Chapter 124: Encountering an Opponent by Chance
In April 1994, China’s first 64K international dedicated line was connected to the international Internet. In theory, from this day on, China entered the Internet era.
But at that time, Telecom’s ADSL installation fee was as high as several thousand yuan.
Even in 1995, the cost of an hour of playing in an Internet cafe was more than 40 yuan.
It happened to be the same year that Stephen Chow's "Westward Journey" was released, which failed at the box office.
And in 2001, when Mr. Xing went to Peking University to give a speech to promote "Shaolin Football", the auditorium was full of holes and more than 3,000 people were seated!
In fact, it was not until then that China’s Internet era truly arrived.
"Westward Journey" was discovered by China's first generation of Kochi netizens before it became completely popular and became a generation classic.
The first part of the "Legend of Sword and Fairy" game was also born in 1995, but it really became popular in the mainland. We had to wait until the game was launched on WINDOWS in 1997 and the remake in 2001.
From 1995 to 2001, the fate of "Westward Journey" and "Legend of Sword and Fairy" were so similar in mainland China. They are both beautiful memories deep in the memory of the first generation of netizens.
In his previous life, when he was young, Zhang Yuan stood behind his cousin and watched him bravely break into the Demon Locking Tower and fight against the leader of the Moon Worshiping Cult.
At that time, he found it enjoyable just to watch people play.
At that time, he didn’t understand what love was.
He can't read "Westward Journey", nor can he read "The Legend of Sword and Fairy".
Zhao Decai, who was standing behind him at this moment, didn’t understand what the fun of the few villains on the screen was.
There's nothing interesting about big-breasted, big-assed, slutty ladies.
After going through hardships and two lives, Zhang Yuan just wants to say...
Zhao Decai is right.
"Game?" Fatty Zhao was confused: "What does this have to do with us?"
Zhang Yuan saved a file, came to the coffee table with him, opened a bottle of whiskey, and each Pour a glass.
"Mr. Zhao, look at your glowing face, you must have made a lot of money recently."
"Hahahaha, it's all thanks to you!" At the mention of this, Zhao Decai happily drank a glass full of strong wine.
"Conquest" is popular!
When he bought this film, Zhao Decai just thought that it would be nice to have an investment film that he could afford.
To be honest, I don’t have high expectations for performance and making money.
But now the film defeated the bearded "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" on Jinling TV Station, and it suddenly became famous, and there was an endless stream of TV stations coming to discuss purchase intentions.
Not to mention the TV station, more than 100,000 DVDs have been sold.
Zhao Decai made at least double the profit from this business costing 5 million.
So as soon as Zhang Yuan called, he hurried back. This was because he regarded him as the God of Wealth.
Although like in his previous life, Fatty Zhao has already begun to get involved in the construction industry.
But what is different from his previous life is that under the introduction of Zhang Yuan, he has achieved great success in film and television investment, and naturally he wants to pursue his victory.
"Mr. Zhao, in fact, in addition to professional screenwriters writing scripts for TV series and movies, there is another way, which is adaptation." Zhang Yuan first mentioned something that made the other party feel good in order to gain the other party's trust.
"Just like "The Four Great Novels", the TV series are all adaptations of novels."
Zhao Decai nodded quickly, he understood what he said.
"A few years ago, Zhang EMO had a movie called "Alive", did you know?"
Fatty Zhao shook his head vigorously, and the fat on his cheeks trembled.
"It's normal if you haven't seen it. This film is banned." Zhang Yuan was a little helpless.
Speaking of which, Lao Mouzi actually wanted to make "The Mistake by the River" at the beginning. He had already written the script, so he chatted with the original author Yu Hua.
At this time, Yu Hua suddenly took out a new novel that had just been finalized, which was "Alive".
This novel had not yet been published at that time, so it was handed over to Lao Mouzi while it was still fresh and fresh.
Lao Zhang didn't take it seriously at first, but he accepted the work because he wanted to understand the original author's professional attitude in order to make a story.
But once I opened it and took a look, I couldn’t stop.
We had a long chat with Yu Hua. We chatted for three full days without mentioning a single word about "The Mistake by the River". They only talked about "Being Alive".
While chatting, Lao Mouzi directly pushed the script.
I also filmed Mao's "The Mistake by the River", so I just filmed "Alive"!
Just like that, by chance, the filming of "Alive" started.
As actors, Lao Mouzi has brought together two great generals, Ge You and Gong Li, as well as Guo Tao, Liu Tianchi, Jiang Wu, Ni Dahong and veteran actor Niu Ben.
The screenwriter, in addition to the original author Yu Hua, also hired the great master Lu Wei who has produced "Farewell My Concubine", "Song of Qin", and the later masterpiece "Fengshen Chaoge Fengyun".
Lao Mouzi dug through his underwear and assembled the top cast at the time to make this movie a success.
Sure enough, it lived up to expectations and won the 47th Cannes Jury Prize and the Best Actor Award.
