Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 397 I really can't bring you next time.

The Shaolin Temple has actually been filmed in several versions. The earliest version cost more than HK$400,000 at the time, which was quite a high price.

What's even more frightening is that after filming, everyone realized it was a waste of time; the effect was poor, and the viewing experience was also bad. The Hong Kong director couldn't understand the landscapes of the mainland.

Finally, the director was changed to Zhang Xinyan. Director Zhang Xinyan then decided to remake the film. From preparation to filming, it took another two years. The script was completely rewritten, and the cast was changed from professional actors to a group of professional martial artists.

From the lead actor Li Lianjie to the supporting actors Yu Chenghui, Yu Hai, Ji Chunhua, and others, none of them were professional actors. They were all from sports schools or martial arts schools, either martial arts champions, folk martial arts masters, or graduates of sports schools. None of them knew how to act or how to film, so the so-called action scenes were actually real fights.

The final product was excellent, but because none of the actors were professional and the crew lacked professional guidance, the final product had various flaws.

But thanks to Jet Li's exceptional skills and the beautiful landscapes of mainland China, he still swept across the entire Asia.

Gu Ming knew he couldn't participate in the filming, but it was worth it to do other things.

They were not staying at the Shaolin Temple, of course. In fact, the Shaolin Temple is not equipped to provide accommodation these days. The group stayed at a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain. Although the environment was already quite good, it was still somewhat inferior to hotels and inns abroad.

This gap is roughly the same as the gap between Caozhong County and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing.

Gu Ming didn't care, but the others didn't think so.

"I just don't like coming back. It's pointless. The accommodations are bad, and the food is bad too..."

Zhen Zidan grumbled and complained bitterly.

He shared a guesthouse with Gu Ming.

Upon hearing this, Gu Ming looked up at Zhen Zidan and said, "But you are from the Zhou Kingdom."

Zhen Zidan touched her hair, looking somewhat speechless.

He is an American of Chinese descent, and his Chinese is not as good as his English. In fact, he does not have a deep sense of identity with China.

On the contrary, it was his mother who often taught him these things; Zhen Zidan had previously trained at the Beijing Sports School for two years.

However, Zhen Zidan really didn't want to talk about such things in front of Gu Ming.

Gu Ming only casually mentioned it to him. Seeing that Zhen Zidan had already washed up, he casually said, "When you meet the crew, you'd better show them some respect."

Zhen Zidan said, "I will definitely respect it!"

"You also need to earn people's respect, so you'll have to show them what you're capable of."

"I've got plenty of skills! As many as you need!"

"That's fine... I'll arrange an opportunity for you to have a friendly match with their lead actor."

Zhen Zidan was secretly delighted.

"Don't worry! I'll beat him so badly he won't be able to find his teeth!"

Gu Ming nodded.

Hmm, is Jet Li fighting with Donnie Yen?

It's highly likely that Zhen Zidan was beaten so badly she couldn't find her teeth.

Jet Li has genuinely practiced martial arts, but Donnie Yen only practiced routines for filming.

After giving Zhen Zidan a few pointers, Gu Ming said nothing more.

Not long after lying down, she suddenly heard someone knocking on the door. Zhen Zidan went to open the door and found Xiao Quan standing guard outside.

"Is Brother Gugu there...? Brother Gugu, that Zong Daochen just sneaked out."

Gu Ming stood up instantly.

"It must be Zhou Guo's directing team arriving. He secretly went to see the director alone. Let's follow them!"

"Yes!"

Gu Ming casually threw on a coat and was the first to leave. He quickly reached the open space outside the guesthouse, where Zong Daochen was secretly getting into his car with an entourage member and a Zhou translator.

The two exchanged a glance, and Zong Daochen's expression changed slightly. He quickly urged, "Lord Zong, how could you abandon me and leave first? This is so disappointing!"

Gu Ming took a step forward and casually grabbed the bumper.

