radicalducati Chapter 83 Human Ecology
Chapter 83 Human Ecology
Chapter 82 The Many Facets of Life (Seeking Monthly Tickets for 12 More Chapters)
The lazy atmosphere of the National Day holiday still lingers in every corner of the city, and old men at the entrance of the alley are still gathering together to play chess and chat.
Young people have just flown back to Beijing from all over the country with their suitcases, and their QQ spaces are filled with various "last photos of the holiday".
Then, with a loud bang.
The official announcement of "Inception" was like a precisely placed information bomb, exploding in the entertainment industry, a pool that is never truly calm.
Without warning or any prior indication, it was simply thrown right in front of everyone.
At 10:15 a.m., on the set of "The Message," in a Republican-era street scene at a film and television base in Tianjin.
Zhou Xun was squatting on the ground, studying the location of the miniature camera that Gu Xiaomeng hid in the slit of her cheongsam in the next scene.
This scene required her to use extremely subtle body language to distract Takeda while he was being searched, which was very difficult.
She had been in a half-squatting position for almost ten minutes, and her legs were starting to go numb.
The assistant jogged over, her heels clicking rapidly on the cobblestones, the sound particularly jarring in the relatively quiet film set.
"Looking for Sister—" The assistant hesitated, her hand trembling slightly as she handed over the phone.
Zhou Xun frowned as he took the phone and immediately noticed the title on the screen.
She remained in that half-squatting position, staring at her phone for a full half minute, as if she had been put on pause.
Then, she slowly, very slowly stood up. Her legs went numb, and she stumbled. Her assistant quickly helped her up.
"Help me to the lounge." Zhou Xun's voice was calm, eerily calm.
"Sister Xun, what about the director—"
"Just say you have a stomachache."
The door to the lounge closed, shutting out the outside world.
Zhou Xun sat in front of the mirror, looking at the woman in the mirror who was wearing a velvet cheongsam and had her hair styled in a retro updo.
Her makeup was exquisite, but her face was frighteningly pale.
My phone vibrated again; it was a text message from my agent: "The news is confirmed. Huayi Brothers traded 20% of their 'Aftershock' share for it. Li Xue finalized the deal with the Wang brothers last month, keeping it a complete secret."
Zhou Xun stared at the message and suddenly laughed. The laugh was low, tinged with self-deprecation.
She recalled that two weeks ago, Li Binbin had asked her out for coffee, casually saying, "I've been cramming on English lately, I don't know if it'll help."
At the time, she thought Li Binbin wanted to get an endorsement from some international brand and didn't think about Hollywood blockbusters at all.
So that's where they were waiting.
"Sister Xun, are you alright?" the assistant asked cautiously.
"It's nothing." Zhou Xun put down her phone and started touching up her makeup in front of the mirror. "I just suddenly felt like I was being an idiot."
After touching up her makeup, she stood up, straightened the collar of her cheongsam, and transformed back into the elegant and composed Gu Xiaomeng.
"Let's go, let's continue filming."
On the other side of the set, Li Binbin was surrounded by people.
"Sister Binbin, tell me quickly, what exactly happened?" Huang Xiaoming's eyes widened, forgetting to put down the script in his hand. "Nolan! Leonardo DiCaprio! You've been keeping quiet all this time, and now you've pulled off something so big!"
Surrounded by a group of actors, Li Binbin smiled politely and restrainedly: "I was really just lucky. The company helped me get this opportunity, and I just went to audition, but I didn't expect to pass."
"Audition? Where was it held? Did Director Nolan interview you personally?" Wang Ziwen was also incredibly curious.
"Last month in Los Angeles, director Nolan and the casting director were both there." Li Binbin spoke succinctly, each word like a hammer blow to the hearts of everyone present. "I acted out a scene from the script, the one where the dream architect Adrian designs the dream labyrinth. Perhaps my understanding of the character's direction just happened to align with the director's vision."
She spoke casually, but as soon as the character name "Dream Weaver Adrian" was mentioned, there was another collective gasp from the crowd.
The Dream Builder is described as an extremely important character in the released synopsis. He is the core technical expert of the Dream Stealing Team, has a significant role, and has a lot of professional lines and action scenes involving the structure of dreams. He is not just a decorative supporting character.
"Binbin, your English—" Su Youpeng couldn't help but ask, "Can you communicate with Director Nolan without any problems?"
Li Binbin laughed: "To be honest, I was incredibly nervous on the day of the audition. I had memorized my lines for a month, but I still almost forgot them when I went up. Fortunately, Director Nolan was very patient and let me speak slowly. However, I had to undergo special training before joining the crew. The production team provided me with a language coach and a dream science consultant."
