Chapter 1657
Scaring
In the following days, the filming process became much more complicated than before.
Vin Diesel directly turned his back on Zhang Yuan, stating that he would absolutely not perform on the same stage as him, as a form of protest.
Zhang Yuan, acting as an investor, rejected his request on the spot.
I disagree with your decision to avoid me.
But the other party continued to do as he pleased; whenever he arrived, the other party would hide back in the RV.
This was the biggest on-set crisis the crew had ever faced.
The lead actor wanted to gain power by boycotting the show.
Many celebrities, both domestically and internationally, do this after becoming famous, to the point that many directors have to appease them.
Justin Lin is like this: how can a movie be filmed if the male lead doesn't appear on screen?
"How about I arrange a meeting between you two?" the director asked, finding him sitting in a recliner, leisurely drinking water.
"After all, you also invested in this film."
Zhang Yuan remained relaxed.
In situations like this, whoever gets anxious loses the initiative.
I'm not in a hurry; it's the one without hair who's worried.
"Do you think you can get the bald guy to apologize to me?" he countered.
The director was speechless. How could this be?
"Then you'd better work harder, or just give up altogether," Zhang Yuan said casually.
“But…” Lin Yibin said helplessly, but he didn’t want to give up.
I always felt that Zhang Yuan was easier to talk to than Vin Diesel, but not by much.
"Director Lin, the success of the film crew is the result of everyone's hard work, from the actors to the cinematographers and post-production staff, it's the result of everyone working together."
"It wasn't accomplished by any one person alone."
"Unfortunately, under the influence of traditional Western education and the habitual narrative of individual heroism, some people will attribute all the credit to themselves."
"You should know that this contradiction did not arise overnight."
“It is a long-term phenomenon, radiating outwards from a specific person,” Zhang Yuan said quite frankly.
We must look beyond the surface to see the essence of the problem.
“Even when I’m not around, others will still have conflicts with him.”
You're always involved when the environment is bad, but who's the one who's ruining it?
"White people, just like their country, will always actively seek out enemies."
"They need enemies to prove their strength."
"This is actually a sign of weakness."
"True strength needs no proof."
He looked at Lin Yibin with genuine sincerity.
"If I weren't there, you, or someone else, would be the one facing him."
If the country were not ruled by me, I wonder how many people would claim to be emperors and how many would claim to be kings... The two capitals and thirteen provinces of the production team are all on the shoulders of this prime minister.
"You and the rest of the crew should stand firmly on my side."
"Because I am the only line of defense against the monsters in front of you."
Lin Yibin remained silent after listening. If Zhang Yuan was right, then he was right...
But people always have a bit of wishful thinking.
Today we cede five cities, tomorrow we cede ten more, hoping for a single night of peace.
When problems arise, the person who is easy to talk to will be the one who compromises.
That's how it is all over the world.
Zhang Yuan was relaxed, while the bald man not only hid in his RV, but also had two bodyguards guarding the door, so the director didn't dare to approach.
"Do you need my help to get that bodyguard to make way?" Zhang Yuan asked. "After all, I have some connections with them."
"The kind of relationship you're talking about is one where you can knock someone unconscious for half an hour with just a wave of your hand..." Lin Yibin quickly shook his head.
"That's settled then," Zhang Yuan said, continuing to bask in the rare British sunshine.
The director had no choice but to temporarily change the plan and storyboard, trying to find a way to keep the two from appearing in the same frame.
However, this is ultimately a stopgap measure, not a foolproof solution.
"Should I just leave?" Guo Fan asked him during the break.
Seeing the tense atmosphere on set made this person feel somewhat at a loss.
Being in a foreign land already makes me feel insecure, and now the intensity is so high.
"No rush, just continue with your work as usual."
"Remember not to stray too far from me, lest someone put a sack over your head."
Guo Fan: ...
"I was just kidding." Zhang Yuan chuckled and patted his arm.
"When dealing with white people, there is one crucial point you must remember."
That means never showing weakness.
