Chapter 124: Encountering an opponent
In April 1994, China's first 4K international dedicated line was connected to the Internet. Theoretically, from that day on, China entered the Internet age.

But at that time, Telecom's ADSL installation fee was as high as several thousand yuan.

Even in 95, the cost of playing in an Internet cafe for one hour was more than 40 yuan.

In the same year, Stephen Chow's "A Chinese Odyssey" was released, but it performed poorly at the box office.

In 01, when Stephen Chow went to Peking University to give a speech and promote "Shaolin Soccer", the auditorium was packed with more than 3000 people!

In fact, it was not until then that China's Internet age truly arrived.

It was only after the discovery of China's first generation of highly educated netizens that "A Chinese Odyssey" became completely popular again and became a classic.

The first part of the "Chinese Paladin" game was also released in 95, but it did not become popular in mainland China until the game was launched on WINDOWS in 97 and the remastered version in 01.

From 95 to 01, the fates of "A Chinese Odyssey" and "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" in mainland China were very similar, and both were fond memories deep in the memory of the first generation of netizens.

In his previous life, when he was young, Zhang Yuan once stood behind his cousin and watched him bravely break into the Demon Locking Tower and fight and kill the Moon Worshiping Sect Leader.

At that time, he found it exciting just to watch people play.

At that time, he didn't understand what love was.

He couldn't understand "A Chinese Odyssey" or "The Legend of Sword and Fairy".

Just like Zhao Decai who was standing behind him at this moment, he didn't understand what the fun was in these little people on the screen?

There are no interesting women with big breasts, big buttocks, who are slutty and bitchy.

After going through so many hardships and two lives, Zhang Yuan only wants to say...

Zhao Decai is right.

"Game?" Fatty Zhao was confused: "What does this have to do with us?"

Zhang Yuan saved a file, went to the coffee table with him, opened a bottle of whiskey, and poured each a glass.

"Boss Zhao, you look so radiant, you must have made a lot of money recently."

"Hahahaha, it's all thanks to you!" Upon mentioning this, Zhao Decai happily drank a full glass of liquor.

"Conquer" is a hit!
When buying this film, Zhao Decai was just thinking that at least he could have a decent investment work.

To be honest, I don’t have high expectations for grades or making money.

But now the film has defeated Big Beard's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" on Jinling TV, and has become famous overnight. TV stations are coming one after another to discuss purchasing intentions.

Not to mention the TV stations, the DVD discs alone have sold over 10 copies.

Zhao Decai made at least double the money from this business which cost 500 million yuan.

So as soon as Zhang Yuan called him, he hurried back, treating him as the God of Wealth.

Although like in his previous life, Fatty Zhao has started to get involved in the construction industry.

But unlike his previous life, with the introduction of Zhang Yuan, he achieved great success in film and television investment, and naturally wanted to press on.

"Mr. Zhao, actually, for TV dramas and movies, besides professional screenwriters writing scripts, there is another way, which is adaptation." Zhang Yuan first mentioned something that would make the other party happy in order to gain his trust.

"For example, the Four Great Classics, the TV series are all adaptations of novels."

Zhao Decai nodded quickly, he understood what was said.

"A few years ago, Zhang EMO had a movie called "To Live". Did you know that?"

Fatty Zhao shook his head vigorously, and the fat on his cheeks trembled.

"It's normal that you haven't seen it. This movie has been banned." Zhang Yuan felt helpless.

Speaking of which, Zhang Yimou actually wanted to shoot "A Mistake by the River" at the beginning. He had already written the script and went to talk to the original author Yu Hua.

At this time, Yu Hua suddenly took out a new novel that he had just finalized, which was "To Live".

This novel had not been published at that time. It was completely new and was handed to Zhang Yimou while it was still hot.

Lao Zhang didn't take it seriously at first, but with the professional attitude that in order to film a story, one must have a deep understanding of the original author, so he accepted the work.

But once I opened it, I couldn't stop.

I talked to Yu Hua as much as I could for three whole days, but he never mentioned "The Mistake by the River" at all. We only talked about "To Live".

As they were chatting, Zhang Yimou simply pushed the script forward.

Why am I filming "A Mistake by the River"? I should just film "To Live"!
And just like that, by chance, the filming of "To Live" began.

As for the actors, Zhang Yimou brought in two great actors, Ge You and Gong Li, in addition to Guo Tao, Liu Tianchi, Jiang Wu, Ni Dahong and veteran actor Niu Ben.

In addition to the original author Yu Hua, the screenwriter also invited the great writer Lu Wei, who had produced "Farewell My Concubine", "The Emperor's Ode to Qin", and the later masterpiece "The Investiture of the Gods: Chaoge Fengyun".

Zhang Yimou searched through all his resources and put together the top cast at the time to make this film a success.

As expected, he lived up to expectations and won the 47th Cannes Jury Grand Prix and the Best Actor Award.

