Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 160 Actually, I wasn't bald before!

After the call connected, Wu Yuchen asked with a smile:

"Hey, Director Han, how's the box office for our movie?"

"Very good. The accurate box office figures for last weekend are out: 2812 million in 3 days. By Friday the day before yesterday, our statistics showed that it had already broken 5000 million. At this rate, it will easily exceed 6000 million by the end of this weekend. The exact box office figures will be available in a few days." Han Sanping was clearly in a very good mood.

Wu Yuchen calculated that 60 million in 10 days, based on the film's reputation, breaking 100 million shouldn't be a problem. However, he estimated that piracy might have already started appearing by then, which would greatly slow down the process of reaching 100 million.

He then said to Han Sanping, "Director Han, I came to Shanghai to do some promotion, and General Manager Zhu from Shanghai Film Studio had dinner with me yesterday."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping's heart skipped a beat, and he already understood what had happened. He then smiled at Wu Yuchen and asked, "Does Old Zhu want you to make a movie?"

"Yes, that's roughly the idea. They probably want to invest in my next movie."

"Brother Wu, what are your thoughts?"

"Hehe, I said I still need to think about it carefully, I haven't replied to him yet," Wu Yuchen said with a smile.

Han Sanping quickly grasped Wu Yuchen's meaning. Wu Yuchen hadn't agreed initially, but instead called him first, showing his closeness and likely wanting to hear his opinion. However, since he hadn't directly rejected Lao Zhu, it meant he was interested, but was hesitant to agree due to Han Sanping's and Beijing Film Studio's influence.

Han Sanping smiled. If this had happened last year, he might have needed to go toe-to-toe with Lao Zhu and have a good argument with him. But in less than half a year, he would be taking up his post at the new China Film Group Corporation, in charge of the entire Chinese film industry, so his mind would naturally be more open.

Han Sanping said with a smile, "Brother Wu, Shanghai Film Group has a good distribution and publicity presence in the Yangtze River Delta region. It would be a good thing if you let them participate!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen smiled. Han Sanping didn't mind him bringing Shanghai Film Group along, so he said, "Then I'll take Brother Han's suggestion and give Shanghai Film Group some investment."

Han Sanping asked with a smile, "Didn't you just finish filming 'Mr. Donkey'? You have new ideas already?"

"It's not exactly a new idea. I had already discussed it with Wang Zuxian before, and we'd be working together again. We already had the script, and it's perfect for filming in Shanghai," Wu Yuchen replied with a smile.

"Ha! You and Wang Zuxian, what you just said makes me want to regret it. Maybe you should just leave Lao Zhu and Shanghai Film Studio alone!"

"Haha, Brother Han, don't worry, with our relationship, the Beijing Film Studio will definitely get a share!" Wu Yuchen realized that Han Sanping was joking, so he replied with a smile.

"Hey, this time Old Zhu and his team really got the better deal. When you're filming in Shanghai, don't hold back and just ask them to do whatever they want."

Wu Yuchen and Han Sanping chatted for a while longer before hanging up the phone.

He wasn't in a huge rush. First, he took Jiang Qinqin on three days of promotional activities, and then they spent two days sightseeing in Shanghai. To be honest, Shanghai really is a consumer-oriented city. There aren't many tourist attractions, and its historical sites can't compare to those in Beijing. However, the city's overall development is much better than Beijing's, giving it the feel of an international metropolis. The climate is also much better than Beijing's; the dryness and annual sandstorms in Beijing are truly unbearable.

Finally, Wu Yuchen visited Zhu Yongde at the Shanghai Film Studio again, much to Zhu's delight. Zhu then gave him another tour of the studio. Back in his office, Wu Yuchen took a sip of his brewed tea and smiled at Zhu, saying:

"Mr. Zhu, I've been visiting Shanghai these past few days and I've had some inspiration. I'd like to make a movie here. I wonder if Shanghai Film Group would be willing to provide me with some assistance."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yongde was overjoyed and immediately realized that his previous words had worked, and Wu Yuchen was going to start a collaboration with Shanghai Film Group!
"Yes, yes, Director Wu, don't worry. We at Shanghai Film Studio will prepare everything you need, including equipment, actors, and locations!"

