Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 566 of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" became a hit.

Warner Music headquarters, signing ceremony.

After the lawyer checked the contract and found it to be correct, Zhang Chen signed his name.

Wishing us a successful collaboration!

The two shook hands.

There was no formal ceremony for the signing, but it will be officially announced to the public later.

My phone beeped with a text message: a large signing fee had officially arrived in my account.

David affectionately put his arm around Zhang Chen's shoulder: "Zhang, have you decided what to make for your next movie?"

"Not yet, but it's most likely to be Pacific Rim 2. I haven't decided whether to use live-action or CGI for the dream scenes in Inception. If we actually make it, the cost will probably be close to 200 million. I'm not confident I can handle a project like that..."

"I'm so glad to see you remain so calm."

If a typical director signed such an agreement with Warner Bros., they would definitely start making blockbusters non-stop.

Zhang Chen remained calm, which made David look at him with new respect.

"We're already in talks about the rights to use King Kong, and we believe we'll have a result soon, so it won't delay your filming."

"OK."

What time was the plane?

"Tonight~"

"Okay, feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions~"

David escorted Zhang Chen to the elevator and watched the elevator doors close.

As Zhang Chen left Warner Bros., he turned back to look at the magnificent building and felt a pang of envy.

Star Entertainment does not yet have its own building.

How about we build our own skyscraper?
As the saying goes, no amount of entrepreneurship can compare to owning a building!
In the original timeline, when Sohu was down on its luck, its market value was less than $400 million, but its own headquarters building was worth $2 billion—how ironic…

Sony seems to have done the same thing; it consistently reported losses, then sold its headquarters building and made a profit.
The same was true for LG in South Korea. After 15 consecutive quarters of losses, it could no longer bear the losses and decided to withdraw from the mainland China market.

Then the building was sold for 80 billion, netting a profit of 50 billion!

So later a popular saying in China went like this:

Third-rate companies selling products
Second-rate companies sell ideas.
Top-tier companies sell standards.

Top-tier companies are selling large buildings.

In first-tier cities in mainland China at present, building skyscrapers is definitely a business that guarantees profits.

Thinking about it, Zhang Chen was actually a little tempted.

Forget it, let's wait. Building a skyscraper easily costs tens or hundreds of millions of yuan, and the film industry is notorious for its high cash flow. Zhang Chen doesn't want to follow in Shi Yuzhu's footsteps and go bankrupt building skyscrapers.
Zhang Chen shook his head, no longer thinking about this unrealistic idea. Just as he was about to leave, someone suddenly blocked his way.

"Director Zhang Chen, I am..."

The person in front of me was a paparazzi, no, I should call him a reporter.

The female reporter had just introduced herself, but Zhang Chen didn't hear her clearly.

Behind her, a photographer was filming Zhang Chen with a video camera.

"Zhang, I heard that in your new movie, the President of the United States is a black man?"

"Yes."

Are you a supporter of Obama?

"No, I'm not a U.S. citizen, and I don't care about the presidential election. I just think Obama will be the winner in this election..."

"Wow~, you predicted the US presidential election! I heard you also predicted who would win the Oscar for Best Director and the Venice Golden Lion, and you were right about both of them..."

"Well, I was just kidding. After all, the presidential election is just a choice between two options, a 50% chance, it's that simple..."

The reporter seemed to think there was nothing more to explore on this topic, so they changed the subject.

"I heard Paramount is going to invite you to direct the new Mission: Impossible movie. Would you accept the invitation?"

Zhang Chen was taken aback: "Paramount? Invited me? Mission: Impossible? Where did you hear that from?"

The reporter asked confidently, "The official announcement hasn't been made yet, but I have my own channels. Would you agree?"

Zhang Chen thought for a moment: "I don't know. No one has contacted me, and no one has talked about this. Maybe it's all just your guess."

He certainly couldn't make a statement. What if all of this was just the reporter's imagination? If he said something, the media might take it out of context, and tomorrow's headline would be "Zhang Chen recommends himself to be the director of 'Mission: Impossible'".
He's not that despicable.
……

Zhang Chen hadn't even returned to China yet, but the news had already spread.

The rumors are quite detailed and convincing.
Upon seeing the news, Han Sanping immediately called Zhang Chen, but unfortunately, he couldn't get through; Zhang Chen was on a plane.

As soon as Zhang Chen landed and his cell phone signal was restored, a flood of messages arrived, the first of which was from Han Sanping.

Just then, he saw Dong Jianqiang, who had come to pick him up.

The accompanying driver took the luggage, and Dong Jianqiang said, "Paramount wants you to direct Mission: Impossible 4?"

A question mark appeared above Zhang Chen's head.

