Chapter 414: Suppressing the Hong Kong Circle: Yang Mi Falls

Outside, the "Zhen-Zhao Dispute" slowly subsided; after all, it had been going on for so many days, and all parties had suffered quite significant losses.

Just at this moment, a piece of news from Hong Kong caught everyone off guard.

"Film: 'Kung Fu Jungle'; Production Budget: 80 million; Producers: Golden Harvest, Emperor Motion Pictures; Producers: Shi Nansheng, Huo Wenxi; Director: Lu Yang; Screenwriter: Wei Jin; Male Lead: Zhao Wenzhuo/Wang Baoqiang; Female Lead: Bai Bin;"

Once the news broke, the entire circle was in an uproar! The latest film from Golden Harvest and Emperor, and the male lead was actually Zhao Wenzhuo?

That Zhao Wenzhuo who was currently mired in a war of words? That Zhao Wenzhuo whom the Hong Kong Circle had threatened would absolutely never find a film to cast him?

Although it was a Golden Harvest project, everyone knew this meant Shanhe Media had taken a side, and more importantly, Emperor from Hong Kong had also taken a side! One was the strongest private film giant in Mainland China, the other was a veteran Hong Kong film company; the two behemoths had, without any concealment, taken sides in this collision between the film and television circles of the two regions!

More importantly, all three actors were from the Mainland; this was a blatant counterattack! Netizens were overjoyed, as if they were generals returning in triumph.

"Times have changed, so what if it's the Hong Kong Circle? Boss Wei hadn't spoken up before, but this move is a fatal blow. At critical moments, we still have to rely on our own people in the Mainland. Boss Wei is mighty and imposing!"

"Martial arts newcomer Director Lu Yang, gold-medal screenwriter Wei Jin, a partnership of two martial arts practitioners, looking forward to it!"

"Emperor has abandoned darkness for light, very wise."

... The front desk phone at Shanhe Media was almost blown up by the media, and even the Weibo accounts of Wei Jin and Lu Yang were surrounded by a massive number of comments.

As the director, Lu Yang introduced the film on Weibo.

"This is an action film with a very brilliant script. I believe the two leads will definitely bring everyone a refreshing experience. I will also treat this work seriously and will absolutely not let everyone down!"

In one Weibo post, he tagged the two leads. Soon, Golden Harvest and Emperor also welcomed the joining of the two leads on Weibo.

Zhao Wenzhuo replied to the news immediately, "Thank you to Director Lu Yang and the producers for the recognition. I am ready to join the crew at any time."

Many artists in the circle expressed their congratulations under Zhao Wenzhuo's Weibo post.

"This film will be the best opportunity you've had in these years, seize it well!"

Zhao Wenzhuo's Agent said with a joyful face; he had thought this storm would be hard to weather, but he hadn't expected this turn of events.

"I know, I will definitely seize it."

Zhao Wenzhuo nodded and clenched his fist, waving it slightly.

By comparison, the morale on the side of "Special Identity" was terrifyingly low.

Huang Shengyi was very glad that the "Stabbing Sect" incident from before had served as a reminder to her, so this time, she completely pretended to know nothing, and even pressed back Yang Zi, who had wanted to speak out.

Just looking at the gloomy-faced action director Zhen Zidan, Huang Shengyi had a bad premonition about the future of the film.

Zhen Zidan was indeed in a very bad mood right now; he had just said earlier that no one would look for Zhao Wenzhuo to film, only to be slapped in the face immediately after.

The key was that it was Wei Jin's action film script; clearly, he himself was the most suitable one.

But Zhen Zidan also knew clearly that since the "Ip Man" series, all resources from both Shanhe Media and Emperor had closed their doors to him.

The films he had starred in over these years had also flopped one after another; both his commercial value and his fame had been consumed quite a bit.

This time, having finally managed to set up a project himself, he had hoped for a beautiful comeback, but he hadn't expected it to end up in such a mess.

Approaching fifty, Zhen Zidan rarely felt a sense of regret.

"Danny, if it's possible, shall we go and try to vie for the 'Ip Man' series again? Even if it means bowing our heads and admitting our mistakes..."

Listening to his Agent's words of persuasion, Zhen Zidan's eyes were vacant as he muttered to himself: "Is this... still possible?"

Unlike Zhao Wenzhuo's joy and Zhen Zidan's annoyance, and the high spirits of the Mainland netizens, the Hong Kong side was truly exasperated.

"How dare they? How dare they?"

"Boycott, we must boycott!"

It was no wonder the Hong Kong Circle was angry; once upon a time, it was always Mainland actors playing supporting roles for Hong Kong actors, with at most the female lead being from the Mainland.

But this "Kung Fu Jungle" was the complete opposite; from the director down to the three leads, they were all Mainland people.

While it was called a co-production, what could be given to Hong Kong actors were nothing more than supporting roles and bit parts in the crew; this was simply a naked insult!

