Huayu: Start by asking ex-girlfriends for alms

Chapter 151 As expected, he has to be a direct junior brother!
The momentum of "The Promise" is exceptionally huge.

First, it broke the box office record for preview screenings, and then, before the end of the first day, it announced that the first-day box office record for Chinese domestic films had been broken.

The next day, the specific figures were counted.

The box office result of 2115 million yuan directly broke the opening day box office record of all Chinese and foreign blockbusters released this year, including "Harry Potter 4".

At the same time, there was important news from overseas:

"The Promise" was nominated for the American Film and Television Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

This award has always been regarded as a weather vane for the Oscars!

In this day and age, America is a beautiful country in the hearts of the vast majority of Chinese people.

Even in the 99 film Out of the Blue, Li Xuejian angrily yelled, "No! Go to hell!"

But thanks to the publicity of public intellectuals and the media, even the air there is free, sweet and civilized.

For example, in popular magazines such as "Yi Lin" and "Reader", the water in foreign toilets is given great attention and carefully stewed into delicious chicken soup.

Naturally, the Oscar, the highest honor in American films, is also covered with a noble coat.

As a result, "The Promise" received constant praise and its publicity quickly spread to every corner.

"Tsk tsk tsk, director Chen Kexin is really unlucky. A week after the release of If Love, it collided with Senior Brother Chen's The Promise. The daily box office may be cut in half!"

Zhen Jiecheng held the newspaper, smacked his lips, and expressed sympathy.

The two women in the company were surrounding Zhen Jiecheng and asking him questions curiously.

"Jiecheng, is The Promise good?" Xing Aina came forward, "Didn't you go to the premiere yesterday? Tell me about it!"

"Ning Hao went there too, why didn't you ask him?"

"I was asleep when he got home last night. He's not awake yet, so I didn't have a chance to ask."

"That's right!" Cheng Hao nodded. "I wanted to ask you when I got up this morning, but I didn't bother you because you were sleeping. Now that you're at the company, just satisfy our curiosity."

"What's the point of just listening to me? Why don't you go to the cinema and watch it by yourselves?"

"I can't buy a ticket! I don't know about the cinema chains in other areas of Beijing, but the movie theater next to us is sold out for today and tomorrow."

"Damn! Is it so fierce?" Zhen Jiecheng was stunned.

"Nonsense! This is a big production that director Chen Kaige has been planning for three years and cost 3.5 million yuan. Who wouldn't want to watch it?" Cheng Hao replied.

Hearing this, Zhen Jiecheng finally jumped out of the subjective perspective of his previous life and realized how great the influence of Senior Brother Chen was.

Industry insiders like Cheng Hao and Xing Aina are so yearning for it, not to mention ordinary audiences!

"Well, I'll make a phone call and get two tickets for you two, and you two can go and check it out."

As he spoke, Zhen Jiecheng glared at Cheng Hao.

Cheng Hao raised his eyebrows, looking playful and proud.

As the general manager of Jiecheng Film and Television Company, Cheng Hao can easily get tickets from Cheng Hong's sister-in-law or the theater chain.

But she just enjoyed the feeling of Zhen Jiecheng's hard work.

Just like that, the two of them walked hand in hand and headed straight to the cinema with great anticipation.

People go in happily.

People come out in a confused state.

"Cheng Hao, do you understand?" Xing Aina's eyes were full of question marks.

"No." Cheng Hao answered subconsciously.

When he realized what was happening, he quickly made up for it, "I majored in acting, I am not very knowledgeable, how can I understand the profound meaning of a great director's work just by watching it once?"

"Sister Na, you are the screenwriter, you must see it more clearly than me, so tell me about it."

"I" Xing Aina glanced at the newspapers in the newsstand. Many of the front-page headlines were related to "The Promise".

All praises! There are many kinds of praises.

Xing Aina picked up one of the copies, paid the money and read with Cheng Hao the in-depth analysis of the specific content of "The Promise".

After a while, the two looked at each other.

"Is this about the movie The Promise that we just watched?"

"Seems to be!"

"It seems... not."

"Emmm, so what did we watch?"

Looking at each other!

It doesn’t matter whether Cheng Hao and Xing Aina can understand it or not.

What’s important is that “The Promise” is surging in the box office market!
The screening rate is full!

The attendance rate is full!

The release of Lao Mouzi's "A Solo Journey for Thousands of Miles" cannot become a competitor to "The Promise".

The next day, the single-day box office exceeded 2500 million!
After three days of release, the total box office reached 6000 million!
As interview articles came one after another, Brother Chen's smile grew wider and wider.

