Huayu Entertainment: Starting with Exorcising Evil from a Film Queen

Chapter 85 News from the Producer (3K)

The old Taoist priest locked the wooden door of the main hall and glanced back at the somewhat empty courtyard.

Zhang Ze carried out two strings of 1,000-recliners of red paper from the side room and spread them out at the entrance of the Taoist temple.

The lighter was brought close to the fuse, and sparks flew.

The once quiet mountaintop was instantly covered with shattered red paper, and the strong smell of gunpowder dispelled the chill of the early morning.

On the way down the mountain, the old Taoist priest walked ahead with his hands behind his back, his steps light and quick. His faded military overcoat was open, revealing a brand-new cotton Taoist robe underneath.

Zhang Ze followed behind, carrying several bottles of good wine and a bag of snacks for the children.

As soon as I stepped through the large iron gate of the orphanage, a cacophony of noise hit me.

The yard was full of children running around in their new clothes, their bright red cotton-padded jackets standing out starkly against the gray cement ground.

Upon seeing Zhang Ze and the old Taoist priest enter, the children swarmed around them, calling out "Brother Zhang" and "Grandpa Taoist Priest" in a flurry of voices.

The old Taoist priest's usually stern face instantly relaxed, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes gathered together.

He took out handfuls of brittle candy from his pocket and distributed them to the little kids who were gathered around his legs.

Dean Wang, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, ran out of the kitchen, his face glistening with oil, but he couldn't stop smiling.

"It's good that you're here. Come inside quickly, it's windy outside."

Zhang Ze handed the things in his hand to the volunteer who came out to greet him, and then found a sheltered corner to sit down.

Several large pots were set up in the yard, with firewood burning underneath. White steam rose from the edges of the pot lids, and the aroma of meat mixed with the smell of firewood filled the air.

This long-lost warmth and everyday life made Zhang Ze feel at ease.

He took out his notebook and pen from his bag and opened the script he had half-finished yesterday.

The story framework of "Like Father, Like Son" has been completed; now it's time to localize it and fill in the details.

The story's setting was changed from Tokyo to a second-tier city in southern China. The humid, cramped, yet vibrant atmosphere perfectly matched the script's emotional tone.

Zhang Ze's pen moved quickly across the paper.

Budget control is a key consideration for him.

It doesn't need grand scenes or expensive special effects; the plot is carried entirely by the actors' lines and subtle expressions.

Besides the necessary camera equipment rental and post-production costs, the biggest expense was the crew's food and lodging.

With a startup budget of five million, if carefully managed, not only can the film be completed, but a portion can also be reserved for post-production public relations at film festivals.

Zhang Ze drew a circle on the paper, setting the filming period at forty days.

This was not only to meet the Cannes registration deadline, but also to coordinate with his subsequent schedule.

The old Taoist priest was holding a little girl and pointing to the Spring Festival couplets on the courtyard wall, teaching her to recognize characters. He turned his head and saw Zhang Ze still writing and drawing. He pursed his lips but did not come over to disturb him.

Zhang Ze was so engrossed in the script that his phone started vibrating in his pocket.

When I took it out, I saw it was an unfamiliar Beijing number.

After the call connected, it was a talent agency that wanted to book him for a commercial performance after the New Year, and the asking price was not low.

Zhang Ze politely declined and hung up the phone.

Before I could even put the phone back, it vibrated again.

This time it was Lin Gengxing. He said on the phone that the New Year's Eve dinner ordered by the crew was terrible, and he also wished Zhang Ze a Happy New Year in advance.

Next up was Hu Ge, who sent a New Year's greeting MMS with a funny selfie and New Year's wishes.

Following them were actors and crew members who had worked together, such as Yuan Hong, and several assistant directors from the "The Message" crew.

Zhang Ze's Nokia N95 quickly became scorching hot.

He had to find the best signal in this remote courtyard while dealing with all sorts of small talk.

In this circle, social interaction is a must. Even if Zhang Ze wanted to avoid some peace and quiet, he still had to patiently reply to every message.

The screen went completely black after the battery icon in the upper right corner turned red, flashed twice, and then went black again.

The world is finally quiet.

Zhang Ze let out a long breath, put the hot phone back in his pocket, and turned around to meet the old Taoist's mocking gaze.

"Wow, you're a busy person, you've got a lot of work to do."

The old Taoist priest put the child down from his arms and patted the melon seed shells off his hands.

"If you didn't know better, you'd think a superstar had come to live in this courtyard."

Zhang Ze glanced at the rusty satellite dish antenna on the roof, gave a wry smile, and didn't refute it.

Instead, he pulled over a small stool and sat down next to the old Taoist priest.

"Old man, don't make fun of me. I'm just busy doing nothing."

The works he's currently filming can't be seen here at all.

In Qingyun Town at that time, the internet penetration rate was extremely low, and the people relied entirely on satellite dishes to watch TV, receiving broadcasts from various local satellite channels.

Some people can only watch a few local channels besides CCTV.

The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3 premiered on a local TV station in Jiangsu Province and didn't reach any satellite TV stations in Jiangxi Province.

As for "The Message," that's a movie; these kids won't see it if it's not shown on the big screen.

Although there is a movie theater in town, everyone goes there to watch movies that have finished showing or are about to finish showing, because these movies only cost ten or twenty yuan, while new movies often cost seventy or eighty yuan.

It will probably be another year before they see me.

As for the internet—it's still a rarity here. Even in the city, the penetration rate is less than 50%, let alone in this town.

Therefore, Zhang Ze is completely unknown here.

