Chapter 137: Wu Wu Yuchen, Righteous and Loyal

The crowd didn't disturb Guo Guo Baochang too much and let him rest well, and everyone found another private room in a restaurant to sit down.

Chen Chen Kaige, who sat in the main seat, had a dark face and took the lead:

"Bao Ye is my mentor and friend. Without Bao Ye, there would be no first film of mine. How can I, Chen, watch Bao Ye be bullied like this! This matter cannot be left like this!"

Zhang Zhang Yimou also followed: "Back then, He Qun and I were assigned to the Guangxi Film Studio and were appreciated by Bao Ye, who gave us the opportunity to train, so we could have today. We must get justice for Bao Ye and not let his half-life of effort be ruined like this!"

Back then, when this group of people graduated in 82, Zhang Zhang Yimou and He Qun were assigned to the Guangxi Film Studio, which happened to be when Guo Guo Baochang served as the director of the film studio. He insisted on giving opportunities to several talented young people who had just arrived, filming *One and Eight*, in which Zhang Zhang Yimou and Xiao Feng served as cinematographers, and He Qun served as an art designer. Less than a year after graduating from university, they all filmed independently, which was "unprecedented" in the mainland film industry before.

And Chen Chen Kaige, who was assigned to the Beijing Children's Film Studio after graduation, was frustrated. The next year, he was recommended to Guo Guo Baochang by Zhang Zhang Yimou and He Qun and was borrowed to the Guangxi Film Studio. Then, with Guo Guo Baochang's full help, Chen Chen Kaige and Zhang Zhang Yimou collaborated to film *Yellow Earth*, pushing this film about Shaanxi folk customs to the international stage, winning 10 awards and causing a sensation in the country.

In the mainland film circle at that time, there were really few people who could give young people such bold opportunities to show their talents. Therefore, it could be said that Guo Guo Baochang was their Bole!

And it wasn't just the two of them. The entire fifth generation, including Tian Zhuangzhuang, He Qun, Zhang Junzhao, and others, had all received Guo Baochang's help to varying degrees.

Not just directors, among the actors who came, such as Ning Jing, her first work was also Guo Guo Baochang's *Joint Police Detective*.

Therefore, everyone at the table was filled with righteous indignation when they mentioned Guo Guo Baochang and the encounter of *Da Zhai Men*.

At this time, Wu Wu Yuchen asked: "What's the background of that company?"

Jiang Wen smiled and opened his mouth: "I know this. The boss is a businessman from Guangdong. They wanted to find me to play Bai Bai Jingqi, and I told them 1 million per episode for filming funds. If it's less, don't come to bother me, and directly scared them away."

In this era, let alone 1 million per episode for filming funds, even 400,000 or 500,000 was rare.

As soon as Chen Chen Kaige heard this, he had confidence. Just a businessman with no deep background, then he, Chen the Great Director, was not afraid at all!

Chen Kaizi waved his hand directly: "If you have some stinky money, you want to come to our territory to make waves. You have to give them some color! Today, I will release the word that whoever dares to cooperate with them in the circle in the future is against me, Chen!"

"Chen Kaige is right. We must get justice for Bao Ye! Count me in!" Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang echoed.

After that, everyone followed suit, and Wu Wu Yuchen naturally supported it very much. Maintaining the entertainment industry environment and expelling the black sheep is everyone's responsibility!

However, he added one more sentence: "It's right to boycott them, but we have to help Bao Ye get *Da Zhai Men* back, and the contract matter must be abolished. Otherwise, his illness might not get better."

Zhang Zhang Yimou immediately nodded in agreement: "Wu Wu Yuchen is right. Boycotting them is not the goal; the point is to help Bao Ye solve the problem."

Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang said: "How about this: let's release the word first, and then let the people from the Directors Association and the Film Association come forward to find them."

Chen Chen Kaige finally made the decision: "Good, let's do it!"

Afterward, Old Zhang asked: "The script of *Da Zhai Men* looks very good. Why didn't Bao Ye find a TV station to cooperate?"

He and Chen Chen Kaige were both busy people and rarely had time to gather with people, so they didn't know much about Guo Guo Baochang's current situation.

It was Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang, who had been banned but had been in contact with Guo Guo Baochang, who sighed and said:

"He found them, and he found more than one TV station, but it didn't work out. The TV station was only willing to give 10 million at most, but Bao Ye had high requirements. The set had to be built exactly like the 'Da Zhai Men,' and the number of episodes was also large. The total cost went up, and no TV station was willing to pay so much money. He had to go to film and television companies one by one, and as a result, he was cheated..."

