Chapter 167: Who Doesn't Want a Milestone?

The two had just found a hotel to complete the check-in procedures, and Jiang Zhiqiang called Wu Yuchen and made an appointment to visit tomorrow. Although Jiang Zhiqiang is short, he is full of pride and put his arms around Li An's shoulders:

"Hahaha, good news. Wu Dao said he welcomes us very much and let us go to him directly tomorrow!"

Li An was relieved to hear this, and felt at ease. This is a good sign.

However, sometimes, the more you are afraid of something, the more it will happen.

Just after dinner that night, Li An saw Jiang Zhiqiang looking very ugly, and his heart couldn't help but thump.

"Brother Qiang, what's the matter?"

"Jet Li resigned..." Jiang Zhiqiang rubbed his head and said, showing a decadent look on his face.

"How could it be? Didn't we talk well before?!" Li An's face changed greatly upon hearing this.

Jet Li is the absolute male lead of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, and this martial arts movie wants to pull investment. Basically, more than half of it must fall on Jet Li, the kung fu emperor. The previous investor was willing to invest 80 million because he took a fancy to the combination of Jet Li and Yang Ziqiong, but he encountered the Asian financial crisis and had insufficient liquidity.

Jiang Zhiqiang sighed: "He said he is going to prepare to marry Li Zhi next year, and he won't take any movies by then..."

"Marriage? Marriage doesn't affect his filming. We can change the filming time, it won't delay their honeymoon. I will fly over to find him immediately and talk to him again..." Li An said anxiously.

Jiang Zhiqiang waved his hand: "It's useless. You don't know how much he loves his wife. He worked hard to film to help pay off tens of millions of debts. Now he wants to fulfill the 10-year agreement with others. What I can say, I just said, it's useless at all..."

"This..." Li An grabbed his hair and didn't know what to say. After all, he had also had several very difficult periods that were supported by his wife, and he wouldn't belittle marriage.

In the final analysis, it was the impact of their investor withdrawal incident this time, which not only delayed 2 months, but also increased great uncertainty. If the crew's scenes were not finished next year, would Jet Li still get married? Simply push it away.

But now the male lead is gone, how can he open his mouth to pull investment when he sees Wu Yuchen tomorrow?!

The next day, Wu Yuchen specifically took time out from the crew's preparation and invited the two who came to the door to a Chinese restaurant. Hearing the combination of Jiang Zhiqiang and Li An yesterday, it made him think of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*.

*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* is the first Chinese film to win an Oscar. After winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in the past life, it was directly deified in China. It is a proper milestone.

As for *The Last Emperor*, which has won more awards before, sorry, this is a pure English dialogue movie, not a Chinese movie. In *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, Zhou Runfa and Yang Ziqiong's Mandarin is not authentic, but it is also Chinese.

Wu Yuchen didn't have the idea of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* before. The copyright of this novel was taken by Li An long ago. It's not that you want to film it if you want to. However, these two people are looking for him now, and there should be some problems. He remembers that this movie changed investors in the past life, and finally found Sony Columbia to film it.

Just as Wu Yuchen was thinking, he saw Li An and a short person walk in together.

"Li Dao, long time no see! Mr. Jiang, nice to meet you!" Wu Yuchen took the lead in greeting.

He will not underestimate the short Jiang Zhiqiang, a very capable and very successful international film businessman.

Speaking of successful producers of Chinese in Hollywood, it is Zhang Jiazhen and Jiang Zhiqiang. First, Zhang Jiazhen bet on John Woo and was popular for several years. Then Jiang Zhiqiang came from behind, successively pressing *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, *Hero*, etc., relying on this wave of martial arts style, and became the number one producer in Asia. In the end, both of them set their sights on the mainland, making money!

"Wu Dao, we came to visit this time, and it disturbed your preparation for the movie. I'm really sorry!" Jiang Zhiqiang accompanied with a smile.

Wu Yuchen waved his hand and smiled: "It's okay, we are all our own people, there is always time for a meal."

