Actor: Thank you.

"Sister Yun, you're here."

A day or two later, Zhang Yuan went to the entrance of the film studio to pick up the person.

"Wow, she's so beautiful," Xie Tingfeng exclaimed after seeing the woman in front of him.

"Nonsense, do you think Instructor Jiang is a pushover?" Zhang Yuan patted his arm, gesturing for him to come forward and greet the person.

The person who arrived was Zhou Yun, Jiang Wen's current wife.

My older sister went back to work when her baby was only a few months old.

It's not for making money.

What makes Jiang Wen special in the Chinese film industry is this.

Whether he's acting or directing, he treats it as a career, not just a job.

So he doesn't care that much about money, and it's not like Jack Ma's pretentious "I don't care about money," he genuinely doesn't care that much about money.

I've never seen Jiang Wen flaunt her luxury cars and mansions, dressed in designer clothes, or carrying luxury items.

It's not that he can't afford it; he's simply much richer than the average person, but he doesn't care that much about such things.

Zhang Yuan analyzed that these people have spiritual pursuits, so their material pursuits are lower.

If one has no spiritual pursuits, one will need endless material pursuits to fill the emptiness in one's heart.

But when it comes to spending money, it's the same thing he did for his daughter's wedding with his ex-wife.

Li Lianjie gifted Jiang Yilang a car worth 30 yuan, but Jiang Wen gifted him a house in downtown Paris worth several million euros.

It's obvious who has more money, Lao Li or Director Jiang.

But no matter how much money you have, it depends on whether you're willing to spend it and who you're willing to spend it on.

This film is considered a Hong Kong film, and Eagle King also had a role in it.

Jiang Wen was acquainted with Old Yang, the Eagle King's boss, and Zhou Yun was already famous in Hong Kong and under Wong Kar-wai's management, so she asked her to come and help.

It was a cameo appearance.

The character she played was paired with Nicholas Tse.

The person in question is the daughter of a photography studio owner.

How could the daughter of a photography studio owner be paired with a servant who pulls a carriage for her master?
Because this young lady is lame.

In the old society, or even in many places today, especially in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, and Southeast Asia.

The tradition of sons-in-law moving into the wife's family home still exists.

If a moderately wealthy family has only one daughter who is disabled, they will find a son-in-law who comes from an ordinary background but is honest and reliable to marry into the family.

These kinds of live-in sons-in-law actually have it easier, because once the old man dies, all the family property is yours.

Moreover, since he only has a daughter, he has to rely on his son-in-law to support him in his old age, so he will treat her like half a son.

In Lao She's novel "Rickshaw Boy," the protagonist Xiangzi is in a similar situation. He is a rickshaw puller and has an affair with the rickshaw shop owner's daughter.

However, the characters in Lao She's works represent the tragedies of the old era.

And Zhou Yun and Xie Tingfeng in "Bodyguards and Assassins"... that's even more tragic!
The characters in this film are all old generals on stage, with flags stuck all over their backs.

Nicholas Tse's character, Deng Sidi, is the most typical "flag" (a Chinese internet slang term for a promise or pledge): "After escorting Sun Yat-sen, I will get married."

Fang Hong, Li Yuchun's friend, said that after finishing this matter, she would send her father's body back to his hometown in Tianjin so that he could be laid to rest and his soul could return to his homeland.

Batel plays a martial monk who sells stinky tofu. He goes on a journey and feels that his journey is successful once he has completed this "big task". He plans to return to Shaolin Temple afterward.

Zhang Yuan's Shen Chongyang is someone whose daughter will acknowledge him after she grows up, once this matter is resolved.

Even the villain Yan Xiaoguo, played by Hu Jun, said that after killing the traitor Sun, he would be promoted to a higher rank and serve the court.

Everyone has their own thoughts and purposes, but the key point is Sun Yat-sen's visit to Hong Kong this time.

Director Chen Desheng handed out flags to each person, followed by boxed lunches.

It was a terrible tragedy; blood was everywhere, and the main characters were almost completely wiped out.

But isn't revolution all about bloodshed?

