Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 331 Making Preparations in Advance
"One last thing, contact the labs in Singapore and Peninsula and give them a push to get a prototype of the portable computer out. Chips alone won't do; we need a competitive product."

"Understood, I will urge them again."

Another two weeks later, a call came from China; it was from Zhang Zhengyang.

"Mr. He, the TV series has been approved! The higher-ups have granted special permission for acknowledgments, but it can only be Huanghe Group, not Hong Kong."

"no problem."

"As for the broadcasting rights you want, the higher-ups support it. When mainland products go global, the first stop is naturally Hong Kong. We can only discuss the subsequent revenue after the film is released in mainland China."

"That's fine, we need to see how it goes. But there's one thing I want to say: what's popular in mainland China may not be so in Hong Kong. There are many other factors involved."

"They know that. It's not like we haven't imported films before, but only a small portion of them sell well."

"Then I'll find someone to liaise with them?"

"Sure, just contact the TV station directly. The production crew doesn't have that much power."

"How can we guarantee that the equipment is being used where it's meant to be used?"

"Don't worry, I've told the TV station all the conditions you're applying for, and there will be someone to supervise it."

"So much the better."

"If you're worried, you can send someone to the set to check. If there are any problems, just report them directly, and someone will handle it."

"Okay, I'll hang up first."

"Don't worry, I have a few other projects that will be approved soon. You'd better have the money ready!"

“If the project is suitable, money is not a problem!” He Yuzhu said.

“I love hearing that. Mr. He is as magnanimous as ever.”

"I'm doing this for the development of the Yellow River, aren't I?"

"Yes, let's develop together, let's develop together."

Now that the matter has been approved by the higher authorities, it needs to be implemented as soon as possible. He Yuzhu directly dialed the phone number of the special economic zone.

When no one answered either of the two calls, he paged both of them.

Not long after, He Yuxin called first.

"Brother, are you looking for me?"

"Yes, the sponsorship of 'Journey to the West' has been approved by the higher-ups," He Yuzhu said.

"After submitting the application for so long, it's finally approved?" He Yuxin asked.

"What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry to pay?"

I'm not in a hurry, but some people are. "After all, we've given them hope. The crew over there is going crazy waiting. That kid Li Chengru calls every few days to ask about it, and I'm too embarrassed to answer."

"Well, the talks won't be directly with the production team; the TV station will probably send someone to talk to you."

"TV station, can the production crew use those equipment and stuff?" He Yuxin has been in mainland China for so long, he has seen a lot of things.

"This will be overseen by someone."

"That's good."

"I'll call them right now and let them know."

"By the way, when they talk to you about copyright or anything like that, don't talk about specific revenue sharing yet. You can draft an agreement first. The film isn't finished yet, so we'll talk about it after it's finished filming."

"it is good."

"By the way, I noticed you seemed to have a bit of interest in this industry before. You could learn more about it from the production team. I've heard there's still a good market for films in China. Why don't you get someone to do some research for the company and see what the market is like?"

"knew."

"Tell Da Mao not to call back."

“Da Mao can’t come back right now. He went to Xiangdu. I’ll tell him when he gets back.”

"Alright, but don't lose face during the negotiations. We're the ones paying, understand?"

"I understand. If it doesn't work out, we can just not negotiate and save some money."

"That's what I mean."

A few days later, Li Chengru, Director Yang, and a deputy director of the television station arrived in the special economic zone.

Xu Damao and He Yuxin personally received them.

Upon seeing Xu Damao and He Yuxin again, Li Chengru was so excited he almost went up and hugged them both: "President Xu! President He! Thank you so much! This is truly a timely help!"

Director Yang was also filled with gratitude, holding their hands for a long time: "Thank you both, thank you so much!"

"No need for thanks, this final decision was made by our boss."

"Please convey our gratitude to Mr. He on behalf of our production team. If Mr. He has the opportunity to visit Beijing when he comes to the mainland, we will certainly give him a warm welcome."

"We don't know about that, but we will pass it on."

After the pleasantries, it was time for business negotiations. The deputy director of the TV station was very meticulous, listing out the number of words on the subtitles, the font, and the duration of each appearance.

He Yuxin didn't indulge him, because he had asked the production team in advance what the post-production standards would be after the initial filming.

They were already taking advantage of them because they were a private enterprise, and they even made their names smaller than usual. How could He Yuxin possibly agree to that?

They also subtly implied that they weren't obligated to sponsor the project; the deputy director was actually there on a mission, and that the decision had been largely made from above, and he was there to carry it out.