While eating, the few chatted about Wu Yuchen's *The Sixth Sense* for a while, and then talked about Jackie Chan. His *Rush Hour* was released in mid-September. Now the North American box office has exceeded 120 million, setting a record for Chinese actors, breaking the box office ceiling of Chinese-led movies, and shocking Hollywood.

Many Americans are obsessed with Chinese kung fu, and fans are shouting "Jack Chan" and "Kung Fu" wherever they go to promote.

The current Jackie Chan has entered the first line of Hollywood, and it is the kind that no one can replace, and it is infinitely beautiful.

Jiang Zhiqiang smiled and praised: "First, Wu Dao, you came out, and then Jackie Chan, such a star. I believe our road in Hollywood will get better and better in the future!"

After Wu Yuchen smiled and accepted this compliment, he didn't want to delay too much time, and asked tentatively: "Mr. Jiang, Li Dao, how are you two recently?"

In fact, he noticed that Li An had been carrying a sorrow between his eyebrows since he came in. The two must have encountered something.

Jiang Zhiqiang sighed upon hearing this:

"Wu Dao, Li An and I are preparing to film Wang Dulu's *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. As a result, the investor withdrew capital. Originally, I wanted to ask Wu Dao for help. But now the situation is worse, and I am embarrassed to open my mouth to you..."

Wu Yuchen smiled upon hearing this. You are embarrassed to open your mouth, but you still said it, right?

However, this really aroused his interest: "Are the two of you encountering more difficult situations?"

Jiang Zhiqiang nodded, so he told the whole story. After all, Jet Li's resignation couldn't be hidden, and a phone call could confirm it.

Wu Yuchen understood this time. The withdrawal of investors plus the resignation of the biggest male lead, it's raining and leaking!

Li An no longer concealed it, and poured out the bitterness in his heart:

"And this script of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* of mine is built for Jet Li. No one can replace the master style and temperament of martial arts on him. I don't know how to film this movie without him!"

Wu Yuchen nodded upon hearing this. Jet Li has good kung fu, good temperament, and good acting skills. He is also a familiar face in Hollywood. He is indeed the most suitable candidate. Even if Jackie Chan wants to act, he can't act in this role. It is not suitable at all. And he and Yang Ziqiong and martial arts instructor Yuen Woo-ping have cooperated in *Tai Chi Master*. The tacit understanding of these three people is amazing.

If it weren't for Wu Yuchen seeing the finished film of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* in the past life, if he were to choose, he would definitely pick Jet Li.

Wu Yuchen picked up the teapot and poured tea for Li An and smiled: "Li Dao, don't be anxious, drink some tea to defeat the fire."

Afterward, Wu Yuchen asked unhurriedly: "Li Dao, did you bring the script? Let me take a look first."

Jiang Zhiqiang was happy upon hearing this. This shows that Wu Yuchen is still interested!

He immediately took out the script from his briefcase for Wu Yuchen to watch.

In the past life, whether it was the novel or the movie *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, Wu Yuchen had seen it, and more than once. Now looking at this version of the script built for Jet Li, he found many differences in details.

First of all, the scenes of Li Mubai in this version are obviously more than the version of Chow Yun-fat in the past life, and there are several more important martial arts scenes. Wu Yuchen can understand this. Since it is built for Jet Li, it is impossible to leave his good kung fu unused.

After changing Chow Yun-fat to the male lead, Li An significantly reduced the martial arts scenes because Chow Yun-fat's martial arts scenes are really not good. At this age, Chow Yun-fat can relearn English, but he really can't practice kung fu. In terms of fighting performance, Chow Yun-fat may not be as good as Jet Li, but in terms of "character temperament," Chow Yun-fat firmly grasped the essence of the role of "Li Mubai."

Then there is the character style. If Chow Yun-fat's Li Mubai is a Confucian hero, then Jet Li's version is a hero. In fact, in the *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* novel, Li Mubai's description is masculine and righteous, his skills are like a dragon, majestic and atmospheric. If you really follow the original work, it is indeed more suitable for Jet Li. "Role" and "play path" are very consistent.

