Chapter 1567
Difficult to Handle
After everything was arranged for Guo Fan, he went to the Cathay Cinema in the city center to promote the upcoming film "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons".
This is a film he painstakingly acquired, and he's grooming it as a major hit for this year's Lunar New Year season, so naturally he has to be personally involved.
The main cast members sat on the stage and gave an interview.
The most popular article is naturally "Master Shun".
When Stephen Chow mentions him, he always calls him "Master Wen".
And this person just smiled, didn't object, and actually accepted the title.
When the sky is wild, it rains; when people are wild, the wind blows. He really thought he deserved to be called "Master".
The female lead is still Shu Qi; Zhang Yuan did not intervene to change her.
Shu Qi's collaboration with Feng Xiaogang in recent years has given her considerable box office appeal in mainland China.
Although she and Huayi are very close, they are not theoretically artists under each other's companies.
Her boss is Peter Lam, who is also the head of Media Asia.
So theoretically they are his allies, but it's rather ambiguous.
Of course, Hua Yi has been in contact with her and is willing to offer her a large sum of money to join the company.
Now that Shuangbing is gone, Zhou Xun has left, and Yao Cheng has been ruined by his own actions.
Hua Yi has no female generals under her command who can carry the acting.
We can't expect Yang Tianbao to take the blame, can we?
The Wang brothers aren't stupid; they know she's just a pretty face.
Shu Qi has been in the entertainment industry for so many years, and she's not a naive young girl who would easily take sides.
Her attitude was clearly that she didn't want to give up either side; she wanted to have her cake and eat it too.
Watching her answer questions on stage with feigned elegance, Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "It's not that easy to be a prostitute while trying to maintain a virtuous image."
It's time to give her a heads-up.
There were also a few old friends on the stage.
Bo Ge's portrayal of Sun Wukong in his sealed form is quite good; he's among the most popular male stars in mainland China right now.
But Zhang Yuan also discovered a problem.
After winning the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor for his role in "Cow," Huang Bo's performance underwent a change.
Especially in many commercial films, his performances began to appear "over the top".
It's not just right like before.
Or perhaps it was the sudden arrival of fame and fortune that changed his mindset.
Although he is not young and has strong self-control, far more so than those who suddenly become popular in their teens, he still "slipped up".
Zhang Yuan knew that he had to be careful about his attitude when interacting with him, because the other man's self-perception had changed.
Just like Huang Xiaoming, after making significant progress in both money and fame, he actually dared to challenge me again.
Besides Brother Bo, there's also a cameo appearance by Teacher Zhao Zhilin, who remains as fierce and powerful as ever.
Shi Xingyu was also there, as was Lu Zhengyu, a die-hard fan of Stephen Chow and the film's screenwriter.
This talented individual's web series "Hip Hop Quartet" has garnered a very high viewership on Youku.
It is also the first online drama in the country to surpass 100 million views.
Zhang Yuan specifically requested that his ranking among the screenwriters be moved up a bit.
Because he wrote many of the jokes in the play.
Stephen Chow, however, treats people differently based on their status rather than their contributions when ranking people.
Yang Di, who has already gained some popularity through variety shows, was also specially invited by him. This guy is good at creating a lively atmosphere and has a great sense of variety, so he can be of great use in the future.
"I would also like to thank our guest today, who is also Mr. Wen's girlfriend, Ms. Ma Yili," Zhou Xingchi said in his Cantonese-accented Mandarin.
Ma Yili, a prominent figure in Shanghai's elite circles, dressed in formal attire and clearly made up, stood up and nodded to the audience.
She truly dotes on her man.
Once a woman gets carried away, she won't bother to persuade her otherwise.
The article's smooth progress is largely due to the hard work and support of Sister Ma behind the scenes.
"And our old friend, Uncle Yuan." Stephen Chow called out his name again.
"Hello, hello..." He took the microphone and tried it out.
He then immediately corrected himself.
"I am very happy to be here today and to see many old friends."
“Director Stephen Chow, in particular, has been a great help to my career.”
"But I'd like to correct a misconception first."
"The only person here today who can be called 'Master' is Mr. Zhou Xingchi."
"Just call me by my name."
Forget about being a master or not, everyone should kneel down and call him FATHER!
Wen Zhang, who was being called "Master Wen" on stage, smiled crookedly when he heard this, and his smile was obviously not very natural.
I felt that the other person's words were a veiled criticism of me.
When it was time to eat, everyone toasted and drank.
