Generation Z Artists

Chapter 188 Shortcut
Yesterday, Zhang Weiping, general manager of New Pictures, revealed that the first period kung fu blockbuster in Chinese film history, "Hero," has been officially launched.

Directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Jet Li, this film features Fang Xinghe as the second male lead, a highly skilled young swordsman, who will engage in a passionate fight with Jet Li. It's definitely something to look forward to…

The People's Daily news is written in a very neutral style.

It simply describes the facts, expresses expectations at the end, glosses over sensitive points, and refrains from commenting.

Domestic official media outlets generally share the same attitude: vague and ambiguous statements.

However, emerging online media such as NetEase and Sina, as well as established media outlets, didn't care about all that and went straight for the big news.

The original interview with Zhang Weiping was published on Sina.com.

Q: "Mr. Zhang, what do you mean by an all-Chinese lineup?"

A: "It means exactly what it says, a lineup composed entirely of Chinese people."

Q: "Does that mean there are no foreigners?"

A: "Yes! We're making a martial arts epic that belongs to the Chinese people. Foreigners can't understand it, so it's none of their business."

Question: "Then I would like to ask, are compatriots from Hong Kong and Taiwan considered Chinese?"

A: "Of course it counts! Without a doubt!"

Q: "Then why did the 'Hero' production team dismiss the Hong Kong action choreography team that had already been agreed upon?"

A: "Because Fang Xinghe is more suitable for this position. He is an outstanding disciple of the Wudang Sanfeng School, with high-level kung fu skills and a particularly imaginative mind. We decided to appoint Director Fang to take on this important task based on the quality of the film."

Q: "Is this related to Fang Xinghe's statement that he would blacklist Hong Kong and Taiwan filmmakers?"

Answer: "Of course not!"

Q: "But Fang Xinghe just made that statement, and you started laying off Hong Kong and Taiwan employees. It's hard not to make some connections."

A: "What you think is your business. Anyway, we have assembled an all-Chinese team and treat staff from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland equally. Anyone can compete for a role or position as long as they can meet our requirements."

Q: "So will 'Hero' actually use Hong Kong and Taiwan stars? I remember you said before that you were in contact with superstars such as Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, and Dan Ye."

A: "The outcome will be determined through the audition."

Q: "So you mean that those Hong Kong and Taiwanese stars might not pass the audition?"

A: "I didn't say that. It's just that... Hong Kong and Taiwan stars are expensive and not easy to use, so the cost-effectiveness is too low. For the sake of the quality of 'Hero,' we prefer to use some cheaper and hardworking mainland filmmakers."

But this is not a certainty; no, we don't make assumptions.

Perhaps during the auditions, Hong Kong and Taiwanese stars performed far better than mainland stars, so of course we should select the best. As the core creative team, Yi Mou and Director Fang will definitely act impartially and select the actors who best fit the roles..."

After practicing Tai Chi for most of the day, Zhang Weiping finally took this step.

He's a big-mouthed, foul-mouthed scoundrel who dares to insult anyone, but directly attacking the entertainment industries in both regions was ultimately too crazy.

The label of undermining national stability is firmly attached to 16-year-old Fang Xinghe, but he can't bear it.

So his strategy was to deny everything on the surface, but in reality, he was being sarcastic and his subtext was very clear: you Hong Kong and Taiwan filmmakers had better watch yourselves and not come here to get yourselves killed.

If anyone dares to speak ill of me, I won't disrupt the overall situation, but I can criticize them if I want to.

Such a clear stance instantly caused an uproar across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Wong Jing: "Zhang Weiping is a complete scoundrel and a gossip!"

Qian Jiale: "Zhang Weiping, what are you so arrogant about?! The professionalism of Hong Kong stars is well known, and their skills far surpass those of mainland stars. If it weren't for the glory created by Hong Kong films, what right would you have to make kung fu movies?"

