Exciting 1979!

Chapter 429 The Sucker Kaige

While showering in the dormitory's washroom today, Zhang Yimou excitedly hummed the popular song "Goodbye".

Chen Kaige came in to wash towels and asked with a smile, "People who are about to get married are different, aren't they? I've never seen you sing before."

Zhang Yimou is usually a rather taciturn person, and it's rare to see him like this.

Zhang Yimou shook his head: "It's just a ceremony, so it's bound to be a happy occasion, but not to this extent."

After a moment's thought, Chen Kaige suddenly asked, "Could it be that the Beijing Film Studio recruited you? Wasn't it already decided that you'd be with the Xi'an Film Studio?"

Zhang Yimou shook his head: "It makes me even happier than that!"

Chen Kaige was a little confused. What could be more exciting than staying in Beijing? "Could it be that the school has arranged for you to study abroad?"

If that's really the case, Chen Kaige will definitely be dissatisfied. Zhang Yimou's English is nowhere near as good as he claims.

Old Zhang waved his hand: "It's not that bad, actually I'm going to Hong Kong."

Hong Kong? You?

“You look down on us Shaanxi folks! Not only am I going, but Feng Xiaoning is going too.” Zhang Yimou grinned, showing off his big teeth.

This wasn't a secret mission, and soon the news spread throughout the boys' dormitory that Zhang Yimou and Feng Xiaoning had been chosen by Teacher Wei Ming to go to Hong Kong to film a mysterious short film. They described the film as quite mysterious because they didn't know what it was about.

However, this short film, which was used as practice, was a preparation for a feature film to be made by the Children's Film Studio. It was adapted from "The Shepherd's Spring," which is considered to be Wei Ming's best novella.

Chen Kaige, who rarely goes home as graduation is approaching, went home tonight and mentioned the matter to his father, Chen Huai'ai, during dinner.

Chen Kaige will soon be a member of the Children's Film Studio. The Children's Film Studio is newly established and doesn't have many big-name directors, so Chen Kaige should have had more opportunities. Therefore, he was quite resentful about this.

Tian Zhuangzhuang was assigned to the Beijing Film Studio, taking away filming opportunities from the Children's Film Studio. I didn't say anything, after all, he was my childhood friend, and the director of the Children's Film Studio was his mother. I didn't expect Wei Ming, a writer, to come and steal my food.

Chen Huai'ai shook his head: "That's Wei Ming after all. All the literary and art workers in the country should learn from him. He has the confidence to do so."

Seeing that his father was also speaking in Wei Ming's favor, Chen Kaige said in a muffled voice, "It's just that his major doesn't match his job."

After finishing his meal, Chen Huai'ai got up and left home without saying a word, and went to visit Yu Lan's house, which was not far away. The two chatted for more than an hour.

As he left, Chen Huai'ai solemnly said, "Sister Yu, I'll leave it to you then."

Chen Huai'ai was actually a year older than Yu Lan, but according to Director Tian Fang, he should call her "elder sister".

Yu Lan laughed and said, "It's all a small matter. We've watched Kai Ge grow up. To be honest, I think he's more talented than Zhuang Zhuang. He's the most promising one among this year's film academy directing graduates."

Chen Huai'ai humbly replied, "I have lofty ambitions but lack the ability; I still need more training."

Parents who love their children plan far ahead for them. This time, Chen Huai'ai asked Yu Lan to let Chen Kaige serve as Wei Ming's assistant director. First of all, he believed in Wei Ming's talent. If this film is successful, Chen Kaige, as the assistant director, will have a great learning opportunity and it will also be a valuable qualification.

There's another reason Chen Huai'ai didn't mention, but Yu Lan did: if filming can't continue due to the director's skill level, they definitely need to find a reliable replacement.

So, as an assistant director and someone from the Children's Film Studio, isn't Kai Ge the most likely candidate to take over this job?

Chen Huai'ai didn't mind letting his son take over Wei Ming's burden. The influence of the original novel "The Shepherd's Spring" was there, so it was a good deal no matter what.

Now we'll see what kind of film this writer Wei can make in Hong Kong. He hopes that Wei Ming can make something decent so that "The Shepherd's Spring" can be successfully launched.

When Wei Ming returned to Nanluoguxiang that evening, both of his older sisters were there.

Gong Xue knew that he had come to the Beijing Film Studio during the day, so after returning home, he called Zhu Lin over to wait for news together.

"So, so, what did the Children's Film Studio say?" Zhu Lin couldn't help but ask.

Wei Ming: "I agreed, but there's a condition: I have to make a short film that they're satisfied with before they'll let me make this feature film."

"Shoot a short film?" Gong Xue thought for the first time. "Why don't you pick one of your novels to film, like 'The Duck Prophet'? I can go back to Shanghai with you to film it."