Wu Yuchen's hand was warmly grasped by Zhu Yongde: "Mr. Zhu, please let me finish. I've already decided on the female lead, it's Wang Zuxian..."

Zhu Yongde was even more delighted after hearing this: "Wang Zuxian is great! We Shanghainese all love the big star Wang Zuxian!"

Last year, Wu Yuchen and Wang Zuxian's collaboration "My Brothers and Sisters" became a box office champion. They were naturally delighted to be able to participate in this collaboration with Shanghai Film Group.

Wu Yuchen continued:
“I can allocate 25% of the investment to Shanghai Film Group. We will also need your help with the distribution in the Yangtze River Delta region.”

"Issuance is no problem, Shanghai Film Group will handle that. The question is, could you give us a larger share of the investment?" Old Zhu immediately pressed.

Wu Yuchen chuckled and shook his head: "President Zhu, 25% is already quite a lot. If I give Beijing Film Studio another 25%, then Miracle Films will only have 50% left for ourselves."

Upon hearing this, Lao Zhu immediately said, "Director Wu, our Shanghai Film Studio will solve all your problems and guarantee to provide you with the best service. Could you share some of the Beijing Film Studio's resources with us?"

Wu Yuchen just smiled and shook his head without saying anything, then picked up his tea and drank it again.

Seeing Wu Yuchen's resolute attitude, Old Zhu knew that the deal was final and there was no room for negotiation. After thinking it over, he decided not to say anything more. At least this was a good start, and Shanghai Film Studio getting 25% was no less than Beijing Film Studio. Now that they had established a connection with Wu Yuchen, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future; he had confidence in Shanghai Film Studio!

"Okay, Director Wu, Shanghai Film Studio has no problem with this allocation. Besides the female lead, would you like to look for other actors at our studio? We have many excellent actors here!"

Unable to secure a larger investment share, Lao Zhu then began trying to get opportunities for the actors from the Shanghai Film Studio to participate in the project co-starring Wu Yuchen and Wang Zuxian, something many people would fight tooth and nail for.

"Mr. Zhu, you know what, I actually found an actor who is suitable for the male lead these past few days in Shanghai."

"Oh? Is it from our Shanghai Film Studio? Director Wu, just tell me, and I'll call them over right away!"

Wu Yuchen shook his head: "It seems to be the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center."

Old Zhu was slightly disappointed when he heard that it wasn't an actor from their Shanghai Film Studio, but he didn't show it on his face. He patted his chest and assured him, "Director Wu, no problem. As long as the actor is from Shanghai, I can get it for you!"

The Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center was formed by the merger of the former Shanghai People's Art Theatre and the Shanghai Youth Drama Troupe, two renowned drama performance groups. It ranks among the top three in the domestic drama industry, and the actors who can join each year are naturally all highly talented.

At this moment, Lao Zhu accompanied Wu Yuchen to the center director's office. The group chatted for a while, and then a thin young man came in.

At this moment, the director of the art center smiled at Lao Zhu and Wu Yuchen and said, "The person you're looking for has arrived!"

Old Zhu glanced at the young man and unconsciously frowned, then whispered to Wu Yuchen, "Director Wu, are you sure it's him?"

It wasn't that he had any problem with the young man, but when he saw his shiny bald head, he wondered if Wu Yuchen had mistaken him for someone else.

Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "That's right, that's the one we're looking for."

The director beckoned: "Come here, Xu Zheng. This is General Manager Zhu from Shanghai Film Studio, and this is Director Wu Yuchen. They've come specifically to see you!"

Xu Zheng was initially confused, but upon hearing this, his heart skipped a beat. He immediately strode over to the group, greeting them with a broad smile and great respect: "Hello, President Zhu! Hello, Director Wu!"

Mr. Zhu from Shanghai Film Studio is a big shot, and Wu Yuchen is currently a very popular director in China. The fact that he would specifically come to see a nobody like him shows that, although he doesn't know what it's about, Xu Zheng realized it must be something good. His adrenaline surged, and he felt a shiver run through his body.

Now 26 years old, Xu Zheng shows no signs of the middle-aged greasiness he will have in 20 years. Instead, he exudes an artistic and refreshing vibe. Even with his bald head, his thin face is quite pleasing to the eye.