But Han Shanping from China Film Studio did not look particularly annoyed.

Without him!

I can’t suppress the bad review!
In the process of "The Promise" breaking six domestic film records in a row.

Doubts and criticisms have gradually accumulated, and now they are sweeping over like a tide.

Southern Metropolis Daily and Beijing News took the lead, one in the south and one in the north.

The latter is still a face-saving thing, after all, we will meet each other sooner or later. But it also directly points out that "too many obvious failures have lowered the quality of the movie."

The former is on full fire!

"One word: stupid!"

"Four words: Mystification!"

“There is no excitement, no touching moment, and if there is any, it only touches the creator himself!”

Even the funny elements and lines in the film were satirized by Southern Metropolis Daily in the tone of Mr. Shu Ren:
"It made the audience burst into laughter, and each sentence was funnier than the last. The theater was instantly filled with a joyful atmosphere."

The "Promise" team is busy doing public relations, but once the door is opened, how can it be blocked?

Print media can still contact and discuss, but the Internet has no way to interfere at all.

Discussions on negative reviews are everywhere on Tieba, Tianya, and blogs.

Sister Jinglei, who is known as the queen of blogs, had to post a review of "The Promise" due to strong requests from fans, but her tone was relatively tactful.

Young writer Han Han is different. Restraint? Not happening!

Chen Kaige and Cheng Hong made a special trip to China Film Group, hoping that Han Shanping would intervene and suppress the negative voices.

But how could Han Shanping have that ability? If he did, he would be more than just a mountain eagle!

At this time, Han Shanping still had to think about how to explain to his superiors. After all, it was he who went against all odds and invested the full amount in "The Promise".

At this moment, I didn't even have the mood to force a smile to deal with Chen Kaige and his wife, let alone help them solve their problems.

So the meeting ended in a bad mood.

Brother Chen walked out of the Central Film Studio with heavy steps and looked up at the sky.

The raging sandstorm dyed the azure blue into a dim yellow, and flocks of crows were cawing, making people feel upset.

In winter, crows, a type of "migrant bird", begin to gather in the center of Beijing, using the heat island effect to resist the cold. In the spring of the following year, they will disperse into small groups and fly back to the surrounding rural areas and mountainous areas.

But in Chen Kaige's eyes, these crows are like malicious voices of criticism.

Have they seen The Promise?

Have they watched "The Promise" seriously?

Have they understood "The Promise"?

You follow the trend without knowing anything and just join in the fun, wishing the world would not be in chaos!

In particular, he compared it with Zhang Yi's "A Thousand Miles Alone", and gave it full praise.

Passing by the newsstand, Chen Kaige took a glance.

Amidst a chorus of criticisms, the title accurately captured the story about Lao Mouzi.

So he paid for the newspaper and read it with a cold face.

This is a report about a reporter interviewing an old professor of Beijing Film Academy:

"This is Yimou's comeback work. It's not that there's anything wrong with him making commercial films, but this movie completely reaches the heights reached by his previous works!"

Of course, the reporter also asked questions about "The Promise", but there was only a short line of words on the paper: No response.

"Kaige!"

I watched my husband’s hands trembling as he held the newspaper, and the veins on his forehead bulging as he breathed heavily.

Cheng Hong worriedly held Chen Kaige's hand, trying to give him warm comfort.

"Don't worry, I'm fine!"

Chen Kaige took several deep breaths and patted his wife's soft cheeks stiffly.

Looking back at the newspapers I have read during this period,
In the current carnival context of everyone pushing down the wall when it falls, the florid sedan chair that everyone carried a few days ago seemed so hypocritical, utilitarian and disgusting!

Only direct junior brothers!

Compared to the enthusiastic praise from others on the premiere day, the praise was not outstanding at all.

But every word is practical and every sentence has a basis.

Now, when the reporter asked again.

Still insist on repeating the original opinions and not going along with the secular crowd.

In contrast, Chen Kaige was filled with mixed feelings. "Jiecheng is very talented, and he often speaks short and concise golden sentences."

"Jiecheng?" Cheng Hong was stunned. Although she didn't understand why her husband suddenly mentioned Zhen Jiecheng, she still cooperated and asked, "What did Jiecheng say?"

"I remember when we were chatting, Jie Cheng said: The peak produces false supporters, and the dusk witnesses the true believers."

Chen Kaige took a deep breath and said with deep emotion,

"Jie Cheng is not my supporter, nor is he my believer!"

"Jie Cheng is my confidant!"

"Jie Cheng, he understands me the best!"

Looking towards Cheng Hong,

"Please invite Jiecheng to your home later. Cheng Hong, you must treat him well!"