Chapman To: "Zhang Weiping is a dung beetle, and Fang Xinghe is that dung!"

Anthony Wong: "Zhang Weiping is nothing but a barking dog, relying on the power of a clown. Driving out Hong Kong stars and behind-the-scenes personnel? Absurd and laughable! Without the participation of Hong Kong and Taiwan superstars and top behind-the-scenes talent, heroes? You're just making a fool of yourselves!"

They started hurling insults, tearing off all pretenses, and a fight broke out!
If they had been somewhat restrained before, then from the moment "Hero" was semi-officially announced, the conflict reached a fever pitch.

Wei Ping was no pushover either. Since he had nothing better to do, he was happy to help generate buzz for "Hero".

He would immediately retaliate against anyone who insulted him.

They take a bite and run, either on the same day or the next.

Many people hate Zhang Weiping, but naturally even more people hate Fang Xinghe.

The martial arts community, in particular, was outraged.

Some wanted to challenge Fang Xinghe to a duel, some wanted to ruin his face, and some even threatened to kill him if he came to Hong Kong again. There were all sorts of outrageous rumors.

But there is only one truly important voice – Liu Jialiang.

"Unwilling to cooperate? Then let's not cooperate."

A simple sentence led to a large-scale boycott of Fang Xinghe by the Hong Kong martial arts industry and even the martial arts world.

Liu Jialiang is a genuine successor of the Southern School of Hung Kuen, a direct descendant of Wong Fei-hung, and his father was a disciple of Lam Sai-wing.

Hong Kong's martial arts community is dominated by Southern styles such as Hung Kuen, Wing Chun, White Crane, and Choy Li Fut, with clear lineages. There are not many elders left, and Lau Ka Leung is one of the most renowned among them.

Due to the unique environment, there is a high degree of overlap between the martial arts world and the film and television industry in Hong Kong; the martial arts industry is basically an extension of the martial arts world.

In modern society, if martial artists don't compete, they can only work, and among all jobs, martial arts is clearly the one with the most potential for development.

Being a stunt double is tough, but if you become famous, you can not only switch careers to become a director, but even become a star and make a lot of money.

It can be said that Hong Kong's martial arts community is the lifeblood of Hong Kong's martial arts world. Now that Fang Xinghe is going to touch their roots, how could they not fight to the death?
After a simple meeting, they hit it off immediately and began to counter the blockade of the opposing star system.

"All Hong Kong martial arts performers are prohibited from cooperating with Starry Sky Films. Violators will be jointly punished!"

Some even shouted provocative slogans: "Hong Kong martial arts performers should stop all activities in mainland China and let them go to hell!"

A strike wave orchestrated behind the scenes by Hong Kong and Taiwan is quietly brewing in the mainland film and television market.

It may not have taken shape yet, but its impact will certainly be far-reaching.

Fang Xinghe didn't know who was stirring things up, nor did he care or pay any attention to them.

He is busy selecting and cultivating his own talent.

The fundamental reason why mainland China lacks top-notch action choreographers is not a lack of skill, but a lack of practical opportunities.

With so many martial arts champions, there must be many talented people with amazing imagination and aesthetic sense in their movements. However, in the past, the relevant resources were controlled by Hong Kong teams, making it difficult for them to enter the industry.

Now that Master Fang has built his own team, he wants to open up a new path for the martial arts circle. Who still cares about how his ex-girlfriend reacts?

Oh right, Hong Kong media cares.

A Ming Pao reporter followed Fang Xinghe to the capital to provoke him, asking him what he thought of the declaration of confrontation by the Hong Kong martial arts community and even the Hong Kong martial arts world.

"Is this happening?"

Fang Xinghe was puzzled for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively: "Let them be."

"You are not afraid?"

Brother Fang chuckled: "What's there to be afraid of?"

Before the reporter could press for further questions, the hot-tempered Xiao Fang launched into a tirade.

