Huayu: Everyone's been reborn, who's still going to be an actor?

Chapter 106 Would you call this a quid pro quo...? (4/40)

How is "The Forbidden Kingdom"?

It's a terrible movie, nothing more to say about that.

But who knows now, except for Cheng Yuan, the reborn one?

This project is still viewed very favorably.

That's too much of a gimmick.

For actors, this is definitely an excellent opportunity to increase their popularity and attention.

These resources would be top-tier in China today.

Everyone is tempted.

Liu Xiaoli was no exception.

Liu Xiaoli knew exactly what kind of person Ke Huayi was.

She definitely won't agree to sign with Huayi Brothers.

"Your mom and the others are probably planning to secure the resources and then use this movie to get you into Hollywood, right?" Cheng Yuan said. "But what if the movie flops?"

"It flopped?" Liu Yifei was stunned for a moment and said, "Impossible, right? This movie was the first collaboration between Jet Li and Cheng Long. It's said to have global attention, so there shouldn't be any problem with that."

"The film won't please either side. If a balance can't be struck, the fans on both sides will start fighting. This movie might not please either side," Cheng Yuan said, shaking his head. "I don't have high hopes for this movie."

"Your suggestion is not to take this movie role?"

Liu Yifei looked at Cheng Yuan and asked with a serious expression.

"Would my suggestion be of any use?" Cheng Yuan said. "You might not listen, and your aunt might not care either."

"I'll listen," Liu Yifei said. "I'll go back and persuade my mother. I'm sure I can convince her."

Can you convince them?

Cheng Yuan didn't know.

After all, his conflict with Huayi is common knowledge.

He advised Liu Yifei not to accept the offer, but Liu Xiaoli and the others might have some reservations.

Liu Yifei didn't linger; she seemed eager to go back and persuade Liu Xiaoli and the others.

Cheng Yuan went to the company to continue working on the post-production of "Love".

In the afternoon, Liu Yifei called to say that her mother had invited her to dinner.

Cheng Yuan didn't refuse, and it was obvious that it was about "The Forbidden Kingdom".

He naturally wouldn't go empty-handed; instead, he brought some fruit.

"Cheng Yuan, you really don't think that movie will be successful?"

After a few polite words, Liu Xiaoli got straight to the point and asked.

She called him Cheng Yuan, not Director Cheng.

She usually addresses Cheng Yuan this way in private, but this time it clearly has a different meaning.

"Auntie, I really don't think it's a good idea," Cheng Yuan said. "Actually, my decision not to recommend Yifei take the job has nothing to do with whether I think it's a good idea or not."

"Hmm?" Liu Xiaoli asked, "Why?"

"Huayi is not Tangren," Cheng Yuan said. "Tangren has very limited influence in the mainland due to its Hong Kong capital, but Huayi is different. Auntie knows how influential Huayi is."

Huayi belongs to the Beijing circle, and Liu Xiaoli, having been in the industry for so many years, is certainly aware of its current influence in mainland China.

"What if Sissi got her start in Hollywood with this movie?"

Liu Xiaoli was clearly not someone who could be persuaded with just a few words.

She was even hoping to use this movie to help Liu Yifei break into Hollywood.

"And then?" Cheng Yuan asked. "What do you think is the secret to Li Lianjie and Cheng Long's success in Hollywood? Is it their fighting skills?"

Liu Xiaoli didn't say anything, she just looked at Cheng Yuan.

Cheng Yuan's question made his meaning quite clear.

"Hollywood values ​​their influence and box office appeal in Asia," Cheng Yuan said. "Of course, it also depends on the success of their films. But if one film fails... Hollywood is very pragmatic. Auntie, their focus has shifted to the domestic market now."

Why move to China?

It's very simple: if a movie flops, then they can't make a living anymore.

Of course, saying that they couldn't make a living would be a bit of an exaggeration.

It's just not as good as before.

Rather than being a lackey in Hollywood, I'd rather come back and be the boss.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiaoli fell silent.

Cheng Long and Li Lianjie's influence in Asia is naturally beyond what Liu Yifei can compare to.

They've all shifted their focus back to China, so what good will it do for Liu Yifei to go to Hollywood?

Of course, Liu Xiaoli understood what Cheng Yuan meant.

Going to Hollywood is no problem, but I need to secure my domestic base first.

That's not just a fallback plan, but also the source of confidence in Hollywood.

If you offend Huayi...

Liu Xiaoli sighed.

Such great resources, such great opportunities.

Signing with Huayi Brothers is absolutely out of the question.

Dinner was quite plentiful.

"Cheng Yuan, 'Taken' is scheduled for release this summer. After its release, you should be preparing for a new film, right? If there's a suitable role, don't forget about Xixi. She's shifted her focus to film and television now."

7

During the meal, Liu Xiaoli spoke up.

Liu Yifei's foray into the music scene has clearly not made much of a splash.

The album sales were all supported by the popularity she had accumulated before.

"I haven't decided what to film yet, and I already have two films in the pipeline," Cheng Yuan said. "However, if a suitable role comes along, I'll definitely cast Yi Fei."

After dinner, Cheng Yuan sat for a while before saying goodbye and leaving.

Liu Yifei saw him off.

"My leading lady is gone, you have to give me another one."

Liu Yifei smiled and looked at Cheng Yuan.

"Give me a kiss and I'll give you a leading role?"

Cheng Yuan smiled and tapped his face with his finger as he spoke.

"Director Cheng, wouldn't you call this some kind of 'sexual favoritism'?"

Liu Yifei wasn't angry; instead, she asked with a smile.

"Yes!" Cheng Yuan nodded and said, "Don't be ungrateful, or I, a big director, will blacklist you."

"puff!"

Liu Yifei couldn't help but laugh, probably because Cheng Yuan's words "Don't be ungrateful" reminded her of something.

Cheng Yuan smiled too.

"Are you going back to your hometown for the New Year?" Liu Yifei changed the subject, asking, "When are you going back?"

"My flight is on the 15th," Cheng Yuan nodded and said, "I think I'll be back a bit earlier this year. What about you? Where are you going to spend the New Year this year?"

"At my grandma's," Liu Yifei said. "I should be going back to the capital soon, and then you can treat me to 'Lost in Thailand'."

"OK!"

Cheng Yuan nodded.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, in addition to "Lost in Thailand", another film, "Twins Heist", will be released.

The movie starred Sammo Hung and Wu Jing, among others.

That movie didn't seem to do very well at the box office.

On the 15th, Cheng Yuan flew back to his hometown, and Cheng Juemin picked him up from the airport.

"Your technique is pretty good."

Cheng Yuan smiled and looked at Cheng Juemin.

His driving skills aren't exactly great, but he's very steady.

This is good.

"If you think it's too slow, why don't you drive?"

No one knows a son better than his father, so how could Cheng Juemin not understand the meaning behind Cheng Yuan's words?

"You should drive. Go slowly, safety first," Cheng Yuan asked. "Are you spending Chinese New Year at your maternal grandfather's house this year? What about your uncles and aunts? Is your cousin coming back this year?"

"I doubt he'll be able to come back," Cheng Juemin said. "He came back and stayed for a while before. Also, your uncle was transferred to the county."

"You got promoted?"

Cheng Yuan was somewhat surprised.

His uncle was a military officer who entered the public security system and served as the head of a town police station for many years.

"The executive deputy director," Cheng Juemin said, "is much busier than before. It's hard to say whether he'll have time during the Spring Festival."

"

Cheng Yuan didn't say anything, and he didn't feel anything about his uncle's promotion.