Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

After the Golden Rooster Awards, Zhuang Huai'an sent Liu Yifei back to the Jiuzhaigou film set and then stayed with the Condor Heroes crew.

It wasn't that he was reluctant to part with Liu Yifei, but rather that he wanted to supervise her in person to see if she was listening to him.

Fortunately, the girl didn't resist, and obediently used a stunt double for some of the high-intensity wire stunts.

In mid-October, "Detachment" was taken off the screens.

After 32 days in theaters, it grossed 8600 million yuan at the Chinese box office.

In mainland China, Zhuang Huai'an's IP is already comparable to that of Zhang Yimou, with both receiving a 41% cut. After deducting 9% for tax, they received 3200 million RMB.

Mr. Yang indeed did not take a single penny. In fact, before the cinemas even settled accounts, he personally paid the money into 91 Company's public account.

Aside from what he was entitled to, Zhuang Huai'an didn't take the extra; he had Zhong Lifang return it.

Money can be earned, but favors are hard to repay.

Zhuang Huai'an roughly estimated that the film "Detachment" earned Yinghuang at least HK$400 million. This figure is based on the stock market. Although the increase was reversed due to the Nicholas Tse assault incident, it had nothing to do with him.

The favor from the World Cup has been repaid; it's best to part ways amicably.

After spending half a month in Jiuzhaigou, he had to return to Beijing.

Heaven have mercy!

The bigwigs at the Civil Aviation Administration of China finally have some free time!

A year! Do you know how I spent this past year?

"Brother Zhuang, weren't you living a pretty happy life?"

Zhang Lu bluntly punctured her boss's rant, "You haven't been on any filming this year. Apart from participating in a few events, you've basically been lazing around in the courtyard. I haven't seen you suffer any grievances!"

"cough…"

Zhuang Huai'an glanced at her sideways, "What are you babbling about? I'm punishing you by giving me two pieces of silver and going to cook me two more dishes."

Zhang Lu rolled her eyes; she was already used to her boss's intermittent erratic behavior.

Sometimes she wondered why Zhuang Ge'er, who had always been calm and composed, seemed to have become so carefree after returning from the Hong Kong Film Awards.

As soon as the four of them arrived at the company, Han Sanping from next door received the news and rushed over with several big shots who looked very knowledgeable.

"Huai'an, let me introduce you to Academician Qi, Professor Wu, and their students, Dr. Zhao, Dr. Qian, Dr. Sun, and Dr. Li."

Good heavens! I've finally made it big! It was Academician Qi himself who came!

Zhuang Huai'an dared not be negligent and greeted each person with extreme humility.

To put it bluntly, Zhuang Huai'an wouldn't even be qualified to deal directly with such an academic heavyweight if it weren't for the intervention of the Ministry of Education.

"I had heard about Director Zhuang's deeds long ago. My colleagues and I also held a few screenings at the research institute during our spare time. Interestingly, my female student who was in charge of the screenings was a fan of yours, Director Zhuang, so much so that several screenings were of your films."

The movie was really well made, but it was a bit depressing and not really suitable for relieving stress.

"Academician Qi, Professor Wu, you can both call me Huai'an."

Zhuang Huai'an led the group to the tea table and said with a smile, "To be honest, I'm just not very skilled, and I can only attract attention by showing off my anxiety."

"That's not how it works,"

Professor Wu said seriously, "Academician Qi meant that your films are not suitable for relieving worries, but that doesn't mean they have no value. On the contrary, our colleagues at the research institute all agree that your series of realistic films fully deserve the title of a film master."

Otherwise, even if the central government intervened, at most I would come to assist, and Academician Qi would provide remote guidance.

From the words of these two academic giants, Zhuang Huai'an also gained some understanding of their personalities, which were very much in line with the style of academic leaders: straightforward and pragmatic.

"To receive such high praise from the pillars of the research institute, I feel truly honored."

"Hey, don't talk about being a pillar or anything like that."

Academician Qi waved his hand and chuckled, "We're working on aerospace, you're making movies—aren't we both serving the people?"

Zhuang Huai'an's teeth were practically showing. He's just a lousy movie director, yet he dares to discuss the space industry with him?

Or, after filming "The Martian," could you ask Dad to give me a separate page in the family tree?

I think...probably...maybe...perhaps...suppose I'll agree?

While chatting, Zhuang Huai'an efficiently brewed tea for everyone and handed it over.

"Academician Qi, Professor Wu, this is green tea from my hometown. Although it's not very famous, it has a unique flavor. Please try it."

The two men picked up their kung fu cups and took a small sip. Professor Wu's eyes lit up immediately, and he exclaimed in surprise, "This is... dog brain?"

"Oh, Professor Wu?" Zhuang Huai'an was quite surprised. Although the tea was delicious, its name was not very appealing and it was not well-known throughout the country.

"Haha, that's really true."

Professor Wu smiled and said, "In my early years, I taught at the Hero City Aviation University for a few years. It was during that time that I met my wife. She is from Ji'an. My father-in-law supported her through university by using this tea-making skill."

After my father-in-law passed away, my maternal nephew would send me several kilograms of this tea every year before Qingming Festival, so I am very familiar with its taste.

"What a coincidence!" Zhuang Huai'an was also very happy. If we round it up, this person is practically a fellow villager.

After three rounds of tea,

Academician Qi intended to test Zhuang Huai'an's aviation knowledge, and the group took turns asking him questions based on the scenes described in the script.

Zhuang Huai'an was naturally not afraid. He had all the supporting materials for the original "The Martian" in his mind. If it weren't for the need for legitimacy, he could have made the movie himself without the assistance of the space agency.

However, to be reasonable, Zhuang Huai'an did not answer everything. He only answered some routine questions, and for the more complicated ones, he claimed that it was just his wishful thinking and that he was not sure if he could achieve such a technology.

Even so, Academician Qi was still very satisfied with Zhuang Huai'an.

"Huai'an, your knowledge and imagination even surpass those of my students."

"Oh, that can't compare. I'm just daydreaming. For real practice, we'll have to rely on you, Professor Wu, and the other senior students."

Professor Wu smiled and replied, "Sometimes what you need in scientific research is imagination. Many great discoveries often come from a flash of inspiration."

Zhuang Huai'an nodded with a smile, but he didn't know how to respond to that.

Han Sanping is forty-eight years old this year, and he sits like a lackey.

The numerous terms and jargon being discussed by the group left him feeling overwhelmed, but it also gave him more confidence in the film.

It's hard science fiction, there aren't many Hollywood movies like that, are there?

Good heavens! My career prospects are looking bright!

An afternoon passed by quietly.

Academician Qi and others politely declined Zhuang Huai'an's invitation to dinner. They are true pragmatists who don't engage in such trivial matters.

Zhuang Huai'an escorted the group downstairs, where several sharp-looking men with crew cuts were already waiting.

After watching Academician Qi and the others get into the car, Zhuang Huai'an and Han Sanping turned around and went upstairs.

"Phew... Dealing with big shots like this is really stressful." Zhuang Huai'an wiped away a bead of sweat.

"Indeed," Han Sanping nodded, "I listened to this all afternoon and my head was spinning. If you're so talented, why didn't you study aerospace engineering?"

"The aviation industry doesn't lack a PhD, but the film industry lacks an internationally renowned director," Zhuang Huai'an said with a touch of arrogance.

He can't exactly say, "I even bought my way into the Beijing Film Academy, can he?"

"Fine, you win."

Han Sanping gave the man the highest praise, "Let's go, let's mooch another meal at your cafeteria."

"Let's go!"

Having resolved this major issue, Zhuang Huai'an was in a great mood.