A widower's entertainment

Chapter 398 [A Good Role] (Please Subscribe)
Fuxing Road, Beijing.

As Yu Hua and Lin Youcheng said, he also writes film and television scripts. At this time, most literary workers are embracing film and television. Although Lin Youcheng's previous company has never been formally established, the film and television scripts written by Lin Youcheng are an absolutely well-known brand.

The key point is that this brand is not only well-known domestically, but Lin Youcheng's name is quite famous both at home and abroad.

Even though Lin Youcheng hasn't yet joined forces with a group of writers to establish the Haima Film Studio like Wang Shuo, the script royalties he earns are far greater than those of all film and television companies in China. There's no way around it; when it comes to exporting scripts overseas, Lin Youcheng is the only one who can do it.

For this reason, Lin Youcheng is not in a hurry to establish a company; what is important is to have sufficient capital.

Because Lin Youcheng bought shops and houses on Fuxing Road, intending to use them as his company's office, he plans to renovate the two courtyard houses in Xinghua Hutong after spring arrives and the weather warms up. Regardless of whether he moves or not, it wouldn't hurt to renovate them properly. He also plans to renovate the company on Fuxing Road.

As the year draws to a close, the children have all finished their exams and are on holiday. Lin Youcheng brought Lin Zhaomei and the others to Fuxing Road to look at the company they might set up in the future.

Because Lin Zhaoxi wasn't interested and stayed home reading, and Lin Zhaoqing went out to play with his classmates, only Lin Zhaomei, Lin Zhaoman, Lin Zhaohuan, and Lin Zhaole came to see Lin Youcheng's future company.

"Dad, this place is so big, and you're opening a company here?"

Lin Youcheng bought an entire floor. Although it's not a whole building, the area is quite large, and the location is excellent. Even if Lin Youcheng doesn't plan to open a company here later, renting it out would definitely be a goldmine.

Lin Zhaoman and the others had no idea how valuable this place was. They ran around the empty room with smiles on their faces. They came along partly because it was fun, and partly because they were thinking that Lin Youcheng would take them to KFC later.

Lin Zhaomei, on the other hand, stayed by Lin Youcheng's side and also asked about the company's affairs.

Lin Youcheng smiled and said, "Yes, a film and television company."

Lin Zhaomei, of course, knew about film and television companies, and asked, "Dad, are you going to make your own movies and TV series in the future?"

"I will find someone to film it."

Lin Youcheng naturally knew that the most important thing in a film company was film production, that is, making good works, which naturally depended on directors and other film and television staff. Although masters like Chen Aige and Zhang Guoshi might want to work with him, they might not be willing to join his company. However, Lin Youcheng didn't care too much. After all, even if they weren't in the same company, they could still work together. As long as he presented a good script, it would be hard for a real big director to refuse.

In addition, Lin Youcheng was also very clear about which people with good skills in the film and television industry could be recruited into the company in the future.

"Didn't you say you wanted to be a director in the future? If you really become a director, this company will be yours."

Hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Lin Zhaomei smiled broadly, took his arm, and said with a smile, "Dad, I'll make a movie for you then."

Hearing Lin Zhaomei's words, Lin Youcheng couldn't help but laugh. He didn't say that it wasn't Lin Zhaomei who was making the movie for him, but that the company was making the movie for Lin Zhaomei. After all, if Lin Zhaomei really wanted to be a director later, it wouldn't be easy to get real directing rights in the film industry.

Don't you see how precarious the domestic film market is now? Film studios will have to find their own investment to make movies in the future. They don't have enough resources and opportunities for new directors, let alone female directors.

Lin Zhaole wasn't interested in the empty house. After playing around with Lin Zhaohuan and Lin Zhaoman for a while, he ran to Lin Youcheng and said, "Dad, didn't you say you'd take us to KFC?"

Because the weather had improved, Lin Youcheng brought Lin Zhaomei and the others out. Hearing Lin Zhaole's words, he said, "Okay, let's go eat KFC, and bring some back for Xi'er and the others too."

Lin Zhaole immediately chimed in, "We also need to bring some for Mom and my second brother!"

"Yes!"