"Those so-called martial arts masters from Hong Kong and Taiwan are nothing but a bunch of deserters who abandoned their families, careers, country, and hometowns. When the country needed them, they cowered like turtles. When their hometowns needed them, they shut themselves up and acted like ostriches. Some even became traitors and puppet soldiers!"

Fang Xinghe stared intently at the camera: "Why should I be afraid of such heartless, ungrateful, incompetent, and immoral cowards? They are the ones who should be afraid of me!"

The word "deserter" is a deadly insult.

Martial arts places great emphasis on lineage. A style of martial arts must have a clear record of its origins and who developed it in order to claim its legitimacy.

Regardless of what kind of martial arts or opera they practice, the origins of almost all martial arts practitioners in Hong Kong are in mainland China. This is an indisputable fact. The core reason why those traditions took root in Hong Kong was to avoid trouble, which is also a fact.

Fang Xinghe's slap almost knocked out their teeth.

It hurts, it hurts too much.

Not only did they feel pain, but deep in their hearts, they also felt a genuine fear that they dared not admit.

Fang Xinghe is such a fierce, wild, and unexpected person.

It seemed there was no sky he dared not pierce, and he would pounce on someone and strike their vital points at the slightest disagreement.

The Hong Kong martial arts community immediately erupted in uproar, while the Taiwanese descendants who had been hit by the AOE attack were squealing and yelling incessantly.

However, before Fang Xinghe could even speak out again, martial artists from the mainland suddenly rolled up their sleeves and took to the field.

Tai Chi, Bajiquan, Piguazhang, Chuojiao, Xinyi, Xingyi... He furiously stomped on Hong Kong and Taiwan boxing masters.

The popularity of kung fu movies and martial arts dramas reflects the prevailing trends of our time, where everyone is driven by profit and everyone wants to compete.

Fang Xinghe's "proposal" for mainland martial arts masters to lead the mainland market hit them right where it hurts, and they all jumped out to criticize it vehemently.

One minute it's your style of boxing not being authentic, the next it's your master's character being questionable, then it's that the founder already expelled your grandmaster from the school—it's quite a spectacle. The division within the martial arts world began from this point…

Ah, no, the martial arts world has never been united; it's just that they've suddenly started arguing a lot.

Overall, the situation is one where the mainland's various factions are overwhelmingly defeating Hong Kong and Taiwan, a situation in which the mainland has a significant advantage.

However, the chaos in the martial arts world can only be considered a side battle and does not affect the overall situation.

The real front line is still the huge tsunami caused by "Fang Xinghe joining the hero for free".

The Sun: "Fang Xinghe harms others with his own money, undermining market fairness!"

Similar news is everywhere. At first glance, it is criticism, condemnation, and angry scolding, but upon closer inspection, it is all panic.

Where have they ever seen someone like this before?
Banning someone is something you can just talk about, why are you actually doing it?
Moreover, previous blacklistings in the entertainment industry were usually done by companies blacklisting their employees, cutting off resources and exposure, and then using contracts to restrict them, achieving good results without paying much of a price.

Now, Fang Fengzi has started a new game – if I don't make money, you guys shouldn't make any either!

Some media outlets have conducted detailed analyses of Fang Xinghe's market value and estimated his reasonable fee, setting a median price of 2000 million.

Although there are no large data models at this time, the fundamental business logic remains the same. Based on simple data such as endorsement sales and photo book sales, it is entirely possible to deduce a celebrity's market price.

If he charges too high a price, fewer people will hire him, so he will naturally lower his price; if he charges too low a price, he will be too busy, so he will naturally raise his price.

This simple dynamic equilibrium has always existed.

Industry insiders believe that although Fang Xinghe has never acted in a movie or TV series, paying him 2000 million yuan is very reasonable, considering that he can reach audiences in Japan and South Korea.

But now he is using 2000 million to purge Hong Kong and Taiwan influence, which has caused panic among all middle and lower-level film and television professionals.

