Huayu 1995

Chapter 166 Wu Zhenyu's Opportunity (Bonus Chapter for 6000 Monthly Tickets)

"If you have time, write a good script and give me a boost. I'll call you 'Big Brother' from now on!"

Francis Ng made a joke.

His family was so poor when he was young that they were practically scavengers, and his parents made a living by catching fish in the sea every day.

I took the wireless training course exam four times before I finally passed.

After joining this circle, he suffered as miserably as Pigsy from Journey to the West.

He played minor roles alongside Stephen Chow in the 83 version of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes".

Stephen Chow became Master Star, while he... became the villain.

He's practically a villain detector, always able to pinpoint the perfect villain. It's as if a whole bunch of villains live inside him, and the ones he plays are all incredibly charismatic bad guys!

I just finished filming a movie called "Like Kun".

"seriously?"

Su Chao sized up the other person; he had no intention of joking with him.

"what?"

Francis Ng was stunned.

Are you planning to have him act in your script?

Wai Ka-fai was talking to Lau Ching-wan when he heard Su Chao's commotion and wanted to remind Su Chao not to act impulsively.

The guy in front of you is a professional villain.

You can tell he's not a good guy the moment he appears on screen. If you cast him as the simple-minded Gyeon-woo, it could very well ruin the movie.

This is not alarmist.

Many films have suffered a cold reception from the market because of poor casting.

It has nothing to do with whether the acting is good or bad.

Is there really a script?

Francis Ng's eyes lit up. He was just missing an opportunity to prove that he was indeed remarkable.

“It’s not that one…” Su Chao shook his head, and then everyone heard him continue, “It’s another script.”

The other one?
Even Johnnie To was speechless.

He couldn't help but glance at Wai Ka-fai, meaning, "This is the potential talent you mentioned who can be trained for a few years and then participate in scriptwriting."

Dude, when did you go blind?
He had just taken out a script, and now he had another one in his hand.

If his new script is no worse than "My Sassy Girl," then he'll definitely be a seasoned screenwriter.

Can I act?

Li Ruotong sat next to Su Chao, one hand on the table, facing Su Chao from the side, her shirt stretched into a dangerous arc.

Very round~
I'm really worried that the button will pop off and fall off its post.

"Yes, he can, but he doesn't have many scenes. It's a one-man show, and he's the only one in almost 90% of the scenes."

Su Chao did not provide specific details.

The people here are too mixed; taking out the script would be suicidal.

"Is it a one-man show with no scenes with other actors?"

Wai Ka-fai's curiosity was piqued.

He had a gut feeling that this one-man drama was more to his liking than "My Sassy Girl" which Su Chao had previously presented.

The script structure of "My Sassy Girl" was decent, and it was very commercially viable, but neither he nor Johnnie To were interested in it.

The two finally managed to start their own company.

I definitely want to film what I truly want to film.

As for commercialization, let's talk about that when we run out of money.

"It's not that there aren't any, but the people who act opposite the lead actor don't show up."

Su Chao wasn't just making things mysterious.

That's all he could say.

"Want me to take a look at the script?"

Wai Ka-fai reached out his hand, "The more you talk, the more curious I get. I'm itching to see it."

"It's almost finished writing."

Su Chao refused to show it to him. He dared to show "My Sassy Girl" to Yau Nai-hoi and Wai Ka-fai because he trusted their character and because he knew he couldn't make the movie himself.

"Phone Booth" is different.

This is so easy to make.

"Okay, let's talk about it after it's written."

Wei Jiahui didn't force him; he was just a little curious.

How do you handle the plot and dramatic conflict when a character occupies 90% of the screen time?

"Ahem, I'm willing to film, I'm very serious about it!"

Francis Ng coughed twice, feeling a tickle in his throat.

This is a script that even Wai Ka-fai is interested in!
He also felt it was unrealistic; why would they approach him? Could it be a joke?

The more you care, the more cautious you become.

"Do you take photos even if it's free?"

Su Chao found it hard to believe that Ni Yongxiao was begging him in some way.

He simply traveled to 95. If it were 85, these so-called bigwigs in the Hong Kong entertainment industry would probably all have to become his underlings.

"shoot!"

Francis Ng agreed without hesitation.

Before Su Chao could say anything, he added, "I have over a million in savings. If there's a lack of investment opportunities, I can help with some of it."

“Are you crazy?” Zhang Daming said, not quite understanding. “You haven’t even read the script, and…and…”

And it's unclear whether this kid who popped up out of nowhere is reliable or not. You actually acted for free and were willing to invest.

These days, there are quite a few actors who earn millions in film salaries, but that definitely doesn't include Francis Ng.

Francis Ng belongs to the lower-middle class in the film industry.