Zhang Yuan raised his wine glass and approached Wen Zhang.
"Mr. Wen, are you having trouble with your legs today?"
"No?" The article was being written while he was being affectionate with Ma Yili.
"No?"
"Everyone came up to toast me, why didn't you come?"
The moment those words were spoken, the table fell silent.
"It's okay. If you don't come looking for me, I'll come looking for you. My leg is fine."
Upon seeing this, Huang Bo immediately told the person next to him that he needed to go to the toilet, and then turned around and made a hasty escape.
"I'm sorry, we overlooked that." Ma Yili raised his glass, smiled, and stood up.
"It's alright, I know that Mr. Wen is a big shot these days."
"I'll get used to it." Zhang Yuan came specifically to test this guy's attitude.
I figured it out myself.
They've really gotten too cocky!
He felt a strong force deep within him, a force that allowed him to stand tall in front of himself.
Why is it so awesome?
Thanks to Ma Yili's connections, this person has already transitioned to directing and starring in a TV series.
The show is called "Little Daddy," with Ma Yili playing the female lead. Even before filming began, Shanghai TV had already bought the rights.
He no longer sees himself as an actor, but as a boss.
If they don't give him a good talking-to at this point, he'll be ruined.
As for how it was crippled, don't ask, I'll take care of it.
He did this on purpose because if he doesn't clear his head now, things will get even worse once the movie becomes a box office hit.
He didn't drink the wine offered by Ma Yili, but just patted Wen Zhang on the shoulder with a smile before returning to his seat.
A short while later, the couple, holding wine glasses and smiling, came to his side.
"Come on, let's toast the investors."
"Thank you for his support."
"You're welcome." He only took a small sip after the other person offered it to him.
Then he looked at the article with a beaming smile.
"Master Wen, I heard you really like oil-splashed noodles."
"He also likes to eat on set."
The corner of his mouth twitched.
Because he's started acting like a big shot.
He would make the crew buy oil-splashed noodles in the middle of the night, otherwise he wouldn't act. Not only would he not act at night, but he also wouldn't start work the next day if there were no oil-splashed noodles in front of him.
Of course, he wouldn't dare do that on Stephen Chow's film set, but he might not do it on other people's sets.
This matter has already spread within the industry, and many people know about it.
Are you really craving this noodle dish?
not necessarily.
He actually just wanted to "tame" the film crew by making things difficult for them, so he could seem more powerful.
"Next time you come to my house, I'll make you oil-splashed noodles myself."
"But I suggest not eating this kind of food on set. It's spicy and has garlic, and the smell will affect other actors when we're filming."
"Yes, yes, yes." The article nodded repeatedly, showing its compliance.
His woman had already wound him up.
I've become a little more awake.
People, especially those who have been drinking, become less clear-headed and their true nature is revealed.
Ma Yili is mature and clear-headed, which is better than his writing.
"Sister Yili, thank you so much for coming today."
"I have to drink with you too." He toasted with Sister Ma and then drank it all in one gulp.
"Go ahead, but don't make me invite you next time, Master Wen," he reminded him after finishing his drink, emphasizing the last two words.
Sister Ma gave him another subtle nudge, and he finally shook his head.
"No, I'm not a master, you can't call me that."
"Just call me Xiaowen."
"Okay." He nodded slightly and didn't say anything more.
After sitting back down, Ma Yili gave Wen Zhang's arm a firm push.
"You need to be careful. They're clearly targeting you, and you're still not thinking straight," Sister Ma said in Shanghai-accented Mandarin.
"Why did he disrespect me in front of so many people?"
“Now so many bosses are begging me to act in their films, they’d practically kneel down to me,” Wen Zhang said, his eyes wide.
With the huge success of "Love is Not Blind" and the support of Li Lianjie, he now holds a high position in the industry and feels invincible.
Just then, Huang Bo, who had made a hasty trip to the bathroom, returned. He was sitting next to the two men, but upon hearing what they said, he turned around, put his hands behind his back, and went to another table.
At the same time, he glanced back and thought to himself, "Are there still some fools who don't know their own death?"
You don't understand our boss, Mr. Zhang. If you're put on his "book of life and death"...
I'd better stay away from you, lest I end up covered in blood one day.
The next day, Zhang Yuan did not leave Shanghai, but instead went to the most famous luxury real estate agency in the area.
"Painted Skin 2" will receive nearly 100 million yuan in dividends, which they'll have to spend.
