Chapter 481

Big-name stars aren't short of money; some generous ones will treat the entire crew to cold drinks and milk tea.

But we need to be faithful, not add extra. Let's translate line by line.

Big-name stars are never short of money, and some generous ones will treat the whole crew to cold drinks and milk tea.

Translation: "Big-name stars are never short of money; some generous ones will treat the entire crew to cold drinks and milk tea."

Big-name stars are not lacking money. Some generous ones will invite all crew members to have cold drinks and drink milk tea.

Dilraba became a star while still young, never knowing the hardship of earning money, and she spends money very freely.

Translation: "Reba became a star at a young age, never experienced the hardship of earning money, and when she spends, she does so very openly."

and she spends money very freely.

Just a few days after filming started, she had already asked three times, each time personally bringing Jiang Heng a cup.

Translation: "Just a few days after filming started, she had already asked three times, each time personally bringing Jiang Heng a cup."

"You're beautiful and kind-hearted; everyone in the crew wants to praise you!" Jiang Heng slurp-slurped his cold drink, smiling and teasing.

Translation: "You're beautiful and kind-hearted; everyone in the crew will praise you!" Jiang Heng said, sipping his cold drink with a slurping sound, teasing with a smile.

Jiang Heng slurp-slurped his cold drink, smiling and teasing.

Dilraba lowered her gaze, her clean, fair cheeks silently turning a faint pink.

Translation: "Reba lowered her gaze slightly, her clean, fair cheeks silently turning a faint red."

"It's just a cold drink, nothing special!"

Translation: "It's just a cold drink, nothing special!"

Jiang Heng laughed and said, "As long as the thought counts, there's no need to buy it too often; otherwise it would be too wasteful."

Translation: "Jiang Heng laughed and said, 'As long as the thought counts, there's no need to buy too many times; otherwise it would be too wasteful!'"

"Mm, I know!"

Translation: "Mm, I know!"

When both of them fell silent, the atmosphere became a little awkward.

Translation: "When both fell silent, the atmosphere became a bit awkward."

Jiang Heng glanced at his watch and said, "Alright, let's get ready to shoot!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng glanced at his watch, 'Alright, let's get ready to shoot!'"

"Okay!"

Translation: "Okay!"

The role of the wartime female journalist played by Dilraba is quite substantial, especially after the "space-time descent" to other planets, featuring many battle scenes against alien natives.

Translation: "The role of the female war correspondent played by Reba is quite substantial, especially after the 'space-time descent' to other planets, featuring many fight scenes against alien natives."

Of course, initially they surely relied on advanced weapons to overwhelm the enemy, but due to limited ammunition, there are also many hand-to-hand combat scenes.

Translation: "Of course, at first they surely relied on advanced weapons to crush the enemy, but due to limited ammunition, there are also many hand-to-hand combat scenes."

In the drama, this character is set as a martial artist proficient in various fighting techniques, and in the sequel, it's likely to lean toward a "Black Widow"-type setting.

Translation: "In the drama, this character is set as a martial artist proficient in various fighting techniques, and in the sequel she will likely lean toward the 'Black Widow' setting."

Moreover, Dilraba, thanks to her solid dance foundation, also performs well in the fight scenes.

Translation: "Moreover, Reba, thanks to her solid dance foundation, also performs well in the fight scenes."

Line 16: …… (ellipsis). We need to output exactly the ellipsis? The line contains "……". We should translate as "……" maybe keep as ellipsis. Usually we keep as "……". We'll output: "……"

In the blink of an eye, it was the 2013 National Day holiday season, as the overall market was relatively prosperous, and the New Year/Spring Festival and summer slots were often occupied by Aiyoupeng's big-budget films.

Translation: "In the blink of an eye, it was the National Day holiday season of 2013; with the overall market relatively prosperous, the New Year/Spring Festival and summer slots were often taken up by big films from Outstanding Rising Film Company."

Thus, the May Day and National Day periods became battlegrounds where other film companies and mid-low-budget films competed fiercely.

Translation: "Thus the May Day and National Day slots became battlegrounds where other film companies and low-to-mid-budget movies fought each other."

This year's National Day season, the most anticipated by the market, is Xu Zheng's self-written and self-directed film Lost in Hong Kong.

Translation: "This year's National Day slot that attracted the most market attention was Xu Zheng's self-written, self-directed film *Lost in Hong Kong*."

