I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 477 475. Flowers bloom again, and people are no longer young.

Lao Xu likes to drink Maotai, and he can swallow it like a whale and sip it like a tiger.

Especially like the tiger sip.

After "Zi Liu" takes a sip of wine, he always wipes his mouth habitually, as if he is stroking his beard.

But alas...he's a bit fat.

There is no trace of the power of a tiger on his body, but instead he has the feeling of a wild boar.

But his wine is good.

The small wine cups are all one-size-fits-all, and there is never any fuss.

Including Yang Dalin, when the three of them drank a pound of Maotai, the peanuts were not even half full.

It is conceivable that this speed is very fast.

During this period, we were all talking about "The Grandmaster".

It's a pity that Xu Xin doesn't plan to join Wang Jiawei's crew recently.

He has no prejudice against Director Wang, but he doesn't like this kind of... treating actors like animals.

Yes, actors and directors have a working affiliation.

But Wang Jiawei gave him the feeling that it was like a PPT created by employees who worked hard and overtime. He took one look at it and directly denied it, but he didn't tell you what was wrong, and just asked you to do it again.

I didn’t feel anything like it when I was on the set.

But after coming back, every time he thought about it, he always felt that he really couldn't appreciate this... obvious Xiangjiang style director.

He prefers the old man's approach: you make mistakes and I communicate with you.

Then we will work out a solution together.

So when Lao Xu talked about "The Grandmaster", he mostly listened and then evaluated his wife's condition.

After finishing a bottle of wine, Yang Dalin was almost done.

He couldn't get into the topic of son-in-law and friends, so he asked Lao Xu to roll out noodles.

When Lao Xu heard that there was Liubiju yellow sauce at home, his mouth watered and he kept nodding.

Obviously homesick.

Yang Mi and Yang Chunling also finished eating, so they simply moved the dining table to the porch of the outbuilding of Sishui Guitang, leaving them to drink and chat slowly.

The weather is a bit hot, but with the fan blowing, wearing vests and underpants, chatting in this place, it really feels like a nostalgic feeling from childhood.

Hot spots are good.

Sweating makes you sober up quickly.

Can also smoke.

While chatting, Lao Xu said:

"Xiao Xu, what are you going to do next?"

Xu Xinxin said that everyone likes to ask themselves what to do next...

He explained with a smile:

"There is also a movie, a script written by a friend, which is expected to be launched in August or September."

Upon hearing this, Xu Haofeng asked curiously:

"What subject matter?"

"Urban emotion. What? Interested?"

"That's gone."

Xu Haofeng quickly shook his head.

His main job is to be a writer.

Part-time screenwriter.

And in fact, I have plans to become a director myself in the past two years.

But there are specialties in the art industry, so even if he wants to make a movie, he will definitely make a movie that he is good at. For example, martial arts and kung fu movies.

Let him film emotional scenes?

Can't get it, can't get it.

But when Xu Xin heard this, he was a little curious:

"Old Xu, you... also want to make a movie?"

"Um."

Xu Haofeng nodded and admitted openly.

"Want to take pictures..."

Having said this, he picked up his wine glass and touched it with Xu Xin.

With a breath of alcohol, he said to Xu Xin:

"I'm actually... not very satisfied with the current kung fu movies."

As he spoke, he made a circle gesture:

"all."

"...Including "The Grandmaster"?"

"right."

Xu Haofeng responded:

"Including "The Grandmaster". Do you know why?"

"Talk about it."

Xu Xin handed over a cigarette.

He handed the lighter over again and lit it for him.

"Hiss~poof."

Holding a cigarette between his arms, Xu Haofeng felt a sense of sadness in his tone for no apparent reason:

"Because it's all false."

"..."

Xu Xinxin said, isn’t this nonsense?

If it were true, if everyone used real swords and guns in a scene, wouldn't thousands of people die in a war scene?

"Real kung fu is not like that. Mimi should understand what I mean."

"……ah?"

Yang Mi, who was planning to take her baby out for a walk, just walked out of the door and was stunned when she heard this:

"What?"

"Lao Xu said that real Kung Fu is not like in movies."

After hearing her husband's explanation, Yang Mi nodded:

"That's for sure. The real victory or defeat in kung fu is just a matter of inches. Just like in the UFC, one person attacks and the other hides. It seems a bit boring at first glance, and the preparation is even long. But it only takes one punch or one punch to end the game. One kick...I'm leaving, taking the kids to the night market."