You can't just deposit your money in the bank and wait until you have a baby.
A day or two later.
"This house is almost 100 years old."
"It was originally the mansion of a foreign capitalist in Shanghai."
"After several changes of ownership, it ended up in the hands of the Rong family in Shanghai."
Zhang Yuan led several people around an old villa near Hengshan Road in Shanghai's JA District.
Accompanying him were Guo Jingming, Mr. Chiang from Xiangxiang Films, and Chai Zhiping, the godmother of Taiwanese idol dramas. Next to him was Yang Mi, whom he had specially summoned to Shanghai.
They talked as they walked.
Yang Mi was quite curious about this house, which combined Chinese and Western styles and was very different from the traditional courtyard houses in Beijing.
The traditional courtyard houses are square and symmetrical, but the old villas in Shanghai are more Westernized, resembling European manor villas.
The courtyard house is an inner courtyard, with several old-style houses connected by paths. There are lawns on all sides, as well as separate servants' quarters, driver's quarters, and guard's quarters.
The rest of the people were fine; they were interested but just looked around and walked around.
Guo Xiaosi is completely different!
His eyes were practically glued to the house.
That perfectly matches his image of an old capitalist!
Because he imagined himself to be the kind of old-fashioned lord.
He kept asking Zhang Yuan about various details.
What kind of wood is used for the staircase? What era is the stained glass on the door from?
He couldn't possibly remember such details.
"How about I give you the agent's contact information, and you can ask him directly?"
"Ah..." Xiao Si was taken aback, a sudden feeling of inferiority rising in her heart, and then she asked.
"How much does this house cost?"
"1.2 million, without furniture." Zhang Yuan stopped and looked at the group of people, answering in unison.
Upon hearing this number, everyone gasped.
Yang Mi's chest jiggled.
There are so many zeros that I can't even count them all...
When people from other places mention Shanghai, the first thing that comes to mind is Pudong and Lujiazui.
In the hearts of Shanghai residents, the real urban area is the area later known as "Wutong District".
The most expensive luxury homes are actually located in Puxi, not Pudong.
This includes the western suburbs villa area and the Sheshan luxury residential area.
Hengshan Road is a typical example of a quiet oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Wutong District, and is one of the best locations.
The property certificate shows a floor area of less than 1000 square meters, but the land area is 2500 square meters.
The unit price exceeds 10, but it is still a very ideal investment target.
Due to its scarcity, it is available but not priced, with the highest price reaching nearly one million.
"Write down the agent's number," Zhang Yuan urged again, and Xiao Si finally snapped out of her daze.
The previous luxury apartment was worth over 100 million, and now they've acquired an even more upscale property.
They're incredibly wealthy and inhumane.
"I..." He hesitated for a moment as he took out his phone.
It's too expensive after all, and getting the agent's number doesn't seem to be of much use.
"I believe you'll find it useful soon, because I have confidence in our production," Zhang Yuan encouraged.
"And as I said, this house was originally one of the properties of the Rong family in Shanghai."
"But there are no permanent families in this world, only ever-changing markets."
"You must have hope for yourself."
Even Chai Zhiping, a native of Taiwan, has heard of the Rong Family Family in Shanghai.
He can be considered one of the "red-hat merchants" officially designated by the Chinese government after the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The Huo family of Hong Kong is a junior compared to the Rong family of Shanghai, because the latter rose to prominence much earlier.
The problem remains the same.
It's not that I'm afraid of rich kids having fun, it's that I'm afraid of them "starting businesses".
The eldest son of the third generation of the Rong family, benefiting from his ancestors' legacy, entered CITIC Pacific as general manager.
This is a state-owned investment enterprise, a super giant that can freely trade foreign exchange, US Treasury bonds, and stocks.
They were only able to do these things because they were ordered to do so by their superiors.
But the eldest son made a big move in 08 by buying up the Australian dollar at rock-bottom prices.
As a result, they lost a lot of money.
At its peak, it lost HK$150 billion in a single day.
That's a huge loss in just one day!
These losses are not entirely borne by their family, but shared by the entire population.
In the end, the Rong family immigrated to Canada.
A large amount of domestic assets were also gradually liquidated and sold off.
Because once power is lost, wealth cannot be retained.
This house is one of them.
As a result, a thousand years of cultivation vanished in a single day.
Financial leverage is truly terrifying. You may think you're a trader, but in reality, you're just a lamb in someone else's eyes.