Following the Berlin Golden Bear for "Red Sorghum" and the Venice Silver Lion for "Raise the Red Lantern", "To Live" has allowed Zhang Yimou to collect all the trophies of the world's three major international film awards.

Indeed, this film was banned in China because of its subject matter and content, and even Yu Hua's novel was banned along with it.

But as times change, movies have been unblocked and novels have been unblocked as well.

"To Live" became Zhang Yimou's highest-rated work on Douban, and the only one to exceed 9 points.

Before Zhang Yuan was hit by a dump truck in his previous life, the novel had sold more than 2000 million copies, and these were the number of genuine copies. There were countless pirated copies.

Yu Hua earned over 100 million yuan in royalties from this book alone.

Even he himself joked: I live by relying on "To Live".

Zhao Decai was overwhelmed with emotion as he listened to the achievements of this work.

"So awesome!"

Zhang Yuan wanted to tell him through "To Live" that he could become famous by adapting works.

"Last year there was a Hollywood blockbuster called Resident Evil. Have you seen it?"

"I've seen it, the special effects are good, but the female lead is average."

Zhang Yuan nodded, that’s right.

Although the heroine Milla Jovovich is a Ukrainian beauty, she was born as a model and has two big bulges on her chest, which naturally does not conform to Zhao Pangzi's aesthetic.

"This film cost 3300 million U.S. dollars to make, and the final box office was over million U.S. dollars."

"It has tripled. Do you think this profit is appropriate?"

"Of course it would be appropriate."

"This movie is adapted from the game." Zhang Yuan said steadily.

"Oh..." Fatty Zhao finally reacted.

Zhang Yuan specifically cited two examples of adaptation.

One gained fame, the other gained profit.

Isn't it just for fame and fortune that people all over the world are running around?

"Didn't I ask you to help me with the formalities for going to Taiwan before? It was just for this game." Zhang Yuan explained in detail.

"You are here for work. I thought you wanted to experience Taiwanese girls." Zhao Decai scratched his head.

Can we not think about the worst side of everything... Zhang Yuan sighed helplessly, and then thought of the gorgeous Alyssa Chia.

It’s not impossible…

"Although the total sales of the legitimate version of this game is only 80 copies, the number of pirated copies is probably in the hundreds or even tens of millions."

“There is a very good audience base among the younger demographic.”

Zhao Decai doesn't understand games.

But as a coal boss and a construction company owner, he has one great advantage, which is that he knows professional matters and leaves them to professionals.

Never meddle in things you don't understand.

After all, although most of the bosses in these two industries do not have high educational qualifications, they understand that blind commands given by laymen in mines and construction sites can cost lives!

“Is it really that good?”

“Did you think highly of Conquest at that time?”

"Too……"

Zhao Decai thought about it and it made sense. "My plan is to represent the company and go to Taiwan to negotiate with them about the copyright of the game adaptation."

"I'll take care of it, what do you think?"

Zhang Yuan laid out his plan in detail and stated that he would take full responsibility, so Fatty Zhao didn't need to worry about anything.

By now, the two of them had already drunk more than half a bottle of whiskey. Zhao Decai's cheeks were flushed, and after being "persuaded" by him, he also felt that this matter was reliable.

In addition, he has made a lot of money recently thanks to the movie "Conquer" recommended by Zhang Yuan.

This man slammed the table.

"Done!"

Coal bosses are different, they never ask about the price.

"Mr. Zhao, do you remember the bet we made during the World Cup last year?" Zhang Yuan drank another glass with him, then turned the glass upside down and weighed it. A few drops of dark golden liquid fell on the black coffee table.

"Remember, I lost four million from you, and I haven't cashed it out yet." Fatty Zhao burped, "Didn't you say there was a chance to use it as an investment?"

"Yes, I want to use the bet I made last time on this trip to Taiwan."

Fatty Zhao was stunned for a moment, then he stood up from the sofa and stared at him for a long time.

"You think this game is so good?"

"Yes." Zhang Yuan's eyes were firm.

"Well, when you come back victorious, we'll celebrate together!" It was not until this moment that Zhao Decai finally took this computer game that he knew nothing about seriously.

Speed ​​is of the essence in war, so Zhang Yuan went to the imperial capital airport early the next morning, preparing to fly to Taiwan that day to start negotiations.

Before leaving Zhao Pang's company yesterday, Zhang Yuan reminded him that this matter was of no trivial matter and that the funds that needed to be mobilized might reach tens of millions, so he asked him to be mentally prepared in advance.

The coal boss didn't take it seriously at all. He waved his hand, indicating that the money was just a drop in the bucket.

After the security check, Zhang Yuan found that it was much stricter than before.

Speaking of which, he also contributed to this.

Just like before, when he arrived at the departure area, a staff member immediately came forward to greet him, took him to the VIP area, and upgraded him to a free cabin.

It is said that China is a society based on personal relationships.

If you have connections and relationships, you can feel comfortable wherever you go.