As she said this, her gaze inadvertently swept over Zhou Xun, who was not far away.
Zhou Xun has returned to the filming area and is discussing his positioning with the director. His profile is taut, but his posture is impeccable.
Li Binbin withdrew his gaze and sighed softly to himself.
Her rivalry with Zhou Xun began the moment she joined Huayi.
Over the years, you win an award, and I take on a big-budget production; you have the reputation for art films, and I have the box office success of commercial films.
The media always likes to compare them, and their fans argue endlessly.
This time, it's different.
This isn't a difference between the Golden Rooster Awards and the Huabiao Awards in China; this is Hollywood.
It's Nolan: It's Leonardo DiCaprio.
This is a difference in dimensionality.
"By the way, Sister Binbin," Huang Xiaoming leaned closer and lowered his voice, "I heard—this resource came from Light Chaser Pictures? Are you familiar with President Jiang?"
Li Binbin glanced at him and smiled, "We've met a few times, but we're not that close. But Xiaoming, I heard you and Yifei are quite close?"
Huang Xiaoming paused for a moment, then his eyes lit up: "You mean—"
"I didn't say anything." Li Binbin picked up his thermos and took a sip of water. "I just felt that Yifei is now developing her career in Hollywood and is a key actress invested in by Light Chaser Animation. She must know more about the situation there than we do."
This statement, though brief, already makes its meaning quite clear.
Huang Xiaoming understood immediately and nodded repeatedly, "I understand, thank you, Sister Binbin!"
He was already starting to think: Liu Yifei was currently filming "Black Swan," which was also invested in by Light Chaser Pictures, and she had been rumored to be dating Jiang Yu. The two families even went to see the opening ceremony of the Olympics together—their relationship must be unusual.
If I can get in touch with Jiang Yu through Liu Yifei, maybe I can get a share of the Hollywood resources next time.
Thinking about this, Huang Xiaoming suddenly felt that the script for "The Message" in his hand was no longer appealing.
Li Binbin, also an artist under Huayi Brothers, has already flown to Hollywood, while I am still playing a Japanese officer in a Republican-era spy drama.
That's quite a difference.
At 12:30 pm, in a private room of the film crew's restaurant.
Directors Kao Shu-Chun and Chen Kuo-Fu specially invited Li Binbin to a private room for dinner, saying it was to "celebrate."
The food was much more plentiful than what you'd find outside, and they even opened a bottle of red wine.
"Binbin, you really made our 'The Message' crew proud this time." Gao Shuqun raised her glass. "Come on, let's toast to you."
Li Binbin quickly stood up: "Director Gao, you're too kind. I'm just benefiting from the crew's experience. My performance in 'The Message' was very helpful for my audition."
That was well said, and Gao Shuqun's smile deepened: "You're good with words! But Binbin, I heard that you replaced a foreign actor for this role?"
Li Binbin nodded: "Yes, Director. In the original script, the Dream Weaver was a young Canadian actress. When Nolan was adapting the script, he felt that if the Dream Weaver were an Asian woman, it might add an Eastern mystical touch to the dream. So the role was opened up to Asian actresses to compete for."
"The mystique of the East—" Chen Guofu mused, "That's a good angle. Binbin, you didn't just play a role this time; you paved the way. In the future, if Hollywood needs roles with 'Eastern elements,' you'll probably be the first one they think of."
Li Binbin smiled modestly: "Producer Chen, you flatter me. I was just lucky."
"Luck is also part of ability." Gao Shuqun placed a piece of fish on her plate. "But Binbin, there's something I need to remind you. Hollywood is not like China; there are more rules there, and the people are more complicated. Be careful when you go, and don't get bullied."
"Thank you, Director Gao. I will be careful."
She knew all too well how murky Hollywood was, and this opportunity was too good to pass up; she had to wade through even the deepest waters.
As I walked out of the private room after finishing my meal, I ran into Zhou Xun coming in from outside.
The two met in the corridor.
The air froze for a second.
"Congratulations." Zhou Xun spoke first, his smile perfectly natural, but his eyes were devoid of warmth.
"Thank you, Sister Xun." Li Binbin smiled as well. "I'll need your guidance on 'The Message'."
"You don't need me to guide you anymore," Zhou Xun said casually, then walked past her.
As they brushed past each other, Li Binbin heard Zhou Xun's assistant say in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Don't get too cocky. Hollywood isn't that easy to get by in."
Li Binbin paused for a moment, but didn't turn around and continued walking forward.