In the eyes of these children and volunteers, Zhang Ze was just a kind-hearted older brother who had made a fortune outside, at most handsome and energetic.

However, Zhang Ze still enjoys this feeling. When his works begin to enter the public eye next year, he may not have time to come back for the New Year. At that time, even if he celebrates the New Year, he will definitely be busy with announcements.

At this moment, Dean Wang came out carrying a steaming bowl of steaming pork and shouted in a loud voice.

"Dinner's ready! Everyone go wash your hands!"

The children cheered and formed a long line in front of the big pot.

The large round tables inside the house were pushed together and filled with chicken, duck, fish, and meat, and there was even a plate of expensive red cherries that were ridiculously expensive this time of year.

Zhang Ze was forcibly pulled to the head seat by Dean Wang, with the old man sitting next to him.

The television in the corner of the room was on, playing the opening dance of the Spring Festival Gala, and the festive music made the paper windows vibrate.

Zhang Ze poured the old Taoist priest a cup of wine, and then filled his own cup.

All around were the sounds of children wolfing down their food and volunteers urging them to eat.

No one was deliberately reserved because of Zhang Ze's identity; everyone treated him more as a member of this big family.

I spent my New Year's Eve dinner watching the Spring Festival Gala.

This year's Spring Festival Gala still brought a lot of laughter and joy.

Several segments also had their highlights, such as Liu Qian's magic tricks and the "Lucky Three Treasures" performance, which brought smiles to the audience's faces.

However, these are a level below the later programs.

After several rounds of drinks, when Uncle Benshan and his apprentice Xiao Shenyang walked onto the stage, it immediately became the climax of the entire Spring Festival Gala.

When the man in the kilt, who walked with a piapia-like gait, opened his mouth, everyone in the room burst out laughing.

Even the usually aloof old Taoist priest grinned when he saw Xiao Shenyang's cheeky appearance.

Looking at Xiao Shenyang on the screen, Zhang Ze couldn't help but sigh, "People's fates are just different."

Xiao Shenyang's outrageous outfit immediately sealed his fate, making him an overnight sensation across the country.

The New Year's Eve dinner was exceptionally lively, lasting until almost midnight.

Dean Wang earnestly urged the two to stay at the orphanage for one night, and the room had already been prepared.

The old Taoist priest waved his hand, grabbed a hat from the table, and put it on his head.

"No, I'm not comfortable leaving the temple's incense burning unattended."

He had drunk quite a bit, his face was flushed, but his eyes were still relatively clear.

Knowing he couldn't persuade him otherwise, Zhang Ze got up and took his leave.

Stepping out of the courtyard, the sound of firecrackers echoed throughout the town, and the night sky in the distance was illuminated by colorful fireworks.

Using the light of their flashlights, the two walked up the stone steps towards the mountain.

The mountain breeze dispelled the smell of alcohol from my body.

The old Taoist priest walked ahead, his steps still steady, though his breathing was a little heavier than usual.

"Which day of the month are you leaving?"

The old Taoist priest's voice came from the darkness ahead.

"The sixth day of the month."

Zhang Ze followed behind, guiding the old Taoist priest along the path.

The old Taoist priest remained silent for a while, with only the rustling sound of his shoes stepping on the withered leaves.

"Okay, let's go then."

"This mountain is deserted and quiet; it's no wonder it can't keep young people here."

Zhang Ze sensed a hint of melancholy in her voice, but he didn't respond.

Everyone has their own path. The old Taoist's path is in this dilapidated temple, while his path is in that dazzling and bewildering arena of fame and fortune.

Back at the Taoist temple, they added oil to the ever-burning lamp and then went to their respective rooms.

The next few days were routine and monotonous for Zhang Ze.

During the day, I would revise the script at the stone table, and at night I would drink a couple of cups of rice wine with the old Taoist priest and chat about embarrassing things from my childhood.

The final scene of the script was completed on the afternoon of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.

Zhang Ze closed his notebook, feeling a clarity in his mind unlike any he had ever experienced.

He picked up his fully charged phone, walked to the large pine tree outside the Taoist temple, and dialed Sun Ying's number.

The phone rang twice before being answered. Sun Ying sounded tired, and the background noise was loud, as if she were at some kind of party.

"Happy New Year, Sister Sun."

"What's so great about it? I've been drinking with those investors these past few days, my stomach is practically bursting from all the drinking."

Although Sun Ying was complaining, her tone revealed a sense of competence.

"I've found the producer you're looking for."

"Who is it?" Zhang Ze's spirits lifted.

"Chen Zhixi".

Sun Ying gave a name.

"I recently transitioned from acting to producing. I have some resources, but not many noteworthy projects yet. I discussed your ideas with her, and she seemed quite interested, but also had some concerns."

The name flashed through Zhang Ze's mind.

Chen Zhixi later became a multi-billion dollar producer, having overseen blockbuster commercial films such as "Lost in Thailand" and "Jianbing Man".

She is probably still in the early stages, which is the easiest time to win her over.

What are her concerns?

"She thinks your budget is too small, and she's afraid it will turn out to be a bad movie, ruining the reputation of the career she just switched to," Sun Ying said bluntly.

Zhang Ze smiled.

"As long as she's willing to talk, that's fine. Let's schedule a time for me to talk to her in person."

Sister Sun said, "Okay, I've arranged to meet her in Beijing on the morning of the eleventh day of the first lunar month. Just then, the production team of 'The Myth' sent a letter saying that the casting director wants you to audition on the tenth day of the first lunar month."