Actor: Thank you.

set.

Zhang Yuan was unusually well-dressed.

It was a daytime scene being filmed, and he was wearing a clean costume.

It's the kind of Hong Kong police uniform from the late Qing Dynasty.

The attire of Hong Kong public officials at that time was rather "strange," as it combined Manchu characteristics with some Western influences, especially British style.

He wore a dark blue jacket with a Chinese-style collar and cuffs, and a white hat on his head that resembled a conical hat, similar to the red hat worn by Manchu officials, but without the red tassels.

However, the collar and cuffs also feature Western-style metal buttons.

The brim and top of the hat were also marked with black metal patches.

Around the waist was a leather belt, the kind typical of the British Foreign Legion.

Therefore, it can be called a combination of Chinese and Western elements, or it can be called a hodgepodge.

At this moment, just as at that moment.

The story depicts Hong Kong during that era, a time of conflict and fusion between two cultures.

Wasn't Hong Kong the same way later on?
What exactly is the foundation?
What kind of culture has shaped Hong Kong into what it is today?

This contradiction, which can be summed up in a single sentence, can be understood in many ways.

That is, "Who am I?"

Cultural identity and identity have become major issues and have also become weapons for certain external forces.

Moreover, this problem is not limited to the Hong Kong area.

Zhang Yuan walks around freely and casually in front of the camera.

Not far away, Fan Bingbing was wearing an indigo robe embroidered with white flowers, holding her daughter in her arms, with an elderly woman helping her.

At first glance, Zhang Yuan felt that the scene was beautiful.

A beautiful wife holding a beautiful daughter, living a harmonious life—isn't this the dream life of countless men?

Unfortunately, neither Shen Chongyang in the play nor Zhang Yuan in real life...

This woman and this daughter are not his own.

However, there is a difference: Shen Chongyang couldn't get it, while Zhang Yuan actively chose not to.

If he were willing to go public with their relationship, Fan Bingbing would probably be overjoyed.

Finally, I've found a promising stock!
He's also healthy, good-looking, well-endowed, and skilled in bed...

What? I am the elite.

Those are all just personas.

It was designed by Yang Siwei for her.

Female celebrities aren't stupid. If they can "marry up" and the other person treats them well, their quality of life won't decline. Who would really want to stay single for the rest of their life?

It's because of her special status and profession; those who look up to her don't look up to her, and those she looks up to don't look up to her.

I felt good inside, but I still had to act.

He strolled past the street vendors like a street urchin, then picked up a large yellow pear, wiped it on his clothes to remove the dust, and put it in his mouth, taking a big bite.

It was so easy to eat.

Of course, giving money is out of the question.

Don't underestimate the low rank of patrol officers; if a commoner or street vendor dares to glare at you, they can deliver a six-hit slap in a second.

After beating you, I made you kneel on the ground and call me grandpa.

This was the rule of law back then.

But thinking about it, the urban management officers of later generations seem...

Just grab whatever's convenient and eat whatever's convenient.

In the old society, the only difference between patrolmen and thugs was often their uniforms.

In the TV series "Lee Rock" starring Andy Lau, why was Ng Man-tat's character, Piggy, so loyal to Lee Rock?

Originally, Zhu Youzai sold white sugar cakes, which all the police officers would grab and eat as they passed by.

Only Lei Luo gave money!

This one thing touched Piggy.

Just the fact that they paid for food made them stand out from the Hong Kong police of that era, which shows the overall atmosphere.

He was just loitering around on the street, eating and drinking for free, when suddenly he saw his ex-wife with the child.

At this moment, Shen Chongyang still did not know that the child was his own.

Zhang Yuan slowed down his eating of the pear, and his expression and gaze became filled with an indescribable struggle.

It seemed like self-blame, regret, and remorse.

Seeing your ex doing better than you is more painful than killing yourself... You have that kind of feeling to some extent.

But that wasn't the end of it; his emotions were quickly interrupted.

Because a group of Indian soldiers with red heads, marching in formation and carrying long guns, passed by.

Zhang Yuan immediately threw down the pear he had taken a few bites of, straightened his back, and stood to the side.

A few smirks appeared on his face.

The term "red-headed Indians" refers to Indian rank-and-file police officers or soldiers commonly used by the British government during the colonial period.

People won't trust us if we only use Chinese people.

This is a long-standing British tradition: to instigate internal strife in the colonies and then to cause conflict between them, so that the colonists, whose populations far exceed their own, have no time to oppose the colonizer.

The term "阿三" (Ah San) evolved from the homonym of "阿SIR" (Ah SIR).

Theoretically, it didn't originate from Hong Kong, but from the British Concession in Shanghai; it's a transliteration of the Shanghai dialect.

The term "red heads" refers to the red headscarves worn by these Indians.

They are actually Sikhs.

