The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 139 Using the same trick again, turning the tables on them.

"Youde, your idea is good. It might work well for someone else."

Shen Shandeng's tone was calm, yet carried an absolute confidence: "But I don't need it, Youde."

“I don’t need a paperclip to crown me, nor do I need his ‘artistic halo’ that has been proven to be illusory.”

"The recognition I receive from the audience with real money is more powerful than a thousand paperclips of praise."

"The academic controversy? It's just barking."

Shen Shandeng chuckled lightly: "The louder they shout, the more it proves we're doing the right thing. And for us, it might not necessarily be a bad thing."

"Being harassed by certain people can actually earn you sympathy from the audience."

"They can fool the audience for a while, but they can't fool the audience forever."

"A strong wind reveals the strength of the grass, and turbulent times reveal the loyalty of the minister. When their true colors can no longer be hidden, the audience will discover that there is also me."

"I may be an oddball to some people, but to the audience, I am the normal one."

Ma Youde was taken aback, realizing that he had been too narrow-minded.

Shen Shandeng's gaze became deep and cold.

When you can achieve a resounding victory, there's no need to argue about who's better.

"I have no personal grudge against paperclips."

“I want to take him down simply because he’s blocking my path to creating a new narrative.”

"I simply despise him and the narrative system that he and the people behind him tried to construct."

"While 'The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger' certainly has its beauty, it pioneered a path that combines Chinese elements with Western essence."

"At the end of this road is 'The Sin'."

"Like a clown, the highest level he can achieve is merely to live a painful life and occasionally obtain a few bones."

“Youde, this is not the way we should be, nor can we take this path.”

Shen Shandeng's gaze was firm: "What I want to do is to completely end this influence. Not the person who hits the paperclip, but the creative logic he represents, so that it loses its fertile ground in our film market."

Shen Shandeng said something that sent a shockwave through Ma Youde's heart.

Whether he is disgraced or not is none of our business. Whether he dislikes me or not is also none of our business.

“Youde, he is a scoundrel, a traitor! He is someone else’s henchman, someone else’s dog, and the people behind him are the same.”

"I don't need his acknowledgment!"

"As long as I am on the path that can truly help the film industry stand up, why do I need the praise of an outsider?"

"If one day he comes to praise me, then I should reflect on what I did wrong."

Ma Youde gasped. Shen Shandeng's words sounded frank and open, but how domineering they were!

Destroying the paperclip is none of the other party's business!
"Marco Müller over here?" Ma Youde felt his mind was a little slow to catch up.

Shen Shandeng smiled slightly and said, "Marco Müller? He's a good key."

"His greatest value lies in connecting the world behind him."

“Smith?” Ma Youde seemed to have grasped something.

“That’s right.” Shen Shandeng suppressed a smile and said, “Have Marco Müller and Smith get closer to him and find out where he came from.”

Ma Youde immediately pulled out his notebook.

Shen Shandeng said, "As long as they are not from elite families, such as WASPs, Whites, Anglo-Saxons, or Presbyterian Protestants, and not Isaacs."

“We can learn from the story of how we dealt with Mueller to win over Smith.”

"Turning him into our eyes, or even a pawn, is far more interesting and effective than simply getting the admission of a dead dog on the street."

Ma Youde was completely stunned.

He thought his brilliant plan was impressive, but now it seemed like child's play.

Unlike the boss, who kicks you to death!
"Boss, it's me."

Ma Youde was speechless for a moment, only filled with shock and admiration.

Shen Shandeng looked at him and smiled: "You think it's beyond your expectations?"

Ma Youde nodded emphatically.

“Youde,” Shen Shandeng said calmly. “What we need to change and expel are the rules they are trying to establish here.”

"We make money, but not just for the sake of making money. We want to defend our right to speak!"

A burning loyalty surged in Ma Youde's eyes.

"Understood, boss! I promise to make sure the word '囧' gets a lot of attention, and then I'll clarify the lines between Smith and Mueller perfectly!"

Ma Youde accepted the order and left, while Shen Shandeng and his secretary attended the next meeting.

Beijing Film Studio.

The office, a symbol of authority in China's film industry, was filled with the aroma of tea.

Han Sanping had just finished a lengthy meeting about the quota for co-productions next year, and he looked a little tired.

