Chapter 1485
Determined to Win
New Oriental… These three words went through Zhang Yuan’s mind over and over again.
Then he turned to look at a group of people at a table not far away.
At that table, Sun Li was looking expectantly at the lottery box on the stage.
It has to be said that good looks are an actor's greatest advantage.
Although the "Empress" is not a top-tier beauty, she has unusually large, bright, and expressive eyes, which make her look good on camera.
Not just women, but men too.
Baoqiang, standing not far away, was by no means handsome.
But he has a pair of eyes that inspire trust. Just by standing there, without saying a word, you can tell that he is genuine and sincere.
Zhang Yi, who was huddled in a corner at the time and was often ridiculed for his small eyes, later conducted an experiment on the film crew.
It's the same angle, the same height, and the same natural state as Sun Li.
Sun Li's normal visual boundary range is nearly 40% larger than Zhang Yi's.
Where can you reason with this? Not only are their eyes big and beautiful, but they've also seen more than you.
The only drawback is that the eyelids are prone to wrinkles.
The idea that small eyes can focus light is just self-comfort for people with small eyes.
It's like a poor person saying that rich people also have troubles, and I don't want to have such troubles.
The empress noticed him looking at her and nodded with a smile.
He had no ulterior motives; he knew Zhang Yuan wasn't after her body.
She's actually envious of her husband... because he keeps asking about Deng Chao's affair.
If she hadn't known that Zhang Yuan was very interested in women, she would have thought it was her flamboyant husband who was attracting other women.
However, when Zhang Yuan looked at her at that moment, he was thinking about her husband.
After all, this actor was originally in the movie "American Dreams in China".
The foreign title of this film is "The Chinese American Dream".
Zhang Yuan disagreed, feeling that the translation was poor, emphasizing the American Dream instead of the Chinese Dream.
The Hong Kong title, "Three Chinese Gentlemen," isn't very good either. It's too straightforward and lacks sufficient information, leaving viewers clueless about the film based on the title alone.
The Taiwanese translation of "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" is even more incomprehensible.
After reviewing them, the film titled "American Dreams in China" chosen by China Film Group is still the best.
It's concise, yet clearly tells a story about doing business together.
The most straightforward Hong Kong translation immediately points out the key point of the film: the three male leads.
Chen Dongqing, Meng Xiaojun, Wang Yang.
These correspond to the three founders of New Oriental.
Yu Minhong, Xu Xiaoping, and Wang Qiang.
Many people developed a dislike for Yu Minhong after the Oriental Selection incident.
In addition to the top-tier live streaming, Luo, a former front-line teacher at New Oriental, was constantly talking about Boss Yu, and many people disliked this big boss.
I don't understand why someone earning 3000 yuan a month would look down on a CEO with a net worth of tens or hundreds of billions.
But even Teacher Luo, who always speaks ill of Yu Minhong, admits that Mr. Yu is not a bad person; at most, he is just a little petty.
And they work very hard.
According to Zhang Yuan, it is unreasonable for entrepreneurs like Yu Minhong and Lei Jun to be collectively ridiculed.
Because, putting aside everything else, just considering this one point, every step these two people have taken from childhood to adulthood, from starting out to becoming wealthy, can be examined and discussed in the open.
What do Da Ma and Xiao Ma's families do?
Even Liu Qiangdong, who is often regarded as the ultimate "small-town exam taker," still puts "Jing" before "him" in his JD.com.
People like Yu Minhong, who came from a genuine village background, started from scratch, and rose to the top of their industry, are the kind of people that ordinary people should least ridicule.
Because they represent the pinnacle of achievement for those from ordinary backgrounds.
Other methods rely on either being born into the right family or having a great stroke of luck, which are completely unrepeatable.
Yu Minhong, in particular, is even more impressive than Lei Jun in some respects.
Jun'er has always been an excellent student; he's been smart since he was little.
Yu Minhong, on the other hand, took the college entrance examination three times before finally getting into Peking University.
She only scored 33 points in English on her first college entrance exam, but on her third attempt, she finished the two-hour exam in less than 40 minutes and scored 95 out of 100.
This person is the kind of person with great perseverance; a typical hard-working genius.
Another point is that after he was admitted to the Department of Western Languages at Peking University, he was the only student in the class from a rural background. The rest were mostly from big cities, with the worst being from towns.
Educational resources are never evenly distributed.
Starting from underground, he managed to reach the same starting point in life as people in the city through hard work and willpower. He is truly a remarkable person.
Therefore, Zhang Qiang, the vice president of China Film Group, wanted to make a Chinese-style entrepreneurial story, since most of the works led by China Film Group have a "mission" nature.
Choosing New Oriental as my starting point was definitely the right decision.