There were not many people in the VIP lounge of this flight. It was very troublesome to go to Taiwan in those days, and the procedures were complicated. Travel between the two sides of the strait was not as common as it is in later generations.

He was able to pass the visa successfully only by using the name of Fatty Zhao's company to get a "business visa".

After getting some fruit drinks, Zhang Yuan found a table and sat down to rest.

Looking around, I saw that everyone was dressed either rich or noble.

"Luckily, I also prepared a suit in advance."

It's true, with his physique and appearance, he really looks like a rich kid in a suit.

After all, in "The Story of a Noble Family", he played the role of a rich second-generation, and he could perfectly grasp this kind of elegant temperament.

Not far away, sitting on a sofa was a young woman wearing sunglasses. She was dressed in black, her hair was neatly combed, and her calmness revealed a hint of sophistication.

She was reading a magazine boredly. After Zhang Yuan sat down, she glanced at him casually out of the corner of her eye.

After a few seconds, she raised her head and pulled her sunglasses down slightly, revealing a fair oval face.

"Hello."

Zhang Yuan was enjoying free meals from Air China. When he heard someone calling him, he wiped his mouth and turned away.

"Hello... um?" Zhang Yuan asked puzzledly.

The one who called him was the young woman sitting on the sofa next to him.

What puzzled him was not the strange woman who greeted him.

But this strange woman looked a little familiar.

"You are Zhang Yuan, right?"

"It's me. Who are you?" The other person gave his name. He quickly stood up, stretched out his arm and made a gesture to shake hands.

Only then did he completely take off his sunglasses, twist his body, and slowly stand up.

"Nice to meet you. I've seen your plays and heard your stories."

It was also at this moment that Zhang Yuan saw the other person's entire face clearly, and then he suddenly realized.

She has willow-shaped eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a small and straight nose, a pair of lips of moderate thickness, and a round and rich oval face.

If compared with the stunning female stars, this appearance is naturally much worse.

But with makeup and her noble temperament, she is considered to be one of the most beautiful women among ordinary people.

"Mr. Cai, nice to meet you." Zhang Yuan put on an extremely kind smile.

This person is none other than the famous Cai Yinong, the boss of Tianjin Tangren Film and Television!

"Do you recognize me?" Boss Cai opened his eyes slightly, a little surprised.

"You're in the entertainment industry, who doesn't know you?"

“Hehehe…” Boss Cai chuckled and shook hands with him, and then the two of them sat down.

At this time, Tangren Film and Television has already launched many popular works such as "The Twins of Red Dust", "Legend of Heaven and Earth", and "The Book and the Sword".

Although it was not as prosperous as in later generations, it already had the signs of becoming a top company.

Zhang Yuan's words were a bit exaggerated, but the other party benefited from them.

Everyone is carrying the sedan chair.

As for how Cai Yinong recognized Zhang Yuan, we have to talk about it from two sides.

"Conquer" was a huge hit, not only defeating Big Beard's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", but also suppressing Boss Cai's "Drunken Master".

For this TV series, she invited big names from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to star in it, such as Zha Zha Hui, Anita Yuen, Sun Li, and Ng Man-tat, but the ratings during the same period were less than half of "Conquer".

As a boss, she, like Big Beard, of course, also likes to study other works, and naturally noticed Zhang Yuan, who didn't have many roles but was still quite outstanding.

On the other hand, we have to say that our friend brother is on the right track.

Because of the 99 hit "The Twins", Su Youpeng and Cai Yinong have a very good relationship and he specifically mentioned Zhang Yuan at a private dinner.

Lin Zhiying, who also starred in "The Twins", is far less enthusiastic than Tiger.

In addition, he was a journalist by profession, and his eyesight and perception were honed to be different from ordinary people at work, so he was recognized at a glance.

"You are even more handsome in person than in the TV series." Cai Yinong praised with a smile.

"It is rumored that the boss of Jinmen Tangren is a peerless beauty. Seeing is believing."

"Fortunately, you are a boss now. If you came to the entertainment industry, those female stars would lose their jobs." Zhang Yuan was not to be outdone.

“Hehehe…” Boss Cai covered his mouth and chuckled.

"By the way, are you going to Taiwan to discuss business?" Zhang Yuan asked casually, seemingly unintentionally.

"Yes, what about you?"

"I'm going on a trip and meeting a friend." Zhang Yuan didn't tell the truth.

"Why are you dressed like this to meet a friend?" Boss Cai looked him up and down. Who are you going to meet in your neatly dressed suit?

"Female friends."

"Oh, I got it."

The two chatted for a while, and Zhang Yuan got up and left, using the excuse of going to the bathroom.

His amiable expression disappeared the moment he turned around.

His expression was serious, his brows were furrowed, and even his face turned several shades paler.

"Cai Yinong went to Taiwan to discuss business at this time..."

Zhang Yuan's heart was filled with alarm.

"It seems that I'm not the only one who has set his sights on The Chinese Paladin..."

(End of this chapter)