Chapter Eighty-Five: Cooperation

  "Haha, nice doing business with you!" Shaw Yifu said with a hearty tone after hearing Song Tang's words.

  Song Tang saw that Shao Yifu had agreed to cooperate with Datang, and he was overjoyed. He laughed and then continued: "Since Sixth Uncle has agreed at this time, it's naturally the most delightful thing. However, before that, we still need to discuss the specific matters of establishing a company."

  "Of course!"

  Although the matter was settled with the consent of Runme Shaw, after all, the cooperation between the two companies is not a trivial matter, and it involves the investment and equity of the two companies. These things need to be clarified before the cooperation. After a discussion between the two, the matter was settled. The new film company jointly established by China Film Group and Shaw Brothers is called Emperor Motion Pictures, with shares owned by both parties. China Film Group invested $150 million, holding 51% of the shares of Emperor Motion Pictures; while Shaw Brothers invested $100 million, approximately HK$800 million, holding 49% of the shares of Emperor Motion Pictures.

  This contract seems to be a bit disadvantageous for Datang Film, but Song Tang knows that Emperor Motion Picture is established in Hong Kong and has the resources of Shaw Brothers as well as their help. In the process of development, Emperor Motion Picture will save a lot of trouble, and when it develops into mainland China in the future, with the help of Shaw Brothers and Sir Run Run Shaw's reputation, everything will go smoothly. Basically, this contract is a win-win situation!

  "Haha, Sixth Uncle, it was a pleasure doing business with you!" Song Tang said with a smile after signing his name on the contract.

  "Haha, nice cooperation!" Run Run Shaw was also very happy after signing.

  "Now that things are settled, I wonder if there's a suitable candidate for the manager of Emperor Film Industry." Song Tang thought for a moment before asking.

  "Haha, isn't this easy? Niu, the one right next to you is just suitable, right? You think you can hide your little thoughts from me? When you signed the contract in front of Xiao Rui earlier, you already had this idea, didn't you?" Shaoyifu looked at Ni Rui who was standing next to Song Tang with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.

  "Hehe." Song Tang's face turned slightly red after being seen through by Shao Yifu, but Song Tang was not an ordinary person. "Since Sixth Uncle values Ni Rui so much, I'd like to let Ni Rui take over as the general manager of Emperor Film Industry. Sixth Uncle won't object, will he?"

  "Since you've said so, what else can be done? It's just that I don't know Little Rui's thoughts."

  Ni Rui apparently did not expect that Song Tang would let himself become the boss of the newly established film company, and for a moment he was stunned. However, Ni Rui had been in Hong Kong for many years and had previously served as the manager of Xin Yicheng, only to react slightly differently after a slight difference, and calmly said: "I have no problem."

  Song Tang looked at Nie Rui beside him, who was steady and calm, and nodded secretly. Although Song Tang had not heard of Nie Rui's name before, through this period of time, it seemed that Nie Rui was still capable of being the manager of Emperor Film Industry.

  "It's settled then." Shaw Yifu nodded after seeing that Ni Rui was fine, and it was as if the manager of Emperor Film Company had been confirmed.

  "Hehe, in that case, I'll leave the matter of setting up the new company to Liu Shu and Mr. Nie Rui, after all, I'm also indispensable on the American side."

  "Don't worry, boss!"

  "No problem, but Little Song, don't you think you should leave something behind before you go? After all, it's not easy for a new company to start up. I think for someone like you, writing 8 or 10 movie scripts shouldn't be difficult."

  "Ah, Sixth Uncle is joking." Song Tang was speechless for a moment after hearing what Shao Yifu said. Ten or eight, do you think this is cabbage? You think it's easy to just buy it? Ten or eight, although Song Tang can afford it, but now he doesn't have the time to bother with it. Moreover, yesterday George called and said that Steven has already started urging him to start filming a new movie. After all, previously, Song Tang had promised Steven that he would give him the script for "Schindler's List" to film, but now he still hasn't prepared the script.

  But Song Tang looked at Shaw Yifu and Ni Rui's gaze, knowing that if he didn't take out something today, it wouldn't be so easy to pass, after all, as the new company's major shareholder, the company hadn't even been established yet, but was already thinking of slipping away first, which wasn't quite right. So Song Tang reluctantly took out the script for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", which he had just finished not long ago.

  "Haha, Sixth Uncle is joking. Ten or eight, don't say I didn't have that much time, even if I did, I couldn't take it out all at once. All I have is this one martial arts script 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', which I was thinking of trying to film after returning to the US." After finishing speaking, Song Tang handed over the movie script for 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' to Run Run Shaw with a helpless expression.

  "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a martial arts film that tells the story of Li Mu Bai, a great swordsman who intends to retire from the Jianghu world. He entrusts his lover Yu Shu Lien with delivering his Green Destiny sword to Beijing as a gift for the Prince of Bo. The ancient sword has a history of four hundred years and has killed countless people, and Li Mu Bai hopes that this significant decision will demonstrate his determination to leave behind the grudges of the Jianghu world. However, on the same night, the precious sword is stolen, and Yu Shu Lien tries to stop the thief but fails as the thief escapes with the help of an accomplice. Someone sees a masked person disappearing into the residence of Governor Yu, and Yu Shu Lien also suspects that Governor Yu is involved. As the governor in charge of maintaining order in Beijing, Governor Yu has just been transferred from Xinjiang and has taken office. The Prince of Bo does not believe that Governor Yu is involved and cannot take any action to avoid affecting the overall situation.

