I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 1089 1084. A Cup of Erguotou

First of all, this guy speaks with a strong British accent.

It should be the British accent.

Secondly...

Xu Xin vaguely felt that this guy's name sounded familiar.

But he couldn't remember where he had heard it before.

However, Xu Xin was not surprised that this colleague knew him.

The actual situation is that with his rising fame in Europe and after winning the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, his name and appearance have been qualified to be remembered by others.

So, he came to his senses and smiled and stretched out his hand:

"Hello, Mr. Director. Are you British?"

"Irish."

The handsome old man, who was not ugly at all, smiled and shook hands with him.

Xu Xin nodded and asked curiously:

"Why are you here?"

"I'm taking a walk."

Pointing to the silvery sea in front of him in the early morning, the handsome old man Martin shrugged:

"I just arrived last night. The weather is good today and the sea is beautiful, so I came for a walk. I didn't expect to run into you. Did I disturb you?"

"Of course not, I also like to watch the sea, watch the sea, be in a daze, and let my mind go."

"Hahaha, do you have to let your mind go in the morning?"

Hearing the other party's question, Xu Xin laughed with the same shrug as him:

"A good day needs a relaxing start, doesn't it?"

"Haha, you're right, Mr. Director."

Seeming to agree with Xu Xin's words, he nodded:

"I like your works very much, especially "The Burning Sun", and I also have high expectations for "The Silent Witness". To be honest, your work is also one of the main reasons why I came to Cannes."

As he said, he nodded politely to Xu Xin:

"Then I won't bother you, sir, I wish you a pleasant day."

"Thank you."

Xu Xin also responded politely.

After watching the other party walk to the beach, he sat back on the beach chair.

With a bit of curiosity, he took out his mobile phone and searched for the other party's name.

Only then did he find out that the other party had only made three works.

Of course, having said that, although the other party's works are relatively few, Xu Xin would not judge people by "quantity".

What's more, he actually saw one of them.

"The Killer Has No Holiday"

He has seen this movie.

In his impression...the conception of this script is very ingenious.

That's right...this name sounds familiar.

It turned out to be the director of this movie.

He looked away from the encyclopedia information on his phone and looked at the other person's figure going away.

Then he retracted his gaze and continued to lie on the beach chair to enjoy the warmth of the Cannes morning.

It was just a small episode.

…

There were obviously a lot of tourists in Cannes on the 11th.

Xu Xin basked in the sun on the beach for about an hour, and the surrounding tourists had already appeared in every corner of the beach.

He didn't stay any longer, got up and turned around to go back to the hotel.

As a result, just after crossing the road and entering the hotel, he suddenly saw a familiar figure.

It was really familiar, or... I knew who it was at a glance.

Jiang Wen.

Jiang Wen was standing in front of the hotel's trash can with a middle-aged man, smoking and chatting.

Xu Xin was not surprised, after all, "One Step Away" was also one of the films screened in Cannes this time.

After thinking about it, he walked towards the other person.

Although the two had never met each other... in the true sense of the word.

He rarely participated in award ceremonies in recent years, and his social circle was actually very limited. Although he was very familiar with his second brother, he had never seen the "real person" of Jiang Wen.

It was reasonable to say hello when they met.

Otherwise, he would not be able to report to his second brother when he came to the Cannes Awards Ceremony in a few days.

As he walked up, Jiang Wen seemed to feel that someone was looking at him. He turned his head and looked at Xu Xin.

Xu Xin smiled and nodded, and took the initiative to say:

"Can I call you big brother?"

Jiang Wen was stunned.

Then his eyes were full of surprise.

But these emotions turned into smiles immediately:

"No problem, you call him second brother, and you must call me big brother. Let's call him like this from now on. I'll call you Xiao Xu, okay?"

"Hey."

Xu Xin smiled and responded, and the two of them held hands together.

However, perhaps because of Jiang Ju, the two of them naturally had a layer of closeness.

Unlike many strangers who just met, no matter how enthusiastic they were on the surface, there was a layer of strangeness in their hearts.

Then, Jiang Wen introduced him:

"Marco, the producer and producer of "One Step Away"."

Xu Xin instantly understood who this person was.

Jiang Wen has his own film and television investment company, named "Bu Yi Le Hu", which he opened with a friend.

And this friend is Marco.

At the same time, the other party is also the producer of "The Sun Also Rises" and "Let the Bullets Fly".

These two people have always been inseparable in film investment and distribution. It must be normal for them to follow him now.

"Hello, Director Xu."

"Hello, Mr. Ma."

