Actor: Thank you.

A few days later, Zhang Yuan arrived in Hong Kong and met with a group of bigwigs.

As usual, we found a large restaurant to eat and discuss business.

Zhang Yuan was eating mango pomelo sago, a southern dessert.

This dim sum originated from the Lei Garden Restaurant in Hong Kong.

The name is derived from the legend of Guanyin holding a willow branch and sprinkling sweet dew to save all living beings.

It does have a touch of traditional cultural charm.

The founder of Lei Garden was the youngest son of Chen Jitang, a famous Cantonese warlord.

Chen Jitang was known as the "King of the South" during the Republic of China era, which shows his power.

One generation's efforts bring blessings to three generations.

Many of today's major business owners have ancestors who were once prominent figures.

Zhang Yuan glanced at the seats around the table.

Chen Jitang was the "King of the South" and a famous warlord.

These people present, such as Yang Shouchen, Jiang Zhiqiang, and Huang Baiming, are also the southern "warlords" of the Chinese film and television industry.

Zhang Yuan glanced at the dishes on the table again.

Typhoon Shelter Crab, Roast Suckling Pig, Abalone with Tangxin Sauce, Roast Goose, Lobster in Golden Broth, Signature Pigeon, and Braised Shark Fin.

All of them are signature dishes from Guangdong and Hong Kong.

These old guys eat like this all day long, aren't they afraid of getting gout... Zhang Yuan has been practicing boxing on his own recently, so he's been expending a lot of energy, and he had an extra bowl of rice.

But I also thought that it wouldn't work if the table was always full of Cantonese dishes.

It's only acceptable when the table is set with Shandong cuisine, Huaiyang cuisine, and Sichuan cuisine.

The problem isn't the food itself, but what we eat.

Whenever something happens, I come to Hong Kong to find them myself, and I always eat at their signature restaurants.

Even though I own the largest number of shares in film companies across the Taiwan Strait, this is still the case.

Zhang Yuan has been accommodating them because most of his works are now Hong Kong films, and the production is mostly done by Hong Kong teams.

But this can't go on forever.

This is a matter of the right to speak.

“Everyone, I have an idea,” Zhang Yuan said, taking the initiative to speak.

"What's wrong? Don't you like the food?" Boss Jiang asked.

"It was quite delicious, but I think I can try something different next time."

"Moreover, I always feel that discussing business during meals is not professional or formal enough."

“We should find a meeting room, an office building.” Zhang Yuan put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth.

“No problem, there are plenty of office buildings in Hong Kong, and I own quite a few.” Yang Shouchen offered.

"If you want, just vacate a room."

“Yes, I also own office building properties. You can ask if you want to use them,” Huang Baiming replied with a smile.

I appreciate everyone's kindness.

“But I think it would be more convenient to have the office building in Beijing, rather than in Hong Kong,” Zhang Yuan said, emphasizing each word.

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole scene fell silent; even the sounds of spoons and chopsticks stopped.

These Hong Kong bigwigs looked at each other.

I knew in my heart that this kid wasn't talking about eating or the meeting.

"Of the top ten highest-grossing films last year, only 'Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon,' 'Red Cliff,' and 'CJ7' were created primarily by Hong Kong filmmakers."

The so-called Hong Kong creative team refers to the Hong Kong Film Awards standards.

The main creators of the film crew are Hong Kong residents, and half of the director and main actors are from Hong Kong.

Therefore, films like "Painted Skin," directed by Hong Kong directors, cannot be considered Hong Kong films because all the main characters are from mainland China.

"Last year it was already 37%, and in the future this ratio will be even more tilted towards the mainland."

"Maybe not," someone interjected.

I think it's certain.

“Because in Hong Kong, no one would invest over 100 million to make a movie,” Zhang Yuan said with certainty.

"Even in Hollywood, where box office miracles often occur, 90% of high-grossing films are accompanied by high investment."

"That's common sense."

"Moreover, the remaining 10% of Hollywood movies that can create box office miracles and achieve big returns with small budgets are mostly horror films."