The Sikhs were considered a very warlike ethnic group in India, comparable to the Qin people in terms of fighting prowess.

The Sikh tradition is to wear turbans. The British colonists made these Sikhs wear turbans of different colors to indicate their different occupations.

Actually, there are also yellow-haired Indians and white-haired Indians.

There were even green-haired Indians... These might have some family matters to attend to, after all, they have a green blob on their heads...

Just as Britain laid a "trap" of cultural and identity issues in Hong Kong before leaving.

India also faces this problem, leading to constant conflict and bloodshed between the Sikhs and the dominant Hindu religion in India.

This is all the good work of the British.

The cancer of human civilization is not something that can be fabricated.

"Cut!" Chen Deseng personally took the camera, with assistant director Ye Weiming watching from the side.

"Perfect!" Director Chen praised, giving a thumbs up.

"Especially the part you added, it's really good."

The original script described Shen Chongyang seeing his ex-wife and child, and feeling a mix of emotions.

The script simply states the four characters "mixed feelings," but how to express them is up to him.

But before filming began, he said that the lighting in this shot was a bit empty.

It was merely a depiction of Shen Chongyang meeting his ex-wife.

The scene depicting the reaction to the passing Indian man with red hair was added at his request.

At first, assistant director Ye Weiming thought he was trying to give himself more screen time.

There are too many characters in this film, and the male lead wanted to have more screen time; this is how he understood it.

This kind of thing is very common in Hong Kong.

But after adding it, it felt different.

The male lead has a good understanding of his character!
In terms of status, the Red-Headed Indians were actually on par with, or even lower than, the Chinese constables.

But as everyone knows, the Indians, due to their long period of colonization, have always considered themselves "white".

They believe that white people are superior to yellow people, therefore our class is higher than yours...

Just like the Japanese after the Meiji Restoration, who considered themselves white Asians, so all of Asia must be led by their "civilization".

If you don't listen to me and don't accept my leadership (enslavement), then it means you are an uncivilized savage.

I, a civilized person, kill a savage without any psychological burden.

That's their logic.

Russians also have this problem, always thinking of themselves as Europeans.

Whether they were Indians, Japanese, or Russians, they all considered themselves to be white Europeans.

But respectable white Europeans treated them as third-class citizens, only slightly better than monkeys.

But they have a high opinion of themselves, thinking they are "superior" to you Chinese.

This sense of superiority is similar to Zhou Libo's feeling that "drinking coffee is more sophisticated than eating garlic."

They inexplicably came up with a set of illogical theories of superiority.

While the Indians' notion of superiority was unrealistic, they had the backing of Britain, so in the old society, these Indians were quite powerful.

What Zhang Yuan requested to be added was Shen Chongyang's reaction upon seeing them.

Cut away from the moment you see your ex-wife.

The film's main theme is to protect Mr. Sun Yat-sen and oppose imperialism and feudalism.

Zhang Yuan always felt that Shen Chongyang was only risking his life for his ex-wife and child, and for love, which made him seem a bit one-dimensional.

This is acceptable for supporting characters, but it seems a bit stingy for the main character to do this.

We need to add something bigger.

For example, in work and life, they are often bullied by British lackeys.

He even has to bow and scrape to the dogs owned by foreigners.

This involves nationalistic sentiments.

Why sacrifice ourselves to protect Sun Yat-sen, a complete stranger?

Not just his wife and daughters, but also the days when he was considered inferior and looked down upon... That's what he thought.

The director approved of it, thinking that the addition was meaningful and not a random addition.

Filmmaking is a creative process, and many things need to be combined on set to spark inspiration.

Ye Weiming, who initially thought he was going to add more drama, nodded in agreement.

Our male lead is quite capable.

As soon as we finished filming and took a break, my assistant ran over and held the phone in front of me.

"Who?"

"Hua brother."

"Oh, give it to me."

I asked a question first before I started.

"Brother Hua, what brings you to me?" he asked with a smile.

"I heard you've been quite the big shot lately?" Brother Hua said with a smile.

"Yes, I'll try to surpass you as soon as possible."

"Then I'll give up my seat to you?"

"Forget it, I don't want to be an idol."

"Hey, I'm an actor!"

After exchanging pleasantries and jokes, Andy Lau got down to business.

"Seriously, do you want to sit in my seat?"

"What?" Zhang Yuan didn't understand.

"They asked you to come when the movie 'Shaolin Temple' was released, but you didn't come."

"He said he didn't want to play a villain."

"Isn't that because I want to play a righteous character? And the only righteous character I can play is my role."

Hua Ge deliberately mocked him.

"Seriously speaking, my image has been quite positive lately."

"Especially Ip Man, who is a positive image of a master."

"We're about to film a sequel, and I'm afraid that if I play the villain, it will feel disjointed to the audience."