Hearing this, the others either sighed or remained silent, and no one took the conversation.

It was fine for them to help shout for justice, but if they really wanted to pay out of their own pockets to prepare for filming, they were either powerless or afraid to take the risk. After all, as people in the circle, they knew that the film and television industry was very risky.

And the script of *Da Zhai Men*, although those who had read it all said it was good, who knew if the common people would like it or accept it after it was filmed?

Chen Chen Kaige wanted to change the topic, but a voice broke the silence:

"I'm actually quite interested in *Da Zhai Men*."

Everyone looked at Wu Wu Yuchen after hearing the sound. Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang's face was full of joy, and he asked:

"Wu Wu Yuchen, do you want to film it, or..."

Wu Wu Yuchen smiled and said: "Even if I want to film it, it's impossible to take away Bao Ye's life's work. I definitely can't do this! I've read the script. Although the risk is relatively large, it's a pity not to film it. If Bao Ye is willing, I want to invest some money to try."

Professor Xie Professor Xie Xiaojing nudged Wu Wu Yuchen's arm and reminded: "Wu Wu Yuchen, think clearly, this is not a small amount of money."

Although he also wanted to help Guo Guo Baochang film *Da Zhai Men*, he also knew that the risk was great, and Wu Wu Yuchen was his student and was brought by him today, so he definitely had to remind him.

Wu Wu Yuchen laughed: "Teacher Professor Xie, rest assured. Our company recently earned a small sum of money from *Years of Passion*, which happens to be used to film *Da Zhai Men*. At most, I'll lose all this money; just consider it my contribution to art!"

Jiang Wen directly smiled and gave Wu Wu Yuchen a thumbs up, shouting: "Good, righteous!"

And Chen Chen Baoguo, who was originally the male lead, was even more excited and picked up a cup of tea to thank Wu Wu Yuchen:

"Wu Dao is righteous and loyal! I heard you don't drink, so I'll toast you with tea here!"

Although Wu Wu Yuchen only said it verbally, in such an occasion, with a group of big names in the circle witnessing, he, the current great director in the circle, naturally couldn't just talk empty words, otherwise his reputation would stink.

Therefore, Chen Chen Baoguo bowed respectfully to Wu Wu Yuchen with tea.

Wu Wu Yuchen immediately went to support him and laughed: "I also admire Chen's righteous move!"

Suddenly, everyone in the room cheered. In this way, the group of people gathered together this time could not only help Guo Guo Baochang solve the contract problem but now also get the filming funds for *Da Zhai Men*. It could be said that it was a perfect success, the best explanation for Guo Guo Baochang.

Chen Chen Kaige looked at Wu Wu Yuchen, who was in the limelight, and felt a bit uncomfortable in his heart, as he was always the center of attention. However, he naturally wouldn't show it. He was happy to see that he could help Guo Guo Baochang solve the filming funding problem, and praised:

"As expected of the outstanding director who just came out of our Beijing Film Academy, he will have a great future!"

Wu Wu Yuchen humbly said: "I'm just starting out, I can't compare to you seniors. I still have to learn from Senior Chen in the future~"

Wu Wu Yuchen naturally knew the nature of the poetry-reciting master. It didn't hurt to say a few more good words. Sure enough, Chen Kaizi showed a satisfied look.

Afterward, the private room entered a happy atmosphere, and everyone could finally enjoy the meal. The group of people who had gathered with difficulty naturally chatted about everything, and Chen Chen Kaige even quoted classics to talk about his *The Emperor and the Assassin*, occasionally dropping a few book bags to cause echoes.

At the dinner table, Ning Jing ran over to toast Wu Wu Yuchen: "Wu Dao, I really regretted it to death after watching your *Run Luo La Run*. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten married, and I would have had to film your movie first!"

Wu Wu Yuchen laughed: "Not necessarily, marriage is still important! We can cooperate again if there is a suitable opportunity in the future."

"Wu Dao, then I'll remember your words. If there is an opportunity in the future, you must remember me~" Ning Jing drank a glass of wine heroically.

Jiang Wen then leaned over and said:

"I like your *Run Luo La Run* very much, it's powerful! But your recent *My Brothers and Sisters*..."

Jiang Wen shook his head as he spoke: "Too sentimental!"

