Chapter 00139: What He Wants, You Can’t Give
# What He Wants, You Can’t Give
Chapter 139
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 139: What He Wants, You Can’t Give
“He lacks material conditions, and his spiritual conditions are also vague. He can only follow some basic ideas, like those in *The Return of the Swallow*. But this kind of thing can easily lead people to overthink and cause some to go astray.”
“What do you mean?”
“If we can’t find value or cultural identity in the present, then we can only look to the past—to the Republic of China era, to the late Qing Dynasty, to feudal society…”
Chen Qi spoke eloquently, saying, “Personally, I think there might be a wave of films in the future that focus on old society and feudal times. Whether that’s good or bad, I can’t say right now, and I don’t fully understand it myself. I’ll just talk about *Tai Chi*. It’s also set in the late Qing Dynasty, but it’s a martial arts film. Martial arts films are easy to understand, and their themes are simple—punishing evil, promoting good, strengthening the body through martial arts, and ultimately strengthening the nation. I think using elements that most people can understand to wrap around a simple, correct theme is more suitable for our current environment.”
“…”
Fu Qi listened intently and said, “Last year, I watched *The Spy Who Loved Me* (in Hong Kong, it’s translated as *Iron Man Breaks Through Space City*). Its theme is also very simple—a British agent thwarts the schemes of a power-hungry villain and saves the world. But it’s made in a very entertaining way, and I admit I loved watching it myself. This is very similar to what Xiao Chen said—using content that most people can understand to wrap around a simple theme. I’ve been exposed to a lot of Western films, and almost all commercial films are like this. If we really want to build a bridge, this kind of film is more suitable than *The Return of the Swallow*.”
“But when they go to compete, we can only exhibit,” Chen Qi said with a laugh.
“Building a skyscraper starts from the ground up. Going from zero to one is always full of hardships, but I completely agree with your perspective. *Deadly Curve* has already proven its value. Let’s collaborate more in the future.”
Fu Qi looked at him with even greater respect.
Not only could the young man write scripts, but he could also think deeply and had his own set of theories.
On a larger scale, this involved strategic issues in the development of cinema.
“Yes, let’s get closer in the future. You’ve already started calling us uncle and aunt,” Shi Hui said with a smile.
“What are you doing? Trying to poach him right in front of me?!”
Wang Yang wasn’t happy.
“Xiao Chen isn’t part of your Beijing Film Studio yet, so how is it poaching?” Fu Qi retorted.
“He’ll be part of our studio sooner or later!”
“That’s not certain!”
“Alright, alright, let me say something…”
Chen Qi’s expression turned serious as he spoke earnestly, “Actually, I’m not on either side. I’m just a guy who sells big-bowl tea.”
“Huh?”
“What’s big-bowl tea?” Fu Mingxian asked curiously.
“Big-bowl tea goes really well with roast duck. I’ll take you to try it someday. The bowl is this big, even bigger than your head.”
“Wow! I want to try it! I want to try it!”
The atmosphere at the table was lively, with Wang Yang, Fu Qi, Shi Hui, and Chen Qi doing most of the talking.
Fu Mingxian kept the mood light, while Li Wenhua and Gong Xue mostly listened, unable to get a word in.
Next, the four of them discussed distribution.
February 4th was New Year’s Eve, and February 13th was the opening of the Berlin Film Festival.
The leftist faction had a high degree of independence and wasn’t controlled by China Film.
They planned to release *Tai Chi* in Hong Kong first, just in time for the Lunar New Year.
After a period of screenings, they would take both *Tai Chi* and *Deadly Curve* to Berlin to sell the films.
This raised two questions: how to promote the film in Hong Kong and how to promote it in Berlin.
Because Chen Qi and Li Wenhua had to go abroad, *Tai Chi* had to be sold through the Beijing Film Studio, or all their efforts would be wasted.
“Director Li, Li Lianjie, Gong Xue, and I—these four spots are the minimum. We can’t have fewer than that. If we can promote in Hong Kong, I’d like to have more spots so Yu Hai and Yu Chenghui can also go. We can organize some events to make a bigger splash.”