Lost in Hong Kong

Firstly, having the two previous box-office hits Person in Predicament and Lost in Thailand, many audiences had high expectations.

Translation: "First, there were the two hit predecessors *Personnel in Fix-It* and *Lost in Thailand*; many audiences had high expectations for it."

Person in Predicament

Thus line 20: "First, there were the two hit predecessors *Person in Predicament* and *Lost in Thailand*; many audiences had high expectations for it."

Secondly, infringement rumors are rampant, and everyone knows that Xu Zheng left Aiyoupeng to join forces with Guangxian Film Company for this film, apparently just to watch the drama unfold.

Translation: "Second, news of infringement was rampant; everyone knew that Xu Zheng had broken away from Outstanding Rising Film Company and teamed up with Brilliant Film Company to produce this film, obviously just for the gossip and spectacle."

Besides Lost in Hong Kong, there is another road movie that draws inspiration from the "Lost in Thailand" series, also released during the same period: Smoothly Crazy.

Translation: "Besides *Lost in Hong Kong*, there is another road film that borrows from the 'Fix-It' series, scheduled for release in the same slot: *Smoothly Crazy*."

Smoothly Crazy

This film is written by Wenjuan and directed by Ye Weimin, clearly borrowing the setting from Person in Predicament.

Translation: "This film was written by Wenjuan et al. and directed by Ye Weimin, clearly borrowing the setting from *Person in Predicament*."

Wenjuan Ye Weimin

The male lead is played by Chen Sicheng, a flirtatious obstetrician-gynecologist who, after being frightened by a B-ultrasound report, ends up contributing a memorable examination scene.

Translation: "The male lead is played by Chen Sicheng, a flirtatious obstetrician-gynecologist who, after being frightened by a single 'B-ultrasound' examination report, ends up contributing a memorable inspection scene."

Chen Sicheng

What's more, coincidentally, the brother responsible for causing chaos and trouble in the film is also played by Bao Beier.

Translation: "Coincidentally, the younger brother responsible for the chaos and trouble-making in this film is also played by Bao Beier."

Bao Beier

Compared to his role in Lost in Hong Kong, it's not exactly the same, but it's extremely similar.

Translation: "Compared to his role in *Lost in Hong Kong*, it's not exactly the same, but extremely similar."

As a result, during promotion it becomes slightly awkward, with both media and audiences unconsciously comparing the two films.

Translation: "The result is that during promotion it becomes slightly awkward; both media and viewers will unconsciously put the two films side by side for comparison."

Moreover, some critics bluntly point out that, aside from a few major directors like Jiang Heng, Zhang Yimou, and Jiang Wen who possess considerable innovative spirit, many others simply follow trends and reheat old ideas, solely to make a quick profit, completely disregarding film quality.

Translation: "Moreover, critics bluntly point out that contemporary Chinese cinema can be said to have, aside from a few major directors like Jiang Heng, Zhang Yimou, and Jiang Wen who possess considerable innovative spirit, many people who mindlessly follow trends and rehash old material, solely to make a quick buck, completely disregarding film quality!"

Jiang Wen

Many media outlets and netizens agree with this view, widely reposting and discussing it.

Translation: "Many media outlets and netizens greatly agreed with this view, repeatedly reposting and discussing it."

Even before the two Lost in Thailand series comedies are released, public opinion has already turned against them.

Translation: "Even before the two 'Fix-It' series comedies were released, public opinion had already turned against them."

Inside the office of the head of Glamorous Film Company, Wang Changtian gripped the phone with a solemn expression, not expecting that the reply from the other side would be that Director Jiang is currently filming in closed production at the crew, with no time to attend to outside matters.

Translation: "Inside the office of the president of Brilliant Film Company, Wang Changtian gripped the phone with a solemn expression, unwilling to hear that the other side's answer was that Director Jiang was currently filming in closed production at the crew, with no time for outside matters."

Wang Changtian

"How so?" Xu Zheng asked, his expression anxious across the table.

Translation: "'What do you mean?' Xu Zheng opposite the table looked anxious."

He has invested a lot of heart into this film, and there's also a profit-sharing agreement, hoping to make a big profit. If the box office fails, not only will his efforts be in vain, but he'll also feel like he's done something petty.

