Chapter 1465
Yang Qi
A short while later, they changed him into a black Tang suit that didn't quite fit.
The sleeves and pant legs were a little too short.
Zhang Yuan looked in the mirror and gently shook his head.
It seems the production budget for this film wasn't very high, and the costumes weren't great.
He shook his hand and walked out of the dressing room.
"Hey, Teacher Yu!" He saw one of them and immediately went to greet him.
It wasn't Yu Qian, it was Yu Hai.
It was that mantis boxing master.
This is the master who plays the male lead in the film.
"You're here too, kid!" Teacher Yu said without any politeness.
And as soon as he stepped forward, the other party grabbed his wrist by the seven-inch mark.
"You're being unfair, bullying me," he said with a smile, but he didn't move his hand, letting the other person still pinch him.
“I heard from Lao Yu that he wanted to take you on as a student, but you didn’t really respond.” Yu Hai is already 70 years old, and he has developed quite a few age spots on his face.
Yet his breathing remained balanced, and there was no light in his eyes, which was the complete opposite of the cloudy eyes of most elderly people.
This is the essence, energy, and spirit of martial arts training.
Master Yu Hai was actually quite weak and not in good health when he was young.
It was because his physical condition was average that his family sent him to learn martial arts to improve his health.
So this person trains and nurtures simultaneously, which is why he can maintain his momentum and never falter.
A good martial artist is one who understands traditional Chinese medicine; otherwise, they may end up with hemiplegia.
But the old man knows a little too much...
"I've examined your pulse," Yu Hai said, savoring it. "Your yang energy doesn't seem as strong as it appears."
Zhang Yuan: ...
The fact that everyone around me is dressed so beautifully and doesn't suffer from kidney deficiency is all because my physique is different from that of ordinary people.
“That’s why I need to learn from you,” he said respectfully.
"Even in old age, one can still have white hair and a youthful appearance."
"Are you mocking me?" Yu Hai touched his bald head.
Zhang Yuan: ...
The old man is too aggressive.
Zhang Yuan was unaware that his current feelings towards the old man were the same as how others usually felt about him.
"Are you here to act too?"
"Old Yuan asked me for help, and I saw that the filming was in the capital, which wasn't far, so I came." The old man pulled him to sit down.
I carefully examined this young man with "extraordinary bone structure".
After chatting for a while, the two of them understood their roles.
He was acting opposite the old man.
I happened to receive the script from the two of them and took a look.
Zhang Yuan tried his best not to frown.
It's not a problem with second-rate scripts, it's a problem with second-rate Hollywood B-movie scripts.
He thought about it and agreed; the film's sets, costumes, and equipment were all second-rate.
It was indeed a setup specially arranged to help Chen Hu realize his dream.
Keanu is still a loyal friend.
The movie is called "Man of Tai Chi," and the main character is, of course, a Tai Chi practitioner.
Because Chen Hu himself claims to be a successor of Chen-style Tai Chi.
That's true, Tai Chi practitioners have all gone abroad.
It's unclear whether they're from the main family, a collateral branch, or simply trying to embellish their own image.
The main character is also a Tai Chi practitioner, and Master Yu Hai plays his master.
Keanu Reeves plays a foreign mob boss who runs an underground boxing betting ring in Hong Kong.
Then part of the film was shot in Hong Kong, and half of the plot became a story about Hong Kong police cracking down on organized crime and eliminating internal traitors.
It seems like you can't go to Hong Kong without taking this picture.
In Hong Kong, Simon Yam plays a leader and Karen Mok plays a policewoman.
Putting aside these clichéd elements, this film has several unique aspects, which can be described as both ahead of their time and realistic.
First of all, although the male protagonist is a Tai Chi master, his main job is delivering packages...
That's very realistic.
Martial arts practitioners don't earn as much as delivery drivers.
Then, after making money from boxing, the first thing he did was buy a car.
Why do I call it second-rate? Because these two settings were sponsored by Deppon Express and Volkswagen for advertising, which felt very out of place.