Following the Berlin Golden Bear for "Red Sorghum" and the Venice Silver Lion for "Raise the Red Lantern", "Alive" allowed Lao Mouzi to collect trophies from the world's three major international film awards.
Indeed, this film was banned in China because of its subject matter and content, and even Yu Hua's novels were also banned.
But as times change, movies are unblocked and novels are also unblocked.
"Alive" has become Zhang Yimou's highest-rated work on Douban, and is also the only work to exceed 9 points.
Before Zhang Yuan was driven away by a dump truck in his previous life, the novel had sold more than 20 million copies. This was the number of genuine copies, and there were countless pirated copies.
Yu Hua earned over 100 million in royalties from this book alone.
Even he himself joked: I live by "Alive".
Zhao Decai's heart was filled with excitement when he was told about the achievements of this work one by one.
“So awesome!”
Zhang Yuan wanted to tell him through "Alive" that adapted works can make him famous.
"There was a Hollywood blockbuster last year called "Resident Evil". Have you seen it?"
"I have. The special effects are good and the heroine is average."
Zhang Yuan nodded, yes.
Although the heroine Milla Jovovich is from Ukraine, she was born as a model with two dates on her chest, which naturally does not meet Fatty Zhao’s aesthetics.
“The production cost of this film was 33 million U.S. dollars, and the final box office exceeded 100 million U.S. dollars.”
"It has tripled. Do you think the income is appropriate?"
"Of course it is appropriate."
"This film is adapted from the game." Zhang Yuan said steadily.
"Oh..." Fatty Zhao finally reacted.
Zhang Yuan specifically gave two examples of adaptation.
One gained fame and the other gained profit.
Isn’t it just for fame and fortune that all the people in the world are running around?
"Didn't I ask you to help me go through the procedures to go to Treasure Island before? It was just for this game." Zhang Yuan explained carefully.
"You are here for work. I thought you were going to experience Taiwanese girls." Zhao Decai scratched his head.
Can we not think about everything in three ways... Zhang Yuan sighed helplessly, and then thought of Jia Jingwen, who was in bloom.
It's not impossible...
"Although the total sales of genuine copies of this game are only 800,000 units, the number of pirated copies may reach several hundred, or even tens of millions."
"In young people Among the groups, the audience base is very good.”
Zhao Decai doesn’t understand games.
But as a coal boss and a construction company boss, he has a great advantage, that is, he knows professional things and leaves them to professionals.
Don't mess with things you don't understand.
After all, although most of the bosses in these two industries have low academic qualifications, they understand that blind orders by laymen in mines and construction sites will result in loss of life!
"Is it really that good?"
"Were you optimistic about "Conquest" at the time?"
"Yes..."
Zhao Decai thought about it and it made sense. "My plan is that I will represent the company and go to Baodao to negotiate with the other party about the game adaptation copyright."
"Leave the matter to me, what do you think. ”
Zhang Yuan told the whole story about his plan and stated that he would take full responsibility without having to worry about Fatty Zhao.
At this time, the two of them had drank more than half a bottle of whiskey. Zhao Decai's cheeks were red. Under his "fudge", he also felt that this matter was reliable.
In addition, I have made a lot of money recently by relying on "Conquest" recommended by Zhang Yuan.
This guy slapped the table.
“It’s done!”
The coal boss is just different, he doesn’t even ask about the price.
"Mr. Zhao, do you still remember the bet we made on the World Cup last year?" Zhang Yuan drank another drink with him, drank it all, turned the glass upside down and weighed it, a few drops of dark golden liquid Spilled on the black coffee table.
"Remember, I lost four million to you, and I haven't cashed it out yet." Fatty Zhao burped: "Didn't you say you had the opportunity to be an investor?"
"Yes, this time the treasure Dao Xing, I want to use the bet from that time."
Fatty Zhao was stunned, then straightened up from the sofa and looked at him for a long time.
“Are you so optimistic about this game?”
“Yes.” Zhang Yuan’s eyes were firm.
"Well, when you come back victorious, we will celebrate together!" Only at this moment did Zhao Decai finally pay attention to this computer game that he didn't understand.
The soldiers were quick and Zhang Yuan went to the Imperial Capital Airport early the next morning, preparing to fly to the treasure island that day to start negotiations.
Before leaving Fatty Zhao's company yesterday, Zhang Yuan reminded him that this matter was not trivial, and the funds that needed to be used might exceed tens of millions, so he should be mentally prepared in advance.
The coal boss didn't take it seriously at all. He waved his hand and said that the money was just water.
After the security check, Zhang Yuan found that it was much stricter than before.
Speaking of which, he still has some credit for this.
Same as before, when he arrived at the waiting area, a staff member immediately came to greet him, took the initiative to lead him to the VIP area, and upgraded him for free.
How about saying that China is a human society.
If you have connections and connections, you can feel comfortable wherever you go.
