2001 Media Godfather

Chapter 84 The Meaning of Hometown

Chu An never expected Wu Yulin to call.

Moreover, Chu An actually felt quite close to this person, after all, he was one of the very few people who could overlap with another time and space!
But what the other side said was anything but polite.

"Teacher Chu, may I ask, what have I done to offend you?"

"Uh, Cage contacted you? That's a bit awkward."

Director Wu was so angry he laughed. You stabbed me in the back, got rid of my leading man, and you're embarrassed?
"I need an explanation."

“Alright!” Chu An said frankly, “Director Wu, just as Cage said, I don’t think you’re suited to making war films.”

WTF??
Wu Yulin thought to herself, "He didn't just target the film? He also said bad things about me?"
Suppressing his anger, he asked, "What's the reason?"

reason?

Chu An had no choice but to repeat what he had said to Nicolas Cage to Director Wu. Moreover, being a compatriot, Chu An explained it in more detail.

For example, Chu An said, "I know that Director Wu is also a very successful director in Hollywood."

"But Hollywood's business model is extremely sophisticated, and your transformation is a bit too risky. There are too many uncontrollable factors involved, so you really need to be cautious."

For example, Chu An bluntly stated that Wu Yulin's usual filming technique of two people pointing guns at each other is too out of place in the face of an epic war film, and so on.

To be honest, Chu An was completely sincere; he genuinely didn't want Wu Yulin to ruin his Hollywood career because of "Windtalkers."

Many people think that Ang Lee is the most successful Chinese director in Hollywood, but that's not true. Director Wu is the Chinese director who truly integrated into Hollywood and achieved the highest commercial success.

Since entering Hollywood in 93, he has directed films such as "Hard Target", "Broken Arrow", "Face/Off", "Black Jack", and "Mission: Impossible 2".

Even without Windtalkers, there are still Face/Off 2 and Mission: Impossible sequels in development.

If this trend continues, he will not only be the most successful Chinese director, but it will only be a matter of time before he becomes a top Hollywood director.

In fact, after "Mission: Impossible 2", he was already a top-tier director.

Continuing his high output and achievements is not just a matter of him reaching new heights.

This has special significance for both the struggling Hong Kong film industry and the overseas expansion of Chinese directors and actors.

However, Director Wu himself was eager to change his career path.

He was unwilling to be just a director of action or crime films, so he made the disastrous "Windtalkers".

With an investment of $120 million, the box office was only $70 million. Paramount Pictures, the production company, only received a fraction of that, resulting in a loss of $100 million.

The huge losses directly led to Paramount's decline and its subsequent acquisition by Disney.

For Director Wu, if a film loses 100 million yuan, who would dare to hire him to make movies?

He bid farewell to Hollywood and could only return to China to develop his career.

But here's the problem: having experienced the glory of Hollywood, Director Wu's mindset has changed! He's not convinced!
Thus, the films "Red Cliff" and "The Crossing" came about.

Lin Chi-ling's words, "Mengmeng, stand up!"

Just thinking about it is disconcerting, and even gives me goosebumps.

"Director Wu, I'm not trying to steal your lead role. In fact, I really don't want you to direct 'Windtalkers'. This isn't an opportunity, it's a disaster!"

It's a pity that people are hard to listen to advice when they're riding high. "So, I should thank Teacher Chu?"

Wu Yulin said sarcastically, "I think I don't need your concern."

have to! !

Chu An immediately shut up, "I was being presumptuous! Go Director Wu! Director Wu is sure to make it a huge success!"

Chu An's expression immediately changed, "I'm not going to try to persuade you anymore!"
"Director Wu, don't worry. Even if Cage stars in Su Manqing's new film, the shooting period won't be long. You can talk to Cage; he should be able to schedule it."

pat!

Wu Yulin hung up the phone.

Chu An shrugged, and that was the end of it.

In the end, Wu Yulin did not give up on "Windtalkers" and persuaded Cage to star in it.

Moreover, during the few days when Chu An went home for the Chinese New Year, Director Wu gave an interview to a Hong Kong media outlet and even made a few sarcastic remarks about Chu An.

A reporter stirred things up by asking Director Wu which mainland actor he least wanted to work with.

Director Wu immediately fired back, "Without a doubt, it's Chu An!"

"His acting is terrible, his scriptwriting is mediocre, and his character is extremely poor!"

Upon receiving the news, Chu An could only sigh: "It's hard to persuade a damned ghost with kind words."

Later, the media contacted Chu An to ask for his opinion. Chu An didn't mince words, replying, "What do I think? Just lie down and watch!"

"But it's okay, I don't hold grudges. When 'Windtalkers' flops, I can give Director Wu a script to help him make a comeback."

The reporter thought to himself, "You don't hold grudges? Nobody believes that!"