"Well, don't worry, Kaige!" Cheng Hong nodded, "Jiecheng even called me sister, I will definitely do my best to entertain him!"

It was not only Chen Kaige and his wife who were talking about Zhen Jiecheng, Han Shanping even called him directly.

"Jiecheng, I heard that Chen Long wants to work with you on a new movie?"

"Yes, senior, but it hasn't been decided yet!"

"Yes, I know! What I mean is, after the cooperation on this project is reached, can China Film Group take a share of the investment?"

"Senior, you should understand the situation. Even if we reach a cooperation in the future, the investment is not just decided by me and Brother Chen Long, but also by New Line Cinema under Warner." Zhen Jiecheng considered his words and asked tentatively, "Senior, why do you suddenly want to invest in an uncertain project?"

"Jiecheng, I won't hide it from you! If this trend continues, The Promise will most likely lose money, and lose a lot! The Promise is fully invested by China Film Group, do you understand what I mean?"

"I understand, Senior! After the Cannes Film Festival, if Parasite wins enough honors, I will formally discuss new projects with Brother Chen Long."

"If a cooperation is reached at that time, I will do my best to persuade Brother Chen Long and strive to make the new project a Sino-US joint venture."

After a pause,
"Zhongying's Zhong!"

In any case, Zhen Jiecheng will definitely strive for the director's fee + box office commission.

The director’s fee can be less, but the latter is a must!
Therefore, whether or not China Film is given an investment share does not affect Zhen Jiecheng’s interests.

"Thanks, Jiecheng!" Han Shanping felt deeply comforted.

I just felt that the previous favoritism and care were not in vain. After all, my own direct junior brother is the most caring!
Unlike some people from the photography department, when talking about the investment in "Curse of the Golden Flower", they claimed that they were only responsible for focusing on making the movie and not caring about other matters. If there is anything, go and talk to Zhang Weiping!

So does that bastard Zhang Weiping!

Dogs are very protective of their food and will not let go even if it is dead.

Damn it, he even called me a mountain eagle before.

Just wait, I will settle the score with you one day.

"What are you thanking me for, Senior? We are family, and this is what I, your junior, should do!"

"By the way, Jiecheng, according to what you said, I should be free for the next six months. In that case, how about making a commercial film first?" Han Shanping suddenly had an idea, his eyes lit up, "Whether it's a low-budget comedy or a high-budget blockbuster, China Film has invested!"

"If you're shooting a costume drama, I can contact a team of experts to help you with the details, contact senior people to take care of the costumes and makeup, and even contact the military to create a grand scene!"

"If you're shooting a science fiction film, I'll ask the Chinese Academy of Sciences to help you solve the scientific logic problems in the script. If you're shooting a space film, I'll contact manned space flight experts. If you're shooting a future war, I'll contact them."

"Stop, stop, stop! Senior, who told you that I have nothing to do?" Zhen Jiecheng interrupted Han Shanping with a wry smile, "Brother Jiang has asked me to collaborate on his new movie, so I have to work on this next."

As he said this, he winked at Jiang Wen beside him.

He took a pen and wrote the words "investment share" on the paper. When Jiang Wen nodded, he continued,

"Senior, does China Film want to invest in this movie? If you do, I will call Brother Jiang immediately and ask him to visit you at China Film."

"Jiang Wen?"

Upon hearing this, Han Shanping immediately lost interest.

Damn it Jiang Wen, what else can he do besides causing trouble?
Damn "The Sun Also Rises" is too literary and artistic, and you can tell at first glance that it is a money-losing product!
Damn art film director! Damn "The Promise"! Damn the literary youth disease!

Damn it, you’re causing me so much trouble!
Han Shanping's face was stiff, and he forced out the remaining tenderness to pass it to Zhen Jiecheng.
"No need, Jiecheng. China Film has invested too much recently and the budget is insufficient."

"Forget about Jiang Wen's movie!"

"Dudududu!"

The phone hangs up.

The moment he heard the busy tone, Jiang Wen angrily slammed the table and stood up.

"What the hell, calling it a fucking thing, forget about Jiang Wen's movie? And what about 'bar'?"

"If I vote for you, you're fucking rich, but if I vote for me, I don't have enough money?"

"屮!"

"Don't bully people like this!"

"Who made you so willful and insisted on making a niche movie like 'The Sun Also Rises'?" Zhen Jiecheng said with a smile.

"Bullshit! Don't slander me. I'm just an actor, Xu Jinglei is the director!"

