novelraw Chapter 130
Chapter 130
Chapter 130
Three days after the premiere of "Bodyguards and Assassins", Li Jun woke up with a hangover-like dizziness.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, cutting a sharp strip of light across the carpet in the hotel room.
On the bedside table were seven or eight trophies and certificates, including the Huabiao Award for Best Director and nine Hong Kong Film Awards.
The celebration banquet last night lasted until 4 a.m., and the champagne and cheers were still echoing in our ears.
The phone screen showed 37 missed calls and 99 messages.
The latest messages are from Jane Zhang: "Are you awake?" "Does your head hurt?" "I asked the hotel to send some hangover soup, remember to drink it."
Li Jun sat up, his temples throbbing.
He poured himself a glass of water, walked to the window, and drew back the curtains.
The buildings in Beijing's CBD gleamed with a cold, hard light in the morning glow, and traffic was already beginning to flow on the streets.
The glory came too quickly and too intensely.
Three months ago, "Bodyguards and Assassins" returned with accolades, which at the time I only thought was an artistic recognition.
However, the explosive box office success and overwhelming awards after its domestic release propelled the film and the actor himself to unprecedented heights.
The media hailed him as a "leading figure among the new generation of directors," film critics said he "redefined Chinese-language historical films," and investors were eager to invest in his next film.
Even Zhang Liangying's popularity has risen along with it.
Her "Journey of Sound and Light" tour was sold out every night, her new album "Between Light and Shadow" broke sales records in its first week, and fashion magazines lined up to have her on their covers.
My phone vibrated; it was Yuan Tao calling.
"woke up?"
Yuan Tao sounded very sober, clearly indicating he hadn't drunk much.
"There are a few things I need to confirm with you. There's a symposium at the Film Bureau at 2 PM, and they specifically asked you to attend."
At 4 PM, you'll have an interview with *Esquire* magazine. At 7 PM, Mr. Wang from Wheatfield magazine wants to invite you to dinner, saying he has a big project he'd like to collaborate on.
"Cancel them all."
Li Jun rubbed his temples.
I want to rest for a few days.
"I can't refuse."
Yuan Tao is very direct.
"The Film Bureau's task was a political one. The release date for *Esquire* was set three months ago, and Wheatfield's side..."
Although we don't rely on them now, we still have to save face.
Li Jun remained silent. This was the price of fame; time no longer belonged to him.
"besides."
Yuan Tao continued.
"Regarding the American adaptation, people from the US have come."
Producer Maurice is in Beijing this afternoon and wants to speak with you in person.
"Haven't we already signed a letter of intent?"
"The letter of intent is just the first step; the specific terms haven't been discussed yet."
Yuan Tao paused.
"Moreover, Morris made a new condition: he wanted Nicholas Tse to play the male lead in the American version."
Li Jun frowned: "What?"
"He said that after watching Nicholas Tse's performance in the movie, he felt that he had a kind of Eastern-style forbearance and explosive power, which was very suitable for the role of the retired veteran in the American version."
"Does Nicholas Tse know about this?"
"I haven't told him yet."
Yuan Tao said.
"Let's hear your opinion first."
Li Jun went to the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water.
The man in the mirror had bloodshot eyes and a messy stubble on his chin.
Tell him no.
Li Jun said to himself in the mirror.
"Nicholas Tse is the silent character in 'Bodyguards and Assassins,' not some American version of a retired veteran."
Moreover, his career is primarily focused in Asia, so playing supporting roles in Hollywood wouldn't benefit him.
"But this is an opportunity to expand internationally —"
"It's not worth it to enter the international market in this way."
Li Jun interrupted him.
"Tell Maurice that we can recommend other actors, but not Nicholas Tse."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then Yuan Tao said, "Li Jun, you're starting to sound more and more like a big shot."
"What big shot?"
"It's that kind of 'I'm in charge' attitude."
Yuan Tao smiled.
"But it's good, you have to be tough when you need to be."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun looked at himself in the mirror.
Yuan Tao is right.
He is no longer the novice director who had to smile and beg for investment; now he is the one choosing projects, partners, and actors.
At 2 p.m., the Film Bureau held a symposium in an old-fashioned office building.
The conference room was large, but it was full of people, including elderly directors with white hair, middle-aged people in their prime, and a few up-and-coming talents like Li Jun.
Li Jun was assigned to the first row.
The host used many effusive terms to introduce him: "A new hope for Chinese cinema" and "A perfect example of the combination of art and commerce."
The applause from the audience was enthusiastic, but Li Jun noticed that the expressions of several veteran directors were quite subtle.
The theme of the symposium was "How Chinese Films Can Go Global".
When it was his turn to speak, Li Jun thought for a moment and said, "I think that instead of always thinking about going global, we should first focus on making good films about our own stories."
