Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 647 The Prince Comes to China

Warner Bros. originally intended to make good use of the Middle Eastern prince's screening to promote the film, and Zhang Chen and his team even went back to the cinema for the roadshow.

But in the end, they did not show up.

Prince Rashid's last words were truly shocking.

In summary, it's quite simple—it's a good movie, but none of the mechs in it are from the Middle East, which makes us very unhappy.

If you're an ordinary person, whether you're happy or not is none of my business.

But the person who said this was a prince of the UAE, and he represented not only the UAE, but also Saudi Arabia and Qatar, so it's hard to say.

So David and his group wisely backed down.

There's no need for a direct response if there's no contact.

Of course, we still need to promote it.

That day, before evening even arrived, the hashtag #MiddleEastPrinceFeelsSourAfterWatchingTheMovie-NotAnyMechIsMiddleEastern# skyrocketed to the top of the trending list.

The second place is #Middle Eastern princes check in at "Ultraman 2"#.

Clicking into the entries reveals largely similar content, all reporting on the three princes watching "Pacific Rim 2".

Within just half an hour of the news being released, it had been forwarded over 50 times.

UAE netizens shared photos in the comments section of Prince Hamad posing with a model of the "Gipsy Danger" mech in a movie theater, while Qatari netizens posted a profile of Prince Rashid intently watching the movie, jokingly captioning it: "His Highness is even thinking about mech tactics when he frowns."

Even more dramatically, an American netizen unearthed a video from three years ago of Salman test-driving an off-road vehicle in the Saudi desert, comparing it to his current obsessive look at a mecha poster, and jokingly commented: "Has the prince's interest shifted from conquering the desert to conquering monsters?"

Warner Bros.' publicity department certainly deserves a lot of credit for this.

When the trending topic reached its peak, the official Twitter account quickly replied: "Thank you for your recognition, Your Highnesses! The battlefield of 'Pacific Rim 2' has no borders, and the next mech pilot may be right next to you."

what is this?
Is this a response to dissatisfaction with Prince Rashid?

Netizens excitedly waited on Twitter, hoping to see Prince Rashid's reaction as soon as possible.

After seeing the reply, Prince Rashid approached the other two princes: "Does Warner mean there's room for negotiation?"

AMC Theatres was very clever; just four hours after the incident, they immediately launched the "Royal-Style Movie Package," which included a custom mecha keychain and an Arabian-style date gift box. 12 packages were sold in just one day.

The Hollywood Reporter went so far as to publish an article titled "Jacks Go Beyond the Box: From Middle Eastern Royals to Global Audiences," which extensively analyzed the impact of this "unexpected marketing" on box office performance.

While positive news kept coming from North America, Zhang Chen was returning to China on his private jet, accompanied by Fan Xiaopang and David.

The United States is the world's largest market, while China has the potential to become the world's second largest market, and should not be underestimated.

Zhang Chen rubbed his temples, his gaze sweeping over the sea of ​​clouds outside the window: "Don't be too tense with the domestic publicity. After all, it's our home turf. What we need is that 'natural' and friendly feeling."

The facts were just as he expected.

When the plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport, the tarmac was already crowded with fans holding up mecha-themed light boards, but there was no pushing or shoving, only orderly cheers.

The electronic screen at the exit of the customs gate was playing the final trailer for "Pacific Rim 2" on a loop. The Jaeger models of "Gipsy Danger" and "Crimson Storm" on the backdrop were as tall as two stories. Several staff members wearing Jaeger-themed hoodies were smiling and handing out commemorative badges to fans.

“It’s completely different from the tension in Los Angeles,” Fan Xiaopang, who was traveling with me, remarked. “There’s a sense of ‘stability’ in the air here.”

The domestic propaganda campaign was indeed "overwhelming yet lax".

Bus stops along Chang'an Avenue were all decorated with posters of mecha battles, convenience store freezers had stickers that said "Exchange your movie ticket stub for a Coke," and even the advertising screens in the apartment building elevators were playing clips of Zhang Chen being interviewed.

But there was no sense of oppression in this dense atmosphere. The cinema did not have any mandatory pre-screening promotions, but instead set up a "Mech DIY Workshop".

The online hashtag #MyPacificRimMemories# encourages netizens to share their movie-watching stories, rather than artificially manipulating the rankings.

Zhong Lifang explained, "This was specially instructed by Director Zhang. Domestic audiences have an emotional connection to 'Global Times 1,' and what we need to do is awaken those memories, not just generate hype."

Behind this relaxed attitude lies the confidence of the Chinese market.

