1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 113 I Miss You 1024 Times Every Day

"We've finished watching the movie, what do you think?"

In the editing room of Xin Yicheng, as the end credits started to appear, Lei Juekun looked at the group of filmmakers including Bald Man Mecca and asked at the same time.

Sitting in the office today, in addition to Huang Boming and Shi Tian, there are three more directors: Xu Ke, Chen Xunqi and Li Xiuxian.

“Why is it a movie of this style?”

Huang Boming, who is used to acting in comedies and heartwarming dramas, was the first to speak. He found it a little difficult to accept the tone of the story of "While You Were Sleeping".

It's bad enough that the heroine suffers, but in the end the pervert actually gets away with it, which is a rare ending on the market.

“I think it’s good.”

The second person to speak was Chen Xunqi. He made a gesture to Huang Baiming to ask for mercy before speaking: "Brother Baiming, I don't mean to contradict you. I think this story satisfies the audience's curiosity. Of course, it may also be that I am dark inside."

"That's right. When I was watching it, I was always worried that the male protagonist would be caught when he was peeping."

Mecca smiled and rubbed his bald head: "It's strange to say, but I still feel that this movie doesn't look like a local movie. Even though everyone in it has an oriental face, it still looks like a Western movie."

His words immediately attracted a wave of agreement. Except for Lei Juekun, the big name, all the others present were senior filmmakers in the industry with sharp vision.

Even though the screenwriter and director Zhai Yuan and Peng Jiayan have tried hard to localize the story, their ability is still insufficient, and the overall values and temperament revealed by the film are still not in line with the current environment.

Simply put, it is not down-to-earth enough, and what it lacks is the folk customs and practices that other directors readily draw upon when observing life.

"I heard that this director used to run a video cassette factory. He must have watched a lot of cassettes and was greatly influenced by Western films."

This time it was Li Xiuxian who spoke.

He had a righteous face, but his focus was different from others: "Also, don't you think the heroine is pretty? In short, I fully support this director and his team to join Princess Gold."

There were boos.

But no one denied what he said. As the heroine, Deng Leling’s performance in the film was indeed very outstanding. She was not just a sex bomb and a vase. Her acting skills were also very solid.

Especially the emotional transition from hope to despair at the end when she is holding her newborn baby. The audience who puts themselves in her shoes can empathize with the emotions of despair and fear, but the audience who puts themselves in the shoes of the perverted male protagonist can enjoy the satisfying pleasure of violence.

It's a movie queen-level performance.

"Since Brother Xiu has spoken, I won't pretend anymore. This heroine is indeed good."

Huang Boming also grinned: "But I'm different from you. I've been thinking of a movie script with an all-female cast, and she meets my casting criteria."

There were even louder boos, and even Lei Juekun couldn't help laughing.

"Wen Guang, tell me what you think."

Putting away his smile, Lei Juekun set his sights on Xu Ke, who was sitting in the corner and had remained silent.

Everyone in the office fell silent, and all their eyes fell on Xu Qi, with different expressions in their eyes.

Sympathy and schadenfreude occasionally occur.

"Speak freely, no need to feel pressured. Can you make mistakes every time?"

Lei Juekun spoke again, his tone still kind, but this time there was a hint of sarcasm in his words.

Mecca and several other directors realized that the purpose of holding this meeting today, in addition to watching the films of new directors, was also to discourage Xu Qi from establishing his authority.

Everyone sat up straight, and the atmosphere in the office became solemn.

This is because Xu Ke had recently secretly filmed a movie called "New Shushan Swordsman" with Zou Wenhuai of Golden Harvest without the knowledge of Princess Jin.

When Lei Juekun received the news, he was furious, and the entire Golden Princess Cinema chain was on high alert, fearing that Xu Qi would make a Hollywood special effects blockbuster on the level of Star Wars.

The result surprised everyone.

Golden Harvest invested 30 million and claimed that except for Cheng Shilong, all other stars could be used freely. They vowed to make "New Shushan Swordsman", a Hong Kong version of Star Wars. In the end, it only earned more than 10 million in the local box office, and it was even worse in Taiwan, with only more than 2 million Hong Kong dollars.

Xu Ke, the leading figure of the New Wave films, instantly became a laughing stock.

Now that he has returned to Xinyi City in disgrace, he is naturally bound to be ridiculed and mocked by Lei Juekun.

"I think the camera language of this movie is very immature, and it is completely different from the camera style of the previous film "This Man From Earth". It doesn't seem to be made by the same person."

Under the gazes of the crowd, Xu Ke slowly spoke and gave his opinion: "But the techniques can be learned slowly. What's rare about this director is that the stories of his two films are both good. I wonder if there is a sharp screenwriter behind him."

"In that case, let's schedule his films in eight theaters this time."

