Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 123 News, Han Sanpin's Inquiry

At the same time, at the China Film Building.

Han Sanpin leaned back in his office chair, listened to Han Zheng's report, and smiled.

"They made Yu Dong criticize himself before, and now they're making him turn against the US and protect the Olympic bid."

Han Sanpin felt that he was too small-minded and had a limited perspective.

"This is not a young eagle, but an old eagle."

Han Zheng added, "And about security, I heard something."

Han Sanpin's gaze sharpened. "What is it? Is it related to security?"

"Since filming began for 'We Live in Nanjing,' no one has made any moves against Director Cao, but I overheard security personnel chatting about his recent personal relationship issues..."

Han Sanpin stopped Han Zheng from speaking, "Tell them that there's no need to gossip. Can young people become monks? This is not a big deal."

Han Zheng nodded, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

He originally wanted to share some gossip with Han Sanpin, saying there were two.

However, he also understood that Han Sanpin probably wouldn't care about this; such things happen all the time in the entertainment industry, so it's not a big deal.

"However, Director Cao's move has indeed increased the popularity of 'My Disqualified Daughter,' and I wonder when the editing will be completed," Han Zheng said.

"No matter when it's finished, I trust Cao Zhong." Han Sanpin narrowed his eyes, tapping his fingers on the table.

"But I'm also quite curious. Cao Zhong arranged for Shen Ao to make a comedy film. What kind of effect will it have? He even said it would gross 100 million yuan. Wouldn't that make him even more impressive than Ning Hao? Cao Zhong is really daring to make such a claim, considering he's a newcomer."

"By the way, Chairman Han, the script for 'Li Yannian, the Man of Both Scholar and Warrior' has been approved, though some lines have been cut," Han Zheng reminded him, remembering something.
"Although we persuaded the various departments by appealing to their political views, the higher-ups still suggested that we keep as few lines about American devils as possible," Han Zheng said. "Some departments emphasized that the J-20 project had just been launched, so we should keep it out of the way if possible."

"I'll have Cao Zhong review it himself later. If he thinks the background information can be omitted, then there shouldn't be a big problem."

Han Sanpin sighed. He was trying his best, but he also had to consider the overall situation.

After Han Zheng left, Han Sanpin suddenly remembered something and made a phone call to Jiang Zhiqiang.

……

Hollywood.

Edko Films' U.S. office.

In November 2007, the sunlight in Los Angeles was like a washed-up star, trying hard to maintain a semblance of dignity.

In the afternoon, the Santa Ana wind swept through the Hollywood Hills, carrying the dry heat and the parched scent of eucalyptus trees.

"Everyone, I need to go back to China in the next few days, so I'll leave things here to you. If there are any problems, please report to Jason immediately."

Jiang Zhiqiang himself will not stay in Hollywood for long unless the project is really going to be implemented; otherwise, he will return to Hong Kong.

As he gets older, the old man really can't get used to eating hamburgers outside.

Jason is a cousin of Jiang Zhiqiang, whose real name is Jiang Zhiyu, and he is one of his confidants.

"By the way, have you secured the copyright for 'Airplanes, Trains, and Cars'?" Jiang Zhiqiang asked the copyright department staff.

"Jiang, we have already purchased the copyright."

“Very good. The copyright department is of utmost importance. In the future, we may register many copyrights.”

After about a month, Jiang Zhiqiang actually managed to build a company in Hollywood.

Although the company is small, it has all the essential functions.

Edko Films has everything that any independent Hollywood film company should have.

The company's nominal legal representative was Jiang Zhiqiang, but Cao Zhong sent several lawyers to secretly transfer the company's shares to Cao Zhong's name through several roundabout methods.

In reality, Jiang Zhiqiang was only the nominal boss, but Cao Zhong and Jiang Zhiqiang had a private profit-sharing agreement for publicity and distribution.

Jiang Zhiqiang can take a cut when a project is promoted and released.

After finishing his conversation with his employees, Jiang Zhiqiang suddenly received a phone call.

Upon seeing the caller ID, Jiang Zhiqiang's expression froze. "Chairman Han?"

After answering the phone, Jiang Zhiqiang was a little surprised. "Is there something you need to tell me, Chairman Han?"

He knew Han Sanpin, but their relationship remained merely acquaintance; they never engaged in any in-depth cooperation.

I had met Chen Kaige a few times before because of his film's bid for the Olympics.

Jiang Zhiqiang also knew that Han Sanpin had played a role in the previous suppression of "Ailing".

"Are you and Cao Zhong planning to try your luck at the Oscars in Hollywood?" Han Sanpin asked directly and bluntly.

Jiang Zhiqiang's expression changed. "Chairman Han, I'm not entirely sure about that either. It depends on what Director Cao thinks."

Han Sanpin was surprised that his trickery had backfired so easily, and his expression changed.

Sure enough, Cao Zhong has already started laying the groundwork for Hollywood.

I chatted casually with Jiang Zhiqiang for a few more minutes, but nothing of substance came up.

After hanging up the phone, Han Sanpin muttered to himself.

This kid's too audacious. He's going straight to Hollywood to cause trouble? Is it that easy to do things there? It could end up killing people.

Han Sanpin pondered for a long time before calling Cao Zhong.

A short while later, Cao Zhong replied.

"Chairman Han, is something the matter?"

"Two things. The script for 'Li Yannian, a Man of Both Literary and Martial Arts' has gone through three reviews, but some content still needs to be changed. I have sent you the complete script with the remaining structure and the parts that have been cut according to the suggestions. I have also marked the places that have been changed. Please check if it is okay."

Han Sanpin said, "This play is stressful. Unlike the script, it's for the sake of the bigger picture. It's also the result of compromise under the circumstances."

Cao Zhong had just finished filming his scenes on set and had a sip of hot tea before replying.

"I completely understand, I will take a good look."

He didn't hang up the phone, but instead read the script over the phone. "Chairman Han, I feel there's no problem. Actually, what I wanted to express is all retained."

"That's good."

Han Sanpin let out a long sigh and said with a faint smile, "I'm actually under a bit of pressure. If you think it's not good enough, it'll seem like I haven't tried my best."

"I understand Chairman Han and the overall situation."

Cao Zhong smiled.
The idea that "the bigger picture can't kill you, so I will" is something that can only appear in fantasy novels.

Under certain circumstances, even if someone with influence says something patriotic but damaging to their image, they will be silenced.

Like Zhang Xuefeng, the reason he disappeared was not internal, but external.

Those words caused quite a stir on the internet.

Han Sanpin said, "That's good. Then let's talk about the movie 'Li Yannian'. Actually, China Film Group originally planned to make it themselves, but I don't trust other directors. I do have a trustworthy director, Huang Jianxin, who will be making a tribute film with me in 09."

"So, do you want to make this movie yourself?"

Han Sanpin still hoped that Cao Zhong could take charge.

“I probably won’t have time, unless the project is shelved for two years,” Cao Zhong said. “I still hope that this movie can be moved forward as soon as possible.”

Cao Zhong chose this film mainly because its content could set a tone for future war films.

"As for directors, it's not easy for China Film Group to get them unless we look in Hong Kong and Taiwan."

Han Sanpin thought for a moment and then suddenly said, "Then what do you think of Chen Kai? After all, he directed a movie called 'The Grand Parade' back then, so he has some experience."

Cao Zhong's expression froze for a moment. "Isn't he filming 'Mei Lanfang'?"

“After all, filming is almost finished, and it’s an art film,” Han Sanpin said. “After ‘The Promise,’ his reputation was ruined too quickly. He needs a movie to restore his reputation.”

(End of this chapter)