Chapter 95: Director Li, is the night in Los Angeles still cold?
Even if Miss Liu was extraordinary and ethereal,
after breaking that barrier with her boyfriend,
she couldn't help but feel dazed and uneasy under the continuous outpouring of grand gifts from him.
Ever since Li Chen and Miss Liu had their first time, Liu's Mother never allowed them a second.
Her excuse was: Young people must learn self-control!
Yang Siwei began to familiarize herself with Hollywood's marketing model, following Tim.
After accompanying Miss Liu for two days, buried was also about to start filming.
If it didn't start soon, Andy Lau would go crazy; he had already slept in the coffin for four nights.
Miss Liu observed the filming of buried with Li Chen on set.
She was truly curious how her boyfriend's mind worked.
It was the first time she had seen such a unique film.
Naturally, she didn't want to miss the filming process.
On the set of buried, the crew members were making the final adjustments to the lighting.
Andy Lau was already lying in the coffin.
Liu Yifei held her breath, not making a sound.
This was a specially made coffin, used for filming the first scene.
“Ready?”
The clapper loader gave Li Chen an OK gesture.
“Action.”
In the pitch-black darkness, Andy Lau slowly opened his eyes.
He found himself tied up in a narrow, dark space.
For a full two minutes,
there was only Andy Lau's rapid breathing; his mind was blank.
After some fumbling, he found a lighter with his tied hands.
He lit the lighter.
Andy Lau despairingly discovered that he was trapped in a very narrow coffin.
The panicked Andy Lau tore off the cloth tied over his mouth and began to shout for help.
“Cut!” Li Chen suddenly shouted.
“Hua Ge, I can't hear the fear in your voice.”
“For this section of shouting for help, your voice shouldn't be hoarse and desperate; that sounds too deliberate.”
“You're instinctively calling for help now, completely subconsciously.”
Andy Lau nodded: “Sorry, Director, let's do it again.”
He hadn't really immersed himself just now; it was his first time encountering such a filming technique and method.
The camera was on a pulled-out coffin board next to him.
Li Chen nodded.
“Action.”
This time, Andy Lau was more natural.
After calling for help,
the muffled sounds soon made Andy Lau clearly realize that he had been buried alive.
Faced with the sudden turn of events, Andy Lau couldn't accept the reality.
He began to try and hit the coffin lid, and the crew members poured sand.
The rustling sand made Andy Lau even more terrified.
He then used the nails on the coffin lid to break the ropes tied to his hands.
He tried to pry open the coffin, but it was all in vain.
The specially reinforced coffin was completely undamaged.
The rotating camera zoomed in, capturing the fear in Andy Lau's eyes.
After the first day, Andy Lau's mental state was still relatively normal.
“Hua Ge, are you okay?”
“I'm fine, just a bit of a headache.” Andy Lau rubbed his temples.
“Hua Ge, don't hold back if you feel any discomfort.” Li Chen was a little worried.
After Ryan Reynolds finished filming buried, he reportedly underwent psychological treatment.
For safety, Li Chen also hired a psychological counselor.
“Thank you, Director Li, I'm fine. After decades of acting, this is the first time I've had this kind of headache,” Andy Lau said.
“This is a sequela of staying in a confined space for too long,” Li Chen nodded.
The filming of buried progressed quickly.
By the fifth day of filming buried,
“Action.”
The kidnapper pointed a gun at Andy Lau's female colleague's head.
Threatened, Andy Lau was forced to record a rescue video, having no choice but to comply with the kidnapper's demands.
He disregarded the government search team's request not to film a video.
But in the end, the female colleague was still shot in the head.
Andy Lau finally realized that no one cared about his life or death.
Despair, helplessness, confusion.
Andy Lau perfectly conveyed these emotions through his facial expressions and eyes.
It reminded Li Chen of Andy Lau in Lost and Love.
For ten consecutive days, Li Chen controlled the filming time to eight hours each day.
Andy Lau's face visibly grew paler.
Finally, filming was almost complete.
Filming buried was not only an ordeal for Andy Lau.
It was the same for Li Chen; he was genuinely worried that Andy Lau would have problems.
The fanaticism of Andy Lau's fans had historical precedents.
For his family's safety, Andy Lau cut off his finger and, as demanded by the kidnappers, filmed another video.
After doing all this, Andy Lau knew that only death awaited him.
Lying in the coffin, the light in his eyes began to fade.
The camera returned to complete darkness, a deadly silence in the darkness.
Only a voice said: “I'm so sorry, Jack, truly sorry.”
There were no background sounds or noises.