"Okay...Mengmeng, you should follow your sister, mainly to keep an eye on the child."

"Okay, Brother Xu."

Su Meng responded and went out with Sun Ting and Yang Mi.

As soon as she left, Yang Chunling brought over two wet towels.

"Give."

When Xu Xin picked it up, it was ice cold.

Yang Dalin took out a basin from the bathroom.

The basin was half full of water, with some ice cubes floating on the surface.

Put it in front of Xu Xin.

"The sauce is in the pot and the noodles are on the chopping board. You can eat it if you want. We are also going out."

"Hey, okay, okay, uncle, it's okay. We'll finish it later and make it ourselves."

"Um."

Soon, Yang Dalin and his wife also went out to play horse crane.

After the two left, there was no one in the yard.

In the summer of Chikan Ancient Town, under the pattern of four rivers returning to the hall, the sound of insects can be heard one after another from the various purchased flowers and plants placed in the southeast corner of the yard.

The reinforced concrete city is gone.

Occasionally, a fish swimming in the ground pond will open a flower, and the sound of ripples suddenly makes the whole summer come alive.

It makes people feel comfortable from the inside out.

"well……"

In comfort, Xu Haofeng sighed:

"so good……"

"Yes. It's just like when I was a child... But when the decoration in Yanjing is completed, the environment should be better than this. That's the real quietness in the chaos, and it's more comfortable than this."

Xu Xin thought he was talking about the environment.

But Xu Haofeng waved his hand:

"I mean, the attitude of your father-in-law and mother-in-law towards you...isn't the same as mine. My father-in-law doesn't drink, so I go to his place for dinner every year, and it's like I'm in jail. Whenever I talk about drinking, he has to nag. , what: alcohol enters the body, what enzymes, what ethanol and so on..."

"Well……"

Xu Xin knew that Lao Xu's wife was a doctor.

But now it sounds like they are from a family of doctors.

While Xu Haofeng was talking, he asked curiously:

"You haven't changed your mind yet?"

"without."

Xu Xin shook his head:

"Yang Mi and I haven't changed. Although in private we say "our father and our mother", we still call each other uncle and aunt publicly."

"...because there's no wedding?"

"That's right. No wedding, no money to change the story, no money to change the story. Isn't this the rule of Yanjing?"

"That's true……"

Xu Haofeng nodded, with emotion still on his face:

"But the old couple are too kind to you..."

He poured a handful of water into the basin and put a towel on his body.

Because of the hot weather, he simply took off his plaid shirt.

Putting a cool towel on his neck, he continued:

"I actually grew up watching kung fu movies. Whether they were made by Cheng Long, Jet Li, or any other director... I couldn't really watch them."

"Because I can?"

"Yes... I don't know how to do it myself. When I was a child, I grew up with my second grandpa. My parents were working at that time, and the old man led me. He could pamper me, you said, eat a candy, drink a saccharine water, or I didn’t say what it was for. Have you ever seen that kind of crossbow arrow when you were a kid?”

"...?"

Xu Xin thought for a while and said:

"That pistol with disposable chopsticks?"

"No, that was all later. When I was a child, all I used were willow branches. I roasted the willow branches on the fire, and they were very tough. Then I went to someone's house and pulled a few tail hairs from the buttocks of the mules and horses, and wrapped them around a piece of wood. The handle, the kind with a slide rail. Use a sharpened skewer to mount it... Whoosh!"

Xu Haofeng described his childhood interesting stories vividly:

"Aim at the pile of sparrows, and within twenty steps, hit each one accurately."

"..."

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Xu Xin was stunned.

I couldn't help but ask:

"That can be considered a weapon, right?"

"Forget it. Why don't you count it? It can penetrate the armor. If you replace it with an iron needle, it will be an armor-piercing nail."

Xu Haofeng smiled a little proudly:

"That thing takes a lot of work and materials. First of all, the wooden handle needs to be made bit by bit, and secondly, the baking method of the wicker. Before baking, you have to soak it in a special kind of water, and then the temperature is also particular... Now think about it, a handful Small crossbow arrows require more than a dozen processes. The old man can only make one handful in a day.

Then when I was a child, I was very generous, which other families were not. As soon as I took it out, other people’s children really wanted me to have it. Give me some flattery, and I'll let them play with it.

Some of them were close to me, so I gave them to them directly.

Then he turned around and told the old man: Lost it. Make another one. The old man never said he was impatient. He was so smiling that he would definitely get me a new one the next day... So, is he pampering me enough? If I want any stars, I have to pick them off. "

"That's so painful and pampering."