In the eyes of the media, Chu An is only one step away from being someone who dares to criticize everyone and everything.

These were all just interludes.

On the 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month, Chu An returned to Ningyuan.

The small courtyard was given to Lin Wanxing and Lin Wanchen.

Because Ji Yang was replaced, Shen Jin's filming schedule was significantly delayed.

They can only rush to finish work during the Spring Festival. It is said that the schedule is scheduled until the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, and work will start on the fourth day of the first lunar month, with only four days off.

Chu An could only express his deepest sympathy for Miss Wanxing.

Chu An hadn't originally planned to go back so early; his plan was to wait until Xu Shu returned to Beijing, and then the two of them would enjoy a few days of games before leaving.

Just then, Su Manqing also said that she wanted Chu An to wait for her to return from Sundance, as there were some things she wanted to discuss with him.

However, by sheer coincidence, Xu Shu's film crew also had to work overtime during the Chinese New Year and wouldn't be able to return to Shengjing until New Year's Eve.

Then Chu An doesn't need to wait.

It was already evening when we arrived in Ningyuan. Light snow was falling, and an ice rink had been opened on the Mayan'er River. Looking down from the old stone bridge, we could see men and women dressed like rubber balls, playing and frolicking on the ice.

That familiar scene instantly pulled Chu An back from the dazzling splendor of Shengjing, as if he had finally landed on solid ground and felt much more at ease.

This made Chu An chuckle awkwardly; perhaps this was the meaning of his hometown.

Nearby, Zhao Yang and Li Chunming carried Chu An's luggage, clamoring that there would be a fireworks display on the river the next night, and that the three of them should come and watch it together.

Chu An readily agreed and reminisced about the time the three of them had commented on girls in Harbin last year.

When Chu An reached the south gate of the agricultural machinery factory, he glanced at the storefront and saw that the sign for "Anning Small Department Store" was very eye-catching.

However, the shop was closed.

This puzzled Chu An greatly. "Why is the door closed?"

Zhao Yang: "I don't know."

Li Chunming replied, "She's been locked up for two or three days, hasn't she? I haven't seen Sister Ning these past few days, so I haven't asked."

They were both in the final stretch of their senior year of high school, and seniors wouldn't get a break until the 27th of the twelfth lunar month, so they didn't have time to worry about Chu An's family.

Besides, so what if it's closed? Chu Anjia doesn't expect the shop to make money anyway.

Arriving at the front door, Chu An unlocked it with his key and saw steam rising from the kitchen, where Chu Ning was busy working.

Hearing the noise at the door, she peeked out and smiled broadly, "Wait a minute, I'll make you some noodles right away."

Zhao Yang and Li Chunming never considered themselves outsiders. When they entered the small living room, they saw that the table was already laden with a large spread of delicious food. Without even being invited, some washed their hands, while others took out their bowls and chopsticks.

"Sister Ning's cooking skills are far superior to Uncle Chu's!"

Before long, the four of them sat down. Without any formality, they poured a few drinks and began to eat heartily.

The two left right after eating, as they had to go back to school for evening self-study. Only the siblings were left at home, where they exchanged a few heartfelt words.

Chu An first asked about the shop, "Why didn't you tell me it was closed?"

Chu Ning habitually picked up a poached egg from her bowl and handed it to Chu An, saying, "What are you saying? You're so busy, and our family isn't short of that little bit of money."

Chu An: "So what exactly is the reason for the arrest?"

Chu Ning: "Someone reported it; the fire safety is substandard!"

Two names immediately flashed through Chu An's mind: "Was it Ma Guoyou, or his brother-in-law?"

Chu Ning didn't want to talk about it anymore. "Why do you care who he is? It'll be more peaceful if we close it down. Besides, I have to repeat my senior year next year, so it's good that no one is managing the shop."

Chu An, "."

Although that's what they say, and they certainly don't lack that kind of store.

But the problem is, sometimes life is all about fighting for your pride.

Especially in the compound life of this era, you can't be too domineering or too timid with your neighbors, otherwise they will think it's only natural for them to bully you.

Chu An, "Did the neighbors say something that made you like this?"

Hi!
Chu Ning's expression was complicated, but she didn't hide it.

Chu An has become successful, and the Chu family has gone from being poor to being wealthy.

Relatives, friends, and neighbors all wanted to benefit from the situation, but Chu Ning didn't want to suffer in silence, so she refused many requests for loans and help.

Naturally, some people felt resentful for not getting any benefits, so much so that during Chu An's absence, there were more and more whispers and gossip behind his back.

Those two cowards, Ma Guoyou and Sun Lianqiao, were somewhat restrained for a while after the crew left.

But as time went on, and with the Chu family's reputation in the compound also declining, their minds began to wander.

They've been making some small moves every now and then, and this time they've even managed to get the fire department involved.