But this precisely confirmed the fact that no rescue team was coming.
In fact, when revising the script, Li Chen had added his own private touches.
Using an Asian actor, besides the anti-war sentiment, Li Chen also wanted to subtly allude to the objectively existing racial prejudice in America through this film, buried.
“Cut!”
“It's a wrap, Hua Ge.”
Li Chen and the crew helped the somewhat dazed Andy Lau out of the coffin.
Andy Lau let out a long sigh, his face still covered in sweat and dirt.
“It's a wrap, Director Li?” Andy Lau forced a smile and said.
“It's a wrap, Hua Ge. You should still listen to me and undergo a week of psychological counseling before going back,” Li Chen said.
“No, the Premiere of Fantasia is coming up soon, and I, as the lead actor, cannot be absent.”
Li Chen sighed, really wanting to say that it wouldn't make a difference whether he went to Fantasia or not.
The box office would definitely be crushed by The Myth.
Andy Lau forced a smile and said: “I appreciate Director Li's kind intentions.”
“Although this scene was painful to shoot, it was truly exhilarating. I don't think I'll ever forget this experience in my life.”
Andy Lau made a self-deprecating remark.
Li Chen, however, couldn't smile: “How about this, Hua Ge, let the psychological counselor return to China with you.”
“Don't refuse again, otherwise, this will probably be our last collaboration.”
“Haha…” Andy Lau had only laughed twice before the sand on his face made him cough incessantly.
His assistant quickly patted his back.
Andy Lau raised his hand, signaling he was fine, and then said: “Alright, I'll listen to Director Li.”
After tidying up, Andy Lau prepared to leave.
“Director Li, Yifei, see you back in China.”
Li Chen nodded, and Liu Yifei waved goodbye to Andy Lau: “See you back in China, Hua Ge.”
Watching Andy Lau leave, Miss Liu sighed: “Hua Ge is so dedicated.”
Li Chen smiled: “You're not bad either, Xixi.”
“When you act, you truly put your life on the line. In the future, you're not allowed to be so reckless in action scenes.”
Miss Liu knew what her boyfriend was referring to and smiled sweetly.
“I'll listen to Director Li. Even Hua Ge wouldn't dare not listen, so I, a small actress, wouldn't dare to contradict Director Li.”
Li Chen, smelling his girlfriend's fragrance, smiled and said: “When we go home, I'll let Director Li listen to you.”
Miss Liu felt sweet inside: “Should we also prepare to return to China?”
Li Chen nodded: “Almost. We'll go back before National Day.”
“I've already asked Sister Lu to start preparing. We can use the National Day holiday to finish filming the campus scenes.”
“These two days, I'll also finalize your next film for next year!”
Miss Liu was startled: “Next film?”
Li Chen nodded: “Yes, I remember you envied Angelina Jolie after watching mr. and mrs. smith.”
“Do you want to act with her?”
Miss Liu said in surprise: “Really? I can really act with her?”
Li Chen smiled mischievously: “That depends on your performance. I've been sleeping alone for nearly ten nights.”
“The nights in Los Angeles are a bit cold; I need someone to warm the bed.”
Miss Liu's pretty face inexplicably felt hot.
They looked at each other, and both simultaneously thought of the passionate night they had.
“Oh, Director Li, are you openly trying to use your power to get a female celebrity into bed?”
“Yes, and it's you I'm getting into bed, no one else!” Li Chen laughed.
Miss Liu gave a haughty snort, and was the first to walk out of the set.
Li Chen thought there was a chance and followed closely, returning to the hotel.
The saying goes, 'one day apart feels like three autumns.'
Although they saw each other every day, once they had experienced it once, they savored the taste.
It was just that these past few days, they could look but not touch.
Li Chen felt more than just three autumns; he was so parched he was almost smoking.
Like secret agents, they silently returned to Li Chen's room and passionately embraced.
Li Chen's kisses traced from Miss Liu's fair neck downwards, unwilling to miss a single inch or fraction of her skin.
He kissed all the way to her chest.
Miss Liu also passionately and forcefully stripped off her boyfriend's clothes.
The masculine scent on his body, like a poppy, made her feel dizzy with love.
She hugged her boyfriend's somewhat prickly buzz cut, burying it in her chest.
Li Chen roughly tore away the white encumbrance from Miss Liu's chest.
Then, he swiftly peeled off the last layer of restraint on her body, casually tossing it aside.
He kissed and possessed her wildly, intoxicated.
As if wanting to melt the beauty in his arms into his own body.
It wasn't until the moon rose high that the pair emerged from their spiritual and carnal desires.
