Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

December 16th,

Company 91 has four pieces of good news.

"Hearing Girl" grossed 90 million yuan at the Chinese box office. Han Sanping did a favor by obtaining the extension key and vowed to push the box office to over 100 million yuan. China Film Group also wanted to see how much box office potential it had in the lackluster March and April season.

Zhang Yimou's film "Love" has been selected for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival. It was also announced that Zhuang Huai'an will serve as the president of the jury at this year's festival.

On the same day, the Organizing Committee issued an official announcement that Zhang Yimou would serve as the chief director of the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, with Zhuang Huai'an joining as a special advisor.

Today is also Zhuang Huai'an's 23rd birthday.

In the afternoon, Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou visited. As soon as they sat down in the office, Zhang Weiping couldn't wait to start criticizing.

"Director Zhuang, isn't this really unfair of you?"

"kind?"

Looking at Zhang Weiping's angry face, Zhuang Huai'an sneered, "Who the hell do you think you are, daring to question me?"

Zhang Weiping was immediately stunned. I used an honorific!

"If it weren't for a certain senior brother accompanying you, a piece of trash like you wouldn't even be qualified to join my company. You think I'd invite you for tea?"

Zhuang Huai'an said coldly, "Since you already know about this, I advise you to sort out the accounts as soon as possible. Otherwise, you'll be in big trouble when my people come knocking on your door."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Weiping broke out in a cold sweat. Only he knew best how many tricks he had played over the years. Those accounts could only fool an honest man like Zhang Yimou. Professionals could tell what was going on at a glance, let alone the ruthless man in front of him.

Zhang Weiping was ultimately pragmatic; he came to seek peace, not war. His previous gestures were nothing more than bluster.

Without Zhang Yimou, New Pictures is just a roadside stall. Moreover, over the years, by relying on Zhang Yimou's name, he has offended many people.

Zhang Weiping took a deep breath, swallowing his dissatisfaction. He had no power to resist Zhuang Huai'an. Now, he could only try to secure some benefits for himself before releasing the man.

"Director Zhuang, I admit I raised my voice a bit, but putting the facts aside, are you entirely without fault? I agree with Zhang Yimou regarding the breach of contract penalty..."

"Leaving aside the facts? Then what are we talking about? Talk to your damn neighbor!"

Zhuang Huai'an, exuding domineering arrogance, ignored Zhang Dapao, who had taken over Yi Zhonghai's body, and shouted outside, "Brother Long, Brother Hu!"

The Dragon and Tiger brothers, who had been standing outside the door, responded to the call and scanned Zhang Weiping and his companion with their fierce expressions, making even Zhang Yimou feel somewhat uncomfortable.

"Throw it out!"

"Should we throw them all away?"

"Ahem, this guy in the suit." Avoiding Zhang Yimou's surprised gaze, Zhuang Huai'an pointed at Zhang Weiping.

"Okay."

The Dragon and Tiger brothers were eager to get to work; they were finally ready for a challenge.

Zhang Weiping was held back by two burly men, looking panicked but still stubbornly insisting, "Director Zhuang, I've come here with sincerity to negotiate. Wouldn't a peaceful handover be better? You don't want Zhang Yimou's past to be exposed, do you?"

"Fine, you've got guts."

Zhuang Huai'an was so angry he laughed. He turned to Zhuang Dalong and said in Hakka, "Find someone and break one of his arms."

"Isn't this too lenient with someone so arrogant?"

"Just teach them a lesson; don't do it yourself."

"Understood." A ruthless glint flashed in the eyes of the Dragon and Tiger brothers as they dragged Zhang Weiping away.

"Hey! You're really just going to stand by and watch? Have you forgotten we're brothers?"

Hearing the sounds coming from outside the door, Zhang Yimou remained completely unmoved. He was honest, not stupid.

"Senior brother, you've been controlled by this kind of person for over a decade?"

Zhuang Huai'an threw the teacup that Zhang Dapao had used into the trash can and replaced it with a new pot of tea.

"Sigh... cooperation, cooperation."