This is a more realistic area, and also a more forward-thinking area.
The male protagonist was initially unwilling to fight in underground boxing matches, but under the guidance of the gang leader, he gradually became corrupted, his methods became increasingly ruthless, and he began to develop murderous skills.
The reason he makes money by boxing is that the sect he worships has caught the eye of a developer who wants to buy the land.
He only got involved in underground boxing in order to reclaim his sect.
When Zhang Yuan heard the assistant director say this, an image suddenly flashed into his mind of a Taoist priest from later generations who was live-streaming a rant because the local cultural and tourism bureau had fenced off the Taoist temple and turned it into a paid tourist attraction while he was away traveling, so he had to buy a ticket to go home... He was being treated the same way as Puyi.
While the economy is developing rapidly, many local bullies are setting their sights on temples and Taoist temples, and such incidents are not uncommon.
These people aren't afraid of retribution for their money.
This is the first, a cruel prophecy.
Another thing is that the gang leader makes the protagonist fight in underground boxing matches for him, and the whole process is secretly filmed and live-streamed.
They transformed him into "Tai Chi Master".
It's exactly the same strategy that MCNs later used to create internet celebrities.
It can be said to be ahead of its time.
But you could also say there's nothing new under the sun.
Creating personas and promoting celebrities—that's something the Americans have been doing for decades.
Look at how Michael Jackson became famous, and then these domestic star-making schemes are nothing to be surprised about.
These are just minor highlights; the rest are just lumps and lumps.
Zhang Yuan even felt that the plot wasn't the biggest problem.
He glanced at Chen Hu, who was chatting with Keanu.
Actually, the biggest problem lies with this guy!
Having come from a martial arts background, he focused too much on the realism of the fight scenes, making them less exciting, and his filming techniques were not very sophisticated.
Even more fatal was his image.
This person's appearance and build are about 80% similar to Xiao Mao from "The Story of the Cooking Squad".
He was short and thin, not handsome, and had long, rather unattractive hair.
That image is ruined.
Just like Hua Yi's "Tai Chi", the main character's image was not good, and the audience did not find it appealing.
You need to understand why you were a stuntman for the first half of your life, rather than an action actor from the start.
Li Lianjie has aged somewhat, but he was quite handsome in his teens and twenties.
Keanu Reeves' looks make him a natural actor.
Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "If I were the lead actor in this terrible script, it would have grossed at least tens of millions at the box office."
Although this would probably still result in a loss, because his salary was too high.
Moreover, there is something Zhang Yuan considers a major taboo in this film.
That is, their combat effectiveness fluctuates greatly.
This movie uses the same fighting system as ordinary martial arts films for 99% of the time.
However, the protagonist's master and the "ultimate move" that the protagonist finally comprehends is a kind of palm technique that can be used remotely, similar to the Cloud-Dispelling Palm.
It's clearly a low-level martial arts piece, but suddenly a mid-to-high level martial arts piece appears, which is quite disjointed.
It feels like a foreigner is imagining Chinese martial arts, and it's true.
Keanu Reeves looks like he's not very smart.
His role was to practice a few moves with the old man, then the male lead would come in, and he would leave.
Done.
It's very simple.
Chen Hu came to discuss with him, wanting to add a fight scene between them.
They weren't strangers, as he appeared in both "Fearless" and "The Banquet".
Zhang Yuan could tell that he was itching to practice with him.
Because he was the action choreographer and I was the actor, it wasn't easy for us to fight.
Seeing how warmly Master Yu Hai treated him today, chatting with him for so long, made me even more eager to meet him.
I am the second U.S. Karate Champion after Bruce Lee.
Zhang Yuan and the like... all rely on their looks. Yes, because he's handsome, he attracts countless fans and generates huge box office revenue.
I have the real kung fu.
People have to live, so we need to comfort ourselves.
Zhang Yuan, however, did not want to fight him.
"I'm just here for a cameo role, so the easier the better," I said.
