Actor: Thank you.

"My goodness!"

"What am I going to do!"

"You're bullying me because I'm all alone!"

"That dog has no conscience..."

During the phone call, Lao Han felt a headache coming on as Zhang Yuan complained.

It was a heart-wrenching scene, with tears streaming down her face.

His voice was so loud it sounded like a broken clay pot, making his eardrums itch constantly, and he wished he could scratch them with his little finger.

You know what, they're pretty professional.

Mourning is a unique profession, a skill that many people rely on to make a living.

Zhang Yuan's professionalism stems from learning it from teacher Zhao Benshan.

It was on the set of the TV series "Getting Home".

Teacher Zhao is professional because he has actually done this kind of work!

Running errands for funerals with his blind second uncle was his way of making a living when he was poor as a child.

Having received the "true teachings," Zhang Yuan's weeping was truly heart-wrenching.

"Shameless bastard."

"The kind of thing that old ladies get scolded for sitting on chamber pots."

"They grew up drinking milk from chamber pots; they're inhuman."

"Stop, stop, stop..." Old Han quickly stopped.

No wonder he's a director of the Quyi Association; he's got a silver tongue.

Zhang Yuan called him to tell him about how the Wang brothers were trying to prevent him from winning the award.

Once you get the Film Association on your side, it's not that you can't win this time, it's that you can forget about winning it in the future!

The three major awards in China are the Golden Rooster Award, the Hundred Flowers Award, and the Huabiao Award.

The Huabiao is relatively "formal," backed by the Film Bureau, and is an official award.

The remaining two were already heavily influenced by the imperial circle.

In its later stages, it essentially became a self-entertaining "dinner party" for the imperial circle to praise their own people.

Zhang Yuan may seem successful now, but at his age, he's the only one who can really compete with those veterans.

However, he mainly relies on the Hong Kong entertainment circle, and doesn't have many resources in the imperial circle.

Once the other party succeeds, not only himself, but all the artists under his management will be unable to touch the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards for at least the next 7 or 8 years.

That's why he understood immediately: if he didn't take it, his subordinates wouldn't be able to either.

There were already far more monks than porridge, so once Hua Yi took the lead, many people were sure to follow.

Now that we've gotten you out of here, it's easier to talk things over with the rest of us.

Three monks have no water to drink, but two monks can drink their fill.

With one less competitor, there's more meat to be shared. Besides, Zhang Yuan is like the Italian team in the 06 World Cup; he's not fighting alone!
If we kick all of his people out, how many fewer competitors will we have?

So this time, Hua Yi was smarter and found a better way.

First, it cannot affect their cooperation with Alibaba, so it cannot be too big of a deal.

The awards are highly targeted, but only within professional fields, so they have little impact on the public and are easy to win over allies.

And it can have a long-term impact on oneself.

Overall, the opponent's move was quite skillful and a brilliant move.

Solving it on your own isn't so easy.

Because I am an "outsider," while the other party is a member of the imperial circle.

To break their moves, you have to dance in their comfort zone.

This is not something that can be resolved overnight; it requires long-term planning.

The first step was taken with Lao Han.

Zhang Yuan anticipated that the other party would not give up easily. With such a strong temper and a desire to save face, how could they possibly stop just like that?

Perfect timing! The thorns I stuck in Lao Han's throat a few days ago can come in handy now.

"Alright, alright, I know what's going on."

Old Han also had a headache.

how?

My words have no effect?

I was trying to mediate between you, but the moment I turned my back, the Wang brothers started causing trouble behind my back.

Are you disrespecting me?
In the past, Lao Han would at most call Huayi to criticize him a few more times.

Zhang Yuan has been forming alliances and maneuvering for many years. On Lao Han's side, even a 50/50 split with Hua Yi is impossible; a 40/60 split is already considered very generous.

Because they are legitimate children of high-ranking officials, true family members.

Therefore, we must find a way to pry open a crack, or at least make things go in reverse order.

"Stay calm and don't yell or shout."

"Be quiet, you're giving me a headache."

“You must stand up for the students!” Zhang Yuan added at the opportune moment.

"Okay, I'm hanging up." Old Han put down his phone and rubbed his temples.

