Chapter 69

~20 min read 3,936 words

Neidi youth were influenced by Hong Kong films and TV dramas, and at one point found Xianggang artists very amiable.

Translation: "Mainland youth were influenced by Hong Kong films and TV dramas, and at one point found Hong Kong artists very amiable."

Neidi youth were influenced by Hong Kong films and TV dramas, and at one point found Xianggang artists very amiable.

Only after media information became developed did we realize that many of the people and events involved were questionable.

Translation: "Only after media information became developed did one realize that many of these people and matters were questionable."

We need to keep meaning. No special terms. So: "Only after media information became developed did one realize that many of these people and matters were questionable."

As for Zhou Runfa's affairs, Jiang Heng didn't feel comfortable commenting.

Translation: "As for Zhou Runfa's affairs, Jiang Heng didn't feel comfortable commenting."

As for Zhou Runfa's affairs, Jiang Heng didn't feel comfortable commenting.

He just felt that back when he was called 'box office poison,' it was Wu Yusan's *A Better Tomorrow* that brought him back to fame.

Translation: "He just felt that back when he was called 'box office poison,' it was Wu Yusan's *A Better Tomorrow* that brought him back to fame."

He just felt that back when he was called 'box office poison,' it was Wu Yusan's *A Better Tomorrow* that brought him back to fame.

Later, the controversy over his withdrawal from *Red Cliff* was somewhat unbecoming.

Translation: "Later, the controversy over his withdrawal from *Red Cliff* was somewhat unbecoming."

Later, the controversy over his withdrawal from *Red Cliff* was somewhat unbecoming.

Thus, years later, when asked about this past incident, Wu Yusan still held a grudge.

Translation: "Thus, years later, when asked about this past incident, Wu Yusan still held a grudge."

Thus, years later, when asked about this past incident, Wu Yusan still held a grudge.

Of course, he had no particular friendship with Wu Yusan; he simply regarded Zhou as an ordinary Xianggang artist, without viewing him through any 'filter'.

Translation: "Of course, he had no particular friendship with Wu Yusan; he simply regarded Zhou as an ordinary Hong Kong artist, without viewing him through any 'filter'."

Of course, he had no particular friendship with Wu Yusan; he simply regarded Zhou as an ordinary Xianggang artist, without viewing him through any 'filter'.

However, Zhou Runfa found this hard to take; after so many years in the Xianggang film circle, which junior hadn't shown him respect?

Translation: "However, Zhou Runfa found this hard to take; after so many years in the Xianggang film circle, which junior hadn't shown him respect?"

However, Zhou Runfa found this hard to take; after so many years in the Xianggang film circle, which junior hadn't shown him respect?

Furthermore, what he just said to Jiang Heng was entirely praise, even flattery.

Translation: "Furthermore, what he just said to Jiang Heng was entirely praise, even flattery."

Furthermore, what he just said to Jiang Heng was entirely praise, even flattery.

Yet Jiang Heng treated him that way—could it be tolerated, or could it not?

Translation: "Yet Jiang Heng treated him that way—could it be tolerated, or could it not?"

Yet Jiang Heng treated him that way—could it be tolerated, or could it not?

"Director Jiang, you're a young talent, and your films keep getting better, but as the old saying goes, 'He who walks by the river often gets his shoes wet.' Big-effects blockbusters require huge investment; once the box office fails, the whole company can lose everything!"

Translation: "\"Director Jiang, you're a young talent, and your films keep getting better, but as the old saying goes, 'He who walks by the river often gets his shoes wet.' Big-effects blockbusters require huge investment; once the box office fails, the whole company can lose everything! \""

Jiang Heng laughed heartily, "No problem, I have plenty of money; I'm not afraid of losing!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng laughed heartily, \"No problem, I have plenty of money; I'm not afraid of losing! \""

Jiang Heng laughed heartily, "No problem, I have plenty of money; I'm not afraid of losing!"

