Drunken Master

Zhuang Xiao didn't call back immediately to ask Pei Yan, what are you doing in Los Angeles this time?

He couldn't ask.Which film Mr. Pei came to audition for and which production team to contact, that is Pei Yan's own business, can others control it?

I met with the producer and screenwriter in a hotel in the city, and chatted about some scenes in a lukewarm manner, and strung together a series of plot lines. "Knights of Distant Stars", as a major production of Fox Radio, has maintained a strong ratings and popularity over the years. The number of episodes is moving towards the length of the foot wrap. The production of the fifth season is about to begin.

The producer said with a smile on his face, Mr. Zhuang, we have worked together for so many years, as long as your role is still there and you are still loved by the audience, the screenwriter will not have a brain to write this role, we hope to be able to work with you Continue to cooperate, please continue to act.

Continued cooperation?It's not that simple.

Producers and screenwriters leave.The rest is to negotiate the details of the contract with the professional agent of the Hollywood company.The one sitting on the sofa opposite Zhuang Xiao was Billy Cao from last time.

On the set of Los Angeles, we made connections and brokered Chinese actors. There were only a few acquaintances who came and went, and today it was Mr. Cao again.

Cao Billy was wearing a smart suit, with a layer of hidden pattern on his trousers, following the yuppie route.Knowing that Zhuang Xiao is addicted to cigarettes, Cao Billy respectfully gave Zhuang Xiao a cigar first, then smiled and sat across from him, shaking Erlang's legs lightly.

"The outline of the script for the fifth season has been finalized, and the number of episodes is still ten in total. We are familiar with the road, and Mr. Zhuang is also a straightforward person, so there is no need to say more. It is just about the salary. I need to explain to you that the market for TV dramas is shrinking now. , The TV stations are all losing money, and the production company is very difficult to do business. This drama is determined to continue filming, and cost reduction is an inevitable thing." Billy Cao said leisurely.

With more experience in this routine, Zhuang Xiao was already mentally prepared: "Let's talk, how about compression?"

Compress who?me?

Cao Billy's muscles trembled slightly with a smile, and he said, "Old cooperation, I hope Mr. Zhuang can help the production company overcome this difficulty and let the series continue to be filmed. Ten episodes, 800 million (US dollars), do you think this will work?"

Zhuang Xiao didn't even frown: "Ten episodes, a total of 800 million?"

Cao Billy looked slightly: "Yes."

Zhuang Xiao stared at Billy Cao: "From the fourth season to the fifth season, you cut my salary in half."

"Oh, Mr. Zhuang, it's not that I cut you in half. I'm here to handle the contract. I'm not paying the money." Cao Billy reversed his crossed leg and smoked his cigar.

"Just give half of the pay," Zhuang Xiao sneered, "Can I only go to half of the person, and just bring a pair of fists to the set, and don't need to bring my legs?"

Cao Billy waved his hand and smiled: "Oh, Mr. Zhuang..."

Zhuang Xiao said coldly: "I thought you guys were going to tell me that the salary for one episode is 800 million."

Cao Billy said regretfully: "In the current market, this is really impossible. This is indeed the amount the company can pay, please forgive me."

"How is it impossible?" Zhuang Xiao asked, "I'm in the third place, right? How much is an episode of the starring role, and how much does Jason Banner get for each episode?"

Cao Billy said: "He is the lead actor..."

Zhuang Xiaodao: "There is not much difference in the roles, they are all fixed lineups that can't be killed every season. He took away 1000 million in one episode. Did you tell me to reduce the cost?!"

Billy Cao widened his eyes: "What kind of celebrity is Jason Banner in Hollywood? He is indeed a big name. He has a producer and a box office share, so the money he gets is different! Mr. Zhuang, if you argue with me about this, then I will pick it for you I can't afford your coffee seat without money!"

Zhuang Xiao's eyelids burst into a slight red light: "Mr. Cao, what do you mean, I'm worth 800 million for these ten episodes? The film crew really thinks this is appropriate?"

"Whether it's suitable or not, there's only so much money. The economic situation is not good, so there's no money to share." Billy Cao blinked his tanned golden-brown eyelids. .”

"There are too many people who can act." Zhuang Xiao raised his leg, his face was very cold, "You find someone else to act."

"Mr. Zhuang, we still have something to talk about. Don't do this!" Billy Cao's expression froze, "Otherwise, I would really have to find a spare next one. Why did you bother to come here?"

"Go find it!!"

Zhuang Xiao got up suddenly and stared at Cao Billy opposite...

Zhuang Xiao seldom gets angry and argues with others because of the word "money".

It's so boring, he doesn't like to argue about it.

A big drama has been filmed for four seasons, so I'm here to get familiar with it.Are you still shooting?If you shoot, I will cut you half of the money.