Wu Yuchen smiled as he looked at Xu Zheng's bald head, a symbol of strength, surprised that he was already completely bald. He then asked, "Xu Zheng, how long have you been bald? Will your hair grow back?"

Hearing this, Xu Zheng felt a little nervous, afraid that he would miss some opportunity because of his bald head, but he dared not lie, so he could only answer honestly:
"Director Wu, I started experiencing significant hair loss in my sophomore year of college. I tried many methods, but nothing worked. My sparse hair looked really bad, so I just shaved my head. Even if it grows back, I doubt there will be much left..."

"But Director Wu, I wasn't bald before. My hair was actually very good; I even worked as a hair model!"

Xu Zheng tried his best to defend himself with a sentence.

Wu Yuchen asked, "Do you have any photos of yourself before you started losing hair?"

Xu Zheng gave an awkward laugh: "Director Wu, I don't have it with me, but I can go home and get it right away. It has everything from 1 to 20 years old!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen waved his hand and said, "Here's what you'll do: go find a wig and put it on first."

Xu Zheng immediately nodded in agreement, hurriedly ran to the dressing room, picked out the wig he thought was most suitable, put it on, and rushed back.

After Xu Zheng returned, Wu Yuchen glanced at him and then asked Old Zhu beside him, "Mr. Zhu, how does it look now?"

Old Zhu nodded: "He looks much better with hair." Then Wu Yuchen said to Xu Zheng: "Smile."

Xu Zheng immediately broke into a bright smile.

"Be a little simple-minded."

Xu Zheng quickly adjusted himself, looking somewhat naive.

"giggle."

Xu Zheng's expression turned into a silly grin the next moment.

"Sighing and looking wronged."

Wu Yuchen made one request after another, and Xu Zheng responded very quickly. He worked very hard when he was in school, and after graduating and working at the Arts Center for four or five years, he has become the lead actor in plays. His performance in "The Color of Stocks" has been widely praised, and he has been nominated to compete for the Best Actor award at the Magnolia Drama Awards, which shows his strength.

Xu Zheng knew that he had met a benefactor this time, and now was the moment to change his destiny, so he gave it his all.

After a moment, Wu Yuchen nodded: "Stand up straight."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zheng immediately stood up straight.

After Wu Yuchen finished speaking, he stood up from his chair and started walking around Xu Zheng, looking him up and down.

After looking you over a few times, he said, "Your height is about the same, but you're a bit too thin..."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zheng immediately said, "Director Wu, I can gain weight! How much do you want me to gain? Is 30 pounds enough?"

Looking at Xu Zheng's earnest and ambitious expression, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but smile.

"You don't need 30 pounds, gaining 10-15 pounds should be enough. The main thing is to give people a sense of honesty, reliability, and a kind of humor, but don't actually become fat. You can decide the specifics yourself. I'll give you half a month, and I'll come back to see you then. If I'm satisfied, I'll cast you as the male lead in the movie."

After Wu Yuchen finished speaking, he handed the script in his hand to Xu Zheng.

Hearing the words "male lead" filled Xu Zheng with joy. Even just now, when Wu Yuchen asked him to gain weight, he thought he would be a supporting actor, but he never expected that he would be the male lead!

If someone had told him an hour ago that he would have a chance to be the male lead in Wu Yuchen's movie, he would have thought that guy was playing a joke on him, and would have yelled at him, "Are you out of your mind?!"

But now, this dreamlike thing has actually happened, making Xu Zheng extremely excited. He couldn't help but clench his fists, wanting to shout it out!

"Thank you, Director Wu! Thank you for giving me this opportunity! I will definitely not let you down!"

Xu Zheng bowed repeatedly to Wu Yuchen, and at the same time made up his mind to go home immediately and start his weight gain plan. He wanted all kinds of food, including sugar, milk, eggs, and meat!

After Lao Zhu and Wu Yuchen left the art center together, he couldn't help but ask:
"Director Wu, why don't you look at a few other actors? Maybe there are more suitable ones. Besides, if Xu Zheng doesn't meet your requirements, it will be a hassle to find someone else later."

Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "President Zhu, don't worry, I have some confidence in my judgment."

Putting aside everything else, Xu Guangtou's acting skills are definitely up to par, and he's absolutely a comedic genius. For example, his performance in "Spring Bright Pigsy" was quite endearing, while Huang Haibo's portrayal in "Lucky Star Pigsy" was simply idiotic…

He also played a kind and honest character in "Love Through Time," which were all early works of his, and he portrayed the character very well.

