Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 57 Extreme Patriotism: Nothing More Than Empty Talk

"You didn't even ask!"

Cao Zhong glanced at Han Sanpin.

There was no way to answer that. Han Sanpin was silent for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Who are you planning to get to sing? The national team?"

"The national team can sing, but to generate buzz, I will likely have some songs sung by popular singers to maximize the reach of the promotion. In addition, the songs will be released gradually in conjunction with the trailers."

Cao Zhong explained very seriously,

"However, after the movie, these songs were put under the control of President Han."

During their conversation, Wang Zhongjun coughed twice, indicating that he wanted to speak.

“We at Huayi have a singer named Jane Zhang. She won third place in Super Girl last year and is very popular. We also have our own music company, so we can promote her through all channels. I think this song I have is very suitable for her.”

Cao Zhong highly approved of Wang Zhongjun's suggestion.

"As expected of someone from a music company, President Wang's talent in music composition is truly exceptional. I think we can have her sing, but she'll need to participate in various events!"

Wang Zhongjun was overjoyed upon hearing this; he could appreciate the quality of the song.

This also shows the huge amount of traffic this song can bring to Jane Zhang.

This is absolutely beneficial to the development of Huayi Music Company.

And it's a revolutionary song...

Thinking of this, he became so excited that his face turned slightly red.

"That's it?"

"Of course! I just hope she finishes recording this song as soon as possible, the sooner the better."

"Director Cao, don't worry about that, I'll personally oversee it!"

The two sides hit it off immediately, and Wang Zhongjun saw the potential for explosive popularity in the lyrics.

Cao Zhong also really hoped to have Zhang Liangying as a tool.

Yu Dong gave an awkward smile, "I don't have any singers under my management, so I'm afraid I'm not fortunate enough to enjoy this."

Han Sanpin tapped the table, took the song from Yu Dong's hand, examined it carefully, and his expression became even more serious. "That song is for Zhang Liangying to sing, but what about this one?"

Cao Zhong looked at the group and asked, "Is there a 'Super Boy' competition this year?"

Yu Dongdao: "I've heard of it, it does exist."

"I should be able to get the list of participants, right?"

Cao Zhong asked,
"I want to see who has the most suitable voice, preferably one that can penetrate the soul, is both gentle and strong, and makes people feel calm and comfortable. Ideally, it would also help him win a place in 'Super Boy'. No matter what his ranking is, I am confident that I can make him a star."

Yu Dong chuckled: "You underestimate us. Although we're not from the same system, we can definitely get our hands on a talent show roster."

Cao Zhong nodded, "Then thank you in advance, President Yu. I will personally select the candidate later."

You're tone-deaf, and you're still being picky. Yu Dong was speechless, but didn't say anything.

This is no big deal at all; a phone call will solve it.

Cao Zhong really wanted to call out Chen Chusheng's name directly, but since the guy hadn't won the championship yet, Cao Zhong couldn't say it.

However, if the song is matched with Chen Chusheng's voice, and the song is released at the height of the popularity of "Super Boy", Cao Zhong believes it will definitely set the whole summer ablaze.

Cao Zhong also didn't believe that Chen Chusheng would refuse the song.

After all, he was just a contestant who hadn't even debuted yet, so he would never refuse such an opportunity.

As for the last song, Cao Zhong turned to Han Sanpin and said, "If possible, I hope this song can be recorded by China Film Group."

Han Sanpin hummed in agreement.

Cao Zhong's lyrics are of high quality, and since they can help promote the movie, Han Sanpin has no way of refusing.

Suddenly, Han Sanpin changed the subject and asked, "Do you really want seven hundred copies?"

"want."

How confident are you?

"Let's see how big the public opinion can get."

Cao Zhongdao said, "But I believe I can win."

"China Film Group, let's do it!" Han Sanpin clenched his fist, making up his mind.

He was optimistic about Cao Zhong.
So since Cao Zhong asked him to place a large bet, he would do it!

Han Sanpin has been in the entertainment industry for over twenty years, experiencing ups and downs, and has met quite a few directors.

Han Sanpin had never heard of or seen such a courageous grassroots force as Cao Zhong.

Thinking of this, Han Sanpin turned to look at Wang Zhongjun and Yu Dong, "Are you going to follow or not?"

Yu Dong hesitated for a moment, then refused.

“Old boss, I think this number is a bit too much. Bona has already agreed on the film's release date with Jiang Wen. I have already made a big bet on Jiang Wen; the film prints will be on his side.”

"Not putting all your eggs in one basket?"

"We're not breaking up."

Yu Dong nodded firmly; he simply couldn't imagine any possibility that Cao Zhong could break the record set by "Curse of the Golden Flower".

Not at all.

Rather than gambling on this incredibly slim hope, he preferred to place his bets on Jiang Wen, who had already been famous for many years.

Wang Zhongjun paused for a moment before saying, "Huayi is willing to follow suit."

Cao Zhong poured the wine in front of him into his cup and drank it all in one gulp.

……

Now that we've come this far, there's no need for further words.

I wanted to talk more about the upcoming movie, but after a few drinks...

Everyone was so drunk they were practically spinning; there was no time left to talk about the movie.
In a daze, Cao Zhong seemed to see Yang Mi and led her away.

……

At this time,
Su Mu's family.

"Old Jia, things are not good."

"How to say."

"I watched a preview screening of Cao Zhong's film today. In the film, he directly wrote a character to refer to Yasujiro Ozu. If he hadn't criticized him before, people might not have thought of it, but now, if this film really makes tens of millions at the box office, you and I will probably face tremendous public pressure."

"The movie content is very good?" Jia Zhangke sensed something was off and went straight to the point.

“It’s definitely not good on an artistic level,” Su Mu said honestly, “but it’s much better than your movie.”

Jia Zhangke almost choked to death.

So, what's your opinion?

"I think we should strike first," Su Mu said.

"In this movie, he portrays all Japanese soldiers as inhuman and immoral. I think this is populism. Even if he shouts about presenting gifts and patriotism, he is completely irrational. Instead, he deliberately creates conflict in the movie to eliminate humanity."

"What do you want to do?"

“We have to do the interview together,” Su Mu said.

“I’ve noted down some key points from his film; we need to discuss them together.”

Jia Zhangke wasn't in a good mood; he'd been in very poor condition lately.

The film I originally planned to shoot and the documentary I was supposed to produce haven't really been done.

“Then let’s do the interview,” Jia Zhangke said after thinking for a moment. “We can’t let him beat us up. We need to call for a boycott of extreme patriotic films.”

Su Mu approved.

……

Two days passed.

Jia Zhangke and Su Mu were interviewed by Southern Metropolis Daily, where they talked about Cao Zhong, with whom they had previously had ideological conflicts.

He responded with a smile, but his words concealed a sharp edge.

“We can accept comments from young people, but deliberately exaggerating the flaws in art history and making wild accusations based on them is just for making money. Patriotism needs to be rational. Extreme patriotism is just empty talk, and how much conscience is involved is unknown.”

(End of this chapter)