There's a famous saying in Texas Hold'em: when you can't find the sucker at the table, it means you're the sucker.
The first principle of making money is to figure out from whom you're making your money.
If you can't find anyone to "exploit," then you are the one being "exploited."
Zhang Yuan glanced at everyone present.
They thought the audience was easy prey.
In reality, they are also their own pushovers.
I specifically invited these people to visit the house where I just signed the deposit contract today, just to show them my strength.
After sitting down under the parasol in the courtyard, my assistant brought over some black tea.
"I think we should talk about this collaboration with Teacher Xiao Si."
"My suggestion is that I, namely the film companies on both sides of the strait, should take the lead in this project."
"I will take care of the production, distribution, and output."
“After all, in terms of strength…” Zhang Yuan looked around.
Lao Tzu can "grab land" with a wave of his hand in Shanghai, where every inch of land is precious; it's obvious who has the strongest power.
"The two of you should also work together." He softened his tone before saying anything.
"Mr. Jiang provides the adaptation rights to the work, acting as an investor and co-producer."
"Teacher Chai will provide some filming experience and connections in Taiwan, acting as a third investor, co-distributor, and producer."
Ultimately, "Tiny Times" is actually an "idol drama," albeit a cinematic version of it.
The audience is also those who watch idol dramas.
Just like Chai Zhiping's "You Are the Apple of My Eye," it also follows the formula of idol dramas.
She's good at this.
Yang Mi looked at him, then at the two bosses on his left and right.
Zhang Yuan easily suppressed both sides.
After all, money equals power.
I have no shortage of money, nor do I lack your investment, so of course I will take the lead.
Of all the people and events that Taiwanese capital forcibly inserts into mainland works, how many of them are pleasing to the eye?
Even many people who were lured in by Taiwanese capital have become "stains" on the works.
"With him being so formidable, I'm sure I'll have a smooth and successful career in this production..." Yang Mi thought to herself.
Now no director will dare to fire me, and no one will dare to scold me, right?
Thinking about it, Da Mi moved a little closer to him.
It's so great right now. If I could completely win him over, I'd be flying high!
From now on, I can do whatever I want in the entire mainland film and television industry.
Ignoring the girl's intention to become a crab, Zhang Yuan focused on the two of them.
Don't worry about Xiao Si. This guy is opportunistic and treacherous, easy to deal with.
The problem lies with these two.
He had told Xiao Si earlier that he would handle it, and today he came to do just that.
After all, he had already reached a cooperation agreement with these two companies, and Tianyu Entertainment was another one. That would be easy to handle; he just needed to make a call.
Because Tianyu's investment share is not high, they only want to promote singers through films, and the cooperation is mainly on the music level.
The person from Xiangxiang Films didn't have much of an opinion, since he could make a lot of money just by holding the copyright, plus he got a share of the profits.
He wasn't entirely satisfied with Zhang Yuanming's overly assertive attitude despite being so much younger than him, but his investor, Xu Xiaoping, spoke with him and indicated that he agreed to the other party's cooperation plan.
There's not much more to say.
Although Chai Zhiping co-produced and distributed "You Are the Apple of My Eye," this old woman's attitude towards him has never been good.
It took a lot of friction to barely put them together.
Seeing that the others remained silent, and knowing that Zhang Yuan wanted to be the leader, she was somewhat wary and also kept quiet for the time being.
But she didn't know that Zhang Yuan had come specifically for her today!
Because there is a very important matter that needs to be resolved.
"It seems like no one has any objections, so let's settle on that for now."
"Afterwards, I will have the company draft an investment cooperation agreement, and everyone can work together within that framework."
"But I have one small request."
"First of all, Yang Mi will play the female lead. Does everyone agree?"
The crowd remained silent.
She's very popular lately, and her online presence is undeniable; no one has any reason to object.
"Okay, then let's leave it as is for now."
"Besides the female lead, as the main investor, I also have someone in mind for the male lead..."
"slow!"
Before he could finish speaking, Chai Zhiping interrupted him.
"I discussed the casting of the male lead, Gu Yuan, with Guo Jingming a long time ago."
"This is also one of my investment conditions."
"We must use Ah Dong."
She was referring to her favorite thing.
That was before.
"Now that I'm here, of course I need to replace him."
"No way." The old woman gave him a very assertive look: "We can't cooperate like this."
"You've made things very difficult."
"Difficult to handle?" Zhang Yuan chuckled lightly. "Then let's not do it."
"You can quit now." (End of Chapter)