As a result, they made another phone call to confirm with their superiors, and finally finalized the deal.

A preliminary framework agreement regarding the broadcasting rights in Hong Kong was subsequently signed.

After signing the contract, the next step is to agree on the procurement cycle and delivery method. Another issue is that the equipment is all new, and there is the problem of technical personnel. The TV station needs to send people to learn, but the TV station cannot afford the cost of the technical personnel on the Yellow River side. After all, the most basic salary in Hong Kong starts at three thousand Hong Kong dollars, which is even more when converted to mainland currency.

He Yuxin and the others didn't mind. They'd already spent a lot of money, so why worry about the small amount? But there was one problem: those who came to learn needed to know English or Cantonese, otherwise communication would be an issue.

This really stumped the TV station. After reporting it to their superiors, the station decided to transfer personnel, because there was a precedent and they knew they would encounter similar situations again in the future.

Before leaving, He Yuxin and his group treated the TV station staff to a meal. During the meal, He Yuxin asked the production team about casting issues.

After asking around, He Yuxin learned that Director Yang was very strict in choosing people and had a good system for it. To be honest, even with the level of actresses from Hong Kong, he might not be able to select them.

However, he still mentioned it, and Director Yang naturally agreed. She told him to just come, but she couldn't guarantee anything because she also needed to see if he was a good match for the character in the play.

After seeing the film crew off, He Yuxin thought for a moment and then made a phone call to Rosamund Kwan in Hong Kong.

Over the phone, he briefly explained the situation, mentioned He Yuzhu's speculation, and emphasized that the filming conditions in mainland China would be quite harsh, telling her to think it over carefully.

Rosamund Kwan was naturally unmoved by the speculation, because she had never met He Yuxin's elder brother and knew nothing about this big shot.

She was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, then said softly, "Thank you for telling me about this opportunity. I will seriously consider it."

He Yuxin sensed the perfunctory tone and added, "My older brother's predictions have never been wrong. I know you may look down on China, and I hope you will put away your contempt. Of course, you can also take it as me talking nonsense. That's all I have to say. Think about it yourself."

"I...I didn't mean that, I just..."

“It’s okay. I just think this is a great opportunity. Although you’ve filmed a few dramas at TVB, you know the specifics better than anyone else.”

"I see."

"I've disturbed your rest, I'm hanging up." He Yuxin didn't say anything more and hung up the phone. He also needed to think about it. Actually, it was a matter of principle. He might develop his career in mainland China for a long time in the future. If he couldn't even make this kind of sacrifice, then he probably wouldn't be able to marry this girl. He would encounter many similar situations in the future, and they would argue every day.

Then, he called He Yuyao again. He Yuyao said that he had mentioned it before, and He Yuxin had told him about his boss's prediction. He Yuyao decided to talk to Chung Chuh-hung about it again.

Then He Yuyao asked He Yuxin when she would return to Hong Kong, because recently someone had been trying to get close to Rosamund Kwan again.

He Yuxin simply replied "let nature take its course," which left He Yuyao a little confused. However, after recalling the reactions of the two girls when he mentioned that matter to them before, he understood.

Later, He Yuyao brought up the matter again to Cherie Chung during a date.

After listening, Cherie Chung fell into deep thought. He Yuyao hadn't told her about the rise of the eldest son of the He family, but she had inquired about it herself. Even TV dramas wouldn't dare to portray it like that; it was more legendary than any legend.

If the eldest son of the He family approves of it, then it must be a good opportunity. This is an opportunity, not an opportunity to become famous in China, but an opportunity to get closer to the He family.

However, she still expressed her concerns: "Won't filming in mainland China take a long time? And I'm not very fluent in the language, am I?"

Her career is still on the rise. If it goes on for too long, there will definitely be problems in Hong Kong. She needs to weigh the pros and cons.

"I asked my third brother about this. It won't be very long, just one episode."

"One episode?"

"Is such that."

He Yuxin briefly explained what Journey to the West was about, and then Chung Chuh-hung realized that it was about the monkeys, and the women were basically all demons, supporting characters.

"That's quite interesting. Does anyone watch a show like this?"

"I don't know either, but I've read both the comic books and the Journey to the West, and they're really good," He Yuyao said.

"Could you find it and let me take a look?"

“I’ll go home and ask. I remember my older brother brought a whole set with him, and later gave it to my nephew and niece, saying it could be passed down as a family heirloom and was very meaningful.”

"Then let's look for it on the market."