"No, but there's one thing. They don't let me play with the martial arts team. They don't even let me get close to the side."

"Why?"

"Because you're afraid that I'll fall in love... That's not right. Now that I think about it, it's probably because I'm afraid that I'll dislike it. I like the beautiful boxing and kicks of the martial arts team, but I dislike what the old man taught me... It doesn't look pretty at all. , but how can I hit someone?

This includes fighting with people since I was little. Do you know what my second grandpa told me? Said: "You must not fight back. If someone hits you, just run away. If you can't do it, tell the teacher or go to your parents. If you really want to fight back, don't punch him. Just kick him in the leg and don't touch him above the stomach." bump.

...Later, when I gained weight, the old man told me the most: I have to learn to tolerate being fat. Don't be impulsive, be patient..."

"...Are you afraid that you will break someone?"

"Um."

At this time, Xu Xin gradually understood what Lao Xu meant.

It was true, although he always saw his wife playing tricks there.

But occasionally she used some really good moves, which can be summed up in two words: awkward.

It's completely different from what you know from movies and TV shows, where two heroes fly up and down and want to fight for 800 rounds.

It is an existence that challenges values.

Meet people, meet.

Snapped!

Those who are slow will lie down on the ground.

But……

"Old Xu, have you ever thought about it? There is no real kung fu anymore. Moreover, the presentation of the screen images is itself an aesthetic feast created by the filmmakers for the audience."

"I know."

Xu Haofeng nodded:

"But... the older I get, the less I watch today's kung fu movies. Every time I watch people like the Married Family Class and the Yuan Family Class doing routines that are full of loopholes, I get goosebumps all over my body... … Once I can understand the old man’s mentality when he taught me these things, I can’t even see it anymore.”

Then, Xu Xin didn't need to ask, he sighed with regret:

"Sigh... My kung fu is poor. In the eyes of others, it might be... I have a distinguished family but am not good at academics. But in fact, I can understand the old man's mentality. It's not that he doesn't teach me... of course, he is reluctant to beat me. There is definitely some. But more often than not, he himself is a very contradictory individual. What if you teach a child these things and he breaks the person? And it is useless to learn kung fu now. How can there be such a thing in the world? Martial Arts?"

Having said this, he waved his hands, and the sadness in his eyes turned into loneliness:

"There is no martial arts world anymore. Even if there is one, those heroes in the martial arts world may be living in poverty and unsustainable life behind their high status. So, he didn't dare, didn't want to, and was reluctant to teach me. But... these things , is something passed down from our ancestors, is it possible that Chengdu has brought it into the coffin? So, when he teaches me, he always hides it. He teaches the form, but not the meaning. He teaches the method but not the body..."

"Is this the prototype of "Master"?"

"right."

Xu Haofeng nodded and wiped it with a towel... He didn't know if it was sweat or something else.

"After I wanted to understand the contradictions and complexities of the old man, I wanted to write a story about these. In the book, I will explore whether it is the fault of the masters who did not teach, or... when they realized that martial arts was no longer suitable. After that era, should I pass on my own confusion to the next generation..."

"..."

Xu Xin said nothing.

Just handed over another cigarette.

And I made up my mind to read this novel called "Master" after Lao Xu left.

After lighting the cigarette, Old Xu said:

"So I'm going to direct myself."

"Well……"

When Xu Xin heard this, he related to the topic they had just talked about and asked directly;

"Want to shoot some "real kung fu"?"

"right."

Xu Haofeng responded:

"The kung fu it produces may not look good, and many kung fu movie lovers may not accept it. But... it's like the old man did to me. You don't have to pay attention to the meaning, but at least you have to leave something in the "form". Let it After everyone saw it, they realized: Oh? It turns out that real kung fu is like this... I also tell everyone that martial arts is not just fancy tricks. When it comes to real fighting, it is the kung fu of fighting with people."

"..."

Tsk.

Xu Xin was speechless.

It's not that I was shocked, but I didn't know what to say.

Frankly speaking, as a director... he would not agree with Lao Xu's idea.

From its inception as a pastime, movies have gradually evolved into an art form.

The beauty of the picture is definitely a very important part.

There are many elements that make up the beauty of a picture, such as various scenery, portraits, light, etc...

In Kung Fu movies, let’s not discuss these things for now. It also has a necessary requirement, that is, "Kung Fu must be performed well."

