Chapter 38

However, he still forced a smile, cleared his throat, and said, "Let me introduce myself first. I guess some of you may not know me. My name is Wu Cheng, and I am the General Manager of East Dragon International Film and Entertainment Company. I believe some of you also know that I am the author of the novel 'Back to the Ming' featured in the 'Urban Entertainment Report.' I won't continue to boast about myself here."

Wu Cheng's words drew a light laughter from the audience. He continued, "The gentleman next to me is Mr. Hong Jinbao, who is the Deputy General Manager and the company's current sole director, action choreographer, and actor. The film 'Five Lucky Stars' being released today is directed and starred in by him, and it is also East Dragon International's first film. Our motto is to produce only high-quality films, not bad ones!"

Following this, Hong Jinbao, at Wu Cheng's indication, spoke for a while. Then, under Wu Cheng's announcement, the film officially began.

The venue darkened, and a beam of light from behind illuminated the large screen in front. A golden dragon soared up from the sea, dancing in the sky, with countless water droplets below forming the words 'East Dragon International Entertainment Media.'

Creating this animation scene took a lot of effort from Wu Cheng, but the effect was somewhat hard for him to accept. If it weren't for Hong Jinbao and others thinking it was already very good, Wu Cheng would have considered not using this logo at all. In fact, with the current technology, achieving this level was already quite impressive. However, to Wu Cheng, it lacked a sense of depth and seemed to be missing something. But considering the current technology, he could only shake his head inwardly.

Next, the names of the producers appeared, with Wu Cheng and Hong Jinbao's names listed. Wu Cheng was the executive producer, and Hong Jinbao was the director. Then, under the assistant director, Wu Cheng's name appeared again.

Seeing this, Wu Cheng looked at Hong Jinbao with some confusion, as he had already asked him to remove it. But now, his name was still there.

Hong Jinbao smiled and said, "You did a lot of the assistant director's work on set. It's only right to add your name. Besides, with this as a foundation, your next film will have more credibility! Don't worry about it, just keep watching!"

The film continued. When Hong Jinbao, playing a thief, dived into a police car, the audience burst into laughter. There was no thief as unlucky as this one.

Next, the curly-haired Ji was arrested for 'causing a disturbance,' followed by Wu Yaohan stealing car windows and wheels, only to steal a police car, which made the audience laugh again.

These thieves were truly speechless. How could they all be so unlucky?

Then, Qin Xianglin appeared, using a toy gun to deceive people, and was eventually caught, making the audience laugh once more. Many film critics knew at this point that the film was a success.

So far, only one of the highlights from the trailer had appeared. There were still so many exciting scenes to come. If this film didn't become a hit, it would be unjust.

When the characters were released from prison and saw the villainous boss at the prison gate, and then couldn't get a taxi and had to take a minibus, scaring the driver, the audience laughed again. When they returned to Ji's house and the female lead appeared, the audience's reactions were even more vivid. Zhao Yazhi's appearance made many audience members drool.

Next, the night market scene had the audience laughing heartily.

Many film critics put down their pens and decided to enjoy the film first.

"Aquan, your nephew is really something!" Shao Liushu whispered to Wu Mingquan beside him, "If this film becomes a hit, his company will rise immediately. He will definitely have a place in Hong Kong's entertainment industry in the future!"

"Sir Shao is too kind. Xiao Cheng is still young and needs more experience," Wu Mingquan chuckled, his pride evident in his voice.

The film continued. When the fight scenes between Cheng Long and Hong Jinbao appeared, many people secretly cheered, but they wished there were more fights.

Then, when Wu Yaohan practiced his invisibility technique naked and was pranked, the entire theater burst into laughter, even some female stars were giggling behind their hands.

Deng Lijun, sitting next to Zhao Yazhi, laughed and scolded, "How could Xiao Cheng write such a lewd scene? I really misjudged him. And Yazhi, your figure is so good, I heard some people swallowing their saliva just now!"

Although Zhao Yazhi was still in her pajamas in the film, the hazy feeling made people even more captivated. Wu Cheng believed that if a poster of this scene were released, it would definitely sell out.

The next scenes were even more thrilling, especially when Cheng Long started roller-skating and completely dominated his first opponent. But then, an unexpected situation occurred, and Cheng Long, wearing roller skates, began chasing a criminal, leading to a series of car accidents.

Watching these intense scenes, almost all the audience forgot about their popcorn. When they saw the continuous car crashes and the final explosion, everyone gasped, their scalps tingling, and their adrenaline pumping, making them extremely excited.