"Because they are wolves, they won't sympathize with you or stop just because you show weakness. On the contrary, they will become even more aggressive."
"They are masters of pretense; even when they are weak, they pretend to be strong, tricking you into being afraid first."
"Simply put, Westerners' games are cowardly games."
"That's practically all they know how to do," Zhang Yuan said dismissively.
"The problem with people in our country is that they feel inferior when they see white people, so they can't play the coward game."
"White people are like springs; the weaker you are, the stronger they become, understand?"
Guo Fan neither nodded nor shook his head; he was just feeling uneasy.
Even if people understand this principle, how many of them are truly confident in putting it into practice?
There are few people as bold as you.
"Hey, Zhang!" Paul came to find him at that moment.
"The weather's nice today, isn't it?" The older brother even raised his hand to greet Guo Fan.
That day, he had his assistant inform him that they were on his side, but he didn't want to have a direct conflict with the other party.
"I'm fine. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Did you receive the invitation, from that wealthy man?" Paul asked.
“I received it, but I don’t plan to go,” Zhang Yuan replied quite decisively.
"Alright, take care." The older brother pursed his lips helplessly, then left without saying anything more.
"What's going on?" Guo Fan asked curiously.
Zhang Yuan took out an exquisitely decorated envelope from the bag beside him, an envelope so exquisite it was almost luxurious.
When Guo Fan took a look, he found that the envelope was incredibly luxurious, with a textured surface.
The sealing process uses a traditional method, employing sealing wax.
However, the wax seal is gold.
“It’s not wax, it’s real gold,” Zhang Yuan explained as he saw him examining it.
"what!"
The closure is sealed with a golden lotus flower, made of pure gold.
First, the sealing wax was applied, and while the wax was still wet, this pure gold ornament was placed on top.
"What exactly is this?"
"Wedding invitation, from a wealthy Indian."
Zhang Yuan said it without any concern.
The lotus is the national flower of India, and the Bodhi tree is the national tree, both of which are related to religion.
This guy's name is Pramod Mittal, one of the heirs of a famous steel family in India.
He's notorious for being unreliable in his words and actions, and for constantly making unfounded claims.
But these kinds of people thrive in Western society.
This time it was his daughter's wedding, and he booked a castle and several nearby estates in Barcelona, Spain.
The total budget for this wedding was a whopping $100 million!
Compared to these extravagant weddings, those in China that are known for their sky-high prices are nothing.
Naturally, they invited global political figures and celebrities to attend and offer their congratulations; there were thousands of guests.
Part of the budget was allocated to various celebrities.
Inviting celebrities to their weddings not only means they get free food and drinks, but they also receive a quote.
Six or seven members of the "Fast & Furious" crew received invitations, with round-trip airfare and accommodation all covered, and each person received a reward ranging from several hundred thousand to over one hundred thousand US dollars.
The budget for him is $25. He doesn't need to perform; he just needs to say a thank-you speech on the spot.
However, it was emphasized that clear congratulatory messages should be posted on social media platforms in both the West and China.
This kind of thing is not unusual for celebrities; it's just doing gigs.
There are also many wedding planning companies in China that can help find celebrities to give blessings and perform.
"Then why not go?"
"So much money!" Guo Fan exclaimed, bewildered.
$25 in just one weekend, plus good food and drinks, and the opportunity to meet a bunch of celebrities.
You make money so easily, why don't you do it?
"First of all, this is the quote from India."
"Remember this truth."
"When negotiating a deal with an Indian, no matter what the deal is, never take any action before the other party makes the payment."
If you don't send me money, how am I supposed to come?
You go first, then I'll transfer the money to you.
He's stuck in a rut, unable to think straight... That's the situation he's facing now.
"When doing business with Indians, the down payment is the full amount. If you don't have the money, you won't do anything. At most, you'll just talk."
"Don't use our domestic system of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness to demand things of others; they don't have it."
"And Indians are clearly like this, yet they are very popular in the West. You should understand what white people are really like."