Wu Wu Yuchen understood what he meant. He almost said that his filming was too vulgar, but this was indeed a fact. He was just going for the money, so he wasn't angry.

Wu Wu Yuchen clinked with him lightly and said with a smile: "I don't care about vulgar or elegant, as long as someone watches it after filming and the common people like it, that's enough."

Jiang Wen looked at Wu Wu Yuchen and thought thoughtfully, then praised him: "You are still the one who sees it clearly. I'm not as good as you in this point!"

Jiang Wen is the typical type who knows what everyone likes and knows what kind of filming has good box office, but he doesn't like to film it himself. He just films what he wants to film.

Wu Wu Yuchen laughed and said: "I watched the movie *Keep Cool* that you and Director Zhang filmed this year. It's really good!"

Zhang Zhang Yimou, who was not far away, also heard Wu Wu Yuchen's words and shook his head with a smile: "No matter how you film, someone will scold you!"

Part of the reason for filming *Keep Cool* was that a large group of people at that time scolded Old Zhang for only filming rural-themed movies, mocking him for being a rural director.

Therefore, Old Zhang filmed an urban-themed, absurd comedy *Keep Cool* starring Jiang Wen, Li Baotian, and Qu Ying, which was rich in humor and wit. It used a large number of shaky shots and flamboyant music, injecting full vitality into the film and mobilizing the audience's emotions from beginning to end.

Wu Yuchen had a deep impression of this movie, especially the "An Hong, I miss you" shouted by Old Zhang himself in the Shaanxi dialect. The Beijing Qinshu in it was also very classic, and the tasteful lyrics accurately depicted Beijing and the protagonist's situation. It was sung by Guan Xuezeng, the grandfather of Guan Xiaotong. It's just a pity that the art form of Beijing Qinshu has never been able to find a successor, and with the passing of Old Guan, Beijing Qinshu has since been broken.

To be honest, as a comedy film released in 97, *Keep Cool* was not inferior to *The Dream Factory* in all aspects. It was humorous and funny, and the 46 million box office was far higher than the 30-plus million of *The Dream Factory*. Its artistry and tension were obviously stronger than *The Dream Factory*, but it was rarely mentioned later. The media's treatment of different people is really different.

Old Zhang is now in such a strange circle, and any work he films will attract criticism from literati.

Wu Wu Yuchen advised Old Zhang: "Senior Zhang, don't mind it. Just treat the media as barking dogs."

Jiang Wen laughed loudly upon hearing this: "Right, just a bunch of stinky farts!"

Ning Jing rolled her eyes at Jiang Wen. She still had a grudge about Jiang Wen dumping her before, and she secretly speculated that with Jiang Wen's character, he probably had an affair with the female lead Qu Ying in the crew again.

After the meal ended, everyone started to disperse, but Wu Wu Yuchen stopped Old Zhang: "Senior Zhang, I don't know if I should say a few words."

Old Zhang was a bit surprised. He had a good impression of this junior brother Wu Wu Yuchen, after all, he was so generous to give money to Guo Guo Baochang to film *Da Zhai Men*.

Old Zhang smiled and said: "It's okay, just say it if you have anything."

Wu Wu Yuchen thought for a while and said: "I heard that *Keep Cool* was invested by Zhang Zhang Weiping, and it lost 18 million?"

Old Zhang nodded, a bit embarrassed: "I'm sorry to Brother Zhang for this."

Wu Wu Yuchen pulled him closer and said: "I think you'd better check this carefully. He said he sold the copyright for 8 million, so it's really 8 million? Think about it, the movie hasn't been released yet, and he would rather lose 18 million and sell the copyright for 8 million. I think there's still something fishy..."

Wu Wu Yuchen knew the true face of this guy Zhang Zhang Weiping too well; he was a vampire bound to Old Zhang. I don't know how much he earned from Old Zhang, but he didn't solve any of the super-birth problems he promised Old Zhang. Zhang Zhang Yimou had already become a "National Teacher" and finally had to borrow money to pay the super-birth fine, so it was really outrageous that he hadn't earned any money after following Zhang Zhang Weiping for so many years.

Zhang Zhang Weiping claimed that *Keep Cool* invested 26 million and lost 18 million because he sold the copyright for 8 million before the movie was released.

Not to mention that the film achieved a box office of 46 million after its domestic release, just based on Old Zhang's name, the copyright sold internationally would not be lower than 1 million US dollars. With Zhang Zhang Weiping's shrewd nature, would he choose to foolishly sell the copyright for 8 million before the release?