This is also one of the driving forces behind the development of kung fu movies to this day.

But now if someone... who is not a director, says in front of him that he wants to make a movie that "isn't very good-looking"... or in other words, it goes against the core concept of the driving force behind Kung Fu movies from the very beginning, he will definitely sneer at it.

After all, I am a "newbie" at heart, and before I have entered the industry, I want to beat Zhongyuan Wubai.

But...

He understood Lao Xu's thoughts.

"You have to leave something behind for future generations."

As soon as this artistic conception comes out...

He didn't know what others thought, but in his case, he had to give Lao Xu a thumbs up.

But……

Behind the art palace of movies, there is also a river piled with money.

Without this river, 99% of the people in the art palace would starve to death.

The script will not be discussed, and the storytelling will not be mentioned.

In Kung Fu movies, the mere fact that "the fighting doesn't look good" is enough to warrant a death sentence.

"It's very difficult to put this idea into practice."

“The difficulty lies in the market, right?”

Obviously, Xu Haofeng also understood what Xu Xin meant.

There was also a hint of helplessness on his face:

"Actually, since I came up with this idea, I have always known that this is a difficulty. To put it bluntly...even if it is produced at a small cost, it will cost several million, right? But when I think about using other people's money to do things, But the problem is... I really want to leave something... To be honest, Xiao Xu, you know I am most dissatisfied with this "Master" novel Where is the place?"

"where?"

"Those martial arts rules... before I started writing, I had a general idea in my mind. But after I started writing, I found that many of the things my second grandpa told me, and some of my knowledge of the world, were clearly in my mind. I had heard it and thought about it. , I was even thinking about it a few years ago. But now I suddenly forgot...I can’t remember..."

"..."

In Xu Xin's speechlessness, he pointed to his brain:

"It's really because I'm getting older. I'm still under 40, so my memory is no longer good."

The "young man" who is 37 years old this year cannot hide his disappointment.

It seems like that boy was just yesterday.

But looking back suddenly, it was just a dream that seemed like flowers in the mist.

It can no longer be seen or touched.

Flowers bloom again.

No one is young anymore.

Normally, when Xu Xin, who was in a rational state, heard this, he might smile and comfort him with a joke like "Go back and take more Liuwei Dihuang Pills, and you will have everything."

Because he knows that everyone will grow old.

Heroes grow old and beauties grow old.

Very normal.

As an industry practitioner, he believes that if a movie is given factors that are greater than the story when it is first created, then the script will undoubtedly fail.

When everyone watches a movie, the important thing is not what the director expresses.

But first we need to look at what the story is about.

It seems that when many people mention "Summer of Kikujiro", they will think of Joe Hisaishi's famous summer song.

But if you watch Takeshi Kitano's movie because of this song, you will find that its initial impression is that of a very weird road movie.

Especially Takeshi Kitano's acting.

That kind of facial paralysis acting method and poor lines, combined with some ridiculous plots, will make you doubt your life.

But after watching it slowly the second time, you will find that the look and feel is much better.

But this kind of movie that requires careful viewing usually explodes at the box office.

On the streets.

In Xu Xin's case... although he doesn't think the other party is a failure, he can't say he likes him.

Nothing in a movie should escape the absolute principle of storytelling.

Make a good story first.

As for what you want to put in the story, let those viewers who like the movie watch it and enjoy it slowly.

For a director who can't even shoot a story well, it would be better to go back and practice his basic skills first.

This is his usual view.

However, I drank wine at this time.

People become impulsive easily after drinking alcohol.

What's more, he once dreamed that he drank and beat someone into a vegetative state...

He understood what Lao Xu meant.

I also understand that he wants to leave to this generation the traces of the "Second Masters", "Li Shuwen" and "Gong Monkey" in the Republic of China that are close to reality and can be used as evidence and reference for future generations.

If a person lives for decades, if he can leave something to this world.

No matter how you think about it, it is a... very happy thing.

So, before his mind could react, his subconscious asked himself three questions silently.

One, do I have money?

Second, am I short of money?

Three, will Yang Mi be angry if I spend money?

These three questions didn't even cross his mind.

After subconsciously giving the answer, looking at Lao Xu's melancholy look, he chuckled and said:

"Isn't this simple? If you want to find investment, just come to me. I'll invest for you."

"..."

Xu Haofeng was stunned.

After taking a look at Xu Xin, he rolled his eyes:

"Put it down. I came to you for a drink today just to chat, not to attract investment sponsorship. If you say so, how can I drink this drink?"