Lin Youcheng took Lin Zhaomei and the others to KFC, where they ate fried chicken and hamburgers. They then packed some to take back to Xinghua Hutong. As soon as they got home, Lin Zhaomei quickly gave the chicken to Lin Zhaoxi and Xie Shuhua while it was still hot. As for Lin Zhaoqing, who was not home at the time, he would leave some for him.

Lin Youcheng was talking to Xie Shuhua when, just as he arrived home, Chen Aige arrived at the courtyard house with her entourage.

"Yo-sung, this is Leslie Cheung. He's been wanting to meet you for a while now."

Leslie Cheung stepped forward and said very politely, "Hello, Brother Lin, I especially like your novels."

"I also really like your acting."

Lin Youcheng naturally recognized the actor Leslie Cheung, and quickly led Chen Aige and Leslie Cheung into the house.

Xie Shuhua quickly poured tea to greet them, and didn't keep them any longer, letting Lin Youcheng, Chen Aige, and Zhang Guorong talk without disturbing them.

Although Lin Youcheng knew that Leslie Cheung's fans outside were calling him "brother," he naturally didn't use that term on his end.

Clearly, Leslie Cheung truly admires the great writer and screenwriter Lam Yau-shing. Upon hearing Lam Yau-shing call him Leslie Cheung, he added, "Just call me Ah-zai."

"Are you planning to submit your film 'Farewell My Concubine' to the Cannes Film Festival?"

Chen Aige smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes, I hope to win a big prize this time." Lin Youcheng knew that in another timeline, Chen Aige won the Palme d'Or with "Farewell My Concubine." He didn't know if Chen Aige would win it this year, since he didn't know if a butterfly flapping its wings would also blow Chen Aige's Palme d'Or away. After all, because of him, Hou Xiaoxian won Zhang Guoshi's first Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival with the film "Love."

Of course, he doesn't have any films participating in this year's Cannes Film Festival. Even Warner Bros.' "The Departed" probably won't be going to Cannes. However, in Lin Youcheng's opinion, if Chen Aige's "Farewell My Concubine" remains unchanged and of high quality, the fact that the jury is willing to give the Palme d'Or to both films proves that the film is truly strong.

Leslie Cheung said with a smile, "Brother Lin, the movie 'Atonement' that you and Director Chan collaborated on before was quite wonderful. I've read both the novel and watched the movie, but it's a pity I didn't have the chance to work with you."

Upon hearing Zhang Guorong's words, Chen Aige quickly said, "You can't say that. Cheng also made suggestions regarding the script."

Lin Youcheng waved his hand and said, "It's just a suggestion, nothing much. Actually, Director Wu Yusen had considered you for a film before, but you were still filming 'Farewell My Concubine' at that time."

Leslie Cheung said with a smile, "Sister Feng told me about it."

As the film's producer, Xu Feng naturally brought up the matter with Leslie Cheung. However, Leslie Cheung was filming "Farewell My Concubine," so his schedule was not suitable. John Woo also chose Tony Leung Ka-fai and Tony Leung Chiu-wai to star in "Infernal Affairs." Xu Feng naturally respected John Woo's casting choice.

"I've read that script too, and it's really quite brilliant, but unfortunately I don't have the chance to act in it."

Leslie Cheung had indeed read the script for "Infernal Affairs" and was genuinely shocked. He hadn't expected that Lam Yau-shing, who had always lived in mainland China, would write such a crime thriller. Although the plot seemed simple and lacked gunfights, it was still reasonable, given that Lam Yau-shing himself wasn't from Hong Kong. Even so, the two characters Lam Yau-shing created in the script really excited him. They were roles that truly required an actor's challenge: one was an undercover triad member within the police force, and the other was an undercover police officer within the triads. Either of these roles would be extremely challenging to play.

Leslie Cheung truly regrets missing out on this script. He really wanted to try this kind of role, but unfortunately, his schedule didn't work out, and John Woo wouldn't wait for him. Besides, John Woo also had his own choices.

Upon hearing Zhang Guorong's words, Lin Youcheng smiled and said, "There will definitely be opportunities to collaborate again in the future."

Upon hearing this, Lin Youcheng couldn't help but think the word "certain" to himself; the opportunity to collaborate again was uncertain. He knew Zhang Guorong's final choice in another timeline, and he didn't know if Zhang Guorong would have followed the same path and made the same choice.