"But the censorship of horror films in mainland China is extremely strict, so this way of making money does not exist."

"Therefore, the mainland is more willing to spend money, and the mainland will dominate the high-grossing films of the future."

"Moreover, if you want to make a blockbuster, you will inevitably have to cooperate with companies like China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group."

“Right, Mr. Yang?” Zhang Yuan asked Yang Shouchen, who has a joint venture with Shanghai Film Group.

"Having an office in mainland China makes it easier to contact these companies."

"And coincidentally, just like everyone else."

“You have office buildings in Hong Kong, and I also have office buildings in Beijing.”

“There are still vacant spaces available. If you want to use them, I can dedicate an entire floor to serve as the headquarters for Cross-Strait Films.”

He was referring to the headquarters, not the Beijing office or branch.

The intention is already very clear.

"However, the films we're making now still mostly use Hong Kong teams."

"It's more convenient to communicate here."

Jiang Zhiqiang did not side with him on this matter.

After all, this group's stronghold is Hong Kong, so of course they don't want to leave.

Hong Kong people still cherish their homeland.

Excluding a few idiots who go to Britain to wash dishes...

“Yes, most of the film crews used nowadays are still from Hong Kong, including your ‘Ip Man’,” Huang Baiming said with a smile.

This person changes their tune quickly; now everyone's calling it your "Ip Man".

But this also conveniently shut him up.

"The present is the present, and the future is the future..." Zhang Yuan had no intention of backing down.

Jiang Zhiqiang knew how formidable he was; once he took hold, he wouldn't let go, so he quickly interrupted.

"Let's get down to business first."

What brings you here today?

"Okay, let's get down to business first." Zhang Yuan casually changed the subject.

Those present breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

Zhang Yuanjian was very satisfied with their condition.

It's good to feel pressure; it means my efforts over the past few years haven't been in vain.

"I'm here today mainly to discuss the plans for a few films with you all."

"First is 'Let the Bullets Fly'."

“I’ve already spoken to Director Jiang Wen, and I want to replace the female lead.” Zhang Yuan stated his request directly, without any hesitation.

"This is not good."

"Right, I know, Jialin was originally chosen."

"You may not be familiar with her, but she acts very well. You'll know once you work with her."

Everyone spoke up for her.

Liu Jialing originally worked at TVB, but later left to pursue acting in movies.

They are a very special presence in the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

Because she was the only actress Stephen Chow dared not criticize.

Zhang Yuan knew very well what Stephen Chow was like on set.

Whether it's Zheng Peipei or Yuan Qiongdan, these veteran actors all had only one reaction after visiting Stephen Chow's film crew.

They've forgotten how to act!
Moreover, it's in a positive sense that it's a case of "can't act," meaning I've never seen a film made like this before.

Every word and every action is personally demonstrated to you, and whatever you do is wrong.

The script is revised every day, so memorizing the lines is useless.

But when you watch it after it's finished, Stephen Chow's work is always better than your own.

So these people all felt they couldn't do it anymore.

Liu Jialing is very talented and well-known in the Hong Kong entertainment circle, but she doesn't work hard and loved to have fun when she was young.

She's basically the previous generation's Cecilia Cheung.

Stephen Chow didn't dare to scold her, mainly because he and Leung Chiu-wai were childhood friends, and she was his sister-in-law.

Overall, she has good acting skills and is versatile; she can play innocent, seductive, and domineering roles.

He also has a very good relationship with these Hong Kong business owners.

So when Zhang Yuan said he wanted to replace her, everyone tried to dissuade him.

It can be seen as a spontaneous form of solidarity and local protectionism.

“I understand what you mean. Sister Jialin is a good person. I don’t look down on her.”

"But I have someone better."

“Gong Li, right?” Yang Shouchen said, “Jiang Wen told me that you wanted to use her.”

Zhang Yuan nodded.

Those who were just trying to persuade him stopped talking as soon as they heard the name Gong Li.