"How did you find out too? That's not true. Who spread that rumor?"

Dong Jianqiang was stunned: "It's a rumor? I thought it was true. You should call Third Master back right away. He even called me when you were on the plane..."

"Ah."

The group got into the car and returned to the company. Zhang Chen called Han Sanping back.

"Third Master~"

"Just now on the plane?"

"Yes, I only found out you were looking for me after I landed~"

"It's nothing, just checking with you. The media is saying you're about to collaborate with Paramount."

"That's not true. I don't know where that rumor came from. Paramount has never contacted me."

"Oh, it's just a rumor. Then it's alright."

Zhang Chen could actually detect disappointment in the other person's tone.

"Alright, that's all for now. I'll head back to the company and visit you tomorrow."

"Okay, you go ahead and do your thing."

When the car returned to the company and stopped at the building entrance, Zhang Chen was immediately surrounded by media as soon as he got out.

Security guards quickly came up and set up a safe area. The reporters could only stick their microphones inside the enclosure and crane their necks to ask questions.

"Director Zhang Chen, I heard you're about to collaborate with Paramount on a new film project. Is there some kind of problem with Warner Bros.?" "Director Zhang Chen, does your falling out with Warner Bros. mean that *Pacific Rim 2* will never appear on the big screen?"

"Director Zhang, could you reveal what conditions Paramount offered you to give up Warner Bros.?"

Long lenses and microphones were pointed at Zhang Chen, with the microphone almost touching his face.

Zhang Chen was speechless; the news was really well-received.

It seems that I have no choice but to explain.

He gestured with his hands: "Everyone, please be quiet~"

Sure enough, the crowd gradually quieted down. Zhang Chen signaled to the security guards that they didn't need to be so nervous and said, "I don't know where you got your information from, but no one from Paramount has ever contacted me. If they have, I will consider it."

Furthermore, let me clarify that whether or not I collaborate with Paramount, it will not affect my relationship with Warner Bros. In fact, we have just reached a strategic cooperation agreement, and the news should be announced later. If nothing unexpected happens, Warner Bros. will be my partner for all my future film projects…”

As soon as Zhang Chen finished speaking, the crowd immediately erupted into chaos again, chattering incoherently.

He had no choice but to press the button again, indicating that he had something to say: "Alright, I've explained everything that needed to be explained. Let's not bring up the Paramount and Warner Bros. issue again."

After Zhang Chen said that, the reporters didn't know what to say.

Just as Zhang Chen was about to leave, a voice rang out from the crowd: "Director Zhang, I'm a reporter from Shanda Literature. I heard that Starry Sky Entertainment is planning to adapt 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' into a movie. Could you reveal the specific cast? Book fans are really looking forward to it..."

Upon hearing this question, Zhang Chen stopped in his tracks.

Shanda Literature?

Isn't this someone from Qidian?
In 2004, Qidian.com was acquired by Shanda Interactive Entertainment and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanda.

This year, Shanda Literature was established, and Qidian became part of Shanda Literature.

It seems they're trying to leverage Star Entertainment for publicity.
However, he didn't mind, as this was actually a good opportunity to promote himself.

Zhang Chen nodded: "Ghost Blows Out the Light is indeed being planned to be made into a movie, and it's a key project for Star Entertainment next year..."

"Did you direct it yourself?"

"No, the director is Ning Hao."

Click click~
Flashbulbs went off continuously, and Zhang Chen's words were recorded in the media.

This is exactly the effect Zhang Chen wanted; tomorrow, "Ghost Blows Out the Light" will be famous!
The reporter from Shanda was also pleased, because online literature doesn't actually have a large audience these days.

In 2008, the number of internet users in China was approximately 300 million, of which about 100 million were online literature users.

The entire Shanda Group, including Qidian.com, has monopolized 80% of the domestic online novel market share, with Qidian.com accounting for approximately 40% of the entire market.

Anyone who has read Qidian has basically read "Ghost Blows Out the Light".

Even so, the audience for "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is still too small for a movie.

We need to increase publicity, which is why Zhang Chen gave this answer.

Upon hearing that Ning Hao was about to direct "Ghost Blows Out the Light," the reporters all took note of it.

Although I don't know what "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is, the fact that it's directed by a famous director is newsworthy. At worst, I'll just look it up after the interview to find out what this "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is.
"As for the actors, Director Zhang, could you reveal the cast?"

Before the reporter from Shanda Literature could even ask a question, someone else had already followed up.

Who cares what "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is? Let's get our hands on the news first.

Most reporters share this sentiment.

Zhang Chen replied, "The casting for the lead role hasn't been decided yet, but I've discussed this with Director Ning Hao. He said it's a classic in the hearts of book fans, and he prefers to respect their wishes..."