Hong Kong media were all attacking Golden Harvest and Emperor, and even Shanhe Media was not spared; many Hong Kong filmmakers also stood out to make snide remarks.

"Wei Jin has no respect for the Hong Kong film circle at all; this is making us Hong Kong actors act as stepping stones for Mainland actors."

"For the sake of money and the Mainland market, has Emperor even lost its face? Don't even count Golden Harvest; that's just a lackey for the Mainland!"

"Boycott Golden Harvest, boycott Emperor!"

In a single day, the Hong Kong Circle made a huge fuss, as if they were a maiden whose chastity had been defiled.

Wei Jin heard that the Emperor headquarters had even been blocked, and the usually refined Boss Yang had rarely lost his temper and lashed out at this group of people.

Wei Jin did not stay idle either; after careful consideration, he posted a Weibo directly.

"'Kung Fu Jungle' fully meets the conditions for a co-production. If some people really can't swallow their anger, they can make a film to compete in the ring; what's the point of a war of words?"

Once Wei Jin's Weibo was out, the effect was quite good, and the Hong Kong Circle suddenly went silent.

Because Wei Jin's words were very clear: if you aren't convinced, let the box office do the talking, don't just keep nagging.

But that was the problem; counting them down, whether it was a co-production or a pure Hong Kong film, there wasn't one that could show off in front of Wei Jin. The current highest-grossing Hong Kong film was actually produced by Golden Harvest.

If it came to awards, Wei Jin held the Palme d'Or, Golden Bear, and Oscar, three monuments that directly suppressed the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Horse Awards, making them unable to lift their heads; it was too stifling.

The key was that Wei Jin also controlled the second-largest cinema chain in the Mainland and the largest in Nanyang, and was the head of the largest entertainment group in the Mainland; he wasn't like Boss Yang, a native Hong Konger who would show courtesy to the Hong Kong Circle. If you provoked him, he would simply stop being reasonable; who could withstand that?

Consequently, the massive boycott movement ended in such a hasty manner, which instead made the Mainland see the hollowness of the Hong Kong Circle, and they became increasingly disdainful.

Time entered late March, and as the Hong Kong Circle quieted down, the "Zhen-Zhao Dispute" incident quickly cooled off; now there were only some sporadic discussions online.

At the same time, after two months of filming, "Beijing Meets Seattle" wrapped up.

As soon as Xue Xiaolu and her group landed at the Beijing airport, they were surrounded by media who had learned the news and come over.

"May I ask Director Xue, when will this film meet the audience?"

"Currently, post-production work has not yet begun, and the completion time is to be determined. Additionally, the release schedule also needs to be finalized by the company. However, if there is any news, I will announce it as soon as possible. Thank you!"

Seeing that Xue Xiaolu did not wish to say more, the media turned their microphones toward the female lead, Yang Mi; after all, she was very popular right now.

"May I ask Miss Yang Mi, how do you think this film compares to 'Love is Not Blind'?"

At this moment, Yang Mi looked like a general returning in triumph, appearing quite confident. "The genres of the two films are completely different, but I believe the film's box office will definitely be a big hit, exceeding the previous record, hehe..."

Just as the group left the airport for the company, the media reports had already come out.

"Co-produced by Shanhe Media and Enlight Media, directed by Xue Xiaolu, and starring Yang Mi, Yu Hewei, Hai Qing, and others, the urban romance film 'Beijing Meets Seattle' has wrapped up filming; the crew returns to Beijing today."

"The lead actress Yang Mi boasted that the film's box office would surpass 'Love is Not Blind'."

In the meeting room of the Shanhe Building, Wei Jin met with all the members of the crew.

"Thank you all for your hard work. Teacher Xue, is the post-production for this project still being arranged at the school?"

"Yes, it's more convenient over there. I plan to have a group of students handle it; it counts as giving them an opportunity for practical internship experience."

Having said this, Xue Xiaolu looked at the crew members and Wei Jin, then added another sentence.

"But everyone can rest assured, I will keep an eye on it; there won't be any mishaps."

"Alright, Teacher Xue, please make the arrangements. But there's no need to rush; slow work yields fine products."

For this kind of film, it doesn't matter much where the post-production is done. As for the issue of efficiency, Wei Jin was not in a hurry. The good release windows for this year had already been mostly carved up; this film could only go for October or November, so there was plenty of time.

Although the wrap-up banquet for the crew had already been held abroad, as the producer, Wei Jin still treated the crew to a meal in the evening to welcome them back.

Unsurprisingly, after the dinner ended, Yang Mi sent an invitation.

Thinking about it carefully, he hadn't injected capital into this woman for three or four months. Wei Jin truly missed her charm in bed, so he brought her to Wu Hao Jin Wu.