In the conference room of Star Entertainment, data analyst Xiao Li was reporting to the projector: "Currently, the global box office of 'Pacific Rim 2' has exceeded $4 million, with the Chinese market contributing one-third, far exceeding that of Japan and South Korea."

Previously, the box office of "2012" and "Gravity" in China far exceeded that in Japan and South Korea.

As word-of-mouth spreads, it's only a matter of time before China surpasses Japan and South Korea to become the world's second-largest market.

The people around the conference table nodded in agreement.

Chen Xiaowei tapped the table: "The focus of our publicity should shift further towards 'local sentiment'."

Liu Daoqiang said, "The Starry Sky Paradise has been renovated. Now the entire park is mecha-themed—the entrance features a 1:0.5 scale model of the 'Crimson Storm' mecha, the roller coaster is named 'Monster Raid,' and even the horses on the carousel have been replaced with miniature mecha designs."

Yesterday, during the trial operation, the number of visitors checking in exceeded 20,000.

“There’s something else,” Dong Jianqiang added. “We’re planning to have Running Man record a special episode for Global Times 2, tentatively scheduled for the day after tomorrow at Starry Sky Park. Could you help us think of a way to find two high-profile ‘guest stars’?”

A high-profile 'guest star'?
Zhang Chen frowned. For the sake of the show's effect in the first episode, he invited Jackie Chan to help. Did that give these guys the wrong impression that big stars are like cabbages, everywhere?

Just as he was racking his brains over who would be the guest of honor, Zhang Chen's phone suddenly rang. The caller ID showed a BJ landline.

Although he had never seen this number before, Zhang Chen still answered the call.

"Hello Director Zhang Chen, this is the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs~"

What?

Before Zhang Chen could even process what was happening, the other party had already explained their purpose.

Three princes from Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia made a special trip to China to visit me?
This left not only Zhang Chen stunned, but David was also dumbfounded.

The two instinctively thought of Prince Rashid's remarks about his dissatisfaction that day.

But, is it really that bad?
He even flew all the way to China?
He got up and went to the window to answer the phone. His expression gradually changed from surprise to seriousness. After hanging up, a thought suddenly came to mind: "Perhaps, the choice of a guest star has been made."

He explained his idea, which really startled the group.

They're princes, there are three of them, and you're asking them to help promote your movie?

"That won't do. Putting everything else aside, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs might not agree. He's a prince; even the slightest mistake could be a serious matter."

Dong Jianqiang was very interested in Zhang Chen's suggestion, but ultimately felt it was too risky.

"You've reminded me! No, I need to make a call and ask."

Zhang Chen immediately called back the number he had just received, and it was answered quickly.

"I would like to ask, what are your requirements regarding the reception of the three princes who have come to see me?"

"No, the three princes are visiting China in a private capacity, so there are no strict requirements for their reception."

"Okay, I have another question. I'd like to take the three guests on a tour of Starry Sky Park. There are mecha culture promotion activities there, and they might even appear on camera. Is that alright?" The other person hesitated for a moment before replying, "In principle, it's not possible, but it mainly depends on the guests' wishes."

After hanging up the phone, the others looked at him curiously: "What did they say?"

"I just asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if I could take them to Starry Sky Park to experience our mecha culture, and then..."

He paused deliberately, then smiled at the expectant looks on everyone's faces, saying, "In principle, it's not possible, because it's to ensure the safety of the royal family."

Zhong Lifang: "I understand. If it's not allowed in principle, then it's allowed."

Chen Xiaowei: "It's all about the guests' wishes. That means as long as you get the prince on your side, they won't interfere."

Everyone instantly transformed into language interpretation masters.

That makes things simple; as long as the three princes don't object, no one will interfere.

Zhong Lifang immediately chimed in, "I'll coordinate! Starry Night Paradise can be temporarily cleared out, and a security team can be arranged. It will definitely meet the requirements."

"No, no, no, that wouldn't be fun. I think these things should be enjoyed by everyone to make them truly exciting!"

Zhang Chen immediately objected. He recalled that the three princes hadn't cleared the theater that day, so it seemed they liked this kind of thing.

A day later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the three princes had agreed to Zhang Chen's arrangements and were happy to visit Starry Sky Park.

……

The day of the meeting

At 10 a.m., three black armored vehicles slowly drove into the park. Prince Salman got out of the car first. This time he did not wear a traditional robe, but changed into a casual suit. When he saw Zhang Chen, he opened his arms and said: "Mr. Zhang Chen, we finally meet!"

Prince Hamad and Prince Rashid followed closely behind.

Hamad was the most lively; once he sat in the "Jack Cockpit Experience Area," he refused to get out, gripping the simulator joystick and shouting, "Fire! Take down the monster!"

