Against the Current Hong Kong 1979

Chapter 120 of the novel version of "Shanghai Bund" is also a bestseller (please subscribe).

From an international perspective, this might seem like a pipe dream to others.

But who can blame him when Zhang Shuai'an is such a cheat code?

His system store has lit up many classic scripts, some of which are from Europe and America.

Some of these films are set in relatively recent timelines; it would be a complete waste if they weren't filmed in advance.

However, finding a script that has both high artistic value and commercial value, while also fitting the current era, is not an easy task.

For example, Quentin Tarantino's films are frequent nominees for both the Academy Awards and Cannes. Although he has received more nominations than awards, he did win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Django Unchained and Pulp Fiction. Pulp Fiction also won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

"etc?"

Zhang Shuai'an's gaze suddenly sharpened. "Pulp Fiction?"

Since this was able to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes, it means it particularly suits the tastes of Europeans and Americans.

Whether it suited the tastes of Europeans and Americans in the 1980s is unclear.

However, after checking the movie's information, he found that it was 154 minutes long, which made him hesitate.

Moreover, many of the plot points do not align with the current social context in Hong Kong.

That's not too difficult. At worst, we can learn from Chen Sicheng, set the background overseas, but use Hong Kong actors.

However, this increased the cost of filming many times over.

Let's see if there are any lower-budget films that can achieve the same effect.

low cost?

Zhang Shuai'an then thought of Nolan's "Memento," which seemed to have a relatively simple setting and a low production cost.

He was just unsure whether instant cameras existed in this era.

Another thing is mobile phones, which don't exist yet, not even the first-generation mobile phones.

He then considered several Guy Ritchie films, such as the classic multi-narrative style "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" or "Snatch".

After thinking it over and over, I still couldn't come up with anything suitable for adaptation.

He browsed the system's online store for over half an hour but still couldn't find a suitable script.

Since we don't have any clues for the time being, let's put this idea aside for now.

Anyway, there's plenty of time, so there's no rush.

He Jiatong suddenly came over and knocked on his office door: "Brother An, there's a man named Xu Wenbu outside looking for you. Should we let him in?"

Zhang Shuai'an asked, "Xu Wenbu? Did he say what he does?"

He Jiatong replied, "He said he's the editor-in-chief of the Oriental Daily News and has some things he wants to discuss with you!"

"Bring him over here." Zhang Shuai was now filled with curiosity. Why did the Oriental Daily want to talk to him? Did they want to interview him?

Not long after.

He Jiatong walked over with a middle-aged man in his forties.

The man had a square face, a mustache, and wore gold-rimmed glasses, making him look quite refined.

"Hello, Mr. Zhang."

Upon seeing Zhang Shuai'an, the visitor immediately greeted him with a smile, saying, "My name is Xu Wenbu, and I am honored to be the editor-in-chief of the Oriental Daily."

"Hello, Editor-in-Chief Xu, please have a seat!"

Zhang Shuai'an made a gesture, then gave He Jiatong a look.

He Jiatong was stunned for a moment, and it took her two or three seconds to understand. She then turned around and went out to prepare tea.

Zhang Shuai'an thought to himself that he still needed to find a female secretary, so that it would be more convenient to take care of guests when they came over.

"Mr. Zhang is currently enjoying great popularity; his fame is so great that almost everyone in Hong Kong knows him."

After sitting down, Editor-in-Chief Xu started boasting again.

"You're too kind. It's all just empty praise," Zhang Shuai'an replied politely, as was his habit. "I wonder what brings Editor-in-Chief Xu here?"

"Since Mr. Zhang has asked, I'll just answer directly!"

Editor-in-Chief Xu originally wanted to beat around the bush a bit more, but he didn't expect Zhang Shuai'an to be so impatient and ask directly, so he couldn't beat around the bush anymore. "Recently, 'Shanghai Bund' has become a huge hit, but the audience is quite dissatisfied with the ending. I believe Mr. Zhang must have felt that as well."

Zhang Shuai'an nodded. He not only felt it, but he almost got beaten up by a fanatical fan on the street!

"I was thinking, could we adapt 'Shanghai Bund' into a novel, changing not only the ending but also continuing the story? What do you think of this suggestion?"

As he said this, Editor-in-Chief Xu kept looking at Zhang Shuai'an.

After a moment's thought, Zhang Shuai'an said, "It's a good idea. I wonder how much your company can offer me for the article?"