"Bodyguards and Assassins" is not famous for its international appeal, but for telling a story rooted in Chinese history that resonates emotionally.
He paused for a moment: "A good film is a bridge, not a springboard. It connects people's hearts, not the market."
Some people in the audience nodded in agreement, while others disagreed.
After the speech, a director in his sixties walked over and patted Li Jun on the shoulder: "Young Li, you're right. But remember, the higher you stand, the more people will be watching you. Be careful."
Li Jun recognized him; he was a representative figure among the fifth generation of directors, who had won international awards in his youth but later faded into obscurity.
"Thank you for the reminder, senior."
Li Jun said.
The old director smiled, a smile that carried the wisdom of someone who had been through it all: "When I was your age, I also felt that I could change the world."
Later I realized that it's already quite difficult to avoid being changed by the world.
After saying that, he turned and left, his back slightly hunched.
Li Jun stood there, savoring those words.
The interview took place at 4 PM in the executive lounge of a hotel in the China World Trade Center.
The reporter sent by Esquire magazine was a very young female reporter named Su Qing, who had just returned from studying abroad and asked very sharp questions.
"Director Li, you are now hailed as a new standard-bearer for Chinese cinema. Do you think you deserve this title?"
"I can't afford it."
Li Jun is very direct.
"Being a standard-bearer is too much of a burden; I'm just a moviemaker."
"But your success has indeed brought about changes in the industry."
Su Qing flipped through the interview outline.
Many people say that because of the success of "Bodyguards and Assassins", capital has begun to pay attention to historical themes and realistic works again.
What is your view on this impact?
"This is a good thing."
Li Jun said.
"But I'm also worried that everyone will rush to make films on the same subject, and that capital will turn this kind of success model into a formula."
The worst thing for a movie is to follow trends.
"So what will you be filming next? Will it still be a historical drama?"
"uncertain."
Li Jun thought about it.
"I've recently been reading biographies of artists from the Republican era, and I have some ideas. But they're not fully formed yet."
The interview went very smoothly.
At the end, Su Qing suddenly asked a personal question: "Director Li, I heard you and Ms. Zhang Liangying are engaged. When will the wedding be held?"
Li Jun laughed: "It's not decided yet. We're all too busy."
Will it affect our relationship?
"Won't."
Li Jun said.
"Because we're busy creating the same thing."
She's making music, I'm making movies; we're essentially the same.
Su Qing nodded and closed her notebook: "One last question—what does success mean to you?"
This question left Li Jun silent for a long time.
"mean----"
He spoke slowly.
"It means we can start making the next movie."
After the interview, Li Jun waited for his car in the hotel lobby.
My phone vibrated; it was a text from Zhang Liangying: "I'm arriving in Beijing tonight. Want to have dinner together?"
Li Jun replied, "Okay. What would you like to eat?"
"You decide."
"Let's go to the place where we first ate in Beijing."
"it is good."
Li Jun put down his phone and looked out the window. The traffic on Chang'an Avenue flowed like a river of light, stretching as far as the eye could see.
He suddenly missed Zhang Liangying.
He misses the girl singing on the rooftop, the woman holding his hand in the hospital, and the singer proposing to him on stage.
In this world full of calculation and flattery, she is the only truth.
At 7 p.m., Mr. Wang from Wheatfield booked a private club hidden in a hutong in Houhai.
The building features blue bricks and gray tiles, a vermilion gate, and two red lanterns hanging at the entrance.
When Li Jun arrived, President Wang was already waiting in the private room.
He was in his fifties, slightly overweight, wearing a Chinese-style jacket, and holding a string of Bodhi seeds in his hand.
"Director Li, congratulations!"
Mr. Wang stood up and shook hands with a strong grip.
"Bodyguards and Assassins was a huge success, bringing honor to Chinese cinema!"
"You flatter me, Mr. Wang."
Li Jun sat down.
Once the food and drinks were served, General Manager Wang offered three toasts. All of them were Moutai, and Li Jun, unable to refuse, forced himself to drink them.
"Director Li, let's get straight to the point."
After a few rounds of drinks, Mr. Wang got down to business.
"I have a project in hand, a big production with a big cast, but I'm missing a good director."
He took a project proposal out of his bag and pushed it in front of Li Jun.
Li Jun flipped through it. The film was called "Dragon City Flying General," a period war film with a budget of 300 million yuan. The lead roles were to be played by several popular young actors and actresses.
The script outline is very formulaic: general, princess, political intrigue, war, and a tragic ending.
"How is it?"
Mr. Wang's eyes lit up.
"If this project succeeds, it's guaranteed to gross at least two billion! And I've already secured overseas distribution; it can be released simultaneously in North America!"
Li Jun closed the project proposal and pushed it back.
"Mr. Wang, thank you for thinking so highly of me."
He spoke very politely.
"But this project—is not really suitable for me."
