Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 677 Xie Miao and Wu Jing

On the set of "Inception," Zhang Chen was staring intently at the shooting schedule. The early completion of "Mission: Impossible 4" gave "Inception" about half a month more time to film.

While he was deep in thought, the phone on the table suddenly rang urgently, and the name "Chen Xi" appeared on the screen. Zhang Chen casually pressed the answer button.

"Boss, great news!"

Having spent a long time in Hong Kong, Chen Xi's speech has taken on a Hong Kong accent. Zhang Chen remembers that he used to call him Director Zhang, but now he calls him Boss.

Well, he's a big shot, I guess.

On the other end of the phone, Chen Xi's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement, "The box office figures for 'Ip Man 2' are out, guess how much?"

"Don't show off!"

"As of last night, the box office in mainland China has exceeded 3 million yuan, and the local box office in Hong Kong has also exceeded 4000 million Hong Kong dollars, setting the best record for kung fu films in nearly three years!"

“Well done~”

Zhang Chen's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. The Ip Man series had been under considerable pressure since its inception, and its current success was a testament to its achievement.

"Thank you for your hard work. I give you full marks for your KPI evaluation last year."

"Hehe, thank you, boss~"

After a pause, Chen Xi continued, "You know what? Mani is overjoyed. We've been planning to hold a celebration banquet tonight at the Regent Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. All the key members of the project team will be there. Can you come?"

Mani is Huo Wenxi, the de facto head of Eagle King, while Boss Yang was no longer involved in affairs at this time.

Zhang Chen didn't even need to check his schedule before directly refusing, saying, "Forget about me, I'm still filming 'Inception' abroad. You guys figure it out yourselves, make it a big event..."

The filming schedule for "Inception" was very tight, and the celebration banquet was nothing special, so Zhang Chen didn't need to make a special trip back.

Chen Xi knew this would be the outcome before making the call, but since the company was holding a celebration banquet, it was necessary to inform the big boss.

She made that call purely as a formality.

"Alright, boss, you go ahead with your work, I'll send you the photos later."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Chen stopped thinking about Golden Harvest and focused all his attention on filming "Inception".

On the other side, the preparation site for the celebration banquet was bustling with activity. Huo Wenxi, dressed in a smart red suit, was directing the staff to set out the drinks and trophies, his face beaming with a triumphant smile.

Chen Xi walked up to her and whispered, "Sister Mani, my boss can't come tonight. He's filming abroad."

Huo Wenxi paused for a moment, then waved his hand: "It's alright, we understand that Director Zhang is busy. But since Ip Man 2 is a hit, we have to press our advantage and put Ip Man 3 on the agenda as soon as possible."

Chen Xi nodded. She also thought it was a good opportunity, but she was still a little hesitant: "That's true, but whether to shoot it or not, and what content to shoot, we still need to ask my boss for his opinion. He's always very good at controlling projects."

Huo Wenxi agreed wholeheartedly, took out his phone and dialed Zhang Chen's number; the call was quickly answered.

Huo Wenxi put his phone on speakerphone: "Director Zhang, Chen Xi and I are together. I have something to tell you. With the box office success of 'Ip Man 2,' I'm thinking of making 'Ip Man 3.' What do you think?" Huo Wenxi said directly, his tone full of urgency.

Zhang Chen had anticipated her response. After a moment's thought, he said, "I think there's no need to rush 'Ip Man 3'. It would be more appropriate to film it in a couple of years."

Huo Wenxi immediately became anxious: "Why, Director Zhang? Right now is the peak of the popularity of 'Ip Man.' If we release the third film now, the box office will definitely be good!"

"Don't rush, let me finish what I have to say."

Zhang Chen's voice remained calm: "The formula of the Ip Man series is too simple. Essentially, it's about fighting foreigners. The first movie is about fighting Japanese people, the second movie is about fighting foreigners, so who will the third movie be about?"

Huo Wenxi was taken aback by the question. She hadn't really thought about it carefully before, and subconsciously replied, "Muay Thai? Isn't Muay Thai quite famous in Southeast Asia? Fighting a Muay Thai master should be quite interesting to watch."

Zhang Chen couldn't help but laugh: "Don't joke around, do you even know the history of Muay Thai in Hong Kong?"

