Chapter 54

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The next morning, Lin Qingxia found herself waking up in Wu Cheng's arms, a result that almost startled her. Although her relationship with Wu Cheng had progressed further last night, she didn't want to go that far so quickly. In her view, such matters should be very sacred.

Wu Cheng reached out and tapped her nose, smiling, "What are you nervous about? I know you're not mentally prepared yet, and neither am I."

"You still need to prepare?" Lin Qingxia glared at him reproachfully.

Wu Cheng cleared his throat and joked, "I'm still young, you know."

Lin Qingxia was momentarily stunned, and it took her a while to realize what Wu Cheng meant.

She burst out laughing, then laughed heartily.

At that moment, a knock came from the door, followed by Deng Lijun's slightly jealous voice, "Hey, you two in there, that's enough. The sun is already up, and you're still not up?"

Lin Qingxia glared at Wu Cheng reproachfully and then got up.

After they went out, Deng Lijun's eyes scanned Lin Qingxia's body, making her feel extremely embarrassed. Finally, she said, "Sister Jun, stop looking, we didn't do anything."

Deng Lijun cleared her throat and changed the subject, "Why were you laughing so much just now?"

Hearing this, Lin Qingxia couldn't help but giggle again, and eventually, she bent over, holding her stomach and laughing, "Oh, I can't take it, I'm going to laugh to death."

Deng Lijun was puzzled, and Zhao Yazhi poked her head out of the kitchen, looking at them curiously, and asked Deng Lijun, "What's wrong with Xia?"

Deng Lijun shrugged and spread her hands, showing a look of "I have no idea."

Lin Qingxia, still laughing, recounted the scene when she woke up to them. As a result, the two of them couldn't help but laugh as well. When they looked at Lin Qingxia again, their expressions were much more relaxed.

During the meal, Zhao Yazhi mentioned to Deng Lijun and Lin Qingxia about Wu Cheng's idea to establish an Angel Charity Foundation, asking for their thoughts.

The two women felt that they wouldn't accept the one million, but using it for charity was a good idea. However, as Zhao Yazhi said, they indeed didn't have the time.

Wu Cheng suggested that they just lend their names and occasionally show up to boost their reputation. If they were asked to do more, it would be too much to ask of them.

The two women naturally had no objections and entrusted Zhao Yazhi to handle everything.

After that, they spent two more days with Wu Cheng in Hong Kong before saying goodbye again.

Wu Cheng and Zhao Yazhi returned to their usual state.

Of course, not long after the two women left, a charity foundation called the Angel Foundation was established in Hong Kong, specifically to help underprivileged children and orphans.

The day after Deng Lijun and Lin Qingxia left Hong Kong, He Jiaju found a secretary for Wu Cheng.

Wu Cheng didn't have much impression of this 21-year-old woman named Wang Wenxi, except that her name sounded familiar.

Wu Cheng guessed that she was someone who worked behind the scenes, which is why her name sounded familiar, but he had no memory of her. He didn't bother to search for her information in his memory tree. After personally testing her, he let her temporarily serve as his secretary.

As for loyalty, it was too early to say. If she was useful, he would continue to use her; if not, he would replace her. Hong Kong was never short of talent.

In early April, the "Zajia Xiazi" crew was in the later stages of filming, and Wu Cheng finally began to form the "Drunken Fist" crew. Preparations had been ongoing, from costumes and props to locations and actors, until the end of March when Chen Jianxun had everything ready. Of course, with the company's new employees, some time was needed for them to gel.

Additionally, Sheng Long was practicing the Drunken Fist, as he was the core of the film. If he didn't master it, the shooting would be fraught with problems.

The action director was still Yuan Heping, also known as Yuan Baba. Wu Cheng personally invited him to be the action director and executive deputy director, promising that if "Drunken Fist" was successful, he would direct "Drunken Fist 2." Not only did he invite the Yuan family troupe, but he also brought in Yuan Xiaotian, the actor who played Su Huazi in the original film.

Most of the cast had changed, such as the lead actress becoming Zhao Yazhi, and the main antagonist changing from the Korean action actor to Yuan Hua.

Yuan Hua was originally one of the main characters in "Zajia Xiazi," but since that film was almost finished and there were no more scenes for him, he came to "Drunken Fist" to help.

The original film's plot for the female lead was too weak, so Wu Cheng made some adjustments. Additionally, the original film's scenes were too simple and crude, so Wu Cheng planned to enhance them.