Mr. Wang's smile froze for a moment: "What's unsuitable? If the budget is insufficient, we can increase it; if you're not satisfied with the actors, we can replace them; and we can revise the script!"
"Not these."
Li Jun carefully considered the wording.
"This story didn't move me."
"move?"
Mr. Wang seemed to have heard a joke.
"Director Li, movies are a business!"
"As long as it makes money, what else needs to impress me?"
"For me, filmmaking is first and foremost a creative endeavor."
Li Jun said.
"If you can't even move yourself, how can you move the audience?"
Mr. Wang's face darkened. He put down his wine glass and quickened his movements while handling the bodhi seeds.
"Director Li, I heard your next film is about artists from the Republican era?"
His tone turned cold.
"How much money can those kinds of films make? I've invested in art films and lost everything! Take my advice, while you're still famous, quickly make a few commercial blockbusters and make some money."
Art? I can play with that when I'm retired.
Li Jun didn't speak, he just looked at him quietly.
"so."
Mr. Wang put on a smile again.
"If you take on this project, I'll give you a 20 million yuan director's fee, plus 10% of the box office revenue."
How about it? You won't find another like this in the whole country!
"Feel sorry."
Li Jun stood up.
"I really can't accept it."
After saying that, he pushed open the door and left.
As I stepped out of the clubhouse, a night breeze blew by, carrying with it the moisture from Houhai Lake.
Li Jun took a deep breath and felt the tightness in his chest finally loosen.
The phone rang; it was Zhang Liangying: "I've arrived. Where are you?"
"Houhai. I'm coming to find you."
"No need, just send me your location and I'll come over."
Twenty minutes later, Zhang Liangying's car arrived.
She was dressed simply today, in a white shirt and jeans, but she wore a hat that covered half of her face.
"What's wrong?"
She asked as soon as she got in the car.
You don't look well.
"I just had dinner with Mr. Wang from Wheatfield."
Li Jun said.
"I got a lecture."
He briefly explained the situation. Zhang Liangying listened and smiled.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Laughing at you."
Zhang Liangying said.
"Even as a big director, he still gets lectured to his face."
"What should I do? I can't just flip the table, can I?"
11
"No need to flip the table."
Zhang Liangying held his hand.
"You did a great job just now. It takes courage to say no."
The car drove out of the alley and merged into the traffic on the main road.
"Where are we going?" Li Jun asked.
"Let's go eat."
Zhang Liangying said.
"Didn't you say we should go to the place where we first ate in Beijing?"
It was a very small food stall, located in a small alley on Lan Street.
Zhang Liangying had just finished competing in Super Girl, and Li Jun was still preparing for "Love is Not Blind." The two had a late-night snack here once.
The location hasn't changed; it's still the same few plastic tables and chairs, and the same greasy sign.
The boss actually recognized them.
"Hey, it's been a long time, you two!"
The boss was a middle-aged man with a loud voice.
"I see you guys on TV all the time! You've become celebrities!"
Li Jun smiled and said, "The usual, extra spicy."
"Okay!"
The two sat down in the corner.
It was noisy all around; some people were playing drinking games, some were chatting, and some were crying from drinking too much. This is the real human experience.
Sometimes I feel...
Zhang Liangying looked around.
"This place is much more comfortable than those high-end clubs."
"reality."
Li Jun said.
"No need to pretend, no need to act, it's just eating."
The spicy hot pot arrived, its red oil bubbling and its aroma irresistible.
Zhang Liangying picked up a piece of tripe, gasped for breath from the spiciness, and ate it with great relish.
"Oh, right."
She remembered something.
"I came to Beijing this time to record a program."
CCTV's "Art Life" program wants to interview the two of us.
"The two of us?"
"Um."
Zhang Liangying nodded.
"Director and singer, artistic partners."
The production team thought this angle was very interesting.
Li Jun frowned: "I don't want to use feelings as a gimmick."
"It's not a gimmick."
Zhang Liangying said earnestly.
"Xiao Jun, our feelings are real, and our careers are real too."
Why can't we talk about it openly and honestly?
To show the audience that artists can also have healthy relationships and achieve success in both their careers and love lives.
She paused for a moment, then added, "And I'd like to take this opportunity to announce something."
"What is it?"
"I want to make an album entirely composed by female musicians."
Zhang Liangying's eyes lit up.
"All the lyrics, music composition, arrangement, and vocals are by women."
The title is already decided: "Their Voices."
Li Jun looked at her.
Under the lamplight, her face was slightly flushed from the steam, but her eyes were firm and bright.
"What do you need me to do?"
he asks.
"Just support me."
Zhang Liangying smiled.
"Also, please give me a GG on the show."
"it is good."
The two continued eating. The mala tang was very spicy, but it warmed them up from head to toe.
"Xiaojun."
Zhang Liangying suddenly said softly.