Huo Wenxi shook her head, a puzzled look on her face. Although she was from Hong Kong, she had never really paid attention to this aspect.

"When Muay Thai was first introduced to Hong Kong, it was challenged by traditional martial arts schools, but the result was that the traditional martial arts schools were badly beaten."

Zhang Chen slowly said, "Muay Thai is powerful and can be learned quickly, no wonder it has become a favorite among gang members. Many gang leaders practice Muay Thai, such as Su Long of the Sun Yee On, who is a Muay Thai master and has a great reputation in the underworld."

Zhang Chen hadn't specifically looked into it; all he knew was what Huang Baiming had told him during their previous conversations.

Huo Wenxi then realized that Muay Thai had such a background.

"Therefore, we can't continue with the old approach, otherwise it will easily end badly."

Zhang Chen said firmly, "The audience finds it novel to see the fight against the Japanese the first time, and it's still acceptable to see the fight against foreigners the second time. But if the third time it's just the same old story of fighting against people from other countries, they will quickly get tired of it. In that case, the box office and the reviews will both flop, and it will be a loss."

Huo Wenxi fell silent. Zhang Chen's words made a lot of sense, but she was still a little reluctant: "But Director Zhang, it was not easy for 'Ip Man' to make kung fu films popular. Now the kung fu film market is just showing signs of recovery. It would be such a pity not to make such a good IP."

Zhang Chen understood her feelings; a sequel meant money.

Given Hong Kong people's work style, they'll definitely be quick to take advantage of any opportunities.

Cultivating the market?

Sorry, it doesn't exist.

Hong Kong people tend to be impatient and opportunistic. They rush to make films based on whatever genre becomes popular. That's how the zombie movies died back then.

The same applies to the mainland, because no one can guarantee that they won't take advantage of others, so it's better to just drain the pond to catch all the fish, pocket the benefits first, and not care about whether the subject matter is successful or not.

This was the scene when zombie movies were popular. Major companies rushed to make them, resulting in a flood of poorly made works. In just a few years, the genre was ruined and has yet to recover.

"We may not make 'Ip Man,' but we can make other kung fu films."

"Other kung fu movies?"

Zhang Chen said in a light tone: "For example, 'Kowloon Walled City 2'. The first movie did well at the box office and received good reviews, so there will definitely be audiences willing to buy into the sequel."

There's also *The Ghostwriter*, especially the latter. *The Ghostwriter* can form its own universe, and it can also connect with *My Own Swordsman*, *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, and *Brotherhood of Blades*, expanding our cinematic universe.

This was clearly meant for Chen Xi.

Chen Xi perked up, recalling both projects: "Isn't 'The Ghostwriter' the same 'Arrogant' you mentioned before, the one you originally wanted Xie Miao to star in?"

"Yeah, that's it."

Zhang Chen nodded. "Both of these are standard action-packed movies. They don't have any profound themes; they're just about brutal and primal fighting, which is what audiences like to watch."

"No depth, no feel-good platitudes, just raw, brutal violence!"

Huo Wenxi chimed in, his face beaming with excitement, "For this kind of film, the audience won't pay too much attention to the plot; they'll be watching the emotions and the action. As long as there's plenty of fight scenes, everything's OK."

"Yes."

Zhang Chen agreed, "However, there is one thing to note: if you want to make it into a theatrical film, it can't be too dark. Many scenes of severed hands and decapitations have to be filmed more artistically, otherwise it won't pass the censorship and will affect the scope of its release."

Chen Xi nodded repeatedly: "I know that. I'll let the director keep things under control. By the way, Director Zhang, do you have any suggestions for the lead actors?"

"As for 'The Ghostwriter,' Xie Miao is a good choice. He has already gained some fame with 'Kowloon Walled City,' and 'The Ghostwriter' is also a hard-hitting martial arts film, which suits his style very well."

Chen Xi thought it made a lot of sense: "Okay, I've noted down Xie Miao as a candidate. As for the director, I'd like to use Lu Yang. He's very good at making action films. He directed 'Kowloon Walled City,' and the results speak for themselves."

"Lu Yang, I'm afraid he doesn't have time."