"The Wang brothers have become increasingly ambitious as their business has grown bigger and bigger."

"My words used to carry weight, but what happened to them now?"

"After contacting Alibaba, do you think you're something special?"

Old Han is very optimistic about the alliance between Huayi and Alibaba.

He's a big shot who loves big productions.

Alibaba is so rich, it can bring a lot of funds, which suits his taste.

Old Han was trying to figure out what the two brothers meant.

Then, as I was thinking about it, I remembered what Zhang Yuan had said before, and I realized something was wrong.

"Hey?"

I picked up my phone and called him back.

"President Han, we have news."

"Stop talking nonsense, I have something to ask you."

"What did you mean when you said you wanted me to work full-time as a consultant at a film company in both sides of the strait?"

"We're inviting you because you are a pillar of our Chinese film and television industry, a beam that holds up the sea. We need you."

"Stop." Although he cherished the compliment, that wasn't what he was focused on at the moment.

"I'm asking you, have you heard any rumors?"

"No," Zhang Yuan feigned ignorance.

"I'm telling you, stop playing dumb and tell the truth?"

"Really, no, what could I possibly know?"

"Regarding my work, haven't you heard anything?"

“No…” he replied listlessly.

Judging from his tone, Old Han knew he must have heard something!
The two of them spoke in hushed tones, neither willing to utter that word, that word that Old Han desperately wanted to avoid mentioning.

retire!
Old Han was born in 53 and is 57 years old this year.

He has been the head of China Film Group since its establishment in 99.

Actually, that's not all. The predecessor of China Film Group included several institutions, including Beijing Film Studio. He was already the director of Beijing Film Studio in 94.

They have dominated the Chinese film and television industry for 15 years now!

The reason he's nicknamed "Mountain Eagle" is because he's truly the undisputed big boss of the film and television industry.

The problem is, he's on a mountain and he just won't come down!

If he doesn't come down, no matter how many people want to go up, they can't.

North American presidents serve four-year terms, how many terms has he served?

Overall, Lao Han has made significant historical contributions to the Chinese film and television industry, so it's reasonable for him to stay in office for a few more years.

Many of his old friends in the entertainment circle wish he would continue working like this for the rest of his life so that they could live off him for life.

But the younger generation doesn't think that way!

You old codger, you're just hogging the spot and won't leave, what are we supposed to do?
We can't be like Charles, who was the heir apparent for 64 years, waiting until the Queen passed away before ascending the throne.

Stepping down to the second line and making way for younger people is beneficial for the generational transition and industry succession, but it is not good for the individual!
In his position, he will do his job.

As long as Lao Han is in power, putting aside money and such, who would be willing to give up the feeling of having great power after experiencing it?

Many leaders are full of vigor and ambition when they are in office; a 60-year-old can look like he's in his 40s.

But as soon as he came down, his body was ruined and he lost all his energy.

That force that had been supporting him dissipated.

Especially after the crushing defeat at Red Cliff!

This sound emerged.

However, after the success of "The Founding of a Republic", it was suppressed again.

But this voice has never dissipated.

When he went to meetings at higher levels, some leaders asked him about this matter.

It's impossible to directly ask him if he wants to retire; you can only inquire about his health, how busy he is with work, and whether he has enough energy.

This seasoned veteran could certainly hear the unspoken meaning, but he still assured everyone that he was in his prime.

Working for as many years as you can is a real benefit.

As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean.

Similarly, a gun before retirement.

In the workplace, people are most sensitive at two points in time: when they take office and before they retire.

When you take office, you need to find someone to eliminate to establish your authority, and you do the same before you retire!
To ensure one's reputation remains intact, even when one is no longer needed, one must roar even more to prove one's continued power. Moreover, the older a person gets, the more paranoid and suspicious they become.

That's exactly what Zhang Yuan was targeting!

As Lao Han gets closer to retirement and stepping down to the second line, he is naturally sensitive to fluctuations in his power.

In addition, he had always been taking care of his daughter.

The reason for addressing each other as teacher and student is also for this reason.

At the very least, the attitude must be shown; in times like these, you should be even more accommodating.