If they won't let us participate in blockbuster films like "Hero," what about the other projects from Starry Sky Films?

In the future, will all projects that Fang Fengzi (a nickname for a certain person) participate in no longer have work for us?
The Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry was in a state of panic as a result, with people discussing the matter quietly every day, every moment, and on every film crew.

Before this, they laughed at Fang Xinghe as Fang Da Zui, meaning he loved to talk big, boast, and overestimate his abilities to block both places with his own power.

From then on, they started calling Fang Xinghe "Fang the Madman" because he was really ruthless, crazy, and domineering.

Quietly, Fang Xinghe's reputation began to change.

It is difficult for any group or circle to be of one mind. Some people hate Fang Xinghe, some people are afraid of Fang Xinghe, and some people begin to hate troublemakers because of fear.

"What is Ge Hongfu doing?!"

"The Hong Kong media are a bunch of fucking idiots!"

"Are they still putting up a fight? Don't they care at all about the lives of our brothers?!"

"Brother, you have to think of something! We didn't get involved, why should we be buried with them?"

"Damn it, those big shots have plenty of money, they can afford to lose it, but if we don't work for six months, our whole family will die. What's going on here?"

"If everyone in mainland China were to emulate Fang the Madman..."

"Holy crap! That's terrifying!"

The stunt performers had to stand firm, both out of pride for martial artists and out of the core interests of Hong Kong's martial arts choreography brand. However, the rest of the on-screen and behind-the-scenes staff were not so stubborn; they only cared about job opportunities and compensation.

The blockbuster "Hero," destined to leave a significant mark on film history, had such a tremendous impact that it could even be described as—

A landmark work.

If the film fails at the box office, that's somewhat better, but if it succeeds... the consequences are unimaginable.

Many people are getting anxious, really anxious, extremely anxious.

However, the influence of Hong Kong and Taiwan media is limited to their own islands and cannot reach the mainland. As a result, many entertainment industry capitals have begun to exert pressure on the mainland in various ways.

Some people went through official channels to report, protest, and complain, while others went through private channels, spending money to smear Fang Xinghe, incite conflict, write smear articles against him, and hire people to work on Wei Ping and Mou Zi...

Under these circumstances, the 13 Ugly guys made a fortune again.

Cheng Yizhong published a series of articles in the Nanfang Daily and Nanfang Weekly, hurling insults and profanities.

"Reckless and unrestrained behavior!"
Fang Xinghe used his power to intimidate others, offering Zhang Weiping support for free, and then retaliated and attacked dissidents. How is such behavior any different from that of a bandit?

This move will inevitably destroy the harmony and stability across the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong and Macao, alienate compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and be ridiculed and despised by the international community!

Our great nation of China is founded on virtue. Such a dark and narrow-minded person has ruined the country's reputation and insulted the virtues of our people. He is utterly despicable!

If the nation does not deal with Fang Xinghe, its laws, rules, fairness, morality, and reputation will all vanish!

Following closely behind, Lieyan Mountain wrote another magnificent piece—

"At this time of reform and opening up, it is the time for us Chinese sons and daughters to forge ahead."

Economically, we are embracing the wave of globalization.

Foreign capital has poured into China, undertaking large-scale construction and investing enthusiastically, bringing us valuable funds, technology, international perspectives, and universal values ​​of equality, freedom, and democracy.

During this process, compatriots from Hong Kong and Taiwan generously donated, thanks to preferential policies from the government, strong support from patriotic businessmen, and small donations from the general public.

The Chinese nation, united as one, has created an impossible economic miracle, enabling us to develop at a high speed of 10% per year.

I don't understand, when did our compatriots in Hong Kong and Taiwan become our enemies?
In my hometown, the factory being built by Hong Kong businessmen has absorbed 30% of the local idle labor force, allowing my fellow villagers to escape poverty and put smiles on their faces.