Li Chen still savored the moment, forcefully sniffing Miss Liu's hair.
Miss Liu, meanwhile, had her hands wrapped around her boyfriend's neck.
One fair, long leg was heavily pressed between her boyfriend's waist and hips.
Her melodious, childlike voice chimed: “Director Li, is the night in Los Angeles still cold?”
“You're like a little stove, warming my heart.”
“So, can Director Li tell me about my next film now?”
“You'll know eventually. For now, let's continue studying the anatomy of male and female bodies!”
“Woo woo…”
The next day, Li Chen, looking a bit listless, went to Chiyou Films.
After one month of release, lurking's global box office reached 125 million.
All employees of Chiyou Films were exceptionally excited, each brimming with enthusiasm.
They hadn't expected that with a new Chinese boss, the company would immediately come back to life; it was truly miraculous.
Wen Ziren and Tim came to Li Chen's office together.
Tim's face was beaming; during this period, he had swept away the decade or so of unfulfilled ambitions he had felt in Hollywood.
Wen Ziren was also very happy; one saw and one lurking would completely establish his position in the horror film genre.
“Li Chen, lurking's box office is excellent. Should we start preparing for a sequel?” Wen Ziren sat on the sofa, smiling leisurely.
“Boss, I think James is right.”
Li Chen didn't take up their conversation, only saying: “Wen Ziren, don't be so impatient. You need to learn to enjoy life appropriately.”
Wen Ziren nodded and smiled: “Alright, I really should take a break.”
“Tim told me you bought an estate here. I'm not as wealthy as you.”
“But I really should buy a house.”
After settling Wen Ziren,
Li Chen threw the prepared script and storyboard on the table.
Tim picked it up and looked.
the thieves.
This was a script the boss had previously asked him to register with the guild.
“Boss, is this our next film?”
Li Chen nodded and said: “Have the company calculate the budget for the thieves as soon as possible.”
“For the two female leads, I've initially decided on Angelina Jolie and Monica Bellucci.”
“Other actors will be chosen by the casting director.”
“Then it will be submitted to me for approval. Bellucci and I have some history in Venice, so there shouldn't be much of a problem.”
“You go contact Jolie and see her interest.”
“lurking is just our opening act. Chiyou Films cannot only make B-grade horror films.”
Tim was a bit excited, but he still had to remind his boss: “The boss is right.”
“However, Jolie is currently the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, so inviting her won't be cheap.”
“Of course. You go negotiate first. As long as she doesn't demand an exorbitant price, it's fine. Besides, we don't even know if her schedule is suitable.”
Angelina Jolie's salary for mr. and mrs. smith was ten million US dollars, and Li Chen's ideal price was around that figure.
He could accept an increase of no more than one million US dollars.
For the script of the thieves, he changed the entire five-person South Korean team into an American team.
Macau Park was changed to Macau Li, an American-Chinese.
Li Chen believed this setting was more well-rounded.
The former leader of the American thieves' squad was a Chinese person.
This made Pope's jealousy and his attempt to steal Pepsi more convincing.
After all, both Pope and Pepsi were white, so how could Pope tolerate Pepsi, whom he secretly loved, liking a Chinese person?
Even if this Chinese person was the leader of the squad.
Among the American team, the two female characters who survived until the end were Anycall and Pepsi.
Angelina Jolie was Li Chen's undisputed choice to play the role of Jeon Ji-hyun (Anycall).
In terms of figure, looks, and personality, Jolie completely surpassed Jeon Ji-hyun.
And Monica Bellucci would play the role of Kim Hye-soo (Pepsi).
Two great beauties should be very eye-catching.
The remaining four members of the China team, plus Macau Li, totaled five people.
The undercover policewoman inside would definitely be reserved for Miss Liu.
At that time, Miss Liu would also need to cut her hair short and have more mature makeup.
For the other four, Li Chen decided to hold public auditions back in China.
And for the big boss, Wei Hong, at the end of the film, Li Chen decided to invite Cannes Best Actor Li Xuejian for a cameo.
Originally, Wei Hong's role in this film was positioned as China's biggest smuggling boss.
Having a Chinese person play him at the end also made perfect sense.
Given Li Xuejian's domineering portrayal of Zhang Zuolin, Li Chen believed playing Wei Hong would be effortless.
This film would undoubtedly be a huge temptation for domestic actors.
Although their salaries would certainly not compare to those of the American actors.
However, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go global.
It was estimated that the industry would explode at that time.
Because in terms of production budget and cast, this film was absolutely unprecedented for China.