He took the hot tea handed to him by his secretary Liao Yun, took a sip, and then looked up to ask, "Chen Kexin is gone?"

"I just left not long ago."

Liao Yun replied respectfully, carefully choosing his words, "He came in person, and his attitude was very sincere. He still hopes that Director Shen can attend the premiere of 'The Warlords' at the Olympic Sports Center tomorrow."

Han Sanping paused slightly in his teacup, his brow furrowing. "The premiere is tomorrow, and you're only contacting us today? Shen Shandeng has already declined?"

This is not a question, but a conclusion.

If Shen Xiaodeng hadn't already clearly refused, Chen Kexin wouldn't have sought out him at this point to exert pressure indirectly.

Liao Yun nodded: "Director Shen's reply was very polite. He said he was in seclusion creating a new film and couldn't spare the time. However, Wu Jing will represent them to go and support him."

"Wu Jing," Han Sanping uttered the name, his face expressionless.

Wu Jing is currently enjoying great popularity and is one of the key figures in "The Eunuch". He has already announced to the outside world that he will be directing his own film, "Jiajing".

Han Sanping was even more aware that Shen Shandeng's arrangements for Wu Jing were not just about one movie, but rather a complete plan.

Han Sanping sometimes reflects on himself and thinks that he is not as good at leading troops as Xiao Deng.
Han Sanping quickly dismissed this feeling of insecurity.

He has capable generals at his side and plenty of soldiers!
Wu Jing's presence carries significant weight, and given his past experience in the Hong Kong entertainment circle, he's likely an acquaintance of many. However, it's clear that Chen Kexin isn't after Wu Jing, but rather the immense buzz and media attention generated by Shen Shandeng's very name.

"What did he say?" Han Sanping put down his teacup and leaned back in his wide chair.

Liao Yun reported truthfully: "Director Chen's intention is that the marketing points for 'The Warlords' are brotherhood and a focus on authentic historical authenticity."

"They may want to capitalize on the historical action film craze sparked by 'The Eunuch' to extend the hype."

The office was quiet for a moment.

Only the faint sounds of cars outside the window could be heard.

Han Sanping paused for a moment, then asked a question: "Liao Yun, do you think 'The Warlords' and 'The Eunuch' are comparable?"

Liao Yun paused for a moment, then gave a wry smile.

This is a difficult question to answer, but one that cannot be left unanswered.

He carefully chose his words: "In terms of genre, they are both period epics. But, their core themes are completely different. 'The Warlords' is a dark metaphor about betrayal and desire."

“And ‘The Grand Eunuch’…” He paused, his tone unconsciously becoming complicated: “It is upright and honorable, it is a love for one’s country and family, it is a heroic narrative, it is about shedding blood under the sun.”

Liao Yun added from a market perspective: "In terms of action design, 'The Eunuch' is a pioneer. It makes martial arts concrete, clean and crisp, and full of power, which makes the audience enjoy watching it."

"The Warlords" pursues a more realistic sense of cruelty, so the fighting scenes might not be as visually appealing.

As a core member of China Film Group, Liao Yun had naturally seen the finished film of "The Warlords".

To be fair, it's a mess compared to "The Supervisor".

Chen Kexin is quite capable of making art films, but "The Warlords" is too contradictory, failing to balance art and commerce.

Just from their names, you can tell they're filled with resentment, plus they're after money.
There's really no comparison to a phenomenon like "The Eunuch," a monster that redefined audience tastes.

Real fighting? Han Sanping shook his head. He got angry just thinking about inspecting the "Warriors" film crew.

I already reminded Chen Kexin to watch his table manners, but he still did whatever he wanted. I should have known better.
Speaking from China Film Group's perspective, Liao Yun said, "Chairman Han, the investment in 'The Warlords' was huge, and the overseas rights sales were only so-so, so there's a lot of pressure on the domestic box office."

"If Director Shen could make an appearance, even just for a brief moment, it would definitely boost the pre-launch buzz and media attention significantly. From the perspective of the group's interests..."

Han Sanping raised his hand, stopping him from speaking.

He understood Liao Yun's thoughts; as the person in charge, he needed to weigh the overall situation.

However, in his view, the overall situation was not as important as Shen Shandeng's trust.

