Deceiving Chinese Entertainment Industry for Thirty Years 100

Chapter 97: A ‘Chance Encounter’ with Brigitte Lin, and My Stake in *The Storm Riders* is at Least 20%!

January 30, 2025

Chapter 97: A ‘Chance Encounter’ with Brigitte Lin, and My Stake in *The Storm Riders* is at Least 20%!

To get a Hong Kong tycoon to shout out a fairly authentic “awesome” (牛逼 – niúbī, a slang term expressing admiration).

That’s not just awesome.

It’s also pretty funny.

Out of politeness, he should have been more reserved.

But Ma Xun wasn’t; he was chatting and laughing with Dragon Five.

Since both of them were laughing, it meant everything was fine.

They had just finished discussing the business outline.

Dragon Five definitely wanted more details.

However, this Hong Kong big shot had another curiosity.

That is, why Ma Xun, a man who wouldn’t even look at a beauty like Yang Gongru.

After all, Gongru is now captivating a huge number of Hong Kong youths.

Many of them are wealthy and influential.

However, Ma Xun didn’t give Dragon Five a chance; he brought up a more interesting topic.

“Actually, regarding the movie *The Storm Riders*, the biggest difficulty lies in the ‘scenery,’ right?”

The use of the diminutive particle (儿化音 – érhuàyīn) was quite pronounced.

It was a response to Dragon Five’s newly learned “awesome.”

“Right! It’s the scenery. We must film on location in Mainland China this time.”

“Wow, on-location shooting!”

Ma Xun’s exclamation made Dragon Five laugh again.

But this time, the laughter was somewhat bitter.

“There’s no way around it. Hong Kong simply doesn’t have good enough scenery, and we need that giant Buddha. But I know about Mr. Ma; you’re so knowledgeable about film, the shooting difficulty and cost… sigh~”

At this point, Dragon Five laid everything on the table.

*The Storm Riders*, adapted from the comic book of the same name.

Hong Kong comics have a characteristic: they always like to “go into overdrive” (开无双 – kāi wúshuāng, an idiom implying overwhelming power).

Take the most successful comic book IP adaptation by Yongsheng as an example.

*Young and Dangerous*.

Actually, the movie and the comic are completely different in style!

In other words, in the comics, Chen Haonan and Chicken are incredibly powerful!

They’re like superheroes!

In the comics, those gangs are obviously fake.

But Lau Wai-keung (刘伟强 – Liú Wěiqiáng) changed it into a gangster movie that is very close to reality.

This, really didn’t teach kids a lot of good things.

Many students of this era learned from Chen Haonan.

That’s a complete waste.

Moreover, it’s not just Mainland China that criticized it; Hong Kong criticized it even more fiercely.

Ekin Cheng (伊面 – Yīmiàn) later made many “apology and repentance” type films.

It depicts his “Chen Haonan” as miserable in the film, his lover being repeatedly harassed for days, and himself meeting a tragic end.

These films were meant to dissuade young people from joining gangs.

Sadly, it was already too late.

What could he have done earlier!

Speaking of *The Storm Riders*.

The characters in *Young and Dangerous* could all go into overdrive.

*The Storm Riders* is even more so.

Basically, it’s superheroes in Wuxia (武侠) clothing.

Of course, watching the various martial arts techniques and fights is quite enjoyable.

Now, to adapt *The Storm Riders* into a film.

They definitely have to strive to stick to the comic style!

Lau Wai-keung, Lau Wai-keung.

You made a 180-degree turn!

Wasn’t sticking to the comic style a good thing when you were making *Young and Dangerous*?

Oh well, it’s too late to say anything now.

And since they want to stick to the comic style this time.

They definitely can’t film in Hong Kong.

They must come to Mainland China; only Mainland China has the scenery depicted in the comic.

As for the superhero-like fight scenes… that will rely on special effects.

Ma Xun knew that the special effects were done by Xian Tao, and Xian Tao’s business is backed by Zhu Jia ding’s family.

Now, let’s focus on the issue of “scenery.”

Hong Kong films coming to Mainland China for location shooting, especially for Wuxia films.

Nine out of ten fail!

To be truly successful, there’s only *Shaolin Temple*.

The others have mostly been quite disastrous.

Once, there was a Wuxia novelist, whose pen name was Zhuge Qingyun.

After he became rich, he invested in films, adapting his own novels.

He ambitiously came to Mainland China to film, but the result…

The film lost money terribly; he even lost all his money for medical treatment.

His death was also quite miserable.

It’s like a curse.

Hong Kong films that come to Mainland China for location shooting mostly lose a fortune.

But they never give up, always wanting to come to Mainland China for location shooting.

The scenery is beautiful.

Hong Kong really doesn’t have it.

The reason why they lose so much.

It’s because of the high cost!

For *The Storm Riders*, the Leshan Giant Buddha must be filmed.

And other places too.

After all the preparations, it’s going to cost a lot of money.

The biggest cost pressure for this film should be this part.

Dragon Five was unsure if Golden Harvest could withstand it.

Ma Xun knew about their problem.

Therefore, I made this suggestion!

It’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of it.