Zhang Yimou sighed and explained: "After filming 'Love,' I returned to the set of 'Curse of the Golden Flower,' and he made a mess of the entire crew. He had promised to give Lucky Stark and Gong Li the same treatment, but he didn't arrange it properly, which led to both of them going on strike."

This lousy production team is driving me crazy, so I'm just going to stop pretending and lay my cards on the table.

Zhang Weiping seemed to have anticipated this, making me pay off the 3460 million yuan in company debts and 2300 million yuan in breach of contract penalties. Damn it, I'm a partner, I've worked myself to the bone for New Pictures for over a decade, barely making any money, and now I'm owed tens of millions! Ugh, what the hell!"

Zhuang Huai'an chuckled. "Senior brother, I'm rooting for you in this year's model worker selection. You'll definitely bring back a medal."

"That's right, even Shi Chuanxiang wasn't as enthusiastic about voluntary labor as I was."

Zhang Yimou was already used to Zhuang Huai'an's teasing. He was in a good mood as he was about to break free of his shackles, and he joined in with a self-deprecating remark.

"Huai'an, speaking of which, haven't we made too much of a commotion?"

Zhang Yimou was thinking about recent events and had some concerns. "No media outlet dares to report recklessly about the Olympics, but in Cannes, if you become the chairman and I win an award, and then I join your company, it might not sound good if word gets out."

"You mean you're worried people will say we're engaging in insider trading, and that our reputation doesn't match our actions, right?"

"Yes, after all..."

"Senior brother," Zhuang Huai'an interrupted him, handing him a Huazi cigarette, "Life, especially for public figures like us, is about being discussed by the world. Providing topics of conversation for the public is also part of an artist's job."

This matter may cause some temporary discussion, but as long as we continue to produce excellent works, external doubts will be nothing more than a minor setback.

Zhuang Huai'an was very confident about this. With him around, Zhang Yimou didn't even bother making "Curse of the Golden Flower," and naturally, there wouldn't be a series of bad films that were just cash grabs later on.

"Too,"

Zhang Yimou nodded. "That's good. Without those other jobs, I can focus all my energy on preparing for the opening ceremony."

"You're overthinking it. I'm already preparing for your first film after joining 91. I'm telling you, senior, you're in your fifties, which is the age to take risks. Don't slack off."

Zhuang Huai'an wasn't going to waste Zhang Yimou's freakish energy; he had to test its limits.

"A project?" Zhang Yimou's interest was piqued. "What kind? A commercial film or something?"

"I won't tell you yet," Zhuang Huai'an lied, "we'll decide based on your schedule after we sign the contract."

"Alright,"

Zhang Yimou was in high spirits. He had firsthand experience with Zhuang Huai'an's script and the behind-the-scenes team of 91 Company when he was filming "Love". After experiencing that smooth and efficient production team, watching "Curse of the Golden Flower" was just a pile of crap!

"Since it's an affiliated studio, have you thought of a name yet, senior?"

"Name? It's called Zhang Yimou Studio."

"Sigh~"

Zhuang Huai'an waved his hand, "This kind of lousy name has no imposing presence at all, and it doesn't fit our 91 Company's corporate culture at all. It has no substance."

"You brat," Zhang Yi said, exasperated, "Are you saying my name lacks meaning, or that the name I chose lacks meaning?"

"Both are true, but the main problem is that it's too personal and creates disharmony."

"Hey kid, think of one for me!"

"I've already made up my mind."

Zhuang Huai'an pointed to the locust tree outside the window, whose flower buds had just sprouted, and said, "Look, what season is April? It's spring. Isn't that perfect for you to jump out of the fire pit and welcome a new life?"

Zhang Yimou hesitated before asking, "So... it's called New Life Studio?"

"No, I'm reminded of a line from Hai Zi's poem."

Zhuang Huai'an's eyes darted around, and he said jokingly, "Facing the sea, with spring flowers blooming, that's so fitting! Let's talk about the Spring Blossoms Studio, what do you think?"

"I feel something's off..." Zhang Yimou looked at him suspiciously, "I have a feeling there's another meaning behind your name..."

"Of course it does, and it has a very beautiful meaning."

"What?"

"With you in 91, spring is here and flowers are in bloom."

Zhuang Huai'an's smile was meaningful.