Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 57 Almost

Several posters were displayed at the entrance of the cinema, the most eye-catching being "In the Heat of the Sun." Released this September, the film, riding on its huge success at the Venice Film Festival, has already grossed 40 million yuan in just a few months. After all, it's a film that has captivated foreign audiences, and this sense of national pride resonates with many, even though over 80% of viewers were actually quite confused after entering the theater.

The posters on the left and right feature two tough guys, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan, both with impressive muscles.

"True Lies," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was introduced to mainland China in the first half of this year. Upon its release, it ignited the entire Chinese film market. The scene of Schwarzenegger flying a fighter jet was a game-changer for domestic films, allowing audiences to truly understand what a blockbuster is for the first time.

The only film that could rival it was Jackie Chan's "Rumble in the Bronx." Jackie Chan's various acts of beating up foreigners, jumping off buildings in dangerous stunts, and riding a hovercraft through the streets were all incredibly exciting to watch.

These two films grossed 1.03 million and 9500 million yuan respectively in mainland China, while the other films grossed less than 5000 million yuan, a significant difference.

Both films were actually released in the first half of the year, but they were still playing in theaters for more than half a year.

Looking at the two posters, Wu Yuchen, as someone who had been through it all, felt a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, mixed feelings). He knew that the mainland film market was about to change drastically, and that it would soon enter the era of Hollywood blockbusters.

In the upcoming year of 1996, eight of the top ten films at the Chinese box office will be American blockbusters. Everyone knows how "Kong Fansen" earned its eighth-place ranking of 36 million yuan. Meanwhile, Jackie Chan's "Police Story 4: First Strike" stands out, surpassing all eight Hollywood films to claim the top spot at the box office, defending the last shred of dignity for Chinese cinema.

In the years that followed, only Jackie Chan could compete with imported blockbusters, and he also pioneered the Chinese New Year film season in mainland China, introducing the concept of Lunar New Year films to the mainland, and was not at all like the "little cannon" Feng Xiaogang that the media later touted.

So Brother Long's influence is truly the result of hard work and real achievements. No wonder when he came to the mainland, celebrities in the industry were all willing to call him "Big Brother," which is something that no other Hong Kong and Taiwan artist can compare to.

"Two copies of 'Rumble in the Bronx'."

Why Wu Yuchen dragged Jiang Qinqin to the movie theater is obvious to those who know.

Moreover, looking at the other movies listed on the blackboard next to the ticket window—"The Tragic Brook," "Red Cherry," and "Naked Blood"—each one more depressing than the last, was really affecting my mood.

After Wu Yuchen pulled Jiang Qinqin into the theater, they went straight to the back row. These days, movie tickets don't have assigned seats; whoever comes in first gets a seat.

"Hey, why are you so far back?" Jiang Qinqin tugged at Wu Yuchen.

"The sound at the front is too loud, too noisy. The viewing experience is better at the back!" Wu Yuchen muttered nonsense.

"But it doesn't need to be this far back, and so out of the way..."

Although Jiang Qinqin said that, she still sat down with Wu Yuchen, after all, it was his birthday today, and the birthday person should be respected.

Wu Yuchen took a look and, sure enough, he had made the right choice. Even though "Rumble in the Bronx" was popular, it had been showing for more than half a year. There weren't many people in the theater, and their corner was even more deserted.

Jiang Qinqin had naturally already seen a blockbuster like "Rumble in the Bronx." However, Cheng Lung's movies are quite watchable, so she quickly became engrossed in the film and watched it with great interest.

But just as Jiang Qinqin was leaning on Wu Yuchen's shoulder, completely absorbed in the movie, she suddenly felt a large hand slipping into her clothes. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed red. She reached out to stop it while turning her head to tell Wu Yuchen to stop.

As soon as Jiang Qinqin looked up, she saw the burning passion in Wu Yuchen's eyes, which made her tremble. She had just slightly opened her mouth when he sealed it with his big mouth.

……

On Monday, Wu Yuchen walked into the classroom and sat down. Cheng Er leaned over and asked slyly, "How was your birthday date the other day?" "It was great," Wu Yuchen replied casually, resting his chin on his hand.

"You look fine, but you seem a little listless?" Cheng Er asked curiously.

Wu Yuchen waved his hand listlessly and didn't continue answering.

He recalled the movie theater two days ago. Everything started off smoothly, and then he even pulled Jiang Qinqin directly from her seat to sit in his lap. In the dark, nearly empty theater, under the cover of the movie's sound, Jiang Qinqin was completely aroused by Wu Yuchen, and except for the final step, he had taken advantage of her every whim.

Hearing her whisper in his ear, "Not here," Wu Yuchen was overjoyed, thinking that she had agreed.

When they left the movie theater, the biting winter wind cooled Jiang Qinqin down considerably, and her mind cleared. She absolutely refused to go to the hotel with Wu Yuchen. Although she eventually made amends by showering him with passionate kisses, it couldn't heal his wounded heart.
He felt frustrated whenever he thought about it; it was just a little short!

Wu Yuchen didn't regret not doing anything in the movie theater, but he felt that if they had seen a big ship and heard a line like "You jump, I jump!", they probably would have been safe!
It's a real shame that there are so few romance films made in China these days!

During the second break, when he saw another message on his pager, Wu Yuchen quickly went out to find a public phone to call back.

"Hello, this is Wu Yuchen."

Director Gu's voice came from the other end of the phone:

"Xiao Wu, your script 'The Two of Us' was just discussed in a meeting. We can give you a spot, but the funding is only 30 yuan. Are you willing to film it?"

Wu Yuchen was initially delighted upon hearing this, but then frowned when he heard it was only 300,000. From 500,000 to 300,000, that's almost a 50% cut!

Wu Yuchen knew that this was not something he could negotiate; if he said no, he would probably lose this opportunity.

After quickly processing the question in his mind, he asked, "Director Gu, if it's 30, I want to shoot with 16mm film. I wonder if the movie channel allows that?"

If you don't have enough money, you have to lower your expectations.

“That’s no problem. We’re not going to show it in theaters. 16mm film is enough to watch on TV.”

"Then I can take the filming. Thank you, Director Gu, for securing this opportunity for me!"

"Haha, you're really capable. This matter can be settled this afternoon. Come over and go through the procedures."

Wu Yuchen exchanged a few more pleasantries with Director Gu before hanging up the phone.

The image quality of 16mm film is definitely slightly grainier than that of 35mm, but it's not noticeable on television. Its main advantage is its lower price, less than a third of the cost of 35mm. However, 16mm film is better at creating a sense of realism and nostalgia than 35mm film, which is quite fitting for "The Two of Us".

Moreover, it doesn't affect participation in film festivals. Many award-winning films are actually shot on 16mm film, since many independent film directors don't have much money.

Wu Yuchen thought for a moment, then picked up the phone again and called Grandma Ruan. She had helped him make the connection, so he should inform her and thank her first when he had news.

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(End of this chapter)