Chapter 44: A New Look at Him

Everyone stared at Xiao Ran in astonishment, as if he had just done something truly remarkable. “How did you know the matter we’re discussing is related to A Rong?”
Xiao Ran smiled slightly but said nothing. Huang Bai Ming waved his hand and chuckled, “It’s like this, A Ran. The film producers hope we can make a sequel. And from the reactions of the friends from Xinyi City, they all really want to see a sequel. We all think making a sequel is a good idea, so we’ll still use the same cast, and you’ll still need to write the script!”
Xiao Ran pondered for a moment. In fact, he had already written both the prequel and the sequel. The reason he needed to consider it was mainly due to the issue of Zhang Guorong. It was easier to accommodate Zhang Guorong’s role in the sequel, but it was harder in the prequel. Since it was a prequel, the timeline had to be shifted backward. If it was shifted too far, Zhang Guorong wouldn’t be able to play the young Ah Jie. If it wasn’t shifted far enough, it wouldn’t highlight the theme from “The Heroic Spirit” that times have changed. In any case, it still depended on the opinions of the big players. But before he could speak, Xu Ke became anxious. “A Ran, we’ve never treated you unfairly. This time, we’ll give you a higher script fee. I guarantee it will be the highest in the industry!”
“No, Old Xu, you misunderstand,” Xiao Ran quickly clarified, not wanting to give Xu Ke a bad impression. “The script isn’t the issue. I was just thinking about A Rong’s role!”
He explained the difficulties in the script, and everyone fell into thought, clearly finding it challenging to make a decision. It was natural—they knew, according to Hollywood’s rules for sequels, that such a sequel or prequel should ideally feature the original cast and require higher investment.
Looking at the somewhat awkward Zhang Guorong, Xiao Ran smiled slightly, patted his shoulder gently, cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention, and said, “Actually, this problem is easy to solve. I think with advanced filming techniques and skilled makeup, we can make A Rong look a few years younger. Then, I just need to shift the timeline in the script by about five or six years!”
After thinking it over, everyone nodded firmly. Xiao Ran smiled confidently and looked at Xu Ke, saying, “I have a bold idea. Why not turn this into a trilogy? I mean, make a prequel and then a sequel to wrap up the story!”
Xu Ke, truly the most creative and resourceful director in the Chinese film industry, immediately understood Xiao Ran’s idea and nodded in agreement. “I agree completely. A theme and story shouldn’t have too many sequels. Moreover, A Ran’s approach is the most balanced—prequel, main story, and a sequel. It’s perfect.”
Shi Nansheng, of course, supported her husband, but she still thought it over before agreeing. In her view, Xiao Ran’s trilogy plan was an excellent way to make full use of resources. Too many sequels could bore the audience, while too few would result in underutilized resources.

Wu Yusen had no objections. After this success, he regarded Xiao Ran even more as his ideal screenwriter partner. They were also close friends—only Xiao Ran could express what Wu Yusen wanted to say.

Huang Baiming, on the other hand, was hesitating. He was actually a very talented filmmaker, but he gradually lost himself in the huge success of New Art City. He was no longer as dedicated as he was when starting out; instead, he only knew how to rely on past resources. The same was true with the Oriental Film Company he later founded. Had Zhou Xingchi, who was at the peak of his career, not joined forces with them, “97 Family Happiness” might not have achieved such good results.

Xiao Ran naturally understood what Huang Baiming was thinking, as he was well aware of what Huang would do in the future. To comfort this highly talented senior, Xiao Ran smiled slightly, gently rubbed his nose, and said something that would later become a golden rule for screenwriters worldwide: “Whether writing a script or doing anything else, the worst thing to do is repeat. No one wants to see the same story or the same plot over and over again.”

Huang Baiming and Xu Ke, both screenwriters, were stunned. These words caused a profound impact on them. Xu Ke understood the principle, though not as clearly as Xiao Ran did. Huang Baiming, however, was truly deep in thought. Xiao Ran thought he might have a chance to save this man.

“The same goes for making movies. If you repeat too much, the audience will get bored. Gradually, their boredom turns into disinterest. When most people start to get annoyed, more than just a movie is lost!” With a serious expression, Xiao Ran revealed for the first time the fate of Hong Kong cinema in the future: “It’s the entire film market.”

“We think we’re gods, controlling the audience’s emotions through the joys and sorrows on screen.” Suddenly thinking of the declining state of Hong Kong cinema in the 21st century, Xiao Ran felt deeply moved. After long deliberation, he finally spoke up: “In fact, we’re just pitiful creatures. The audience is the real god. If they don’t like comedies, we dare not make comedies. If they don’t like tragedies, we dare not make tragedies. In reality, it’s us who are manipulated and controlled by them.”

Even Zhang Guorong began to ponder deeply. Unlike the hustle and bustle elsewhere in the venue, this corner was completely silent. Everyone was thinking about and digesting Xiao Ran’s words. Although this was just a small glimpse into the future, these advanced creative ideas undoubtedly shocked them. After all, from now until 1994, it was an absolute seller’s market.

While they were all thinking, Xiao Ran was also thinking. The question he was pondering was simple: Xu Ke had agreed with his opinion earlier. But in history, the third installment of “Heroes” was directed by Xu Ke himself after he fell out with Wu Yusen. The result was a completely different story that ended in failure.

Since the current Xu Ke understands the importance of not aiming for too much, why did the Xu Ke in history make such a mistake? The current Xiao Ran didn’t know. It wasn’t until much later, when he founded his own film company, that he realized Xu Ke must have sold the trailer in advance and then reluctantly produced the film under contractual obligations.

