Chapter 133

Beijing International Hotel, located in the heart of the capital on East Chang'an Avenue, adjacent to the Great Hall of the People and the Municipal Government, and a stone's throw from the historic Forbidden City, is a long-established five-star hotel in Beijing.

And now a celebration banquet is being held inside. Quite a few reporters are squatting at the entrance, taking photos of the directors and stars who are constantly entering.

And at the entrance, there is a banner hanging: "Warmly celebrate the 72.3 million box office of *My Brothers and Sisters*!"

Several reporters were chatting while taking photos:

"Tsk tsk tsk, 72.3 million! I heard the cost of this movie was only about a million. It's simply making a fortune!"

"I heard it already surpassed *Jurassic Park 2*?"

Another reporter nodded: "The box office statistics for *Jurassic Park 2* have already ended, 72.1 million."

"Good job, surpassing it by 200,000 is still surpassing it. Being suppressed for several years in a row, finally, there can be a movie of our own to beat a foreign film! It can finally save face for us!"

"Hey! Who would have thought that our audience is still so into these bitter dramas? I heard that several companies have already set up projects to film bitter dramas, like *Dear Brothers and Sisters*, *We Will Never Separate*. They all want to follow along and have a sip of soup!"

"That also depends on whether their director has this ability, and whether they have a big star like Wang Zuxian!"

"Do you think they can't think of that? There are plenty of Hong Kong stars. If you can't invite Wang Zuxian, can't you invite Maggie Cheung? Brigitte Lin? Rosamund Kwan?"

"But our Wu Dao Yuchen is the only one!"

The reporters outside were chatting idly, and inside the hotel, it was also very lively. Not only was the *My Brothers and Sisters* crew there, but many directors and actors from the Beijing Film Studio, as well as quite a few people from the China Film Association, came to join the fun. Almost half of Beijing's directors and stars were gathered, and everyone was full of joy at this moment.

I saw Han Sanping holding a glass of wine, smiling and walking to the stage: "Everyone, I'll say a few words briefly."

As soon as everyone saw Factory Director Han Sanping speak, they immediately quieted down.

"Today's celebration banquet is to celebrate the huge success of *My Brothers and Sisters*!

Here, I first want to express my gratitude to Wu Dao Yuchen, Ms. Wang Zuxian, and all the crew members. Without you, there would be no such successful movie of ours!"

A round of applause immediately erupted from the audience, and everyone's eyes were focused on the circle centered on Wu Yuchen. Beside him was Wang Zuxian, and both of them were smiling at this moment.

After the applause subsided slightly, Han Sanping continued to say slowly:

"Those who have been in contact with me also know that I don't like extravagance and waste. Since becoming the factory director of Beijing Film Studio, I've wished I could split a penny in two to spend for the studio.

Wu Dao also privately expressed to me before that a small celebration would be enough, and there was no need to make such a big scene.

But I have to say one thing: today's celebration banquet must be held, and it must be held beautifully!

Over the years, our Chinese film market has become increasingly sluggish, and everyone's life has been difficult. Since the opening of Hollywood blockbusters in 1994, our domestic films have been beaten and unable to lift their heads.

But this time, the box office of *My Brothers and Sisters* surpassed *Jurassic Park 2*, which shows that our own films can also do it!

I said to Wu Dao: this celebration banquet is not for you, nor is it for our Beijing Film Studio, but to encourage all our filmmakers, so that our Chinese films can pick themselves up!

To Chinese films!"

After Han Sanping finished speaking, he raised his glass and drank the wine in one gulp. The whole audience roared with applause, and then the applause was thunderous.

At this time, Wang Zuxian leaned into Wu Yuchen's ear and said: "Your Factory Director Han is really imposing!"

Wu Yuchen smiled: "Factory Director Han is a figure who can influence the development of Chinese-language films, so naturally, he is extraordinary."

He could also see from this that Han Sanping was still just the factory director of Beijing Film Studio, but he had already taken the lead in saying words to boost Chinese films. It seems that the success of *My Brothers and Sisters* this time has also helped him personally, and he may have already received some good news.

Wu Yuchen smiled. This was also a good thing for him. Now his relationship with Han Sanping was just right. Han Sanping's future promotion would be beneficial and harmless to him.

Wang Zuxian specially rushed over for this celebration banquet. She was still quite professional. After coming to the mainland these few times, she felt that although it was still relatively backward here, everyone's mental outlook was very good, and the whole place was full of vitality.

At this time, Wang Zuxian still couldn't help but ask: "Wu Dao, don't mind what I say, why could our movie's box office surpass *Jurassic Park 2*? It was unstoppable in Hong Kong and Taiwan, simply impossible to block."