Making a movie only costs tens of thousands of yuan, and even a role with more screen time only costs around one hundred thousand yuan.

Celebrities have high expenses, and this million-plus dollars would probably take him at least several years to save, and could very well be all of Francis Ng's assets.

"By the time it's my turn to read the script, I don't even know how many people it's been through."

Most importantly, Su Chao has a good relationship with Andy Lau. If Andy Lau sees the script, Su Chao will have even less of a role.

When he first arrived, he stood by the door of the private room, leaning against the wall, and smoked half a cigarette.

I overheard some of the conversation between Su Chao and Wei Jiahui.

Knowing that Su Chao had a very good script, Wai Ka-fai introduced Benny Chan to be the director.

And it also has investment from Andy Lau.

The fact that Andy Lau, someone who gets a headache just thinking about investing in movies, is willing to invest in Su Chao... speaks volumes.

Although eavesdropping was unethical, he found the half-smoked cigarette quite delicious.

Let's discuss this in more detail later!

Su Chao was stunned for a moment, but in the end he couldn't resist the temptation of getting something for free. He took out a business card and handed it to Wu Zhenyu.

"Phone Booth" is not suitable for Andy Lau.

He's too concerned about maintaining his idol image, and his current commercial value is largely reflected in his idol persona.

It wasn't until he wore women's clothing in "Running Out of Time" that he not only shed some of his idol image but also won his first Best Actor award.

Later, especially in the 2014 film "Lost and Love", his portrayal of a farmer searching for his son amazed everyone, and there was no trace of his idol superstar status anymore.

Now...

Lau Ching-wan is also unsuitable; he's just too honest and simple.

If you say he cheated, his girlfriend Amy Kwok would probably roll her eyes—Amy Kwok was Miss Hong Kong in 91, and this old man Lau is quite lucky with women.

Francis Ng's acting skills are solid, and he has the determination to give it his all. His long experience playing villains makes him perhaps far better than other Hong Kong male actors at portraying the dark side of a male lead.

Francis Ng took the business card, saved the number on the spot, and then solemnly put it into his wallet.

His girlfriend, Li Wanhua, is unhappy with the prolonged period of his career slump and is currently considering breaking up with him.

He decided to give this movie a good performance.

To avoid letting his girlfriend affect him, he broke up with her after he got home today.

Women... Hmph!
"Sister, why are you staring at me like that?"

Su Chao felt a little...shy under Li Ruotong's gaze.

It's impossible to pretend you don't know forever, especially since the two of you are sitting right next to each other.

Li Ruotong was born in 1966, making her 11 years older than Su Chao, but she is actually not yet 30 years old.

The Legend of Condor Heroes was just released this year.

She collaborated with Louis Koo, playing the pure and innocent Little Dragon Girl.

The 1983 version of "The Return of the Condor Heroes" starring Andy Lau and Idy Chan was the highest-rated TV series in Hong Kong that year, with an average rating of 62 points per episode.

The version starring her and Louis Koo only averaged 29 points in viewership, which wasn't a complete flop, but it wasn't great either.

Only Su Chao knew that this version would become a huge hit in mainland China.

"I think you're pretty capable. You're not very old, are you?"

Li Ruotong sat up straight; she actually had no intention of seducing Su Chao.

She's been experiencing frequent cheek pain lately, so she likes to sit sideways with her hand pressing on her cheek, making it look like she's sticking out her chest to seduce men.

"eighteen!"

I'm only eighteen, sister. If you were to harm me, wouldn't you feel guilty?

"So young!"

The others were also surprised.

This includes Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai.

I thought Su Chao must be at least twenty years old.

"I recently sang a song, which is the theme song for the mainland version of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' that you, sister."

Su Chao continued chatting with Li Ruotong.

We can't exactly let him talk to Xu Jinjiang.

Who doesn't like a beautiful woman, especially someone of Li Ruotong's caliber?

Even with a mustache, he's still irresistible.

"Ah, the mainland version? Has it already passed censorship?" Li Ruotong was unaware of this.

"Not yet, I only sang the theme song."

Su Chao didn't pay attention to this matter either.

As far as he knows, The Return of the Condor Heroes was introduced to mainland China around 98.

"Does it sound good?"

Li Ruotong isn't very good at singing.

"It should be alright. I'll be releasing a new album in early October, and it will be available in Hong Kong, so you should be able to buy it then."

Su Chao did not say that "Return to the Homeland" was particularly good.

Compared to the Cantonese version of "Mythical Love Story," it's at best just okay.

"You want me to...buy your album?"

Li Ruotong smiled enigmatically, as if to say, "Little brother, aren't you a bit too green?"

Didn't you even learn how to pick up girls?

(End of this chapter)