Old Zhang had always focused on filming movies and hadn't worried about commercial matters, so Wu Wu Yuchen felt that he had probably been PUAd by Zhang Zhang Weiping now, which was to create a sense of guilt in Old Zhang by saying "Brother, I've done everything for you and lost my family fortune."

In fact, the breakup between Old Zhang and Gong Li was also instigated by the couple Zhang Zhang Weiping. Later, Gong Li scolded the couple many times for being despicable villains who alienated her and Zhang Zhang Yimou. In the contract for filming *Curse of the Golden Flower*, it was clearly written that Zhang Zhang Weiping could not be seen in the crew.

Zhang Zhang Yimou looked at Wu Wu Yuchen with suspicion, but he felt that Wu Wu Yuchen wouldn't harm him, so he stammered: "This... Brother Zhang shouldn't lie to me, right?"

Wu Wu Yuchen sighed: "Senior Zhang, although many literati in the country scold you now, you can't belittle yourself. Your movies have great influence both internationally and domestically. There won't be few people who want to approach you with ulterior motives. I think you'd better pay more attention."

Zhang Zhang Yimou nodded with a difficult look. He actually just wanted to focus all his energy on filming movies and didn't want to deal with these things.

Wu Wu Yuchen didn't say anything more after seeing this, watching Old Zhang leave with a full heart of worries.

It didn't have much to do with Wu Wu Yuchen, but thinking that Old Zhang would be pitted by Zhang Zhang Weiping later, he still wanted to remind him. As for whether he could listen, it depended on himself.

On that day, the news that the fifth-generation directors such as Chen Chen Kaige and Zhang Zhang Yimou, as well as Jiang Wen and Wu Wu Yuchen, had joined forces to boycott that film and television company spread in the circle.

In the current mainland film and television circle, the backbone was the fifth generation, which was exactly when they were in their prime. And with the participation of two great directors who had risen in recent years, Jiang Wen and Wu Wu Yuchen, it could be said that the top directors of China had joined forces to release a big move.

Therefore, as soon as this matter spread, no one in the circle dared to cooperate with this film and television company anymore. Even those who were negotiating cooperation and considering contact were all cutting off contact with them after hearing the news.

It was just that there was no Weibo or anything in this era, otherwise, all the celebrities with status would definitely be queuing up to support it, for fear of being a step slow.

This stunned the company, never expecting such a thing to happen. And it wasn't just the *Da Zhai Men* project; even the other crew they had already started was in chaos in an instant, with all the practitioners quitting, and no matter how they threatened with the contract, it was useless. The whole crew went on strike together.

Not only that, but they soon learned another news: major TV stations had also cut off contact with them. After inquiring, they learned that their company was already on the blacklist, and no one would buy the shows they filmed in the future!

In this instant, everyone in the company realized that they were finished. If TV stations didn't purchase, no matter how well they filmed, it was useless!

This made the boss anxious. He originally learned the method from friends in Hong Kong, using contracts to set traps for empty-handed white wolves, but now this contract was completely useless!

At this time, he was also full of regret. How could he have known that Guo Guo Baochang had so many great directors supporting him! If he had known, he wouldn't have picked him to start with!

Afterward, everything was logical. After the Directors Association and the Film Association came forward, the company honestly returned everything about *Da Zhai Men* to Guo Guo Baochang. As for other losses, they could only admit it themselves, and the big boss withdrew his capital and never intended to mix in the film and television circle again.

And as this matter spread, naturally there were certain contents on the dinner table that day, such as Wu Wu Yuchen sending charcoal in the snow and investing money to help the old senior Guo Guo Baochang prepare for *Da Zhai Men*.

Chen Chen Baoguo even gave a thumbs up to everyone he met, praising Wu Wu Yuchen for his generosity and righteousness!

In fact, Wu Wu Yuchen could more or less guess that the reason why this good reputation spread so quickly was naturally because they wanted to settle his investment. After all, his reputation had already spread, so he shouldn't go back on his word. Even if he regretted it afterward, considering his face, he would more or less invest a part.

However, *Da Zhai Men* was such a good project, such a classic TV series, why would he regret it? He was too happy to be able to finalize this matter at this time!

However, the righteous Wu Dao didn't go directly to find Guo Guo Baochang, but first found another person with the script. ===== CHAPTER 138 =====