"Does Director Zhang mean that the casting will be based on suggestions from netizens?"

"We don't rule out special circumstances, but this is basically the principle. Book fans know the characters best, and we trust their choices..."

This tactic was learned from Zhang Dahuzi; it's all about generating buzz through online polls.
However, Zhang Dahuzi's reputation is already ruined. He was just using the voting as a gimmick. The results of the netizens' votes had nothing to do with the casting, and he wasted the netizens' enthusiasm.

But Star Entertainment has never done that before, and Zhang Chen has always been a good person, so people still believe what he says.

One stone stirred up waves
That evening, the news spread all over the internet.

Star Entertainment will launch a public vote to decide the lead actors for "Ghost Blows Out the Light" by netizens.

Some people don't know what "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is.

But it's okay, someone will explain it to him right away.

In just one night, the popularity of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" soared.

Further discussion is still focused on the casting of the lead actors.

Hu Bayi, Fatty Wang, Shirley Yang~
The three main characters, everyone has their own opinion~
The biggest disagreement arose between Hu Bayi and Shirley Yang.

Shirley Yang must be Fan Xiaopang~
Fan Xiaopang isn't suitable, I think Li Lianhua is better~
I also think Li Lianhua is good; her temperament matches Shirley Yang's very well.
I think Shu Qi would be a good fit. Shirley Yang is an overseas Chinese, and Shu Qi's accent would be perfect for her.
Doesn't anyone think that Da Meiyuan is suitable?

Da Meiyuan is not suitable at all, I'm on Jing Tian's side!
Jing Tian is not suitable; she's too young. I think Yang Xiaomi would be better.
Doesn't anyone think that Zhou Gongzi is the only choice for Shirley Yang?

Upstairs, are you blind? Overseas Chinese all drink milk from a young age. With Zhou Xun's height, she doesn't look like an overseas Chinese at all!
When it comes to overseas Chinese, isn't Maggie Q the most suitable person? She's a true-blue overseas Chinese, who can disagree?
Online, the debate about the female lead continues unabated.

There are also quite a few articles about the male protagonist, Hu Bayi.

Do you think Chen Kun is suitable to play Hu Bayi?

No, Hu Bayi is a seasoned old man from Beijing, not some spoiled rich kid. Chen Kun perfectly captured that essence.
I think Deng Chao is good. He acted well in "Happiness Like Flowers". I think Deng Chao and Sun Li could be a good match for Hu Bayi and Shirley Yang; they're a perfect couple both on and off screen!
Stop kidding me, Sun Li is nothing like Shirley Yang, and Deng Chao is a bit lacking too. If we're talking about Hu Bayi's roguish charm, Liu Ye is the only one who can pull it off. Zhong Yuemin from "Blood Romance" is practically a carbon copy of Hu Bayi...

Liu Ye is definitely good, I agree~
Agree +1~
I actually think Sha Yi is pretty good, he's funny enough~
I think Mark Chao is a good choice.
Wait a minute, who is Mark Chao?

A scallion from the crooked corner of the road—haven't you seen *Monga*? (*Monga* is a 2010 film, mentioned earlier here.)

Do you think it's appropriate for a Taiwanese person to play Hu Bayi?
If Japanese people can play Zhuge Liang, why can't Taiwanese people play the role of a Beijing tough guy?

Wow, what you said actually makes a lot of sense!
I suspect you're swearing, but I can't find any proof.
Hu Bayi and Shirley Yang were arguing fiercely, while Fatty Wang's discussion was much less heated.

On Baidu Tieba, someone left a comment under the post:

Seriously? It's so deserted? Does nobody care about who's going to play Fatty Wang?
It's not that we don't care, it's just that there aren't enough suitable candidates.

In the entertainment industry, I can only think of two actors who are associated with fat people: Jiang Chao and Fan Wei.

Jiang Chao is Li Dazui from "My Own Swordsman", while Fan Wei is a frequent guest on the Spring Festival Gala. Both of them have a lot of popularity among the general public.

I have a suggestion: how about Lam Suet? He's that goofy guy who often appears in Johnnie To's movies.

That's interesting. I'll also recommend someone; I think Professor Liang Guanhua is quite good.

Liang Guanhua is too old~
Lam Suet isn't young anymore, is he? Age isn't a problem; if you're not young enough, your acting skills can make up for it!
In the following days, the question of who would be cast in "Ghost Blows Out the Light" became a hot topic online.

Zhang Chen and Shanda Literature were very satisfied. The popularity of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" increased, which in turn increased the attention to the movie, and the novel was able to sell well...

Just then, Ning Hao returned to China.

(End of this chapter)