  Yu Xiulian was secretly investigating the whereabouts of the treasure sword, and had roughly guessed that it was Miss Yu Jiaolong's momentary impulse. Yu Xiulian concealed the news from Li Mubai, who had come to the capital, and only wanted to use indirect methods to force Yu Jiaolong to return the treasure sword, so as not to hurt harmony. However, Yu Xiulian's good intentions were in vain, and when the masked man really returned the treasure sword, he inevitably clashed with Li Mubai head-on. Moreover, Li Mubai discovered the trail of the green-eyed fox who had killed his master, and at this time, Li Mubai was even more unstoppable.

  Yu Jiaolong was secretly taken in by the green-eyed fox, Biyan, as a disciple since childhood and learned the superior martial arts of the Wudang Sect from secret books. She had already surpassed her peers at a young age. During her time in Xinjiang, Yu Jiaolong fell in love with Luo Xiaohu, also known as "Half Sky Cloud", without her father's knowledge. Now in Beijing, her father wants to arrange her marriage again, but Yu Jiaolong impulsively runs out of the house and sets out on a journey through Jianghu.

  Yu Jiaolong, with a heart full of sorrow and no outlet for her emotions, was arrogant and domineering in the Jianghu. Yu Xiulian and Li Mubai cherished Yu Jiaolong's talent but found it difficult to guide her, and their efforts were always in vain. In the final confrontation with Biyan Hu Li, Li Mubai died from poisoning after saving Yu Jiaolong. Under Yu Xiulian's guidance, Yu Jiaolong arrived at Wudang Mountain but was unable to face Luo Xiaohu. After a night of intimacy with Luo Xiaohu, she threw herself into the abyss.

  "Martial arts is a traditional part of Chinese culture, with a long history and rich cultural heritage. However, it was people like Liang Yusheng, Jin Yong, Gu Long, Bruce Lee, etc., who first created a clear and specific image of martial arts for us. They turned martial arts into a popular culture that has deeply entered the hearts of the people. On the other hand, they were too successful, leaving behind an unattainable height for later generations. The way of depicting martial arts stories has been basically set in stone, and its aesthetic taste has also taken root in the minds of the masses. Following the rules can only lead to continued survival, but seeking innovation is difficult to find a breakthrough point. This is exactly why I wanted to film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in the first place."

  "As for the final effect of the film after its release, I don't know either. If Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were to be released in Europe and America, I think there wouldn't be the problems I mentioned earlier. However, if it's to be released in Hong Kong and mainland China, then I think Sixth Uncle will have to put more thought into choosing the actors and action directors."

  “。。。”

  Run Run Shaw listened to Song Tong's introduction of the film while carefully savoring the film handed over by Song Tong. If we don't consider other factors and just talk about the film itself, this film is indeed a classic. However, as Song Tong said, martial arts have formed a culture in Hong Kong and mainland China, a fixed way of thinking. When people mention martial arts, they unconsciously think of Jin Yong, Gu Long, etc. As for the final effect, it depends on how the film is shot.

  "Haha, Little Song is indeed worthy of the title of genius director. No matter what film it is, as long as it comes from your hands, it becomes a classic. It's a very good script, I believe 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' will definitely be successful." After reading the script, Run Run Shaw handed it to Nie Rui beside him. As for Song Tang's concerns earlier, Run Run Shaw didn't think much of them in his heart. After all, investing is always risky. Run Run Shaw believed that 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' would not only be a classic script but also a classic film.

  "Sixth Uncle smiled..."

  "It's good for young people to be humble, but they can't be overly humble. 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' is indeed very good. Ah Fat, I think you should play the male lead in this film." Just then, Run Shaw said to someone standing behind him.

  "Yes, Sixth Uncle!"

  It wasn't until then that Song Tang discovered the middle-aged man who had been standing behind Shao Yifu all along was so familiar, and so he asked with some doubt: "Sixth Uncle, is this really Chow Yun-fat? Brother Fat!"

  "Hehe, no problem, I think if 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' lets Jet Li play the male lead, it's definitely okay." Shaw Yifu asked with a smile.

  "No wonder I felt so familiar, it turned out to be Chow Yun-fat, if Chow Yun-fat were to play 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', that would be the most suitable choice, great job!" Song Tang heard Szeto Yiu-fai's affirmative response and made a face of "no wonder", then smiled and shook hands with Chow Yun-fat.

  Chow Yun-fat first appeared in film in 1976, but it was not until the television series "The Bund" and "Shanghai Beach" that his talent began to emerge. During this period, Chow starred in a number of classic TV series such as "Family", "Netizen", and "Fire Phoenix", gradually becoming well-known and earning him the title of ATV's First Young Actor. However, Chow's career did not take off until the 1980s with the film "An Autumn's Tale" being his first major success, followed by the TV series "The Bund" which made him a household name in the Chinese-speaking world, with the character of Hui Man-keung becoming synonymous with the actor. Subsequent films starring Chow such as "A Better Tomorrow", "God of Gamblers", and the "Hard Boiled" series are considered classics.

  Chow Yun-fat almost single-handedly defined the Hong Kong film industry's golden age in the 1980s, and created a multitude of iconic characters: Ah Tat, Little Horse, God of Gamblers, etc. His impeccable acting skills earned him the nickname "Acting God" in Hong Kong. He is a cinematic giant in the Greater China region, with immense influence among global Chinese communities.

  "Hello, Mr. Song!"

  “。。。”

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