No matter how strong Liu Jialing is, she still can't compare to Gong Li.

Gong Li is basically the PRO MAX PLUS version of all female stars.

His achievements and abilities are top-notch.

Liu Jialing is completely inferior in this respect.

This is what they mean by "comparing people is a recipe for disaster, comparing goods is a recipe for disaster."

"Using her is fine, but she has already refused."

"Moreover, Gong Li is very expensive; her film salary is at least tens of millions."

"The budget for 'Let the Bullets Fly' was already very high, and she will go over budget."

"Yes, it's too expensive."

"They might not even be willing to come."

These people, upon hearing what Old Yang said, began to agree.

Of the three male leads in "Let the Bullets Fly," only Chow Yun-fat is from Hong Kong. If a Hong Kong actress were to star in it, it would be just right for "balance." "Forget it, there's no point in forcing it," Jiang Zhiqiang stepped in to smooth things over.

"We all know you did it for the good of the film."

"But big stars aren't that easy to use."

"Then should I push her away?" Zhang Yuan asked, tilting his head.

"What do you mean?"

“Gong Li has already signed a contract with me and agreed to come.” Zhang Yuan waved, and his assistant took out a contract from his backpack.

Jiang Zhiqiang: ...

I'm even going so far as to give you a way out.

"I had a detailed discussion with Ms. Gong Li about filming."

"In the end, she agreed to give her at least two weeks of availability, at a rate of 20 yuan per day."

The bosses were shocked when they heard the price.

It's cheap!
It’s too cheap.

Gong Li earns 20 a day, which is not cheap; he only earns 600 million a month.

Actors like Chen Long and Li Lianjie, who have made it big in Hollywood, and even Chow Yun-fat, dare to charge 100 million a day.

Gong Li's normal market value should be at least 50 yuan per day.

But this isn't absolute; it depends on the film and the director.

The film is good, the team is big, everything is negotiable.

Regardless, this is an extremely low price.

"How did you talk to her?" Yang Shouchen couldn't understand it.

"Well..." Zhang Yuan looked up at the ceiling.

A few days ago, he made an appointment with teacher Gong Li and personally went to Singapore.

After disembarking at Changi Airport, I took a car directly to a luxury apartment.

Singapore is not large, with a total area of ​​just over 700 square kilometers, which is only 1/85th the size of Tongliao.

But the temple is small, yet the evil spirits are strong; the water is shallow, yet there are many turtles.

This is Asia's freight, finance, and electronics hub.

The number of billionaires per unit area is astonishing.

Not to mention the top actors who immigrated there, many wealthy businessmen from China also love to go there.

For example, a certain hot pot restaurant.

Because Singapore's corporate income tax is at least 7 percentage points lower than that in China.

And the capital gains tax... is actually 0!
It is truly the best place in all of Asia to transfer assets.

After Gong Li became a Singaporean citizen, she also went to Hollywood to make movies. The difference between receiving her 10 million yuan salary in China and in Singapore was at least 1000%.

If you were to receive dividends, the difference would be even greater.

"Your business has been doing well in recent years. Have you considered immigrating?"

After settling down in her penthouse, the older sister smoked a cigarette, opened a bottle of red wine, and chatted with him while drinking.

"No," Zhang Yuan replied simply and firmly.

"If you film overseas and bring the money back to China, the taxes will be very high."

“If you come to Singapore, I can introduce you to people and connections,” Gong Huang said casually.

“If the taxes are too high when you bring it back to China, then it’s better not to bring it back to China,” Zhang Yuan said softly in refusal.

“Heh, that’s true.” Gong Li flicked his cigarette ash. “I don’t plan to stay here anymore. I’m going to go back to China.”

Zhang Yuan glanced around the house. Although it was luxurious, it didn't look very clean and looked like it hadn't been taken care of.

"My elderly relatives are getting old and they want me to go back to China to be with them."

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Talking about these annoying things makes me feel old."

"Don't say that, I'm not old at all." Zhang Yuan took a closer look.

In recent years, my older sister has always played domineering roles in her films.