She knew that her war with Zhou Xun had spread from the domestic to the international stage.
This time, she took the high ground first.
At the same time, in Beijing, at Feng Xiaogang's studio.
Feng Xiaogang turned the computer to Ge You: "Look, Uncle Ge, you've really become an international superstar this time."
Ge You was drinking tea from a small purple clay teapot when he heard this. He took the teapot, glanced at it, and laughed: "Hey, this photo is pretty good. You look more energetic than I do in person."
The accompanying image was a concept poster for "Inception" with the main actors' portraits. Ge You's face was squeezed among a bunch of Hollywood stars, which did look somewhat like magical realism.
"What kind of role is it?" Feng Xiaogang asked. "I heard it was an Asian tycoon in the original script?"
"He's been changed to a Chinese man." Ge You put down the teapot. "His name is Mr. Chen. He has business in Morocco. Because a business rival keeps stealing his dreams, he hired Leonardo DiCaprio and his team to plant ideas in the other man's mind. He doesn't have many scenes, but he's quite crucial. He's a key character who connects the plot."
"What about the dialogue? All in English?"
"Most of it is in English, but my character is an elderly overseas Chinese who has lived abroad for many years, so having a bit of an accent makes it more realistic."
Ge You said, "Director Nolan specifically said that we don't need to pursue a pure American accent; a bit of a Chinese accent is fine and fits the character's background."
Feng Xiaogang nodded: "This director knows how to handle things. But Yuko, are you sure your English is good enough? Don't be clueless on set."
"I'm almost sick of studying for the past month," Ge You said, rubbing his temples dramatically. "Every morning when I open my eyes, it's English, and I dream about memorizing words at night. But the production team said there's a month of special training before I join the crew, and they've assigned me a dialogue coach to go over every single line."
When will you join the crew?
"After New Year's Day, I'll first go to Los Angeles for intensive training, and then go with the crew to Paris, Tokyo, and Morocco for location shooting." Ge You said, feeling a little unreal himself, "You know, at my age, I never expected to be able to go to Morocco to film a movie."
"This is great news!" Feng Xiaogang slapped his thigh. "You've really brought honor to Chinese actors this time. In the past, when Hollywood cast Chinese actors, they were either kung fu masters or gang leaders. This time, you're playing a respectable businessman, and a key figure in driving the plot forward. That's different."
Ge You nodded without saying anything.
He certainly knew that this meant something different.
So for the past few months, this man in his fifties has been learning pronunciation every day from an English teacher in his twenties. He's studied so much that his tongue is almost tied in knots, but he still doesn't dare to slack off.
When an opportunity comes, you must seize it.
"Oh, right," Feng Xiaogang suddenly remembered something, "Have you ever been in contact with that General Manager Jiang? He's the owner of Light Chaser Pictures."
"I met him once," Ge You recalled. "He was a very young man, very steady in his speech and actions, unlike those loud and boisterous investors. He really knew his stuff, he wasn't the kind of nouveau riche who just threw money around."
"To be able to secure funding for Iron Man, Avatar, Inception, and 2012 simultaneously, one must be extraordinary."
Feng Xiaogang stroked his chin. "Youzi, when you join the crew this time, you'll have a chance to get to know him better. I heard he has quite a few projects in hand, maybe we can collaborate in the future."
Ge You laughed: "Are you asking me to become a spy?"
"What espionage? This is called resource integration," Feng Xiaogang said confidently. "Who in China doesn't know that Light Chaser Pictures has Hollywood resources? If you can get in touch with them, your future will be bright."
Ge You didn't reply, but simply picked up the small teapot and took another sip.
2 PM, a high-end beauty salon in Shanghai.
Zhang Ziyi lay on the nursing bed, her face covered with a thick seaweed mud mask, only her eyes and mouth were visible.
The beautician is giving her a hand treatment, her movements are gentle.
The assistant, sitting on the sofa next to him, cautiously reported: "—That's the situation. Huayi Brothers traded a share of 'Aftershock' for it. Li Binbin took the role originally auditioned for, and Ge You played the Asian businessman who was changed to a Chinese character."
Zhang Ziyi kept his eyes closed and did not speak.
The beauty room was quiet, with only soft background music and the faint sounds of the equipment running.
After a long while, Zhang Ziyi finally spoke, her voice slightly muffled through her face mask: "Can I compete for the role of the Dream Weaver?"
The assistant paused for a few seconds: "Sister Ziyi, this role has already been officially announced, and the contract has been signed. Moreover, Huayi used its own resources to get this role, so Chasing Light Pictures will definitely give priority to their artists."