The so-called "American Dream" refers to an ideal in North America that believes that a better life can be achieved through hard work and perseverance, under the premise that "equality," "democracy," and "freedom" are in quotation marks.
This is the American Dream.
The Chinese Dream should be one in which, under the premise of freedom, the rule of law, and civilization, Chinese people, regardless of their humble origins, can achieve success through hard work.
No one is more suitable to tell the story of the "Chinese Dream" than Yu Minhong.
Even the two remaining founders of New Oriental, Xu Xiaoping and Wang Qiang, were both Peking University students. One of them studied music, and the other was able to study in North America at his own expense.
That was in the 80s!
That explains their family circumstances.
Moreover, Yu Minhong's later remarks were heavily criticized online.
……
Is this statement really completely unreasonable?
As for the acting, Zhang Yuan felt that Deng Chao's portrayal of Meng Xiaojun, who is also Xu Xiaoping, was the best performance in the film.
That sense of arrogance and conceit, coupled with repeated setbacks, which makes his personality slightly extreme, is captured very well.
Because Deng Chao himself had this feeling deep down.
Overall, this is a phenomenal work.
If we don't mention it, then so be it.
Now that Lao Han has brought it up with me, I won't hold back!
"Great! Since it's a film produced by China Film Group, it can't be bad."
"You must have a reason why you think I'm suitable."
"Okay, once the script is finished, have someone send it to me, and I'll take a look right away."
Can it be sent during the Chinese New Year period?
Old Han was pleased to see that he was quite enthusiastic.
Look!
This kid earns so much money in a year, yet he's still so obedient in front of me.
He remained enthusiastic about filming and didn't try to negotiate with me.
good very good.
"The script is still being worked on, it's quite troublesome." Old Han took a sip of tea.
Vice President Zhang Qiang used his connections to find Xu Xiaoping, the prototype of Meng Xiaojun. Xu Xiaoping has now left New Oriental along with another founder, Wang Qiang, and Lao Yu has finally gained sole control.
Upon hearing that China Film Group was going to make a movie and becoming interested in their story, Xu Xiaoping flew directly to Hainan, secluded himself in his villa for two months, and wrote a script.
Meanwhile, filming requires a director, and Lao Han approached Chen Kexin, with whom he had previously collaborated on "The Warlords," who was currently developing her career in mainland China.
Before coming to him today, Xu Xiaoping had just met with Chen Kexin.
After their conversation, Chen Kexin then spoke with Zhang Qiang, the vice president.
The other person asked him, "How's the script?"
They're quite enthusiastic, writing about their own story and that of their buddies; the people involved should know best.
After listening to the question, Chen Kexin thought for a moment and then answered it.
"Mr. Zhang, are we planning to make a documentary or a feature film?"
"Of course, it's a feature film."
"If you're making a feature film, this script isn't quite right," Director Chen said politely.
"Can't be used at all?"
"No, not exactly." Chen Kexin pointed to a line of text in the script introduction.
“These can be used.” He was referring to the three names: “Chen Dongqing”, “Meng Xiaojun”, and “Wang Yang”.
It only uses three names.
There's nothing left. According to Chen Kexin, it can only be used as reference material because Xu Xiaoping is not a professional screenwriter and has never written a book. What he made is not a story at all.
"So, forget about the script now, there isn't one at all."
"At the earliest after the new year, Chen Kexin will start working on it, but it will take at least one or two months to have an initial draft."
"No rush." Zhang Yuan rolled his eyes, already knowing what was going on.
Given Chen Kexin's background in art-house films, it will take some time.
Unlike Wang Jing, who finished the script during his free time while setting off firecrackers during the Chinese New Year.
"I see," he said, straightening his back as if to show his loyalty.
"Regardless of the script or when it will be ready."
"No matter how or when this film is shot."
"Please give me a rough timeframe as soon as possible, so that even if I am not ultimately chosen to play the role, I can make my schedule available for you."
"Okay." Old Han nodded with considerable satisfaction.
Han Jianu, standing to the side, squinted and looked back and forth.
Compared to the other sycophants around my dad, Zhang Yuan was the most honest one, no wonder he always defended him.
Zhang Yuan said this, but in his heart there were only four words.
That's called being determined to win!
Before long, Lao Han and Zheng Xiaolong drew gold items, as did Ning Hao.
Sun Li, who had been hoping for something, was unlucky and didn't get anything.
Zhang Yuan went over to offer a toast and express his apology.
"You don't need to be so polite, you've already treated me to a meal."
"Besides, it's already a great favor that you let me act in such a popular drama as 'Empresses in the Palace'," the Empress replied very politely.
"Is Chao Ge's management contract supposed to end this year?"