"It's uncomfortable to look at."

"I understand, I understand..." Brother Hua nodded to indicate that he understood.

Because he also went through this stage.

Playing a villain is risky because I'm afraid the audience and fans won't accept it, and I'm also afraid young people will be influenced by bad behavior.

He just didn't expect that his little brother from back then would have reached this stage so quickly.

Having a sense of responsibility is a good thing, both for oneself and others.

"Just decide for yourself."

"However, Shaolin contacted me. They know that you and I are close, so they want me to try to persuade them."

"I managed to persuade them, so I can consider it a good deed."

Wah Gor is a Buddhist, and he originally intended to accumulate merit by filming this movie.

He had to help the large temple behind him.

But how far he goes is up to him.

"My idea is that the people being chosen now are all acquaintances and friends." "They're quite generous with their offer, so you can come if you're interested."

"If you're not interested, or have concerns, there's no need to force yourself."

"Let nature take its course." Hua Ge isn't stupid; Zhang Yuan's repeated refusals must have their reasons.

If the other party didn't say anything, he didn't ask anymore.

He guessed it might be related to religion, and since knowing it wouldn't change anything, he decided to pretend he didn't understand.

"This is really interesting." Putting down his phone, Zhang Yuan counted on his fingers how many groups of people this was.

But the more this was the case, the less he could go.

After a day of filming, I went back to my room to rest.

I just finished showering and sat on the bed, planning to review my lines and scenes for tomorrow.

A very urgent phone call came in.

"Hey, dear sister, missed me?"

Cheng Hao called him.

Zhang Yuan got up, went to the door, hung the door shut, and locked it from the inside.

To prevent anyone from entering the house while he's on the phone.

This person specifically refers to Fan Xiaopang.

"Put your thoughts aside for now, what are you doing?"

"Wouldn't he be doing something naughty while cuddling with some vixen?"

"I wish technology would be so advanced that we could have video calls anytime, anywhere."

"That way I can protect my innocence in front of you," Zhang Yuan replied with a slightly aggrieved tone.

“I was just saying… I miss you, I miss you so much,” she replied.

"If you're here to check up on me, then I'm going to hang up. I still need to read the script."

"Of course not." Seeing his bad attitude, Cheng Hao's tone softened considerably.

Women are like springs; the weaker you are, the stronger they become.

"I'm here to ask you, why didn't you take that role?"

Zhang Yuan knew what was going on; it was still about "Shaolin".

Cheng Hao called for a simple reason: Old Chen was being stingy and greedy.

In addition to finding someone to act as a matchmaker, Shaolin also had the production team contact him and his company.

Initially, they offered a supporting role with a 1000 million yuan salary.

That's fine, that's a lot of money.

He did not agree.

The other party misunderstood it as "I have to pay more".

In just a few days, the price has increased all the way to 2500 million!
Supporting role, 2500!

Zhang Yuan was horrified when he heard the number.

"Being an actor is such a fast way to make money..." he couldn't help but exclaim.

But she still refused.

Zeng Jia called him several times because of this.

She gets 2500 from the 3% share of the 75 million.

That's enough for a down payment on a house.

However, Zhang Yuan also expressed a clear refusal to accept her as his agent.

Zeng Jia was so anxious she was scratching her head, but it wasn't like she couldn't find the time.

And you're also good at action movies.

Big production, full of stars, I didn't see anything wrong with it.

Unable to accept it, he called Cheng Hao, one of the company's nominal owners.

This led us to him indirectly.

"It's not about money."

"No matter how much money they offer, even if they give me a hundred million, I still won't go."

"Why?" The older sister was completely confused.

"You should ask them why they're giving you so much money, shouldn't you?"

"Because you're famous."

"I'm not that famous."

"You have it, I believe in you, and everyone believes in you," Cheng Hao replied confidently.

"I won't discuss professional issues with you."

"I'll be frank with you."

“This is a big problem. If the other party is willing to spend money, there must be additional conditions.”

"You see there's a lot of money, you get attracted, and that's when people will start talking to you."

The older sister was silent for a moment, probably thinking.

"I don't understand." But I couldn't figure it out.

Have you heard this saying before?

"Let all martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin."

Actually, there's a second half to the saying: "Who knew that true masters were among the common people?"

It's actually a bit ironic, because the Shaolin monks all practice routines.

“I’ve heard of it; it often appears in novels and screenplays,” Cheng Hao replied.

"So, do you think this statement is true or false?"

"It's just a saying. Even I, a woman, know that China is so big, how could everyone come from Shaolin?"

“Yes, but someone wants to make that a reality!” Zhang Yuan tapped the coffee table, making a loud clanging sound.

"What do you mean?"

"So much pay... and believe it or not, if I'm willing to go and I'm willing to ask for a higher price, they can raise it even more."

