Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 134 Celebration Banquet

The Beijing International Hotel is located in the heart of the capital city on East Chang'an Avenue, adjacent to the Great Hall of the People and the municipal government, and a stone's throw from the Forbidden City, a historical landmark of Beijing. It is a long-established five-star hotel in Beijing.

A celebration banquet is currently being held inside, with many reporters waiting at the entrance, taking photos of the directors and celebrities who are constantly going in.

A banner hung at the entrance read: "Warmly celebrate 'My Brothers and Sisters' box office reaching 7230 million!"

Several reporters were taking photos and exchanging ideas:

"Wow, 7230 million! I heard this movie only cost around a million to make, they've made a killing!"

"I heard it's already surpassed Jurassic Park 2?"

Another reporter nodded: "The box office statistics for 'Jurassic Park 2' are finished, 7210 million."

"Well done! Even if it's over 20, it's still over. After being suppressed for years, we finally have a movie that can beat foreign films! We can finally save face!"

"Hey! Who would have thought that our audience would still be so receptive to melodramas? I've heard that several companies have already started producing melodramas, like 'Dear Brothers and Sisters' and 'We'll Never Be Apart,' all hoping to get a piece of the action!"

"That also depends on whether their director has the ability, and whether they have a big star like Joey Wong!"

"Do you think they didn't think of that? There are plenty of stars in Hong Kong. If they can't get Joey Wong, can't they get Maggie Cheung? Brigitte Lin? Rosamund Kwan?"

"But we only have one director, Wu Yuchen!"

Outside, reporters chatted idly, while inside the hotel it was also very lively. Not only were there members of the "My Brothers and Sisters" film crew, but also many directors and actors from the Beijing Film Studio, as well as a lot of people from the China Film Association who came to join in the fun. It was almost a gathering of most of the directors and stars in Beijing, and everyone was in high spirits.

Han Sanping, holding a glass of wine, walked to the front of the stage with a smile: "Everyone, I'd like to say a few words."

As soon as the factory director, Han Sanping, spoke, everyone immediately fell silent.

"Today's celebration banquet is to celebrate the great success of 'My Brothers and Sisters'!"
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to director Wu Yuchen, Ms. Wang Zuxian, and the entire crew. Without you, we wouldn't have this successful film!

A round of applause immediately erupted from the audience, and everyone's attention was drawn to the circle centered around Wu Yuchen, next to Wang Zuxian, both of them wearing smiles.

After the applause subsided, Han Sanping continued slowly:
"Those who have met me know that I don't like extravagance and waste. Since becoming the director of Beijing Film Studio, I wish I could split half of the money in half and give it to Beijing Film Studio to spend."

Director Wu had previously told me privately that a small celebration would suffice, and there was no need for such a grand affair.

But I have to say, we must hold this celebration banquet today, and it must be held beautifully!
In recent years, the Chinese film market has become increasingly sluggish, and everyone is struggling. Since Hollywood blockbusters were allowed to enter the market in 94, our domestic films have been severely hampered.

But this time, "My Brothers and Sisters" surpassed "Jurassic Park 2" at the box office, which shows that our own movies can do it too!
I told Director Wu: This celebration banquet is not for you, nor for our Beijing Film Studio, but to encourage all of us filmmakers, and to help Chinese cinema to rise again!
A salute to Chinese cinema!

After Han Sanping finished speaking, he raised his glass and downed the wine in one gulp, which was met with cheers and thunderous applause from the entire audience.

At this moment, Wang Zuxian leaned close to Wu Yuchen's ear and said, "Your Factory Director Han is really imposing!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "Director Han is a figure who can influence the development of Chinese-language films, so he is naturally extraordinary."

He could also see from this that Han Sanping was still only the director of the Beijing Film Studio, but he had already taken the lead in saying things to revitalize Chinese films. It seemed that the success of "My Brothers and Sisters" had also helped him personally, and he might have already received some positive news.

Wu Yuchen smiled. This was a good thing for him too. He and Han Sanping were on good terms now, and Han Sanping's future promotion would be beneficial to him.

Wang Zuxian made a special trip to attend the celebration banquet. She is quite dedicated. After several trips to the mainland, she felt that although the area is still relatively underdeveloped, everyone's spirits are high and the whole place is full of vitality.

At this point, Wang Zuxian couldn't help but ask, "Director Wu, I told you not to worry about it, but why did our movie's box office surpass 'Jurassic Park 2'? It swept through Hong Kong and Taiwan, and there was no way to stop it."

