Huayu 1999: Starting with nothing but getting something for nothing

"I'm still completely confused. What's going on?"

Han Sanping looked at Yang Che, who looked completely bewildered, paused, and then began to speak.

However, the Ministry of Information Industry's Electronics Department, a member of the Anti-Pornography and Anti-Illegal Publications Office, sent a document to the office, stating that the MPA (Motion Picture Association of America's Content Specialist Foundation) had dispatched several investigation teams to investigate piracy in the DVD markets of major Chinese cities. The situation was not optimistic, and considering the negative impact of rampant piracy on the WTO accession negotiations, it was formally recommended that January 2000 be designated as the "Month for Concentrated Rectification of Pirated DVDs."

From the source of the pirated goods factories to warehouses, wholesale stalls, and then to retail outlets such as audio-visual stores, newsstands, and carpet shops, the public can report clues and be rewarded. Various TV stations will broadcast the information as soon as possible.

Han Sanping said, "The suggestion I made this morning was approved this afternoon, and the official document will be issued tomorrow."

Yang Che felt a bit numb. No wonder Han Sanping suspected him; this matter required coordination among multiple departments, and even if it were approved, it wouldn't be that quick. The biggest beneficiary was "My Sassy Girl," while "Endless Love" was already off the screens in January—what a load of rubbish!

Where can I go to reason with this?

A thought arose in Yang Che's mind, and Guo Xiaoyue's pretty face and Guo Yongjun's unique temperament flashed through his mind...

Holy crap, is the Conch Maiden coming to repay a debt of gratitude?

Seeing Yang Che's thoughtful expression, Han Sanping asked hesitantly, "What have you thought of?"

Yang Che snapped out of his thoughts: "I was thinking, should we provide some funding to the Anti-Illegal Publications Office?"

"Are you wasting money? I told you last time, no need. If they find out, there will be fines, and the fines will be heavy."

Yang Che shook his head, but didn't say anything more.

The fact that piracy is becoming increasingly rampant despite such heavy penalties shows what? It shows that the inspectors are receiving far more in under-the-table payments than in rewards.

Han Sanping naturally knew what Yang Che was thinking, and said earnestly, "Nothing is ever perfect. You've encountered such a thing, which makes many people envious."

Yang Che smiled: "If you want to get it, you have to seek the top. If you want to get it, you have to seek the top."

Han Sanping suddenly chuckled: "Do you know how much 'Endless' grossed in half a month?"

Yang Che asked in surprise, "The statistics are out so quickly? How many?"

"It's already the 21st."

After replying, Han Sanping held up four fingers.

"Damn, excuse me, Mr. Han, doesn't this mean Feng Xiaogang is now the top two box office performer today?"

Han Sanping nodded: "Of course! Have you seen 'Endless'?"

Yang Che told the truth: "I saw it."

"How is it?"

"Not very good, the worst of Feng Xiaogang's three New Year films."

"Yes, the worst one, it's estimated to make 6000 million at the box office, even with the overall market downturn."

Yang Che gave a thumbs up: "The simultaneous release is terrifying. Huayi Brothers and Director Feng should kowtow to President Han."

Han Sanping waved his hand: "Stop talking nonsense. I'm wondering, if 'Endless Love' can make 60 million, could 'My Sassy Girl' break 100 million?"

Yang Che burst out laughing.

Han Sanping frowned, his face serious.

Yang Che quickly suppressed his smile: "I'm sorry, President Han, I just remembered something funny."

Han Sanping's clenched fist bulged with veins... He finally relaxed it and waved his hand as if shooing away flies.

Yang Che chuckled, took his leave, and departed.

Hearing the door close, Han Sanping chuckled silently, then hummed, "Today we'll drink to celebrate our victory..."

He told Yang Che that the claim of 100 million was not an exaggeration. The film itself had already caused a huge sensation because the rights to it were purchased by Japan and South Korea. Today, there's also the crackdown on piracy. Previously, there was the same outdoor GG coverage as Titanic, with a total of 426 newspapers reporting on it... Why can't we think about it?

Yang Che, who had just left the office, knew that Han Sanping had this idea because of the 4000 million yuan box office of "Endless" in half a month. Yang Che was indeed a little shocked because he clearly remembered that the total box office of "Endless" in another time was 3000 million yuan. Some things have changed, so why can't we think about it?

However, Yang Che changed his mind the next second, as their box office appeal was not even in the same league.

From "The Dream Factory" onwards, for a long period of time, the name Feng Xiaogang was synonymous with box office appeal in China. Yang Che was even more confident in this than Feng Xiaogang himself, not to mention Han Sanping.

Some people might feel disgusted, dismissive, or even call it nonsense just by hearing those three words. But he has won the most box office records in Chinese cinema, a testament to the votes cast by countless people with their hard-earned money.

While most directors either earn government subsidies or foreign investment, Feng Xiaogang has always relied on Chinese box office revenue.

Speaking of this, let's expand on the topic of the Beijing entertainment circle.

Many people also disliked it, starting with denials and various conspiracy theories.

Saying things like "It's something the people love to see"—who do you think you are?!

It can only be said that when you want to protect what you like, you use the "people"; when you want to overthrow what you dislike, you also use the "people".

Are the people of today the people, but the people of the past were not the people? Were the people of the past idiots?

The reason why the Beijing entertainment circle has been able to control the entertainment industry for more than a decade is because of its first-mover advantage and its unparalleled creativity, not because of power. No one in China has that kind of power.

Leaving aside movies, let's take sitcoms for example. "I Love My Family" and "Stories from the Editorial Department" are still classics for generations. The characters in them are still active as memes in the Internet age. In the last ten years, have any classic modern sitcoms emerged to replace them?

It's inappropriate to say the previous four steamed buns were rubbish after eating five and feeling full.

Moreover, when it comes to male thieves and female prostitutes, the Hong Kong and Shanghai circles are the most chaotic.

The reason why people in Beijing's elite circles are disliked is actually because of their "paternalistic" attitude. After all, it's a culture of privileged families who always like to lecture the public.

As for tax evasion, how many people went to pay back taxes after Xiao Pang's incident? According to industry data, self-inspection and tax payment involved 700 to 800 artists or related practitioners, with a total of 117.47 billion yuan in back taxes paid.

Who can truly confidently say that their taxes are clean? Hmm... Tianxian is one, Chen Xiaoer is another, feel free to add more.

We've gone off on a tangent again.

Let's get back to the main topic.

As Yang Che emerged from the Beijing Film Studio, he pushed his Golden Deer bicycle around the room. He asked Li Xiangdong for Guo Yongjun's phone number, hesitated for a couple of seconds, and then put the phone in his pocket.

If that's really the case, then you should pretend you don't know.

I looked up at the sky; it was very gloomy. Suddenly, I felt a chill on my face.

"Holy crap, the weather forecast finally came true for once, it's snowing."

Yang Che's heart leaped with joy, just like a little potato from the south seeing snow for the first time.

Pushing the cart along, braving the light snow, he slowly made his way back to Tazhai. As soon as he entered, he called out, "Old Li, Old Sun, we're having hot pot today, get ready. Little Zhou, call everyone back, I have something to announce."

"Okay, boss."

Old Sun, who was in the boiler room in the west wing, was the first to respond with a smile.

"Okay, Che-ge."

Zhou Liren followed the crowd and started calling him Brother Che.

The people in the courtyard all had smiles on their faces.

Yang Che was also smiling.

This laughter lasted until December 24th.