Deceiving Chinese Entertainment Industry for Thirty Years 38

Chapter 38: It’s Definitely Going to Be a Hit! “Heard” Breaks 10 Million!

2025-01-21

Chapter 38: It’s Definitely Going to Be a Hit! “Heard” Breaks 10 Million!

“Hey, this movie is really something.”

“The story is quite touching…”

“I feel the visuals are beautifully shot, a warm feeling.”

Gao Yuanyuan’s heart—whether it was flustered or not, Ma Xun really didn’t know.

The audience’s comments were what he was now more focused on.

This movie, “Heard,” was his first film ever.

To be honest, there were still many regrets.

He had no choice; he made compromises based on the available resources.

These days, he didn’t dare to invest too much money in making a film.

Otherwise, the fate of the Chen brothers would be a cautionary tale.

But, although the budget wasn’t large, he used every penny wisely.

Cameras, film—he didn’t skimp on these.

Moreover, he was later pulled in by Hong Jie to be the cinematographer, meaning he had decided on this role from the very beginning.

That’s why he seamlessly transitioned into the role of cinematographer.

A movie’s visuals can’t be faked.

Not just film experts and scholars, but even ordinary moviegoers can tell whether a film has invested in its visuals.

Sitting in the cinema, Ma Xun was still satisfied with the visual effects.

But, spending a lot on this aspect meant other areas had to be cut.

Actor fees were manageable.

But some details—he really saved wherever he could.

Chen Kun, playing the male lead, initially appears as a food delivery guy.

In the original version, he rode a motorcycle… quite popular in Taiwan.

Now, with a changed time and setting… a bicycle! (A common, simple bicycle)

He got one from a second-hand market for 30 yuan.

Even then, Ma Xun haggled with the seller.

Because he knew that in Northeast China, that type of bike was worth at most 20 yuan.

“The bike’s origin is questionable!”

Ma Xun’s haggling skills left the bike seller sweating profusely.

And so, the film’s transportation problem was solved.

Later, everyone discovers he’s not an ordinary delivery guy; the restaurant is his family’s.

The boss, Li Qiming, teacher.

Hey! Let’s just say, Teacher Li’s voice would be wasted if she didn’t run a restaurant.

Teacher Li’s fee wasn’t high either, saving another bit of money.

And they needed a father.

Teacher Li found a fellow actor, problem solved.

Then…

Actually, there were some scenes in the original film that would definitely have cost a lot of money.

For example, the two leads riding on a motorcycle together.

Now it’s a bicycle, saving even more.

Originally, filming scenes on a motorcycle was technically difficult; the faster they went, the more dangerous it became.

Now, it’s completely pedal-powered; it can’t go that fast.

They rented a small van and filmed it like a wedding video.

And the shots turned out surprisingly well.

Hao Tong sat on the back of the bicycle, Chen Kun sweating as he pedaled.

Her hand slowly wrapped around his waist, and her head gently leaned against his.

That shy and pure love.

It really showed!

And then there’s the sincere affection between the sisters.

Gao Yuanyuan hopes Hao Tong won’t worry too much about herself.

She should boldly pursue love!

Sisterly affection is common in many films.

But this time it’s different.

Because between the two of them, there’s no sound.

This silent interaction is now, it seems, more powerful than any dialogue!

Ma Xun noticed some female viewers crying at this point.

Even more, they were trying to suppress their sobs.

Afraid of disturbing the two sisters on screen.

For Ma Xun, this was definitely a compliment.

It’s safe to say that “Heard,” at this point, is already a success!

What about the ending?

“Finishing something well is crucial.” (A Chinese idiom meaning finishing strong is important)

Ma Xun was almost eager to see the audience’s final reaction.

Well, he was also a little nervous.

Finally, the film reached its climax.

“Even if he wins her back, what then?”

“Ah, the girl who can’t hear?”

“Yeah, the one who’s hardworking, optimistic, cute, kind, caring, good to her sister, and good to everyone…”

“Mm.”

Clearly, the male protagonist used every positive adjective he knew to describe the girl he likes.

This scene made everyone laugh.

It was so heartwarming and funny.

And the parents’ performance…

“Honey, when shall we sign up for sign language classes?”

“Right, I want to learn too.”

“You agreed?!”

“This…”

“Haha! Mua~ I love you! I love you guys to death! You’re the best parents in the world!”

The boy was ecstatic; after kissing his parents, he ran out, riding his bicycle delivery bike.

His parents laughed until they cried.

At the same time, the audience in the cinema was the same.

They had just been laughing; now tears were flowing.