Meanwhile, Huayi, having become more ambitious after its IPO, is no longer as "obedient" as before.

After joining Alibaba, they became even more extravagant.

It doesn't necessarily mean they don't respect Lao Han.

But comparisons are always a bad thing!

Zhang Yuan's entire family took care of him, they addressed him as a teacher and student, and they even planned out his future.

If I'm offered a consulting position, will I be paid the same amount as a regular consultant?
In North America, there is a well-established system of collusion between government officials and businessmen, which is jokingly referred to as a "revolving door."

While in office, the legislator advocated for the interests of businesses, and after leaving office, he would retire to a company with a high salary.

On the other hand, Huayi was the complete opposite; she was disobedient!

Old Han couldn't help but wonder, "Have you forgotten your roots after you got rich, or am I too weak to wield a knife anymore?"
Your rise to prominence back then and your current IPO were all thanks to me.
So this thorn was planted by Zhang Yuan, but it needs Hua Yi's actions to push it forward.

If they behave themselves, follow the steps, and go through the process of reaching a settlement, then there will be no problem.

But if he breaks his promise, it will arouse Lao Han's suspicion.

Did you hear that I'm about to retire and think I'm "useless" so you can disobey me?

Such doubts are terrifying, and can even be fatal.

Human emotions are complex, but most contain a selfish element.

Once touched, all sorts of negative emotions will surge forth.

Old Han is very angry now.

It's quite pleasant to hear this kid talk like that... but he must have overheard something.

He could hear it, and Huayi could hear it too.

So, you feel there's no need to give me face anymore?
Ultimately, everything will come down to the question that Zhang Yuan had prepared long ago.

Forget your roots!

Huayi's subsequent "de-filmization" strategy will further prove this point.

Once the scales of your heart tip, it's hard to straighten them again.

Furthermore, Zhang Yuan is a man of his word. He had planned to have Lao Han become a consultant for the company after Lao Han stepped down from his position. This is not something he made up.

Hearing Lao Han's angry tone on the phone, Zhang Yuan was quite pleased.

I'm just randomly setting a landmine; you can step on it yourselves.

Retirement is a huge time bomb; once you step on it, it's not easy to get out of it.

If something happens again in the future, it's uncertain who Lao Han will help.

Advantages must be accumulated little by little; by the time the other party discovers them, it will be too late.

And he soon received his "reward".

Not long after, Lao Han called him back.

"Hey, I need to talk to you about something!"

"That's Tsui Hark's new film, the one that's in preparation."

"It's the movie 'Dragon Inn' that you and your associates suppressed the original female lead role of Zhou Xun."

“It’s called ‘Flying Swords of Dragon Gate’,” Zhang Yuan replied weakly.

"Oh, right, that's the name."

"What, you still want Zhou Xun to play the role?" Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "Did you come to me about this play because you want me to give in?"

Then my "divide and conquer" strategy was wasted.

"No, we'll talk about who plays the role later. I wanted to ask you if you're interested in investing," Old Han said casually.

The current situation for this film is that China Film Group is leading the project, with Bona Film Group, which is funded by Yu Dong, a close associate of Han Kuo-yu.

That's not enough!
The budget for this movie is $3500 million!
Old Han remained calm after hearing Tsui Hark's budget requirements.

Because "Red Cliff" cost $7500 million.

But no matter what, $3500 million is still a lot of money.

Especially after the huge losses of "Red Cliff", there will be resistance if Lao Han wants China Film Group to pay for it themselves.

Therefore, China Film Group only contributed US$500 million this time.

Bona Film Group is offering $1500 million, and they still haven't found a buyer for the remaining $1500 million.

I originally wanted to find Hua Yi, otherwise why would I let Zhou Xun, Hua Yi's top female colleague, take the position?

$1500 million is no small sum. There are companies that can afford it, but there aren't many that are willing to invest it all at once, or even as a secondary investment, rather than as the lead project.

"Also, this is a martial arts drama. You should know about it. Are you interested in acting in it?" Old Han added.

"It's settled now, Li Lianjie is the undisputed male lead."

“You’ve worked with him several times, you’re familiar with him, so it’s a good fit.”