"Haha~"

Xu Xin laughed and said in a relaxed tone:

"Why can't I drink? I, Wang Duoyu, voted for your movie."

"……who?"

Xu Haofeng was confused again:

"King...what fish?"

"……ah?"

Xu Xin was also stunned:

"What?"

"...You just said that you, Wang Duoyu, voted for this movie. Who is Wang Duoyu?"

"ah……?"

Xu Xin, who didn't even know why he said such a sentence, scratched his head:

"I don't know either, so I just said it casually. But that's what it means. Just follow the idea you want. I'll vote for this script for you."

"Okay, okay, let's not talk about this topic anymore."

Xu Haofeng shook his head.

From the beginning to the end, he never had the idea of ​​​​investing.

That’s it for today’s busy chat.

Only then did he reveal his wish that had just been born in the past two years.

Although Xiao Xu's decision to vote for himself was quite generous and moved him heartily.

But the problem is...he really can't do this.

People are aboveboard, and I can't hide any little thoughts.

What's more, he didn't even know where the script was.

These things are just a vague impression in his mind at present, and he hasn't even thought about the real script story.

Seeing that he didn't want to talk, Xu Xin didn't force him, but just used the strength of the wine to make another promise:

"Anyway, look, if you want to film this script, I will vote for it. It doesn't matter the box office, investment, or returns. Your concept is right. What matters is that you can leave something behind so that everyone can see the real kung fu. .Even though...it doesn't look good."

…

Lao Xu came here to enjoy the meal and returned happily.

Maotai drank another half bottle.

Counting the two of them together, each person drank about six taels.

Not too much, not too little, just right.

In addition, because of the hot weather, Xu Xin also sweated a lot. Under the influence of metabolism, he actually got drunk very quickly today.

By the time Yang Mi got home, he was already asleep with a quilt in the small room in the second bedroom.

In the next two days, the entire Chikan, or rather the whole country, was paying attention to a major event.

College entrance examination.

Walking on the street, Xu Xin often sees vehicles with green ribbons tied to their rearview mirrors shuttling through the streets.

These vehicles with green ribbons are all vehicles that take candidates to school unconditionally.

If students who are going to take the college entrance examination are late due to some accident, then these private cars can be stopped directly like taxis and sent to the examination room.

If you are in a hurry when leaving, you don't even need to say thank you. Instead, you will get a good wish of "Student, have a good time in the exam."

Xu Xin also thinks such activities are quite meaningful.

Since he will no longer go to the set of "The Grandmaster", he also plans to get up early these two days and work as a driver for the students.

But thinking about what if the other party recognizes him...

It would be fine if he was a normal fan.

If you meet an anti-fan, don't say anything and shout like a dog. What if we go to the examination room and fail to do well in the exam, and we put the blame on Xu Gou?

Forget it, forget it, I can't afford to offend you.

But the road is much quieter, that's true.

At this juncture, even the most unqualified driver is unwilling to use his loudspeaker to disturb the students who are studying hard and waiting for their fate to change.

At this time, the feelings and tenderness of the Yanhuang people in the world were vividly displayed.

The college entrance examination takes two days.

Then came the art exam. (Note 1)

After the art exam was over, Xu Xin received a call from Yu Zhen on the afternoon of June 10th:

"Xu Xin, the student named Nazha performed very well. I went to the examination room specially to have a look. Even if you don't say hello, her professional level is enough to get in. Her appearance also surprised several assessment teachers. Now It just depends on the cultural classes. As long as the cultural classes meet the standards, they can be admitted."

"Hey, okay, Teacher Yu, thank you."

Xu Xin smiled and said thank you.

"Well, it's okay. Just do your business. I'm hanging up."

Yu Zhen hung up the phone.

There is no need for the master and apprentice to exchange so many pleasantries.

On the contrary, it seems raw.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Xin did not notify Nazha directly, but sent a message to Yang Mi:

"Teacher Yu called and said that Nazha is doing well. I won't care about this matter. You can take care of it."

After sending it out, he pushed the two babies:

"Dad is going to have ice cream!"

Under the innocence of the two cute children with their big eyes, he said the most inhuman words:

"Dad eats it and you two watch, okay?"

(Note 1: As I said before, don’t worry about the college entrance examination and art examination. Because I didn’t understand it before, but later after being popularized by a reader in this chapter, I figured it out. But the problem is that the timeline has also passed. So I have no choice but to come here by mistake.)