"Hurry, drive!" Zong Daochen urged a few times, but then the tires emitted a piercing screeching sound, followed by a grinding noise, and there was no sign of progress.

The driver, sweating profusely, whispered, "The car seems to be stuck."

"Stuck? I..." Zong Daochen was about to speak when he heard a loud bang.

The car shook violently a few times before stalling.

Zong Daochen peeked out and saw Gu Ming secretly throwing a piece of the bumper he had pulled off into the bushes.

"Zongjun, how could you leave alone first?" Gu Ming stepped forward, put his arm around his shoulder, and acted unusually affectionately: "Could it be that the production team has arrived, and you're planning to sneak off to see the director by yourself? No way, no way!"

Zong Daochen remained silent, tears welling in his eyes: "I actually sent someone to tell Furuya-kun, but that guy probably slacked off!"

"Really? Why don't you fire him for slacking off?" Gu Ming raised his hand to check his watch and said, "It's getting late. Look how dark it is outside. What if something happens to the car? Come on, I'll go with you!"

After Gu Ming finished speaking, he didn't care how Zong Daochen would respond. He opened the car door and shoved Zhen Zidan and the driver, Xiao Quan, into the car, making it packed full.

Zong Daochen had a thousand words to say, but in the end, they could only be summed up in one sentence: "How despicable!"

"Next time, we really can't bring Koya Akira along!"

……

……

Gu Ming was right; the director's team had indeed arrived. Zhang Xinyan's photography crew, the main actors, and others had already arrived at Shaolin Temple ahead of him. Zong Daochen had already called to request a meeting, but now Gu Ming had appeared, which made him particularly unhappy.

As Gu Ming traveled along, he saw a strong and muscular man from a distance. His features vaguely hinted at the image of a refined and skilled master, but at this moment, he had a large beard and looked like a bandit who was not to be trifled with.

This man was certainly not a bandit, but the later famous swordsman, the martial arts champion of Shadong Province, Yu Chenghui.

As for the boy beside him, who looked like he was seventy despite being only seventeen, it was Ji Chunhua.

But Gu Ming's gaze ultimately lingered on the boy in sportswear behind Yu Chenghui.

He wore a dark green plum blossom tracksuit, and the only difference between him and Hao Jing was the two characters printed on the tracksuit. Although not tall, he was very strong and had a natural air of heroism in his eyes.

Li Lianjie.

"What a pity," Gu Ming sighed inwardly, knowing that Li Lianjie had taken a wrong turn later on.

But this is not something he can interfere with at will.

Zong Daochen stepped forward and said, "Amitabha..."

Gu Ming pressed down on Zong Daochen's shoulder, pushed him back, and handed him to Koizumi. Then, under Zong Daochen's almost annoyed gaze, he took the initiative to step forward.

"You must be the team from the 'Shaolin Temple Movie'! Let me introduce myself, my name is Akira Furuya."

Gu Ming introduced himself, and the accompanying translators responded almost simultaneously.

Unfazed by the various gazes before him, Gu Ming simply gave a slight bow: "I have decided to fund the reconstruction of a Mahavira Hall at Shaolin Temple, and I believe that subsequent filming can take place there. However, I have a few more words to say about this film. May I ask which one of you is the director?"

Zhang Xinyan took a step forward, effectively blocking their view of each other.

"I am Zhang Xinyan. Mr. Furuya, please. I also have something to say about the filming!"

Seeing that the group was indeed talking as they walked into the nearest guesthouse, Zong Daochen turned around and looked at Koizumi.

Koizumi met Munemitsu's gaze without flinching.

Akira Furuya pays his salary, not Michiko So!

Zong Daochen could only wipe his eyes.

How infuriating! He was here first!
Whether it was delivering the bell to Hanshan Temple, donating the main hall to Shaolin Temple, or investing in a movie, he was clearly the one who arrived first. But why was Gu Guming so adept at it?
(End of this chapter)