Chapter 102: Kung Fu

There were many people cameoing for the "Mountains Split to Save Mother" crew, and the biggest names were naturally Shuang Zhou Yicheng and Li Lianjie.

Zhou Runfa's cameo was because Jiang Heng had once suggested that Li An invite him, and for the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Jiang Heng invested eleven million dollars, accounting for more than 70% of the total investment.

Now that the Chinese‑language entertainment stars are coming to cameo, Zhou Runfa, both emotionally and logically, has to say something.

As for Cheng Long, it was naturally Hong Jinbao who persuaded him.

Li Lianjie came because, while filming the "Hero" crew, he taught Jiang Heng many martial‑arts routines, saw his extraordinary talent, and being an internationally renowned commercial film director, they had an excellent relationship, so he came to support the production.

As for Zhou Xingxing, he simply came on his own.

That day, Jiang Heng was in the China Film digital studio, filming a duel scene with Tang Yan, when an assistant came over and said, "Director Jiang, Mr. Zhou Xingxing called; he said he's coming to visit the set, he's already off the plane and is on his way by car!"

"He's coming to visit the set?"

Not only Jiang Heng, but all the other cast and crew around were stunned by the news.

Especially Hong Jinbao, who laughed and said, "He never shows up at the Three Treasures Hall without a reason; it seems he has something to ask of you!"

Yuan Hua chuckled, "Maybe it's because he sees domestic stars cameoing and wants to show his face here too!"

"He wouldn't do that!" Hong Jinbao sneered.

In fact, the relationship between the two at this moment can't be described as good or bad; one is extroverted with friends everywhere, the other is introverted and keeps to himself.

Although both are in Xianggang, this tiny place, they've never collaborated.

And when filming "Kung Fu," they only worked together once before having a falling out.

Thus, in this situation, Jiang Heng instantly thought of the word "Kung Fu."

Historically, "Kung Fu" began filming in July 2003.

In this life, influenced by Jiang Heng, especially after Zhou Xingxing saw in a theater the film "Lion Camel Ridge"—where countless semi‑transparent armored ghosts wielding great swords charged the inn—he was so inspired by the special‑effects approach to making a kung fu blockbuster that he could no longer restrain himself.

But at that time he was busy with "Shaolin Soccer" and couldn't find the time.

After "Shaolin Soccer" was released this summer, Zhou Xingxing has been busy working on the script for "Kung Fu."

Now that he's come, it's first to cooperate with the special‑effects company under Jiang Heng, and second to see if he can obtain some investment from Jiang Heng and China Film.

Although he believes his film's box office won't be poor, the failure of "A Chinese Odyssey" dealt such a huge blow to him that Zhou Xingxing truly doesn't dare to produce a film independently, nor to write, direct, and act in one.

Only after finishing the script did he fly to Jingcheng, heading straight for the "Mountains Split to Save Mother" crew.

At the entrance of the China Film digital studio base, assistant director Hong Jinbao led the crew to greet him, "Ah Xing, I really didn't expect you'd cameo too!"

Zhou Xingxing was startled; his mind was wholly occupied with the preparations for "Kung Fu," so he didn't think much about it.

Fortunately, Tian Qiwen, the head of Star Emblem Company, was a bit shrewd and laughed, "Director Jiang's achievements are extraordinary; he's the pride of our Xianggang. Now that he's directing and acting himself, we definitely have to support him!"

Zhou Xingxing also said, "Exactly, how could this happen without me? I really can't wait to meet Director Jiang!"

Hong Jinbao thought to himself, "You kid, you're putting on a good act; if I hadn't spoken up early, you might have fooled us!" He then immediately led Zhou Xingxing and his party into the crew.

On set, Jiang Heng was acting opposite Tang Yan; although the latter's acting was a bit weak, his youth and the alignment of his personality with the role were advantageous.

After some polishing, the performance was actually passable.

But after watching, Zhou Xingxing thought to himself, "This performance is far worse than Liu Piaopiao's; why did we pick a mere decorative vase!"

Yet turning his thoughts, he realized that audiences come to see the film just for the super‑spectacular special‑effects scenes, and as long as the actresses aren't terrible and dragging the film down, it's fine.

With that in mind, he increasingly felt they should cast a pure, fresh‑faced newcomer actress rather than a seasoned leading lady.

"Click!"

After a set of shots, Jiang Heng gave the crew a one‑hour break, then walked over smiling, "Ah, Mr. Zhou, I was busy filming just now and kept you waiting!"

Zhou Xingxing quickly replied, "Not a long wait, not a long wait! Moreover, watching Director Jiang film, I can learn something too!"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily and invited Zhou Xingxing to the makeshift office prepared nearby.

"Mr. Zhou, is there something you came for this time?"

Zhou Xingxing was about to take the "Kung Fu" script when he saw Tian Qiwen give him a signal, and then he responded, "Well, it's like this, Mr. Jiang. I heard you're filming your first self‑directed, self‑acted film; as a member of the Xianggang film community, I feel it's necessary to contribute, so I wanted to cameo in a role in your movie."

Zhou Xingxing's old‑fashioned personality made him state the cameo matter in a very formal, rigid way.

Jiang Heng, knowing Zhou Xingxing had another purpose for coming, still had to say, "Ah, that's truly appreciated!"

"No need, tell me what role suits me, and I'll consider it!"

Jiang Heng smiled, "As for that, I really haven't thought of it yet. Moreover, Mr. Zhou came this time likely for something else; if you don't leave immediately, there's still time!"

Zhou Xingxing said seriously, "Indeed I have a matter to ask you, Mr. Jiang!"

Having said that, he took the script handed over by Tian Qiwen and gave it to Jiang Heng, "This is a script I've been writing for several months; I'd like you, Mr. Jiang, to take a look!"

Jiang Heng didn't hold back; he took the script and saw that it indeed concerned "Kung Fu," though the plot and (proposed) cast differed slightly.

At this moment, Zhou Xingxing still intended to ask Wu Mengda to play the landlord.

Jiang Heng skimmed through it, nodded, "Not bad, looks good. Mr. Zhou, are you lacking investment? My company still has some spare cash!"

Zhou Xingxing was taken aback, then immediately overjoyed.

After all, the news that Xu Ke's "Seven Swords" script was never presented and was rejected by Jiang Heng had already spread throughout Xianggang.

Even though he knew Jiang Heng was unlikely to refuse him, he still felt a bit uncertain.

"Is that so? That's great. Actually, what I lack most isn't money but a special‑effects production team. Of course, if Mr. Jiang could also help solve that, it would be perfect!"

Jiang Heng smiled, "No problem. What's your total budget investment?"

Zhou Xingxing hesitated a few seconds, then held up two fingers, "Twenty million dollars!"

Jiang Heng didn't answer immediately, leaning back slightly in thought, then asked, "What's the funding shortfall?"

Zhou Xingxing's expression was uneasy, "Around fifteen million!"

He does have some personal wealth, mostly in real estate, and fearing to invest too much, he can only provide a little over four million dollars, which already feels like a huge risk.

Jiang Heng still wore a thoughtful expression, hesitated a few seconds, and said, "Money isn't the issue, but if this film is to be released in Neidi, I suggest involving China Film. Let them cover part of it, and I'll take care of the rest!"

Zhou Xingxing quickly replied, "That's definite; I originally wanted to visit Chairman Han, but didn't want to be presumptuous, so I hoped Director Jiang could introduce me!"

He went on to say that "Shaolin Soccer" couldn't be released in Neidi, causing him considerable loss, so this time he must bring China Film on board no matter what!

(End of chapter)