Plus, he, a Golden Palm and Silver Lion director, would personally direct it.
The Italian goddess Bellucci from the 60s and Jolie from the 70s, who was at the peak of her beauty.
The simultaneous appearance of two major sex goddesses would all be selling points for this movie.
"Okay, Boss, I'll get right on it," Tim replied and turned to leave.
"Tim."
"Boss, what else can I do for you?"
"This time, let's change the distribution company."
"Once the project is announced, if Warner is interested in distributing, choose Warner."
"Change one? Isn't New Line cooperating well, Boss?"
"Oh, Boss, there's something I forgot to tell you."
"New Line initially liked the conjuring, but Warner actually had its eye on the thieves."
"It's just that you quickly declared that your script was not for sale, so Warner didn't bring it up again later."
"If we go with Warner for distribution, they will definitely be willing."
"After all, they've always loved crime thrillers; infernal affairs and new world are examples."
Li Chen nodded secretly; this was exactly what he wanted.
He hoped to plant a seed between New Line and Warner.
"Tim, we Chinese have a saying: 'If you want to take, you must first give.' Think about it carefully."
Tim was also well aware of New Line's predicament.
To put it bluntly, New Line was like a drowning person right now.
The profits from lurking gave New Line a taste of sweetness, but it was far from enough.
But at this time, if the parent company were to replace them in cooperating with Chiyou Films.
Then New Line's Shaye would probably curse the entire female family of Warner's executives!
Tim seemed to understand a bit, and his gaze at his boss was also a little surprised.
His boss's ambition was a bit too grand, disproportionate to his age.
Although he wasn't optimistic, his execution would definitely not be a problem.
On September 27th, Li Chen finished editing buried and then returned to China quietly with Yang Siwei.
Miss Liu and Liu's Mother had already returned to China a day earlier.
To avoid the two being blocked by reporters at the airport, which would expose everything.
On the plane, Yang Siwei smiled and said, "Boss, have you noticed the domestic news these past two days?"
"Hua Ge was asked by reporters at the Premiere of 'A Kid's Dream' why he looked so bad."
"Guess what Hua Ge said?"
Li Chen shook his head and said, "Can't guess, not interested."
"Hua Ge said, 'I just crawled out of a coffin, how good could my complexion be?' Haha," Yang Siwei couldn't help but laugh.
"The media all thought Hua Ge was joking. How could they know that Hua Ge was telling the truth, haha, it killed me," Yang Siwei said to herself.
Li Chen wore an eye mask and slept to adjust to the time difference because the landing time in China was in the morning.
He had been abroad for over a month.
The moment the plane landed, Li Chen sighed, saying, "It's still best in China, even the air feels familiar."
Yang Siwei smiled and said, "Boss is right, I think so too."
Back home, Miss Liu was already sitting on the sofa, petting cats and teasing dogs, like a hostess.
Li Chen felt warmth in his heart and deliberately teased his girlfriend, saying, "Miss, did you come to the wrong place?"
Miss Liu, holding a book, replied without turning her head, "Really? Then where should I go?"
Li Chen walked over and sat beside Miss Liu, smiling, "When did you arrive? Why didn't you sleep more?"
Miss Liu put down her book, her fair and round calves curled to the side, leaning half her body against Li Chen.
"Have you had breakfast?"
"Yes, I have."
"Have Jolie and Bellucci replied yet?"
"Not so fast. Many of these Hollywood stars have schedules booked until the year after next."
"However, Jolie and Bellucci should have availability next year. By the time our 'those years' is released, it should be about right."
"I'll take a shower, change clothes, and then we'll go to school together."
"I promised Teacher Tian to bring the Silver Lion over, and also have something to discuss with the school."
"Mmm, then go shower quickly, I'll wait for you."
"Or, you could join me?"
"What are you thinking? It's daytime!"
"So you mean it's okay at night?" Li Chen asked with a mischievous smile.
"Scram!"
"Alright!" Li Chen lightly touched Miss Liu's soft lips and happily went to shower.
Driving Miss Liu to school, in the blink of an eye, it was already their senior year, how fast time flew.
Yang Mi's Wang Zhaojun had already started filming.
The media even interviewed Yang Mi, asking her what her advantage was compared to Fan Bingbing.
Yang Mi's emotional intelligence was decent; she first praised Fan Bingbing extensively.
Then she humbly said that she felt her advantage was being young and spirited.
Li Chen and Miss Liu strolled on campus.
Inevitably, they became the focus of the younger students.
"Look, those two walking ahead look like Liu Yifei and Director Li Chen?"