There were not many people in the VIP lounge area of this flight. Going to the treasure island these days is very troublesome and the procedures are complicated. Cross-strait travel is not as common as it was in later generations.
He had to use Fatty Zhao's company to get a "business visa" to pass smoothly.
After getting some fruit drinks, Zhang Yuan found a table and sat down to rest.
Looking around, I saw that they were all dressed in either rich or expensive ways.
“Fortunately, I also made a suit in advance.”
Not to mention, with his body and appearance, he really looks like a kid from a rich family when he puts on a suit.
After all, in "The Golden Family", he plays a rich second generation, and he can perfectly handle this elegant temperament.
Not far away, there was a young woman wearing sunglasses sitting on the sofa nearby. She was dressed in black, her hair was neatly tied, and there was a hint of delicacy in her composure.
This person was reading a magazine boredly. After Zhang Yuan sat down, she casually glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
After a few seconds, she raised her head and pulled her sunglasses down slightly, revealing a white, oval face.
“Hello.”
Zhang Yuanzheng was enjoying Air China's meals for free. When he saw someone calling him, he wiped his mouth and turned his head.
"Hello...huh?" Zhang Yuan was confused.
The person calling him was the young woman on the sofa beside him.
What confused him was not that a strange woman greeted him.
But this strange woman looks a bit familiar.
"You are Zhang Yuan, right."
"It's me, who are you?" The other party reported his name, and he quickly stood up and stretched out his arms as if to shake hands.
At this moment, the other party completely took off his sunglasses, twisted his body, and stood up slowly.
"Nice to meet you. I have watched your plays and heard about you."
It was also at this moment that Zhang Yuan saw the other person's face clearly, and then he suddenly realized.
Willow eyebrows, almond blossom eyes, a small and straight nose, a pair of lips of moderate thickness, and an oval face that is round and rich.
If this appearance is compared with that of a stunning actress, it would naturally be a lot worse.
But this one wears makeup and is blessed with a wealthy and aristocratic temperament. Among ordinary people, she is already considered to be a good-looking person.
"Mr. Cai, nice to meet you." Zhang Yuan put on a very kind smile.
This person is none other than the famous Cai Yinong, the boss of Tianjin Sugar Man Film and Television!
"Do you recognize me?" Boss Cai opened his eyes slightly, a little surprised.
"Who in the entertainment industry doesn't know you?"
"Hehehe..." Boss Cai chuckled and shook hands with him, and the two sat down.
At this time, Tangren Film and Television has launched many popular works such as "The Two Proud Brothers", "Legend of Heaven and Earth", "Book, Sword and Enmity".
Although it is not as prosperous as later generations, it is already showing signs of becoming a top company.
Zhang Yuan's words were a bit exaggerated, but they were very useful to the other party.
Everyone is carrying the sedan chair.
As for how Cai Yinong recognized Zhang Yuan, it has to be explained from both ends.
"Conquest" became a big hit, not only killing the bearded "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", but also suppressing Boss Cai's "Drunken Master".
For this TV show, she found big names from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, such as Zha Zhahui, Anita Yuen, Sun Li, Ng Mang-tat, etc., but the ratings during the same period were less than half of "Conquer".
As a boss, she, like Big Beard, can of course study other works, so naturally she saw Zhang Yuan, who didn't have many roles in it, but was still outstanding.
On the other hand, I have to say that Brother Youpeng is on the road.
Due to the 1999 hit "Two Prouds", Su Youpeng and Cai Yinong had a very good relationship, and they specifically mentioned Zhang Yuan at a private dinner.
Lin Zhiying, who also appeared in "The Two Proud Heroes", is far less enthusiastic than Guaiguaihu.
In addition, this man is a journalist, and his eyesight and perception acuity have been honed at work, so he was recognized at a glance.
"You are more handsome in person than in the TV series." Cai Yinong praised with a smile.
"There are also rumors in the world that the boss of Jinmen Tangren is a peerless beauty. It is true that seeing it is better than hearing it a hundred times."
"Fortunately, you are the boss. If you come to the entertainment industry, those actresses My job will be gone." Zhang Yuan was not to be outdone.
"Hehehehe..." Boss Cai covered his mouth and chuckled.
"By the way, are you going to Baodao to discuss business?" Zhang Yuan asked casually, seemingly unintentionally.
"Yes, what about you?"
"I'm going on a trip to meet a friend." Zhang Yuan didn't tell the truth.
"Meeting a friend dressed like this?" Boss Cai glanced up and down. Who are you going to meet in your suit?
“Female friend.”
“Oh, I understand.”
The two chatted for a while, and Zhang Yuan got up and left on the excuse of going to the toilet.
His original amiable expression disappeared the moment he turned around.
He looked serious, his brows were furrowed, and even his face turned a few degrees pale.
"Cai Yinong is going to Baodao to discuss business at this point in time..."
A warning bell rang in Zhang Yuan's heart.
"It seems that I am not the only one who is eyeing "The Legend of Sword and Fairy"..."
(End of this chapter)