“It’s alright, just cherish it while you’re looking at it. I’ll return it to you when you’re done. My two nephews treasure it,” He Yuyao said.

"Go back and ask them, make sure they don't take things from children!"

"I wouldn't dare, I'm afraid of getting beaten up!" He Yuyao said.

"No way, you're the Chief Inspector!"

“That’s outside. Back home, my status is nowhere near that of my nephews and nieces.” “I think it’s all because of your flirtatious talk. The one who will deal with you is your older brother.”

"how do you know?"

“I’ve met your third brother a few times. He’s not that kind of person. Besides, you two grew up together. I bet he’s taken the blame for you a lot.”

"You really know me well!" He Yuyao laughed.

"Who knows you? I'm just guessing."

“I’ll go back and ask for you. You can think about it yourself. If possible, go to the mainland. I have Third Brother and Brother Mao to protect you there. As for me, I can’t go back.”

"Brother Mao?"

“My neighbor, who came to Hong Kong with me, is also my father’s disciple.”

"Oh, oh!" In those days, the master-disciple relationship in Hong Kong was still very important. As soon as He Yuyao mentioned the master-disciple relationship, Cherie Chung understood that the relationship between the two families was not simple.

"By the way, why don't you go and persuade Xiao Guan? It would be good if he went with you, he'd have company."

"What's wrong? Did your third brother get the short end of the stick?"

"You can't say that, I just don't want this to affect others."

"I understand, but you need to let me figure it out, otherwise how can I persuade others?"

"No problem, but you need to hurry. I don't know how long the crew will be filming. Besides, what if all the good roles are snatched up?"

"Ok."

A month later, the equipment was handed over to the special economic zone. Xu Damao made a phone call, and Li Chengru happily took you to the special economic zone.

Li Chengru looked at the equipment, wanting to touch it but not daring to, and said in a trembling voice, "This is great! Director Yang will be ecstatic when he sees this!"

He Yuxin and Xu Damao personally oversaw the handover of a batch of brand-new camera, lighting, and recording equipment, as well as a safety harness system marked with English, to the receiving personnel sent by the TV station and Li Chengru in the Special Economic Zone.

In addition, two Yellow River 'Rock' trucks and two 'Warrior' jeeps were provided, which were not specified in the contract.

"These are also for us?" Li Chengru asked in surprise.

"Otherwise, how are you going to bring it back? Are you going to carry it back yourself?" Xu Damao said.

"Brother, you're like my own brother, I don't know how to thank you enough." Li Chengru grabbed Xu Damao's hand and shook it hard.

"Alright, alright, you're shaking me to pieces."

"After I finish filming this drama, I'll come back and work for you."

"No way, you're just a debt collector, I wouldn't dare accept your money," Xu Damao joked.

Don't say that!

"Hahaha, just kidding. By the way, these are all good stuff, but you should be careful when using them."

"Of course, the crew will cherish them with their lives."

“No need for that. Go back and tell your people that these technicians should dig as much as they can with their skills,” Xu Damao said in a low voice.

"They're not from your company?"

"They're hired, so how much you can dig depends on your own abilities."

"I'm still confident about this."

"Alright, be careful on the road."

"Don't worry, we have escorts. This batch of goods is extremely valuable." Li Chengru gestured with his chin towards the soldiers sent by the Special Zone.

"Let me know when you arrive at your destination, and I might come and visit you," Xu Damao said.

"Welcome, welcome, but we're all in remote mountain valleys or deserted places, I'm afraid you won't be able to find us."

"Don't worry, I've traveled all over the country," Xu Damao said, as he was trying to secure an opportunity for He Yuxin.

"goodbye!"

"goodbye!"

A few days later, Cherie Chung and Rosamund Kwan took leave one after the other, and then the two women completed the formalities and arrived in the Special Economic Zone through the Lo Wu Port.

He Yuxin personally went to pick them up.

Then he drove a Warrior car with the two women straight to the nearest filming location of the Journey to the West crew.

Following behind was a 'Rock' truck loaded with supplies; anyone who didn't know better would have thought it was a supply delivery vehicle.

After a long and arduous journey of seven or eight days, the two women finally arrived at the filming location in Huajiang Canyon, Guizhou. They had almost been separated from each other along the way.

However, the scenery and the working people along the way greatly impressed them. They had never seen such mountains, canyons, and rivers before. They realized that this was what China was like.

When we arrived, there weren't any good places to stay, so we found a place to stay to ask for lodging.

He Yuxin rested for a bit and then drove to the filming location. The two girls originally wanted to go too, but they were too tired on the way and didn't get up.