"It really is them, Liu Yifei is so beautiful?"
"I say, let's go up and say hello."
Miss Liu was chatting idly with her boyfriend: "Hua Ge's 'A Kid's Dream' was too tragic, wasn't it?"
"It was a waste for Hua Ge to rush back from across the ocean for the Premiere."
Miss Liu said whatever came to her mind, without any reservations.
What could Li Chen say? Choosing that release slot was practically seeking death!
Andy Lau's 'A Kid's Dream' was utterly crushed by Big Brother Long's 'The Myth'.
The first day's box office was less than one million, and that Asia Premiere almost became a joke.
It wouldn't even last a month in theaters.
It would probably be abandoned by cinemas in less than two weeks.
Andy Lau's title as 'box office poison' was further solidified.
"I'll call Hua Ge later to check on his state."
Miss Liu also nodded, saying earnestly, "Yes, you should call him. Having just finished filming buried and then encountering such box office results, Hua Ge must be even more depressed."
As the two spoke, three girls walked towards them.
Li Chen and Miss Liu both noticed them.
Miss Liu didn't recognize them, but Li Chen recognized two of them: Yuan Shanshan and Zhang Xiaofei.
"Director Li, Yifei, the three of us are Yang Mi's roommates," Yuan Shanshan was the first to speak.
"Hello," Miss Liu still replied with an ethereal aura, saying only one sentence.
Li Chen found it a bit amusing. 'We are Yang Mi's roommates,' what kind of opening line is that?
"Are you looking for Yang Mi? She should be with the Wang Zhaojun crew."
Looking at the three fresh-faced girls in front of him, Li Chen joked in a pleasant mood.
"Ah? No, no, we're not looking for Yang Mi," the three girls waved their hands to deny it.
Only when they saw the smile in Li Chen's eyes did they realize that Director Li was joking with them.
None of the three had expected Director Li to be so approachable.
Their nervous feelings instantly vanished.
Yuan Shanshan was still the first to speak, smiling, "Director Li, I'm Yuan Shanshan."
"I'm Zhang Xiaofei."
"I'm Zhang Xuan."
The lively scene around them immediately attracted the attention of more students.
The two gradually showed signs of being surrounded.
Li Chen smiled, "I've noted all three of you. Now, will you let me go see Teacher Tian, please?"
"Ah, yes, yes."
The three girls immediately beamed with joy, moved to the side, and stood in a row like three receptionists.
They watched as the two were stopped by several more classmates.
Yuan Shanshan sighed, "I didn't expect Director Li to be so humorous and witty."
"Yeah, didn't everyone outside say Director Li was hard to talk to?"
"Sure enough, rumors aren't reliable. Director Li just said he'd noted the three of us, do you think it's true?"
"Of course it's true, he's a big director, would he fool three little girls like us?"
When Li Chen arrived at Tian Zhuangzhuang's office, he didn't expect Teacher Li to be there too.
"Heh, our Silver Lion director is back," Teacher Li said with a smile.
"Teacher Li, Teacher Tian."
Tian Zhuangzhuang also stood up, placed a hand on Li Chen's shoulder, and squeezed it firmly.
"When did you get back?"
"Landed this morning, came straight to school to report."
As Li Chen spoke, he took out the Silver Lion.
Teacher Li took it and looked it over, then Tian Zhuangzhuang said, "Let's go, let's go to the principal's office together."
Li Chen followed the two to the principal's office again.
After some warm exchanges, and taking a few promotional photos for the school.
Only then did he return to the office with Tian Zhuangzhuang.
Teacher Li told him to find time to take a make-up exam, just to go through the motions.
When only Li Chen and Tian Zhuangzhuang were left.
Li Chen then said, "Teacher, I have an idea that I'd like to ask you to discuss with the school to see if it's feasible."
Tian Zhuangzhuang said, "Tell me about it."
Li Chen nodded.
"You must be aware of the gap between our domestic special effects and Hollywood's."
"The hardware gap is easy to bridge, but the lack of talent cannot be compensated with money."
Tian Zhuangzhuang also nodded and said, "You're right, so what do you plan to do?"
"If there's any way the school can help, just say it, and the school will definitely give its full support."
"It's like this, I'm considering whether our school's film technology department's third and fourth-year students could sign targeted training contracts with my company."
"Then they would go to Hollywood in batches to study, with each batch limited to twenty-five people."
"Even students who have already graduated can participate."
"I plan to establish my own special effects company in another two years."
"These people will be the pioneers of domestic special effects companies."
I have something today, so I updated early. Tomorrow will still be at 7:00.