Zhang Yuan refused. Firstly, he was Chinese, and he wouldn't feel guilty about being scammed by Indians; in fact, he would feel great and would brag about it.
Paul assumed he wasn't going because the bald man would be there, so he was avoiding it.
Actually not.
Because Zhang Yuan knew that this Indian man named Pramod Mittal was putting on such a grand show just to save face!
They'll go bankrupt in just a few years!
Just like Vijay Mallya, the owner of the Force India team in Formula 1.
At this point, the extreme flaunting of wealth is simply to "prove" that they are rich.
To let the outside world see and know that I have money.
This way I can continue to raise funds and get money from banks and institutions.
Therefore, whenever one sees wealthy people spending lavishly, constantly making public appearances, and spouting nonsense, yet not using the money for their main business, it's a cause for concern.
That likely means there are already problems with the actual economy, and they're just bluffing.
Look at the US stock market afterwards, doesn't it feel like a similar situation?
In the game of capital, one must turn a tragedy into a celebration, and the more superficial the situation, the more one must bluff.
Would I even go to a place like this?
Go if you want, I won't stop you, but I'm not going to get involved.
They also posted their blessings on domestic social media.
I'd like to offer my blessings to the Indians? I don't want to end up with nothing but trouble.
When the weekend came, most of the crew went to the wedding to make money, while he planned to have a detailed talk with Guo Fan to sort out the special effects and film production matters.
He hadn't been talking for long when he received a call from Universal Pictures.
"Hey Mike, what's up?"
"We need to talk."
Zhang Yuan remained completely calm upon hearing what the other party said.
"Okay, let's set a time."
"No need, my team and I have already arrived at London Airport. See you in an hour."
"No problem," he calmly agreed.
He then informed Guo Fan that he had to go and deal with the problem.
"Oh no, they've brought people from Universal Pictures!" Director Guo exclaimed in surprise.
What do we do?
"These are all good things," he said calmly.
"Do you know what it means when Global Times comes to me?"
"We're in big trouble!" Guo Fan said, trembling.
"No, no, no, it means that not only can Baldy not handle me, but he also doesn't dare to confront me directly, so he can only call for reinforcements." Zhang Yuan said, then stood up to change into formal attire.
Guo Fan pondered for a moment.
"Makes sense!"
Why didn't I think of that?
Shortly afterward, he sat down opposite several people from Universal Pictures.
The other person's expression was very serious.
Zhang Yuan remained relaxed.
"We've come here today because we have something to discuss with you."
"Perfect timing, I also need to talk to you about something."
He politely raised his hand and said, "You guys go first."
"We already know about your conflict with Vin Diesel."
"Fan claims that you invited non-crew members in and attacked his bodyguard."
"He will bring charges against you, and if you are found guilty, you will face at least several years in prison."
Zhang Yuan raised an eyebrow after hearing this.
I'm so scared... Just kidding.
I could tell immediately that they were just trying to scare me.
If a crime is confirmed...
Can you confirm this?
Besides, this happened in Britain, not North America, so even if I were to be sued, it would be very complicated.
Besides, you also have a bail system.
It's not a big deal at all.
"and then?"
"We have prepared a document."
The opposing lawyer pulled out a folder.
"You need to sign to ensure that there will be no further attacks on Fan or his family or employees."
"And we must also ensure that we do not use racial discrimination or other reasons to threaten him with public opinion."
They acted tough and made me sign a small note.
But its content proves that not only is the bald-headed guy scared, but Global Times is scared too!
I'm afraid he'll do that.
So what he and Guo Fan said was absolutely right; the other side chickened out.
"First of all, I will not sign any of these documents."
"Because you have no reason to force me to sign these documents."
"And you made me sign a statement that I would not use racial discrimination as a reason to launch a public opinion campaign."
"In the eyes of the media, this just proves that Fan has racist tendencies."
"It could even prove that Universal Pictures knew about and covered up the artists' actions, which would raise public questions about whether Universal Pictures has a long history of racial discrimination."