He's currently working on post-production for "The Equalizer," he's incredibly busy, and he visited me on set a couple of days ago. He said a Hollywood company has offered him a job, and he might be going to Hollywood for a while, so he won't be able to take on our project anytime soon.

Chen Xi was somewhat disappointed: "Then what should we do? Who else is suitable to shoot this kind of action-packed movie?"

“There are many directors in Hong Kong who are suitable for action films, such as Tsui Hark, Corey Yuen, Ching Siu-tung, and even Wong King,” Zhang Chen offered his advice.

Chen Xi frowned in thought: "Wang Jing?"

Zhang Chen laughed and said, "Don't think he can only direct comedies. He directed 'New Shaolin Five'. All you need to do is find a good martial arts choreographer for him. Yuen Kwai directed 'Fong Sai-yuk,' an action film. Finding a good action choreographer is more important than the director."

After thinking it over carefully, Chen Xi felt that Zhang Chen's words made a lot of sense: "Okay, I'll think about the candidates for director and action choreographer again..."

"Okay, go ahead. You're the head of Jiahe, so you can make your own decisions." Zhang Chen showed complete trust.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Xi finally felt relieved.

Huo Wenxi, who was standing next to him, said, "President Chen, you must include Eagle King in the projects 'The Ghostwriter' and 'Kowloon Walled City 2'."

"Mani, you're too kind. We're partners, so these two projects will definitely be done together!"

Huo Wenxi was overjoyed. Putting everything else aside, Zhang Chen had just said that "The Ghostwriter" was a series and "Kowloon Walled City" was also a series. If Eagle King got on board now, it would be like winning without lifting a finger.

As for whether the project could make money, Huo Wenxi never doubted it, since it was a project personally decided by Zhang Chen.

Those in the industry know that Zhang Chen is unrivaled in the film industry; to date, not a single film project he has handled has lost money.

This is almost a miracle in the film industry.

In Hong Kong, many filmmakers are hostile to Zhang Chen and Golden Harvest, believing that Zhang Chen's takeover of Golden Harvest has destroyed the purity of Hong Kong cinema.

That's utter nonsense. Before Zhang Chen took over Golden Harvest, the company had already ceased its film production operations.

For a film company, cutting off its film production business is tantamount to a slow death.

After Zhang Chen took over Golden Harvest, the company was revitalized. It not only resumed film production but also produced films that broke Hong Kong box office records.

According to Huo Wenxi, Zhang Chen and Golden Harvest were actually saving Hong Kong cinema. Golden Harvest not only provided a large number of jobs, ensuring that those working in the Hong Kong film industry had work to do, but more importantly, it revived the kung fu film genre.

What is the biggest label of Hong Kong films?
Without a doubt, it's a kung fu movie.

Before Zhang Chen took over Golden Harvest, the kung fu film market had been sluggish for a long time. Even kung fu film superstars like Jackie Chan saw their films flop at the box office, and audiences' enthusiasm for kung fu films had waned considerably.

However, since Zhang Chen took over Golden Harvest, all the films he has produced have been kung fu movies. "Kowloon Walled City" has allowed audiences to rediscover the charm of kung fu movies with its hardcore fighting and tight plot, and its box office has exceeded 1 million.

"The Man from Nowhere" blended action and emotion, achieving both critical and commercial success.

The Ip Man series ignited the market for kung fu films during the Republican era, making kung fu films a popular genre in the film and television industry again.

Although "Bodyguards and Assassins" is not a pure kung fu film, its action scenes have been well received and its box office performance has been outstanding. At the same time, it has provided others with an idea to combine kung fu with historical events.

Kung Fu movies, which were on the verge of decline, were revived by Golden Harvest. In this respect, the Hong Kong film industry should thank Zhang Chen.

Otherwise, I really don't know how far Hong Kong cinema would have fallen.

……

Capital
The weather was still a bit chilly. In an inconspicuous hot pot restaurant on Guijie Street, steam rose from a copper pot, and the mutton rolls changed color after rolling around in the clear broth for a couple of seconds.

Xie Miao and Wu Jing sat facing each other, each with a bottle of Erguotou in front of them. The clear liquid in the glass reflected their slightly tired eyes.

"Come on, Jing-ge, let's have a drink!"

