Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 370 Find a new way
After receiving their mission, the two brothers returned to their room and began searching through the story materials that He Yuxin had previously sent people to collect.

The stack of those books was half a person high. Most of them were folk tales and legends, adaptations of local operas, and some were stories about reform.

The two brothers spent several days looking at the photos, feeling overwhelmed, but they couldn't find anything that really suited their taste. They either felt the scope was too small, worried that the photos wouldn't turn out well, or felt they couldn't handle the subject matter.

Seeing that her two sons were almost obsessed, Xiaoman said to He Yuzhu one night, "Brother Zhu, aren't you going to do anything about Yaozu and Yaozong being like this?"

"What, are you feeling sorry for your son?"

"Aren't you heartbroken?"

"Alright, these two kids have run into a lot of obstacles lately. Tell them tomorrow that if they can't find it, they shouldn't bother looking anymore. Why not use the many readily available ones?"

"Ready-made? Remaking someone else's work? Will that work?" Xiaoman asked.

"Sigh, it's like being in a completely different world!" He Yuzhu sighed.

As a result, Xiaoman punched him a few times and rolled her eyes at him.

"Will you tell me or not? Will you tell me or not?"

"Alright, alright, stop fighting, stop fighting. When the third brother sponsored the 'Journey to the West' production team, we discussed the copyright issue. Let the eldest brother go to the mainland to buy the overseas copyright, and let the second brother talk to the two TV stations about broadcasting it. That way, the new company's first business deal will be done."

"Then why did you make your two sons go through so much trouble? You could have just said so earlier."

"If I can't even handle this little setback, what great things can I accomplish in the future? Will I even be able to retire?" He Yuzhu said.

“I think you’re a long way from retiring,” Xiaoman said. The things He Yuzhu did were beyond the capabilities of most people. Even He Yuxin and his team would have a hard time, let alone the inexperienced He Yaozu and He Yaozong.

"That's why we need them to grow up quickly," He Yuzhu said helplessly.

"Alright, alright, you're always right. Go to sleep."

The next day, Xiaoman went to find her two sons.

"Mom, is there something you need?"

"Yes, I saw you guys were busy but didn't know what to do, so I came over to give you some advice."

"Really? Mom, please tell me." He Yaozu got up and took Xiaoman's arm, while He Yaozong also took her other arm.

Xiaoman gestured to them, and the two brothers pressed her down into a chair, one massaging her shoulders and the other pounding her legs, which left her quite bewildered.

She received this treatment when her children were young, but she has never seen her two sons so attentive since they grew up.

"You two rascals, now you know how to fawn over others," Xiaoman said with a laugh.

"Mom!" the two called out somewhat embarrassedly.

"Alright, alright, your dad sent me to deliver a message. The treasure is right there in front of us, why do we have to dig our own hole to find it?"

The two brothers looked at each other, both somewhat bewildered.

"When your third uncle sponsored 'Journey to the West,' he discussed overseas broadcasting rights. Although it wasn't finalized, the goodwill remains. CCTV has finished filming, and I heard the station is still short on funds. Now that someone is willing to offer to buy overseas broadcasting rights, how could they not want it?"

He Yaozu's eyes lit up: "Mom, you mean..."

"Yaozu should go to Beijing and find Director Yang and the leaders of CCTV. Tell them that Yellow River Culture wants to import 'Journey to the West' for overseas broadcast. If the price is right, we should be able to get it done. If not, we should mention the kindness we showed you in your time of need."

He Yaozong immediately pressed, "And what about me?"

“Are you just going to buy it and leave it at home? You have to negotiate, contact TVB and ATV, find out their intentions and bottom line, especially how the broadcast time slots and advertising revenue sharing are calculated. Remember, we want prime time.”

The two brothers immediately perked up.

He Yaozu immediately said, "I'll fly to Beijing tomorrow!"

Ho Yiu-chung nodded: "I'll invite the TVB people for tea tonight!"

"Look how anxious you all are," Xiaoman said with a smile.

"How could we not be anxious? These past few days have been incredibly stressful for us," He Yaozu said.

“Yes, I thought it would be a simple matter, but I still messed it up,” He Yaozong said.

"This is to give you experience. There's no such thing as instant success. It's all done step by step. Getting the copyright back and dubbing it is no small task. Yaozong, you can start selecting voice actors. You've seen the TV series. If the voices aren't good, it won't do."

"Yes, yes, yes, it has to be my mom. She's a heroine who can do the work of two people."

"Alright, now you know how to flatter me. I'm leaving, you guys get ready." Xiaoman said this, but her smile never stopped.

"Let us give you a massage!"