"Mr. He, what brings you here?" Director Yang asked in surprise when he saw He Yuxin.

"I've brought you the actors."

"Actors, where are they?" Director Yang looked around the car, but there was no one there.

"I'm too tired from the journey, so I'm resting at a local's house."

"Did you drive all the way from the Special Economic Zone?"

"Yes, I didn't expect Mr. He to be so hardworking."

“My family is also a poor peasant family,” He Yuxin said with a smile.

"You even know this."

"Hehe, that's what my parents said."

"After I finish filming this scene, I'll go see you."

"No rush. Oh, right, I also brought some supplies. Director Yang can send someone to receive them later."

"How can we accept this? We can't take it."

"It's nothing, just some food. I heard your film crew has a tough time."

"Was it Li boy who said that again? Li Chengru!!!"

"Director Yang, here it is, here it is!"

"Mr. He, what brings you here?"

"Why can't I come? Didn't we agree before that I would drop off the actors and come to visit?"

"Oh, oh!" Li Chengru thought to himself, "Didn't President Xu say that before? But it's all the same. Now I can have some fun again."

After wrapping up, Director Yang and Li Chengru went to the county in He Yuxin's car. He Yuxin suggested having dinner, but Director Yang declined, saying he wanted to see the actors first.

Actually, there was nowhere to eat, so the crew cooked for themselves.

After meeting them, Director Yang was quite polite to the two actresses from Hong Kong because they were indeed outstanding in appearance and fit her aesthetic standards.

But she was very serious during the audition. Seeing that neither of the two women had any background in opera or martial arts, she was actually a little worried.

So they suggested that the two women spend two days on the film set to see if they could adapt.

The two girls agreed, but what followed was tough for them. Filming period dramas in Hong Kong involved setting up tents and building a bunch of artificial mountains and such. Occasionally, there would be real scenery, but it would just be a grassy area or something.

When they arrived at the actual filming location, the two girls were dumbfounded. They were only filming one episode in such a dangerous place, and they heard that the next location was very far away.

If this were to be filmed entirely, it would probably involve traveling all over China. Also, the actors' appearances are such a stark contrast—some are incredibly beautiful, while others are frighteningly ugly.

When the two sisters saw Zuo Dafeng dressed up and appear on camera, they almost knelt down, thinking that a real Bodhisattva had descended to earth.

He Yuxin then understood why his brother said this show was bound to be a hit; just based on the actors' appearances, the show was sure to be a success.

The crew ate communal meals, but the enthusiastic and dedicated atmosphere on set was something the two TVB actresses really enjoyed, something they rarely experienced during the fast-paced filming at TVB.

No one in the crew discriminated against them because they were from Hong Kong.

Most importantly, they learned a lot. Many of the actors there had real skills, and Director Yang was generous in showing them some clips.

In particular, Zhu Lin, who played the Queen of the Women's Kingdom, delivered a scene where she watched her brother, the Emperor, leave. Without uttering a single line, she conveyed endless affection, sorrow, and restraint through her eyes alone, leaving Cherie Chung and Rosamund Kwan breathless and deeply moved.

"This is what an actor should be like! This is the goal they should strive for!" The two women asked Director Yang where this older sister was.

Director Yang told them that they were in Beijing, currently at the National Theatre of China.

The two girls asked He Yuxin if they could go to Beijing. He Yuxin said that if they had enough vacation time, they definitely could, and the two girls were very happy.

After more than a week of working together, Director Yang finally gave them the opportunity to try out the roles of Zhenzhen and Aiai in the episode "Four Saints Test the Mind of Zen".

She admitted, "The role isn't big, but it's very interesting. Whether you can portray the ethereal grace of a fairy and the charming cuteness of a mortal girl depends on yourselves. Our acting style here might be a bit different from that in Hong Kong."

These past few days, the two women's little bit of arrogance has been worn away. They realized that beauty is just an entry ticket here, and the real competition lies in their understanding and portrayal of the characters' inner world.

Those mainland actors, whose names they might not know, all possess a focused dedication to the role, believing that "acting is of paramount importance."

Chung Chor-hung privately remarked to Rosamund Kwan, "I never knew acting could be like this. I used to feel like I was just 'acting' more."

Rosamund Kwan shared the same sentiment, putting aside her initial sense of superiority from Hong Kong, and began to seriously study the script and consult with veteran actors in the same group.

As for the language issue, many people in the crew learned some when setting up the equipment, so there weren't many problems with communication. These days, the two women have also started learning Mandarin.

(End of this chapter)