Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 161 Concept Song! A wake-up call for Huayi!

I spent more than twenty days in Hong Kong, nine days after the closing ceremony of the Olympics.

The final special effects rendering work for "We Live in Nanjing" has finally been completed.

Cao Zhong checked all the footage before diving into the final editing.

"Lost in Thailand" officially started filming in late August, with Xu Zheng, Wang Baoqiang, Huang Bo and others joining the cast!
Regarding the actresses, Cao Zhong mostly didn't get involved.
Xu Zheng selected actresses from "Love Transfer" to co-star in, including Bai Bing, Song Jia, and Che Yongli.
Meanwhile, Wang Changtian from Guangxian made several phone calls to Cao Zhong, subtly probing him. Cao Zhong, unable to refuse,...

They arranged for Liu Yan to be cast as a sexy young woman, the same role Huang Xiaolei played in her previous life.

Cao Zhong, on the other hand, met with Han Sanpin and Zhu Jiaxin several times, and the three of them agreed on their respective shares and jointly established a special effects company in mainland China.

Zhongcheng Xiantao Special Effects has a very straightforward name.

This company is currently losing money, and everyone knows that.

But the future is uncertain.

China Film Group is dedicated to the future development of Chinese cinema.
Cao Zhong's aim was to facilitate and systematically cultivate talent.

After seeing the special effects of "We Live in Nanjing", Zhu Jiaxin was betting that the Chinese film industry would have a new hope because of Cao Zhong!
A hope that was never created even during the golden age of Hong Kong cinema!
The hope of going head-to-head with Hollywood movies!
Let's gamble on his hope of having a full order book!
Cao Zhong, through a chance inquiry during the film's promotional preparations, discovered an opportunity to sign a new talent.

……

In early September, the weather in Hong Kong had already turned cool.

Although the office of Hummingbird Music Company was somewhat cool, the wafting aroma of tea brought a touch of warmth to the room.

The heat wave lingered on Zhang Dan's face, but it made him look melancholy.

Zhang Dan, the founder of Hummingbird Music, has been in a very low mood these past few days. Looking at the contract termination documents and the lawsuit that Cao Zhong had thrown at him through Zhu Jiaxin, he couldn't help but grit his teeth.

Three days ago, through the matchmaking of Zhu Jiaxin, he met with Cao Zhong, a renowned director from Chengying Film Company, which had created box office miracles in the mainland film industry.

A madman who, last year, took Ang Lee's 200 million yuan film out of China.

A ruthless man who sent Jiang Zhiqiang straight to Hollywood.

It is also a symbol of the mainland entertainment industry that has already made a name for itself in Hong Kong.

Zhang Dan never expected that the first public conflict and connection between Cao Zhong and the Hong Kong entertainment industry would actually happen to him!

And he threw a heavy punch at him!
Cao Zhong's purpose in meeting with him was very simple.
They specifically named G.E.M., a new artist signed by Hummingbird Music.

Moreover, they went so far as to provide two solutions for this purpose.

Option 1: Cao Zhong will pay to terminate her contract, but he is only willing to pay one-thirtieth of the termination fee, which is four million Hong Kong dollars;

Option 2: Have G.E.M.'s mother sue Hummingbird Music for deceptive practices, using the law to indefinitely delay the release of her first album, "GEM," which Hummingbird Music produced for her.

He also said that Zhang Dan could freely sideline G.E.M., and if possible, he would let G.E.M. switch careers to become an actress.

This completely broke Zhang Dan's defenses.

He used many methods to sign G.E.M., and his first album was produced by the famous Hong Kong producer Mark Lui.

If the release is hindered, it will be a significant blow to Hummingbird Music, and all the money spent will be wasted.

How could Zhang Dan not know this at this moment?
It's obvious that Cao Zhong has already communicated with G.E.M. and her mother, and may have even sold him out.

He could have chosen not to accept the four million and suppressed G.E.M. for fifteen years, but he couldn't stop her from becoming an actress.

This forceful action made Zhang Dan grit her teeth inwardly.

He even tried to use his connections to reach Lawrence Ho, but it was clear that his connections weren't strong enough. His brother's slot machine business had already been completely sold to Lawrence Ho, and the deal was settled.

His father has a lot of influence, but he wouldn't take this small matter to the gambling king.

After struggling for two days with no improvement,

Thinking about the setbacks he had suffered in his relationships with various parties these past few days, Zhang Dan rubbed his temples, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled to calm himself down.

A moment later, he picked up his phone and called Cao Zhong.

“Director Cao, you win.” Zhang Dan conceded defeat. “I agree to the termination fee, but we spent a lot of money on the first album produced by Lei Songde. You have to pay that upfront, but the copyright belongs to us.”

“That’s impossible,” Cao Zhong said. “There’s no such thing as paying for nothing.”

“Although I don’t know what Director Cao is trying to do,” Zhang Dan said, “I have looked into Director Cao’s abilities. Judging from his previous songs such as ‘As You Wish,’ ‘Heavenly Questions,’ ‘Misplaced Time and Space,’ ‘Father,’ and ‘Father’s Prose Poem,’ Director Cao has the ability to create hit songs.”

