Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

mid-January,

"Love Like a Bouquet" has finished its theatrical run, with a cumulative box office of 1.08 million RMB in mainland China, just barely breaking 100 million.

With "Kung Fu Hustle" nearing its end, Chuanzi's "Kekexili" was released, taking advantage of this lull. With the slogan of protecting the environment and a good combination of documentary and drama, it grossed 490 million yuan on its opening day.

The media unanimously praised him, saying that Chuanzi is the next Zhuang Huai'an, and that he is similar to "Little Liu Yifei" who is actually older than Liu Yifei herself.

Old Wang from Enlight Media sent a message saying that this was a press release bought by Huayi Brothers. Both Wang Da and Wang Da also tried to buy news from Enlight Media, but were firmly rejected!

Director Zhuang is my brother, my dearest friend and family!

Zhuang Huai'an didn't care about this at all. Time was running out for Chuanzi. Once the popularity of "Kekexili" reached its peak, he would let him team up with Zhang Ziyi, Xiao Yanzi, and Chen Kun to form "Four Great Emptinesses".

To be honest, of the four, only Chen Kun truly offended him. Zhang Ziyi brought it on herself, taking the blame for that scoundrel Xiao Yanzi during the kidnapping incident, which he clearly didn't understand.

He really wanted to kill Chuanzi!

It's important even without you!

The already high-profile Huayi Brothers were further aggravated after the Berlin Film Festival announced its nominees.

Feng Xiaogang's new film "A World Without Thieves" is prominently featured on the list.

For a time, the domestic media outlets that had been mocking Feng Xiaogang for not being worthy of being among the top five directors became somewhat more subdued.

Whether they win an award or not is another matter, but the fact that they were able to stand out from hundreds of films proves their ability.

King and Queen: It's money, you bastards!

the other side,

"The Big Shot" also performed well in Hong Kong and Taiwan, with a box office of 5600 million, which is not shameful. Moreover, even if it had flopped, it wouldn't have had a significant impact on Zhuang Huai'an.

He only provided a script. If the movie doesn't work, go find a director. What does it have to do with me, a screenwriter?

Wang Jing: You... never mind, I'm used to it...

Kai: Junior brother is right!

...

The success of the bouquet attracted the attention of Toho Film Company, which was already struggling financially.

As we all know, the two types of movies that people like the most are "perverted" and "pure love".

Not to mention that Zhuang Huai'an's emo trilogy has been regarded as a bible by a niche youth group in Japan, and the influence of "Parasite" is even greater.

Zhuang Huai'an naturally wouldn't let go of such a lucrative opportunity that came knocking on his door. His purpose in selling bouquets was to tap into the market for small-scale business.

But he was also cunning, having already handed over the overseas distribution rights for the bouquet to MGM Asia early on.

Oh, by the way, this branch company was just established, and the legal representative is... Xu Sen, Xu Sanmu, the only son of his godfather Xu Youcai.

Transferring from left hand to right hand is correct.

When the purchasing manager sent by Dongbao Company heard the news, he was stunned. They were not afraid to bargain with Zhuang Huai'an, but they were really afraid of "American Daddy"!

While Toho Company was hesitating, Sony came to their door.

"Mr. Zhuang, I am the Asia General Manager of Columbia Pictures, Mei Chuan Kuzi. This is my secretary and also my daughter, Mei Chuan Neiyi."

You're a monster! You and your daughter are perverts!

It would be a disservice to your name if we didn't provide you with a public bathhouse!

Zhuang Huai'an immediately lost half of his interest. What was Sony doing, sending two people who were practically useless to discuss business?

"Lifang, I have other things to take care of. These two...distinguished guests, please go and greet them."

"Okay, boss." Zhong Lifang remained expressionless. She had received professional training and could easily maintain composure in this kind of situation.

Zhuang Huai'an suddenly felt bored and quickly left the meeting room, leaving behind a pair of perverts... well... never mind, I can't believe it. The two perverts looked at each other, completely bewildered.

After a morning, Zhong Lifang returned to report.

"Boss, Sony is asking for $3000 million for the Asian distribution rights to the bouquet. I don't dare make the decision on that price."

Holy crap, has Sony gone mad?

Zhuang Huai'an was stunned. 2.5 million RMB to buy the regional distribution rights of an art-house romance film?

Are people who put their cars in neutral really that awesome?

Not redeemable!

Zhuang Huai'an frowned slightly. This price was ridiculous; it was like watching a scene from a horror movie. Something was fishy going on!

"Sit down and tell me the details of the negotiation. What did those two freaks say?"