After the two shook hands and got to know each other, Xu Xin asked:

"Where are you going, brother?"

"Shopping. I came early yesterday. In order to adjust the jet lag, I stayed in the hotel for a day. Now I am full of energy and plan to go shopping. I haven't been here for a few years. How about you? Just came back from outside?"

"Let's go for a stroll along the beach."

"Okay... did you bring the movie resources?"

"Uh... no."

Hearing this, Jiang Wen nodded with a little regret:

"Okay, then tomorrow. I just looked at the movie guide and your movie is shown tomorrow. I'll go and see it tomorrow. When will Lao Er and the others come?"

"Before or after the opening ceremony."

"Okay."

Jiang Wen nodded very crisply:

"Are you free at noon? Let's have a meal together?"

"Okay."

"Then let's say, let's go for a stroll. Let's add WeChat and contact you when I come back."

"Okay."

After adding each other as friends, Jiang Wen patted him on the shoulder:

"If you have anything to say, let's talk over wine at noon. Let's go."

"Okay."

Xu Xin responded, said hello to Marco, watched the two leave, and went straight into the hotel.

He was not surprised, after all, everyone was in the same hotel, and they would see each other sooner or later.

Unless they deliberately avoided each other, it would be a matter of time before they met.

After returning to the room, he took out the information about "Master", opened his notebook and continued to work.

Although he had a draft in mind, he did not miss any of the preparations, and he did not get tired because he was confident.

"Rupture" was actually no longer news in the domestic media, and the news that he had finished filming the movie "John Wick" in Hollywood was not new.

Although according to the time, his first work as an Oscar-winning director will definitely receive great attention... But as a person, "Master" is his first work after winning the award.

He can more or less feel what kind of expectations the audience has.

It is precisely because of this that he does not want to disappoint everyone.

...

Time flies, it's just after 12 noon.

Xu Xin closed his laptop, listened to the "gurgling" sound of his stomach, and wondered why he hasn't come back yet?

Just thinking about it, the phone rang.

Jiang Wen called.

Xu Xin answered:

"Hello, big brother."

"Come downstairs? I'll take you somewhere."

"Okay."

He answered, went out and downstairs, and then saw a business car on Jiang Wen's side.

He was waving at him next to the car.

After Xu Xin walked over quickly, he found that he didn't bring his assistant either when he got in the car.

It was just him and Marco.

Oh yes, there was also a foreign driver.

After Xu Xin got in the car, Jiang Wen also got in the car, and Marco, who was sitting in the passenger seat, said a few words to the driver in fluent French. The driver nodded and started the car.

"What are we going to eat?"

"Hakka cuisine."

"...What?"

Xu Xin was confused.

Come to France to eat Hakka cuisine?

He thought to himself, are you sick or am I sick?

Seeing his expression, Jiang Wen smiled and said:

"I really can't get used to the food here. It's either too bland or too greasy. After eating here and there, I can only eat at a few Chinese restaurants. Besides, we have to drink, and it's boring to eat foreign food with alcohol. It can't go well with wine."

Xu Xin was speechless.

But there is an old saying in the world that the guest should follow the host's wishes.

So he nodded:

"It looks delicious."

"Of course. You will know in a moment. It is quite rare to find such authentic Chinese food in France, let alone in Cannes. But this boss is special. He was also in our circle in his early years. Have you seen Hou Xiaoxian's "Good Men, Good Women"? "

"Yes. The one by Yin Nengjing."

"Yes."

Jiang Wen was not surprised.

Just kidding...successful directors are actually all crazy about watching movies.

Let alone the number of movies watched every year, you would be embarrassed to go out without watching a hundred or eighty movies.

Xiao Xu has achieved such success at such a young age, and his accumulation of watching movies must be good.

"This boss is the apprentice of Chen Huai'en, the cinematographer of that play. When Hou Xiaoxian came to Cannes to participate in the exhibition, he also came with him. As a result, he met a French girl... Hey, this guy didn't leave."

"..."

Xu Xin was a little surprised:

"So romantic?"

"Yes, first the French girl went to Wanwan to find him, and then the two came back here. Later, I don't know how, but this restaurant was opened. You will know after trying it. The taste is really good."

Not to mention, with Jiang Wen's popular science, Xu Xin also became a little curious.

This kind of cross-border love... and the wonderful fate formed because of the movie, sounds really desirable.

"Brother, when was the last time you came to Cannes..."

On this topic, the two started chatting in the car.

The topic was very relaxed and the atmosphere was very comfortable.

I have to admit.

Jiang Wen is very talkative.

