Hong Kong 1990: From stuntman to King of Kung Fu

Chapter 29 Cooperation Xu Ke

Xu Ke stared at the young man in front of him in surprise.

If the previous "The Blade" was a coincidence, what about the current "New Dragon Gate Inn"?

"The Blade" can be said to have touched his heart, evoking the most unrestrained expression of his innermost emotions.

It's rare for someone to write a script that so perfectly matches their own wishes.

This made him curious about Tang Long and he wanted to work with the young actor.

However, due to practical reasons, the originally agreed cooperation had to be broken.

He originally planned to compensate this young man by creating a role specifically for him.

Unexpectedly, the surprise came so suddenly that he presented another film, "New Dragon Gate Inn".

He was certain that he had never mentioned his idea of ​​remaking King Hu's "Dragon Inn" to anyone, including Nansun Shi.

She had barely had this idea when Tang Long had already written the script.

Xu Ke felt a sense of kinship; otherwise, he couldn't explain these two coincidences. It could only be that great minds think alike.

Tang Long felt a little uneasy under Xu Ke's gaze, and couldn't help but ask, forcing himself to be brave:

"Director Xu, is there a problem with the script?"

"No problem," Tsui said with a smile. "It's quite a coincidence, I also have the idea of ​​remaking 'Dragon Inn'."

"Director Xu, could you please take a look at this script I've written and see if it meets your expectations?"

"Okay, I'll take a closer look."

Xu Ke then began to carefully read through the pages, while Tang Long and Cheng Xiaodong sat quietly to the side.

For a moment, the only sound in the room was the rustling of Xu Ke turning the pages of the script.

Xu Ke frowned and nodded intermittently, and it took him more than half an hour to close the script.

He met their gazes and said:

"The script is good, there aren't many things that need to be changed, and I'm very satisfied."

I'm a little curious, Ah Long, how did you come up with this story?

"It was like a sudden inspiration."

Xu Ke was taken aback by Tang Long's answer, then clapped his hands and laughed:

"That's right, a good story is a flash of inspiration. A screenwriter who writes screenplays all his life can't match a genius's flash of inspiration."

"Director Xu, would you be willing to invest in this script?"

"How do you want to cooperate?"

"Director Xu, you decide how to allocate the investment shares. I only have one request: I want to play Zhao Huai'an."

"Is this a prerequisite for cooperation?"

"That's right."

Xu Ke hesitated for a moment, then agreed:

"Okay, but you can't interfere with how the project runs or how the crew films it. Just focus on being a good actor."

"No problem, but I hope 'New Dragon Gate Inn' can be launched as soon as possible."

Tang Long wasn't worried that Xu Ke would mess up and ruin the script.

"I will start preparing for this project as soon as possible. I need to coordinate the timing of filming. I have too many projects on hand."

Filming for "Once Upon a Time in China" will begin after the Lunar New Year, and filming for "A Chinese Ghost Story 3" will start right after New Year's Day.

There are also two other films, "Uncle Cai's Sweep of the Army" and "The Chess King," the latter of which was invested in by Wanwan Capital, and he couldn't turn it down.

The former was Shih Tien's graduation film at New City Film Studio. After filming this movie, he would completely withdraw from New City Film Studio and even leave the film industry.

Shi Tian and he have always had a good relationship; when people ask him to help make movies, he can't refuse.

But Tang Long brought over the script for "New Dragon Gate Inn," which piqued his great interest in the film.

Originally, he planned to finish his current projects and then start remaking "Dragon Inn" next year.

It needs to be done earlier now.

Having finalized the cooperation agreement, Tang Long and Cheng Xiaodong got up to say goodbye.

After the two left, Xu Ke picked up the script again and started reading it.

Looking at the parts I thought needed to be changed, I suddenly realized I didn't know where to begin, and no matter how I changed them, they didn't seem right.

Tang Long wrote the one that was most suitable and best suited his taste.

Xu Ke was speechless for a moment, then picked up the script and went to Shi Nansheng's office.

"You only paid Leung Chiu-wai 800,000 yuan. His movie 'Bullet in the Head' just flopped at the box office. Wouldn't you use that as a bargaining chip?"

I'm giving you another week to get this sorted out as soon as possible. If you can't, you should hand in your resignation.

Filming will start right after New Year's Day; we don't have time for you to waste.

After saying that, Shi Nansheng hung up the phone decisively.

"Liang Chaowei hasn't signed a contract yet?" Xu Ke frowned.

"His agent insisted on a million-dollar fee. I tried to negotiate a lower price, but I figured my subordinates couldn't handle it, so in the end, I had to step in."

Xu Ke walked behind Shi Nansheng and gently massaged her temples.

"Just give him the million he wants, don't make things so hard for yourself."

Shi Nansheng leaned her head back in the chair, closed her eyes, and enjoyed the peaceful moment.

"We funded the entire investment in 'A Chinese Ghost Story 3,' and we had to be very careful with every penny."

"Okay, you decide."

Xu Ke is well aware that the reason he can focus on making movies without distractions is because Shi Nansheng is meticulously planning and strategizing behind the scenes.

"Speak, what trouble is it this time?"

"What trouble could I possibly have? I just came to see you."

"We've known each other for over ten years. I can tell what kind of shit you're going to take just by the way you stick your butt out."

"You're only considerate when you're having trouble handling something."

Xu Ke stopped pretending, pulled Shi Nansheng up, sat down in a chair, and let her sit on his lap.

Being so close in the office made Shi Nansheng feel a little awkward, and she subconsciously glanced at the office door.

This strong, decisive woman only reveals her feminine side in front of Xu Ke.

"Nansheng, there's something I'd like you to help me coordinate."

"What is it?"

"Cheng Xiaodong and Tang Long just sent me a script, and I really like it and want to film it as soon as possible."

"Don't you know how many projects you have on hand?" Shi Nansheng said irritably.

"I know, but this script has sparked my creative desire, and I have so many ideas in my mind that I want to express."

"Wasn't Tang Long the same author who wrote 'The Blade' before? What story has he written this time that has captivated you so much?"

"I've had the idea of ​​remaking 'Dragon Inn' for a long time."

The core story of "Dragon Inn" is excellent, and I want to revitalize it.

Tang Long's script perfectly matches my ideas; I've read it carefully and surprisingly found no room for revision.

Upon hearing this, Shi Nansheng raised an eyebrow, knowing very well how picky Xu Ke was about scripts.

It seems I underestimated Tang Long.

"You want to direct it yourself?"

"That's right."

"But you can't turn down any of the projects you have on hand."

"That's why I came to you; could you help me coordinate my schedule?"

"Your schedule was all arranged long ago. It's not something you can just coordinate. Can you please stop acting on a whim next time?"

"Nansheng, I promise this is the last time, you have to believe me."

Seeing Xu Ke's expectant eyes, Shi Nansheng finally softened and sighed, saying:

"I'll go to Shaw Brothers and buy the remake rights."