The Empress Dowager in "Curse of the Golden Flower" and the drug lord in "Miami Vice".

These characters all wear heavy makeup.

Gong Li has a distinctly Eastern appearance, and heavy makeup makes her look older.

She was wearing a casual white t-shirt and pink leggings, and looked significantly younger than her peers.

"I'm not exaggerating, but judging from your current appearance, you look to be around 35 years old."

"Okay, that's fairly fair." Gong Li nodded.

"Tell me, what do you want from me?"

Gong Li took a sip of his drink: "About that movie and the role?"

"Correct."

“I know Jiang Wen well. She is talented, but she is stubborn and not as versatile as Zhang Yimou when it comes to directing.”

"His notebook is obviously his." Gong Huang smiled and shook his head.

Zhang Yuan smiled and nodded, noting that Jiang Wen's scripts always had a distinct Jiang Wen flavor.

He is one of the directors with the most distinctive personal style in China, comparable to Kun Ding.

That's why the two of them can get along so well.

Zhang Yuan meticulously explained the various metaphors in the script and the story's underlying meaning to the other party.

Gong Li shook her head as she listened.

"Men always think about changing the world," he concluded.

“Women are always trying to change men,” Zhang Yuan added.

"Hehehe..." Gong Li laughed.

But Zhang Yuan seemed to see a hint of bitterness in her smile.

"Hoo..." She lit another cigarette and took a deep drag: "Let me tell you the truth."

"It's not that I didn't like the script."

"First of all, this role doesn't have many scenes, so my performance space is also limited."

"Also, I personally don't really feel like acting lately."

I want to rest for a while.

“I’m also planning to sell this house,” he said, gesturing around the room.

"Why?" Zhang Yuan asked curiously, as the house must be quite expensive.

But they probably don't care.

Two years later, there was a news story about a property management company suing Gong Li, saying that she was in arrears on property management fees.

Actually, many years ago, when Gong Li went to Sichuan to film a movie, the investor directly gifted her a villa near Chengdu Shuangliu Airport.

And then my older sister... forgot about it.

I've never been there; I'd completely forgotten about this house.

So I've never lived there, and of course I've never paid any property management fees.

In the news, we always see wealthy people forgetting about their million-dollar luxury cars and multi-million-dollar mansions.

This is all true, because there are too many.

Just like do you remember how many pieces of bread you've eaten?
I've been in a bad mood lately.

"Looking at this house brings back memories, so I'm planning to sell it."

"You were right when you said that women always want to change men."

"But such changes are often unsuccessful and wishful thinking."

My older sister downed the entire glass of wine in one gulp.

He casually wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"I just got divorced," she said with a sigh of relief.

He looked up at the ceiling and sighed deeply.

"Not many people know about this yet."

“This is the house where we used to live for a long time.”

"Since we don't have enough people, we might as well sell it and get rid of it."

"That's why I've been in a bad mood lately and have turned down a lot of scripts."

"It's the same with this film. I'm not in the mood to perform and just want to take a break."

"I feel like the divorce has completely drained me."

"I need to rest for a while to recover... What are you doing!"

As Gong Li was speaking, she glanced at him and was startled.

Zhang Yuan, who was taking off his shirt, stopped.

"Undress."

Gong Li: ...

I'm not blind, do you think I wouldn't see you taking off your clothes?

Are you that hot?

"It's not hot," Zhang Yuan shook his head.

"what are you doing then?"

"What did you just say?" Zhang Yuan didn't answer her question, but asked her instead.

"I told them I was in a bad mood."

"Not that sentence, go forward." Zhang Yuan made a rolling rewinding motion with his finger.

"I told them I wanted to sell the house."

No, further ahead.

Gong Huang thought for a moment, lifting his eyelids.

"I told you I'm divorced..."

“Yes, that’s the sentence!” Zhang Yuan pointed.

"Divorce is good."

"They should have gotten a divorce a long time ago."

Then he began to unbuckle his belt.

Gong Li: ... (End of Chapter)