"Because what they want isn't me, it's Ip Man, it's Wing Chun!"

"Huh?" The older sister asked in surprise after hearing this.

"Let me explain."

"I would go if it were for money or to save face for my friends."

"Alright, in what capacity did I go?"

“In Ip Man, I am the Wing Chun master.”

"But in 'Shaolin,' he became a villain."

"This identity could be problematic."

"Also, if I go, I will inevitably have to maintain a good relationship with Shaolin, who is in charge of the overall situation behind the scenes."

"And many actors have good relationships with them, and they have long formed a network of relationships."

This is similar to how a group of celebrities and capitalists all believe in Tibetan Buddhism.

It's not just about faith and spiritual liberation, but also about networking.

This includes questions about why a certain "Qigong Master" is frequently visited by business owners and celebrities who want him to "bless" them.

It's the same principle as going to a party on an island in North America.

Even Stephen Hawking, in his wheelchair, had to get on; you think this is a joke?
Zhang Yuan was determined not to get involved in these circles.

Because once you get involved, your potential is limited.

Let's just assume he has bigger ambitions.

"I don't want to join this network; it's too much trouble."

"You'll be subject to restrictions everywhere once you join."

"What's even more terrifying is that if I take the pay, I'm essentially taking a favor from them."

"I believe that with my value, they will offer even more excellent terms."

"It's not impossible for them to even give me a Buddhist name and take me on as a disciple."

"On the premise that I am willing."

"What if my connection with the other person is that close?"

"One day, the Shaolin Temple said that Wing Chun is also a martial art that originated from Shaolin. What should I do?"

"As 'Ip Man,' do you acknowledge it or not?"

"deny?"

"it is good!"

"You've taken so many benefits from me, and you dare to deny it? The consequences won't be good."

"I admit it."

What will the martial arts community in the south think of me?

A single-minded approach has backfired, resulting in a double bind!
"Ah, this, this..." Cheng Hao was speechless.

She hadn't expected this at all.

"Could it really be like this?" she asked anxiously after a long while.

"Are you familiar with the reputation of that Elder Ashin?"

"You can go and find out."

"If that possibility comes to pass, my career and reputation will be severely impacted."

"Caught in the middle, unable to move forward or backward."

This is the question he came up with after much consideration!
You're after their paycheck, but they're after your reputation and public image!
Now "Ip Man" is a hit.

As a result, Wing Chun also became popular!
It has become the most popular martial arts style at present.

As long as Wing Chun is taught, the martial arts school is always packed.

This is similar to how countless people went to Shaolin Temple to learn martial arts after the movie "Shaolin Temple" became a hit.

So, ultimately, this isn't a problem of sects or the film and television industry.

Ultimately, it's an economic issue!
This is all money.

It's all business.

What the other party did is equivalent to me and this brand's product becoming popular.

I'll poach your spokesperson and then claim that my product is the most authentic, since the spokesperson is with me and can vouch for it.

That's why Zhang Yuan said he wasn't that famous.

Because the one that's red is "Ip Man".

The other party was attracted by his identity.

If the poaching is successful, the benefits will be enormous!
His fame overseas does not mean he has a powerful spokesperson abroad.

Most people may not know that the eldest and second princesses of the Russian princess are actually grand-disciples of Elder Ashin.

Because the emperor, in order to improve bilateral relations, once took them to Shaolin Temple and they became disciples of the martial monks.

Although it was just a formality, it still shows how ambitious Ashin is.

With my small arms and legs, once someone sets up a trap and catches me, how can I possibly escape?

“If that’s the case…” After hesitating for a moment, the older sister’s tone became much firmer: “Then no amount of money can make me go!”

"Yes!"

"But you must not tell anyone these things, lest they get out and you be falsely accused."

Zhang Yuan was extremely cautious; the other side was too powerful.

Although Chen Laokou is occasionally greedy, he is still very firm on matters of principle.

After reaching a consensus with him, we firmly stood on his side.

I will explain this internally within the company.

"It's better than a blunt refusal; otherwise, your subordinates might have second thoughts."

"Okay, then you'll have to take care of it."

"You're being so polite with me, it makes me feel distant, and I don't like it," Cheng Hao said with dissatisfaction.

"I've gotten used to being away from home for so long."

"I trust you with my business."

"Yes, you should be careful while you're out there."

Cheng Hao never expected that even though they had all grown so much, there were still so many pitfalls waiting for them.

She felt reassured because Zhang Yuan seemed to have a clear mind.

At the same time, I also feel mentally exhausted.

It seems like she doesn't really like the entertainment industry.

I like performing, but I don't like the filth involved.

After talking to her, Zhang Yuan also felt a little tired.

He lay down to rest not long after.

But this matter isn't over yet... (End of Chapter)