Just three days ago, that Hong Kong businessman called me and asked: Mr. Yan, have the policies on the mainland changed?
I replied in surprise: No, why do you ask this?
A Hong Kong businessman replied: "I see that the voices against Hong Kong and Taiwan have suddenly become stronger among the people, and the government has not appeased them. I am very uneasy and wonder if we are returning to the era of reckoning."

I quickly explained: It's just a spoiled child's personal tantrum; there's no need to be afraid.

The Hong Kong businessman retorted: "Fang Xinghe is no ordinary child. His fans are like a demonic cult; they are truly difficult to contend with. Mr. Yan, there's no need to persuade me further. I've already decided to withdraw and will be returning to Hong Kong soon. Until we meet again."

I was furious, and then I was overcome with grief.

How ridiculous it is that such a promising situation has been ruined by the absurd and nonsensical words of a mere child.

But today, I can't laugh.

Fang Xinghe not only speaks recklessly, but his actions are even more reckless!
To forgo any personal gain in order to harm the legitimate interests of others—such behavior is utterly despicable!

If it were an enemy, that would be one thing, but how can our compatriots in Hong Kong and Taiwan be considered enemies?

Even if some unscrupulous people in the entertainment industry have acted disrespectfully, so many patriotic celebrities have declared their stance early on and raised the banner of the motherland. Are these people guilty?
But Fang Xinghe, without asking any questions, rejected them all. Yan Shan, weeping, questioned: "What right do you have?!"

Fang Xinghe, your arrogance is simply astounding! Have you already come to regard yourself as a god or king?!
Fang Xinghe, your crimes of undermining national reunification, disrupting economic development plans, and discouraging patriotic individuals from Hong Kong and Taiwan from returning home are unforgivable!
Hereby, Yanshan urges relevant departments to thoroughly investigate whether this thief was instructed by foreign forces to deliberately sabotage and destroy the great cause of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!

There aren't many similar insightful articles, but similar accusations are everywhere.

Many people believe that Fang Xinghe is extremely selfish and self-serving, acting only according to his personal preferences and completely disregarding the harm he might cause to others, the industry, the country, or even the nation.

A lie repeated 1000 times becomes the truth. If netizens in 2025 are often misled by public opinion and rumors, how much more so are people in China today?

In an instant, Fang Xinghe's reputation plummeted, his number of haters surged, and his proud identity as a person of Asian descent was tarnished.

The ratio of 200 million core fans to 12 billion people in the entire population is terrifyingly disproportionate.

Besides his 200 million core fans, how many other people actually support his thoughts, ideas, and actions?
This is a number that is difficult to quantify, and a concept that cannot be explored in depth.

Anyway, Wang Chali's team always had a furrowed brow, only putting on a relaxed act in front of Fang Xinghe.

His friends are also under tremendous pressure, and they have become very cautious when talking to him.

One day, Chen, the senior brother who was helping with the martial arts ability assessment, asked casually, "When are you leaving for America?"

"Soon, what's wrong?" Fang Xinghe raised his eyebrows.

"nothing."

The ever-easygoing and generous Senior Brother Chen replied solemnly, "I just wish you all the best and that you will achieve immediate success."

You must succeed too.

Otherwise, the accumulated pressure may become impossible to resolve.

"Oh, thank you, it will work."

Fang Xinghe smiled brightly, then lowered his head again to work on the interview list.

On his calm face, you could not find the slightest tension, anxiety, worry, or fear of loss.

It was as if this was just an ordinary afternoon, and the thing to do next was just an ordinary little thing.

what is this?
Chen Shixing couldn't help but think: Perhaps this is the way of going with the flow, returning to simplicity, engaging with the world yet also transcending it...

Junior Brother Fang is naturally pure and refined by the fire of adversity; he is already close to the Dao!

***************
I had a fever yesterday and didn't even have time to ask for leave, so I wrote an extra 10,000 words today... rounded up to 10,000.

(End of this chapter)