As Zhang Yuan spoke, he accepted the document and put it in his bag.
"Thank you."
Those who were just moments ago looking serious and imposing now looked more uncomfortable than if they had swallowed a fly.
He also thanked us...
Thank you for sending him the "evidence".
"Are you finished talking?"
"If you're done, it's my turn." Zhang Yuan then took out another document from his bag.
“Coincidentally, I also hired a lawyer.”
The group of white people opposite them had their eyes wide open.
You're still hiring a lawyer?
What are you going to do?
Defend yourself?
Quite the contrary!
"This is the document I had my lawyer draft."
"What's the content?" Mike, the leader, took over.
"I'm going to sue Universal Pictures!"
Mike: ...
"I'm filing this lawsuit as an investor." Zhang Yuan's expression was serious, showing his earnestness.
"Recently, Vin Diesel violated the original filming schedule due to personal issues on set."
"Delaying the filming schedule will inevitably result in losses."
"As an investor, I express my strong dissatisfaction with Universal Pictures for allowing project participants to act recklessly and violate regulations."
"I demand that Universal Pictures resolve the issue as quickly as possible, or I will demand compensation."
"Not only in North American courts, but also in Chinese courts."
"I'd like to offer a reminder."
"If the film has major legal disputes in China, it will be difficult to pass the censorship and be released."
Not only will you lose money, but you'll also lose a significant amount of box office revenue in the Chinese market. You'd better figure it out yourselves.
Lin Yibin had previously come to advise him, saying that he, as an investor, should be anxious.
That makes sense.
But not entirely.
Because I am not the biggest investor.
Those who are most anxious are the ones with the largest shareholdings, as they are likely to suffer the greatest losses.
The fact that Global's people came without prior notice further proves this point.
They panicked.
They were afraid that the project would be affected and cause significant losses.
This is now a big project, a series of projects that are basically guaranteed to make money.
If it falls through, without a single vice president stepping down, there's no way to explain it to the board of directors.
Therefore, they were eager to protect the male lead and wanted him to sign an agreement to ensure that he could continue to act and that the production team's reputation would be safe.
Why should I?
Even if he's wrong, I, as an investor, am still superior to him.
You white people are barbaric; you don't even understand the difference between elders and juniors.
Only I can teach you.
You white people help white people, no problem.
If the bald guy asks Universal Music for help, then I'll sue Universal Music.
When it comes to fighting, you should fight the highest-ranking person; who would want to hang out with the lowly?
Let's see who gets angry.
Anyway, I won't be the one who suffers the biggest loss.
Come on, let's hurt each other.
The other party doesn't want to go to court because a lawsuit would affect filming.
Therefore, we only intend to have him sign a private settlement agreement.
If you want to settle this privately, I'll step on the scale.
Just like he and Guo Fan said, white people only know how to play one kind of game, which is the coward game.
"I think you'd better take my words seriously."
"Because I'm serious."
He clapped his hands with a smile.
"Don't be so serious, everyone. I'd like to treat you to a meal."
"Let's talk slowly."
Mike and the others prayed that he wasn't inviting the "Stargazers."
Even white people couldn't understand it.
We don't always play the carrot and stick game.
How come this Chinese man has a big stick in his left hand? Hey, guess what? He also has one in his right hand!
The following evening, Vin Diesel, reeking of Indian spices, returned to London.
“Van, let’s talk.” Mike from Universal Pictures approached him.
"Haha, of course." The old man was delighted.
I've finally turned the tables this time!
The other party had previously assured him that they would definitely handle that Asian man.
For years, there's been a thorn in my side, pricking me and making me feel uncomfortable all over.
Now we can finally pull it out!
"how's it going?"
“We have already spoken formally with Zhang and reached a conclusion.”
"Very good." The bald man grinned, revealing his double chin.
Mike crossed his legs on the sofa and said to his family with a sincere expression.
"The other party agreed."
"As long as you apologize in person, this matter will be over."
Fan: ... (End of Chapter)