Huayu 1999: Starting with nothing but getting something for nothing

Benshan's eyes were fixed on the red bill, but a disdainful look played on his lips: "Ha, trying to get rid of me?"

Yang Che raised an eyebrow: "Tsk, what are you thinking, you old comrade? How can your awareness be so low? I just asked you to go buy a watermelon."

"Click."

Zhang Yimou called a halt.

Yang Che snapped out of his daze: "Sorry."

Zhang Yimou: "Let's start again from when we squat down."

Yang Che raised his hand and gave Benshan a negotiating smile: "Uncle Benshan, how about we change this part so that you don't knock at the door at the end, and just take the money and leave?"

Benshan blinked and chuckled, "I think it's great."

Isn't that great? The temptation of 10 yuan can keep you on your toes, but 100 yuan won't. That's realism.

Zhang Yimou's lips twitched involuntarily behind the monitor. Before he could react, Yang Che walked towards him and repeated the sentence.

Zhang Yimou was remarkably submissive and extremely polite: "Perform them all once."

This made Yang Che feel embarrassed. Looking around, he realized what was happening after seeing everyone's reactions.

The famous philosopher Ward Kiel Eagle once said: When you can easily enter, you should understand that it is not because you are great, but because someone has already paved the way for you.

Yang Che felt very conflicted. At this moment, he was thinking, taking everything into consideration, who else could play the role in "Looking for a Gun" besides Jiang Wen?

"Ha, trying to get rid of me?"

"Tsk, what are you thinking, old man? How can you be so clueless? I just asked you to go buy something."

"What should I buy?"

Han Wenwen spoke up: "Buy a watermelon."

Yang Che then realized, "Right, buy a watermelon."

"Where can I find a watermelon that costs 100 yuan?"

"I don't have any change, so go ahead and try a few different places to pick a big one."

"......."

In the final two scenes, one shows Benshan taking the money and leaving, only his back is shown; the other shows him taking the money, hearing the door close, turning back to knock...

Yang Che and Han Wenwen weren't on camera, but both of them were very professional, continuing to act even when there were no cameras in the carriage.

Yang Che initially resisted when Han Wenwen made her advances. Even if he was lustful, this wasn't the time. And even if he wanted to try it first, there was Dong Jie outside...

But Han Wenwen smelled really good, very nice, and very tender, so I reached out and grabbed a few handfuls, and it was indeed smooth and tender.

Hearing the commotion outside, the two immediately separated.

Yang Che smiled and gave Han Wenwen a thumbs up: "You'll definitely become a star someday."

Han Wenwen pursed her lips and smiled dreamily.

Before we knew it, it was evening.

Benshan hosted a dinner for Yang Che, Ximen Qing, and Tao Hong, renting a seafood processing courtyard. Of course, the crew members were also included; everyone who could come, even the production assistants, were present.

In mid-August, the seasonal delicacies in Bincheng are abalone and purple sea urchin. It is said that dried abalone is not as good as fresh abalone from Bincheng.

When Benshan said that, Yang Che glanced at Han Wenwen at the other table for some reason. Hmm... a local girl from Bincheng.

Of course, swimming crabs and scallops are also excellent.

Yang Che generally prefers the southern style of seafood over the northern style because the southern style has a lower umami flavor, making it more enjoyable to eat the original taste.

Well... seafood from cold water has more amino acids and glycogen than seafood from warm water, making it fresher, to the point that it has a fishy smell. For example, the same prawns from the north have more than 30% higher amino acid content than those from the south. They are more nutritious, but the taste is definitely stronger.

This is similar to the principle behind Northeast China rice. Rice grown in areas with large temperature differences between day and night has a higher content of amylopectin, resulting in more rice oil and a more moist texture.

This refers to seafood.

Zhang Yimou hasn't been able to eat seafood lately, so he's been eating simple vegetarian meals and hasn't been talking much.

Benshan sincerely praised Yang Che's performance: "I can't explain all the reasons, but you just acted well."

Yang Che was also very sincere: "I've had cameo roles in two dramas before, and I quite enjoyed acting, but it's different from today. Acting with Uncle Benshan today felt like we had an electric connection."

The two drank a small cup of Maozi alone, and Benshan laughed and said, "Then we should get closer. If I ever make a movie, you should come and make a cameo appearance."

"Sure, just give me a call and I'll be there anytime."

Benshan was very happy, so the two of them drank another cup.

Tao Hong, who was sitting next to Yang Che, put two mackerel dumplings on his plate and said with concern, "Have something to eat..."

Yang Che replied very politely, "Oh, thank you."

Benshan laughed and said, "Little Dragon Girl is treated differently."

Tao Hong laughed and said, "Who in all of China doesn't know you have a huge capacity for alcohol? My brother Che is different; he's just bold with his drinking."

Benshan laughed heartily: "Oh dear, is this a complaint that I made them drink?"

Yang Che glanced at Tao Hong, quite surprised. Their relationship wasn't actually that good; perhaps it was because they'd met an old friend in a foreign land. But Yang Che wouldn't mind being nicer to her and Xu Zheng and his wife afterwards...

He laughed and said, "I'm a snob and willful person. I'll do whatever you want with people I don't like. If I don't want to drink a drop, I won't touch it."

"This is called, what's that again, right, being genuine. Let's eat something first, and chat while we eat."

"....."

Benshan is growing to like Yang Che more and more. This young man is genuinely unpretentious; he doesn't feign humility or politeness.

Well, even though they're young, they have the right not to pretend. People who have made it on their own have a lot of confidence.

Zhang Yimou suddenly asked, "Yang Che, I heard Columbia Pictures is going to invest in your new film?"

Yang Che, who had already downed eight ounces of liquor, paused for a moment: "It's not decided yet. Barbara bought a short film I made."

These words immediately piqued the curiosity of the others at the table.

So Yang Che told the story of "Car 44" and how it sold for $10.

However, Zhang Yimou and Benshan were more interested in Yang Che's new movie.

Yang Che only said that it was adapted from the novel "The Search for a Gun" and that he had written the script himself, which he had already given to Jiang Wen.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yimou burst out laughing, feeling quite pleased with himself.

"Huh? You directed it yourself?"

"Well, I made 'Car 44' as an experiment, to test the shooting paradigm I had in mind."

Zhang Yimou became even more gloating. His foot didn't hurt as much anymore, but this time he didn't laugh out loud; he knew how to control his expression.

"Give me a copy of your short film later, I want to take a look."

"become."

"Give me one too."

"Alright, I'll give the order right now, eastward..."

Hearing Che Ge's slurred speech, Li Xiangdong quickly came over and said, "Che Ge, you can't drink anymore, your tongue is all swollen."

Benshan suddenly burst into laughter: "Why is your assistant just like my driver, so stiff and clueless?"

Although Yang Che was dizzy, his mind was very clear. He thought to himself: Your driver is a brute, and Xiang Dong is a straight man. They are two different things.

Meanwhile, Han Wenwen at another table watched this scene with a puzzled expression. Her purpose was simple: she wanted to sleep with the diva's boyfriend. Yang Che's response made her feel that he was very charming.