Wu Yuchen said with a smile: "Doesn't that all depend on you, Sister Xiaoxian, the big star?"

Wang Zuxian gave him a look: "Hey, I'm talking seriously!"

Wu Yuchen smiled: "I'm also talking seriously. There must be your reason, of course, plus promotional means, and the fact that the aesthetics of movies between domestic audiences and Hong Kong/Taiwan are not yet consistent, and it hasn't fully entered the entertainment market. Then there is the timing. Our release happened to coincide with Hong Kong's return, and your theme of a Hong Kong star returning to the mainland to find relatives naturally fits. This alone brought us over 10 million in box office."

Wang Zuxian nodded upon hearing this. She had watched both movies and didn't feel that her *My Brothers and Sisters* could surpass *Jurassic Park 2*. With Wu Yuchen saying it like this, she could understand.

Wu Yuchen looked around. This celebration banquet was held like a wedding feast. At first, the hotel suggested having a Western-style one with class, but Han Sanping bluntly said that this time Chinese films defeated foreign films, so how could they use Western-style? It must be done according to Chinese-style!

Wouldn't this Chinese-style just become a big banquet?

However, Wu Yuchen didn't care about this. Han Sanping was right; the main thing was the significance, to boost everyone's morale.

At this time, Han Sanping also returned to the table. He put down his wine glass, picked up a cup of tea, and said to Wu Yuchen with a smile:

"Wu Dao, I heard you don't like drinking, so I'll use tea instead of wine, and toast you separately as an individual. You helped me a lot this time; otherwise, Beijing Film Studio would have been unable to make ends meet!"

*My Brothers and Sisters* had a box office of 72.3 million. According to the producer's 40% share, they could get 30 million. Beijing Film Studio accounted for 40%, which was equivalent to a net profit of 12 million. This was not a small amount for Beijing Film Studio. After all, with a big family and a big business, there were many places to spend money. This year, Han Sanping was also begging for help everywhere, and these 12 million greatly eased the financial problems.

Seeing this, Wu Yuchen hurriedly picked up his teacup:

"Factory Director Han, you are too polite. Without the help of Beijing Film Studio, it would be impossible to achieve such a high box office. My name as a 70-million director owes a lot to Factory Director Han and Beijing Film Studio for helping me earn it!"

Wu Yuchen took a sip and put it down, and Han Sanping toasted Wang Zuxian with tea again, then said with a smile:

"Ms. Wang, our cooperation was so pleasant this time. I wonder if you are still interested in collaborating with our Beijing Film Studio again?"

Wang Zuxian said with a smile: "Thank you, Factory Director Han, for your praise. But this still depends on Wu Dao. I have already made an appointment with him to find him to film the next movie."

After Wang Zuxian finished speaking, she glanced at Wu Yuchen. Now there were suddenly many film offers for her in the mainland, and she couldn't figure out what the situation was in the mainland, so she simply used Wu Yuchen as a shield.

Han Sanping's eyes lit up: "As expected of Wu Dao, truly quick-witted! Have you already prepared a new work?"

Wu Yuchen chuckled and shook his head: "This was a joke with Sister Xiaoxian at the beginning. If the box office exceeds 50 million, we will collaborate on another one. I only have a slight clue now, so let me consider it carefully."

Han Sanping said: "No rush, no rush. But when the time comes, Wu Dao, don't forget our Beijing Film Studio!"

"Factory Director Han, rest assured. Such a good partner as Beijing Film Studio is not easy to find."

Han Sanping laughed again upon hearing this and said: "Wu Dao, quite a few directors in our circle have come this time. Everyone wants to get to know you. I'll introduce them to you one by one later."

After speaking, Han Sanping remembered something and added: "It's just a pity that Kaige is still busy filming his *The Emperor and the Assassin* in Hengdian. Otherwise, you could have had a good exchange."

Chen Kaige's work relationship is with Beijing Film Studio, so he counts as their person. It's just that he is now the leader of Chinese-language directors, and even Han Sanping can't control him.

Wu Yuchen's heart stirred upon hearing *The Emperor and the Assassin*. It is said that this film cost 80 million to 100 million in production costs, most of which was contributed to the construction of the Qin Palace in Hengdian Film City, which is equivalent to making a great contribution to Hengdian Film City. I have to say that the current Kaizi is truly imposing.

However, no one could gossip, because the filming funds were all raised by Kaizi himself, with four foreign funds, among which Japanese funds accounted for the majority. Don't look at the story of Jing Ke assassinating the King of Qin; in fact, the original novel of this movie script is by a Japanese writer.

