Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Hengdian, the film crew of "Curse of the Golden Flower".

After hanging up Zhuang Huai'an's call, Zhang Yimou didn't sleep well all night, which made him absent-minded all day.

He wasn't stupid. His old friend Xiahou had just called him, and then Zhuang Huai'an called, coupled with the kid's disdainful tone.

For some reason, Zhang Yimou was reminded of the top-of-the-line camera from Company 91—its sheen, its curves, its feel…

Slurp...

If I had a few of these, I'd go back 20 years and marry Gong Li!

"Director, director,"

The script supervisor ran over to wake the absent-minded Zhang Yimou, "Director Zhuang Huai'an is visiting the set. Producer Zhang has already gone to greet him. You..."

"Okay, I'll be right there."

The old strategist sighed inwardly. The creditor rushed to the door, either to demand interest or to sign a contract of servitude. Huang Shiren had a precedent for this.

"Haha, Director Zhuang, it's been a while since we last met in Hong Kong."

"Wow, this fruit is great! I like it."

"Director Zhuang, it's such a shame we couldn't work together last time, hehe. But my classmate Qin Hao's acting was really good; he truly deserves to be number one in our class!"

"Sisi, come here. Let's not hang out with them."

Before Zhang Yimou even arrived, a cacophony of noises filled the air. Upon closer inspection, all members of his own crew had gathered. Zhuang Huai'an stood in the center, chatting and laughing, while Liu Yifei and Gong Li behind him were talking in hushed tones like mother and daughter. Zhang Dapao was directing the crew to distribute drinks and fruit.

A scene of joy and harmony.

Zhang Yimou laughed. Good heavens, no wonder people in the industry call this kid "Little Mengchang, the Timely Rain." With his social skills, I could never learn them in my whole life.

"Ahem, hahaha, Huai'an is here." Zhang Yimou coughed twice, trying to make his presence known.

Zhuang Huai'an chuckled. "What's wrong, Senior Brother? Did you eat a toad before you came?"

A little joke, and everyone burst into laughter.

"You brat, what can you do if I don't rub it in every day?" Zhang Yimou glared at him, and his expression was indeed quite imposing.

"Just playing around a little, doesn't that show we're good friends?" Zhuang Huai'an wasn't afraid of him at all. Did the guy in debt want to act like a big shot?

The group headed towards the rest area, and Zhang Yimou pulled Zhuang Huai'an straight to the surveillance camera.

"Let me tell you, I really put my heart and soul into this film. Look at the colors, the structure, the lighting, and so on..."

"That low-cut dress," Zhuang Huai'an interrupted him, teasing, "Senior brother, just based on these outfits, this movie is bound to be a hit!"

"What do you know? Clothing is also a part of art."

"Really? Is it fashion art or nude art... um, I can't hold my tongue!"

Zhuang Huai'an broke free from Zhang Yimou's grasp and said disdainfully, "Senior brother, you dare to film it but I'm not allowed to say anything?"

"If you're so capable, then say it and see if the review process approves it!"

"Why? Your movie gets approved, but when I say a few honest words, the censorship gets blocked? This group is sick!"

"Hard to say!"

Old Zhang pursed his lips. He was used to being teased by Zhuang Huai'an from time to time. This kid was good in every way, it would be even better if he were mute.

After exchanging a few words, Zhuang Huai'an seriously looked at the footage on the monitor. To be fair, the colors, lighting, and composition were all top-notch, and the contrasting colors were also very pleasing to the eye.

With this kind of skill, why would you even bother filming a giant steamed bun?!

So, I've made the decision: you'll be punished by making two "Red Cliff" movies and then working as my slave at 91 Productions. That'll be the end of it.

For dinner, Zhang Dapao splurged a little, treating the main cast and crew to a good meal and even upgrading the rules for boxed lunches.

It's also possible that he wanted to show off his wealth in front of Zhuang Huai'an.

After dinner, Jay Chou and Liu Huohua and other young people took Zhuang Huai'an and a few others to the second venue.

After a hearty drink, Zhuang Huai'an escorted Liu Yifei to her room, then quietly approached Zhang Yimou's door and pushed it open.

"You're here?" Zhang Yimou calmly put down the script, as if he had expected this. "Sit down and have a cup of tea. You drank quite a bit tonight, didn't you?"

"Not bad, my nickname is Bulldozer."

Zhuang Huai'an closed the door and locked it from the inside. He walked straight to the table, handed him a cigarette, and lit it for him.

"Phew..." Zhang Yimou exhaled a puff of smoke. "Tell me, why did you rush over like this? It couldn't just be for a set visit, could it?"

"Look at what you're saying, with the relationship between us brothers, it's normal for me to come and see you."