"Oh, right, right! Just think of it as Sister Jinglei taking the photo!" Zhen Jiecheng said happily, "So what? What's the point of you complaining to me? You have to go to China Film Group and speak to President Han in his office in order to make it work!"

"I'm not going, do you think I'm stupid?" Jiang Wen said, "I admit it, I don't dare to go, what do you think?"

"Damn it! You don't like me, right? This time I must make a movie that is both artistic and a hit."

"Just like the line says, stand still and make money!"

"Alright! It's almost done. Stop nagging like a nagging woman." Zhen Jiecheng rolled his eyes and pushed the script forward. "The script is almost done with revisions. According to your character, there is no such thing as a final draft until the film is finished."

"So there's no need to keep thinking about the script now, let's talk about casting!"

"Who do you want to star in the film?"

"For a commercial film, of course we have to look for a famous one!" Jiang Wen replied without even thinking.

"Specifically? Who is the master looking for?"

"I'll contact Ge Yu!"

"What about Zhang Mazi?"

"I will do it myself!"

"Where's Mr. Huang?"

"I'm thinking of looking for Zhou Runfa."

"Zhou Runfa? As far as I know, a certain senior brother has contacted Zhou Runfa for "Curse of the Golden Flower" and is probably discussing the contract details right now. You probably don't have a chance!" Zhen Jiecheng reminded.
"Unless you plan to wait until Chow Yun Fat's scenes are finished!"

"Forget it! Curse of the Golden Flower has just been approved. It will take more than half a year to finish filming." Jiang Wen scratched his head. "Jiecheng, how about you recommend someone?"

"How is Liang Jiahui?"

"His acting skills are fine, but his figure is not plump enough! And even though he has many honors, his fame is still not as big as Zhou Runfa's."

"Being plump can be achieved by gaining weight! As for fame, if quality doesn't match, we can make up for it with quantity!"

As he spoke, Zhen Jiecheng pointed to the character profiles in the script.
"For example, the wife of the county magistrate should find a famous Hong Kong celebrity!"

"For example, this Liuzi, I'll contact Deng Chao to make a guest appearance!"

"And this Hu Wan, this Hua Jie"

"Wait, Sister Hua is the one I left for your sister-in-law!" Jiang Wen quickly interrupted Zhen Jiecheng.

"Now that I'm your wife, you should consider the movie even more! How can you snatch the role from me?" Zhen Jiecheng waved his hand, "I've made the decision. This role goes to Fan Bingbing!"

“When the time comes, the cast will be revealed, and it’s guaranteed to be star-studded!”

Hearing this, Jiang Wen thought about it and nodded.

"Okay then, I'll do as you say!"

"But for the main character, I have to see the makeup test in person, otherwise I won't be sure. It's not that Liang Jiahui's acting skills are not good enough, but I'm worried that it doesn't match the character's image."

"No problem, I'll call him right away!"

As he spoke, Zhen Jiecheng dialed Liang Jiahui's number.
"Hey, Brother Jiahui, I'm Jiecheng!"

"You don't have any plans recently?"

"It's like this, Jiang Wen and I are working on a movie together, and I want you to try out for the male lead role."

"If it's confirmed that there's no problem, you'll have to gain some weight as soon as possible to fit the character's image."

"Okay! It's settled then. See you in Beijing in a couple of days. Bye."

"Wait, don't hang up yet. I have something else to tell you, Jiahui. Please come quietly and don't make any noise. I have other arrangements later."

"What arrangements?" Jiang Wen asked curiously, "What are you planning?"

"What do you mean by a trick? Do you understand hype?"

"Using casting to hype things up? Like Zhang Da Huzi did?"

"Pah, pah, pah! Who the hell are you humiliating? How can I possibly learn to be like Zhang Da Huzi!"

Zhen Jiecheng raised his eyebrows.

"Do you understand the sense of ritual?"

"This is what I think. Once the lead role is decided, I will act in a play."

"I sent a letter to Ge You and Liang Jiahui respectively. The letter to Ge You announced that Liang Jiahui had been confirmed to participate in the film and hoped that Ge You would join."

"The letter to Liang Jiahui announced that Ge You had been confirmed to participate in the film and Liang Jiahui was urgently needed to join."

"If the letter is written in a more elegant style, wouldn't it be a good story if it is hyped up?"

"Shit! You really know how to have fun!" Jiang Wen opened his eyes wide and gave a thumbs up. "Tell me, how do you want to write it?"

Hearing this, Zhen Jiecheng was confident and glanced at Jiang Wen proudly.

Sorry, bro.
I'm going to take your phone and pretend to be cool in front of you!
(End of this chapter)