Chapter 2240: A Trilogy?

How disastrous was Jiang Wen's 'Republic Trilogy'?

In the original timeline, not only did he lose all the hundreds of millions earned from 'Let the Bullets Fly,' but he also had to throw in some of his own money...

Old Jiang really liked to sneak his own agenda into his films, but the problem was, if the audience accepted his agenda, the box office would inevitably explode.

Conversely, if it wasn't accepted, the box office would naturally be dismal.

The key point was that the Republic of China he portrayed, in Zhao Fusheng's view, wasn't the real Republic of China at all.

In many people's eyes, the Republic of China seemed wonderful—gallant, romantic, and prosperous.

But in fact, only those who truly understood that period of history knew what kind of era it was.

To be honest, Zhao Fusheng wasn't opposed to Jiang Wen making the Republic Trilogy.

What he hoped was that Jiang Wen could reflect the true face of that era. For that, even if the films lost money in the future, Zhao Fusheng would be willing.

"Actually, films set in the Republic of China era are worth considering."

After thinking it over, Zhao Fusheng took the initiative to bring it up with Jiang Wen.

"The Republic of China?"

Ye Jing was a bit surprised, then frowned: "That might have some issues with censorship."

Political factors had to be considered no matter what.

Jiang Wen didn't say anything, just lowered his head, lost in thought.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "Censorship isn't a problem. We're not touching political elements. Even if we shoot it, it'll be in a realist style. Do you think the authorities would mind us showing what the real Republic of China was like?"

Ye Jing was taken aback, then understood Zhao Fusheng's meaning and nodded in agreement.

After all, he understood Zhao Fusheng's thinking. As long as you didn't touch on forbidden topics, showing the true face of that era was actually welcomed by the authorities.

Warlords fighting, the people living in misery—that was the real Republic of China.

The so-called prosperous scene was merely later literati whitewashing the peace.

The real life of ordinary people could only be described as destitute.

Everyone present was actually well aware of this.

"You bastard, if you really shoot it according to your ideas, there'll be trouble."

After a long while, Jiang Wen said to Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng sneered: "So what? Some people like to tell lies and tamper with history. Am I not allowed to tell the truth? Just say whether you dare to shoot it or not!"

"I dare!"

Jiang Wen glared: "What do I have to fear? I don't believe anyone would dare to curse after it's out."

"Two lunatics!"

Ye Jing complained helplessly from the side.

He was speaking from the heart. These days, many people on the internet were vigorously promoting the 'Republic of China style' and the 'Golden Decade.' In their eyes, the respect for intellectuals in that era was incomparable to today, and the economy developed rapidly, with big cities being like paradise on earth.

But in reality?

In that era, eighty percent of people were illiterate, the whole country was generally impoverished, and only a handful of big cities had abnormal prosperity.

The so-called Golden Decade of the Republic of China referred to the period from the establishment of the National Government in 1927 to the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japan in 1937. Did China really develop during that time?

The so-called progress in light industry and transportation was utterly useless for the nation's development.

During the all-out war of resistance, our industrial system couldn't even produce airplanes, warships, or tanks, let alone heavy artillery and shells. We had to rely on foreign aid. The production of light weapons also lagged far behind wartime needs in both quantity and quality. This led to the ineffective mobilization of our vast human resources, and the nation suffered immense disaster and sacrifice in the war.

What kind of bullshit Golden Decade was that?

"Let's leave it at that."

Zhao Fusheng said to Jiang Wen, "Get yourself ready. Whenever you want to start preparations, Ye Jing will give you full support."

"No problem."

Ye Jing nodded. "I'm definitely fine with it."

"You two..."

Jiang Wen gave a helpless bitter smile. "You're putting me on the spot."

As one of the country's top directors, Jiang Wen knew very well that once this film was made, he would become a target of public criticism.

But as Zhao Fusheng said, he felt it was necessary to let some people know what the truth was.

He couldn't just keep playing dumb forever, could he?

Once the decision was made, Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen left Future Films together.

"You bastard, did you already have this idea in mind?"

Sitting in the car, Jiang Wen asked Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng smiled. "What, scared?"

"It's not about being scared or not."

Jiang Wen shook his head. "You know, often the hardest thing is to play dumb. But once you make up your mind, you can move toward your goal."

"That's good."

Zhao Fusheng nodded. "Let's get this straight: only a trilogy, and you need to watch your time. After all, you're managing a whole bunch of things at Future Films now; you can't neglect one for the other."

"I have a handle on it, don't worry."

Jiang Wen naturally understood what Zhao Fusheng meant. Future Films was now a listed company, and as its vice president, he had too many things to do.

...

...

"Chairman, President Zhou and President Dong from Future Tech are here."

After Zhao Fusheng dropped Jiang Wen off at home and just arrived at the group headquarters, Liu Yiming came in to report that Zhou Nianzu and Dong Guoxiang had arrived.

"Let them in."

Zhao Fusheng nodded and instructed Liu Yiming.

He naturally knew the purpose of their visit, and moreover, he had called them over earlier.

Soon, Liu Yiming led Zhou Nianzu and Dong Guoxiang into Zhao Fusheng's office.

"Have a seat."

Zhao Fusheng stood up and let the two sit down on the sofa.

"So, been busy lately?"

Smiling, Zhao Fusheng looked at Dong Guoxiang and said, "This time you don't have to complain to me all day, right? You're only in charge of technology."

Dong Guoxiang smiled honestly, but Zhou Nianzu beside him felt a chill in his heart.

He naturally understood Zhao Fusheng's meaning. Dong Guoxiang, though seemingly dull, was Zhao Fusheng's absolute confidant—there was no doubt about that.

The distinction between close and distant existed everywhere. The man had followed the boss early and had stuck with it till now—that was a natural advantage.

Although neither Zhao Fusheng nor Dong Guoxiang intended anything deliberate, Zhou Nianzu still got the hint instantly.

Some things didn't need to be said explicitly; everyone understood tacitly.

Moreover, Zhou Nianzu was willing to cooperate with someone like Dong Guoxiang, who just did his work without causing trouble.