Translation: "He had invested a lot of heart and blood into this film, and moreover had a profit-sharing agreement, hoping to make a big profit. If the box office fails, not only will his hard work be in vain, but he will also have acted like a petty person for nothing!"

Wang Changtian hung up the phone and sighed, "I guess he's really angry then."

Translation: "Wang Changtian hung up the phone and sighed, 'I guess he's really angry then?'"

"Well, what should we do?" Xu Zheng's voice changed.

Translation: "'Then, what should we do?' Xu Zheng's voice changed."

For this film, Lost in Hong Kong, he did not take a director's fee and a 10% profit share as he did for Lost in Thailand.

Translation: "For this film *Lost in Hong Kong*, he did not take a director's fee and a 10% profit share as he did for *Lost in Thailand*."

Instead, he became a major stakeholder by taking 47.5% of the net box-office revenue (after deducting distribution costs), with his own company Zhenledao serving as both producer and the film's primary investor.

Translation: "Instead, he became a major stakeholder with 47.5% of the net box office revenue (after deducting distribution costs); his own company, Zhenledao, is both the producer and the primary investor of the film."

Zhenledao

Before Lost in Hong Kong was released, he also sold his box-office share to a Hong Kong-listed company, already securing a profit in advance.

Translation: "Before the release of *Lost in Hong Kong*, he also sold his box office share to the Xianggang-listed company, already profiting in advance."

This company will later be renamed Huanxi Media, with Xu Zheng and Ning Hao each holding 19%, making them the second-largest shareholders, while the largest shareholder is the renowned businessman Dong Ping.

Translation: "This company will be renamed Huanxi Media; Xu Zheng and Ning Hao each hold 19%, making them the second-largest shareholders, while the largest shareholder is the well-known businessman Dong Ping."

Huanxi Media Ning Hao Dong Ping

In another timeline, it was Dong Ping who orchestrated the backdoor listing of Ali Film Company, having once served as chairman of the film company, and is also a well-known film producer and investor—altogether a formidable figure.

Translation: "In another timeline, it was Dong Ping who orchestrated the backdoor listing of Ali Film Company, having once served as chairman of a film company, and is also a renowned film producer and investor—altogether a formidable figure."

Ali Film Company

Therefore, Lost in Hong Kong is not just a comedy film; it's also a game of leverage between the capital and film industries.

Translation: "Thus the film *Lost in Hong Kong* is not merely a comedy; it is also a game of leveraging between the capital and film industries."

If the box office fails to take off, things will become somewhat troublesome.

Translation: "Once the box office fails to take off, things become somewhat troublesome."

"How about going to the China Film Digital Base?" Xu Zheng suggested.

Translation: "'How about going to the China Film Digital Base?' Xu Zheng proposed."

China Film Digital Base

Wang Changtian shook his head, "If they're determined not to see you, going there would be pointless."

Translation: "Wang Changtian shook his head, 'If they're determined not to see you, going there would be useless!'"

"We can't just accept that, can we?"

Translation: "'We can't just accept it like that, can we?'"

Wang Changtian laughed, "We haven't reached that point yet; for now, it's just a shift in public opinion."

Translation: "Wang Changtian laughed, 'We haven't reached that point yet; for now it's just a shift in public opinion.'"

"I know the situation isn't serious yet, but I'm afraid that once the film is released, they'll continue to take action."

Translation: "I know the situation isn't serious yet, but I'm afraid that once the film is released, they'll keep taking action!"

Xu Zheng was worried, but not about the film's box office, since the profit had already been locked in advance, meaning he wouldn't lose money regardless.

Translation: "Xu Zheng was worried, but not about the film's box office, because the profit had already been locked in advance, so he wouldn't lose money no matter what."

He cares more about Jiang Heng's attitude toward this matter; if Aiyoupeng Film Company reacts too strongly, he might find it hard to stay in the industry thereafter.

Translation: "He cared more about Jiang Heng's attitude toward this matter and toward him; if Outstanding Rising Film Company's reaction were too strong, he would find it hard to get along in the industry thereafter."

Wang Changtian's attitude remains relatively calm, since Guangxian Film Company is the second-largest investor and distributor, with a very limited investment amount.

Translation: "Wang Changtian's attitude remained relatively calm, because Brilliant Film Company is the second-largest investor and distributor, with a very limited investment amount."