Over the past few years, prices have risen, housing prices, property taxes, and consumption taxes have all increased, gasoline in California has risen from three dollars a gallon to four dollars, and milk and eggs in supermarkets have doubled to the sky... What you earn is hard money and sweat Money, the remuneration I deserve, you and I use this shameless way to lower the price?

Jason Banner is a very good friend of Zhuang Xiao, and they have filmed TV series together for several years, buddy.He didn't have a problem with how much the old Jason Jason got paid, but the film crew was too bullying when they saw people ordering food.

"Mr. Zhuang, it's boring to do this. Anyway, the screenwriter didn't intend to cut your role. You have always been one of the iron triangle on the poster. The film studio treated you badly? Now there are a few Chinese guys who can play the leading role here. ?” Billy Cao said.

"I'll act. Is it because you don't like it?" Zhuang Xiao stared at the person opposite.

"Accept the market, you say why Jason can get 1000 million episodes, because those people have the final say in Hollywood, and the audience's mainstream aesthetics recognizes white protagonists! White people!! ...... Whoever names the name must watch pornography Skin? How much profit can you make back for the investors? No matter how beautiful we play, the audience won’t recognize you?!...Be more realistic when talking about business!” Cao Billy spread his hands, gesticulating, speaking fast, with excellent articulation .

Is this wrong?That's right, it's realistic.Chinese martial arts actors were recruited into this circle and signed contracts with various brokerage companies, just to set off the signature bosses signed by each company and become big green leaves.Everything is to make those white stars more handsome and beautiful. The fundamental purpose is not to make you Chinese people stand out here and make money.

"I want to compete for a high salary, Mr. Zhuang, look at you, you didn't even want to change your name at the beginning, your surname is this, and your name is this, how do you compete with people whose surnames are Johnson, Jordan, and Lagfield? Look at Pei That boy Yan is so shrewd. When he comes here, he should first choose an English name and follow the Romans, so he will have more opportunities for media reports and exposure, and mainstream society will recognize this!" Billy Cao has shrewd eyes and speaks clearly.

This is also the first time he has blurted out the name of "Pei Yan" today. He has obviously contacted him, and the list of candidates has been lingering in his mind for a long time.

"Cao Jingyang, why didn't you even change your surname? Where does your house open, and where is your ancestor's grave buried?" Zhuang Xiao looked at the other party coldly, "Why haven't you changed this skin yet?!"

"..."

Billy Cao was called by his real name.

Speaking of which, the two of them are also fellow villagers, they both came out together, and it is not easy to work hard in a foreign country.

Cao Billy still didn't know which sentence he had angered Zhuang Xiao.His face turned red suddenly: "Others get ten, but you are like Zhang Wang, Li Zhao, and you don't want to change your surname, so you can only get one. How can I help you negotiate the price? You can't act, there are many people vying for it." Hurry to come and perform!"

Zhuang Xiao replied: "You can play whoever you like!"

Cao Billy is a contract agent, and the producer originally didn't intend to replace one of the leading actors, but just took the opportunity to lower the price to save money on the grounds that the market was bleak and the production funds were insufficient.Cao Billy saw that the situation was not good, the negotiation was about to collapse, and he became anxious again, his expression changed again, and he jumped up from the sofa: "Mr. Zhuang! Mr. Zhuang, let's think about this matter calmly...you have acted It's been three seasons, and this is also a signature character image of your acting career..."

Zhuang Xiao sneered and said, "I think Tony is enough. If you let him go, at least he still has one-eighth of Asian blood."

Tony Axas's one-eighth Asian descent is not Chinese, but Korean.

Cao Billy gritted his teeth secretly, and muttered: "Yes, Korean actors are the most popular now, and their remuneration has also risen. They are amazing. Koreans can still create a few famous clothing brands and cosmetic brands in this place. , What can the Chinese do in Chinatown? You can only open restaurants in Chinatown! With this image and starring roles, the movie's compulsion is gone!"

There's no need to listen any more, Zhuang Xiao turned around and strode away: "Go find that 'one-eighth' or whoever you like, I won't act anymore."

Negotiations really fell apart.

Cao Billy was also anxious and annoyed, he was blind this time and couldn't explain to the film crew.

He was wrong, and he didn't know who he was.Zhuang Xiao usually has a really good temper, he never gets angry easily, he is calm and personable.He thought that this person could manipulate and lower the price at will, and convincing Zhuang Xiao was as easy as fooling Pei Yan last time. As a pure businessman and broker, he could still make a profit from the agency price difference, which is a great thing.

He thought Zhuang Xiao wouldn't get angry, so why did he get provoked today?

Zhuang Xiao conveniently crushed the cigar between his fingers into fine powdered fly ash without any hesitation.

Cao Billy slapped himself hard behind Zhuang Xiao's back where he couldn't see, and his eyes were red.