"My principle is that when making action movies, I can't lose on screen, otherwise it will affect the character image in my other works."
He used an excuse that action stars often use.
Chen Hu had worked in North America for many years, so the name sounded familiar to him.
He was the male lead, and he couldn't lose. He couldn't possibly lose to someone who was just making a cameo appearance... He shook his head and walked away.
"Those who practice martial arts are all straight-headed."
"You're such a brainless idiot," Yu Hai said, glancing at him sideways.
"I was afraid that if we fought, it would damage his confidence and affect the filming," Zhang Yuan said, raising his head.
"Oh, so you're very confident?"
"What are you trying to do...?"
……
Chen Hu pondered for a while.
"Is he just making excuses because he's afraid of losing to me?"
Is he really that big of a celebrity?
"We can't lose yet; this rule seems to only apply to Hollywood's top stars."
As I was thinking about it, I started to walk back.
Upon arriving at the lounge, I saw a tall man in a black suit peeking out from inside.
He also occasionally uttered interjections like "Wow!" and "Oh my god!"
Chen Hu glanced over and saw Keanu Reeves, a famous Hollywood martial arts enthusiast, leaning against the door.
"What are you looking at..." Chen Hu was about to speak when he saw two dark figures flash by inside the room.
Yu Hai's hands transformed into the arms of a mantis, moving with lightning speed, and his steps were as swift as a rabbit, yet each step he took was as steady as the roots of an old tree.
At 70 years old, even 30-year-olds might not be as agile as him.
The wide sleeves created a whooshing sound in the wind, which was frightening to hear.
Chen Hu knew he couldn't resist after just one glance.
A master is a master; I reckon he'd be crippled in one move.
Those in the know understand that Yu Hai's Mantis Boxing is deadly.
Back then, he was the coach and captain of the martial arts delegation that accompanied Premier Zhou and General Chen on their overseas visits.
These two important figures are already quite skilled in martial arts; the fact that they were given these positions speaks volumes about their abilities.
His mantis-like hand was aimed at the eyes, throat, lower abdomen, and joints all over the body; getting hit by it was no joke.
Even Chen Hu was frightened when he saw it.
But with a quick glance, another figure was seen taking several steps back, managing to dodge the old man's attack.
With a light touch of both feet, he leaped into the air like a swallow, landing on one foot on the chair and pushing the other foot forward to control the distance between himself and his opponent, preventing them from getting too close.
Yu Hai was experienced; he dodged the attack with a quick movement and pressed forward again.
Chen Hu saw the man tap his foot again, so he jumped onto the table.
In less than a second, the master's mantis-like arms struck again, but the figure did a backflip, passing over the old man's head, spinning 360 degrees in the air, and landing with a slight sway, just a short distance in front of the two spectators.
"Why are you always hiding?" Yu Hai asked imposingly, his eyebrows raised.
"I'm afraid that if I touch you, you'll lie on the ground and try to extort money from me."
Yu Hai: ...
The old man's breathing was disordered.
Zhang Yuan shook his foot.
I almost twisted my ankle when I jumped down because I hadn't warmed up.
The old man looks fierce, but he's getting old after all. He still has explosive power, but it's not sustainable.
I was already tired after just a few moves, but I pretended nothing was wrong and shook my arm as I was about to sit down.
"Don't worry, I've already stepped on it, let me wipe it for you." Zhang Yuan stepped forward and rubbed the chair surface with the inside of his costume.
Yu Hai felt much better.
A bit slick, but respectful of elders and kind to children.
I was thinking of practicing a bit to see if Lao Yu's statement was correct.
I never expected this kid to run faster than a rabbit.
He was already calculating his escape route before I even got up; he didn't act like a martial artist at all.
But Zhang Yuan thought, "I won't do it!"
Damn, getting hit twice by this old man not only hurt, but I also have nowhere to complain.
If I fight back and hurt the old man, Wu Jingfei will definitely get angry with me.
