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

Chapter 127 It’s rude to come and not return.

After hanging up the phone, Cao Zhong couldn't help but laugh at himself, "Even a saint can't save someone."

Some people should indeed be swept into the dustbin of history.

Cao Zhong does not deny that Chen Kaige later made a few films that were beneficial to the Chinese film industry, such as the "Changjin Lake" series, but that was all. In fact, most of Chen Kaige's contributions over the decades were dross, and his positive influence on narrative structure was not as great as that of his own brother Chen Sicheng, who had been Sinicizing foreign films.

Although he was disgusted by Chen Kai's overbearing attitude, he didn't want one bad apple to spoil his good mood.

Instead, he threw himself back into filming "We Live in Nanjing".

Cao Zhong's words were a response to Lu Yang and Dante Lam.

When it's time to rest.

Lu Yang couldn't help but give Cao Zhong a thumbs up, "Director Cao is really awesome. He even dared to criticize Chen Kai like that. Especially that question about the total box office, it was so damaging. After being in the industry for over twenty years, to be so bluntly attacked by a junior, I could feel how embarrassed he was even over the phone."

Cao Zhong patted Lu Yang on the shoulder: "Think it over more, study hard, and you'll definitely be better than him in the future."

"Can it really work?" Lu Yang asked with anticipation. "I wonder how long that day will take."

"As long as you dare to dream and work hard, and truly put your heart into the film," Cao Zhong said, "instead of spending it on buying villas and straw hats."

Lin Chaoxian was listening attentively when Cao Zhong's sarcastic remark nearly made him choke on his water.

As a Hong Kong director, Dante Lam naturally knew what Cao Zhong was talking about.

This kind of thing is actually quite common among Hong Kong directors.

Lin Chaoxian didn't know if Cao Zhong did it on purpose, but his words gave him a wake-up call.

……

The next day, Han Sanpin called.

"Did Chen Kaige criticize them? I heard that the 'Mei Lanfang' crew stopped work yesterday and they're still holding a grudge today."

"They're taking advantage of my kindness and even trying to talk to me about the art of 'The Promise'," Cao Zhong said. "Compared to Jia Zhangke and Wang An, I've already given Chen Kai a lot of face."

"Cough cough cough."

Han Sanpin knew Cao Zhong's temper and advised, "This is not good. Everyone should be on good terms. Look at Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, they're both polite. After all, Chen Kaige has been working with me for so long."

"After working together for so long, what good things have I created for you?" Cao Zhong asked.

Han Sanpin suddenly fell silent.

"Of course, if Chairman Han needs it, I can go along with him, as long as he doesn't feel awkward."

Cao Zhong quickly broke the brief silence and smiled.
"But you should go and talk to him. If the work stops, it's your money that will be lost, not mine. If he hadn't called me privately, telling me to replace Mao Weining, and being so arrogant with me, I definitely would have been more lenient and made peace with him."

But it was Chairman Han who proposed it, and I made it very clear that someone has to keep him in check.

He readily agreed, then pulled this stunt on me privately, even saying I begged him to make the movie. It really made me laugh.

Han Sanpin's face darkened slightly at this moment. He was also dissatisfied with Chen Kaige's behavior and cursed him in his heart.

He genuinely wanted to help Chen Kaige, so he mentioned Chen's name to Cao Zhong, but unexpectedly, things went well, only to be ruined by Chen Kaige himself.

The one who replaced Cao Zhong?
This guy really doesn't know what's good for him!
After "The Promise", you don't know what your reputation or situation is, right?
Although neither Cao Zhong nor Chen Kaige were criticized by the media.

But Cao Zhong's courage was reckless, while Chen Kai's was a cesspool.

In other words, there was no one else available; otherwise, why would Han Sanpin have indulged him so much?
"So, who should we choose? Do you have any ideas?" Han Sanpin still really wanted to join the team. Now that the script had been approved, he wanted to get started immediately. "I think Tsui Hark and Mao Weining are already capable in terms of visual design, pacing, and dramatic scenes," Cao Zhong said. "What we lack now is someone who can grasp the historical tone and the grand battle scenes."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanpin thought for a moment and said, "There are many such people, but I'm not sure about their commercial viability."

"Isn't commercial success all about narrative structure? With my script as a guarantee, Tsui Hark's experience, and the ability to communicate and exchange ideas with me at any time, I don't think there will be any major problems. Who did Chairman Han think of?"

"Director Zhai Junjie, who directed 'The Battle of Taierzhuang,' 'The Republic Will Not Forget,' and 'The Great Battle 2: The Huaihai Campaign,' said Han Sanpin. "Moreover, he comes from the August First Film Studio, and I got the project approval for this script through the help of the PLA Academy of Arts."

Cao Zhong was taken aback when he heard this. He thought of the 800,000 versus 600,000, and smiled. "I think it's feasible. Moreover, with Director Zhai's qualifications, he can not only keep those two in check, but also complement them perfectly."

“Then I’ll go and make the contact,” Han Sanpin said. “The PLA Academy of Arts has a very high opinion of your script. Although the investment was decided a long time ago, they should be willing to borrow a director.”

"Then I'll have to trouble Chairman Han."

"Don't get angry with Chen Kai too much." Han Sanpin's mood improved slightly after sorting out the project. "He always thinks he's the top director at the Palme d'Or, and he treats me like I'm nothing special. By the way, is Haicheng working well with you?"

Cao Zhong said, "Thank you very much, Chairman Han, for sending the secretary."

Han Sanpin smiled and changed the subject, saying, "How long are you going to keep your affair with Jiang Zhiqiang a secret from me? Are you going to leave me out again? I'm really heartbroken."

"How did Chairman Han find out?" Cao Zhong narrowed his eyes. "This matter was kept secret."

“Last time you asked me for Jiang Zhiqiang’s phone number, I guessed you were looking for him to try and get some connections with Hollywood. I tried calling him last time to try and get it out of him, but I didn’t expect to get it out of him so easily,” Han Sanpin said.

"Chairman Han, are you just staring at me like that?" Cao Zhong said. "That's not a good idea."

"Currently, only I know about this matter. If you don't want it to be kept secret, I will definitely keep it confidential for you. You just need to remind Jiang Zhiqiang again."

Han Sanpin also felt guilty for a moment. He was curious about Jiang Zhiqiang's cunning, but in reality, he had indeed gone a bit too far.

"It was just a moment of curiosity. If you want to contribute to Chinese cinema, I don't recommend you go into that murky water of Hollywood. Don't come back with a lot of trouble."

Cao Zhong said directly, "I'm not going."

"Then what are you doing?" Han Sanpin asked, puzzled.

"If they can bring 'Eileen Chang' over, why can't I bring other films?" Cao Zhong narrowed his eyes.
"Even if I don't become a director, producer, or boss in Hollywood, I can still do it. It's only fair to reciprocate. They want to smear us, so I can naturally go to Hollywood and put nails in their faces, and I'll do it subtly and gradually."

And you can even make some money, isn't that great?

Han Sanpin's expression changed instantly: "If there's anything you can't handle, come to me anytime."

"Don't worry, Chairman Han, I know what I'm doing."

China Film Group

hang up the phone,

Han Sanpin sat in his office in silence for a long time.

Some directors have gone to Hollywood.

There are plenty of directors vying for Hollywood awards.

The key is that he wants to make money in Hollywood, and he even wants to drive nails towards Hollywood. I've never seen anything like it before!

Han Sanpin took a sip of tea and sighed.
"Are all young people these days this amazing? I'm really getting old..."

(End of this chapter)