And although the movie failed miserably at the box office after its domestic release, with only over 10 million, it had 800 million yen in Japan, which was 100 million yuan at the exchange rate at that time. Although it was still a loss, it wasn't as miserable as imagined.

However, it is said that those who have watched the Japanese version all say it's good, while the domestic version deleted and changed a lot, leading to some confusion in the storyline.

"Wu Dao!"

Just at this moment, a voice beside him interrupted Wu Yuchen's thoughts. He turned his head and saw several middle-aged men holding wine and looking at him with smiles. It was none other than Zheng Xiaolong, the Wang brothers, and others.

"My name is Zheng Xiaolong, and these two are the brothers Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei. Congratulations on the big sale of *My Brothers and Sisters*, which has won a breath for our Chinese films!"

The other party had a kind attitude and didn't mention at all that Wu Yuchen didn't go when invited before.

Wu Yuchen smiled and directly picked up his teacup: "I have long heard of Producer Zheng's reputation. *Yearnings*, *Stories from the Editorial Board*, and *Beijingers in New York* all caused a huge sensation back then. Our Miracle Film and Television still has to take you as an example!"

He smiled and raised his teacup to the Wang brothers again, drinking with a smile.

These three didn't say anything about Wu Yuchen drinking tea. Didn't they just hear Han Sanping specifically say that Wu Yuchen doesn't like drinking? It's someone else's celebration banquet; do they want to force him?

Besides, they came to build a good relationship, so naturally, they should cater to his preferences.

Wang Zhongjun smiled and praised at this time: "Wu Dao, your production of TV series is not inferior to Brother Xiaolong. We have all watched *Burning Years*. It's just one word: impressed!"

Zheng Xiaolong also said with a smile: "Wu Dao, to tell you the truth, we are all from military families. Watching your *Burning Years* is like watching things that happened in our own homes. It's so touching! I heard that Wu Dao's father is also a soldier. We can communicate more in the future~"

Wu Yuchen smiled and said politely: "Easy to say, easy to say."

After the few people smiled and nodded, they didn't say anything more. There would be plenty of time to interact slowly in the future.

After these people stepped back, some directors and actors came to toast Wu Yuchen and Han Sanping one after another.

After a while, Wu Yuchen saw Feng Xiaogang, who was smiling with his big front teeth, bringing his girlfriend Xu Fan over. He bent his waist at 45 degrees and said respectfully:

"Third Master, Wu Dao! Congratulations on the big sale of *My Brothers and Sisters*. Chinese films will definitely become more and more prosperous under the leadership of the two of you!"

After speaking, he directly drank a glass of wine and let Xu Fan beside him fill it up for him again:

"I personally want to grandly thank Third Master and Wu Dao. Without you, there would be no *Dreams Come True* of mine!"

Wu Yuchen hurriedly waved his hand: "Director Feng..."

Feng Xiaogang immediately said: "Don't, Wu Dao, you can just call me Xiaogang!"

Seeing his appearance, Wu Yuchen followed his words: "Xiaogang, this has nothing to do with me. It's all Factory Director Han's decision."

Feng Xiaogang still maintained his smile: "Wu Dao, Third Master told me personally that if it weren't for the big sale of *My Brothers and Sisters* earning this sum, he wouldn't have been able to scrape together 4 million for me. Then my first movie would have been out of the question. If I don't remember your kindness, then I'd be heartless!"

On the side, Han Sanping interjected with a smile: "Xiaogang is talented. I am willing to give opportunities to people like him who are brave enough to innovate. This time, part of his movie funds were raised by me going to find Mou Qizhong, and the rest was indeed filled by the income of *My Brothers and Sisters*."

Heh, the madman Mou Qizhong, he is also an awesome figure, China's first 'reseller'. Others reselling at most are cars or something, he could directly exchange a plane from the Russians! In the last two years, he even proposed to blow up the Himalayas, tsk tsk tsk!

Seeing Han Sanping say so, Wu Yuchen also smiled and picked up his teacup, clinking it with Feng Xiaogang and Xu Fan.

"Wu Dao, please feel free, just take a sip~" Feng Xiaogang said.

Looking at Feng Xiaogang's appearance, Wu Yuchen had to say he really had a way. Outsiders might think he's fawning, but being fawned over by him really does bring a sense of pleasure.

Many people despise fawning, but people like Feng Xiaogang who are willing to put their posture so low and can grasp the measure and timing of fawning, really not many people can do it. There is learning in it!

Although Feng Xiaogang was completely bound to the Wang brothers in the later period, which was also a mess, his first few works were still very good and could indeed be called talented. It's just that his starting point was too low, and he could only choose this method to obtain opportunities and resources. It can also be seen as the helplessness and bitterness of a small person at the bottom wanting to climb up.