"I also felt something was off. Although they were father and daughter, Mei Chuan Kuzi barely spoke. Mei Chuan Neiyi did all the talking to me, and from her words, Mei Chuan Kuzi seemed to respect this daughter a lot."

Chung Li-fang recalled, "Initially, their offer was $500 million, which was on the high side but within a reasonable range. Later, after I insisted on a joint release under the MGM name, Mei Chuan-Nei offered $3000 million, agreeing to a separate release as long as it was available."

Moreover, she spoke of you with great admiration, constantly pulling me aside to ask about your personal life, which seemed... like she had ulterior motives...

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Huai'an couldn't help but shudder. Could it be that the top female boss had come to his door?

"Have they left?"

"No, they're still waiting for my message in the conference room."

Okay, if someone is so obsessed with their daily life, then there's definitely something wrong.

Zhuang Huai'an sighed, got up and went to the conference room. He needed to find out what was going on.

In the conference room, Mei Chuan Neiyi had a cold face, while Mei Chuan Kuzi stood to the side, dejected and looking like an incompetent husband.

"Zhuang Sang".

Upon seeing the person in question, Mei Chuan Neiyi stood up at a perfect 90-degree angle. "Have you come to a decision?"

You're the one who finally figured it out!

Zhuang Huai'an didn't want to delay and asked directly, "I don't like guessing games. Just tell me, what is the purpose of your visit?"

"Did Zhuang-san finally find out?" Mei Chuan Nei folded her hands over her stomach and smiled, her eyes narrowing.

Previously, due to his inner unease, Zhuang Huai'an hadn't paid attention to the two women's appearances. Now that their eyes met, he realized that this woman was actually quite pretty, with a bit of Fujiwara Daio... oops, I mean Fujiwara Shizuka's vibe.

"We did lie."

Umekawa Nei's Mandarin was a bit strange. "Actually, my name is Morita Eimi. Morita Akio is my grandfather. I am also the vice president of Columbia Pictures. I am very sorry for hiding this from you."

Zhuang Huai'an was speechless. Fukada Eimi, what's the difference between this name and Mei Chuan Naiyi's name?

When we combine them, it becomes the complete form, right?

"These are minor matters."

Zhuang Huai'an waved his hand, his face somewhat gloomy, "Purpose, what is your purpose in coming here?"

"Mr. Sho, you might not believe it, but you can think of my behavior as idol worship, or as Sony's way of showing you goodwill." Morita Eimi smiled, her oval face looking completely harmless.

Zhuang Huai'an sneered, "We learned about your so-called 'goodwill' decades ago. Now you're still trying to pull this stunt?"

"Lifang, see the guest out." Zhuang Huai'an turned and left.

He couldn't be bothered to deal with those two. The bouquets could be sold on Xiao Rixing through MGM's channels, so he didn't necessarily need to find someone to cooperate with.

"Please, gentlemen."

Zhong Lifang strictly followed the boss's instructions and escorted the two, who looked somewhat displeased, downstairs.

Because of this,

Zhuang Huai'an pondered for two and a half days until an email from Kirk finally resolved his doubts.

【An, my friend, it's been a long time.】

I miss you dearly while you're away in Los Angeles, and I wish you a Happy New Year.

MGM Studios performed very well last year, with its annual growth rate reaching a peak of 62.8%, and its market value returning to the $80 billion club.

This all stems from your abilities. The Wall Street Journal has publicly declared: You are a Hollywood miracle. Do you like the term "son of a miracle"?

In addition, the Sony Group has contacted me many times, wanting to acquire MGM's film library separately, and the offer is very good, but I did not agree. This is the foundation of MGM, and it is also our joint effort, isn't it?

However, no businessman can refuse Dao Le, so I plan to sell a portion of my shares in Shared Film Library, about 10%. Given our previous agreement, you are the primary acquirer, so I am writing to inquire about this.

Your closest comrade-in-arms: Kirk.

Ah, I see.

Zhuang Huai'an laughed. Old Kirk's words sounded nice, but all that talk about being the closest comrades-in-arms and working together was just bullshit!

The real reason is in the third and fourth paragraphs. MGM's current market value is due to the personal ability of Zhuang Huai'an, who artificially inflated the stock price.

If he disagrees with or opposes the deal, as soon as he leaks the news to the media, MGM's stock will plummet to its daily limit!

Two years of hard work ruined in an instant, everyone should just give up.

Of course, this kind of operation is a powerful move that can last as long as heaven and earth, and it's unnecessary to use it unless absolutely necessary.

Zhuang Huai'an lit a cigarette and gazed intently out the window.

I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch, especially not something a beast like Xiao Ri Sheng would throw at me!

He originally planned to go to Los Angeles after the New Year.

It seems we need to make the trip ahead of schedule.