Salman, on the other hand, was very composed. He carefully inquired about the design details at each exhibition area and even took notes in his notebook.

Rashid doesn't talk much, but he always manages to ask the key questions. In front of the "Monster Science Wall," he pointed to a picture of a "ridged turtle" and said, "The shell of this monster is very similar to that of the turtles in our desert, only bigger and harder."

When Salman reached the "Silk Road Mech Corridor" in the center of the park, he suddenly stopped.

This section showcases concept mechs that combine elements of various cultures. China's "Crimson Storm" mech is entirely in Chinese red, while the American "Gipsy Danger" mech looks more like a cowboy, but it lacks any Middle Eastern elements.

"Why aren't there any Middle Eastern mechs here?" he frowned. "Fighting monsters is a global issue."

Before Zhang Chen could explain, Hamad interrupted, "Don't rush, perhaps we can change this."

At the end of the visit, Salman said with lingering enthusiasm, "This is the most interesting amusement park I've ever seen, much more interesting than the theme parks in Dubai."

Zhang Chen smiled and handed over three custom-made mecha models: "These are gifts for the three of you. Each model is engraved with your names."

Rashid took the model, his fingertips tracing the inscription on the base, and whispered, "Thank you."

……

That afternoon, the recording site of "Running Man" was already bustling with activity.

At the "Mecha Plaza" in Starry Sky Paradise, Deng Chao, Zheng Kai, and several other regular guests were gossiping together.

"I heard we have a very special guest today!"

Deng Chao waved the mission card: "The director said the level is so high that a security check is required in advance."

Zheng Kai immediately chimed in, "It's not Jackie Chan again, is it? He really ripped me off last time."

Wang Baoqiang shook his head: "It doesn't seem like it. Brother Cheng Long would definitely give us advance notice if he came."

Li Chen suddenly pointed to the security team in the distance: "Look at that setup, what kind of treatment do you need to get this kind of security?"

Just then, the production team suddenly announced: "Attention all regular guests, the guest stars are about to enter!"

The crowd immediately lined up and looked curiously toward the entrance.

When Zhang Chen led the three princes, dressed simply, into the square, the scene fell silent instantly, followed by gasps of surprise.

"My God! It's a Middle Eastern prince!" Someone covered their mouth, unable to believe their eyes.

Zheng Kai subconsciously touched his hair: "I should have dressed more formally. I was just picking my toes."

Deng Chao reacted the fastest, immediately stepping forward and extending his hand: "Welcome, welcome! I never expected to meet a member of the royal family on Running Man, it's such an honor."

Salman smiled and shook his hand: "It's a pleasure to participate in your program."

The production team took the opportunity to announce this episode's theme: "Pacific Rim Special Project - Jaeger Guardian Challenge! Today, you will complete three tasks, and the ultimate winner will receive the 'Ultimate Jaeger Pilot' medal!"

The first task is "A Battle of Strength: Arm Wrestling Contest".

Zheng Kai volunteered: "I'll go first!"

Salman immediately stepped forward: "I accept the challenge!"

When the two shook hands, Zheng Kai was clearly taken aback—Salman's palms were large and strong, and his knuckles were covered with thick calluses from years of riding horses.

"Director, I have a question. If I win against the prince, will it cause a diplomatic incident?"

Zheng Kai's joke immediately drew laughter from the audience.

The filming of this episode was conducted in an open environment, meaning there were tourists around, but they wouldn't be driven away as long as it didn't interfere with the filming.

"Ready—Go!" With the director's command, the two exerted their strength simultaneously. Zheng Kai's face turned red, and Salman also frowned.

After a ten-second standoff, Zheng Kai suddenly exerted force and slammed Salman's arm onto the table.

Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Salman smiled and shook his head: "You're stronger than I thought."

As he spoke, he took off the silver bracelet from his wrist and handed it to Zheng Kai: "This is a traditional ornament from our country. I'm giving it to you as a souvenir."

Zheng Kai accepted the bracelet, flattered. It was engraved with intricate Arabic patterns and inlaid with a small turquoise in the center. "It's too precious," he said, "I can't accept it..."

Salman patted him on the shoulder: "A gift between friends must be accepted."

Holding the bracelet, Zheng Kai was at a loss for words, repeatedly saying, "It's too precious, too precious!"

In the end, Zhang Chen came to his rescue: "Since it's a gift from His Highness the Prince, then accept it."

As he spoke, he glanced at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff next to him for an inquiry, and only after they indicated that there was no problem did Zheng Kai dare to accept the item with peace of mind.

(End of this chapter)