Chapter 267: Shocking

In the industry, all the bosses and actors of film and TV companies are curious about what Jiang Heng will direct this time!

Because in everyone's previous impression, Jiang Heng's works are purely commercial films that pursue audiovisual effects and place low demands on actors' acting skills.

Especially actresses, like Tang Yan who played the Third Holy Mother Yang Chan in *Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother*, are outright vase roles.

In *Inception*, Megan Fox's portrayal of the "Dream Architect" is also merely a tool-like existence.

At most, just a very good-looking tool person.

Never would I have expected that Jiang Heng would actually select actresses based on acting ability this time—this is quite surprising.

These people make phone calls everywhere, probing Jiang Heng's new film's subject and content, wanting to prepare in advance.

Moreover, several people called Han Sanping, hoping to ask Master Han for a recommendation, but he too was completely bewildered.

His relationship with Jiang Heng is naturally still very good.

It's just that he's been busy since the new year, so the two never sat down for a detailed talk; more importantly, he didn't expect Jiang Heng to start filming again so soon.

Know that Jiang Heng began filming *Splitting the Heavenly Palace* in March last year, only wrapped in early October, then immediately went on to film *Daughter Country*—over ten months straight, setting the record for Jiang Heng's longest continuous filming period!

By common sense, after filming nonstop for that long on set, one ought to rest a while—how could a few days over the New Year be enough?

Moreover, the post-production of two films still needs to be done!

He truly didn't expect Jiang Heng to work this hard—how long has he been back?

He hasn't even come out for the New Year yet, and already he's starting a new film?

Although Old Han was utterly astonished, he still hurriedly ordered his driver to take him to the Outstanding Rising Film Company building.

In the ultra-luxurious office, Han Sanping took a sip of top-grade Da Hong Pao tea and remarked, "You've been pushing yourself too hard these past two years! You know, many units are still in 'holiday mode' right now!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "You couldn't be talking about your own unit, could you?"

Han Sanping hurriedly waved his hands, "Hey, don't talk nonsense—we strictly follow the state-mandated holidays!"

Jiang Heng laughed; he'd never believe that.

In my past life, how many units only got busy after the New Year!

"It's clear that Chairman Han has come to guide us—what advice do you have?"

Han Sanping leaned back on the sofa, naturally peeled an orange, and said, "I heard you're filming a new movie—what's the subject?"

"Science fiction!"

"Or is it your own story?"

Jiang Heng said, "Actually not this time—I bought the film and TV adaptation rights to a sci-fi novel, namely, the serialized *Three Body*!"

Having said that, he passed over several issues of *Science Fiction World* magazine that carried *Three Body*.

Han Sanping took it, glanced, and frowned slightly—at first glance he really couldn't tell what kind of story this was.

After opening it and reading the first chapter, he could still find some familiar feelings.

Because he was born in 1953, back then he was just a student.

After reading that passage, Han Sanping flipped through briefly, then put the magazine down and commented, "Quite imaginative!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "He really is a very imaginative writer!"

Han Sanping said, "This story seems quite grand!"

"Of course!"

The story of *Three Body* had never been successfully adapted to film or television before Jiang Heng's rebirth.

Netflix's *Three Body* only did well with the earlier parts.

The meme "Einstein with milk is mother" spread widely, Lan Xi Ya gained public recognition for her superb acting, and the special-effects scene of the Three-Body people dehydrating shocked viewers—but that was about it.

Adapting *Three Body*'s story to film or television is difficult; first, the original novel has too many plotlines, with time and space stretched greatly, spanning multiple eras.

Second, the book contains many abstract concepts that require readers to imagine them on a literary level; once these images are visualized, they may differ greatly from what readers imagined, leading to disappointment and causing the original fans to reject the adaptation.

But setting those aside, *Three Body* is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Chinese science-fiction literature.

Even though it's difficult, we must bring it to the big screen.

"So, for the first installment, let's test the waters. This time it's really hard to say, because we're not following the commercial-film model."

Han Sanping fell silent for a moment, then said, "What do you need me to do—investment, casting…!"

Jiang Heng laughed and said, "No need for investment—I have plenty of money. As for actors, there will be a centralized audition in a couple of days; I'll take a look first!"

Given his current reputation and status, finding actors is hardly difficult; he hardly needs anyone else to coordinate.

Upon hearing that, Han Sanping sighed, "Alright, then go ahead with the preparations—call me if you need anything from me."

Jiang Heng laughed, "Of course!"

Han Sanping stood up, took the few magazines in hand, and asked, "Do you mind if I take these back to have a look?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "No problem—take them all. When the novel's sequel is published, I'll send you a few more copies!"

"I won't need that many—just these few are enough for me to look at!"

Having said that, Han Sanping tucked the book under his arm and left.

Back in the car, the driver wore a puzzled expression, wondering why Han Sanping had come down so quickly—usually when discussing cooperation they'd chat for a long time!

Han Sanping didn't say much more to the driver, and while in the car he was also flipping through the magazine.

Back in his own chairman's office, he even shut himself in the room to read the serialized first part of *Three Body*.

To be frank, the novel's entertainment value isn't particularly strong, but the content it contains is truly wildly imaginative and extremely shocking.

By nightfall, Han Sanping finally finished reading the book's contents, put the magazine down, and felt a myriad of emotions.

No wonder Jiang Heng is willing to risk losing money to produce this film—the novel's content is truly wonderful, absolutely the best sci-fi work in the country, no, in the whole world!

It's a pity that much of the book's content is quite abstract; even someone as experienced as he doesn't know how to visualize some of it for film or television.

For example, the scene of the Three-Body people dehydrating—I believe Jiang Heng must have some idea.

Han Sanping then immediately thought, at this time, what kind of feeling would moviegoers have when they see that shocking scene on the big screen?

Such a good book, only published in a magazine, it's really a pity; it should be published worldwide!

Han Sanping thought of that, picked up his phone, and called a friend, "Brother, I recently saw a novel, it's really especially good, really, it's so shocking... To be precise, it's not yet a book, it's serialized in a magazine! If you want it, I can lend you a few magazines!!"

As a result, after his friend finished reading it, he was also shocked by the content of the book.

Then he recommended this book, Three Body, to his close friends, and it spread like that among the "big shots" in all walks of life.

At the same time, many film and TV company bosses and actors also found out what new film Jiang Heng was shooting, and they rushed to look for those issues of Science World magazine that serialized Three Body, for a time driving up the price of old magazines!

(End of chapter)