This film uses small people to reflect a larger theme, showcasing the spirit of resistance of the Chinese people in the old era through the lives of these ordinary individuals.

This is the main plot of the story.

"You all portray heroes." After sending Zhou Yun to the film crew and meeting the main creators, Teacher Zhou praised everyone.

It must be said that, in terms of looks alone, Zhou Yun is not actually a top-tier beauty.

Especially when standing next to Fan Bingbing, she would definitely outshine her.

But Zhou Yun has her own unique temperament and charm.

She is gentle and mild-mannered, yet also very assertive and energetic.

Everyone knew she was Jiang Wen's wife, so they were all quite polite to her.

Although Zhang Yuan had met Jiang Wen quite a few times, he hadn't met Zhou Yun that often.

Because Jiang Wen always brought Jiang Yilang with her when she came to his place, and this girl didn't have a good relationship with her stepmother.

“Our director Jiang often mentions you.” After taking a break, Zhou Yun looked at him with a smile.

"Hopefully it's something positive and doesn't contain any profanity."

"Hehehe..." Zhou Yun laughed. Jiang Wen always used profanity, whether it was "damn it" or "that bastard".

However, Zhang Yuan heard Zhou Yun call him not Wen, not husband, but Director Jiang.

It seems that despite the age gap, Ms. Zhou still admires Director Jiang and treats him as an idol.

so good.

It's not for money or fame, but for talent; isn't that a true mutual affection?

"I saw you shake your head just now, did I say something wrong?" After chatting for a while, Teacher Zhou suddenly asked.

The moment Zhang Yuan shook her head was when she said, "Everyone is playing a hero."

"I don't think our role is entirely that of a hero."

"Or rather, only a one-sided, narrow definition of a hero."

"More like an ancient knight-errant."

The main plot of this film revolves around the struggle between assassins and protectors, and the conflict surrounding Sun Yat-sen.

But whether intentionally or unintentionally, there is another hidden storyline in the film.

The main storyline is told through the lives of ordinary people, reflecting the social trends and national conditions during the Xinhai Revolution.

The underlying theme, however, just happens to point out the problems that exist in Mr. Sun's revolution.

"Hong Kong, after all, gave birth to Jin Yong, Gu Long, Liang Yusheng, and others, so it is very adept at creating chivalrous heroes," Zhang Yuan said slowly, looking up at the blue sky.

"But these characters are just chivalrous knights-errant, with only petty loyalty and no great righteousness."

Shen Chongyang participated in protecting Sun Yat-sen in order to gain the approval of his ex-wife and daughter.

Nicholas Tse's fourth brother, Deng, joined the guard because his young master was committed to the revolution, so he also wanted to participate.

The monks participated because they needed to achieve something outside the temple before they could face returning to Shaolin.

Li Yuchun's character is involved in the protection efforts to avenge her father.

Even the wealthy businessman played by Wang Xueqi participates in the escort operation because his friend Chen Shaobai, played by Liang Jiahui, was suspected of being killed by the Qing army, so he wants to inherit his will and career.

Therefore, these people participated in the revolution for their families, for their lovers, for their masters, for their friends, and for their beliefs.

But not a single one of them was fighting for the sake of "revolution".

Why do we need a revolution?

Because I hate the Manchu Qing dynasty.

Because I want my family's approval.

Because the young master wants to do it this way.

See? Not a single one of these people knows the true meaning and reason for the revolution.

He was simply drawn into it for various reasons and gave his life for it.

This precisely reveals a fatal problem with Mr. Sun's revolution.

That was his revolution, but more so, it was a revolution belonging to people of the petty bourgeoisie and above.

The vast majority of ordinary people at the grassroots level have not been fully mobilized!
What was the result of the revolution?
Even if the old dynasty is overthrown, will the lives of ordinary people improve?
Isn't it still the old society that cannibalize people?

It enriched the capitalists, strengthened the warlords, and plunged China into chaos.

Ultimately, it is the people at the bottom of society who are exploited and die.