Although she was a bit curious about why the location had changed, Yang Mi was ruthless and concise; without waiting for Wei Jin to act, she took the initiative to undress, leaving only the special attire she had already prepared.

Looking at the lace-trimmed black gauze bra and the 7B-lock black silk stockings remaining on the woman, the corners of Wei Jin's mouth curled into a smile.

"Mimi, if you weren't popular, it would be an injustice to heaven."

Yang Mi bit her red lips lightly, her face showing shyness.

"Senior brother, as long as you like it, I can do anything~~~"

"Mimi, I just love this mouth of yours; it's truly sweet."

As Wei Jin's hands applied slight pressure, Yang Mi crouched down accordingly, parted those gorgeous red lips, and gently enveloped Wei Jin. After the clouds dispersed and the rain ceased, Yang Mi leaned into Wei Jin's embrace, her face still carrying satisfaction.

She had to admit that every time they were intimate, this man could bring her extreme pleasure; this feeling made her somewhat intoxicated.

More importantly, while others didn't know, she knew that this time, in the storm of suppressing the Hong Kong Circle, Wei Jin was standing up for her. This sense of ultimate security made Yang Mi fall deeper and deeper.

Wei Jin was also in a good mood; one hand grasped a breast, while the other covered her beautiful buttocks, enjoying the soft touch.

After resting for a while, Yang Mi raised her head to look at the man's handsome profile, and her "clamping" voice emerged instantly.

"Senior brother, have the roles for 'Left Ear' all been decided?"

Wei Jin found it funny in his heart. This woman was indeed not just a simple romantic; she had been waiting for him here. What a pity.

"Yes, they have already been decided."

Wei Jin gave the lead role of this film to Jiang Shuying as compensation for her being cut from 'Keep Running'; there would be subsequent television drama resources given to her.

After all, Wei Jin was not the type to pull out and show no mercy. Jiang Shuying had been quite worry-free over these years and hadn't caused any trouble.

As for the other roles, Wei Jin did not intervene. After internal auditions, Lin Yufen gave the male lead to Li Xian, who was signed last year, and the second male lead to Zhu Yilong.

It is worth mentioning that for the second female lead, Li Ba La, the company's female artists either didn't have the schedule or didn't fit the role at all.

For example, Zhao Liying and Kan Qingzi; both of them were on the sweet path and couldn't quite grasp the "crazy" character at the moment.

Later, Jiang Wenli called personally, even willing to join with zero salary, to pave the way for her niece Ma Sichun.

Considering they were all fellow folks from the Northwest, Wei Jin did a favor.

Currently, the preliminary preparation for the project is almost done, and it is estimated that filming can start early next month.

"Oh, I see."

Yang Mi felt a slight regret. Don't look at her as already being a popular star; when it comes to film resources, they are truly hard to come by.

Immediately, Yang Mi's eyes rolled, and her long, beautiful legs wrapped in black silk straddled Wei Jin's waist.

"Then senior brother, your new film..."

"Mimi, this play is a male-lead drama; the female lead's scenes are very few, and your appearance..."

Speaking of this, Wei Jin stopped and looked at the woman in his arms.

"Well, Mimi, why don't you come for a cameo? There is a role of a female celebrity that is quite suitable for you."

"Okay."

Yang Mi had no reason to refuse. She had never participated in Wei Jin's films before. This time it was a cameo, but next time, who knows?

Stroking the black silk with his palm, Wei Jin nodded with satisfaction, then suddenly remembered one thing.

"Mimi, your contract has been for two years now, right?"

Although she didn't know what the man meant, Yang Mi still obediently replied in her "clamping" voice: "Yes, it's exactly two years this month."

"After you finish your current schedule of announcements, take some time to come to the company and upgrade your contract to a Studio."

As soon as Wei Jin finished speaking, he saw Yang Mi's face full of surprise; she even threw herself directly onto him, her milky-white breasts pressed tightly against his chest.

"Senior brother, really?"

Wei Jin nodded. Yang Mi could be called a model worker, her professional ability was quite outstanding, and she had earned a lot of money for the company in the past two years.

Moreover, Yang Mi's status had already reached the top tier; the gap between her and the Four Dan Double Bing was just in awards and seniority. It was time to establish a studio, which could also set an example for the company's artists.

"Senior brother, thank you."

Yang Mi was very excited. She had been waiting for this day for a long time. Thinking that she was about to become a capitalist like Fan Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, Li Bingbing, and others, she felt like she was about to have an intracranial orgasm and couldn't help but tighten her legs.

This time, without waiting for Wei Jin to speak, Yang Mi took the initiative to turn her body, speaking gently, leaving only her snow-white buttocks swaying before his eyes. PS: The "Zhen-Zhao Dispute" lasted for more than a month in reality, but in this book, because of the changes in the cause and effect, this progress has been accelerated. Hope you are aware.

(End of this chapter)