Zhou Runfa was choked by those words and for a moment didn't know how to rebut.

Translation: "Zhou Runfa was choked by those words and for a moment didn't know how to rebut."

Zhou Runfa was choked by those words and for a moment didn't know how to rebut.

Meanwhile, Zhang Ziyi's eyes lit up.

Translation: "Meanwhile, Zhang Ziyi's eyes lit up."

Meanwhile, Zhang Ziyi's eyes lit up.

"Director Jiang, have you been writing a script lately?"

Translation: "\"Director Jiang, have you been writing a script lately? \""

"Director Jiang, have you been writing a script lately?"

Jiang Heng nodded, "Yeah, I'm preparing to co-produce a film with Ge lun bi ya Company!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng nodded, \"Yeah, I'm preparing to co-produce a film with Columbia Company! \""

Jiang Heng nodded, "Yeah, I'm preparing to co-produce a film with Ge lun bi ya Company!"

Zhang Ziyi's gaze grew brighter, "What type of female lead are you thinking of?"

Translation: "Zhang Ziyi's gaze grew brighter, \"What type of female lead are you thinking of? \""

Zhang Ziyi's gaze grew brighter, "What type of female lead are you thinking of?"

Jiang Heng said, "Still in the planning stages!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng said, \"Still in the planning stages! \""

Jiang Heng said, "Still in the planning stages!"

Li An suddenly said, "A joint production between the two companies would involve a huge investment, right?"

Translation: "Li An suddenly said, \"A joint production between the two companies would involve a huge investment, right? \""

Li An suddenly said, "A joint production between the two companies would involve a huge investment, right?"

"At least a hundred million USD, you know!" The original *Pacific Rim* was filmed in 2011; considering the actors' salaries and inflation over the past decade, Jiang Heng gave a rough production cost.

Translation: "\"At least a hundred million USD, you know! \" The original *Pacific Rim* was filmed in 2011; considering the actors' salaries and inflation over the past decade, Jiang Heng gave a rough production cost."

This left both Zhou Runfa and Zhang Ziyi stunned—was a hundred million USD really just a lower estimate?

Translation: "This left both Zhou Runfa and Zhang Ziyi stunned—was a hundred million USD really just a lower estimate?"

This left both Zhou Runfa and Zhang Ziyi stunned—was a hundred million USD really just a lower estimate?

For a moment, their thoughts were myriad.

Translation: "For a moment, their minds raced with countless thoughts."

We need to keep meaning. So: "For a moment, their minds raced with countless thoughts."

Zhou Runfa was a first-tier star in Xianggang, but in Haolaiwu he had lingered in the second- or third-tier ranks, first appearing in two low-budget films before getting a chance to star in the big production *Anna and the King*, which itself required a substantial investment of over ninety million USD!

Translation: "Zhou Runfa was a first-tier star in Xianggang, but in Hollywood he had lingered in the second- or third-tier ranks, first appearing in two low-budget films before getting a chance to star in the big production *Anna and the King*, which itself required a substantial investment of over ninety million USD!"

Unfortunately, its box office performance was poor—only over thirty million USD in Beimei, and just over a hundred million USD worldwide—leaving the production company heavily damaged, and it's unlikely he'll be offered another big production thereafter.

Translation: "Unfortunately, its box office performance was poor—only over thirty million USD in Beimei, and just over a hundred million USD worldwide—leaving the production company heavily damaged, and it's unlikely he'll be offered another big production thereafter."

If he could appear in Jiang Heng's film……big directors all have tempers, and he's so young—what's the point of me being like him?

Translation: "If he could appear in Jiang Heng's film……big directors all have tempers, and he's so young—what's the point of me being like him?"

If he could appear in Jiang Heng's film……big directors all have tempers, and he's so young—what's the point of me being like him?

Zhou Runfa felt deep regret, yet he said Zhang Ziyi had already set her sights on the female lead in Jiang Heng's new film.