Xie Miao and Wu Jing raised their glasses, and as the clear liquor went down their throats, they both made a "tsk" sound.

Although the two are not considered fellow disciples, they both came from the Beijing martial arts team, so they have some connection.

When Wu Jing joined the team, Xie Miao was just a little kid running errands for the coach.

Later, the two had different experiences. Xie Miao was spotted by Wong Jing because of his excellent kung fu skills and played Hong Wending in "The New Legend of Shaolin," which made him famous throughout mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Wu Jing was then spotted by Zhang Xinyan and starred in his first film, "Kung Fu Kid".

Later, the two left the martial arts team and entered the entertainment industry. After many years of ups and downs, they were still able to sit together and have a hot pot meal in peace. It was fate, after all.

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation naturally turned to their respective acting careers.

"You're really getting your revenge now!"

Wu Jing picked up a piece of tripe with his chopsticks, rolled it in the sesame sauce, and then chewed it with a crunching sound.

"I watched Kowloon Walled City three times in the cinema. The action design and the eye acting were much better than when I acted in Tai Chi Master."

You wouldn't believe it, when I was watching you on the screen in the movie theater, I couldn't help but say to the person next to me, "See that? That's my junior brother, a tough guy from the Beijing martial arts team."

At this point, Wu Jing raised his glass again, downed the wine in one gulp, and looked at the glass with a mixture of envy and emotion.

He entered the industry earlier than Xie Miao, and his starting point was not low, but over the years, he has never made it big and has always been stuck in the supporting role category. Let alone playing the absolute lead role in a big production, he only has one famous supporting role in "Sha Po Lang".

"What year was Brother Jing born?"

"In 74, I've been 36 for years. My youth is almost over, but I haven't made anything of myself yet."

Wu Jing shook his head with a wry smile: "Back then, when I went to Hong Kong to develop my career, I thought I could make a name for myself with my kung fu skills."

The results of it?
They either play vague villains or sidekicks to the main character. They have plenty of action scenes, but who remembers their name?
Later, I was really unwilling to give up, so I pulled together a few brothers to pool money and filmed "Wolf Warrior". I was both the director and the lead actor, and I wanted to use every ounce of my strength.

The box office was dismal, and they didn't even recoup their costs.

During that time, I stayed home every day, afraid to go out, just in case someone asked, "How's your movie going?"

As he spoke, he poured himself another glass of wine, his eyes filled with helplessness: "There's no other way, I still have to keep playing minor roles in various films, just to make a living and at least make sure the audience doesn't forget me."

Hearing Wu Jing's words, Xie Miao also remembered her own sad story and sighed softly: "Brother Jing, don't envy me, my fire is just an illusion."

When I was a child, I became famous for filming "A Letter to My Father". Everyone thought my future was bright, but at that time my parents wanted me to go back to school and study hard.

After finishing my studies, I wanted to make movies. The media all assumed I had a great relationship with Jet Li and must have access to a lot of resources, but in reality, we had no contact at all in private.

Wu Jing asked curiously, "You haven't been in contact?"

Xie Miao shrugged: "We haven't been in contact even once since filming 'A Letter to Dad'."

Wu Jing nodded without saying anything.

Xie Miao continued, "What truly changed my fate was director Lu Yang's 'Kowloon Walled City'."

At the time, director Lu Yang was a newcomer who had never directed a theatrical film, but he was backed by Star Entertainment and was also director Zhang Chen's assistant director.

Director Lu Yang approached me and said he wanted me to direct a period martial arts film called "Arrogant," a story about a blind man capturing bandits. I was overjoyed because I was completely unemployed at the time.

But then, they said the project was suspended. I thought I wasn't destined for it, but then Director Lu Yang suddenly said that the project had been changed to a modern urban action film, which is "Kowloon Walled City".

After "Kowloon Walled City" became a hit, I thought my time had come, but Golden Harvest never contacted me again.

As you know, that's how the film and television industry is now. A hit show doesn't mean you can establish yourself; it also depends on whether investors are willing to support you.

Later, a few projects came my way, but most of them were poorly made film projects, and I really didn't want to ruin my reputation.

He paused, picked up his wine glass and took a sip. "I was originally considered for the role of Abu in 'Taken,' but in the end, Director Zhang Chen decided on Zhang Jin. Sigh, that's just how fate works for different people."