"Then let's talk to Light Chaser Animation." Zhang Ziyi opened his eyes, his gaze sharp. "They can't possibly have only one project."
Ask them what else is coming up, and what conditions I need.
"But----"
"No buts," Zhang Ziyi interrupted her. "I, Zhang Ziyi, have been in Hollywood for so many years. I acted in 'Memoirs of a Geisha' and I filmed 'The Rider.' Why should Li Binbin get ahead of me now?"
The assistant sighed, "Sister Ziyi, times have changed. In the past, when we went to Hollywood, we slowly worked our way up through our work and awards. Now, capital paves the way. Huayi Brothers has the capital, Light Chaser Pictures has the channels, and Li Binbin is right in the middle."
"Then I have my own advantages too." Zhang Ziyi sat up, fine lines appearing on her face from the seaweed mask. "After all these years in the industry, do you think my connections, resources, and reputation are inferior to Huayi?"
"It's not that we can't compare, it's just that—" the assistant carefully chose his words, "the rules of the game are different now. Whoever has the capital has the power. Jiang Yu of Light Chaser Pictures, he was able to go from a foreign student to a Hollywood investment tycoon in just three years, there must be some kind of power behind him that we don't know about."
Zhang Ziyi fell silent again.
She recalled that when she was filming "Memoirs of a Geisha" a few years ago, she had to compete with actresses from all over Asia for a role, learn Japanese, practice her physique, and adapt to Hollywood's production methods.
At that time, she believed that as long as she worked hard enough, she could gain a foothold in Hollywood.
It now seems that hard work alone is not enough.
You also need capital, connections, and luck.
"Help me arrange a meeting with Yang Siwei," Zhang Ziyi finally said. "Just tell her I want to talk to her about a collaboration. She can decide the time and place; I'll fly to Beijing."
"I'd be happy to see her."
"Ziyi, this—"
"Do as I say." Zhang Ziyi lay back down, closed her eyes again, and said, "Who have I, Zhang Ziyi, ever lost to? I want the resources that Li Binbin can get."
The beautician and her assistant exchanged a glance, neither daring to say another word.
Fan Binbin had just finished filming a crying scene, and his eyes were still red when his assistant ran over with his phone.
"Sister Binbin, big news!"
Fan Binbin took the phone and glanced at it; his expression instantly froze.
She stared at the screen for a full half minute, then suddenly laughed.
"Interesting." She handed the phone back to her assistant. "Li Binbin has really made something of himself this time."
Her tone was calm, and those who knew her well knew that this calmness was more terrifying than anger.
The agent quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Binbin, this is clearly a resource exchange. Huayi used its own projects to get it. Now that we have our own studio, we have more freedom, and we'll definitely be able to get good resources in the future."
"Later?" Fan Binbin raised an eyebrow. "Later, by then, they'll have already established themselves in Hollywood. The gap will widen, and will I still be able to catch up?"
She walked to the mirror in the rest area and looked at herself in the mirror, dressed in Hanfu and with exquisite makeup.
It's beautiful, almost too beautiful to be true.
Over the years, she has played too many ancient beauties, from Daji to Yang Yuhuan, from Wu Zetian to Dou Yifang this time.
The media praised her as "the most beautiful woman in period dramas," and fans call her "Fan Ye" (Master Fan).
She knew these titles wouldn't last long.
Actresses' prime is too short.
In a few years, when new talents emerge, who will remember you, Fan Binbin?
"Check on Light Chaser Animation for me." Fan Binbin turned around. "Especially that Jiang Yu. I need all his information, his age,..."
Background, interests, current projects, and future plans.
"Binbin, what's wrong with you—"
"If Huayi can use resources to exchange for roles, why can't I?"
Fan Binbin smiled, a smile that was both beautiful and dangerous. "I, Fan Binbin, have money, I have popularity, I can give you anything you want. It just depends on what that President Jiang wants."
She spoke so bluntly that her agent was left speechless.
That's just how realistic this industry is.
Previously, directors chose actors; now, capital chooses actors.
Whoever controls the resources is the boss.
"Oh, right," Fan Binbin suddenly remembered something, "Isn't Liu Yifei also filming a movie for Light Chaser Pictures?"
"Yes, Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky."
"I remember—she and Jiang Yu had a good relationship?" Fan Binbin asked thoughtfully. "Wasn't there a rumor about them before?"
The agent nodded: "There are rumors, but neither side has confirmed them."
Fan Binbin laughed: "It's normal not to admit it. If it were really nothing, we would have clarified it long ago. This ambiguous state actually indicates a problem."