Translation: "Zhou Runfa felt deep regret, yet he said Zhang Ziyi had already set her sights on the female lead in Jiang Heng's new film."

Zhou Runfa felt deep regret, yet he said Zhang Ziyi had already set her sights on the female lead in Jiang Heng's new film.

Before, lacking the opportunity was fine, but now that there's a chance to visit Jiang Heng's home, who would pass it up?

Translation: "Before, lacking the opportunity was fine, but now that there's a chance to visit Jiang Heng's home, who would pass it up?"

Before, lacking the opportunity was fine, but now that there's a chance to visit Jiang Heng's home, who would pass it up?

"Director Jiang,

Translation: "\"Director Jiang, let's exchange contact info; I'll be in the US for a while, and we can grab a meal together when I have time! \" said Zhang Ziyi."

"Director Jiang, let's exchange contact info; I'll be in America for a while, and we can grab a meal together when I have time!" said Zhang Ziyi.

That's perfectly fine; Jiang Heng didn't want to refuse, so they exchanged numbers.

Translation: "That was perfectly fine; Jiang Heng didn't want to refuse, so they exchanged numbers."

That was perfectly fine; Jiang Heng didn't want to refuse, so they exchanged numbers.

Zhou Runfa also took the chance to leave his phone number, as if the earlier unpleasantness had never happened.

Translation: "Zhou Runfa also took the chance to leave his phone number, as if the earlier unpleasantness had never happened."

Zhou Runfa also took the chance to leave his phone number, as if the earlier unpleasantness had never happened.

Moreover, he generously invited them to a meal; Jiang Heng laughed and said, "Since you're coming to see me, I'll naturally host!"

Translation: "Moreover, he generously invited them to a meal; Jiang Heng laughed and said, \"Since you're coming to see me, I'll naturally host! \""

Moreover, he generously invited them to a meal; Jiang Heng laughed and said, "Since you're coming to see me, I'll naturally host!"

He then drove them out for a big meal, during which they also discussed the box office performance of *The Lion's Ridge* across various regions, all of which were praise.

Translation: "He then drove them out for a big meal, during which they also discussed the box office performance of *The Lion's Ridge* across various regions, all of which were praise."

He then drove them out for a big meal, during which they also discussed the box office performance of *The Lion's Ridge* across various regions, all of which were praise.

The next day, Jiang Heng left the mountain villa and headed for Niu yue to reside.

Translation: "The next day, Jiang Heng left the mountain villa and headed for New York to reside."

The next day, Jiang Heng left the mountain villa and headed for Niu yue to reside.

During that time, Pa si ka er called to inform him of the film's schedule, set for release on July 28.

Translation: "During that time, Pa si ka er called to inform him of the film's schedule, set for release on July 28."

During that time, Pa si ka er called to inform him of the film's schedule, set for release on July 28.

Jiang Heng recalled the 2000 box office rankings and found that none of the films released that day were competitive, which made him feel very relieved.

Translation: "Jiang Heng recalled the 2000 box office rankings and found that none of the films released that day were competitive, which made him feel very relieved."

Jiang Heng recalled the 2000 box office rankings and found that none of the films released that day were competitive, which made him feel very relieved.

After staying a while in Niu yue, he cooperated with Li An in promoting *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* once, then returned to the mainland.

Translation: "After staying a while in New York, he cooperated with Li An in promoting *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* once, then returned to the mainland."

After staying a while in Niu yue, he cooperated with Li An in promoting *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* once, then returned to the mainland.

However, Han Sanping learned over the phone that Jiang Heng was going to co-produce a big film with Ge lun bi ya Company, and he could no longer sit still.

Translation: "However, Han Sanping learned over the phone that Jiang Heng was going to co-produce a big film with Columbia Company, and he could no longer sit still."

However, Han Sanping learned over the phone that Jiang Heng was going to co-produce a big film with Ge lun bi ya Company, and he could no longer sit still.

If it weren't for his special status, he would have flown to America himself, but he could only urge over the phone.