There is a very special "poor air" on him.

The kind that can't stop talking.

After chatting all the way, the car stopped in front of a restaurant called "Xiangwei" on a residential street in Cannes.

It was called "Hometown Flavor", with a line of French in the front and Chinese in the back.

After the three got off the car, Jiang Wen led Xu Xin inside with ease.

Soon, Xu Xin saw the "boy and the French girl" he mentioned.

To be honest, this French "girl" sister was not as beautiful as a fairy.

On the contrary, she had a very ordinary European appearance.

She was even a little fat.

The middle-aged chef with a shy smile also gained weight. After seeing Jiang Wen, he politely took off his chef's hat, revealing his bald hairstyle.

The appearance of the couple is very ordinary, and it is impossible to tell that they have been in love across the country.

But seeing the two familiar and happy greetings to Jiang Wen... Xu Xin suddenly felt a little emotional.

Too.

Whose youth has never gone crazy?

It may look unremarkable to outsiders, but it happens to be love at first sight in the eyes of the other person, right?

Nothing superfluous to say.

The chef, whom Jiang Wen called "Lao Cao," asked his wife to take the three of them up to the second floor and get into the suitcase.

Then, with just the effort of his front and back legs, Lao Cao brought over two bottles of Red Star's Erguotou.

"Old Cao, please fire some good ones."

Jiang Wen took over Erguotou with ease, and after giving instructions, the couple left with a smile.

Before he left, he made an agreement with Jiang Wen that he would come over for a drink after finishing the few tables of guests at noon.

Tell the three of them not to drink too fast.

After the couple left, Jiang Wencai asked:

"Is it okay to drink this? I heard they said you like drinking Maotai?"

"I can do either. But it's true that I don't drink much Erguotou. I usually drink Maotai or Fenjiu."

"Try it, you are both the son-in-law of Yanjing. How can you do it without drinking Erguotou?"

"Haha, okay."

Xu Xin responded:

"Let me do it?"

"Need not."

Jiang Wen waved his hand and filled three glasses of wine himself.

Then he asked:

"Yang Mi didn't come?"

"No, I'll take care of the kids at home and come back after the award ceremony."

"How old is the child?"

"More than four years old."

"Oh, that's pretty fast."

After he finished speaking, Xu Xin actually had no intention of answering this question.

In this context, if he asked "Where is your young master?", Jiang Wen's three children would definitely be involved.

And speaking of these three children...

Jiang Wen's first wife was a Frenchman, and they had a daughter.

So he was no stranger to France, and Xu Xin was not surprised.

But the key point is... Xu Xin doesn't want to ask about his two sons with his current wife.

There is no other reason. One of these two children is called "Ichiro" and the other is called "Jiro"...

Although there are many interpretations on the Internet about why Jiang Wen gave his child a "Japanese name", for example, the title "Lang" itself was spread from the Chinese culture. To be honest, Cao Cao once called Cao Pi "Tai Lang", and he also called Cao Zhi "Ji Lang".

Japan has appropriated this title culturally.

But the problem is... Even if Xu Xin knows these reasons, his first impression is that this is still a Japanese name.

Maybe this is also Jiang Wen’s style?

They all tell stories, but he always likes to use metaphors and use the audience's "confusion" to declare his uniqueness.

This style... Xu Xin can accept it, but he doesn't like it.

This was also one of the direct reasons why he never took the initiative to mention getting to know Jiang Wen even though he had known his second brother for a long time.

He doesn't hate it, but he doesn't regard movies as a bargaining chip that can be used to create a sense of superiority.

The movie is good, not bad.

But he can't do this style.

And to put it more bluntly, he couldn't say "making dumplings to feed pigs".

To satirize the audience...it's not always appropriate no matter how you look at it.

Too arrogant.

A little too proud.

Therefore, he did not answer the question at all, but naturally changed the topic:

"It's quite fast... but we got married early. Brother, are you and Mr. Ma the only ones here this time?"

"Yes, just the two of us."

Jiang Wen nodded.

Xu Xin continued to ask:

"Then do you want the factory to contact you? Brother Zhong has made appointments with quite a few film producers, and we can also send them to "One Step Away"?"

"Okay."

This was not promised by Jiang Wen, but by Marco.

To put it bluntly, "One Step Away" is only being screened this time, but since it's in Cannes, it must have come to film studios to buy the film.

But then again.

Although he and Lao Jiang could come on their own... but if they could board the ship of Xiying Film Studio, as a partner of the company, he would definitely be willing to do so.