Wei Ming shook his head: "I've already decided to film in Hong Kong."

"Hong Kong? What are you filming there?" Zhu Lin asked.

"I haven't decided what to film yet, but it's set for Hong Kong. I haven't seen my parents for several months, so this is a good opportunity to go and visit them," Wei Ming said.

The sisters' eyes were filled with reluctance. Zhu Lin asked, "Why don't you write a script and let us act in it? That way, we'll have a chance to go to Hong Kong with you, right?"

Gong Xue hurriedly said, "I can't do it. I might have to film 'Under the Bridge' at any time."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Lin realized, "Oh dear, I agreed to play the understudy for Cai Feng in 'The Tale of Two Donkeys,' and I need to rehearse, so I can't leave."

Song Dandan is the lead actress for this Caifeng role, and Zhu Lin doesn't want to be outshone by that gossipy girl.

Wei Ming shrugged: "Since none of you can leave, I'll take Xiao Hong over to have a look."

Thinking about the crew members, Wei Ming suddenly remembered that Xiao Hong had never actually lived in Hong Kong. She had always wanted to see the Hong Kong stock market, so he decided to take her to broaden her horizons this time.

I'll go to the Beijing Film Studio again tomorrow and ask for one more spot to go to Hong Kong.

"When are you leaving? 'Middle Age' is about to be released," Zhu Lin said, holding Xiao Wei's hand.

"Then I'll definitely wait until we finish watching the movie together before I leave." Wei Ming was really looking forward to Sister Lin's painstakingly crafted work.

Tonight, Wei Ming returned to the Overseas Chinese Apartment to spend the night and began to conceive the script for his short film.

What should I write?

Many future famous Hong Kong films could actually be condensed, with their most brilliant scenes made into short films, and could even be expanded upon in the future. However, having too many choices is a headache.

Forget it, I'll write the comic script I promised Ah Long first. I started working on this script a while ago, but I was working on the character designs and illustrations of the main characters. I only started writing the plot today.

As he wrote into the evening, looking at the few pages of stories, Wei Mingcheng felt a sense of accomplishment. Just as he was about to go to sleep, he suddenly noticed a stack of newspapers that Amin had sent him last time, which were placed in the corner of his desk. They were mostly about entertainment and culture, and a small square on the outside of the stack contained a news article from Shaw Brothers.

It's about a Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster, invested in by Shaw Brothers Studio with a budget of over 200 million Hong Kong dollars, that is about to be released.

The movie is called Blade Runner.

Of course, Shaw Brothers was not the main investor, but the fact that this movie lost so much money did accelerate Shaw Brothers' closure to some extent.

Blade Runner can be considered the first film to establish the visual aesthetics and core themes of cyberpunk, and cyberpunk is a perfect match for Hong Kong.

Wei Ming roughly knows what he can film, but it's getting late today, so he'll go to sleep and write more tomorrow.

The next day, Wei Ming got up early to write. When he got hungry, he went out to find food. After eating, he went to the Beijing Film Studio again to write a note for Wei Hong.

~
“She’s a Peking University student, a pillar of the nation. How can I, a filmmaker, approve her application?” Yu Lan shook her head.

"Well, I'm also from Peking University, so I'm a pillar of the nation, right?" Wei Ming said, sounding a little embarrassed at the end.

Yu Lan: "You are special. You are registered with the Ministry of Culture. I also consulted with Professor Xia."

Helpless, Wei Ming had no choice but to go back to school to ask Uncle Ping An for help.

However, he ran into Li Chengru as soon as he left Director Yu's office.

"Old Li, what are you doing here?"

Li Chengru laughed and said, "We've borrowed a studio from the Beijing Film Studio to film the scenes of the Supreme Lord Laozi's Mansion here. Teacher Wei, Consultant Wei, why don't you come and take a look?"

Wei Ming readily agreed: "Let's go take a look."

Wei Ming knew that the actor playing Laozi was Mr. Zheng Rong, who was also a veteran actor from the Beijing People's Art Theatre and played Master Chang in "Teahouse".

However, as soon as he entered the Tushita Palace, he was bumped into by a clumsy young Taoist boy. Wei Ming even joked, "Is that Golden Horn or Silver Horn who bumped into me?"

“Teacher Wei!” The pretty young Taoist recognized Wei Ming at a glance. She stammered, “I’m not Golden Horn or Silver Horn, I, I’m called Xu Qing.”

Wei Ming looked closely and, hey, it really was her! How old was she? Her face was round and she looked like Jia Ling. She would look better when she was fully mature.

The child was a fan of Wei Ming's books, as was her older sister; whenever they met Wei Ming, they would follow him everywhere.