After listening to Xu Ke's words, Lei Juekun made a decision and looked at him again. With a sharp smile, he said meaningfully, "I will never treat talented people unfairly. Otherwise, if he runs to a competitor, wouldn't I be very embarrassed?"

Xu Ke forced an ugly smile, avoided Lei Juekun's gaze, and lowered his head slightly.

But I secretly swore in my heart: I didn’t see the market clearly for this Shu Mountain, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not capable enough. Next time I will definitely attract bigger investment and make a movie with the same theme, so that everyone will look at me with admiration!

…………

Who could have imagined at that time that nineteen years later, Xu Ke would actually remake "The Legend of Zu" with a higher cost and even greater loss?

He really loves playing with special effects.

Fortunately, Golden Harvest still had a group of movie stars headed by Cheng Shilong to provide continuous financial support. Even though it suffered a loss of tens of millions, Zou Wenhuai remained calm on the surface and even told Xu Qi that he welcomed their next collaboration.

Then he turned around and instructed his subordinates that if someone named Xu came to him next time, they should say that I went abroad to investigate the market.

The cost of trial and error for low-budget movies is still low.

With this in mind, Zou Wenhuai watched two films by Guan Weiming and thought that he was indeed a promising talent.

At least he knows how to control costs. Even though he is a little older, he is still ambitious.

Golden Harvest is not short of popular stars now, what it lacks is this kind of creative talent!

"Don't worry, I'll help you with Liang Xiaolong's matter. As long as it's not shown in Taiwan, there will be no problem. The production cost of your film is not high, and Golden Harvest's cinema chain can easily help you recover the cost."

After making an agreement with Guan Weiming, he would bring his production team to Golden Harvest to sign the contract next week. Zou Wenhuai personally sent him out of the office.

"Amin, you are sweating a lot."

"Yeah, yeah, it's too hot in the air-conditioned room... No, the weather has been changing fast lately."

Guan Weiming walked out of the building, looked back at the sign of Golden Harvest Films, and felt his legs trembling.

After cheating two big bosses in one day, I had to go back to the factory and hide my identity.

From now on, there will no longer be a new director like Guan Weiming in the industry. Only people like you who are obsessed with art will believe this nonsense that you can learn how to make movies by watching videotapes!

…………

"Yes, Quentin Tarantino~"

After hearing Guan Weiming's complaints, Zhai Yuan felt that he was still narrow-minded.

Isn't it normal to learn how to make movies by watching videotapes?
There was also someone who watched thousands of videotapes and killed a second-generation official and buried him in his own yard.

How about making a Hong Kong version of "A True Story"?

Zhai Yuan thought in an unconventional way.

"Boss, I don't know who Arnold Schwarzenegger you are talking about. Anyway, I'm 40 years old and I just want to live the rest of my life in peace."

Guan Weiming said this with a sad face, as if he was on a pirate ship.

"Alright, alright, from now on you just stay in the cassette factory peacefully and return to Shaitang (retire from society)!"

Zhai Yuan waved his hands, thinking that the young boss's psychological endurance was still too poor, so he took the initiative to invite him: "Would you like to see a movie tonight?" Guan Weiming shook his head and refused. Although he made videotapes, he seldom watched them.

"Okay, then you go home and rest for two days. Don't change your phone number for now. If anyone from Golden Harvest or Princess Golden calls, just say you're sick and delay the release of the movie. Try to keep the movie on their screens for a few more days."

Zhai Yuan gave a few final instructions, and only picked up his brother's phone after Guan Weiming left the office.

I called Pang Ka Yin's number and said, "Hey, Director, please come to my theater tonight. It's your first movie, so why don't you book the theater to show your support?"

That’s right, Zhai Yuan already has his first theater.

The location was the one that Ho Chi-long found for him, at the New Palace Theatre in Debao Garden, Ngau Tau Kok.

The monthly rent was 240,000 yuan. The wealthy Zhai Yuan directly signed a 15-year contract, with the rent paid annually.

This means that before 1997, the theater belonged to him.

Zhai Yuan felt it was worth it.

The theater owner, who didn't expect the land price to soar soon, felt it was more worthwhile.

The New Palace Theater, which has more than 1,200 seats, has not yet been rebuilt according to Zhai Yuan's ideas.

He planned to show Pang Ka Yin’s first play here, which would also be the last play before the theatre was renovated.

At eight o'clock in the evening, "While You Were Sleeping" will start its three-line screening.

There is one Golden Princess line, one Golden Harvest line, and one Zhai Yuan line which has only one theater and has not yet been named.

"We already have 1024, so I plan to call the cinema chain in the future."

"Wouldn't that mean we would have to open 1024 theaters?"

Zhai Yuan squatted at the entrance of the theater, smoking and chatting with Shen Wei.

Soon, Pang Chia-yan arrived with all the crew members.