""

Editor-in-Chief Xu said, "Well, of course, it's the level of a top-tier writer, one hundred yuan per thousand words."

One hundred words per thousand is indeed the starting point for top writers of this era.

However, Zhang Shuai'an didn't care much about this amount of money.

"Of course, given Mr. Zhang's current fame, this value is a little low."

Seeing Zhang Shuai'an's expression, Editor-in-Chief Xu immediately tried to salvage the situation: "We can offer 200 yuan per thousand words, which is already quite a low price."

Zhang Shuai'an suddenly asked, "I remember Ni Kuang was also serialized in your newspaper, right?"

Editor-in-Chief Xu said, "Yes, Mr. Ni serialized 'The Legend of Yuan Zhenxia' in our newspaper."

""

"How much is his royalties?" Zhang Shuai'an asked Editor-in-Chief Xu with piercing eyes.

Editor-in-Chief Xu came to his senses and explained with some surprise, "Mr. Ni's manuscript fee is currently one thousand yuan per thousand words for short stories and five hundred yuan per thousand words for novels. However, he started writing in the 1960s and has written countless best-selling manuscripts, and his screenplays have also sold very well, which is why he has the price he has today."

Although Mr. Zhang has gained considerable fame recently, he only has one book to his name, "Shattered Void," and only two screenplays, "Young Detective Bao Qingtian" and "Shanghai Bund." Therefore, it's inconvenient to offer a high price; please understand.

Zhang Shuai'an knew what he meant, so he said, "How about this, I authorize your newspaper to find a ghostwriter to write a novel, and you can freely adapt the subsequent plot. As long as you get 180 yuan per thousand words, I'll take 100, and the ghostwriter will take 80. How about it?"

This price isn't outrageous, and a ghostwriter charging 80 yuan per thousand words is considered quite outrageous in the industry.

"Sure, but I have another request that I may not ask!"

Editor-in-Chief Xu nodded, then said, "I hope that after Mr. Zhang finishes working on 'Chasing Girls,' if he has any ideas for writing a new piece, he can give priority to our newspaper."

Zhang Shuai'an said calmly, "I do have the idea of ​​writing a new work, but this new work can't be bought for two hundred yuan per thousand words."

"The price is negotiable!" Editor-in-Chief Xu became interested when he heard Zhang Shuai'an speak so confidently: "We can sign a phased contract, and let sales volume dictate the terms."

Editor-in-Chief Xu was a shrewd man. Even though he recognized Zhang Shuai'an's reputation, he didn't blindly offer a high price. Instead, he suggested a complementary strategy.

If Zhang Shuai'an's novel becomes a hit, their newspaper sales will also increase significantly, and they will naturally earn back the royalties they paid.

Conversely, it can be cut off at any time, and the loss is not significant.

"That's fine." Zhang Shuai'an had no objections, but added, "However, the price for the first episode should start at least at 300 yuan per thousand words, otherwise, forget it."

Editor-in-Chief Xu considered it for a moment, then agreed: "Okay!"

Two weeks later, the Oriental Daily News published a GG (Golden Gotten) headline: "[Xu Wenqiang Returns to Shanghai, Original Novel Serialized in a Shocking Serialization!]".

The subheading reads: "This newspaper has invested heavily to invite Mr. Zhang Shuai'an to write a novel version of 'Shanghai Bund.' Xu ​​Wenqiang's story will undergo new changes, and the ending, inspired by the audience, will also be rewritten!"

The first novel in the literary section is the first chapter of "Shanghai Difficulties".

The words "[Original Author: Zhang Shuai'an]" were printed in very large print.

Below that, in lowercase, is a line that reads: [Written by: A-Kuan].

While it's described as an adaptation, the initial plot is practically identical to the TV series version, with only some added details that make it feel more substantial, or you could say it's a bit padded.

This Ah Kuan is also a skilled writer. Even though his writing is rather sloppy, it's still quite unique. As a result, the sales of the Oriental Daily were actually boosted by several thousand copies.

Zhang Shuai'an doesn't have to do anything, yet he receives a considerable amount of pocket money every month, which is a wonderful thing.

As for Zhang Shuai'an's own "conceived" new book, he has his eye on "Ghost Blows Out the Light".

However, he will wait until "Chasing Girls" is released before making a decision, at which time he can take advantage of the release to increase his royalties.