“Fifth Brother, I’m from Mainland China. Just let me handle the location scouting for this film!”

These words were bold and confident.

Dragon Five was naturally happy, but he immediately realized something.

“What about the funding…”

Ma Xun chuckled, “The location scouting cost is so high, let’s count it as my equity stake, is there a problem?”

That’s right, I’m not spending any money, but I want a share of the movie’s profits!

I’m the one solving your location problem!

Shouldn’t I get a bigger share?

Only then did Dragon Five understand what Ma Xun meant by “equity stake.”

He didn’t intend to pay anything!

He had just been happy… But on second thought.

Ma Xun’s statement did make sense.

If Ma Xun could really solve the location problem, then getting a share of the equity wouldn’t be a problem.

Besides, the two of them are collaborating.

They’re profiting off Golden Harvest.

“Good! I agree! I’ll definitely put in a good word with Mr. Zou later, but whether he agrees or not…”

Dragon Five’s words were also meaningful.

Ma Xun smiled again, “Fifth Brother, we can start doing some things in advance.”

“Ah? Doing what?”

“Casting.”

“This… could it be…”

“Fifth Brother, don’t overthink it. For the male roles, I know you have many people under you.”

These words made Dragon Five even happier.

“You intend to openly cast for the female roles?”

Yes, the male roles are decided by you, Dragon Five, so Ma Xun can only target the female roles.

In fact, Ma Xun was very clear.

Although Dragon Five said he was making a huge investment in *The Storm Riders*.

In reality, his biggest investment was arranging his own people!

Namely, Ekin Cheng… well, it’s just a bunch of *Young and Dangerous* guys in different costumes.

From Causeway Bay, they’ve transformed into characters in *The Storm Riders*.

Anyone who has seen this *The Storm Riders* movie will have this feeling.

The *Young and Dangerous* gang time-traveled?!

It’s certain that Dragon Five arranged the roles as part of the investment!

Ma Xun had played this game before.

My company’s stars’ salaries are the investment.

Salaries take up a large portion of the film’s budget.

Moreover, Ekin Cheng is very popular now. You, Zou Wenhuai (鄒文懷 – Zōu Wénhuái), are indeed highly respected, but you can’t necessarily easily invite him.

Without a doubt, that’s what Dragon Five is doing.

Now, let’s work on the female roles of the film.

Ma Xun was also very clear that the character of Kong Ci in this film…

Wasn’t she crying and running away just now?

And Chu Chu, and Big Mouth Qi (大嘴其 – Dàzuǐ Qí).

These two are now Dragon Five’s people.

And for this “casting,” Ma Xun proposed this.

“Actually, the female characters in a comic are very crucial.

And if we do the ‘casting’ work, I believe it will generate a lot of discussion.

Believe me, the male comic fans will definitely go crazy.

In this way, it can also boost the buzz for *The Storm Riders*.”

Upon hearing this, Dragon Five suddenly understood.

“Generating hype before the release!”

Yes, that’s the meaning.

But how specifically should they do it?

“Should we hold a beauty pageant?”

There are many beauty pageants in Hong Kong, the most famous being “Miss Hong Kong” and “Miss Asia.”

Here’s a little-known fact.

The earliest beauty pageant was Miss Hong Kong, and the very first Miss Hong Kong pageant.

Was held in a nightclub.

(Content omitted due to explicit nature)

In such a place, the chosen Miss Hong Kong, what would happen next?

In fact, this is common knowledge in Hong Kong’s wealthy circles.

The top few, or those who catch their eye.

After the pageant, they leave with the big bosses.

There might even be something like “bidding” among the big bosses.

How Superman’s wife died is not just gossip.

Later, he hired famous experts and set up an extremely vicious Feng Shui formation (风水局 – fēngshuǐ jú).

In short, Superman’s heart was truly ruthless.

So, now we’re selecting actresses for *The Storm Riders*. Should we use the beauty pageant approach?

Ma Xun has successful audition experience before.

This time, he’s trying something new!

“No need for that much complexity. *The Storm Riders* is a comic, right? We can release a special edition, or something else, and publish the photos of the candidate actresses. Of course, we can have them wear the costumes of the characters in the comic, or the movie costumes.

Like taking publicity photos, and for this casting, many actresses should be eager to sign up.

Once the comic fans see this issue of the comic, they will find many beauties…”

Dragon Five burst into laughter, “Mr. Ma! You really have many tricks up your sleeve, this method is excellent!”

This will definitely generate a high level of discussion.

It’s equivalent to doing a very good advertisement before the film even starts shooting.

The most crucial part is, it saves money!

Comics make money.

*The Storm Riders* comic will definitely sell well.

Others spend money on advertising; we make money through advertising.

Ma Xun’s strategy is simply ingenious!

Actually, these methods are nothing special. In Japan, comics are even more popular. When they made live-action films later, they also used similar methods.

Ma Xun put this forward naturally for a special purpose.

Hao Tong, Gao Yuanyuan, Fan Bingbing, Li Xiaoran, and others.

All should participate!

Ma Xun remembered that in the original *The Storm Riders* movie, Big Mouth Qi played Chu Chu.