Although the people in this film sacrificed their lives to protect Sun Yat-sen, none of them truly understood or even knew about the Three Principles of the People, and they didn't even know what the Three Principles of the People were.

Such a revolution is unsustainable.

They act solely for the sake of individuals, rather than for the sake of the nation and its people, lacking any sense of social and national responsibility.

There was no ideology or program that the people could accept.

Therefore, history books describe Mr. Sun's revolution as a bourgeois revolution.

It is destined that only a small number of people will participate and profit from it.

Furthermore, according to Marx's theory, the bourgeoisie is inherently weak and prone to compromise.

When this social class goes to revolution, there's a feeling that it's like a scholar's rebellion that never succeeds in three years.

It's no wonder that the fruits of the revolution were ultimately "usurped".

However, this does not mean that Mr. Sun was not great; it simply means that he had limitations.

Therefore, Zhang Yuan does not consider himself a national hero. At most, he can only be considered a righteous man, whose righteousness lies solely in protecting Mr. Sun Yat-sen, a historical figure.

National heroes must stand on the foundation of national righteousness.

“You and our Director Jiang are quite alike.” After hearing this, Zhou Yun, the older sister, rested her chin on her fist: “Especially that critical spirit.”

"He dares to point out other people's shortcomings."

"You dare?"

No wonder he likes you.

After saying that, the man's expression turned somewhat pale, and he added a sentence.

"No wonder Ichiro likes you too."

Zhang Yuan: …

Don't talk nonsense!
I'm suing you for defamation!

What does it mean if a minor girl likes me?
That sounds dangerous.

And I look like Jiang Wen, so Jiang Yilang likes me.

So you mean my younger sister has a father complex...?

Being a stepmother is indeed not easy, so Zhang Yuan didn't take her words to heart.

However, he was quite interested in Zhou Yun.

It wasn't that kind of interest, it was interest in her performance.

After all, his character in "The Sun Also Rises" was quite compelling.

Chen Shiren's famous quote: "It will take me ten years to understand this play."

Actually, this advice would be more effective if it were applied to Jiang Wen.

"The Sun Also Rises" is such a film.

The biggest drawback is the cast besides Jiang Wen and her husband... There's nothing we can do about it; it's invested in by Eagle King Lao Yang, so casting isn't up to Jiang Wen.

There's Uncle Long's eldest son, the traitor Huang Qiusheng, and Chen Chong, who's utterly inhuman.

In a sense, it can be considered a gathering of wise men.

There is a scene in this play where a baby is lying in a flower bed.

The area is surrounded by flowers, which can easily cause pollen allergies or injuries from being pricked by the flowers and plants. In addition, it is outdoors, and children may catch a cold.

If you were to say something more positive, you'd probably say the production crew was "abusing" the child actors.

But this baby is Jiang Wen and Zhou Yun's son, who is only a few months old.

So those directors shouldn't talk about dedication or not. If there's a difficult task, do it yourself, or let your own son do it. Would you dare?

The first scene was a photo of the marriage proposal, followed by a group photo of both families.

Young Master Xie was still a little shy and embarrassed when he first met Zhou Yun.

Seeing him like this, Zhang Yuan recalled how he used to pester Yang Xue to play with him back in the days of "The Little Fish and the Flower Without Flaws".

As a result, Sister Yang Xue closed her eyes whenever she saw him, finding him annoying and childish, and said she had to "coax the child."

Nicholas Tse just thought Yang Xue was beautiful, and she was indeed beautiful in that movie.

I may not necessarily want to pursue her, I just think she's attractive and want to get closer to her.

It's a bit similar now; I think Zhou Yun is pretty, but I'm a little reserved.

But this restrained state perfectly matches the character.

Deng Sidi felt that he was not good enough for the girls at the photo studio, that they should have that timid and cowardly feeling.

After filming, Nicholas Tse would often strike up a conversation with Zhou Yun, and the two even exchanged photos of their sons.

However, Zhang Yuan noticed that Zhou Yun also gave him the same look that Yang Xue gave her when looking at her "little brother".

They probably felt he had a "youthful spirit".