Then there are more scenes of Li Mubai, so others are naturally less. For example, the scenes of the role of Yu Jiaolong are correspondingly reduced in the script.

Half an hour later, after Wu Yuchen finished reading, he found that Jiang Zhiqiang and Li An were staring at him, and thought for a while and asked: "Li Dao, are you planning to rush to the Oscars?"

"Nothing can escape Wu Dao's eyes. I want to try to film *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* so that Westerners can understand it."

The protagonists Li Mubai and Yu Xiulian are prepared for Western intellectuals. Platonic love, Shakespearean dialogue, and lofty humanistic realm are all hit the point; the cowboy-like protagonists like Luo Xiaohu and Yu Jiaolong who dare to love and hate, dare to fight and kill are prepared for ordinary audiences; the story of Li Mubai avenging his master and killing the Jade Fox matches the main line of *The Count of Monte Cristo*. This is not a secret for those who know the way.

Wu Yuchen pondered while tapping the table with his right index finger, making a ticking sound, making Li An and Jiang Zhiqiang's minds tense.

Afterward, Wu Yuchen showed a smile: "Li Dao, in fact, I think it's not impossible to film without Jet Li."

Li An's spirit was lifted: "Wu Dao, what high opinion do you have? I am all ears!"

Wu Yuchen laughed: "High opinion is not talked about, just change the male lead's character setting, from a hero to a Confucian hero, then you can find another suitable actor. Chow Yun-fat, Liang Jiahui, or good actors in the mainland, you can pick."

"Then this martial arts scene?"

"If it's martial arts, look at the level of the actor you find. If it doesn't work, you can add it to Yu Jiaolong and Yu Xiulian. And these two women, Yu Xiulian and Yu Jiaolong, are quite interesting. One is yang on the outside and yin on the inside, and the other is yin on the outside and yang on the inside. You can appropriately increase their scenes, maybe it will make the Oscars like it more."

Li An knew that Wu Yuchen really understood his script when he heard this, and thought about it seriously, and his eyes couldn't help but light up:

"Wu Dao, this idea of yours is not bad, but I don't know if the wonderful martial arts scenes without Jet Li can attract enough audience."

"You should let Yuen Woo-ping solve this problem for you~" Wu Yuchen smiled.

In fact, this is Li An's own handling method in the past life, but it happened suddenly now, and he didn't have time to react.

Jiang Zhiqiang also took the words immediately: "That's right, Yuen Woo-ping is known as the world's number one martial arts instructor. Even if he changes people, he can design wonderful martial arts scenes! Wu Dao, since you are interested in the script, then..."

Wu Yuchen laughed: "I invested in this play!"

*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* is such a good investment opportunity in front of him. It is stupid not to invest. The first Chinese Oscar, the global box office also has 200 million US dollars, directly bringing up the world's interest and trend in Chinese martial arts films. It is definitely a heavy stroke in Chinese film and television!

Li An and Jiang Zhiqiang were surprised and couldn't help but hold their fists: "Wu Dao, thank you so much! We have encountered such things one after another, and we thought the project was going to die. I didn't expect you to be willing to send charcoal in the snow!"

Wu Yuchen waved his hand generously: "Everyone is our own people. If you encounter difficulties, you should help if you can, and I trust Li Dao's ability very much. I believe it will definitely not disappoint me~"

Li An's directing ability is also beyond doubt, and he understands Western aesthetics and values very well, and can tell oriental stories with Western values.

Looking at all of Li An's works, what he loves most is this dialectical relationship. East and West, reason and emotion, morality and desire, etiquette and freedom, family and country and individual, humanity and animality...

*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* can win an Oscar is definitely not an accident.

Li An looked at Wu Yuchen, his eyes showing deep gratitude. Although the other party has money, even big Hollywood films will not trust him so much.

The rumors are not false, Wu Yuchen is righteous!

Afterward, the two sides set an investment of 15 million US dollars. Miracle Film accounted for 12 million, and Jiang Zhiqiang accounted for 3 million. He ran around naturally because he was also an investor.