In the comic, Chu Chu is innocent, pure, and lovely.

Yet you, Dragon Five, arranged a phenomenon-level actress from Category III films to play her.

What’s wrong? Do you have a grudge against Chu Chu?

Or do you, Dragon Five, have a grudge against the comic fans, insisting on feeding them a big lump of something they don’t want?

Ma Xun didn’t look down on Big Mouth Qi. This woman’s story of struggle is very inspiring; she later put her clothes back on one by one.

Praising her as awesome is also not wrong.

However, at this stage… *Jade Girl Heart Sutra* is selling like crazy in Hong Kong!

Not to mention the Hong Kong people, many people on the Mainland have seen this woman inside and out.

When Ma Xun watched *The Storm Riders* back then, when Chu Chu appeared, he thought of the Jinjiang Brother (锦江哥 – Jǐnjiāng Gē, reference to a popular online meme related to an adult film).

Can you blame him?

Who can’t see the subtext!

Ma Xun was sure that if they followed his method of casting.

Then the role of Chu Chu would not be Big Mouth Qi’s.

No comic fan would choose her.

And thus… Ma Xun believed that Hao Tong, Gao Yuanyuan, and others should have a chance.

If they had the opportunity to star in *The Storm Riders*.

It would be equivalent to boosting their status in the Beijing Entertainment Circle (京圈 – Jīngquān).

That’s quite useful these days.

Of course, he wouldn’t interfere with the fairness of the “casting.”

Dragon Five was now extremely impressed by Ma Xun.

“Mr. Ma, I guarantee you that I will secure at least a 20% stake in *The Storm Riders* for you!”

20%.

That’s pretty good.

“Good! Then I’ll go and prepare the location scouting.”

“Really? That’s fantastic!”

Dragon Five was overjoyed.

Look at Mr. Ma, not only does he have the skills, but his execution is also extremely strong!

But there’s still that question.

Ma Xun wouldn’t even look at Yang Gongru, then who could he possibly like?

Although this question lingered in Dragon Five’s mind, he didn’t dare to ask.

The discussion about *The Storm Riders* ended here.

Dragon Five had nothing more to say; his gains were considerable.

Ma Xun even more so; his gains were even greater.

Of course, their most crucial collaboration.

Is the Mainland China release of the film!

That’s not a problem at all.

Therefore, Dragon Five was in a good mood and intended to treat Ma Xun to dinner.

Ma Xun said he was going to check the locations.

So, he would see him off.

But when they came out of the nightclub, they saw a car not far away.

It even honked.

“Fifth Brother, I’ll take my leave first.”

“Okay, okay.”

Dragon Five had a smile on his face because he saw.

Brigitte Lin was in that car!

The question in his heart was answered.

Only someone like Brigitte Lin could catch Ma Xun’s eye.

But on second thought… did Brigitte Lin cuckold Lin Qingxia (林青霞 – Lín Qīngxiá)?

Probably not.

Even if Ma Xun really put horns on Lin Qingxia’s head, it wouldn’t be a big deal.

Brigitte Lin and Lin Qingxia have no relationship now.

Modern relationships are like this.

Chaotic yet orderly.

Dragon Five smiled and went back to the nightclub.

And Ma Xun, of course, got into Brigitte Lin’s car.

“Was this a chance encounter? Or did you come looking for me on purpose?”

Ma Xun’s question was somewhat pointed.

Brigitte Lin rolled her eyes at him, “I came looking for you on purpose! What of it?”

Ma Xun just smiled and then showed his sharp tongue.

“Your Japanese film flopped, right?”

Sharp!

Brigitte Lin was so angry, she couldn’t help but retort, but she still admitted.

“Yes! The box office was terrible! Yes! I can’t make it in Japan! So, I came to find you, please, take me in, okay?”

Her attitude wasn’t like someone begging for help.

But Ma Xun took the bait, smiling, “Then I’ll reluctantly accept you.”

Brigitte Lin couldn’t hold back, “You bad guy!”

The two of them started arguing.

But at that moment, Ma Xun suddenly stopped her.

“Wait a minute.”

“What’s wrong?”

Brigitte Lin was very curious and didn’t know what was happening.

Actually, it wasn’t a big deal.

Ma Xun saw a familiar face.

Hong Kong’s Ninth Brother (九哥 – Jiǔ Gē), Edison Chen’s father.

This guy entered Dragon Five’s nightclub.

Of course, this is nothing.

But an idea suddenly popped into Ma Xun’s head.

Ninth Brother and the Hu supermodel… hmm, maybe I can use this.

“What are you thinking about!”

Brigitte Lin really didn’t understand what Ma Xun was doing.

She only saw him smiling.

Ma Xun said seriously, “Okay, let’s go to the south together, how about that?”

“Go south? Isn’t that where you’re going to film that TV series?”

Only then did Ma Xun notice that Brigitte Lin had really lost weight.

So… his hand unconsciously went to her thigh.

“So you’re also very enthusiastic about this show.”

Her thigh was thinner than when he was in Tokyo.

Brigitte Lin, embarrassed by his touch, blushed.

“You big bad guy!”

She slapped his hand away and drove off!

(End of Chapter)

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