about that can do backflips?"

"He's probably off somewhere having fun. I'll show you when he gets back."

Speaking of cats, Cao Jian grinned mischievously, "If they don't come back, I'll show you."

"You can do backflips?"

"Practice often."

Seeing that the other party didn't understand at all, Cao Jian became even more smug, and had already planned what he would do with this woman that night.

While enjoying barbecue and beer, Cao Jian joked and briefly mentioned his filming plans for next year.

"Are you going to make a Young and Dangerous movie?"

Wang Zuxian was somewhat surprised after hearing Cao Jian's plan.

The Young and Dangerous comics sell quite well in Hong Kong, but they contain a lot of fighting and killing scenes, which could potentially corrupt children. I would definitely not participate in such a film.

"Although the 'Young and Dangerous' series is a bit violent, it's sure to make money."

Cao Jian explained, "After that, I also plan to film 'The Storm Riders' and write a movie called 'Forbidden City Cop'. You can act in 'The Storm Riders'."

At this moment, Chen Hong, who hadn't said much until now, asked, "What about me?"

"I'll let you try out the female lead from 'Forbidden City Cop' and let you act opposite Stephen Chow."

"Filming a movie with Stephen Chow?"

Upon hearing this plan, Chen Hong almost wanted to hug Cao Jian and kiss him.

Gong Li became so famous because she acted in movies with Stephen Chow, and now I finally have that opportunity too.

She immediately raised her glass and said to Wang Zuxian, "Sister Zuxian, thank you for taking care of me on the set of 'Manchu Han Imperial Feast.' I'd like to toast you, cheers!"

"Dry."

Wang Zuxian, unaware that Chen Hong was trying to get him drunk, picked up his beer and downed it in one gulp.

I have to say, eating barbecue and drinking beer feels really great.

"Sister Zuxian has a really high alcohol tolerance."

Chen Hong added, "Thank you for coming to my drying room. Let's raise a glass together and wish Director Cao all the best."

"Dry!"

The three of them quickly finished a dozen beers.

Cao Jian is from the north and has a good tolerance for alcohol; he can easily drink a pound of baijiu (Chinese liquor).

But Wang Zuxian soon felt a little dizzy, stood up and swayed, saying, "It's too late, I should go back."

"You're a little drunk. Why don't you stay here? There are plenty of empty rooms. I'll help you to rest."

Chen Hong immediately tried to persuade Cao Jian to stay, creating an opportunity for him.

"Yes, let's stay here."

Cao Jian also stood up and put his arm around Wang Zuxian's waist, saying, "Let me help her to her room."

After saying that, he gave Chen Hong a "good job" look.
Chen Hong watched the two leave, guessing that they would be all lovey-dovey afterward. She quietly picked up a glass of wine and downed it in one gulp.

"Was what I did a little inappropriate?"

He muttered to himself, then, remembering the opportunity to vie for Cao Jian's favor, he emphasized two words: "Worth it!"

(End of this chapter)