"Remember to invite him to dinner next year," Zhang Yuan reminded him.
"Definitely," Sun Li replied.
The battle for the top spot at Huayi High School is about to come to a complete end.
Those who participated in the competition eventually left.
The competition for the top spot was similar; in the end, no one could be determined, and neither of them were directly under the Huayi economic system.
"Brother Lei, your performance in this movie was fantastic." He then went to Ning Hao's table and had a drink with Lei Datou, who wasn't very famous at the time.
“Thinking.” Then he found the agent: “Get to know Lei Jiayin over there more often later.”
"Understood." The man nodded immediately, knowing what was going on.
"Zeng Jia, have all the New Year's gifts for the artists been sent out?"
“Everyone has one,” she replied immediately.
Did you keep in touch with the girl from XJ you introduced me to before the Lunar New Year?
"No." She shook her head.
"Give her a New Year's gift according to the company's artist treatment, and remember to send her messages to show your concern."
"If needed, you can help them book train tickets and plane tickets for the Chinese New Year, understand?"
Seeing how much importance the boss attached to it, the man quickly made a note of it and went to do it shortly.
After walking around, he encouraged Xiao Yue and Fatty Sun to go up and say a few words, so that he could have a break from the laughter of the crowd.
I found an empty seat, which gave me a chance to chat with the company's artists, whom I don't usually have time to interact with.
Most of the people at this table had acted in "Empresses in the Palace," including Jiang Xin, Re Yizha, and Tang Yixin.
"Liying, has Yu Zheng contacted you?"
"I've already contacted them, hehehe." The man chuckled sheepishly, "Thank you, boss."
He then raised his glass and poured half of it down his throat.
Then he looked at Wan Qian.
"I've already seen your new film, 'Liu Rushi,' as a professional viewer."
These were filmed with funding from CCTV Documentary Studio and the Changshu Municipal Government.
In fact, Liu Rushi was from Jiaxing, Zhejiang. She was a famous talented woman and traitor in the Ming Dynasty, and a concubine of Qian Qianyi, the leader of the Donglin Party.
Her job was as a singer, but she was also a prostitute, one of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai.
This film is a case of Changshu stealing the thunder, taking Jiaxing's thunder, and bringing Liu Rushi to their side.
"You did a great job in the film."
"The styling is also particularly beautiful. Those clothes suit you very well and bring out the charm of a talented woman."
“We’ll discuss the performance details when we have the chance.”
Wan Qian nodded cautiously.
She is the type of woman who appears serious on the surface but has a surprising side. She looks delicate and usually behaves very elegantly, but she is actually a bit crazy.
Many people like her taste.
"How do we discuss this?"
"Stay tonight and discuss this with me?" Jiang Xin glanced at him sideways.
After playing the role of Consort Hua for several months, this actress has stopped looking people in the eye.
Zhang Yuan was about to retort when Wan Qian spoke first.
"I have a boyfriend."
Zhang Yuan: ...
You two work together very well.
"Congratulations, bring me over for a meal sometime," he replied, rubbing his temples.
The two of you, singing in unison, immediately labeled me as a traitor.
He was about to explain, "Don't misunderstand, it's a joke."
Unexpectedly, Zhang Tianai spoke up again.
"Can I stay?"
Zhang Yuan: ...
He didn't want to stay any longer.
Even if Yue Yunpeng acts cheaply on stage, he can't laugh.
Jiang Xin spoke while cracking sunflower seeds.
"Why haven't I seen Cheng Hao today?"
“With her gone, some people are more likely to have ulterior motives.” He said, glancing sideways at Zhang Tianai.
"Don't ask questions about things that don't concern you," Zhang Yuan replied irritably.
He has not contacted the other party to this day, nor has he been able to send New Year's greetings.
He also has a mental block now, feeling that if he contacts the other party first, he has "lost".
Jiang Xin was brought here by Cheng Hao, and since they have a good relationship, it's normal for her to ask about her.
"Did you two have a fight?"
"Did you do something wrong?" Jiang Xin asked with a curious look.
"Could you please give me, as the leader, a little face?"
"Oh, okay, then I won't ask anymore. You should have some self-respect."
Zhang Yuan: ...
If I weren't afraid of getting beaten up, I would have dragged you, you meaty tank, to the bedroom and given you a good beating.
However, after his recent falling out with Cheng Hao, he has indeed been prone to anger.
This evil fire often transforms into other "fires".
Provoked by Jiang Xin and several other girls from the company, he became even angrier.
At this moment, he looked at Jing Tian, who was laughing so hard he was doubled over, not far away... and Bai Bing beside him.
The Lunar New Year is almost here, we should set off some firecrackers. (End of Chapter)