There is no other reason. In the past two years, Xiying Film Studio has also become famous in Europe.

Especially after "Perfect".

The various remakes, DVDs, and theater rights of "Perfect" have all been sold. This is a fact that everyone knows.

Moreover, judging from the feedback from various countries, it can be said that Xu Xin's work has made them a lot of money.

Not to mention it won an Oscar.

I saw another wave of heat coming over me.

With this kind of popularity, the works of the Western Film Studio are the most popular, and it is instinct for film producers to flock to them.

In comparison, "One Step Away" is actually much worse.

Even if it made more than 400 million at the domestic box office, it still couldn't compare.

Marco is naturally willing.

When hearing him speak, Xu Xin nodded:

"Okay, let's wait until after the screening. I'll go back and talk to the factory, and I'll help promote the movie then."

He used the word "help" to indicate that the factory would not charge a favor fee and it was purely a friendly recommendation.

A smile appeared directly on Marco's face.

At this time, the door was pushed open.

Lao Cao's wife, the "French girl" in Jiang Wen's mouth, spoke not quite authentic Mandarin and put the plate on the table.

"Drunkard peanuts, Jiang, this is your favorite vinegar. This is brandy marinated shrimp, very fresh."

"Okay. Peilei."

Jiang Wen responded.

After the two dishes came up, the next thing must be to pick up the cups.

"Come on, let's start? One person goes first. This glass of wine is the opening. Xiao Xu, we will toast you a glass later. Thank you for your help!"

"Big brother, you are welcome."

Xu Xin smiled and shook his head, and also picked up the wine glass.

After a sip of wine, the taste of Erguotou began to spread directly from the stomach.

It's... okay.

It's not hard to drink.

Xu Xin smacked his lips.

"Come on, come on, eat the food."

Jiang Wen called for chopsticks.

After eating a shrimp to suppress the drunkenness, he showed a thoughtful look.

But it didn't last long. After about three or four seconds, he suddenly said:

"How old is Xiao Xu this year?"

"28.86."

"...Only 28?"

Jiang Wen subconsciously widened his eyes.

Seems a little surprised.

Then suddenly smiled bitterly:

"So young?"

Xu Xin smiled and said:

"You are not old at all."

But Jiang Wen shook her head:

"It has nothing to do with that... It's not about age. Um... Did Yang Mi grow up in Yanjing?"

"Yes, she is from Yanjing."

"... When you usually communicate, does she tell you about her childhood?"

"?"

Xu Xin was a little confused.

I don't know why they suddenly talked about this.

But she still nodded:

"We talked about it. She said that she used to go skating in Houhai, and she also said how fun Yanjing was when she was a child... But I don't have much empathy. After all, when I was a child, I was in northern Shaanxi, I was facing the loess and my back was facing the sky..."

"Then do you know what "Chajia Sniffing Honey and Patting Pozi" means?"

Xu Xin was stunned and shook his head:

"I know that Chajia means fighting. What are the last two?"

Hearing this, Jiang Wen still didn't answer, but just said:

"In fact, they are all Yanjing dialects, and it's normal that you don't know. It's the same as "What's the problem?" This is the most impolite tone in Yanjing dialect. Xiao Xu, times have changed."

Xu Xin almost said "Yes, sir" without saying it.

But he was immediately confused, wondering why he talked about this.

This topic has no beginning or end.

"The current Beijing circle is beginning to disenchant."

"......?"

Xu Xin was a little confused.

No.

What did I say, how did it involve the Beijing circle?

I didn't bring it up.

But Jiang Wen held up the glass, motioned Xu Xin to clink glasses with him, and continued:

"I once told someone that... my youth was like Ma Xiaojun and Milan. That kind of youth was like Ma Xiaojun walking on the roof, like a cat walking on a hot iron house. He endured the pain of his feet and thought about how to look at Milan again...

But the young people of the new era are different from our generation. You have the Internet and all kinds of fashionable things..."

"Old Jiang!"

Marco suddenly interrupted Jiang Wen.

"Why did you drink too much before you even started drinking?"

Obviously, he was a little dissatisfied with Jiang Wen's choice of words.

He reminded her.

But Jiang Wen waved her hand, looked at Xu Xin and continued:

"Xiao Xu, have you seen "Personal Tailor"?

"Yes."

"What do you think?"

"To be honest, Director Feng's movie is average."

"Do you know what I saw in that movie?"

"What?"

"3T, which used to come from the masses and go to the masses, has become an ordinary creative team, waiting for the client's father to make demands. The stubborn people no longer exist. They have become ordinary workers and have to stay up late to make plans. They are also human beings. Without the rebellious adolescence under the high walls of the compound and the hormones that have nowhere to go, they have nothing."