There's no guarantee that youth will prevail in boxing.
Besides, if I really loved fighting like a martial arts enthusiast, then why would I need bodyguards?
It's just that I don't want to get hurt.
"You have great talent." The old man picked up his tea and took a sip. "You have good bones and muscles, good flexibility, and you move very relaxed."
"This is the most valuable point: the more intense the exercise, the more important it is to maintain a balance between exertion and relaxation."
"But you just don't practice properly."
"Judging from your appearance, you haven't practiced for at least several weeks," Yu Hai said, sounding disappointed in him.
"In addition, as I said before, if you take care of yourself and accumulate your yang energy, you will become even stronger and more powerful, and your strength and speed will be even better."
"Ah..." Zhang Yuan tried to save face, "I was drinking with Yu Qian."
"Drinking..." The old man rolled his eyes at him.
Want to drink at a flower shop?
"Back when Wu Jing and Fan Yimin were dating on set, his movements were noticeably slower than when he was practicing his 'boyhood kung fu'," the old man gave an example.
“Look, I always tell him to quit pornography, but he won’t listen. I’ll try to persuade him properly later.”
Even the old man was speechless.
Do you have an iron shirt or something?
"Alright, drink up. I'll give you a recipe for medicinal wine that can strengthen your body and boost your virility." The old man was really out of options, so he decided to give you some tonics.
“Okay, besides medicinal wine, do you have any prescriptions for liniment, liniment, or wound medicine? I use them often because I'm prone to getting injured while filming action scenes.”
With the mindset of taking every last drop of profit, he acquired a bunch of remedies from the old man.
"I'll go home and prepare it, and I'll send you a copy when it's done."
"I have some good donkey-hide gelatin and sea cucumber at home, I'll bring you some too."
Yu Haixin thought the child was sensible, but then she saw Zhang Yuan ask with a sly smile.
"If I double the amount of herbs in this aphrodisiac wine, will the effect be doubled?"
"I'm asking on behalf of Wu Jing, please don't misunderstand."
Yu Hai: ...
"I'll invite you to my house for dinner later, and I'll cook for you myself, okay?" Zhang Yuan quickly tried to make amends when he saw the old master glancing at him sideways.
Just as the thank-you message was about to appear, I asked about the aphrodisiac, and the old man took it back...
The old man sighed helplessly.
He glanced again at Chen Hu, who was staring in disbelief at the doorway.
Remembering what Zhang Yuan had said before, I was afraid of hurting his confidence... and it seemed that was about right.
Based on that move, that speed and reaction, plus his physical and strength advantage, Chen Hu estimated that he was in serious trouble.
The parties involved understand this better; they can see it immediately.
I'd better avoid people who can escape unscathed from Yu Hai's clutches.
With the old man as a frame of reference, this man's vision became much clearer.
Clap clap clap clap... The big, silly foreigner next to him clapped his hands repeatedly.
"Wow, how did you do that?"
"It involves bouncing between tables and chairs, and even doing backflips."
"I want to learn too!" Keanu Reeves exclaimed, feeling excited just looking at it.
I thought it was special effects, but you're doing it for real!
Chen Hu glanced at the foreigner.
You learn from him?
Don't you always call me Master?
The guy suddenly felt like there was something green on his head...
“You can’t learn this,” Zhang Yuan replied frankly.
"Your body is not suitable."
"But there are other, more expansive moves that suit you."
"We can have a friendly competition."
"However, don't blame me if you get hurt," he said in advance.
"No problem, I'm not afraid of getting hurt." This person, who had only known Zhang Yuan for an hour, had almost forgotten about the teacher he had worked with for over ten years.
Zhang Yuan rolled his eyes. Well, it would be good to have more contact with this person.
As for practice and injuries, as long as his dog isn't killed, it shouldn't be a big problem.
Zhang Yuan believes in one principle: to seek out potential stocks.
Although this person is not a newcomer, and is currently experiencing a career slump.
But his comeback is not far off... (End of Chapter)