If Director Cao doesn't agree to this condition, I'd rather keep that little girl under wraps for fifteen years.

Director Cao surely knows very well that I don't need those four million.

A prolonged silence fell over both sides; neither wanted to waste money and resources.
Zhang Dan was worried that the young girl might really switch careers to become an actress. He was well aware of Cao Zhong's allure, but he couldn't figure out what G.E.M. was thinking and didn't dare to discuss it further. If the answer was unfavorable to him, he wouldn't have any confidence in negotiations.

Cao Zhong, on the other hand, was worried that if Zhang Dan really sidelined G.E.M. for fifteen years, it would deviate from his original intention.

“I can let go of the copyright, but the performance rights need to be authorized to her,” Cao Zhong said. “That’s the bottom line.”

"make a deal."

After Zhang Dan shouted out the word "deal," she suddenly laughed.
"But Director Cao, I believe that with your abilities, you can make Chopstick Brothers famous, you can make Jane Zhang famous, and you can make many singers famous."
And you want to compete with me for a young man? I think you've gone completely mad.

Perhaps she's not worth four million at all; all of Director Cao's efforts will ultimately be in vain.

Zhang Dan wanted to give Cao Zhong a vicious curse.
"No need for Mr. Zhang to trouble himself with that."

Having gained an advantage, Cao Zhong remained humble.

Only he knew that if G.E.M. was properly nurtured, she would become a trump card in the music industry under Chengying Media.

After hanging up, Cao Zhong called G.E.M.'s mother.
"The matter is resolved. Just wait for further instructions."

"Believe me, after 'We Live in Nanjing' is released, she will be even more famous than Wang Fei."

Cao Zhong's words silenced G.E.M.'s mother, and for a moment, countless ripples were stirred in her heart!

G.E.M. covered her mouth, her mind exploding as she listened to Cao Zhong's voice on the other end of the phone.

Just like when Cao Zhong contacted her a few days ago and made those empty promises!
In just a few days, he actually managed to do it!
Not only did they terminate her contract with Hummingbird Music, they also offered her even more lucrative signing terms.

Most importantly, he promised to be even more famous than Wang Fei!
“Mom.” G.E.M. stared at her mother, her eyes filled with shock and indescribable astonishment.

Cao Zhong signed G.E.M., but it was just a side job.

He mainly did this to promote the concept song for the movie "We Live in Nanjing".

Cao Zhong could also learn from Hummingbird and become a ruthless capitalist in the cold storage industry, but he didn't want to be like G.E.M., who was almost exploited to death because of this contract in her previous life.

Cao Zhong pulled G.E.M. out of the fire pit early this lifetime, and now he's planning to squeeze half of her out of him.

Squeeze some juice out of her!

Such a talented singer, if we don't seize this opportunity to have him, it would be a terrible mistake to let such a gift slip by!
The concept song for "We Live in Nanjing," titled "Light Years Away," was a song that Cao Zhong had already decided on, and it would be best if G.E.M. could sing the original version.

……

Early September.

Shen Ao called Cao Zhong, furious.

"Director Cao, it's been three and a half months already."
Wang Zhonglei from Huayi has been consistently inviting me to join Huayi.

It started as a test, but now it's escalating.

They used all sorts of methods; while I was filming here, they wanted to invite me to Huayi Brothers to enjoy a one-stop service of drinking and sleeping with them…

I kept quiet because I knew you were busy and because of your relationship with Huayi, and I was afraid you'd feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.

I've refused several times, but they keep trying to sweet-talk me. Today they sent Huo Siyan to visit the set, saying they heard the crew needed an actress to play Guan Xiaotong's mother, and specially sent Huo Siyan to give me a cameo role. Before I even had a chance to film, I found Huo Siyan at my hotel entrance that evening… telling me she wanted me to give her some acting coaching.

Director Cao, I'm shocked..."

Shen Ao's words, one by one, left Cao Zhong speechless.

"Was she frightened?" Cao Zhong asked.

“It wasn’t her, it was me, and I’m scared too,” Shen Ao added.

"What are you afraid of? Afraid that this top female PR at Huayi is crazy? You've even slept with Mu Zimei, aren't you incredibly bold?"

Cao Zhong's expression changed at first, then he suddenly laughed.

He had known about Huayi's problem for a long time.

However, unexpectedly, before the film project in collaboration with Huayi Brothers was even finished, Huayi Brothers had already started to pull these kinds of tricks.

They even sent Huo Siyan to handle public relations for the Olympic bid?

Pretty awesome.

Although he thought this to himself, Cao Zhong's eyes narrowed suddenly, and anger flared up in his heart, but he suppressed it.

When teased, Shen Ao blushed and swallowed hard.
"Things from the past are too painful to recall. Director Cao, please stop teasing me."

But, Director Cao, Huo Siyan, I... I'm afraid I'll fall for her.

I really liked Zi'er from "Happy Seven Fairies" when I watched the TV series.
He even went to find many of her films. In the movie she starred in with Liu Qingyun, she was so big that one hand couldn't cover her.

I have big hands, and I really want to try it.

Cao Zhong: ...

