Huayu: A Commercial Director

Chapter 111 Night Battle in All Directions
"Thank you, Chairman Yang, for the expense." Chen Shou said.

He went back to the horse farm first, where he naturally saw the gift Yang Shoucheng had given him: a pair of Shire horses, which are British and are now very rare.

They used to be raised for farm work, mainly because they were tall, strong, and could pull heavy objects weighing several tons—truly magnificent horses.

Due to the rise of the Industrial Revolution, these horses were gradually replaced and are now rare.

When he returned to the horse farm, he was naturally very happy to see the two large horses. Yang Shoucheng had put in a lot of effort to get him two Shire horses.

"I'm glad Director Chen likes it." Yang Shoucheng laughed heartily.

"I really like it. I just took a ride around the horse farm."

"It seems I didn't send the wrong item. Thank you for your guidance, Director Chen." Yang Shoucheng and Huo Wenxi, who was standing next to him, were both very happy. They had really hit the jackpot by making Director Chen happy.

People from other film and television companies looked over here and curled their lip at Yang Shoucheng, showing that they didn't like him.

They even blamed Chen Shouzhe for letting the wolf into the house, bringing Hong Kong capital into the mainland, and becoming a traitor.

In some people's opinion, Chen Shouzhe should have used mainland capital instead of Hong Kong capital. He doesn't understand the principle of "better to give to one's own people than to foreign enemies" and even allowed Emperor Entertainment to enter the mainland market. Now many people know about Emperor Entertainment. How are they supposed to survive now?
There are quite a few people who complain about Chen Shouzhe; they are everywhere.

Chen Shouzhe knew what these people were thinking. After all, quite a few people had sent messages, and many investment companies had even openly expressed their desire to invest in his film and exclude Emperor Entertainment.

Is Chen Shouzhe lacking money?
A group of people who will jump at any opportunity for profit. These people are no different from fair-weather friends. When I needed help, I couldn't find anyone, but now that I'm making money, they all come running to my door, looking at me with disdain.

Outsiders might see Yang Shoucheng as a snarling, envious, and jealous man, but Chen Shouzhe treated them very comfortably because Yang Shoucheng was good at interpersonal relationships. He would give money when he was supposed to, and do whatever he was supposed to do. There would never be any messy or unethical things he did. The kind of capital that a director likes most is the kind that can provide money and help.

Chen Shouzhe usually ignores companies that like to interfere in projects and send people in. For example, Bona Film Group tried to interfere in casting several times during the Kung Fu Hustle project, but Chen Shouzhe always turned them down. So far, they've only collaborated with Bona Film Group once, during the Kung Fu Hustle project.

Seeing Chen Shouzhe and Yang Shoucheng chatting, Yu Dong walked over with a wine glass in hand, and many people who noticed him noticed that his eyes were fixed on Chen Shouzhe.

"Director Chen, Chairman Yang, long time no see!" Yu Dong called out with a smile. His voice arrived before he did, attracting the attention of many people.

Seeing the three of them standing together, I couldn't help but think of Kung Fu Hustle, which was also a hugely profitable movie. Although Chen Shou didn't spend a single penny to put together the project, everyone could see how well the movie turned out. Everyone made a fortune, and many people envied and were jealous of Yu Dong, marveling at how lucky the fat guy was to be able to break even with double the investment.

However, there were also quite a few people watching with amusement. Yu Dong had not participated in any of Chen Shouzhe's films since Kung Fu Hustle, and he was constantly making small moves behind the scenes.

Once something is done, it's easy to get caught red-handed. Everyone's watching to see how Yu Dong will handle it, knowing that Chen Shou is not an easy person to talk to.

“Chairman Yu!” Yang Shoucheng turned around and nodded to Yu Dong.

"Congratulations, Chairman Yang! Emperor Entertainment has made a killing this time." Yu Dong's envy was practically overflowing from the corners of his mouth.

"No, no, it's all thanks to Director Chen's guidance that Emperor Entertainment was able to get involved." Chen Shouzhe was right next to him, and Yang Shoucheng knew very well how he made money, so he immediately gave the credit to Chen Shouzhe.

Yu Dong looked at Chen Shouzhe, who was also looking at him.

"Yes, congratulations, Director Chen. Your abilities are beyond question," Yu Dong said with a smile.

Chen Shou glanced at the woman holding Yu Dong's hand and nodded: "Chairman Yu, have another drink later."

"We should have another drink. I hope Director Chen will give us another chance next time."

"Let's talk about it another time. I see it's about to start over there. Please take your seats." Chen Shou gestured towards the stage.

Yu Dong and Yang Shoucheng both looked up at the stage. It had already started, and the ice blocks had been brought on.

Seeing Chen Shouzhe and Yang Shoucheng leave, the woman next to Yu Dong frowned and said, "This guy is too arrogant. Does he really think he's some big shot?"

"But his movies can gross over six billion. Can you do that?" Yu Dong glanced at the woman beside him. It seemed that apart from her face, there was nothing else about her.

The woman's face turned pale, and she dared not utter a word.

After the guests were seated, Chen Shou did not offer any courtesy this time. He tried to break the ice several times but did not go up. This time, he was the main investor in the film, and he still managed to reach the top amidst a chorus of doubts. He did not let La Dong or Wanda go up, but broke the ice by himself.

"Today is a celebration banquet for the movie. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to participate. I won't say much more. Just enjoy the food and drinks and have a good time." Chen Shouzhe picked up the microphone, said a few words, and then stepped down from the stage.