It's not easy for him, is he willing to change his name?If you crawl around without changing your name and surname, no one will reward you for this meal. He himself just got out of serving dishes in a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Would he be willing to go back again?

"Mr. Zhuang, come back, let's talk again! Let me ask the producer if he would like to raise another 10%..."

Cao Billy shouted.

Zhuang Xiao didn't look back.

Cao Billy threw his demeanor on the ground when his face turned pale in a hurry, and cursed in a low voice: "Zhuang Xiao, I know why you can't go back to the mainland, who doesn't know? Your father owes a bad debt, your family and the Hundred Ghosts , Jiahuang’s contract war has not yet finished the lawsuit, how dare you go back! Jiahuang is now advocating Pei Yan, but the backstage is hard, and every minute will make you go to the northwest wind, you don’t act this What else can you do in a drama?! It’s useless for you to go back to China to find Jiahuang’s big boss to climb the bed..."

Before the words were finished, a solid wooden stool from the hotel cafe flew over.

At that time, Cao Billy let out an "Aww", hugged the number one, and folded over the back of the sofa when he leaned back, and fell to the floor, his fleeing posture was extremely embarrassing and ridiculous.

For a while, he showed his prestige, he was really afraid that Zhuang Xiao would be angry, and he would be able to kill him with three punches and two kicks.

The stool was thrown against the wall, and the muscles and bones burst and shattered.

Zhuang Xiao's eyes were dark red, and there was blood in his eyes and lips.

The violent factor in the flesh and blood has been endured for many years, and the temper was lightened and tempered, but today it broke out in front of Cao...

It is very tasteless and has no martial arts to fight with a fool who has no power to restrain a chicken.It was impossible for Zhuang Xiao to really hit someone, so he turned and left.

The roaring viscous thing in the blood was not easy to suppress.He has suppressed many things for too long and never wants to reveal them. The scars on the surface of the physical body, such as the centipede-like white scars on the palm of his right hand, are nothing. The scars left on his heart are always the deepest...

Cao Billy broke Zhuang Xiao's contract, and he had no choice but to go to the production company to discuss a compromise.If the film studio is unwilling to offer Zhuang Xiao the original remuneration price, they can only find a cheap newcomer, at least cheaper than Zhuang Xiao and with a better temper.

Billy Cao also broke the boat, and assured the production company with his chest: There are already candidates for the replacement, and they have been approached, and their team is very active, they will definitely be willing to accept it, and the salary is negotiable!It will definitely work out!

Pei Yan was on Young Master Liang's yacht when he received a call from his team.

Fortunately, he hadn't entered the deep sea, and didn't go to the depths of the ocean where birds don't shit. Liang Youhui was steering the helm playfully, and the yacht was circling in the bay.Pei Yan lay lazily on the deck of the boat, watching the seagulls, the fat seals basking on the reefs beside the shore... He picked up the phone, and the signal in the bay was terrible, intermittent.

"What?" Pei Yan half-opened and half-closed her eyelids, "Who doesn't act...? Zhuang Xiao doesn't act anymore?!"

Johnny Wu's tone was a little excited, but also a bit complicated: "Yes, yes, Lao Pei, you need to come over now, this matter is urgent, you come to the hotel now!"

"Zhuang Xiao won't act anymore?!" Pei Yan asked again, "He won't act anymore, why should I watch this drama? Then I will give up the drama! I won't watch it!"

Johnny Wu: "..."

"Oh, now is not the time for you to be chasing old stars here, kid." Johnny Wu said, "Now their producers are looking for us in a hurry and calling you to audition. Maybe they didn't agree with Zhuang Xiao Regarding the remuneration, this time there may be a real replacement, so hurry up and come here!"

Pei Yan repeated again: "Who to replace, Zhuang Xiao?

"Is their TV station an idiot? Can the leading actor be changed at will? Have you got seawater in your head?"

Johnny Wu said: "Mr. Cao is looking for you now, and he wants to recommend you to play the role. He is willing to help you negotiate this role. Mr. Cao said that this time he will definitely help you negotiate!"

"That Cao Billy?" Pei Yan snorted, "I just said, if you can replace Zhuang Xiao, you can still talk about collapse, it really is a foolish thing to do!"

……

Pei Yan left Liang Youhui alone on the yacht, and jumped onto the pier with big strides.

Liang Youhui was puzzled, and asked, "Aren't you going fishing?"

Pei Yan said: "Busy, go back to the city to do something."

Liang Youhui asked, "What's the matter?"

Pei Yan turned around and said to Liang Youhui: "It's about my Brother Xiao!"

He emphasized the word "I" with an accent, and he didn't dare to say that in person, but in front of Liang Youhui, he wanted to get this place back.mine!

Liang Youhui didn't know if he heard something strange, and asked eagerly: "Then, do you two still go on the boat to eat grilled fish at night? How boring it is for me to go to sea alone."