Also accompanying him were the entire staff of the telephone company and the cassette factory.

As well as Zhao Meizhen, Zhai Yao, Zhou Haimei, Deng Leling, Nishixie Michiko, the two kings...

Due to time constraints, the film "While You Were Sleeping", which was originally expected to be released, did not have enough room for publicity.

However, during the first screening of the new film, a poster showing Deng Leling lying on the bed with her beautiful back exposed and her graceful figure still attracted many viewers to the theater.

"Brother Xiaolong! Brother Jiaying!"

When entering the venue with the audience, Zhai Yuan saw Liang Xiaolong and Luo Jiaying.

They are the male lead and the second male lead in this play.

"Mr. Zhai."

Luo Jiaying just found out that Zhai Yuan was the boss of this play. As a newcomer to the film industry, he seemed a little shy and was far from being as unrestrained as in the movies.

After saying hello, I felt like I should say something more, so I managed to say, "Thank you for giving me the opportunity."

Zhai Yuan smiled and thought to himself that it would be fine if you just don't think I'm cheating you for a while.

"Mr. Zhai, I didn't believe it when the director told me. I didn't expect you to be so young."

Liang Xiaolong seemed much more cheerful. He was not tall but had a strong build, and his suit was held up by his muscles.

With a smile on his face, he seemed not affected by the ban at all.

"Brother Xiaolong, thank you for coming over to help me this time. I feel bad for letting a big star like you play the second male lead, so I didn't dare to visit the set during filming."

Zhai Yuan clasped his hands together and made a gesture of begging for mercy to Liang Xiaolong.

Liang Xiaolong was very popular at that time. Although he was banned, he still had a sense of pride. Therefore, he was somewhat unhappy that he served as a foil for Luo Jiaying this time.

But seeing Zhai Yuan being so polite, that slight grudge disappeared.

Zhai Yuan understood Liang Xiaolong to some extent. He was banned when he was at the peak of his popularity, but he still considered himself a top star. So much so that when he later starred in "Flame Cloud Evil God", he still felt that he was giving face to Zhou Xingchi.

People born in this martial arts world all have the air of a gangster. They are the typical people who respond to soft words but not hard ones. All you have to do is flatter them a few times and everything will be fine.

"I don't mind. Jiaying is a newcomer in the industry. As a senior, it's my duty to help him."

Liang Xiaolong held his neck high, patted Luo Jiaying in style, and said in a tone of teaching a junior: "Please pay more attention. This is your first time on camera and you are the leading actor. This opportunity is not given to everyone."

"I know, Brother Xiaolong." Luo Jiaying nodded and bowed, looking like he was willing to learn.

In fact, he is two years older than Liang Xiaolong.

After briefly chatting with a few other extras, Zhai Yuan finally set his eyes on Deng Leling and winked at her.

Deng Leling had been looking at Zhai Yuan. Seeing him easily calm down the angry Liang Xiaolong, and his words and actions revealing confidence and composure, she couldn't help but smile.

She rolled her eyes at Zhai Yuan and asked, "Where have you been lately?"

"I'm busy making money to buy theaters and promote your first theatrical movie~"

As Zhai Yuan spoke, he took two steps forward and pinched her buttocks behind the crowd. Deng Leling's eyes immediately became moist.

"I don't believe you! Keep your hands away, or your girlfriend might see you. I'll go in first."

Deng Leling rolled her eyes at him again, walked towards the theater, and added in a low voice: "You are not allowed to leave after the show. I bought new clothes for you to wear."

Zhai Yuan looked at her peach-like back and raised his eyebrows. It seemed that tonight would be another sleepless night.

Zhao Meizhen arrived last. Zhou Haimei and Zhai Yao each put their arms around her and behaved intimately.

"Ama, Yaoyao, Haimei."

Zhai Yuan walked over quickly, naturally put his arms around Zhou Haimei's slender waist, without looking at her blushing face, and greeted them to come in in a serious manner.

"Miss me?"

Hanging at the end of the crowd, Zhai Yuan lowered his head and leaned close to Zhou Haimei's ear and asked.

"think."

Being hugged by Zhai Yuan in public and doing intimate actions like this, Zhou Haimei smiled like a fool.

"So you missed me?"

"Of course. I was just talking to Lawyer Shen about changing the name of the theater to 1024, which means I think of you 1024 times a day~"

After Zhai Yuan finished speaking, he rushed to Shen Wei who was in front of him and shouted: "Old Shen, did I say that I wanted to make a 1024?"

Shen Wei looked back blankly and nodded.

"Yeah, what's wrong, boss?"

"It's okay, go play."

Zhai Yuan waved his hand at him, and then said to Zhou Haimei: "Look, I didn't lie to you."

1024.

Zhou Haimei silently recited this number in her heart, feeling sweet in her heart, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up higher and higher.

(End of this chapter)