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

Chapter 92 A Heart-Piercing Attack [Please Subscribe, Please Vote for Monthly Tickets]

Wang An had never suffered such humiliation.

People love him, respect him, and value him!

Among Chinese directors, only Zhang Yimou can be considered a master in comparison to him.

What gives Cao Zhong the audacity to do this?!

Wang An felt an overwhelming surge of anger: "I didn't, I didn't..."

Cao Zhong was very satisfied with Wang An's reaction.

He knew that Wang An dared not admit it.

But that's the truth, how can it be refuted?

He just wanted Wang An to speak out.

The red ribbons have all been removed!
Cao Zhong sincerely advised and invited:

"I know Director An is very flustered right now."
But Director An, the future of Chinese cinema needs like-minded directors to develop together with us.
I know you went to the West a long time ago and were influenced by Western narratives and Western funding, but I'm willing to give you a chance.

I contacted China Film Group and begged Chairman Han to give you a chance. I believe you didn't do it on purpose.

A project that costs hundreds of millions is actually a very large undertaking.

There will inevitably be various oversights and unexpected events along the way. I'm a director myself, so I understand this.
But Director An, please calm down and think about it.
It seems I did harm your interests, but the external reporting cost was only a little over 90 million, less than 100 million.

Tang Wei doesn't spend much money; aside from what you guys pocketed, the actual cost should be minimal.

Furthermore, there's the copyright revenue from the Golden Lion Award, so it shouldn't be a loss.

To put it bluntly, in the Chinese film market, this kind of film wouldn't have much box office revenue anyway.

So, Director An, I lifted the lid on this matter right after the Golden Lion Awards were announced.
It will have a much smaller impact on you than if it were revealed after the film's release.

I really have your best interests at heart.
I sincerely invite you to join me in the future, to contribute to the development of China's film market and share in its glory.

How can you bear to abandon such a huge market as China?

"I've done so much for you, won't you even say thank you?"

Cao Zhong's voice came from the other side, making Wang An's head buzz.

He's in a mess.

His mind was in complete turmoil!
Every word Cao Zhong said made perfect sense, but it just made him feel awkward, extremely awkward!

He understood it and was deeply moved!

He was very surprised.
How did Cao Zhong manage to make this call?
How could he do that?

Would a normal person do that?
Is he... really trying to help me?
Wang An's emotions were in complete disarray at this moment; this day had been far too chaotic.
He had figured it out on the plane.
Zhang Yimou's departure from the film industry has drawn criticism from Cao Zhong, the top-grossing director, who claims the film is specifically targeting "Ailing" and is relentlessly attacking it.

He was panicking on the plane. When the plane went through turbulence and shook, he thought it was because of his panic.

Now, a single official document has shattered the formidable reputation he built up with the movie "Crouching Tiger, Arhat".

This day felt longer than a lifetime. Cao Zhong didn't play by the rules at all. He fell from heaven to hell and was completely numb.

But for some inexplicable reason, he, who was known for his refined manners, suddenly believed Cao Zhong's momentary sincerity.

"Thank you. Thank you, Director Cao."

Wang An spoke up, saying that no matter what, he needed the Chinese market, and he had to accept Cao Zhong's overtures.

Then the call was disconnected.

???

Wang An was stunned.

"The local director is so rude!"

……

Beijing Film Academy dormitory.

Qi Jiuzhou was stunned.

Wang Renjun, holding his camera, recorded Cao Zhong and Wang An's conversation on speakerphone, but he too was speechless.

Wang Renjun recorded every word Cao Zhong said and every thank you Wang An said.

Watching Cao Zhong hang up the phone,

I don't know what to say to these two.

In short, my worldview has somewhat collapsed.

The art master in their eyes actually said thank you.

Most importantly, Cao Zhong hung up on him without even a polite reply.

impolite.

How rude!
Qi Jiuzhou stared at Cao Zhong, his eyes wide with surprise, and said, "I don't understand, how can he believe this?"

"Believe me for nothing! He doesn't believe me, and I don't believe him. Do you think he doesn't understand the script? What he says is useless; the very foundation of the play is wrong!"
However, people who have been ruled by colonies don't learn their lesson easily. Once they've been badly beaten, they'll understand. What good will it do them to stand up to me?
I gave him face, so he had no choice but to accept.

Wang Renjun couldn't hold back his laughter any longer and asked hesitantly, "But he really did say thank you."

"He can only say thank you. If he doesn't say thank you, is he going to tell me that he filmed it on purpose? That he wants to distort the revolutionary narrative? What good will it do him to scold me? Should I escalate the situation and beat him to a pulp?"

Cao Zhong looked at his two roommates and said, "You two need to study. There's no end to learning!"

Now they both understood!
They were on the first floor, and Brother Zhong was on the fifth floor.

Holy crap, Brother Zhong is really something.

"By the way, why didn't you beat him to death, Brother Zhong?" Wang Renjun asked again.