In other words, it's "naive"...

Since she's married to Jiang Wen, Sister Zhou must prefer a mature type.

Why does she treat you differently than she treats me?

A moment later, Young Master Xie came to his side and clicked his tongue in amazement.

“You’re a father, you have a family background.”

"Besides, Cecilia Cheung is so assertive, isn't she?"

"Ah...that's it."

Anyway, Zhang Yuan wrote one every day, so he believed it.

After a long day of work.

Director Chen Desheng called out to Zhou Yun.

They were old acquaintances.

Back when they had just finished filming "Warriors of Heaven and Earth", Chen Desheng wanted to cast Zhou Yun in "Childhood Dream", but they couldn't reach an agreement.

Later, when Director Chen produced "Looking for Jay Chou," he wanted to cast her again.

But Zhou Yun gave birth and didn't even take a liking to that book.

My cameo appearance this time was also due to a favor done by Chen Desheng.

They've approached you several times already, but you haven't been able to work together. You should at least give them face.

"I'll invite everyone over for dinner tonight so we can get to know each other."

"I don't really like large crowds," Sister Zhou replied with a gentle smile.

"Go ahead, consider it a welcome dinner for you."

"Forget it, I'm going on a diet anyway." Zhou Yun didn't nod.

"Alright then, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Let's leave it at that for today." Zhang Yuan decided to smooth things over so he could get some rest after the event.

Unexpectedly, Director Chen grabbed his arm.

“It’s fine if Zhou Yun doesn’t go. She gave birth not too long ago and does need to rest.”

"But you have to come. You are our leading man. The banquet wouldn't be complete without you."

"As for it?"

“As for you, you are indispensable.” Chen Desheng hooked his arm around his shoulder.

“That’s right, our male lead must be there.” Assistant director Ye Weiming also stepped forward to invite him.

"Ah..." Zhang Yuan observed for a moment and noticed that the two directors were exchanging barely perceptible glances.

It seems that inviting Zhou Yun to dinner wasn't the real purpose, but just an excuse.

They originally wanted to find me.

I guessed that Zhou Yun's personality would lead her to refuse, which is why I asked her on purpose.

Zhang Yuan curled the corners of his mouth into a business smile.

"Sure, let's have a meal together and catch up."

He didn't say this to Chen Desheng, but to Ye Weiming.

"Then I'll come along too, since I have no one to eat with." Xie Tingfeng thought he'd join in the fun.

"Nicholas, you should prepare for tomorrow's filming tonight."

“It’s quite important,” Chen Desheng replied immediately.

"Ah..." Young Master Xie sometimes acts like a child, but he's not stupid.

Hearing this, he knew the other person was implying he shouldn't go.

Nicholas Tse narrowed his eyes and glanced at Zhang Yuan.

Are you plotting something?
"Okay, I'll go back and prepare for tomorrow's scene." Without asking any further questions, she smoothly continued the conversation.

Not long after, they arrived at a restaurant together with the director.

Most of the main actors in the production crew did not arrive.

Especially the mainland actors, or those who were familiar with Zhang Yuan, were not there.

Zhang Yuan looked around and saw that they were all crew members from Hong Kong film and television production companies.

Is this an attempt to surround me?
After the banquet started, it was still the same old stuff of drinking and eating.

They complimented each other, talked about the past and present, reminisced about the film crew and the Hong Kong entertainment circle, and also praised him a few times.

Whether it's in conversation or filming, everyone says he's of superior quality.

Zhang Yuan chuckled and agreed, pretending not to know what the other person was up to.

But he noticed that assistant director Ye Weiming was getting more and more nervous, and he kept rubbing his hands together.

Hehe... He wasn't in a hurry; he was just waiting for the other party to speak.

Because he knew exactly why things were like this today.

It's because of something that happened on set.

That's not the production crew.

That script was very similar to "Airplane, Car, Train," which he had purchased the rights to; it was practically identical to "Lost in Thailand."

The director who approved the project was none other than Ye Weiming, the assistant director sitting across from him, who kept glancing at him every now and then… (End of Chapter)