In the past life, this guy pulled 6.5 million investment from Sony Columbia, and all the others were filled by himself, for which he also mortgaged his company. As a result, a full-handed bet earned more than ten times, and the copyright of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* also belonged to his Edko Films.

But now with Wu Yuchen, he doesn't need to take this risk. The big head is naturally topped by Wu Yuchen. The copyright of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* belongs to Miracle Film, and Edko Films enjoys 20% of the dividends.

All processes of the movie are in accordance with Hollywood, and the film guarantee will be completed, which also gave Li An a reassurance. Even if something else happens, there will be an insurance company to bear it.

Since they are already their own people, Li An thought about it and discussed his filming plan with Wu Yuchen:

"Wu Dao, if you follow this idea of yours, I have to lengthen the training time of the actresses. The movie may not be broadcast next year, and the Oscars the year after next may not be in time."

It is 98 now. Li An means that the Oscars will probably rush to 2001. It has been such a long time in the middle, fearing that Wu Yuchen will have complaints.

Wu Yuchen smiled generously: "Li Dao, we are all directors, I understand. I also advocate that you put the quality of the movie first, don't worry."

He knows the whole process of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* in the past life very well. First, he trained for nearly half a year, then filmed from July to December next year, released the year after next, and won the Oscar the year after next. It is quite good to develop according to the original track.

And Wu Yuchen himself wants to rush the name of the first Chinese Oscar next year. It is good for the company to produce an Oscar Best Foreign Language, but how can it compare to him personally directing the first Best Foreign Language?

Who doesn't want a milestone?

If *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* was a year earlier, wouldn't it be fighting with him? It's quite good now. Even if he fails to rush, there is *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* to guarantee the bottom the next year.

Afterward, he shook his head in his heart, first the current *The Sixth Sense*, next year's things don't need to worry.

Regarding the role of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, Wu Yuchen didn't want to interfere too much. At most, he recommended someone he knew. The final decision was still Li An, after all, he was the director and script creator, and knew best what he wanted to express.

Therefore, he didn't know who Li An would choose this time. Not to mention whether Yu Jiaolong is still Zhang Ziyi, maybe even Li Mubai is not Chow Yun-fat, and it is not certain to change to Liang Jiahui. After all, Liang Jiahui is the male lead of *New Dragon Gate Inn*, which is known as the number one Chinese martial arts film, and his performance is also very brilliant.

In the past life, Chow Yun-fat was determined to pull investment to Sony Columbia. After all, Chow Yun-fat is now considered to have entered Hollywood. But now Wu Yuchen has directly settled the investment, so he really can't say who Li An will choose this time.

Speaking of which, the male lead of *New Dragon Gate Inn* was also Jet Li, and then he resigned for some reason and changed to Liang Jiahui. It would be funny if Liang Jiahui came to such a thing this time.

After settling the matters of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, Wu Yuchen didn't entangle with Li An and the two, and immediately invested in the filming of *The Sixth Sense*. Bruce Willis only gave him 40 days, which was enough for Wu Yuchen to use.

*The Sixth Sense* itself is not complicated, and it is all arranged in Philadelphia. There is no need to transfer across cities. As long as the actors play well, there is basically no problem.

In the evening, Jennifer Connelly asked in Wu Yuchen's arms: "Wu, are you sure this is a ghost movie? Why do I feel that my script is so warm? It is completely a process of a mother and son understanding each other."

"Oh, yes, baby, you just treat it as a family movie. The thriller part of the movie is not here with you. You are responsible for the warm and soft part of the emotion in the audience's heart, understand?"

Jennifer Connelly pouted upon hearing this, and said with a trace of melancholy in her tone: "I'm not even 28 yet, and I started acting as a mother! God!"

Wu Yuchen thought that the actress who played the mother in the past life was only 25 years old, but still comforted:

"Don't worry, I guarantee that this film will definitely set a new box office high in your career~"

Afterward, Wu Yuchen hooked his mouth and smiled: "Do you know, dear, I want to call mom now~"

He looked at the big white eyes in front of him and buried his head down... ===== CHAPTER 168 =====