Wei Ming talked with director Yang Jie and old man Zheng Rong about the filming situation. They decided to film the later episodes of the Tushita Palace first, and then let Sun Wukong smash it after filming was finished.

"Teacher Wei, what have you been busy with lately? It's been a while since you've checked on us," Yang Jie teased. "I have been busy," Wei Ming smiled and patted the camera in Wang Chongqiu's hand, "busy directing."

"Ah!?" This sound came from Xu Qing. She felt it was a bit abrupt and quickly covered her mouth.

Then Wei Ming explained to director Yang Jie that he was preparing for "The Spring of the Shepherd's Class". Yang Jie didn't seem too surprised. She knew that Wei Ming was quite skilled since he directed actors in Yangzhou.

It's understandable that a writer with high self-esteem wouldn't want other directors to tarnish his masterpiece.

Before Yang Jie could say anything, Xu Qing couldn't help but say, "Teacher Wei, do you think I'm suitable? I'd like to volunteer myself."

Wei Ming asked with a smile, "This kid isn't shy at all. Director Yang, where did you find him?"

Yang Jie thought to herself, how could such a small role, which she would only be playing for a day or two, be chosen by herself? It must have been selected by the station.

Xu Qing: "I was selected by signing up myself, Teacher Wei. I am 13 years old and an active member of the class in arts and culture."

Wei Ming said, "Xiao Xuqing, you're very good, but considering the historical context of 'The Shepherd's Spring,' the student characters in it are usually not as... uh, rounded as you."

Wei Ming used a harmless word, and Xu Qing's eyes immediately dimmed. Was he saying I was fat?

Wei Ming was a good man and couldn't bear to hurt the girl's feelings, so he borrowed Wang Chongqiu's camera to take a photo of himself and Xu Qing together.

"Brother Wang, could you print out a couple of photos for me? Little Xu, could you leave your address? I'll send you one later and write you a message."

Xu Qing immediately went from sadness to joy, nodding frantically with her hair tied up in two buns.

When Wei Ming arrived at Peking University, it was lunchtime. He went straight to the long-missed faculty and staff canteen. Because he rarely came there, he had given most of his meal tickets to Brother Feng.

I didn't see Brother Feng here, but I did find Uncle Ping An.

"Uncle, can you do me a favor?" He told him about his idea of ​​making a short film and then a movie. Of course, his main concern was getting Xiao Hong a permit to go to Hong Kong.

Going to Hong Kong at this time is equivalent to going abroad. Wei Ping'an doesn't have that authority, but he can find someone who does.

Peking University still favors Wei Ming, and it's only right that they help him and his siblings reunite with their parents.

But now that Xiaoming is going to be a director, will he still be able to stay at Peking University? What if the Beijing Film Studio snatches him away?

After entrusting the matter to Uncle Ping An, Wei Ming went to the "Reign Behind the Curtain" film crew again in the afternoon. At that moment, they were filming a scene in the Yuanmingyuan built in the suburbs, depicting the warming of the relationship between Emperor Xianfeng and Empress Dowager Cixi.

Besides Wei Ming, there was another young man next to him named Tan Dun, who was holding a rusty apple.

He graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music in 78. Recently, Li Hanxiang heard his composition "Li Sao" and then invited him to compose the score for a movie.

Tan Dun said he wanted to see Liu Xiaoqing, as he has liked her ever since "Little Flower".

Then he came to the film crew. During the intermission, Liu Xiaoqing even peeled an apple for him, which confused Tan Dunxiang.

These days, there are still people who prefer Xiaoqing's big face. Wei Ming respects aesthetic differences.

After they finished filming this scene, Wei Ming told them about his trip to Hong Kong.

"If there's anything you need to bring back or send, or anything that's inconvenient to mail, I can do it for you."

They didn't hear a word he said; their minds were still replaying Wei Ming's plan to go to Hong Kong to make a movie.

“It’s a short film, just for practice,” Wei Ming said. “It’s a pity that Jia Hui, you still have to film here, otherwise I would have cast you as the male lead.”

Even if the script isn't finalized yet, they can still secure Liang Jiahui's casting. No matter what role he's in, he can always find a way to fit the director's desired character.

Liu Xiaoqing asked directly, "So, who do you want to cast as the female lead? Do you think I'm suitable?"

Wei Ming: "Of course it's inappropriate. I, as the female lead, might have to take my clothes off."

Liu Xiaoqing immediately patted Wei Ming on the shoulder, a gesture that made Tan Dun, who was standing to the side, tremble slightly with envy!
Li Hanxiang and Liang Jiahui didn't need to be brought along, but Li Hanxiang did introduce Wei Ming to some behind-the-scenes personnel who might be useful. These were his old team members who he hadn't been able to bring to the mainland, and they were very experienced.