Wu Yuchen said with a smile, "Isn't that all thanks to you, Sister Fairy, being such a big star?"

Wang Zuxian gave him a disdainful look: "Hey, I'm serious!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "I'm telling the truth. There must be some reasons, of course, we also need to add the publicity methods, and the audience in mainland China and Hong Kong and Taiwan have different tastes in movies. We haven't fully entered the entertainment market yet. Then there's the timing. Our release coincided with the return of Hong Kong to China. Your story of a Hong Kong star returning to the mainland to find his relatives is a natural fit. This has brought us at least ten million in box office revenue."

Wang Zuxian nodded upon hearing this. She had seen both movies and didn't think her film, "My Brothers and Sisters," could surpass "Jurassic Park 2." She could understand Wu Yuchen's explanation.

Wu Yuchen looked around; this celebration banquet was being held like a formal dinner party. Initially, the hotel suggested a more upscale Western-style event, but Han Sanping bluntly stated that this was a victory for Chinese films over foreign ones, so how could they use a Western style? It had to be Chinese!
Wouldn't this turn into a grand banquet?

However, Wu Yuchen didn't care about that. Han Sanping was right; the main purpose was to boost everyone's morale.

At this moment, Han Sanping returned to the table. He put down his wine glass, picked up a cup of tea, and smiled at Wu Yuchen, saying:
"Director Wu, I heard you don't like to drink, so I'll toast you with tea instead. You've done me a huge favor this time, otherwise the Beijing Film Studio would be on the verge of bankruptcy!"

"My Brothers and Sisters" grossed 72.3 million yuan. Based on a 40/40 revenue split among the producers, the studio would receive 30 million yuan. Beijing Film Studio, with its 40% share, earned a net profit of 12 million yuan. This is no small sum for Beijing Film Studio, given its large size and numerous expenses. Han Sanping has been actively seeking funding this year, and this 12 million yuan significantly alleviated its financial difficulties.

Seeing this, Wu Yuchen quickly picked up his teacup as well:
"Director Han, you're too kind. Without the help of Beijing Film Studio, it would have been impossible to achieve such high box office numbers. I have to thank Director Han and Beijing Film Studio for helping me earn this title of director with 70 million in box office revenue!"

Wu Yuchen took a sip and put it down, while Han Sanping offered Wang Zuxian another cup of tea, then said with a smile:

"Ms. Wang, we've had such a pleasant collaboration this time. Would you be interested in working with Beijing Film Studio again?"

Wang Zuxian smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Director Han, but it depends on Director Wu. I have already arranged with him to direct the next movie." After Wang Zuxian finished speaking, she glanced at Wu Yuchen. Suddenly, she was receiving many film offers from the mainland, and she didn't understand what was going on there, so she simply used Wu Yuchen as a shield.

Han Sanping's eyes lit up: "As expected of Director Wu, you are indeed quick-witted! Have you already prepared a new work?"

Wu Yuchen chuckled and shook his head: "That was a joke I made with Sister Xiaoxian back then. We'll collaborate on another film if the box office exceeds 5000 million. I only have a slight idea now, so let me think about it carefully."

Han Sanping said, "No rush, no rush, but Director Wu, don't forget about Beijing Film Studio when the time comes!"

"Don't worry, Director Han. It's not easy to find such a good partner as Beijing Film Studio."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping laughed and said, "Director Wu, quite a few directors from our industry have come this time. They all want to get to know you. I'll introduce them to you one by one when they arrive."

After saying that, Han Sanping remembered something and added, "It's a pity that Kaige is still busy filming his 'The Emperor' in Hengdian, otherwise you could have had a good chat."

Chen Kaige's work relationship is with the Beijing Film Studio, so he is considered one of their people. However, he is now a leading figure among Chinese-language directors, and even Han Sanping can't control him.

Wu Yuchen was intrigued when he heard about "The Emperor's Shadow". The film reportedly cost between 8000 million and 1 million yuan to produce, most of which went to the construction of the Qin Palace at Hengdian World Studios. It was a huge contribution to Hengdian World Studios. It has to be said that the rich are really generous these days.

However, no one could gossip, because the filming funds were all raised by Kai himself, from four foreign investors, with Japanese funds accounting for the majority. Although it is about the story of Jing Ke assassinating the King of Qin, the original novel for the movie script was written by a Japanese author.

Moreover, although the film was a box office flop in China, earning only a little over ten million yuan, it made 800 million yen in Japan, which was equivalent to 100 million yen at the exchange rate at the time. Although it still resulted in a loss, it wasn't as bad as one might expect.