Shen Ao heard the silence on the other end of the phone, swallowed hard, and said cautiously:

“But I didn’t dare touch it. Director Cao didn’t say anything, and I didn’t dare to take those sugar-coated bullets. I told Director Cao before that I would remember his kindness for the rest of my life when I applied for the Olympics! I will not go back on my word.”

Cao Zhong thought for a moment and said softly, "Take what you should take, use what you should use. There's never been a case in this world where something given away can be taken back intact."

Shen Ao suddenly fell into a brief silence, not understanding for a moment.

Cao Zhongdao said, "I know your attitude because you called me. I don't care about your personal matters."

"You can take advantage of Huayi's deals as much as you want, just don't give them any leverage. I'll handle the rest."

"So, I can do whatever I want?" Shen Ao was a little surprised.

"Go for it!" Cao Zhong said with a hint of sarcasm. "Wang Zhonglei is even willing to sacrifice his own people, what are you afraid of?"

Shen Ao chuckled twice.

After hanging up the phone, Cao Zhong's face turned cold.
His original idea was simple: he wanted the Chinese film industry to move forward collectively, in order to counter the Western narrative framework.

As the largest private enterprise at present, Huayi is naturally on the list of partners.

Although Huayi has its flaws, Cao Zhong is determined to achieve great things and therefore doesn't concern himself with trifles.
If Huayi can contribute some of its resources, but focus its efforts on making movies, even if they are bad, as long as they don't go astray, it will be a good use of its talents.

In the film ecosystem, there are inherently blockbusters and small films, good films and bad films, and this is something that cannot be controlled.

Cao Zhong believes that a system for building a film industry needs to be established. At its core, this is aimed at Western universal values, and outwardly, it is about confronting the fate of Hollywood blockbusters.

Han Sanpin's blockbuster strategy is exactly the latter.

As a private enterprise in China, Huayi Brothers naturally chooses to film stories about China.

They are bedbugs, but they are bedbugs that can unite.

But I never expected... not only would a leopard not stop eating shit, but it also licked his forehead.

Cao Zhong was disgusted.

I didn't get enough of the cheap deals, and now people are trying to poach me?
Cao Zhong couldn't hold back and laughed in anger.

What was Xiao Wang thinking?
Brain dead?

Cao Zhong narrowed his eyes and made a phone call to Huayi.

Wang Zhongjun received it.

"Mr. Wang, you've got quite a long reach," Cao Zhong sneered, his voice laced with coldness.

Wang Zhongjun's heart skipped a beat, and his expression changed accordingly.

"I don't understand, what does Director Cao mean by that?"

"They've even poached people from my Cheng Ying?" Cao Zhong cut to the chase, directly sidling up to Wang Zhongjun. "They've even sent women to the Olympic bid. Mr. Wang, you're quite the master of playing dumb?"

"What kind of people? What kind of women? What are you pretending not to know? Director Cao's words have left me very confused."

At this moment, Wang Zhongjun was speechless at his adopted younger brother, and his face darkened completely.

Of course he knew what had happened.
But you absolutely cannot admit it verbally.

“Mr. Wang, don’t play the good cop/bad cop game with me,” Cao Zhong said. “It won’t work on me. Since we’re not going to be friends, we can only be rivals. And since you’ve already done this much, don’t blame me for doing this much more.”

Cao Zhong made no attempt to hide anything, stating bluntly, "If you can poach my people, I can poach yours too, just like Wang Jinghua did."

These words struck a nerve with Wang Zhongjun, causing his face to darken completely.

His face turned ugly after hearing Cao Zhong's words.

I wanted to say something more, but all I heard was the dial tone from the other end.

"Young man, aren't you afraid of biting your tongue?"

He cursed inwardly, "Does he think Huayi has been made of clay for the past ten years or so?"

Cao Zhong's lips twitched slightly.
Oranges grown south of the Huai River are sweet oranges, while those grown north of the Huai River are bitter oranges.

Putting everything else aside, Cao Zhong still has some ideas about the actors Duan Yihong, Wang Baoqiang, and Huang Xiaoming.

As for offending Huayi, Cao Zhong didn't care at all. If it were before "Nanjing Photo Studio," he might have considered the consequences.

But with "We Live in Nanjing" about to be released, Cao Zhong really doesn't need to indulge Huayi's bad habits.

We must fight against Western colonial ideology and narratives.

There's no need to indulge someone like Huayi.

They just killed him without thinking.

Even if you don't kill it in one hit, then hit it again.

I was bullied by the Imperial Army before I transmigrated, and I'll still be bullied by the Imperial Army after I transmigrate? Dream on!
Cao Zhong's phone call was both a warning and a prelude.

After today, if Huayi wants to get on board again, they'll have to see if they're qualified.

The greatest favor Cao Zhong could give him was to poach his celebrities and engage in normal business competition.

If they pull any more crazy moves.

In their past lives, they needed to survive by relying on "The Mermaid 2," produced by Stephen Chow, with whom they had fallen out, but they ended up dying completely.

Cao Zhong wouldn't mind giving them a push in advance.

"People always have to pay the price for their choices."

(End of this chapter)