Actor: Thank you.

In a villa district in Beijing.

Zhang Weiping held his phone, his brow furrowed.

"what?"

"What do you mean that starting next month, I won't have to do it anymore?"

"Old Huang, didn't we agree on this before?"

"You have to give me a reason, right?"

"Hey……"

His words were filled with dejection.

Ding Dong!

At the same time, the doorbell rang outside.

"Who is it... I'll call you back in a bit, let's have a good chat."

As they spoke, they approached the door.

Looking through the peephole, I saw a burly man in a suit and sunglasses standing outside the door, but I didn't recognize him.

"Who is it? Who are you looking for?"

"I don't need to buy anything here."

He opened the door a crack and said.

I thought they were there to sell something.

boom!
Unexpectedly, the person outside simply raised their hand and pushed the door open with a forceful shake.

Caught off guard, Zhang Weiping stumbled.

What are you trying to do?!

"I called the police!"

"Long time no see, Mr. Zhang."

As he opened his mouth to curse, the back door of a Volkswagen sedan outside the villa opened, and the last person he wanted to see stepped out.

"you……"

"It's me," Zhang Yuan said with a smile and a wave.

He went out despite being hungover, just to find Zhang Weiping.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" he greeted with a smile.

"I'll call security right now," Mr. Zhang said angrily, but also somewhat guilty.

“If you don’t want to come in, then don’t. I’ll say it right here.” Zhang Yuan readily agreed and stood on the steps outside the door, speaking solemnly.

"You should have already received notifications from some airports telling you that they will no longer be cooperating with you?"

"How...how did you know?" Boss Zhang glanced at his phone and then looked at him with suspicion.

He just received calls from some old acquaintances who said his airline catering business had gone out of business.

This kind of business relies entirely on connections; can it be done through private bidding?
It's just for show, like a tobacco company recruiting employees.

Zhang Weiping also comes from a military family, and his family is relatively well-off.

His first pot of gold came from his network of connections, which allowed him to contract the catering business at Beijing Capital International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

In addition, he made a lot of money by reselling medical equipment through family connections.

And then the real estate policy was relaxed.

In the 1990s, China's real estate market was not only unregulated, but completely unmanaged.

You can bid for land by having someone prepare a business plan and then using connections to get a qualification certificate. Moreover, you don't need cash as collateral to buy land; you can rely entirely on bank loans.

Once the land is approved, all you need is a design plan and a model house to be built.

They can start listing their properties and making money without even laying a foundation.

People who didn't experience that era have no idea how quickly money could be made back then if you had connections.

Many of the big businesses that have grown in later years had very low barriers to entry back then.

He caught this wave of opportunity, which qualified him to become one of the first generation of independent commercial film producers in China.

In the early days of reform and opening up, the market was full of these "pigs on the wind".

These people may not actually have much skill, education, or ability, but as long as they dare to take risks, have connections, and are willing to risk their lives, they can make a fortune.

This is an opportunity of our time; seize it and you will become rich and powerful.

When it comes to making money, opportunity is far more important than ability.

That song is wrong; it's not "Three parts destiny, seven parts hard work."

In reality, most of the time it's "seven parts destiny, three parts hard work."

But once the opportunity is lost, most pigs will reveal their true colors.

After losing Zhang Yimou, Zhang Weiping became a pig that wasn't afraid of boiling water.

Going back into the real estate business?
impossible?
The conditions aren't what they used to be.

Forget about the medical device business; foreign companies and domestic middlemen have already taken over the market.

Only airline meals remain, thanks to old connections, to provide him with some cash flow.

In addition, he also holds the management contracts of Zhou Dongyu, Dou Xiao, and several others.

According to Zhang Weiping, he considers these artists to be his children, while Zhang Yimou is merely a midwife.

He has always believed that Zhang Yimou's rise to prominence over the years is due to him.

The pig on the cusp of a storm thinks it summoned the wind itself.

So his current ways of making money are limited to a small amount of airline meal contracts, a few artists promoted by Zhang Yimou, and copyright revenue from some old movies.

Zhang Yuan came here today to tell him face to face, "I'll cut off one of your legs first!"

"I've taken over all these businesses now."

“Originally, they were just small fry, I wouldn’t have bothered with them.” Zhang Yuan put one hand on his hip and gestured with the other.

"But I thought, since it's your business, I have to take it over."

"Holy shit!" Zhang Weiping cursed after realizing what had happened.

Zhang Yuan looked at him calmly, four words flashing through his mind.

Impotent rage.

What can you do with me?
You can't do anything but curse me.

Hit me?

I have bodyguards with me.

Stealing business?
You think you can beat me?

You only know airport staff; my connections are far more sophisticated than yours.

High-level players attack low-level players, and idiots are always right on the battlefield – this is an age-old truth.

After he had been cursing for a while, Zhang Yuan's expression did not change at all; in fact, he was in a better mood.