Someone once said,

Happiness always resonates.

The film and reality merged at this moment.

Only Ma Xun felt fortunate.

“My ideas are spot on!”

Teacher Li hadn’t yet starred in “Water Margin” (a famous Chinese novel) nor played Rong Mamā. (a villain in a popular TV series, The Return of the Pearl)

Otherwise, this scene wouldn’t have worked.

Back to the movie.

When the male lead wins the girl back…

“This is Yangyang, whom I mentioned.”

“Oh, that’s her…”

“Come, please have a seat.”

The boy’s parents, usually quite open, were now quite shy.

They tried their best to smile, their manner and tone carefully nurturing the girl.

And then, the key moment.

The father took out something like a calendar.

He turned it over; it was written on.

First, a self-introduction, and then…

“We’re so happy to welcome you.”

They were so adorable.

And what was written on it was…

“He is also very hardworking, optimistic, cute…”

Wow, he reused the same adjectives.

The girl looked delighted.

While the boy was awkwardly wishing he could disappear.

Funny and heartwarming.

Until…

“When are you getting married?”

At this question, the boy was about to collapse.

“What are you doing!”

“Oh, what’s wrong?”

“We haven’t…”

“How do you know she won’t agree without asking?”

The family of three was about to argue.

But then!

“I do.”

The girl finally spoke to the boy.

And her first words were, “I do.”

At that moment, the entire cinema erupted in applause.

Definitely, all the female viewers were moved.

Even among the men, many were in tears.

It was a relief; finally, the truth was revealed.

After so many twists and turns, so many misunderstandings.

Two people in love finally overcame all obstacles and came together.

The movie ended there.

Of course, there were some more “scenes” after that.

They were pictures.

The sister participated in a competition; she continued to strive for an Olympic gold medal.

The sister got married.

Wearing a wedding dress, she sat on the back of the bicycle again.

It was romantic.

Even if they fell off the bike.

One by one, the photos captured the entire process of their fall.

The audience could still see happy expressions on their faces.

This “photo” treatment at the end.

Completely satisfied the audience; their applause was even louder.

It was the perfect touch.

Happiness is like that; it doesn’t need too much explanation.

These photos were enough.

In fact, the reason for this approach…

To save money!

Ma Xun saw the audience’s reaction.

He was ecstatic.

…

The movie was over.

In the final stages, Gao Yuanyuan didn’t say a word.

“This film…”

“I’ve already seen it.”

“You did well.”

Gao Yuanyuan didn’t expect Ma Xun to say that.

Actually, Gao Yuanyuan had long realized that watching a movie together felt completely different.

She was worried that Ma Xun wouldn’t say anything nice.

But now… Gao Yuanyuan didn’t dare look at him, afraid he would see how happy she was.

That would give her away.

The two walked out with the crowd.

Many female viewers were still wiping away tears.

Some male viewers were already out.

“Hey, don’t cry.”

“It was really touching.”

“It didn’t seem like a Qiong Yao drama.” (referring to melodramatic Taiwanese dramas)

“It’s different! This was heartwarming and happy.”

“Can happiness feed you?”

“You only think about food!”

“Then let me ask you, are you hungry? If you are… KFC, want some?” (The term is used phonetically to sound like the Chinese pronunciation)

The use of 儿化音 (erhua, a phonetic change in Mandarin) made both Ma Xun and Gao Yuanyuan laugh.

That guy probably did it on purpose; his girlfriend was amused.

So…

“Let’s go eat KFC then.”

Ma Xun’s words made Gao Yuanyuan burst out laughing.

“You’re so naughty!”

Gao Yuanyuan playfully hit Ma Xun a couple of times.

However, she couldn’t resist her boss; Ma Xun pulled Gao Yuanyuan toward the nearest KFC.

Gao Yuanyuan didn’t have a mirror; otherwise, she would see the smile on her face.

It was very beautiful.

…

After this viewing, Ma Xun felt confident.

This film will definitely be a hit!

And reality didn’t disappoint Ma Xun.

The sluggish Capital City film market quickly gave Ma Xun good news.

“Heard” had been in theaters for over a week.

The box office had already exceeded 3 million!

Plus, it was still showing in other regions.

Shortly after entering December, “Heard” had already broken the 10 million box office mark!

Ma Xun spent less than 1 million on this movie…

Thank you all for your monthly tickets, collections, reads, and recommendations, thank you, thank you!

Anyway, I’ll definitely go all out this time, please understand, I’ll definitely have a burst of updates after serialization.

Please support, please read, please!

(End of Chapter)

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