Xie Miao sighed, even though he was the one who met Lu Yang first, fate just seemed to favor Zhang Jin.

This kind of thing happens all the time in this industry.

Wu Yue still ranked first in the class, but her performance remained lukewarm.

The two fell silent for a moment, with only the broth in the copper pot still bubbling and the air filled with the aroma of mutton and sesame paste, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in their hearts.

They all started practicing martial arts from a young age and have an indomitable spirit in their bones. However, in the real entertainment industry, tenacity alone is far from enough. Opportunity, capital, and connections are all indispensable.

Just as Xie Miao was staring blankly at the wine glass, his phone suddenly rang.

He glanced at the caller ID, his pupils constricted sharply—it was Shi Nansheng.

Nansun Shi is a well-known producer in the industry and a senior executive at Golden Harvest. Many of the decisions made by Golden Harvest's CEO, Chen Xi, are carried out by Nansun Shi.

Xie Miao also met Shi Nansheng while filming "Kowloon Walled City" and exchanged phone numbers with her.

Seeing that it was Shi Nansheng calling, Xie Miao didn't dare to be negligent. He took a deep breath and pressed the answer button.

"Sister Nansheng, this is Xie Miao~"

A cheerful voice came from the other end of the phone: "Xie Miao, are you busy right now?"

"No rush, Sister Nansheng, what are your instructions?"

"I wouldn't call it an instruction, but I have some good news for you. President Chen Xi has decided to restart the previous project, 'Arrogant,' but now it's called 'Ghostwriter.' President Chen Xi is interested in having you as the male lead. Is your schedule available?"

Xie Miao could hardly believe his ears. He glanced at Wu Jing instinctively, his voice trembling slightly, "Sister Nan Sheng, are you serious? You're not kidding me, are you?"

Shi Nansheng smiled and said, "Of course it's true, I wouldn't joke about something like this. If you're interested, then take some time to come to Hong Kong. This project is very important, and Mr. Chen Xi might want to talk to you privately..."

"No problem, I'll buy the plane tickets tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Xie Miao remained rooted to the spot, clutching her phone tightly as if it were a lifeline.

It's like my luck has finally turned around.

"What's wrong? Is that Shi Nansheng on the phone? You look so distracted." Wu Jing couldn't help but ask when Xie Miao didn't speak for a while.

Xie Miao suddenly came to her senses, and a long-lost smile appeared on her face. The smile was as bright as the sunshine after the rain, instantly dispelling the gloom on her face.

"Brother Jing, it's great news! Hugely great news!"

Xie Miao was so excited he was almost incoherent. "The previously canceled 'Arrogant' has been rebooted and is now called 'Ghostwriter.' Shi Nansheng just called me and said that Mr. Chen from Golden Harvest is interested in having me play the lead role!"

Wu Jing was taken aback at first, then his face showed envy: "That's great! I knew you could do it, kid. This is really a stroke of good luck!"

As he spoke, he picked up the bottle and poured Xie Miao a full glass of wine: "Come on, let's drink to your good news!"

Xie Miao picked up his glass and clinked it heavily against Wu Jing's. He didn't care that some wine spilled, and the two of them drank it all in one gulp. The pent-up frustration in their hearts seemed to vanish with the wine.

After taking a few sips of wine, Xie Miao suddenly thought of Wu Jing beside him. He saw the fleeting sadness in Wu Jing's eyes and felt a little guilty.

The two often got together during this period, and could be considered brothers in misfortune.

Now that I have a good opportunity, I can't forget this older brother.

"Brother Jing, I'm going to Hong Kong tomorrow to see President Chen Xi. Why don't you come with me?"

"Me?" Wu Jing was a little surprised, but he immediately understood what Xie Miao meant.

Xie Miao smiled and said, "I can't guarantee I can get you the role, but when we meet, I'll definitely mention it to President Chen Xi. You'll come with me tomorrow. If President Chen Xi wants to see you, we can't let this opportunity slip away. Of course, if President Chen Xi doesn't agree, you might have made a wasted trip."

Wu Jing's face flushed: "Good brother, thank you for thinking of me. It's nothing, just consider it a trip!"

(End of this chapter)