Actor: Thank you.

"Yes, I'm sorry."

Director Benny Chan personally called to invite him, but he still declined.

Since I've made up my mind not to go to "Shaolin," no amount of persuasion will change my mind.

But we still need to come up with a good excuse.

First of all, he has to tell everyone that it's not about money.

It doesn't matter how much or how little I give; I have great respect for Shaolin Temple, a thousand-year-old temple.

It can't really be called an ancient temple with a history of over a thousand years, because it has been destroyed many times.

The most recent, almost catastrophic, destruction occurred in 1928, during the warlord era.

Feng Yuxiang directly used artillery to bombard Fan Zhongxiu, a warlord affiliated with Sun Yat-sen who was based at Shaolin Temple.

They then set fire to the place.

In any case, the damage was quite severe. The current Shaolin Temple is almost a reconstruction, and most of the scriptures and collections were brought from elsewhere.

The real ancient temple with a history of over a thousand years is actually the White Horse Temple, which is also located in Henan.

This place was also destroyed, just like Shaolin Temple, by warlords.

They were just ancient warlords.

It was none other than the infamous Dong Zhuo!
To prevent Yuan Shao's allied forces from encircling them, this fat man burned down Luoyang and also burned down the White Horse Temple.

It took three generations of the Cao family to repair the White Horse Temple until the reign of Cao Rui.

To be fair, although Boss Cao started out as a "tomb raider," he still did some decent work.

However, after the Cao family was destroyed, the Sima family burned down the White Horse Temple... In terms of being inhuman, the Sima family truly went down in history.

Later dynasties also suffered devastation from major events such as the An Lushan Rebellion.

Even the Jiajing Emperor, who had cultivated a physique resembling that of a crane, continued to renovate it.

Why is this place called "the authentic thousand-year-old temple"?

Because the museum houses two verified, genuine relics of Shakyamuni Buddha!

That would be incredible.

Buddhist scholars from all over the world come to pay homage to the Buddha.

Temples and governments all over the world, from Southeast Asia to North America, have funded the construction of statues for the White Horse Temple.

It is internationally recognized as the "Number One Temple in the World".

Shaolin only wants to become the best in the world, while White Horse Temple is already internationally recognized as the best in the world.

He was highly respected and held a very high position in Buddhism.

Master Yinle's journey from Baima Temple to Shaolin Temple was at best a flat performance, and even a slight decline.

In 07, when Master Yinle was interviewed by a newspaper, he was asked by a reporter whether he planned to commercialize the temple like Shaolin Temple to achieve a win-win situation for both the economy and society.

The master made it clear that he had no such plans, and explained that as long as Baima Temple adheres to its traditions, he would be at ease if tourists said, "Baima Temple is what a temple should be like."

Furthermore, Yinle also opposes the registration of temples and Buddhist cultural trademarks.

It's actually quite clear who loves doing this the most...

Anyway, we've never gotten along.

However, it must be said that the words of our ancestors are sometimes true, such as "appearance reflects the heart" and "birds of a feather flock together".

Those who associate with Shaolin are heads of state, wealthy people, and celebrities from all walks of life.

Those who associated with Baima Temple were Zen masters and sects from various countries.

The differences are quite obvious.

If Baima Temple asked Zhang Yuan to do some charity work, he would be willing.

What he feared was not doing good deeds or getting close to Buddhism, but rather people with ulterior motives.

Anyway, his excuse for not going was always that he didn't want to play a villain.

But they were also afraid that the other party would pressure the director to change the script and create a role that suited them.

If things get to that point, and I don't go, Chen Long and Chen Musheng will lose face.

He will also feel very uncomfortable.

So he added the excuse that he didn't have the time because Hollywood movies were scheduled for filming.

I'm referring to "Fast & Furious".

This film is perfect for silencing people.

Because no matter how much money you offer, can it surpass Hollywood's?

No matter how big your film's production is, can it surpass Hollywood's?

Anyone who reads this will agree that it makes sense.

Even if they know it's just an excuse, industry insiders still find some comfort in it.

At least it looks presentable.

Zhang Yuan now has to be very considerate of many people's feelings when he does things, otherwise you never know when you might offend someone.

He is now "wearing shoes," although he has the resolve to take them off at any time and fight barefoot, which is one of his strengths over others.

Just like the Golden Bell Cover technique, no matter how well you master it, it still has one more weakness than the Sunflower Manual.

It's not about who has the greatest skill, but who dares to go shirtless.

But if you can avoid being single, try to avoid it.

Offending fewer people is to avoid having more backstabbers plotting against you in the shadows.

He thought that by repeatedly refusing, the matter would be over.

If I encounter trouble, can't I at least avoid it?
Once I felt at ease, I focused on filming.

During a break from filming that day, a strange smell, both fragrant and foul, wafted from the set.

Scented is scented, and stinky is stinky; it's easy to understand.