Translation: "If it weren't for his special status, he would have flown to the US himself, but he could only urge over the phone."

If it weren't for his special status, he would have flown to America himself, but he could only urge over the phone.

Upon learning Jiang Heng's flight details, they even dispatched a dedicated car to pick him up.

Translation: "Upon learning Jiang Heng's flight details, they even dispatched a dedicated car to pick him up."

Upon learning Jiang Heng's flight details, they even dispatched a dedicated car to pick him up.

"Hello, Director Jiang, Director Han is attending an important meeting and can't come in person, so he sent me to pick you up!" said the driver, who then came over to help with the luggage.

Translation: "\"Hello, Director Jiang, Director Han is attending an important meeting and can't come in person, so he sent me to pick you up! \" said the driver, who then came over to help with the luggage."

"Hello, Director Jiang, Director Han is attending an important meeting and can't come in person, so he sent me to pick you up!" said the driver, who then came over to help with the luggage.

Jiang Heng had met him before, so he wasn't overly formal; upon getting in the car, he casually asked, "How's Director Han been lately?"

Translation: "Jiang Heng had met him before, so he wasn't overly formal; upon getting in the car, he casually asked, \"How's Director Han been lately? \""

Jiang Heng had met him before, so he wasn't overly formal; upon getting in the car, he casually asked, "How's Director Han been lately?"

The driver chuckled, "Yeah, he's doing well; he's just been looking forward to your return, Director Jiang, saying he wants to hold a celebration for you."

Translation: "The driver chuckled, \"Yeah, he's doing well; he's just been looking forward to your return, Director Jiang, saying he wants to hold a celebration for you. \""

The driver chuckled, "Yeah, he's doing well; he's just been looking forward to your return, Director Jiang, saying he wants to hold a celebration for you."

During Jiang Heng's time in America, the Neidi box office for *The Lion's Ridge* had already broken the 400 million mark, pushing toward 450 million!

Translation: "During Jiang Heng's time in America, the mainland box office for *The Lion's Ridge* had already broken the 400 million mark, pushing toward 450 million!"

During Jiang Heng's time in America, the Neidi box office for *The Lion's Ridge* had already broken the 400 million mark, pushing toward 450 million!

Even with the delay of the secret key, there was still hope of achieving it.

Translation: "Even with the delay of the secret key, there was still hope of achieving it."

Even with the delay of the secret key, there was still hope of achieving it.

Of course, reaching 500 million was out of the question.

Translation: "Of course, reaching 500 million was out of the question."

Of course, reaching 500 million was out of the question.

China of this era pales in comparison to what it would be twenty years later.

Translation: "China of this era pales in comparison to what it would be twenty years later."

China of this era pales in comparison to what it would be twenty years later.

"Director Han wants to hold one for me?"

Translation: "\"Director Han wants to hold one for me? \""

"Director Han wants to hold one for me?"

"Yeah, I heard it's a decision from above; the box office performance of *The Lion's Ridge* has boosted the Neidi film market, generating positive significance!"

Translation: "\"Yeah, I heard it's a decision from above; the box office performance of *The Lion's Ridge* has boosted the mainland film market, generating positive significance! \""

"Yeah, I heard it's a decision from above; the box office performance of *The Lion's Ridge* has boosted the Neidi film market, generating positive significance!"

The car soon arrived at China Film Company, where Han Sanping led a group of executives to greet him at the door: "Director Jiang, you've worked hard on the way!"

Translation: "The car soon arrived at Zhongying Company, where Han Sanping led a group of executives to greet him at the door: \"Director Jiang, you've worked hard on the way! \""

The car soon arrived at China Film Company, where Han Sanping led a group of executives to greet him at the door: "Director Jiang, you've worked hard on the way!"

Jiang Heng hurriedly said, "How did you manage to make such a big fuss?"