“I think I understand!” A faint smile appeared on Huang Baiming’s face. “Let’s decide this matter right away—we must work together to make this trilogy a success!”

“However, Ah Ran, I truly admire you for being able to see through the fundamental elements of film creation at such a young age!” Huang Baiming shifted his focus to Xiao Ran, praising him so much that he felt dizzy. Seeing Xiao Ran’s deliberately feigned intoxicated expression, everyone burst into laughter.

The box office for 《Heroes’ True Nature》 continued to rise, and everyone involved in its production was overjoyed. As the film became a hit, their faces shone with pride. Xiao Ran’s filming work was also nearing its end. He really wanted to refine the film meticulously, but the norms of film production at that time made it difficult for him to have extra budget or film stock for such refinements.

One day, Lin Qingxia invited him out, saying someone wanted to meet him. They went to a high-end restaurant, where there were quite a few foreigners, including several wealthy businessmen often seen in financial magazines.

After looking around, he saw Lin Qingxia chatting happily with a handsome young man. Without Xiao Ran realizing it, his expression changed slightly as he gently bit his lower lip. He slowly walked over. When Lin Qingxia saw him, she smiled and introduced him, “This is Mr. Fang Ruohai. He is…”

“Sis Lin, no need to introduce me. I met Mr. Fang at your housewarming party!” Xiao Ran smiled calmly, exuding an indescribable sense of serenity.

After that party, Xiao Ran had done some research and learned that this Fang Ruohai was Fang Ruoxin’s brother, and their father, Fang Poli, had gone to the United States years ago. Fang Poli was an extraordinary man; it was said that he had been defrauded of everything when he first went to America, so he changed his name to Poli, meaning “to rise after destruction.” Later, he worked hard and gradually became one of the richest Chinese businessmen in the U.S.

Fang Poli had two sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Fang Ruoshan, and this Fang Ruohai were both outstanding, having graduated from Oxford and Harvard respectively. Fang Ruoshan was currently in the U.S. helping Fang Poli manage their business there. As for why Fang Ruohai was in Hong Kong, that was something Xiao Ran didn’t know.

Fang Ruohai smiled broadly and nodded at Lin Qingxia and Xiao Ran. “That’s right. I actually had a chance to meet you last time, but unfortunately, my sister didn’t know what your name meant as a screenwriter, so she missed you! I’ve been regretting it ever since!”

Xiao Ran was slightly surprised. This guy truly knew how to speak—not only did he subtly praise Xiao Ran, but he also made Lin Qingxia feel happy. Since he was such an impressive person, there was no point in offending him, especially since he was her brother—something absolutely unacceptable.

With that thought, Xiao Ran smiled slightly, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then got to the point. It turned out that Fang Ruohai just wanted Xiao Ran to write a script—it wasn’t anything major.

Still, even so, he was momentarily stunned. Then he saw Fang Ruohai take a sip of water before staring at Xiao Ran and smiling, “Last time, Ah Xin told me she had met you, and I immediately regretted it. I knew you got along well with Sister Xia, so I asked her to find you!”
What a joke! Xiao Ran thought to himself. The last time he saw this kid, Xiao Ran wasn’t very well-known at all. Anyone outside this circle would know that Fang Ruohai’s words were pure nonsense.
Actually, this time Xiao Ran was indeed wrong—Fang Ruohai did appreciate him quite a bit. After all, having grown up in the United States, he understood that for a movie, the screenwriter is the most fundamental element. Last time, Fang Ruohai had indeed scolded Fang Ruoxin harshly for her attitude toward Xiao Ran, causing that little girl quite a bit of distress.
Fang Ruohai came to Hong Kong mainly for investment purposes. However, after seeing how prosperous the film industry was there, he came up with the idea of investing in films. As a result, he invested in the movie “Dream Lover” in the name of his company. Although the box office performance wasn’t great, thanks to Lin Qingxia’s strong appeal, they still made a decent profit.
So, this kid suddenly thought that investing in the film industry might not be such a bad idea, and he planned to pour in a large amount of capital. Of course, he valued screenwriters highly. Coincidentally, he had watched all three films written by Xiao Ran and released at that time, and believing Xiao Ran to be very talented, he decided to hire him to write for him.
Unfortunately, after missing out on him, Fang Ruohai was recalled to the United States. It wasn’t until recently that he returned. Upon returning, he saw that “True Heroes” was still written by Xiao Ran, and that previous films like “Happy Ghost Meets Ghost” were all big-box office hits, which left him utterly shocked.
If before Fang Ruohai only hoped Xiao Ran would write a script for him, now he wanted to recruit him outright. This was why he came to see Xiao Ran in person—otherwise, a wealthy patron like him wouldn’t need to come personally to discuss such matters.
After understanding Fang Ruohai’s general intentions, Xiao Ran didn’t have any extra thoughts; he was simply impressed by Fang Ruohai’s vision. In the next six or seven years, Hong Kong’s film industry would definitely be even more lucrative than a gold mine.
As they talked, both Fang Ruohai and Xiao Ran admired each other, and unbeknownst to them, they began to address each other in a very familiar manner, yet it didn’t seem odd at all. Seeing Xiao Ran hesitating, Fang Ruohai quickly smiled and said, “Ah Ran, I know you want to be a director. I can guarantee that—if you have enough ability, there’s no problem becoming a director!”
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