Seeing a mad dog barking wildly, wouldn't you be happy?

"You don't think that getting Zhuo Wei involved in my mess is the end of it, do you?"

He spoke slowly.

The other party was stunned.

"I'm telling you, don't be so ruthless!" Zhang Weiping shouted in a low voice.

“You should say that to yourself,” he replied nonchalantly.

"You were the one who wanted to go to extremes first, but you didn't manage to do it."

"If you're incompetent, whose fault is it?"

"The fact that you can still stand and talk to me instead of being hit by a truck and ending up in the ICU is already a testament to the fact that I haven't gone too far."

Zhang Weiping felt a chill run down his spine as he recalled the scene from the previous night when this guy arrived in a luxury car to find him.

At the same time, he realized that he knew where my home was and where I was.

They proactively offer door-to-door service, ensuring unimpeded access.

If you really want to mess with me...

Moreover, the fact that he could easily steal the business I got through connections shows that he now has a powerful background.

They might really dare to kill me...

When you tell someone, "I'm going to kill you," you better actually have the ability to do so.

At the very least, you need to make the other person feel that you really have this ability.

Otherwise, it would be humiliating to oneself.

"Also, Zhou Dongyu and the other artists' contracts are with you."

"But people's hearts are not with you."

"I advise you to let go as soon as possible, so as not to make things ugly."

"If you want to go to court, I'll fight you to the bitter end." Zhang Yuan pointed to himself: "I'm protecting those guys now."

"If you want to terminate the contract, I can pay you the penalty."

Do you dare to take it?

"Don't you dare be so arrogant, we'll see you in court!"

The other party slammed the door shut.

Without Zhang Yimou, which artist would still want to follow him? They would all want to leave.

However, he publicly stated that these artists would not be allowed to take any work for eight years, and all the money they had earned outside would have to be given to him.

When enraged, it bites people indiscriminately.

He didn't care what kind of person Zhou Dongyu was.

But its commercial value is still good, so it must be salvaged.

He'll take whatever he can get, and this will also enhance his "righteous" image in the industry.

If I don't mess with you, who will I mess with?
In the current film and television industry, who still wants to work with you, and who will speak up for you?

You are the one who makes yourself "all alone".

Over the years, he has offended all the production companies and theater chains, yet he still thinks he is a big shot.

Zhang Yuan waved his hand, signaling to retreat. Back in the car, he felt much better.

After all, he was the ringleader in the last incident that was exposed!

Zhuo Wei was an accomplice and an accessory, and he has already been dealt with.

He's the ringleader, I have to deal with him severely.

I can't release my frustration until I break your legs one by one.

"Luckily, I don't hold grudges much," Zhang Yuan said, patting his chest to comfort himself.

The assistant sitting in the front row turned around and glanced at his boss.

Correct!
Once revenge has been taken, there's no need to remember it.

She agreed with Zhang Yuan's approach; people of the martial world live by their own rules and seek revenge.

I'm so angry I can't sleep if I don't avenge my grudge.

She felt that her boss was already very tolerant.

Back home, Zhang Yuan slapped Zhao Jin and Cao Jianjun, the two drunkards, sobering them up.

Tell them to hurry up and deal with the previous catering business for the film crew.

He doesn't care whether he sells it or lets his brother do it.

But they can no longer take over the operation.

Zhang Yuan promised them high salaries at the new company, as well as 1.5% stock options per person.

Upon hearing that it was only 1.5%, the two of them frowned deeply.

"Do you even understand how big this business is?"

"This company will not go public, and it will pay dividends every year."

"If done well, even a 1% stake can yield hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars every year."

I told them to handle it themselves, emphasized the importance of studying and exercising, and said I would do spot checks. Then I sent them away and told them to get busy.

After calming himself down, he took out his phone and called the contact person at the Beijing Film Academy.

Inquire about enrollment matters.

According to Gao Yuanyuan, Lu Chuan was going to do something bad.

Don't just listen to one side of the story; you have to verify it yourself.

He pretended not to know and asked as usual when he could enroll and what procedures he needed to complete.

The contact person who was previously very enthusiastic was now speaking more vaguely.

After asking questions patiently, Zhang Yuan became more direct.

"Please be frank, is there some problem that's causing you trouble?"

"Well... the school has regulations, and making exceptions would easily lead to gossip."

I didn't care about gossip before.

So the key point isn't the gossip, but who's talking about it.

"I believe that if I cannot come to Beijing Film Academy, it will be a loss for Beijing Film Academy, not for me," Zhang Yuan said in a gentle tone, expressing his greatest pride.

"If you change your mind, please contact me again."

"I won't ask any more questions."

He did not get angry or blame the other party.

It's not easy for someone caught in the middle; blaming him won't change the facts.

Instead of venting your emotions, it's better to deal with the matter quickly.

He even hoped the campus atmosphere would help dissipate the "dark forces" that had been building up inside him.