Pei Yan turned her head back and said, "I don't know who will be grilled at night!"

He was afraid that Zhuang Xiao would want to roast him.

……

In the hotel room, a group of people were sitting or standing, talking about this matter with their arms folded or arms crossed, and Pei Yan was sitting on the round dining table in the room.

Several decision-makers in the team are thinking together, Zhuang Xiao is resigning from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!Lao Pei, no matter what, try to fight for it, and it seems that this time they came over and asked us to take the role in a hurry, instead of us begging the film company for a chance.

"Why did Zhuang Xiao resign?" Pei Yan snapped his fingers, making a sound from his joints.

"I heard that the salary is contradictory, and the salary is not enough." Zhang Huan said.

"They dare to cut Zhuang Xiao's salary, how much can they give me?" Pei Yan said.

"Let's talk about it, at least they are now eager to find someone to replace, otherwise it will affect the progress of the filming-this is our bargaining chip." Zhang Huan said.

"Okay, just negotiate the price with them directly, and I'll take it for 1000 million yuan per episode." Pei Yan said, "U.S. dollars, not soft girl coins."

"Master, are you kidding me? You don't want what you want when the lion speaks loudly." Zhang Huan glanced at him sideways, and really had nothing to do with the brat, "Didn't you just break up the conversation from the very beginning!"

"Then let's talk about collapse and let them go blind again." Pei Yan had a generous expression on his face, and the "crackling" force of his fingers was just trying to break someone...

Everyone can see that Pei Yan doesn't want to accept this drama at all.

Several people exchanged glances and attitudes with each other.Johnny Wu said: "Old Pei, I also understand your thoughts. Mr. Zhuang has such a good relationship with us. We didn't intend to squeeze him out. We never thought about it beforehand. The reason for arranging your audition is also to help you find opportunities to share. A piece of cake, I didn't want to grab the piece of cake in someone else's bowl."

"I didn't intend to squeeze him out," Pei Yan crossed her legs and rested her chin, "but if I take this role, do you think Zhuang Xiao will force me to be unethical? Ingratitude? Stabbing in the back ? To add insult to injury?"

Zhang Huan said: "Old Pei, our team has come all the way, are you here for 'playing' or 'making friends'?"

Pei Yan almost blurted out, I'm here to make friends, what do you think?

……

Pei Yan ignored those people and continued to discuss, and sent text messages and dialed numbers to Zhuang Xiao, but Zhuang Xiao didn't answer his calls.

He sent several messages to Zhuang Xiao without talking nonsense, just a few words: [Shall we go on the boat to eat grilled fish at night? 】

【I'll be going back tomorrow, so I won't stay any longer. 】

[Can I still stay at your house at night?If you don't take me in, I'll sleep in Liang Youhui's house! 】

Zhang Huan didn't persuade him any more, and silently gave him a thumbs up: You are such a master! The Iron Triangle character in the big drama "Knight of the Distant Star" has the opportunity to act with the veteran star Jason Banner. OK, I declined. We all respect your personal opinions and feelings.

The tense atmosphere relaxed instead, and a group of people began to make fun of Pei Yan.Zhang Huan said with a smile: "Old Pei, you don't really want to be in Hollywood at all. Back then we worked hard to find an English name for you in the dictionary. Are you blind?"

Pei Yan just didn't care: "You guys insisted on giving me a foreign name, neither fish nor fowl."

Johnny Wu rested his chin and thought: "Actually, as an actor in the kung fu circle, if we give you a name with the word 'dragon', it will be easier to become popular. American audiences also like this, and they all have nostalgic complexes."

Pei Yan narrowed her eyes: "What can I call a dragon? Isn't it vulgar?"

Zhang Huan shrugged and said with a smile: "Do you think what Zhuang Xiao was called when he first debuted? Is it vulgar enough?!"

When the movie "Purple Blood" was released, the name of the boy starring was "Zhuang Xiaolong", and he specifically emphasized that he was the son of Zhuang Wenlong, a martial arts star in the 70s.

Pei Yan was also happy, and couldn't help laughing: "Damn, it's so tacky!"

This terribly vulgar name was later changed by Zhuang Xiao himself. He couldn't bear it anymore and restored his real name.

Johnny Wu: "Um...Pei Long? Pei Xiaolong?"

Pei Yan: "They are all sick."

Assistant A: "Pei Yanlong?"

Assistant B: "Your surname can't be matched with the word dragon, sir, it doesn't sound good."

Zhang Huan: "Otherwise... Long Yan."

Pei Yan complained: "Longan? Crazy, why don't I call it longan?!"

Everyone in the room bent down and burst into laughter, taunting him, saying that your head is really like a longan, and your temper smells like a durian.

The debate about whether or not to accept the drama "Knight of the Distant Star" has quietly settled. Everyone knows that Pei Yan will definitely not accept this drama.