Looking at the young Leslie Cheung in front of him, Lin Youcheng couldn't help but feel sorry. You know, Leslie Cheung's acting skills are absolutely strong. His performance in "Farewell My Concubine" alone deserves the Cannes Best Actor award. It's a pity that he missed it because of a vote from the jury. The key point is that not only is his acting good, but he is also very loyal.

Although Lin Youcheng didn't visit the set of "Farewell My Concubine," he heard about Leslie Cheung standing up for someone. He had been learning Mei Lanfang's singing style and movements from a female actress on set, practicing diligently over and over again. The two had developed a deep friendship. However, this actress was being abused by her husband on set. While the rest of the crew considered it a private family matter, only Leslie Cheung witnessed it and angrily rebuked the man, declaring that if he dared to hit her again, she would get her friends in Hong Kong to deal with him. It was at the wrap party, and many people heard Leslie Cheung's outburst. The usually gentle Leslie Cheung displayed remarkable assertiveness in the face of injustice.

Lin Youcheng thought to himself, then added with a smile, "I hope you won't reject my notebook when the time comes."

"How is that possible!"

Upon hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Leslie Cheung immediately shook his head and said with a smile, "Who would refuse your script now? Director Wu originally didn't plan to make any more Hong Kong films and went straight to Hollywood. But after hearing that you wrote a film for Sister Feng, he came to her door and specifically wanted to finish making this 'Infernal Affairs' before going to Hollywood."

“I really want to play a role in the script you wrote.”

As Leslie Cheung spoke, he couldn't help but mention his favorite novels and characters, saying, "My favorite character is still Shi Hong from your movie 'The Devotion of Suspect X.' That novel was really popular in Hong Kong back then. I read it several times, and I was deeply moved every time. I've also watched Hou Xiaoxian's movie several times."

When Lin Youcheng heard Leslie Cheung's words, he thought of Shi Hong in "The Devotion of Suspect X," who truly gave his life for that person. It can be said that he valued some things more than his own life, just like Cheng Dieyi in "Farewell My Concubine."

However, when Lin Youcheng heard what Leslie Cheung said, he could sense that Leslie Cheung genuinely liked his novel "The Devotion of Suspect X" from the bottom of his heart. But thinking about Leslie Cheung's final choice, Lin Youcheng asked, "What about the characters in other novels?"

“I really like the characters in works like ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree,’ ‘Love Letter,’ ‘Atonement,’ and ‘The Reader.’ I can say that I really like every one of your works.”

These are Leslie Cheung's true feelings. He genuinely likes Lam Yau-shing's works and appreciates every single one of them. The film "Amour," which recently won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, truly moved him deeply.

Lin Youcheng couldn't help but laugh when he heard Zhang Guorong's words. This was just like what Xie Shuhua had told him before, mostly tragic endings. After thinking for a moment, he looked at Zhang Guorong and said, "Then I will definitely write a good script and a good role for you when I have the chance."

Leslie Cheung was delighted to hear Lam Yau-shing say that, since what he had said before was absolutely true. No one could refuse Lam Yau-shing's scripts, especially since foreign directors were eager to work with him, let alone actors.

Now that Lin Youcheng is going to write him a good script and a good role, Leslie Cheung is naturally overjoyed. Although it may be a polite joke, Leslie Cheung is all smiles and very happy to thank him, saying, "That would be great if it were true. I will definitely do my best to act it."

Upon hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Chen Aige jokingly added, "Then you definitely have to act well, since the scripts and roles that Youcheng writes are certainly not simple."

"That is!"

Leslie Cheung said with a smile, "I heard that the movie 'Love' will be nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, and that Lin Ge's 'The Truman Show' is very likely to win an Oscar."

The nominations for the US Oscars haven't been announced yet, but many of the preliminary awards have already been announced. Apart from the foreign language film "Amour," "The Truman Show" is undoubtedly a strong contender at various film awards.

Lin Youcheng smiled and said, "So you want me to write an Oscar-worthy script and character."

Leslie Cheung chuckled and waved his hands repeatedly, indicating that it wasn't true.

"Don't worry, the script and role they're looking for will definitely be good."

(End of this chapter)