She walked to the window and looked at the replica of the Han Dynasty palace outside.
The sunlight was bright, reflecting a dazzling light off the glazed tiles.
"Help me make an appointment with Liu Yifei's company," Fan Binbin said. "Just tell her I want to invite her to dinner and we can talk about my experience filming in Hollywood."
"But Binbin, you two didn't have much of a relationship before—"
"Isn't it there now?" Fan Binbin turned to look at her, his smile bright. "In the entertainment industry, isn't it all about you helping me and me helping you? She helped me make a connection, so I'll repay her in the future. It's very fair."
The agent watched her retreating figure and sighed inwardly.
I understand this industry less and less.
Los Angeles, Light Chaser Animation North American Headquarters.
When Jiang Yu returned to his office after finishing his last meeting, he was almost completely exhausted.
Three consecutive high-intensity negotiations were held against Universal, Lionsgate, and Warner, all seasoned veterans, and every word had to be carefully considered.
David followed him in, carrying a stack of documents: "Boss, things are in an uproar back home."
"As expected." Jiang Yu slumped in his chair, loosening his tie. "If you let those names Li Binbin and Ge You out, it's no wonder there's a huge uproar."
David handed him the phone: "It's not just an explosion, it's a nuclear explosion. Right now, all the entertainment media in your country are making this the headline, and the top five trending topics are all related to it. I did a rough count, and in just half a day, Yang Siwei said that more than ten agencies have contacted her through various channels, asking if there are any similar opportunities."
Jiang Yu quickly scrolled through the news and comments, a smile playing on his lips.
The results were even better than he had expected.
"How's Nolan's reaction?" he asked.
"Director Nolan is very satisfied," David said. "He watched Li Binbin's audition footage three times and said that her temperament is very special; both rational and mysterious, she is very suitable for the role of the Dream Builder. As for Ge You, Nolan is very interested in his comedic talent and said he wants to see how a Chinese comedian can act in a serious drama."
Jiang Yu nodded.
This is the effect he wanted.
In the previous film, Inception, the dream architect Adrian was played by Elliot Page, who acted very well, but something was always missing.
The casting of Li Binbin in this new role not only adds to the character's Eastern mystique, but more importantly, it sends a signal.
Chinese actors are no longer just embellishments in Hollywood movies; they are capable of playing core roles.
"Oh, right," David remembered something, "Huayi called. The Wang brothers want to invite you to dinner to thank you in person. You can choose the time."
Tell them that you appreciate the gesture, but you won't eat.
Jiang Yu waved his hand, "Remind them that the resources have been provided; the rest is up to them. Li Binbin and Ge You's performance in Hollywood not only affects themselves but also the opportunities for other Chinese actors in the future."
"Understood," David noted. "Yang Siwei also said that Zhang Ziyi's agent contacted her, saying that Zhang Ziyi wanted to talk to her."
Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow: "Zhang Ziyi? She certainly acts quickly."
"After all, he's an international star; his sense of smell is sharp," David laughed. "How so?"
"Just refuse, say you don't have time," Jiang Yu said.
"Okay. Yang Siwei said that Fan Binbin, Shu Qi, and Zhao Bafei—their teams have all sent messages through various channels."
David flipped through his notebook. "Basically, the teams of all the top actresses in your country have mobilized today."
Jiang Yu laughed: "Looks like we've become a hot commodity."
"It's more than just a hot commodity; it's practically the flesh of Tang Sanzang (the monk from Journey to the West)."
David exaggeratedly said, "Boss, if you posted a marriage advertisement now, I estimate you'd receive resumes from half of the entertainment industry."
"Get lost," Jiang Yu said with a laugh.
"Oh, by the way," David suddenly said, "Miss Liu Yifei called this afternoon, asking if you wanted to go to the set. She said they filmed a major scene today and wanted to hear your opinion."
Jiang Yu glanced at the time: "Is it too late to go now?"
"We should make it in time; the film set isn't far from here," David laughed. "Boss, you really care about Miss Liu."
Jiang Yu glanced at him: "She's the female lead in the movie I invested in, isn't it normal to show some concern?"
"That's normal, perfectly normal." David suppressed a laugh. "Shall I go arrange a car?"
"Um."
After David left, Jiang Yu picked up his phone and sent Liu Yifei a text message: "I'll be there in half an hour."
A few seconds later, a reply came: "Waiting for you. I filmed a scene today, and I think I found Lin Xin's dark side. I'm a little scared, but also a little excited."
Jiang Yu looked at the text message and smiled.
He replied, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
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