Even if the box office turns out poorly, he could still bear the loss! "Things are already like this; let's take it step by step."

Translation: "Even if the box office were poor, he could still afford any loss! 'Things have come to this; let's take it step by step!'"

"That's all we can do."

Translation: "'That's all we can do!'"

Having said that, Xu Zheng still felt uneasy; after leaving the Guangxian Film Company building, he called his good friend Ning Hao, asking him to sound out Jiang Heng's attitude.

Translation: "Having said that, Xu Zheng still felt uneasy; he left the Brilliant Film Company building, called his good friend Ning Hao, and asked him to sound out Jiang Heng's attitude."

Ning Hao is unwilling to get involved, not to mention Jiang Heng's years of support for him, and the dominant position of Guang'ai Outstanding Rising Film Company in the industry is something a single director like him cannot counter.

Translation: "Ning Hao was unwilling to get involved in this matter; not to mention Jiang Heng's years of support for him, the dominance of Guang'ai Outstanding Rising Film Company in the industry is also something a single director like him cannot counter!"

Guang'ai Outstanding Rising Film Company

"You say you, you were getting along fine with them, yet you insist on stirring up these things!"

Translation: "'You say you were getting along fine with them, yet you insist on stirring up these things!'"

Xu Zheng said, "I just want to make a bit more money!"

Translation: "Xu Zheng said, 'I just want to make a bit more money!'"

"If you want to take more, go talk to Director Jiang; he's not a stingy person!"

Translation: "'If you want to take more, go talk to Director Jiang; he's not a stingy person!'"

"Saying this now is pointless; just help me sound him out."

Translation: "'Saying this now is useless; just help me sound things out!'"

"Ah, fine, I really..."

Translation: "'Ah, fine, I really...'" The line ends with an unfinished expression; we need to translate faithfully: "Ah, okay, I really..." We'll keep as is.

Ning H

Translation: "Ning Hao hung up the phone after muttering, originally intending to call Jiang Heng, but then felt it would be better to discuss this in person."

Now we need to output each line with 【N】 prefix.

===TITLE=== The Controversy Surrounding Lost in Hong Kong

The Controversy Surrounding Lost in Hong Kong

Then

Reba became a star at a young age, never having experienced the hardships of earning money, and she spends money very lavishly.

Just a few days after filming began, she invited him three times, each time personally bringing Jiang Heng a drink.

"You're beautiful and kind-hearted; the whole crew will praise you!" Jiang Heng sipped his cold drink, teasing with a smile.

Reba lowered her gaze slightly, and her clean, fair cheeks silently flushed.

"It's just a cold drink, nothing special!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "As long as the sentiment is understood, there's no need to buy it many times; otherwise it would be too extravagant!"

"Hmm, I know!"

The two fell into a lull, and the atmosphere became a bit awkward.

Jiang Heng glanced at his watch and said, "Alright, let's go prepare for the shoot!"

"Okay!"

Reba's role as a warzone female reporter is substantial, especially after the "spatial traversal" reaches another planet, featuring many combat scenes against alien natives.

Of course, initially they certainly relied on advanced weapons to crush the opposition, but due to limited ammunition, there are also many hand‑to‑hand combat scenes.

In the drama, the character is set up as a martial artist proficient in various fighting techniques, and by the second installment she will likely be steered toward a "Black Widow" archetype.

Because Reba has solid dance training, she also performs well in the fight sequences.

……

In the blink of an eye, the 2013 National Day slot arrived; with the overall market flourishing, the New Year/Spring Festival and summer periods were again dominated by Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company's blockbusters.

Because the "May 1st" and "National Day" periods became battlegrounds where other film and TV companies and low‑budget productions clash.

Among this year's National Day releases, the most market‑watched is Xu Zheng's self‑written and directed "Hong Kong Jiang".

First, there are the two hot‑selling predecessors "People in Trouble" and Lost in Thailand, so many viewers have high expectations.

Second, with infringement news everywhere, everyone knows that Xu Zheng set aside Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company and teamed up with Bright & Clean Film Company to produce this film, clearly intended for onlookers to gawk at.

Besides "Hong Kong Jiang", another road movie that borrows from the "Jiang" series was released in the same slot, namely "All the Way Smooth Madness".

The film was scripted by Wen Juan and others, directed by Ye Weimin, and clearly draws on the premise of "People in Trouble".