Translation: "Jiang Heng hurriedly said, \"How did you manage to make such a big fuss? \""

Jiang Heng hurriedly said, "How did you manage to make such a big fuss?"

An executive said, "Director Jiang, the box office of one of your films alone matches a third of last year's total—you're a great contributor to Chinese-language cinema, and you deserve it!"

Translation: "An executive said, \"Director Jiang, the box office of one of your films alone matches a third of last year's total—you're a great contributor to Chinese-language cinema, and you deserve it! \""

An executive said, "Director Jiang, the box office of one of your films alone matches a third of last year's total—you're a great contributor to Chinese-language cinema, and you deserve it!"

After exchanging pleasantries, a group of people went upstairs.

Translation: "After exchanging a few polite remarks, the group went upstairs."

We need to keep meaning. So: "After exchanging a few polite remarks, the group went upstairs."

As before, Han Sanping and Jiang Heng first held a small meeting.

Translation: "As before, Han Sanping and Jiang Heng first held a small meeting."

As before, Han Sanping and Jiang Heng first held a small meeting.

In the large office, Han Sanping poured tea and said slowly, "I went to the ministry for a meeting, and the leaders said *The Lion's Ridge* is great—one film accounted for a third of last year's total box office; many theaters earned money because of it, avoiding closure this summer. Being able to pay wages prevented layoffs and upheld social stability!"

Translation: "In the large office, Han Sanping poured tea and said slowly, \"I went to the ministry for a meeting, and the leaders said *The Lion's Ridge* is great—one film accounted for a third of last year's total box office; many theaters earned money because of it, avoiding closure this summer. Being able to pay wages prevented layoffs and upheld social stability! \""

Jiang Heng felt guilty and quickly replied, "Tell the leaders I will definitely keep making good films and strive to make an even greater contribution!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng felt guilty and quickly replied, \"Tell the leaders I will definitely keep making good films and strive to make an even greater contribution! \""

Jiang Heng felt guilty and quickly replied, "Tell the leaders I will definitely keep making good films and strive to make an even greater contribution!"

Han Sanping waved his hand, "Not only that—you've seen the Neidi box office for *The Lion's Ridge*; 450 million is still possible, and your share would be about 150 million."

Translation: "Han Sanping waved his hand, \"Not only that—you've seen the mainland box office for *The Lion's Ridge*; 450 million is still possible, and your share would be about 150 million. \""

Han Sanping waved his hand, "Not only that—you've seen the Neidi box office for *The Lion's Ridge*; 450 million is still possible, and your share would be about 150 million."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Heng involuntarily sucked in a breath of cold air, becoming even more cautious.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Jiang Heng involuntarily sucked in a breath of cold air, becoming even more cautious."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Heng involuntarily sucked in a breath of cold air, becoming even more cautious.

"What does Director Han mean?"

Translation: "\"What does Director Han mean? \""

"What does Director Han mean?"

Han Sanping chuckled, "It's not my meaning; I just heard some news—uh, the state intends to change the current film companies' screening system, preparing to implement a theater-chain reform."

Translation: "Han Sanping chuckled, \"It's not my meaning; I just heard some news—uh, the state intends to change the current film companies' screening system, preparing to implement a theater-chain reform. \""

Han Sanping chuckled, "It's not my meaning; I just heard some news—uh, the state intends to change the current film companies' screening system, preparing to implement a theater-chain reform."

Jiang Heng, upon hearing this, was overjoyed.

If you want to become a truly influential film mogul, just knowing how to shoot films isn't enough; you also need to get the theater chains under your control.

Jiang Heng naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity, but he also couldn't appear too eager, lest there be no room left for bargaining.

"That's actually a good thing; I'm not short of money either—I can take all of this 150 million box-office revenue share!"

Han Sanping was overjoyed upon hearing that, "With your words, I can rest easy! You have no idea how those distribution companies hide box-office numbers, steal—!"

(End of chapter)

◈

End of Chapter

Press ← / → to navigate

Ch. 69 / 56612%