“Hong Kong is under Liao Gong’s responsibility. Let me think…”
Fu Qi pondered for a moment and said, “How about this: we’ll invite you to Hong Kong for the premiere. I’ll show the film to Liao Gong. If he likes it, he’ll support it without you even asking.”
“The key is whether the film is good. Are you confident?” Shi Hui asked.
“Ha!”
Wang Yang laughed and said, “We’ve got the rough cut. After dinner, I’ll take you to see it. You’ll know if it’s good or not once you’ve watched it.”
…………
In the small auditorium.
*Tai Chi* made its debut with a 120-minute version.
The post-production wasn’t fully completed yet, and it would be shortened further.
But Fu Qi and Shi Hui were already clapping enthusiastically.
“I’ve watched every high-profile film in Hong Kong. Martial arts films have always been a major focus. Nowadays, Jackie Chan has created his own style and is the hottest martial arts star, while others are also rising.”
Fu Qi sighed, as if still savoring the film, “But aside from Bruce Lee’s *Fist of Fury*, which had a bit of national sentiment, the rest are mostly about personal grudges and vendettas. Your *Tai Chi* might be the first to propose strengthening the body and the nation through martial arts. The action choreography is also fresh. I found it very exciting, especially the final tower challenge. It was thrilling!”
“The scenery is beautiful, and the actors are good-looking too,” Shi Hui said with a smile.
“Alright, alright, stop praising us or I’ll blush. We know it’s a good film, but will Liao Gong be satisfied?”
“Absolutely! Hurry up and finish the production.”
As Fu Qi spoke, he suddenly gave Wang Yang a meaningful glance, hinting at someone.
Wang Yang coughed and said, “Xiao Chen, go to my office and bring the *Tai Chi* materials from my desk. I forgot to bring them earlier.”
“Oh, okay!”
Chen Qi left the small auditorium, yawned, and squatted by the wall.
He knew how to read between the lines.
There were no materials to fetch.
They just wanted to discuss something without him hearing.
If he had gone and come back saying, “Director, there’s nothing there!” he would have looked like a fool.
Inside, Fu Mingxian, tired of the adults’ conversation, said, “I’m going out to play!”
“Don’t go too far!”
“Okay!”
After she left, Fu Qi said, “Old Director, there’s no need for formalities between us. I’ll get straight to the point. I think Xiao Chen is very talented. I’d like to request a transfer for him to come to Hong Kong. What do you think?”
“Haha!”
Surprisingly, Wang Yang didn’t argue.
Instead, he laughed and said, “I’ve had the same idea for a while. But do you know why he’s still on loan and hasn’t officially joined the Beijing Film Studio?”
“Could it be that he doesn’t want to?” Shi Hui asked.
“You guessed it. He really doesn’t want to!”
“That’s strange. Don’t tell me his true ambition is to sell big-bowl tea?”
“Sigh, I had a proper talk with him once. You’d never guess what this kid said…”
Wang Yang sighed and said, “He said the studio system is too rigid, like a jar of fermented sauce. It’s all about seniority and office politics. He doesn’t want to waste his youth in such an environment.”
“Isn’t your support enough?”
“Not enough! I wanted to give him three years to gain experience, but he thinks even three years is too long—a waste of time. He wants full control over a film, from start to finish, from production to distribution, from directing to casting. He wants everything to be his call. I can’t give him that kind of power, so he won’t join. If you want him, can you give him that?”
“…”
Fu Qi and Shi Hui fell silent.
Although the leftist faction had a high degree of freedom, they couldn’t hand over complete control of a film to a 20-year-old.
To put it bluntly, Chen Qi’s resume was still too thin.
If he had a more impressive track record, it might be possible.
As the Chinese saying goes: Special cases require special handling!
“Nothing is absolute. We can’t give him 100% control, but we might be able to give him 50%, or even 70%. These things take time. But after hearing what you said, I’m curious to see just how ambitious this kid really is!”
(End of Chapter)