The male lead, played by Chen Sicheng, is a flirtatious obstetrician who, frightened by an ultrasound report, is left dejected and then contributes a memorable examination scene.

Coincidentally, the brother who causes the chaos and trouble in this film is also played by Bao Beier.

His role in "Hong Kong Jiang" is not exactly identical, but extremely similar.

As a result, the promotion became somewhat awkward; both media and audiences couldn't help but compare the two films side by side.

Moreover, some critics bluntly point out that today's Chinese-language cinema, apart from a few innovative big‑directors like Jiang Heng, Zhang Yimou, Jiang Wen, is largely filled with people who tirelessly chase trends and rehash old material just to make quick money, without any regard for film quality!

Many media outlets and netizens strongly endorse this view, reposting and discussing it widely.

Even before the two "Jiang" comedy films are released, public opinion has already turned against them.

In the office of Bright & Clean Film Company's CEO, Wang Changtian clenched the phone with a grave expression; the reply on the other end was that Director Jiang is currently in a closed set shoot and has no time for outside matters.

"What do you mean?" Xu Zheng, sitting opposite at the table, looked anxious.

He has poured a lot of effort into this film and even has a profit‑sharing agreement, hoping to make a big haul. If the box office doesn't take off, not only would his hard work be in vain, it would also make him look like a petty person!

Wang Changtian hung up, sighing, "I guess they're really angry, aren't they?"

"Then, what should we do?" Xu Zheng's voice had changed.

For "Hong Kong Jiang", he didn't take a director's fee and a 10% profit share as he did with Lost in Thailand.

Instead, he secured 47.5% of the net box‑office revenue (after deducting distribution costs) and became the major stakeholder; his company Zhen Le Dao was both the producer and the film's primary production entity.

Before "Hong Kong Jiang" was released, he sold his box‑office share to the publicly listed Xianggang company, already profiting in advance.

The company was later renamed Huanxi Media; Xu Zheng and Ning Hao each hold 19%, making them the second‑largest shareholders, while the largest shareholder is the well‑known businessman Dong Ping.

In another timeline, Dong Ping orchestrated the shell‑company listing of Ali Film, once served as the chairman of a film company, and is a renowned film producer and investor—in short, a key player.

Thus, "Hong Kong Jiang" is not merely a comedy film; it is also a power‑play between the capital world and the film industry.

If the box office fails to rise, things become problematic.

"How about going to the China Film Digital Base?" Xu Zheng suggested.

Wang Changtian shook his head, "If they're determined not to meet, going there is useless!"

"But we can't just accept that, can we?"

Wang Changtian laughed, "It's not that severe yet; it's only the current public opinion trend!"

"I know the situation isn't serious now, but I'm afraid that once the film is released, they'll keep taking action!"

Xu Zheng was anxious, not because of the film's box‑office, since the profits had already been locked in and he couldn't possibly lose.

What he values more is Jiang Heng's attitude toward this matter; if Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company reacts too strongly, his future standing in the industry will suffer.

Wang Changtian's stance remained relatively calm, because Bright & Clean is the second‑largest production and distribution partner, and its investment amount is very limited.

Even if we say the box office falls short, he can still bear the loss! "Things are already like this; let's take it one step at a time!"

"That's all we can do!"

Even so, Xu Zheng remained uneasy; after leaving Bright & Clean's building, he called his good friend Ning Hao, asking him to gauge Jiang Heng's attitude.

Ning Hao was reluctant to get involved; not to mention Jiang Heng's support over the years, and Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company's current dominance in the industry—no single director can match that!

"You say, you were cooperating fine with them, yet you insisted on stirring up this mess!"

Xu Zheng replied, "I'm just trying to make a little more money!"

"If you want a bigger cut, go talk to Director Jiang; he's not a stingy person...!"

"Talking about this now is useless; just help me gauge the mood!"

"Sigh, fine, I really...!"

Ning Hao muttered and hung up; he had intended to call Jiang Heng, but thought it would be better to discuss the matter face‑to‑face.

It was also that lately there wasn't much going on, so (he) drove to the Zhongying Digital Base.

The staff here naturally all know Director Ning, so he was able to get to Jiang Heng without trouble.

"Yo, Director Ning, rare guest! Suddenly showing up—do you have some new film idea you want to discuss with me?" (End of chapter)