Eating and drinking are minor matters; the main purpose of such banquets is to provide a platform for communication. The reason why celebrities are so keen to attend is simply because they can find opportunities here.

You might just find your benefactor in a social setting.
The banquet was buffet style, so everyone was free to move around or sit on the sofa and chat. It was very free; some people were eating with their plates, while others were walking around with their wine glasses.

For example, Huang Xiaoming is now taking his girlfriend around everywhere and constantly introducing her to other people.

Gong Li and Zhang Yimou chatted with some famous directors, while Chen Shouzhe spotted the great poet and his wife in the crowd.

Chen Shouzhe thought for a moment, then picked up his cup and walked over.

Chen Shouzhe was the focus of the entire banquet, and countless people wanted to chat with him. After escaping Zhang Qiang's harassment, Chen Shouzhe took his cup and came to the great poet.

Many people stopped when they saw this and kept glancing at it out of the corner of their eyes, and it became much quieter for a while.

"Director Chen, Producer Chen, thank you for coming to the celebration banquet." Chen Shouzhe approached the two men with a wine glass in hand.

Chen Kaige and his wife looked at Chen Shouzhe, wondering for a moment why he had come here.

"I was young and ignorant, and I offended Director Chen. This glass of wine is my apology." Chen Shou picked up the glass and downed it in one gulp.

Chen Kaige took a sip and said, "It's all a small matter, let bygones be bygones."

"Enjoy your meal, gentlemen. I won't disturb you any longer." Chen Shouzhe smiled, turned and left, then poured himself another glass of wine. It was unexpected that Chen Shouzhe would toast the great poet, and even down the wine in one gulp.

The two had a minor conflict, which was no secret in the industry. Chen Shou took the initiative to offer a toast, which helped to ease the tension.

"Has he given in?" Chen Hong whispered.

"Who cares? You know he has a child. If he continues to target us, he won't be polite. This isn't a sign of weakness," the great poet said.

"Hmph, she's lucky to have found a good backer." Chen Hong spotted Yang Mi in the crowd, who was walking around with Reba.

Although she didn't walk with Chen Shou, many people tried to get on her good side. After all, she had disappeared for a while, and anyone with a bit of sense knew what she had been up to.

With this bond, Yang Mi's resources will be plentiful in the future.

Even though they weren't walking together with Chen Shou, everyone knew perfectly well what was going on.

The celebration banquet lasted for several hours, and people left one after another. Chen Shou and the other producers saw them off.

Chen Shou returned to the villa. He had drunk quite a bit, and the hotel arranged for someone to drive him back.

When I arrived at the door, I could see that the lights were on inside. I pushed open the door and sure enough, there were two people sitting in the living room. They had changed into loose clothes instead of formal attire.

Yang Mi knew the child was at the horse farm. Looking at her figure now, it was much better than before. Just now, before Chen Shouzhe came in, Reba was looking at her with envy.

"Why don't you rest for a while longer?" Chen Shou asked.

“I don’t need to take care of my child. If I don’t go out to work, people will question me,” Yang Mi said.

"Body matters."

"Are you concerned about me?"

"That's it."

"cut."

Chen Shouzhe looked at Reba, and she felt a little anxious and nervous being watched by Chen Shouzhe.

"Has your movie finished filming?" Chen Shou asked.

"The filming is over."

"What about variety shows?"

"The recording is almost finished, and it will be broadcast soon."

"You'll be very busy from now on. Let your company manage things well for you. If nothing unexpected happens, you should have no problem entering the second tier next year."

"Really?" Dilraba's eyes widened. She's already a second-tier actress?
"The company will be preparing a TV series next year, and we'll give it to you then," Chen Shouzhe said.

"What TV series?" Yang Mi's eyes lit up; his efforts were finally about to pay off.

“A fantasy drama,” Chen Shou said.

"it is good."

That night, he fought battles on all sides, and the next day he could barely get up.

However, Chen Shouzhe still took Yang Mi and the others back to the horse farm and spent the Mid-Autumn Festival together. The next day, Chen Shouzhe returned to the film crew.

"Director Chen has such refined tastes; he was admiring chrysanthemums under the moon last night."

When I arrived at the film set in the afternoon, I ran into Yan Danchen, who teased me.

"You have one too? It's quite nice." Chen Shou is a comedian, so he's not going to lose in a verbal exchange.

Yan Danchen suddenly realized something, her face flushed, and she cursed, "You're the one who's a scoundrel! There really isn't a single good person among crosstalk performers."

"Yes, yes, we have them all." Chen Shou nodded.

Yan Danchen gritted her teeth in anger. She realized just how shameless this person was. However, she liked it too, since it was a joke that could only be made between two people. If they weren't familiar with each other, it would definitely be considered harassment.

Yesterday, Chen Shouzhe posted a photo of himself at a horse farm, riding a tall horse and looking up at the moon.

"What kind of horse is that? It looks huge." Yan Danchen had to act later, so she quickly adjusted her state, otherwise she was afraid she would lose control if they continued talking about the previous topic.

"That's called a Shire horse. It's a foreign breed of horse and is probably the largest horse breed in the world."

"Did you buy it?"

"Yang Shoucheng from the Emperor Group gave it to me. If you have time, I'll take you for a ride at the racecourse. He has a very gentle personality."

"Okay."

(End of this chapter)