Chapter 556

The box-office heat of *The Great Wall* is sustained, not a fleeting bloom that lasts only a few days, because its reputation is indeed good.

In terms of plot, the overall direction respects historical facts, while the details are given a completely new interpretation, to the extent that viewers cannot help but think that perhaps a monster like the gluttonous truly existed in history.

Prince Fusu perhaps died in battle against the Xiongnu, rather than the suicide described in the historical records.

Of course, this speculation is merely the view of a small minority of film critics, and has not gained widespread acceptance.

After all, the historical records of the Han dynasty still have high credibility, unlike those compiled in the Qing dynasty, which have long been suspected of possible tampering...

In terms of Neidi box office, *The Great Wall* quickly broke the ten‑billion mark, heading toward twenty billion and thirty billion.

In the Xianggang and Treasure Island markets, *The Great Wall* also achieved decent results, just not as sensational as Jiang Heng's works.

In the Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian markets, the film's performance was excellent.

Even in the fiercely competitive Beimei market, *The Great Wall* still has a foothold; judging by its opening‑weekend box office, the film's final gross could exceed two hundred million US dollars.

If that were the case, it would surpass Li An's *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, and far exceed the over fifty million US dollars that *Hero* earned in the Beimei market.

In short, *The Great Wall* is a successful film and also a very profitable one.

If we analyze carefully, the story of this version of *The Great Wall* is not convoluted and fits the pace of a commercial film very well.

Moreover, the film's special effects, composition, and colors are all excellent, which are plus points.

Furthermore, Zhang Yimou is already an internationally renowned director, and the story background is the reign of the First Emperor, which foreigners are somewhat familiar with; this alone attracts many overseas viewers.

Among them, many had seen *The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor*, and left with a deep impression of the brutal emperor played by Li Lianjie and his powerful army.

I heard that *The Great Wall* tells the story of that brutal emperor's son, a compassionate imperial heir who, in order to protect civilians from monster attacks, willingly gives up his right to the throne and ultimately perishes together with the monsters; European and American audiences would generally develop an interest in watching it.

First, there is an inexplicable sense of familiarity, feeling that Fusu's image is somewhat reminiscent of Prince Hamlet; second, they feel that the thoughts of the characters in the film possess universal value.

For a time, *The Great Wall* sold well in Beimei and various European countries, and its reputation was also decent.

Various pieces of news transmitted back domestically, Director Zhang Yimou's fame grew ever greater.

For a time, various interview and invitation requests came in overwhelming numbers; Zhang Yimou accepted a few, but turned down most of them.

Instead, he went to Jiang Heng's office to 'vent his grievances', saying that after living most of his life, he had never seen such a scene.

Jiang Heng passed over a cigar; Zhang Yimou waved his hand, indicating he was not used to smoking it.

Jiang Heng didn't mind him, chuckled, lit one himself, took a puff, and said, 'If you feel bothered, why not take your sister‑in‑law out for a vacation, with the company covering the cost!'

"'This, not okay?'"

Zhang Yimou instinctively declined, but his attitude was not very firm.

Jiang Heng laughed, 'Nothing wrong with that—you've just finished a film, you definitely need to rest a while, go out to clear your mind, and perhaps inspiration will strike!'

"'Yeah, that's right—then I'll catch up on the trend and also go traveling to clear my mind!' Zhang Yimou said with a chuckle."

This time *The Great Wall* really made a killing, bringing the company huge profits; travel and such are small change, while the later box‑office dividends are the big chunk.

Of course, he wasn't worried that Jiang Heng would embezzle his money; with a net worth of one hundred billion, that reputation still stands.

Zhang Yimou was excited and couldn't help talking about the box office, saying that all the films he had made before added together didn't earn as much as this one! Jiang Heng chuckled, 'This time, your dividend will be an astronomical figure, not inferior to Cameron's or Spielberg's, but remember—don't think of retiring just because you got the money; I still expect you to continue contributing to the company!'

Zhang Yimou, hearing Jiang Heng invoke Cameron and Spielberg, felt ever more delighted and hehe'd, 'Definitely not—my whole family depends on me alone; I certainly won't retire until I can no longer film!'

Jiang Heng, hearing that, laughed, 'All good, all good!'

After chatting a bit more, Zhang Yimou left, feeling pleased.

As work was about to end, Yang Mi called to invite him to dinner that night. Jiang Heng was astonished, because after *The Great Wall* went into hot release, Yang Mi's fame and status skyrocketed, with countless business activities, and he had lost count of how many times he had seen her in entertainment news.

"'Back already?'"

"'Yeah, I got back at noon, just finished an event, then called you—how am I doing?'"

Jiang Heng laughed, 'Good, our Miss Yang Mi thinking of me amidst her busy schedule—truly touching!'

"'Not only thinking of you, but also wanting to reward you!'"

"'Mm!'"

Jiang Heng hearing this, instantly felt energized.

"'What to eat tonight, where?'"

Da Mi Mi mentioned a restaurant name; Jiang Heng hung up and drove there alone.

Upon arrival, in the private room he saw Da Mi Mi dressed head‑to‑toe in jewels.

At a glance, there is no wrong version!

"'Yo, today's accessories are really pretty!'"

"'Nice, right? The organizers gave them to me—who let me not have a boyfriend to give me gifts!'"

Yang Mi pinched the necklace, looking smug.

Jiang Heng laughed, 'What's a piece of jewelry? I'll give you a jewelry company!'

"'Really!'"

Yang Mi has always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and has continually wanted to start a company and be the boss.

This lifetime's agency contract has always been signed with Love Outstanding Rising Film Company, unable to break out and start her own business, Da Mi Mi feels some regret.

As for entrepreneurial investments outside the entertainment industry, she, lacking understanding and energy, has never dared to try.

Upon hearing Jiang Heng say he would send her a jewelry company, her thoughts instantly sprang to life.

"'Honey, you say if I were to start my own luxury brand and run it, how would that be?'"

Jiang Heng said, 'You can try, but it's not that easy to succeed!'

"'Even with your endorsement, it wouldn't work?' Da Mi Mi sounded a bit disappointed."

Jiang Heng said, 'Luxury goods require time to settle; what we lack is time—if it were a trendy brand, it would be comparatively much easier!'

"'A trendy brand?'"

Yang Mi, lost in thought, actually, given her current fame and status, the quickest way to make money is still filming and investing in movies and TV dramas.

But she has always had the idea of being a boss, after all, no one can stay famous forever.

Especially for actresses, their prime lasts only a few years.

Once looks fade, a career can plummet in an instant! Jiang Heng saw her hesitation, poured himself a drink, and chuckled: "There's nothing between us that needs to be hidden—we can speak openly. Any thoughts or wishes you have, as long as they're within my ability, I can help you make them come true."

Upon hearing this, Yang Mi said she would eventually have to step behind the scenes, but she wasn't willing to stay idle; she wanted to be her own boss.

Jiang Heng laughed, "No problem, just start a company!"

Yang Mi probed, "Would a film and television company work too?" (End of chapter)