"No, you two should hurry up and get to work." Xiaoman got up and walked out.

"Thank you, Mom!" the two said in unison.

Back in Beijing, Director Yang Jie learned that Yellow River Culture was interested in purchasing the overseas rights to "Journey to the West" and had offered an astonishing price. She personally accompanied He Yaozu to meet with the leaders.

She's currently free, and she'd like to film a few more episodes of Journey to the West. Also, the station is struggling to find funding for their next project, so we should be able to negotiate.

The process was not smooth, as there was no precedent and approvals had to be obtained from each level of government.

He Yaozu stayed in Beijing, which made Chen Lanxiang extremely happy. How could she not be happy that her eldest grandson was coming back to stay for a while?

In his spare time, He Yaozu would drive around Beijing with his grandparents and younger cousins.

Occasionally, he would also visit an electronics store.

Li Chengru managed his business very well, and every time he saw him, he would report on his work, which made He Yaozu both amused and exasperated.

"Mr. He, don't worry, everything is normal! It's just that two new stores have recently opened and followed suit, but our supply is stable and our brand is strong, they can't compete with us."

"Manager Li, I'm just here to take a look, learn a bit, and get to know things. I'm not here to inspect the work."

"Hehe, do you really need to learn this from us?"

"correct."

"Okay, come over another day and we'll go visit some clients. The storefront isn't very interesting."

"Okay."

He also accompanied director Yang Jie to CCTV several more times.

Director Yang has a wide network of connections and often takes him to visit some veteran producers and directors. During these visits, He Yaozong listens to them talk about the past and present of the industry, and he silently keeps all of this in mind.

He also called his brother in Hong Kong.

"Yaozong, how are your negotiations going?"

"Brother, things aren't going too well. They're not very interested in domestic films and think the ratings won't be high."

"Yes, I've thought of that. They haven't seen the original film, so they can only speculate. Once I've finalized things on my end, it'll be easier to negotiate once I have the original film."

"it is good."

“By the way, I have another idea, which came to me during a conversation with some directors and screenwriters in China,” He Yaozu said.

"You said."

"We could film military life, especially combat units like our fifth uncle's, with their pre-battle preparations and post-battle training. As for the battlefield scenes, we'll have to ask if it's okay to broadcast them."

"Filming inside a military camp?"

"Ah."

"That must be difficult."

“What’s so difficult about it? Uncle San and the others have a good relationship with Huacheng, so we can just ask them.”

"Should I go talk to Uncle San, or should you go?"

"I think you should talk to your fifth uncle first. It would be best if you went to Huacheng, stayed in the army for a while, learned about the real situation, and wrote part of the script. You always say you can write, so show off your skills."

"Okay, I'll talk to Dad and Mom and head over as soon as possible."

"Yes, everything's alright at home."

"They're all fine, Grandpa and Grandma are doing well."

"It's great, I'm busy taking care of the two little ones every day."

"Aren't those two little guys fun?"

"It's so cute, I took a lot of photos."

"Ningxue is probably envious; she's still studying at school."

"Hahaha."

He Yaozong stayed at the Huacheng Military Region Guesthouse for three days before He Yuyan finally showed up.

"These past few days I've been busy working on the training syllabus and getting your paperwork done for entering the military camp. Are you ready to endure some hardship?"

“We’re ready,” He Yaozong said.

"I hope you won't give up halfway. Pack your things and come with me." He Yuyan smiled and patted her nephew on the shoulder.

The jeep drove all the way to the Seventh Company's camp.

The sentry at the camp gate raised his gun and saluted. He Yuyan returned the salute and casually tossed He Yaozong's backpack off the vehicle.

"Three months, and I'll show you what it's like to be a soldier."

On the first day, He Yaozong vomited twice during a 5-kilometer warm-up.

The next day, during the 400-meter obstacle course, he scraped his knee, but the medic gave him a quick bandage and he continued.

On the third day, we swam across the river in an armed manner. I swallowed half a bellyful of water and wrote a script while lying on a stool at night. My handwriting was crooked and looked like an earthworm.

After a week, He Yaozong hadn't written a single word in his notebook; he simply didn't have the energy to write.

In the second week, He Yaozong went to the field for training with the Seventh Company.

At two in the morning, the emergency assembly whistle sounded, sending shivers down everyone's spines. The night was pitch black, and he carried a 20-kilogram radio, stumbling along behind the ranks.

After marching thirty kilometers and arriving at the designated coordinates, He Yuyan came over to check on him.

"Not bad, I haven't fallen behind."

In the third week, the Seventh Company increased the difficulty by conducting rappelling training.