Seeing that Wu Yuchen had said this, Old Zhu didn't say anything more.

"Mr. Zhu, I still have a few more places to visit for promotions, so I'll leave the location scouting work here to you!"

"Haha, Director Wu, don't worry, we'll definitely take care of this for you!"

With Lao Zhu and Shanghai Film Studio involved, Wu Yuchen and Jiang Qinqin were able to leave Shanghai with peace of mind. Over the next two weeks, they traveled to Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu to promote the film, and the box office of "If Love Has a Destiny" naturally continued to rise.

It grossed over 60 million in 10 days and over 90 million in 19 days. On its 24th day of release, the headlines of the entertainment sections of major newspapers all featured the same news: "The Classic has surpassed 100 million at the box office!"

……

"Hey, Titanic was so amazing a few months ago, it completely silenced the Chinese film industry. It all comes down to Director Wu! He pulled out 'The Classic' at this time and managed to break 100 million at the box office despite the pressure from Titanic!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, truly worthy of being an internationally renowned director. How long has it been since a Chinese film broke 100 million? I have to say, I admire him!"

"Eight years! 'Mom, Love Me Again' was also broadcast in the summer of 1990, a full eight years!"

"The Classic is still more impressive. Back in 90, the total box office in China was still in the billions. How much is it now?" Thinking of last year's total box office of only about 12 billion, the man couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.

"This year's box office is expected to be much higher. Titanic alone has already grossed over 3 million. There's also Wu's 'If Love Has a Destiny.' I wonder if it can reach 20 billion this year."

"It's tough. Romance movies are popular, but even if they're filmed this year, they won't be released until next year."

A few entertainment reporters, who were free at the moment, met up to chat and joke around.

Just then, one of the men's phones rang. After answering and listening to a few words, his expression changed: "Okay, okay, I'll be right there!"

After he hung up, the others asked, "Old Liu, what's wrong?"

Old Liu glanced at the group and couldn't help but smile bitterly: "My son got into trouble at school and beat a classmate so badly that his head was bleeding. I have to go there right away!"

After saying that, he started hailing a taxi on the street. The men behind him laughed and said, "Go back and get your belts and give him a good beating, then he'll behave!"

Just as Lao Liu left, another man's phone rang. After answering the call, he opened his mouth, but immediately after hanging up, he said, "My wife has fainted at work due to heatstroke. I have to go there right away!"

After saying that, he strode to the side of the street to flag down a car. The other two felt a little strange. Why did something happen to each of their families?
A few minutes later, the pagers in their arms started ringing. After making a call, one of them cursed, "Damn it!" and immediately threw down the phone and ran away, ignoring his colleague.

The remaining person knew something must have happened, but could only quickly make a phone call.

"Hello, editor-in-chief..."

The man was interrupted by the editor's voice on the phone before he could even speak; a shout followed:
"Hurry to Shanghai Film Studio! They've suddenly called a press conference, and Wu Yuchen and Wang Zuxian have already gone there. Go there immediately!"

The man understood perfectly well what had happened. Those beasts were even cursing his own son and wife just to get there first! He spat out a curse and then ran for his life.

Meanwhile, in a room at the Shanghai Film Group, Wang Zuxian stood before Wu Yuchen, wearing a thin shirt, striped shorts, and light green sneakers. Her long, white legs were dazzling. She stood with her hands on her hips. This summer outfit exuded youthful energy!

"Hey, Director Wu, what do you mean by a script tailor-made for me? Do you think I'm that 'savage'?"

Seeing Wang Xianxian's accusing look, Wu Yuchen shrugged and feigned innocence, saying:

"Where? Little Fairy, haven't you understood after reading the script? Your savagery is just a disguise. Inside, you're still a gentle and kind girl. I've made you so charming, and you still misunderstand me. I'm so heartbroken!"

Wang Xianxian glanced at Wu Yuchen, then suddenly put on a kind smile:
"I didn't expect you to like such a charming girl, Director Wu. Shall I be a little 'savage' with you?"

As Wang Xianxian spoke, she patted the script in her hand, the cover of which read: "My Sassy Girl".

(End of this chapter)