If Huang Qiyi didn't open the Baozhi Lin, would he still be Huang Qiyi? And if he did open it, a better location was necessary. These locations were easily found at Shaw Brothers Studio, and renting a set from them was straightforward as long as the payment was made.

Of course, whether Shaw Da was being nice was another matter.

Besides opening the Baozhi Lin, Huang Qiyi also took on a few disciples, a plot that could be adapted from the original film. This plot mainly added some comedic elements.

The biggest changes in the film, besides the larger and more bustling scenes, were to the female lead. The cousin in the original film was changed to the Thirteenth Aunt.

As for Sheng Long's hairstyle, Wu Cheng didn't have any major changes in mind, as shaving Sheng Long's head would be too jarring.

So, this aspect remained unchanged, although it still looked a bit odd.

On Saturday, the "Drunken Fist" production held a ceremony at the Shaw Brothers Studio, with the main cast and many journalists in attendance. Wu Cheng spotted Lin Xiaoxin from the Urban Entertainment News among the reporters.

After the ceremony, many reporters surrounded the main cast.

Wu Cheng protected Zhao Yazhi and led her to a prepared podium, shouting, "Ladies and gentlemen of the press, please be quiet. We have prepared for the interview session. Please maintain order, or I will have security remove you."

Once the venue was calm, Wu Cheng began introducing the main cast.

As soon as he finished, many reporters started to get noisy.

"Mr. Wu, at your young age, are you sure you can direct this film?"

"Mr. Wu, what makes you so confident? Can I consider it arrogance?"

"Mr. Wu, aren't you afraid of failing?"

"Mr. Wu, what makes you so arrogant and presumptuous to think you can direct a film at your age?"

"Mr. Wu, do you think there are no other directors in Hong Kong?"

The reporters' questions all pointed to Wu Cheng's age and experience.

Everyone looked at Wu Cheng with concern, wondering if inviting these reporters was a mistake. This was just asking for trouble. They could have quietly started filming without this fuss, but now the venue was in chaos. What should they do?

"Shut up!"

Wu Cheng roared, slamming the table, and glaring at everyone. Everyone felt a buzzing in their heads, as if a thunderclap had exploded in their ears.

Everyone was stunned, not expecting Wu Cheng to lose his temper.

On the side, Grandpa Tian, who had been sitting calmly, opened his eyes wide in surprise, looking at Wu Cheng with a hint of surprise.

The reporters were initially stunned, but then, like they had been injected with adrenaline, they prepared to seize this rare opportunity to bombard Wu Cheng with questions.

However, Wu Cheng didn't give them the chance, shouting, "Please maintain order. Ask your questions one by one. If you continue to be noisy, you will be removed."

Faced with Wu Cheng's fierce gaze, many reporters quieted down, but some still protested, "We have the right to interview. Why can't we ask questions?"

Wu Cheng pointed at one of them and said, "Security, remove this person. I don't want to see him in any venue. If anyone wants to leave, they can do so now. If not, follow my rules. If you continue to be noisy, don't blame me for being harsh."

No one expected Wu Cheng to be so fierce, and they were all taken aback.

Once the reporter was removed, everyone quieted down.

Wu Cheng then said, "Much better. Let's start. The lady over there, you first. Yes, I mean you, but only one question per person."

Lin Xiaoxin from the Urban Entertainment News, seeing Wu Cheng point at her, jumped up excitedly and then composed herself, saying, "Mr. Wu, what gives you the confidence to direct a film at such a young age? I believe this is a question many of us here are curious about. Could you share your creative motivation?"

Wu Cheng's lips curled slightly, thinking this woman was quite clever, managing to hide several questions in one.

But since she was on his side, he could forgive her.

Wu Cheng paused and said, "The idea for 'Drunken Fist' came from a friend's gathering. Our lead actor, Long, was quite drunk, and he walked unsteadily. We were worried he would fall, but he didn't. Long has a martial arts background, which reminded me of the Chinese martial art 'Drunken Eight Immortals.' Thus, the idea for 'Drunken Fist' was born."

He paused and continued, "As for the fear of failure, I've never thought about it. In my dictionary, there's no such thing as being afraid of losing. I'm young, and I have the capital to lose. What I fear is not having the opportunity. If I fall, I'll get back up. There's nothing to be afraid of. The young people in Hong Kong should learn from me. If you want to fight, go for it. Only by fighting can you win."

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