"Because you can't get rid of them, you don't have the determination. The more you beat them, the more artistic and saintly they become."

"He's an American, so you can't really fight him. He's adapting the original story, so he has his reasons. Just know when to stop."

Cao Zhong sighed, "Ultimately, it's because I'm too weak." Qi Jiuzhou pursed his lips, his face almost contorted into a long, thin line.

You're still weak? If you're weak, what is my father?
Are they considered ants?

My dad is a national award grand slam winner; he wins every time he's nominated and has never missed a win!

Why don't they have the same domineering presence as Brother Zhong!

"Did you record it?" Cao Zhong turned to ask Wang Renjun.

“I recorded it all, not a single word was missed,” Wang Renjun said. “Director Wang An’s voice was recorded very clearly.”

Cao Zhong nodded: "Having this is like having a backup plan. When the other party wants to deal with me, I can use it to make a deal."

"Make a deal?" Wang Renjun had another question.

"Dog training!"

Wang Renjun finally understood.

Having followed Brother Zhong for so long, he can immediately match the name of the dog whenever Brother Zhong mentions it.

……

Beijing.

As soon as Jia Zhangke and Zhao Tao landed and stepped out of the airport, they were surrounded.

At this moment, Jia Zhangke was pale. In Venice, Zhang Yimou had retired due to illness, and he thought it was true.

Afterwards, Wang An won the Golden Lion Award, and Jia Zhangke believed that he finally had an ally. Things developed step by step according to his expectations.

He had assumed that Cao Zhong would take on two, or even three, opponents.

In the end, Cao Zhong's proposed triple architecture theory will be swallowed by Cao Zhong himself, and he will have to swallow the insults and let it go!
It will be crushed by the tide of art.
Subsequently, Jia Zhangke was also a victorious nation.

However, when they were in Venice preparing to return home, they discovered that Cao Zhong had launched a scathing attack on director Wang An's film "Ailing".

Subsequently, they realized that Zhang Yimou's retirement due to illness was tantamount to fleeing.

In other words, Zhang Yimou may have already sided with Cao Zhong, and he was aware of Cao Zhong's plans.

This discovery caused Jia Zhangke's expression to change drastically.

Zhang Yimou invested.

This top-grossing director in mainland China unknowingly invested in Cao Zhong's project.
When the plane landed, they saw the overwhelming news again: China Film Group had issued an official document to "Ailing".

Jia Zhangke's eyes were practically popping out of their sockets!
He felt it, he felt the raging whirlwind.

"Director Jia, what is your opinion on the fact that the film that won the Golden Lion at the 64th Venice International Film Festival was banned from screening on the same day it won the award?"

"Director Jia, does this ban prove that Director Cao Zhong's 'triple structure' theory is indeed true?"

"Director Jia, is your film 'The Good Man' really the kind of film that bows down to the West? How do you evaluate Cao Zhong's criticism of you?"

"Director Jia..." "Director Jia..." "Captain Jia..."

Under the flashes of various lights, Jia Zhangke felt as if those dazzling gazes were piercing through him.

The initial fear vanished abruptly at that moment.

He has nothing to fear.

Because the strong wind had no effect on him.
You don't necessarily need to have a face on your face.

If you don't want it, then don't.

He was originally an underground director, and now that he's been released, he can return to the underground scene at any time.

The actress in Lu Xuechang's film "The Great City" died after becoming addicted to drugs while filming.

Who knows now?
Who cares what the movie is about or what impact it has?

By making noise, speaking out, and showing it to the judges, he can make a fortune.

Even if he's banned, he'll still make money.

This is an ironclad rule.

What can you do to me?
Jia Zhangke smiled and said, "Make way, make way. I have nothing to answer. This is not a question you should be asking me today. You should interview Director Wang An."

Jia Zhangke can accept failure, but for him, failure is also a kind of victory.

The more he is suppressed, the more popular he becomes!
That's just how people are; they always like to have too many thoughts about things that are banned, and they always feel that only what is unconventional, hidden, and outspoken is art.

He has supporters; as long as he dares to do something, there will be people cheering him on.

What's there to be afraid of?

For Cao Zhong, box office success is something he may never achieve.

But Cao Zhong doesn't have any dog ​​food either!
Captain Jia thought to himself.

What can you do to me?
He ended the siege of reporters at the airport.

Captain Jia arrived home quickly.

He received a phone call as soon as he got home.

It was Su Mu who called.

"Zhang Ke, I've heard something."

"What's the rumor?" Captain Jia frowned.

"Ban me? Or ban 'The Good Man'?" Jia Zhangke laughed wildly. "Do you think I care?"

“No, no,” Su Mu shook his head and said, “They want to investigate and interview people involved in your film story, and then make a documentary and edit it together with your film to show the world that your story is fake and nonexistent.”

Jia Zhangke's face suddenly turned ashen.

(End of this chapter)