So they called Zhang Ziyi and asked her to contact the people at the Central Academy of Drama.

There is no place to stay here.

Nowhere will want me? I'll go study abroad!
I refuse to believe that you bunch of bastards can control everything.

"Boss, are you going to school?"

"So you'll be my junior brother from now on?"

"Ok?"

After hearing this, Zhang Yuan made a nasal sound.

Zhang Ziyi quickly composed herself.

"That's disrespectful to call me that..." he quickly corrected himself.

"Go quickly."

Let her set an example first, and then I'll find an opportunity to have a meal and chat with the people from the Central Academy of Drama.

After a day of rest, it's time to go out again.

Head straight to the Capital Airport.

"Welcome everyone to the capital!"

The Legendary Pictures delegation landed, and the inspection team, led by boss Toole, was personally greeted at the airport.

It was already afternoon when I arrived, so I took a walk around the company first.

Tours was surprised to see that several floors were filled with employees.

Didn't they say this company was only established a few years ago?
When Zhang Yuan introduced the place, he included other brokerage companies, TV drama production companies, and personal studios located in the building.

Anyway, it's related to me.

We must put on a show of force and not lose in terms of momentum.

As usual, we had roast duck for dinner.

He didn't choose Quanjude, complaining that the environment was mediocre and the dishes, except for the duck, were becoming increasingly perfunctory.

I went to Da Dong, a high-end restaurant with nice decor and large private rooms, which is more suitable for high-class business banquets.

The foreigner got a mouthful of oil again.

The next day, instead of continuing to discuss business, he planned to take the group of guys to climb the Great Wall.

First, we'll expend your energy, leaving you exhausted in a foreign land.

Then, when I'm in high spirits and have the home-field advantage, I can maximize my advantage in negotiations.

Simple and unpretentious negotiation skills; as long as you're human, you'll get tired and weak.

The next day, he changed into sportswear and drove a truckload of breadmen to the Badaling Great Wall.

Most foreigners thought this was a business trip and only brought suits and leather shoes.

Zhang Yuan chuckled to himself.

If I don't let you experience the profoundness of 5000 years of civilization today, then your trip will have been in vain.

A few hours later, the guys' suits were soaked with sweat.

Several people had blisters on their feet.

Many foreigners bought sneakers on the spot and also purchased hiking poles and other items before following along.

Although it was tiring, most foreigners still felt it was worth it.

Foreigners also believe the saying, "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true man."

I have to come here so I can brag about it to everyone when I get back.

Moreover, the foreigner, like many netizens, raised a question.

While resting at a beacon tower, Turs recounted the story.

"I thought the Great Wall was a towering wall that reached into the clouds."

Foreigners thought it was like the Wall in Game of Thrones.

"It used to be like a walking trail."

"If the enemy bypasses the Great Wall, then it will be useless?"

They compared the Great Wall to the Maginot Line.

Ancient and modern warfare, especially those since the Industrial Revolution, are completely different.

In ancient times, advancing more than ten miles a day while preserving combat strength was considered quite good.

By the time of the Third German Empire, mechanized units could advance more than 60 kilometers a day and continue for weeks without losing their footing.

Even barbarian cavalry in ancient times would have had a tough time getting around the Great Wall.

Moreover, the barbarians relied on war to sustain their war effort, and after bypassing the Great Wall, they encountered only desolate lands, so who were they going to plunder?

No, people can climb walls, but horses can't.

A strong army is one that can march 200 li in a day, and it must rest upon arrival, otherwise the men and horses will be exhausted.

The 800-li express courier service was for sending messages, with changes of personnel and horses along the way and supplies replenished. Large-scale battles could not achieve this level of efficiency.

That's enough time for the beacon towers to issue an early warning.

He explained it to Tuer in detail. Tuer didn't fully understand, but he realized that it was a three-dimensional defense and early warning system that was a permanent fortification.

White people cannot understand the mindset of an agricultural civilization that has been fighting against steppe civilization for thousands of years.

Even the Qing Dynasty, which rose to power on horseback, was threatened several times by the Dzungar Khanate on the grasslands.

Whoever occupies this place will have to contend with the northern grasslands; this is the destiny of the Central Plains dynasties.

Of course, the fact that General Zhang completely slaughtered the Dzungars is another story.

Zhang Yuan proudly recounted the history of Chinese civilization.

Your country, with its 200-plus years of history, is nothing compared to our country, which has thousands of years of history.

As he spoke, he glanced at Smith, who had already been subdued by him.

This person has already experienced the profoundness and ruthlessness of Chinese civilization.

"Hey, I have an idea." After hearing his words, the boss, Tuer, ate something to recover his energy and looked at the scenery of the hillsides outside the Great Wall when he had an idea.

"If, I mean if."

"Would it be a good idea to use the Great Wall to defend against monsters like those in Pacific Rim?"

Zhang Yuan: !!!
Wait a minute...

No, buddy.

Don't do anything funny! (End of Chapter)