Wu Cheng added the explosion scene himself to make it more thrilling.

As for whether it was reasonable... as long as the audience enjoyed it, that was all that mattered.

The film continued. When the five main characters, along with the female lead, lit 'homemade cigars' and entered the Chen family mansion in a cloud of smoke, everyone laughed again.

However, when the audience saw Wu Cheng in a cameo role playing the piano, performing 'Wedding in a Dream,' many were stunned. They hadn't heard this music before!

When Deng Lijun appeared and played a duet with Wu Cheng, many people looked at the two with envy.

"Jie, is this piece really written by Mr. Wu... Cheng?" Lin Qingxia, almost entranced by Wu Cheng's performance, asked curiously.

Deng Lijun smiled and said, "Don't underestimate Xiao Cheng! His talent will surprise you! And don't treat him like a child, or you'll regret it."

"..."

Lin Qingxia looked at Deng Lijun, puzzled, making Deng Lijun blush slightly. She coughed and said, "Let's watch the movie. We can talk later."

But Zhao Yazhi looked at Deng Lijun suspiciously, thinking: Did Jie get embarrassed by Cheng? That little rascal, how could he flirt with other women so easily?

Unable to figure it out, she continued watching the movie. The scene was the main characters fighting in the villain's house, especially when Wu Yaohan was seen dancing and gently hitting the enemy, as if giving a massage, which made her want to laugh.

Not only her, but the entire audience in the theater was trying to hold back their laughter.

"Didn't expect Qin Xianglin to be so funny!" Lin Qingxia laughed when she saw Qin Xianglin suddenly freeze during a fight.

At this time, Lin Qingxia was infatuated with Qin Xianglin. Unfortunately, Qin Xianglin only saw her as a younger sister and didn't find the mature woman's charm in her.

It was a case of the flower willing to follow the stream, but the stream unwilling to love the flower.

The next part of the film had fewer comedic scenes but more action, making the audience cheer with excitement.

Many audience members felt that they could watch this film again.

Unfortunately, even if they wanted to buy tickets, they would have to wait a few days.

At the end of the film, the entire audience stood up and cheered. Many thought: No wonder they were so bold to have a premiere.

When the final credits rolled and the behind-the-scenes footage ended, Wu Cheng led the main cast and crew on stage to receive the audience's applause.

He also announced that after the film's run, he would distribute one million dollars to all the front and back-stage staff, which received unanimous cheers from the staff.

In this era, one million dollars was not a small amount. In comparison, Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest seemed more stingy, especially Shaw Brothers, who still used the studio system, where actors and employees received fixed salaries, and the idea of profit-sharing was a dream.

One can imagine how grim the faces of Shaw and Fang Yihua were at this moment.

Previously, they had praised Wu Cheng, but now their faces were as if they had swallowed a fly, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

As the audience left, Wu Cheng greeted them one by one. When he met Zou Wenhui, he asked with a smile, "Uncle Huai, when will the nine million be credited? I'm waiting for your money to start the pot. Uncle Huai wouldn't let me starve, right?"

Zou Wenhui, in a bad mood, ignored Wu Cheng, thinking: Let you starve to death!

He Guanchang, the good-natured one, smiled and asked, "Xiao Cheng, are you planning to start a new film? How about we collaborate between Golden Harvest and East Dragon?"

"Of course, we can collaborate! Aren't we already collaborating?" Wu Cheng laughed, thinking: Good things should be kept for myself. Giving you 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels' was enough. You're really greedy.

After a pause, Wu Cheng added, "But if Uncle Huai and Uncle Chang are willing, I can invest in 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels.' What do you think, Uncle Chang?"

Zou Wenhui snorted, thinking: Dream on!

He Guanchang had to laugh it off and change the subject.

"Uncle Chang, give me a definite answer! You can't keep delaying until mid-month, right?" Wu Cheng sighed, "If it doesn't work out, I'll have to ask Sir Shao for help!"

"Don't worry! We'll follow up on it!" Hearing this, He Guanchang immediately gave an answer, thinking: We really need to follow up. This kid is clearly planning to change partners. If Shao Liushu gets his support, not only will Golden Harvest lose a deal, but we'll also gain a powerful enemy. It's not worth it, not worth it at all!

"Thanks, Uncle Chang!" Wu Cheng smiled, seeing Zhao Yazhi accompanying Deng Lijun and Lin Qingxia, he said, "I won't disturb you, Uncle Chang. See you later!"

He walked over to the three women.

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