"Uh..."

Looking at Jiang Wen's somewhat melancholy look, Xu Xin suddenly didn't know what to say.

Or... from the beginning, he didn't understand what the eldest brother wanted to talk about.

Why does it feel... as if everyone is not drinking and eating at this moment, but making a movie?

Like "Let the Bullets Fly" and "One Step Away".

Why... is it so difficult to understand?

Xu Xin was a little puzzled for a while.

As if she could see his confusion, Jiang Wen was happy.

She picked up the wine glass again.

"Come on... It's okay, let's drink slowly, you can do whatever you want."

After clinking glasses, he took a sip of wine.

Then he took out a cigarette.

Xu Xin then noticed that he was smoking Sanwu.

"555" brand cigarettes.

"Are you used to smoking this?"

Hearing this, Xu Xin shook his head quickly:

"I'll smoke this."

He pointed to the Zhonghua on his table.

Jiang Wen lit up a cigarette and continued:

"Do you know why I'm talking to you about this?"

"To be honest, I don't know."

Seeing him shaking his head, Jiang Wen seemed to be smoked by the smoke while smoking, and squinted his eyes directly:

"Especially in the past two years. In other words, since 2011, on the one hand, Xiying has gained momentum, and on the other hand... In fact, many people in the industry have realized that their things are not working. It is particularly baffling. It was fine before next year, but after the new year, my grandson pulled a brick from this high wall... and the wall started to collapse. "

"..."

In Xu Xin's silence, he shrugged:

"The wall has collapsed, things are not working... In fact, in my opinion, the era of laughing and scolding, daring to be independent and daring to express one's own opinions to the world in a relatively closed information circulation society has passed. The Internet is so developed now that if something happens in the morning, it will be known to the whole country by noon. This is an inevitable process.

But their first reaction is to make up for it, trying to fill the wall back up again... That's not realistic.

Everyone has seen the outside world. What's more, people will look at you the same way even if they bypass you..."

"Brother..."

Xu Xin picked up the wine glass.

interrupted him.

Although he had just drank this wine... if he kept talking like this, he felt like he was going crazy.

"What exactly do you want to say?"

Jiang Wen was stunned.

After looking at him for two seconds, he suddenly shook his head and smiled:

"Hey, I'm becoming an angry young man as I talk. Come on."

After meeting Xu Xin, Pei Lei brought up two more dishes just in time.

Jiang Wen picked up a piece of Yong Tau Fu and continued:

"Many people think that Korea's method of idol-creating stars is feasible. Now Xiying is robbing people fiercely. The "wall" has collapsed, and they know they can't stop it. So they are targeting the new generation of grown-up children. Above. You want to push down the wall and make this pool of water live. They won't fight with you, and they won't talk about it in the future. But after the Internet gang entered, their main attention is now focused. On top of those celebrities who are very popular.”

"..."

Xu Xin frowned.

Just listen to Jiang Wen continue to say:

"This is a new way of playing. In the past, it was difficult to get in and out, and everyone could be a grandson or a master. But now it is changing, with the old leading the new, the post-90s and even the post-00s generation. In the next ten years, That's the market they value. And from what I've seen so far... your eyes are still focused on existing people.

For example, I remember your wife is the same age as you, right? In 1986... I am 28 now, but ten years later, I will be 38.

You wanted to tear down the Berlin Wall, and it has indeed fallen down now. All kinds of frosty days compete for freedom.

But...Xiao Xu, the old guys are strong and have enough appeal. But this circle changes a group of people every few years. If you don't pay more attention to this aspect... I estimate that within three years, a large number of people will definitely be eliminated.

Moreover, people have grabbed seven inches of you. "

Speaking of this, Jiang Wen had a look in his eyes...it couldn't be said to be gloating.

But he seemed to be sitting back and watching the fight.

"You want to lay the foundation for healthy competition yourself. But the problem is that this is not friendly to newcomers. It doesn't matter if you are a newcomer. You can make up for the disadvantage of not having connections, but what about the "technical gap"? Just say actors Well. If the actors are not talented in acting, why should they compete with the old guys? And what you can't give will be transferred to others in the future.

Fight for a while and you win.

But in a few years..."

Under Xu Xin's increasingly frowning brows.

It was purely because Xiao Xu was so open-minded and offered to help promote his movie and wanted to repay the favor. Jiang Wen, who issued the reminder, shook his head:

"The outcome is uncertain."