Having extensive experience may also mean that the experience is outdated. Although Wei Ming is unlikely to need it, he still expressed his gratitude.

The next day was Zhang Yimou's wedding.

Wei Ming, Xiao Mei, and Biaozi rode their motorcycles to the Beijing Film Studio. When Biaozi heard that Wei Ming was taking Lao Zhang to Hong Kong, he was extremely envious. However, he was about to have his own important role of beating up foreign envoys, so he couldn't leave. It was a pity that he couldn't accompany Brother Ming this time.

Today, Zhang Yimou wore his most presentable clean Zhongshan suit. He and his wife Xiao Hua each wore a flower on their chests. His wife is of average appearance, but she is a good helpmate. When Zhang was admitted to the Film Academy through a special admission program, it was her brother from her family who helped him a lot.

At this moment, Chen Kaige and his wife Sun Jialin arrived, and Zhang Yimou quickly introduced his wife to them.

Afterwards, Xiao Hua asked in a low voice, "Didn't you say there was a 'Little Radish Head' in your year? Why haven't I seen her?"

"She's probably filming a movie. Don't worry about her. There's a surprise coming up later."

The surprise was Wei Ming. With Wei Ming's arrival, the film academy's cafeteria became even more lively.

Xiao Hua often heard Zhang Yimou talk about Wei Ming. Because he talked about him so much, Xiao Hua felt that it was a bit fake. Who is Wei Ming? Who is Xiao Hua? How could he call Xiao Hua his brother?

At that time, she even felt that Zhang Yimou had not only learned photography in Yenching, but also vanity.

Unexpectedly, he actually managed to get Wei Ming to attend the wedding, with two attendants by his side.

Wei Ming and his two attendants each gave a generous gift of one hundred yuan, which was basically enough to cover the wedding banquet in the cafeteria today.

After all, student meals are cheap, and the drinks are relatively inexpensive Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), so Lao Zhang is reluctant to buy Xifeng (another type of Chinese liquor).

Because many students had already gone out to film, not everyone was present. However, everyone was happy and honored to attend Zhang Yimou's wedding with Wei Ming present. At the wedding, Kai Ge's wife, Sun Jialin, even led the singing of "Only Time".

This person is also a college student, just graduated this year, and joined the Yanjing Design Institute. His father is also a famous designer.

However, the male students preferred to sing "Goodbye," as Lao Zhang's wedding day was also the time for everyone to part ways.

~
That evening, Wei Ming took a few pieces of wedding candy and sneaked into the courtyard house in Nanluoguxiang in the dark. He was about to part ways with his sisters, so he wanted to spend some quality time with them. Zhu Lin was there too. The weather was nice today, and she and Gong Xue tried out the swimming pool at home.

I must say, after being scorched by the sun in the morning and at noon, swimming in the afternoon was really refreshing. If you felt restricted, you could even go shirtless.

When Zhu Lin mentioned this, Wei Ming's eyes widened.

"How about we go swimming for a while longer?"

Zhu Lin: "Let's forget about it. The water's cold now, and the weather's getting cold too."

Gong Xue: "Yes, tomorrow, tomorrow then."

Then it started raining the next day, but luckily there was a canopy over the pool, so the water didn't get dirty.

Another day passed, the sky was clear and the air was fresh, a perfect day for the release of "Middle Age".

Wei Ming went to see a movie with two sisters who were dressed up. Before leaving, he took a special look at the pool of clear water.

"When we get back, the three of us will go swimming!"

The release of "Middle Age" is a big event for Zhu Lin. This is the film she considers to be the one that best matches her own identity and experience, and the one she put the most effort into. She almost projected the experiences of her mother's generation into her performance.

This film is also a big event for writer Chen Rong, as it is her first work adapted into a film. Today, she brought her whole family, including her husband and three children, to watch it together.

Liang Zuo and Liang Tian were naturally overjoyed. This was Zhu Lin, a big star, whose drama "Du Shiniang" was incredibly popular recently.

"Joyful Reunion" and "Du Shiniang" were both hits, and "Middle Age" is Zhu Lin's third hit.

The show she attended was a morning performance, so there weren't too many people. However, after the show, the audience was very eager to discuss it, saying things like, "I didn't expect Zhu Lin to act so well."

"Yes, I was quite surprised too."

"It just feels like her acting skills suddenly improved."

"Zhu Lin is practically glowing!"

Zhu Lin was both amused and exasperated by what he heard earlier, realizing that he had been a talentless idol all along.

However, she liked what one viewer said: "I feel like Tiger Girl (Siqin Gaowa) will have some rivals next year~"

(End of this chapter)