However, the combination of these two flavors might be difficult for foreigners to understand.

But as all Chinese people know, there is one thing that perfectly combines these two extremes.

"Stinky tofu?" Zhang Yuan sniffed as he stood up.

how?

The old man who runs the snack stall is no longer content with selling late-night snacks; he sets up his stall during the day as well, and even on the film set?
He sniffed it a few times, and just as he was about to sit down, he saw his assistant come back carrying a small box, eating as he went.

It contained just a few pieces of fried stinky tofu.

"Where did you come from?" Zhang Yuan asked, peeking out.

"Oh, I forgot to bring it for you..." the assistant replied.

I thought you bought it for me... Zhang Yuan thought to himself, it's not suitable to eat such strong-smelling things while filming.

After all, I still have to act opposite Fan Bingbing, and I'll be bothering her with the smell later.

I am an actor with high moral standards and professional ethics.

As he was thinking, he saw Fan Bingbing and her assistant walking towards him while eating stinky tofu.

Zhang Yuan: …

I am well-mannered.

What can I do if the actress I'm acting with is so rude?!
"You want some too?"

"Oh, I forgot to bring it for you," Fan Bingbing replied.

“You two are saying the same thing,” Zhang Yuan said, pointing to his assistant.

"There's a big guy blowing something up over there, aren't you going to go check it out?"

I wasn't planning on going, but now that everyone I'm acting with has eaten, if I don't, it'll just be pure torture.

It's like nuclear deterrence; if the other side has it, you have to have it too.

He then got up to join in the fun.

After walking a few steps, I saw a group of people not far away.

It's not uncommon for film crews to distribute snacks, meals, and water, often attracting large gatherings.

But something unusual is happening today!

Because from a distance, one person in the crowd was about half a head taller than the others!

Because he was so conspicuous, Zhang Yuan recognized him immediately.

"No wonder some people fry stinky tofu."

He moved closer.

When the extras and crew members saw him arrive, they greeted him politely and made way for him.

Being the lead actor is so awesome.

He smiled and nodded to everyone before arriving at the large door.

"Hello, I've heard so much about you... I've heard so much about you."

I've heard so much about you.

Zhang Yuan had to crane his neck for a long time to talk to this person.

This man's name is Batel.

His full name is Mengke Batel, and he is Mongolian.

He is a well-known male basketball player in China.

Batel is a Mongolian word, and its meaning is similar to that of Baturu in Manchu, both meaning hero.

This guy's physique is indeed the largest among the cast.

He is over 2.1 meters tall and weighs over 200-300 pounds. He also played Sha Wujing in "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back".

Zhang Yuan shook hands and greeted the man.

I regretted it a little after I shook it.

He was frying pieces of stinky tofu, his hands smelling of it.

Because his role in the film is that of a Shaolin monk who travels south.

He witnessed Li Yutang, played by Wang Xueqi, questioning the police officers and helping his peers on the street, and was inspired to join the team protecting Sun Yat-sen.

They died a horrible death...

However, the character's name is quite good; it's Wang Fuming.

Although it is very unreasonable.

Even if the film is set in the late Qing Dynasty, during the time of the old witch, no one would publicly call her by that name.

This is pure suicide.

But it would be perfect for the film.

"Restore the Ming Dynasty" means to overthrow the Qing Dynasty and restore the Ming Dynasty, expel the Manchus, and restore China.

Let's restore the light to this sleeping giant, China.

Or perhaps it will revive and become the Ming dynasty with the Blue Sky with a White Sun flag.

It's unclear whether it was anti-imperialist or anti-feudal, but it was at least anti-Qing.

The theme of opposing the Qing dynasty is very clearly expressed in almost all the works of Hong Kong directors, which is commendable.

According to the film's setting, Wang Fuming, the martial monk, is a character with the heart of a tiger and the gentle touch of a rose.

Although he practiced martial arts, he never got into a fight in his entire life.

The only time he fought was for the cause of overthrowing the Qing Dynasty, and he sacrificed himself for it.

It's quite touching that a man from the mainland who came to Hong Kong and could only make a living by selling stinky tofu sacrificed himself for the greater good of his country.

If all monks in real life were like that, Zhang Yuan wouldn't need to repeatedly make excuses and refuse to film.

Battelle is a big guy, and he has a rather goofy smile.

Zhang Yuan discerned several things from him.

First of all, courage has nothing to do with height.

Why is he frying stinky tofu here and letting the crew eat it freely?

First, the character setting needs to be close to the person. There are scenes of him working in the film, so he needs to know how to do this job.

But once on set, this usually dominant center, facing the frying pan and the splattering oil when the tofu was put into it, started yelling like a high school girl.

Even the director didn't know that this rough voice could produce such a sound.

What a waste of the name Battier.

"Baturu" indeed! He's just frying stinky tofu like Aqina or Seshei.