Week 4: Vehicle training.

In the third month, live-fire tactical exercises were conducted.

"Fifth Uncle, I don't want to leave anymore," He Yaozong said to He Yuyan.

"That won't do. Your status doesn't meet the requirements for enlistment, and your dad won't let you join the army either. As long as the He family has me in the army, that's enough."

"Sigh!" He Yaozong sighed.

"What, have you developed feelings for each other?" He Yuyan asked with a smile.

"Ah."

“That’s right. You’ll be in charge of settling these people down after they retire. They’ll definitely be a great help to you.” He Yuyan punched him in the chest.

"I know."

"Let's go, I'll see you out. They definitely won't recognize you when you get back."

“That’s true,” He Yaozong said with a smile.

"How's your script coming along?"

"I haven't started writing yet. I need to go back and think about how to write. There's so much to write about, and I'm afraid I won't do it well."

"What are you afraid of? You still have your father. He compiled the first edition of our division's mixed-service training manual. If you don't understand, just ask him."

"real or fake."

Why would I lie to you?

In fact, at the end of October 1986, He Yaozu returned to Hong Kong from Beijing with the officially signed contract with CCTV. However, his younger brother did not return, so he had to go to the TV station in Hong Kong to negotiate on his own.

However, before going there, the complete version of "Journey to the West" was shown at the He family villa. He Yuzhu, Xiaoman, He Ningxue, Wang Cuiping, and Yu Zecheng were the audience. Of course, He Yuzhu also let the family's servants, driver, and security guards watch.

The effect is naturally great.

"I've finally finished watching the whole series! It was so satisfying; I never got to watch the whole thing back home," He Ningxue said after watching it.

"The effect is even better than the ones shot in Hong Kong!" Wang Cuiping exclaimed.

"I think it will definitely become a hit," Yu Zecheng said.

"What do you all think?" He Yuzhu asked the onlookers.

"Boss, I'd like to watch it one more time."

"Yes, once isn't enough."

"."

He Yuzhu said to He Yaozu, "Alright, you've seen the results. Take the first two episodes and go talk to them."

"Okay, I'll go tomorrow."

The following day, Ho Yiu-cho met with the person in charge of importing foreign films for TVB.

When the television screen showed footage of Sun Wukong bursting out of the stone and causing havoc in the Heavenly Palace, the TV station's manager, who had initially seemed somewhat distracted, leaned forward slightly, his eyes becoming noticeably focused.

"Mr. He, was this movie really filmed in China? The production quality is much better than I expected. Are all these scenes real locations?"

"Yes, they are all real locations; the mountains and rivers are all real."

"They must have traveled to many places; the filming costs must have been very high."

Upon hearing this, He Yaozu realized that the man was interested and wanted to lower the price.

He said with a smile, "It is higher than usual, otherwise how could it achieve this effect?"

"Mr. Ho, after all, it was filmed in mainland China. We're not sure if Hong Kong audiences will be able to accept the dialogue and narrative pacing."

“Good stories have no geographical boundaries. This ‘Journey to the West’ is a cultural treasure shared by all Chinese people. Its special effects and martial arts choreography are absolutely on par with many current dramas. We can do a pilot episode first to see the audience’s reaction. As for the dubbing, Yellow River Culture will be responsible for finding the best Cantonese dubbing team to ensure that local audiences can understand it and be immersed in the story.”

"This is the truth."

"Of course, if you're unsure, you can try airing two episodes for free. But if it's successful and you want to air more, you'll have to make up for the revenue from those two episodes."

"Mr. He's style is just like your father's."

"You know my father?"

"Who in Hong Kong doesn't know him!" The person in charge gave an awkward laugh.

“If you can’t decide, you can report it to your boss. Of course, if you don’t dare to try, I can go to ATV.”

"No, no, I'll arrange it for you right away."

“Then let me know when you’ve made the appointment,” He Yaozu said.

"I'll do it as soon as possible. You'll give me this little bit of time, right?"

"It won't be too long."

"well."

Two days later, in a large screening room of a radio station, the lights were turned off and the first two episodes of "Journey to the West" began to play on the screen.

At first, the directors, screenwriters, martial arts choreographers, and others who were invited to oversee the project adopted a somewhat scrutinizing attitude, whispering among themselves about the stereotypes of mainland productions.

But as classic scenes such as the birth of the stone monkey, borrowing treasures from the Dragon Palace, and havoc in the Heavenly Palace were presented one by one, the imaginative scenes, solid opera and martial arts skills, and the magnificent momentum of the real-life filming gradually made the whispers in the room disappear.