Han Sanping knew Xiao Deng's personality very well; he had fallen for Xiao Deng's tricks more than once.

Now that "The Eunuch" has become a hit, Shen Shandeng is going to work on comedy again and promote Wu Jing.

Han Sanping was no longer worried that Shen Shandeng would repeat Xiao Gangpao's old mistakes, but rather that Shen Shandeng would abandon him and run away.

Changing the subject, Han Sanping asked about something else.

"After the last reprimand, how are Chen Kexin and John Woo doing lately? Are they still behaving themselves?"

Liao Yun immediately composed himself and said seriously, "On the surface, they all seem very honest. Director Chen has paid the money and is focusing on promoting 'The Warlords,' adopting a very humble attitude."

"Director Wu is also putting in a lot of effort on the set of 'Red Cliff,' keeping up with the pace very quickly and being much more efficient than before. We haven't heard any complaints since."

"What about behind the scenes?" Han Sanping pressed, his gaze piercing. "Is there any outward compliance followed by inward defiance? Or any other way to vent your dissatisfaction?"

Liao Yun carefully reviewed the recent reports from various sources and shook his head firmly: "No. At least based on the information we have so far, no. They seem to have really been intimidated by your previous statement."

Upon hearing this answer, Han Sanping did not show any relief; instead, he fell into a brief silence.

So, they've become obedient?
I knew earlier!
It should have gotten hard a long time ago!

Han Sanping recalled how he had communicated with them in a kind and reasonable manner, presenting facts and reasoning, and even providing them with preferential resources, hoping that these big directors from Hong Kong Island could be more down-to-earth and give more consideration to the mainland market and cultural context.

The results of it?
The results were minimal; the other party still clung to the "borrowing a chicken to lay eggs" mentality, their inherent sense of superiority and perfunctory attitude were impossible to conceal.

How come Shen Shandeng's novel "The Eunuch" suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and then he took the opportunity to give it a push, and the effect was surprisingly good? Immediately?
Could it be true, as Shen Shandeng said, that this reflects a colonial mentality?

Good people speak but no one listens; evil people sharpen their knives and the world is in awe.

Reasonable negotiation won't work; we have to flex our muscles, even bring out a "big villain" like Shen Shandeng, before they'll feel the pain? Before they'll listen?

"We are all compatriots, we are all compatriots."

Han Sanping quickly dismissed the thought, but he did feel a little uneasy.

He dedicated his life to promoting the development of Chinese cinema, preferring to persuade people with reason and to act in accordance with industry rules and consensus.

But the current situation subtly points to a simpler, and more ruthless, jungle law.

Simply demonstrating strength sufficient to overwhelm them is not enough.

In order to earn genuine respect and cooperation, we must also demonstrate our willingness to use our strength.

Shen Shandeng is undoubtedly the embodiment of that overwhelming strength.

It wasn't even an incarnation; it was the real King Chuang.

Liao Yun stood aside, watching the rare confusion on Han Sanping's face. He understood perfectly well what was going on, but he couldn't say anything.

Han Sanping finally waved his hand and returned to the original question.

He regained his usual decisiveness: "In reply to Chen Kexin, it is a big deal for Director Shen Shandeng to create a new play. We respect the director's creative process and it is inconvenient to disturb him."

Liao Yun's lips twitched; these were words the other party used to like to use.

But thinking about it, having Shen Shandeng around is indeed a bit of a treat.

Han Sanping adopted a bureaucratic tone: "Our support for the 'Warriors' project has always been consistent. We want them to focus their publicity efforts on the quality of the film itself, instead of always trying to take shortcuts."

With the success of "The Supervisor," performance is no longer a concern; "The Warlords" will simply be what it is.

As for the investors who followed him in investing in "The Warlords," they can at most offer some compensation in the Du Gong universe.

"Understood, Chairman Han." Liao Yun nodded in agreement, tears welling up in her eyes.

Shen Shandeng still holds a high position in the leader's heart!

After a moment's hesitation, Han Sanping picked up the phone on the table and dialed Shen Shandeng's number.

Some things, even when conveyed through a secretary, are ultimately separated by a layer; he needs to hear Shen Shandeng's meaning in person.

Incidentally, he was somewhat interested in the comedies Shen Shandeng was working on.

(End of this chapter)