There's no other way but to let him practice.

Fortunately, this is Shanghai, and the film and television city can be considered a small tourist attraction.

Anyone who has been to a tourist attraction knows that there were several standard snacks in the early days.

Milk tea made with rice flour, large chicken cutlets coated in rice flour, sausages and grilled meat that had dried out from being grilled for too long, and stinky tofu.

These are essential items; every tourist attraction must have them!
I bought him several dozen kilograms of stinky tofu from another shop so he could practice making it.

After they were all blown up, they were all given to the production team.

This national team center has become a food stall owner.

Zhang Yuan thought that was a good idea too.

Don't underestimate them just because they're not professional actors; they do whatever the director tells them to do.

This practice is more practical than some so-called professional ones.

There's a very counterintuitive aspect to frying things.

If you're afraid of getting splashed by oil, you might throw things into the oil pan, but that actually makes it easier for oil to splatter and splash on you.

The less afraid you are, the closer you are to the oil surface when you reach out and smooth things down, the calmer the well remains, without a single drop of oil rising.

It's just like dating and picking up girls.

The kind of stunningly beautiful woman, the kind that immediately catches the eye.

On the contrary, they all felt that they didn't have many suitors.

There will be, but they will be far away, just tentative, like people who are afraid of getting burned by hot oil.

If you dare to get close and aren't afraid of getting burned, you'll find that beautiful women aren't actually that hard to approach.

Just like in the business world, the most important thing is to get out there first. If you don't take any action, everything you say will be in vain.

Besides courage, Zhang Yuan also saw the uncontrollability of genes in Battelle.

None of his relatives, friends, or even his own children were taller than him.

So-called geniuses are simply a kind of genetic mutation.

Furthermore, it is an unsustainable genetic mutation that cannot be perfectly passed down through generations, nor can each generation be stronger than the last.

This is why celebrity children are often not as successful as their parents; it's all for the same reason.

But what's even more terrifying is that Battier is a genius among geniuses compared to ordinary people, and is extraordinary.

Compared to Yao Ming, who is number one, so-called geniuses are just stepping stones for other geniuses.

Battier trained in the NBA in 99 and later won a championship with the Spurs.

He became the first player to win an NBA championship.

Unfortunately, it was just something I got by chance; I don't even have a ring.

He spends most of his time on the bench for various teams, only getting a few minutes of playing time during garbage time.

Even with this, he's already a top-tier national athlete, the envy of thousands.

He can be compared to Yao Ming.

Although Yao Ming never won a championship, he was a true NBA starter.

Yao Ming was the one who blocked Shaquille O'Neal three times in a single game during his first year in the NBA.

"So you're Shaquille O'Neal? I've heard you're pretty arrogant!"

There is a difference between geniuses and geniuses among geniuses, and this difference may even be greater than that between a person and a dog.

Just like the actors of the same period watching Zhang Yuan's back.

Watching him thrive in Hollywood.

I watched him connect with foreign magazines.

He also felt that he was worse off than a dog.

I ate several servings of the stinky tofu that the other person made.

You know what, the more fried, the better.

It's fragrant and crispy, and paired with sweet bean sauce and chili sauce, it's really delicious.

Zhang Yuan remembers that this person later became a member of the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame.

Not only that, he was also elected chairman of the Inner Mongolia Basketball Association.

He's quite a prominent figure.

We exchanged phone numbers and QQ numbers.

I often interact with people in the sports world, and it doesn't hurt to build good relationships with them.

While eating, I chatted with the monk from the film and tried to sneak in some extra points.

One should not let a chance to meet a truly great person slip by, especially one who is a genuine "great person".

But after a pleasant conversation with the fake monk, a real monk suddenly appeared at their door.

"Brother Yuan..." Shi Xingyu pushed through the crowd, came up behind him, and called out softly.

"Tsk." Zhang Yuan sighed softly, "I've already told you, you're older than me, it's not appropriate for you to keep calling me 'brother'."

"Just call me by my name."

"Brother Yuan, I have something I'd like to discuss with you." The other party did not change their address.

Zhang Yuan also seemed to detect a hint of urgency in his words.

Turning my head, I noticed that the other person's expression was also unusual.

It's that kind of state where you're neither too popular nor too unpopular, feeling both anxious and a little stifled.

Just looking at it is painful enough.

"What's wrong?" Zhang Yuan didn't understand, so he clapped his hands and put down the small plate of stinky tofu.

They went to a corner to the side.

"looking for me?"

The other person's throat bobbed a few times, and they seemed very conflicted.

As if he had made a great decision, he bowed and said in a low voice with a somewhat aggrieved tone.

"Brother Yuan, if I have offended you in any way, I now formally apologize."

"But please, I beg you to be lenient!"

Zhang Yuan looked completely bewildered.

This is completely irrelevant... (End of Chapter)