Especially when they saw the special effects of Sun Wukong riding the clouds and changing his appearance, although they seemed a bit rudimentary by later standards, they were amazing at the time, and some people couldn't help but exclaim "Wow!"

As the end credits rolled, the lights came back on.

The high-ranking official brought in by the terrestrial station cleared his throat, his expression already different.

"Mr. He, this film really exceeded our expectations. The story goes without saying, it's a household name. The production quality, especially the location shooting, is really great, it's completely different from what we filmed in the studio."

With a reassured expression, Ho Yiu-cho said with a smile, "Classic stories also need to be presented with care. We believe that the audience in Hong Kong will feel this sincerity and unique charm."

“The sincerity is evident,” another screenwriter said. “However, the narrative pace and dialogue style are still somewhat different from the habits of local audiences. There are still risks involved in broadcasting it directly.”

Ho Yiu-cho was prepared: "Please rest assured on this point. Our Yellow River Culture team will be responsible for hiring the most professional Cantonese dubbing team in Hong Kong to ensure that the dialogue is vivid and relatable, and suits the listening habits of local audiences. If necessary, the pacing of the film can be slightly adjusted, but we will absolutely respect the spirit of the original work and the core content of the series."

Several senior executives at the radio station exchanged opinions in hushed tones.

Finally, the person in charge made the decision: "Mr. He, we see your sincerity. So, as you mentioned before, we'll do a trial broadcast first to see the audience's reaction. If the response is good, we'll immediately discuss the subsequent official broadcast and copyright contract, including the details of advertising revenue sharing. The revenue during the trial broadcast will be handled according to the agreed plan."

"It's a pleasure to cooperate." He Yaozu extended his hand, feeling relieved.

He knew that he had taken this first step.

The news quickly reached the He family, and Xiaoman smiled and said to He Yuzhu, "It seems that the eldest brother has done a good job with this matter."

He Yuzhu looked at the newspaper without raising his head, only humming in response, but there seemed to be a very faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

He Yaozu immediately threw himself into the intense work, personally overseeing the formation and recording of the Cantonese dubbing team, striving for perfection.

Meanwhile, He Yaozong, who had spent three months training in the Huacheng military camp, returned to Hong Kong, looking thin and strong.

He brought back not only the air of a soldier, but also several thick notebooks of observation notes and a heart thoroughly tempered by military life.

"Second brother, you've turned into a charcoal head."

"How can you talk to your brother like that?" Xiaoman said.

“That’s how it is. We were about the same before, but look at us now.” He Ningxue pulled He Yaozong in front of her so that everyone could see him.

"You're full of energy and spirit, very good!" He Yuzhu commented.

"Hehe!" He Yaozong was very happy to be praised by his father, and he opened his mouth to show a set of big white teeth.

Instead of immediately starting to write the script, Ho Yiu-chung locked himself in his room for a few days to organize his thoughts.

The vivid faces, resounding slogans, sweat, and even tears in the military camp are far more powerful than any fictional story.

He approached his father, no longer with the trepidation of before, but with a more composed and thoughtful approach: "Dad, I've read it and experienced it myself. I feel that we can't just write about training and fighting; that's too thin. I want to write about people, about those most lovable soldiers, their joys and sorrows, their homesickness, their perseverance, and the life-or-death bond between them."

He Yuzhu put down what he was holding, looked at his second son carefully for a while, and nodded: "You're on the right track. Remember, sincerity is more important than any technique. Just tell me if you need any support."

"Yes!" He Yaozong nodded heavily.

Just as Ho Yiu-chung began to conceive his military camp story, TVB's pilot episode of "Journey to the West" achieved unexpected success!
The novel storyline, exciting fight scenes, beautiful real-life scenery, and professional Cantonese dubbing quickly attracted audiences of all ages.

When the ratings report came out, it actually surpassed other programs in the same time slot, and even drove up the advertising rates for that time slot.

The TV station immediately called Ho Yiu-cho, their tone more urgent and enthusiastic than ever before: "Mr. Ho! Congratulations! The ratings are a huge hit! Our station has decided in a meeting to immediately purchase all the broadcast rights! When would be a convenient time for you to discuss the price and the upcoming broadcast schedule in detail? Prime time, no problem!"

"Okay, I'll go tomorrow."

After returning home, He Yaozu immediately went to find He Yaozong.

"Yaozong, we've succeeded."

"You've done it, big brother. I didn't contribute much this time," He Yaozong said with a smile.

"How could you say you didn't contribute? You went through a lot of hardship just because of something I said, all for the sake of success next time."

"We'll definitely succeed." The two brothers high-fived.

(End of this chapter)