When Tsui Hark was filming "New Dragon Gate Inn", he actually wanted to cast Li Lianjie in the role.

Unfortunately, while negotiations were underway, the incident of Mr. Li's agent being shot and killed in the street occurred, so the deal fell through.

This time, the old story was brought up again, and Tsui Hark wanted to fulfill his dream, so he personally invited Li to star in the film.

Zhang Yuan thought about it for a moment. The male lead was Li Lianjie, so the only role he could give me was the second male lead, which was Yu Huatian...

I'm playing the factory's most beautiful girl?

It's not completely impossible.

But this is the second male lead, and it's the movie "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate"...

The most outstanding character is indeed Yu Huatian.

Overall, this show is quite "contradictory".

They wanted to emulate "New Dragon Gate Inn," but it didn't work.

Because there is no copyright!

So all the characters' names were changed.

Moreover, Tsui Hark was listed as the producer of "New Dragon Gate Inn," but he also participated in directing, although he only directed the action scenes, especially the indoor action scenes.

Both the dialogue scenes and the action scenes set in open locations were directed by Li Huiming.

Therefore, the plot and dialogue scenes in "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" are really not good, and are obviously inferior to their predecessors.

It's not a terrible movie; the quality is still quite good.

It is one of Tsui Hark's mediocre works, with an overall quality that is average.

This can be seen as a dividing line for Tsui Hark. With "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" as the benchmark, any work by Tsui Hark that is better than his is a classic, and any work that is worse than his is a bad movie.

It seems my methods worked!

Old Han pushed Hua Yi aside and asked him to pay for the film, clearly setting the tone for the project.

Investors certainly have the right to decide the range of actors; since he invested, Zhou Xun's exclusion is now a certainty.

And it is reasonable.

"I'll consider it if it's an acting role."

Zhang Yuan thought that even if he were to go up against Kun Kun, he might not necessarily perform better.

Because the character's effeminate yet arrogant aura suits him perfectly!

"Big director, big production, would you still consider it?" Old Han laughed.

You're pretty arrogant now, quite the big shot.

“I may not have time, but since you’ve asked, I’ll make up the difference even if I have to sell everything I own.”

"Because the movies you choose are always good!"

"Okay, if you've agreed, that's fine. Let's settle on this for now." Old Han hung up the phone readily.

In fact, Zhang Yuan was not willing to invest just to save face for Lao Han.

Despite the fact that this film had an investment of over 200 million yuan, it made its money back from the box office alone!
The reason can be summed up in two words: special effects!

This film was made under the guise of being "the world's first 3D martial arts masterpiece" in order to get money from Lao Han.

It hit Lao Han's sore spot perfectly; he just loves this kind of thing!
Whenever it comes to "making history," China Film Group must lend a hand.

Tsui Hark really lived up to his reputation; the final result was absolutely stunning.

Although the duel in a tornado is a bit far-fetched, the 3D effect on the big screen is excellent.

In particular, there are many special effects such as throwing knives and objects flying out of the frame and hitting the face, which are very exciting.

The storyline of this show is so-so, but it's incredibly entertaining.

The 3D craze sparked by "Avatar" created a demand among audiences, and he fulfilled that demand, resulting in high box office returns.

Like Avatar, watching Flying Swords of Dragon Gate offers a completely different experience depending on whether you watch it on a regular screen or a 3D or IMAX screen.

Therefore, the investment will definitely not lose money, and the account balance should look pretty good.

Film industries on both sides of the Taiwan Strait also need big projects to boost their image.

Funding is an issue; I need to attend a meeting to raise the money, and then pay in installments. Considering the income I can gradually receive, it should be about right.

This year's expenses have been enormous; hundreds of millions have been spent in the blink of an eye.

But they are all investments in the future, and are indispensable.

If you're not tough on yourself, how will you ever be qualified to spar with masters?

"Since Zhou Xun has been kicked out by me..."

"Then the female lead role will have to be played by someone else."

"It's not easy to find a candidate who can convince the entire production team and Hua Yi."

Zhang Yuan knew in his heart that he didn't really have a choice; there were only a few pieces of material available.

"Looks like it's time to give Director Wang a little surprise..." (End of Chapter)