However, it is said that those who have seen the Japanese version say it is good, while the domestic version has been heavily edited, resulting in a somewhat chaotic storyline.

"Director Wu!"

Just then, a voice beside him interrupted Wu Yuchen's thoughts. He turned his head and saw several middle-aged men holding wine and smiling at him. They were none other than Zheng Xiaolong, the Wang brothers, and a few others.

"My name is Zheng Xiaolong, and these two are the Wang brothers, Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei. Congratulations on the great success of 'My Brothers and Sisters,' which has brought honor to Chinese cinema!"

The other party was very friendly and made no mention of the previous invitation that Wu Yuchen had not attended.

With a smile, Wu Yuchen picked up his teacup and said, "I've long heard of Producer Zheng's reputation. His works like 'Yearning,' 'Stories from the Editorial Department,' and 'People from Beijing in New York' all caused a sensation back then. Our Miracle Films should take you as our role model!"

He smiled and raised his teacup to the Wang brothers, then took a sip.

The three of them didn't say anything about Wu Yuchen drinking tea. Didn't Han Sanping just say that Wu Yuchen doesn't like to drink? It's someone else's celebration banquet, do you think you can force him?

Besides, the purpose of this trip is to build positive relationships, so it's natural to cater to their preferences.

At this moment, Wang Zhongjun smiled and praised, "Director Wu, your TV series production is no less than Brother Xiaolong's. We've all watched 'The Passionate Years,' and we can only say one word: we're impressed!"

Zheng Xiaolong smiled and said, "Director Wu, to be honest, we all come from military families. Watching your 'The Passionate Years' felt like watching our own family stories unfold—it was so moving! I heard that Director Wu's father was also a soldier; we can exchange ideas more often in the future!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and politely replied, "No problem, no problem."

The group smiled and nodded, then said nothing more, knowing they would have plenty of time to get to know each other in the future.

After those people left, several more directors and actors came over to toast Wu Yuchen and Han Sanping.

After a while, Wu Yuchen saw Feng Xiaogang, who was grinning with his front teeth showing, walking over with his girlfriend Xu Fan. He bowed respectfully at a 45-degree angle and said:

"Third Master, Director Wu! Congratulations on the huge success of 'My Brothers and Sisters'! Chinese cinema will surely flourish even more under your leadership!"

After saying that, he downed a glass of wine in one gulp, then asked Xu Fan next to him to refill it.

"I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Third Master and Director Wu. Without you, there would be no 'A Good Dream for You'!"

Wu Yuchen quickly waved his hand: "Director Feng..."

Feng Xiaogang immediately said, "No need for that, Director Wu, you can just call me Xiaogang!"

Seeing his expression, Wu Yuchen went along with him and said, "Xiao Gang, this has nothing to do with me. It was all Director Han's decision."

Feng Xiaogang maintained his smile: "Director Wu, Third Master told me personally that if 'My Brothers and Sisters' hadn't been such a big hit and made us this money, he wouldn't have been able to raise the 400 million for me, and then my first film wouldn't have been possible. If I didn't remember your kindness, I would be utterly heartless!"

Han Sanping, standing to the side, interjected with a smile: "Xiao Gang is a talented person. I'm willing to give opportunities to someone as innovative as him. Part of the funding for his film this time was obtained by me from Mu Qizhong, and the rest was indeed covered by the revenue from 'My Brothers and Sisters'."

Ha, that madman Mu Qizhong is quite a character, the number one middleman in China. While others might only resell cars or something, he managed to trade a whole airplane for a Russian! In the last two years, he even proposed blowing up the Himalayas, tsk tsk tsk!
Seeing that Han Sanping had said so, Wu Yuchen smiled and picked up his teacup, clinking it with Feng Xiaogang and Xu Fan's couple.

"Director Wu, please feel free to take a sip, just a little bit will do~" Feng Xiaogang said.

Looking at Feng Xiaogang's demeanor, Wu Yuchen had to admit that he really knew how to do things. Outsiders might think he was being obsequious, but being flattered by him did bring a sense of pleasure.

Many people despise sycophancy, but few can be as humble as Feng Xiaogang, who can master the art of sycophancy in a measured and appropriate manner. There is a lot of skill involved!
Although things became chaotic after Feng Xiaogang became fully involved with the Wang brothers, his earlier works were quite good, and he was indeed talented. However, his starting point was too low, so he had to resort to this method to gain opportunities and resources, which reveals the helplessness and bitterness of a small person trying to climb the social ladder.

(End of this chapter)