Deceiving Chinese Entertainment Industry for Thirty Years 5

Chapter 5 Ye Quan Zhen

January 21, 2025

Chapter 5 Ye Quan Zhen

“Toss your hair…good!”

“Make your eyes a little more alluring.”

“Very good!”

Click click… The shutter of the F3 camera continuously clicked.

Ma Xun directed Hong Jie through her poses while showering her with praise.

Chen Hong was undeniably beautiful. Her every movement was graceful and elegant, exuding the refined air of a well-bred lady.

“Mr. Ma, you’re such a skilled photographer.”

This compliment, along with a thumbs-up, came from Ding Li, a very famous actor in mainland China at the time. The fact that he was in our *New York Storm* was entirely due to director Feng Baiyuan’s connections. However, Ma Xun would be taking his photos shortly – it was all part of the job.

Ma Xun was currently shooting publicity photos for the cast. Although the main story of the film took place in North America, the leading roles were from China, therefore, the scenes set in the Capital City couldn’t be sloppy. Director Feng stipulated that it should be a Hong Kong-style film about mainland Chinese in New York, and it had to include spectacular action sequences and gunfights!

Ma Xun, of course, responded with a smile. If you asked him directly, he’d say it sounded great. But inwardly… no wonder he didn’t remember this movie. It was destined to flop!

*Beijing Renzai Niuyue* (Beijing Man in New York) was a massive hit, but Director Feng hadn’t grasped why. It was the zeitgeist – the overseas craze! The social phenomenon and the ensuing reflections and discussions! Many films about the overseas boom had been made in recent years, such as *Da Sa Ba* (Big Throw).

Oh well, there was no point arguing with Director Feng. A Hong Kong director simply wouldn’t understand mainland affairs. Besides, he was just a photographer right now.

Soon, Hong Jie finished her shoot.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Hong Jie pretended not to hear. In Ma Xun’s eyes… Just act! I know how wild you are in bed. Although, to be precise… not wild enough. Next time, we’ll make it wilder.

Despite his thoughts, Ma Xun maintained a serious expression. Next up was Ding Li. But someone arrived from the director’s side.

“Oh my! Brother Jiu, what brings you here? Haha…”

“Visiting a friend, and I thought I’d drop by.”

Brother Jiu? Not just Ma Xun, but everyone on the film crew turned their attention to this “Brother Jiu.” He looked to be in his late forties or early fifties, and his appearance, demeanor, and clothing all screamed one thing: Wealthy!

Feng Baiyuan became extremely polite upon his arrival. Ma Xun felt a sense of familiarity with the man. After a moment of thought… Ah, he knew who it was! Wasn’t this the father of the famous photography master, Edison Chen?

Thinking this, Ma Xun couldn’t help but glance at the supermodel Hu over there. This supermodel played a supporting role in the film. A strange expression crept onto Ma Xun’s face.

“What are you thinking about?” Chen Hong, curious about Ma Xun’s expression, asked.

“Nothing.” Ma Xun naturally wouldn’t reveal his thoughts.

“Humph!” Chen Hong coldly snorted, displeased but unable to do anything.

In fact, Chen Hong was quite wary of Ma Xun. This was understandable, given their close proximity during filming. But there was more to it. In Chen Hong’s eyes, Ma Xun was a mysterious figure with significant influence!

The 200,000 RMB was a secondary concern; the crucial question was, where did this guy get the information? Regardless of the source, it proved Ma Xun had excellent connections.

Furthermore, Chen Hong noticed that Director Feng was exceptionally accommodating towards Ma Xun. Coupled with Ma Xun’s photography skills (which Feng claimed he learned in Chicago), it was clear Ma Xun had a powerful background. Therefore, those photos seemed insignificant now.

Of course, Chen Hong didn’t know what Ma Xun was really thinking. He was actually thinking about a juicy piece of gossip. This Brother Jiu, Edison Chen’s father, and supermodel Hu… *cough cough*…

I can’t believe it! After all this trouble time-traveling, all I encounter is this scandalous gossip! But supposedly, it’s true love. Let’s just say, the entertainment industry is a crazy place. But the crazier the better! Ma Xun felt he had more work to do. This gossip…

At that moment, Director Feng approached with Brother Jiu.

“Brother Jiu, this is Miss Chen…”

“Oh, we’ve met.”

