Huayu 1999: Starting with nothing but getting something for nothing

If the copyright were in Huo Jianqi's hands, he would have sold it for 10 RMB.

Yu Dong gestured with his eyes: "Old Yang, this old devil is cunning. We clearly contacted Iwanami Cinema, but he wants the factory to sign the contract with him personally."

Yang Che raised an eyebrow: "Isn't this a good thing?"

"Hmm? Haha, you're right."

The two then whispered to each other for a while before going inside.

It's quite funny, Yang Che is an unpaid employee, and Yu Dong is on unpaid leave...

What's even more ridiculous is that once the two of them reach an agreement, they can represent Han Sanping with full authority.

This kind of rough trust touched Yang Che quite a bit, even though he knew it was because the factory as a whole didn't value this film.

Considering the previously sold-off "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and the film that Yuan Shi sold off cheaply, it's quite reasonable for Han Sanping to find two people to deal with the Japanese.

After entering the screening room, Yang Che met Wu Hongliang, who had called him. Well, he had never met him before, but he had definitely heard the name before, so Yang Che was very polite.

"Mr. Fukasawa, this is Yang Che. He was the one who suggested that President Han release 'Postmen in the Mountains' in Japan. President Han hopes that you two can talk before he returns to the factory."

Yang Che extended his hand: "Mr. Shen Ze, I have long admired your name."

Kazuo Fukasawa, who looked to be only sixty years old, even bowed slightly before taking Yang Che's hand and sighing, "Yang Che-kun is so young and handsome."

Yang Che smiled broadly: "You are a senior figure in the industry who has made special contributions to Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges. You are a role model for us younger generation. I am very happy to have the opportunity to communicate with you."

After a perfunctory, sarcastic exchange, both sides sat down with smiles on their faces.

Yang Che spoke first: "When I saw this film at the Beijing College Student Film Festival in early May this year, I told my friend Yu Dong that if we changed the name of this film to 'The Postman of the Mountain Village' and released it in Japan, it would definitely be a huge hit."

Kazuo Fukasawa's pupils suddenly contracted. This name... was one of the few Japanese names that had come to mind when he was looking at the information. He hadn't told anyone about it, nor had he had time to tell anyone.

Yu Dong, standing to the side, nodded with a simple, honest smile, looking quite adorable...

Kazuo Fukasawa adjusted his expression and said:

"A fantastic name, very straightforward, making it easier for Japanese audiences to understand. I also really love this film, I love it so much."

However, based on my nearly forty years of experience in the industry, it's unlikely to be a big hit. After all, this isn't a commercial genre film, and its performance in the Chinese market confirms this. East Asian cultures are closely intertwined, and the reason I'm here to discuss this is because I personally love this film and I'm willing to promote it, just like I did when I promoted Chinese classics like "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio."

As you all probably know, I also run a publishing house. I plan to acquire the rights to this film and, at the same time, purchase the rights to the original novel for Japanese publication.

I expect that only by using this two-pronged approach can we break even.

Yang Che and Yu Dong exchanged a glance. This old Japanese man was indeed difficult to deal with; his words were incredibly frank: "I'm promoting Chinese culture, not being a money-grubbing businessman..."

Isn't this just the same "bullying Fan Xiaotian with force" that Yang Che used when he bullied him?

Fukasawa Kazuo saw Yang Che's gradually growing admiration but felt nothing. As for his mother, she didn't feel any sense of accomplishment at all.

Then he heard Yang Che say, "Buying the novel's copyright is indeed a good idea. If Mr. Shenze could print some exquisite booklets that introduce the background of the film's creation and some cultural and geographical knowledge of the Xiangxi region where it was filmed, it would be even better. After all, no one can resist being moved by the scenery in the film."

Speaking of which, the Tokyo International Film Festival is about to start, isn't it? Secretary Wu, is it too late for us to print these brochures and submit them to the festival? And maybe make a big roll-up banner too…”

Kazuo Fukasawa's expression froze for a moment, then he thought: This is a good method.

Wu Hongliang paused for a moment, then nodded: "There's plenty of time, the factory has printing equipment."

Yu Dong interjected, "No need. I have friends in Tokyo. We can print it there, saving us the trouble of carrying it back and forth."

As Fukasawa Kazuo watched the three young men singing in unison, he suddenly gave a bitter smile. Well, he had failed.

Hearing the old Japanese man laugh, Yang Che composed himself and said, "Mr. Fukasawa, when I suggested this to Mr. Han Sanping, I said that because of the huge success of 'Kikujiro's Summer,' Japanese audiences greatly enjoy similar films. I suppose that's why you also like 'Postmen in the Mountains,' right?"

Upon hearing this, Kazuo Fukasawa suddenly stood up and bowed to Yang Che.

Everyone else in the office was dumbfounded. What was going on?

No way, that person is old enough to be your grandfather, and you're not even giving way?

Yang Che replied irritably, "Mr. Shenze, there's no need for that. Normal business negotiations will suffice. In addition to the distribution strategies I just mentioned, our director, screenwriter, and two lead actors can also cooperate with you on certain promotional activities."

"Really?"

Wu Hongliang paused for a moment, then nodded: "Really."

"marvelous."

Having said all that, Yang Che had already completed his task, but Wu Hongliang and Yu Dong were both watching him. As for the other person from the import and export department named Li Lipeng, he was like an invisible man from beginning to end.

As usual, Yang Che could only say, "Then, Mr. Fukasawa, let's talk about the cooperation method."

Kazuo Fukasawa could not accept the buyout fee, which had been reduced to $60, and could only offer $35 at most, saying that Zhang Yimou's "The Story of Qiu Ju" only cost $38.

If Yang Che hadn't been so emotional and adamant in his opposition, looking like he was about to hit someone, Wu Hongliang would have really wanted to agree immediately.

Fukasawa Kazuo smiled upon hearing this, and after chatting for a few more minutes, they basically reached a consensus: to split the profits.

During this time, Wu Hongliang either answered a phone call or made a phone call, but he came back and said that Han Sanping had "just happened" to return to the factory.

After they finished talking, they moved to Han Sanping's office.

On the way, Yang Che chatted with the old Japanese man, whom he already knew well, about his movie.

"If Mr. Fukasawa is still going to Shanghai, he can go and take a look. All the post-production work will be completed tomorrow."

Kazuo Fukasawa was interested in the subject matter as soon as he heard it, and he became even more interested after hearing the general plot.

Just as Yang Che captured the pain point of the Japanese film market with "rural life", this kind of "contrasting love" is also very eye-catching.

Moreover, unlike "Postmen in the Mountains," which required a slow release, this film will be released all at once, emphasizing a fast-paced release.

Of course, all of this depends on whether the film is of high quality.