Zhang Yimou didn't say anything, just looked at him with a half-smile. Zhuang Huai'an remained expressionless. In terms of shamelessness, Zhang Yimou was three times as shameless as Zhuang Huai'an, and half as shameless as Feng Xiaogang.

"Fine, you win."

After watching for a while, Zhang Yimou first offered the most flattering compliment between men, then cursed and said, "Are you treating your senior brother like a hawk? If you want to talk, then talk; if not, go back to sleep."

"Tsk, that felt good."

Zhuang Huai'an laughed and said, "I've been teasing you all day, and you really think you have no temper?"

Everyone has a temper; it's just a matter of whether it's worth it.

"What about that cannon? Is it worth it?"

This question left Zhang Yimou speechless.

"He's not worth it, is he?"

Zhuang Huai'an lit a cigarette for himself. "I don't deny Zhang Dapao's abilities, but his character is terrible. Senior brother, you've been working with someone like that for so long, and you call that having a temper?"

Zhang Yimou suddenly laughed, "Good lad, so you've finally revealed your true colors, haven't you?"

"No, I call it a waste of a gem being cast into the dark."

"I underestimated you. Before you came, I thought you just wanted to get me to star in a movie, but now it seems you want it all?"

Zhuang Huai'an laughed as well, "I didn't just come here with empty words; I came with genuine sincerity."

"Tell me about it," Zhang Yimou said, intrigued.

Before I state my conditions, I'd like to ask you a few questions.

"you say."

"Senior, you've been in the industry for over 20 years, achieving all sorts of successes, and even pioneered the mainland commercial film market. So let me ask you, how much money have you made? Was this 'Big Steamed Bun' really your idea to make? Did Zhang Dapao interfere between you and Gong Li back then? What can you leave Zhang Mo after she graduates? With three major European awards and two Golden Horse Awards, now you have a chance to complete the Grand Slam. Do you want it?"

The series of questions silenced Zhang Yimou once again.

Rather than Zhuang Huai'an asking him a question, it would be more accurate to say that this brat laid out the existing facts and repeated them.

He had less than ten million in savings. It was Zhang Dapao who set up the Golden Curse, and he also interfered with the misunderstanding between him and Gong Li. Not to mention his eldest daughter's future after graduation, Zhuang Huai'an helped her get into Southern California. And no director could refuse his triple crown of gold medals.

Every blow is like a knife piercing the heart.

"Where's Ichiro? Where's Ichicho? And..."

Zhuang Huai'an said in a low voice, delivering the final blow, "Your sister-in-law is pregnant again, isn't she? Senior brother, if you keep fooling around with Zhang Dapao, will you really be able to benefit these children in the future?"

Zhang Yimou's pupils contracted, and he was completely moved. At his age, fame and fortune were merely tools to bless future generations, and he couldn't dodge this blow.

After a long silence, Zhang Yimou said in a hoarse voice, "I'm too deeply tied to Zhang Dapao. If I were to leave rashly, I'm afraid..."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled inwardly; the deal was done!

"Senior, everyone in the industry knows your story. Zhang Dapao has been making a fortune by using your connections these past few years. I have an extremely professional accounting and auditing team. As long as you submit an audit request to the court, I'm confident I can make Zhang Dapao leave penniless! I'll handle the aftermath!"

Zhang Yimou gave Zhuang Huai'an a deep look, his lips moved slightly for a long time, and finally he asked the question, "Your conditions, and the benefits I will receive when I join your company."

"You don't need to join my company. You can be affiliated with my personal studio and be your own boss. I will help you build a team and won't interfere with your daily affairs."

"You have a movie you want to make. If it's suitable, I'll invest in it. For the movie I want you to make, I'll pay the highest market rate for director's fees, plus a share of the box office profits, and also..."

Zhuang Huai'an paused slightly, a smile playing on his lips. "Let's pause filming 'Curse of the Golden Flower.' I'll give you a script. Let's go big, bigger than 'Curse of the Golden Flower,' storm Cannes, and send you to the top!"

No man can resist having big breasts, and Zhang Yimou is no exception; otherwise, he wouldn't have made "Curse of the Golden Flower."

Moreover, the conditions Zhuang Huai'an offered were no longer an invitation, but an invitation to a god—a god he himself had created.

"Okay! I agree!"

After thinking it through, Zhang Yimou finally made a decision. In fact, he had been hesitating all along, and Zhuang Huai'an just happened to give him a push from behind.

After a lifetime of hard work, it's time to sell yourself for a good price.

"The 'Curse of the Golden Flower' production is on hold. Once this movie is finished, I'll work for you!"

"Senior brother, you're not just following me, you're becoming your own master."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled happily. The terms had been agreed upon, and now it was time for his aunt to take the stage.

Actually, he personally admires Zhang Dapao quite a bit.

Unfortunately, Zhang Dapao blocked his way.