“Nice to meet you, Brother Jiu.”

Director Feng laughed, introducing the main members of the crew, including Ma Xun – albeit briefly. Ma Xun didn’t mind; he’d agreed to keep a low profile.

After the introductions, Brother Jiu, being the big boss, was quite generous.

“After work, let’s all have dinner together. My treat!”

“Great! Great!”

“Fantastic.”

So it was decided. Of course, Ma Xun still needed to finish his work. Fortunately, it wasn’t difficult. Following the director’s instructions, they were going to shoot some scenes showcasing Beijing’s hutong (traditional alleyways) culture.

Ma Xun understood; Feng Baiyuan wanted to create a contrast. These Hong Kong directors loved to capture the “dirty, chaotic, and poor” aspects of mainland China. They even used filters to exaggerate this, such as dark or ochre-toned filters; a common technique among Japanese production teams who came to China seeking out the most obscure and run-down locations. In Beijing, they would choose the areas with the most bicycles, avoiding cars altogether – all for the sake of creating a negative portrayal. In 2010, Lin Chiling starred in a Japanese drama where Shanghai was depicted as a slum. They went to great lengths to present Shanghai in such a way.

Now that he was doing the filming, the F3 camera would capture beautiful, evocative images. He already had a clear picture in his mind; he would base it on *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty*, which used Nikon cameras extensively, although there was a minor technical flaw in the snow leopard scene, but those details weren’t crucial. The movie just needed to be good.

Brother Jiu had already arrived, so they couldn’t keep the big shot waiting. Ma Xun quickly finished shooting Ding Li and the others. How Director Feng would use the footage was his concern. As for the photos he took earlier… well, the film with Hong Jie was safely hidden away, along with the 200,000 RMB. He deposited it the next day.

Incidentally, Ma Xun also changed into a designer outfit. After all, the previous clothes weren’t his. He didn’t want to be tracked down. It was a prudent move.

Interestingly, Director Feng, seeing Ma Xun’s attire, was even more convinced that Ma Xun was from a prominent family background. Ordinary people wouldn’t be so stylish. It was a lucky guess.

With the publicity photos complete, Ma Xun had finished his work. Director Feng didn’t say much to him, especially in front of Brother Jiu. Ma Xun understood and continued to remain low-key.

It was getting late, so dinner was a perfect opportunity. The group got into Brother Jiu’s car – he’d rented a van. Everyone assumed they were heading to a restaurant, but upon arrival, they found themselves at a nightclub.

Brother Jiu chuckled, “It’s owned by an old friend of mine, just showing my support.”

Everyone understood immediately. The exterior of the nightclub was already quite impressive. Who was the owner? Of course, this was impressive for 1996 standards. Ma Xun found it only average. But in those days, owning a nightclub in Beijing wasn’t something an ordinary person could achieve. Everyone knew about the Heaven on Earth nightclub; its owner eventually fled to America, leaving a younger brother who later became a prominent figure in the film industry. So who was Brother Jiu’s friend?

Led by Brother Jiu, the group entered the nightclub, where…

“Brother Jiu, haha… what brings you here?”

“Brother Wu, I have some investment business here and dropped by.”

The appearance of Brother Wu stunned the mainland actors and crew. Brother Wu – Dragon Wu. In films, he was the bodyguard of the God of Gamblers, but in reality, the God of Gamblers wouldn’t dare to order him around.

“I can’t believe it’s him,” Chen Hong murmured quietly.

But Ma Xun knew she was trying to be heard. “Hong Jie, let’s eat.”

That was reasonable. Chen Hong nodded and smiled at Brother Wu, exchanging pleasantries. Ma Xun was only briefly mentioned. Low-key, low-key.

Brother Jiu and Brother Wu’s relationship was excellent, simplifying things greatly. They were quickly seated at a banquet table. Chen Hong, Ding Li, Hu Chao Mo and others took their seats. Ma Xun found a seat at the edge, planning to excuse himself when the time was right. I’ll be proactive and low-key.

However, just as they began their conversation, the stage lights came on.

“Ask me~ how deep~ is my love…”

*The Moon Represents My Heart*. A very old song… wait! The focus is on the singer.

Ye Quan Zhen!

Signed, Seeking monthly votes, collections, and reads! Please, everyone, shower this newbie with your support! Thank you very much.

(End of Chapter)

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