Chu Ning thought that she shouldn't cause Chu An any trouble. It was just a small shop, so she could close it down.

“You gave me the money, didn’t you?” Chu Ning planned, “I’m thinking of going to look at houses in the South City Commercial Street area after the New Year.”

"If it doesn't work out, we'll just move out. We're not going to keep bothering them here."

These words made Chu An frown even more deeply. For his older sister to say such a thing, it was clear that he had endured a lot during his more than a month-long journey.

“Sister!” Chu An put down her chopsticks. “Sometimes, it’s not that everything will be fine just because we move away.”

Chu Ning: "How so?"

Chu An said, "If we just move away like this, they'll be even more smug. They'll go even further in gossiping about you and won't say a single good word about you!"

Chu Ning, "."

Chu An said, "So, even if we have to move out, we have to get our revenge before we leave!"

Chu Ning thought about it carefully and it seemed to make sense. "So how do you want to vent your anger? I'll listen to you."

Before Chu An could speak, a dull knock came from the hallway.

The siblings frowned simultaneously, thinking to themselves, "Who's so well-informed? They've only just arrived home and they're already showing up?"
Chu Ning put down her chopsticks and went to open the door. "Who is it?"

Before he could finish speaking, he froze, as if petrified.

A tall, burly middle-aged man stood outside the door, wearing a brand-new leather jacket with a mink collar, and his cotton-padded leather shoes were so shiny you could see your reflection in them.

Seeing that his older sister hadn't moved, Chu An followed her out to check. He was startled when he saw the figure outside the door, but quickly realized what was happening.

"No money! Let's go!" The door slammed shut.

The middle-aged man was also stunned. No money? Shall we go?
His eyes widened instantly. "You little brat!! Do you think your father's a beggar?!"

Standing outside the door was none other than the infamous Chu Jianjun, Chu An and Chu Ning's troublesome father who had been missing for several months!
"Open the door for me!! You got too cocky, huh!?"

Chu An flung open the door with a whoosh, "Who is it?"

With a stubborn look on his face, he exclaimed, "My dad? My dad is missing!"

"Get out of here!" Chu Jianjun glared at Chu An, dragged his bags, and rudely squeezed into the house.

He strode into the small living room, with the two sisters following behind him.

Looking around, I thought, "The film crew has completely transformed this place!"

Chu An just stared at him coldly, while Chu Ning's eyes were already brimming with tears.

Suddenly, he exploded, "You, surnamed Chu!! Where have you been?! Why didn't you send a message home?!"

Do you know how worried we are?

Chu An: "Don't count me in! I wasn't worried at all!"

As Chu Jianjun took off his leather jacket, he replied guiltily, "Why are you crying? I'm crying too."

Well, in Chu Jianjun's words, "When I wasn't in this family, you two were either running a shop or acting."

"If I, as the father, came back so easily, how embarrassing would that be? I have to make a name for myself, don't I?"

Chu An had never seen such an unreliable father.

"To be honest!" It's amazing that he could come up with such a ridiculous reason.

Chu Jianjun collapsed, "Fine, I'm going abroad."

Chu Ning, “???”

Chu An looked at him with disbelief. "Go abroad? What country?"

Chu Jianjun: "He went to the Russians' place."

I never knew his father had this skill. He tentatively asked, "Did you become a trader?"

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia was in dire need of everything. Paracetamol, which cost two cents a tablet in China, could be sold for one dollar there, a hundredfold profit.

When they come back, secondhand fur coats are priced the same as junk there, but when they are brought back to China, they are sold for hundreds or thousands, or even tens of thousands of yuan.

Therefore, Russian smuggling has been particularly prevalent in the north since the 1990s.

When they went there, they were covered in pills and carried a large bag of light industrial products; when they came back, they were wearing layers upon layers of leather and fur coats.

Entering 2000, although it wasn't as profitable as it had been back then, it was still a way to make a fortune.

He really didn't know his own father had this ability.

To Chu An's surprise, Chu Jianjun shook his head, "What do you mean by 'trading masters'?! We went to investigate properly."

She went to the kitchen, got her own bowl and chopsticks, and sat down to eat. No matter how the two sisters asked, she wouldn't say anything, as if she were keeping a huge secret.

Finally, annoyed by the questions, he said, "You really can't say! If you two don't keep it a secret and it gets out, it will ruin someone's important life!"

Chu An, "."

Why does it sound so mysterious?

Startled, Chu An stopped arguing with him. "Dad, we're rich now. Why don't you stop causing trouble and find me a stepmother to take care of me in my old age?"

Chu Ning also said, "Dad, I'm a little scared."

Chu Jianjun smiled and said, "What are you afraid of? Don't worry, it's not a bad thing."

After thinking about it again, he said, "You'll know after the New Year."

"Our agricultural machinery factory is about to undergo a major transformation."

.

(End of this chapter)