National Tide 1980.

Chapter 1361 August Red Mansion

Chapter 1361 August Red Mansion

1987 marked the th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of the Republic.

On August 8, as a tribute film, the TV series "The Bandits of Wulong Mountain" was broadcast during prime time on the National Television Channel 1 in mainland China.

This TV series tells the story of a special period when our army wiped out the remaining bandits in western Hunan and restored a clear and bright world to the people.

But what is somewhat unexpected is that after the TV series was broadcast, what mainland audiences remembered was not the positive bandit-suppressing hero, but Shen Junyi who played the bandit leader "Zhuanshanbao".

In addition, there was an anti-Japanese war movie "Bloody Battle of Taierzhuang" released at the same time. It received unprecedented attention because it accurately and truthfully reflected the cruel history of the anti-Japanese war and awakened the common memories of the Chinese descendants on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong and Macao.

When the film premiered in Hong Kong, it attracted thousands of people to watch it, and the box office revenue reached HK$1.7 million in four days.

Although this figure cannot be compared with that of pure commercial films, as a mainstream movie produced by the mainland, it is already a work with good box office. At least the filming costs can be earned back by the box office in Hong Kong.

In particular, this film has promoted communication between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, which is of great significance.

At the same time, on August 8, at the invitation and arrangement of Ning Weimin, the 3 version of "Dream of Red Mansions" crew of 87 people, led by group leaders Dai Linfeng and Ruan Ruolin, finally flew to Tokyo, Japan.

According to the plan, the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" will carry out cultural exchange activities for about twelve days in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka from now on, as well as promotional activities related to the TV series.

The significance of this matter is equally significant and should not be underestimated.

(In May 1985, 5 members of the crew of Dream of Red Mansions visited Hong Kong)

You know, unlike three months ago when the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" visited Hong Kong at the invitation of ATV, this time the crew members actually went abroad.

Moreover, the group was larger than when they went to Hong Kong City, with ten more members.

Before this, the people sent abroad from the mainland for cultural exchanges were only those working in the film industry.

TV drama creators like the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" have never had such an opportunity to go abroad.

This is a completely first-of-its-kind move, and undoubtedly represents that the mainland TV drama industry has begun to gain a certain cultural influence overseas, which is enough to go down in history.

Even if we take into account the significant cultural gap between the two countries, "Dream of Red Mansions" still achieved a surprising 18% viewership rate when it was broadcast on TBS's morning drama time slot.

Then their collective visit to Japan can be regarded as a landmark event and a good start for the successful establishment of mainland TV dramas overseas.

Therefore, Ning Weimin attached great importance to this matter and made a big fuss about it.

On the day of the airport pick-up, not only did he and Matsumoto Keiko come to the airport in person, but two senior executives of Kiri Studios, Director Okamoto Akira and Director Watanabe Mitsuru, also came along.

In addition, even Shochiku Film and Taurus Palace, two cooperative units with which they have a good relationship, came to join in the fun and sent their respective artists and representatives.

In terms of media, TBS and Mainichi Shimbun, both of which belong to the Tokyo Broadcasting System, are definitely must-sees.

Ning Weimin also took the initiative to invite NHK TV, which was relatively pro-China at that time, and Sankei Shimbun, another major newspaper affiliated with the Fuji Group.

There were also two other sports tabloids that were willing to refute the rumors on behalf of Keiko Matsumoto.

If we group these media together and wait for interviews, there are five or six newspaper reporters with cameras, two hosts, and two video cameras, which is not too shabby.

Ning Weimin even arranged for someone to deliver flowers to each crew member.

As well as Wu Production's own professional cameramen and directors, they will record all the activities of the "Dream of Red Mansions" crew during their visit to Japan, and finally edit them into a documentary.

So when the plane arrived and the passengers walked out of Japanese customs.

The crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" received a welcome far beyond their imagination and much warmer than when they visited Hong Kong.

A special person presented a bouquet of flowers to each member of the delegation with a cordial and enthusiastic attitude.

The reporters used their cameras and short guns to intensively "sweep" the delegation members, and immediately there was a wave of flashes.

Ouyang Fenqiang and Chen Xiaoxu were especially the focus of the most intense "firepower".

To be honest, not only did the crew members of "Dream of Red Mansions" never expect that they would receive such a warm welcome, they were also flattered and couldn't help but get excited by such a grand welcome.

Even the passengers on the same plane with them were shocked by the grand welcome ceremony and interviews.

It was not until this time that many Japanese passengers on the same flight realized that these Chinese people were actually very important and were actually famous Chinese actors.

Just like that, unknowingly, it caused a small sensation in the airport terminal.

But it must be said that although the welcoming ceremony was grand, it was not as disorderly and chaotic as the one in Hong Kong.

After all, all media today can be considered as our own.

There were neither paparazzi reporters swarming in without any manners, nor anyone who would deliberately "induce confessions" or "trip up" the interviewees like the Hong Kong and city reporters did.

Ning Weimin also invited the crew members to the airport lounge as soon as possible and allowed them to be interviewed there to avoid causing trouble to the airport.

So even though the reporters had a lot of questions and the interview lasted for half an hour, both the media and the crew members were very relaxed and happy, and the atmosphere was particularly harmonious and friendly.

No one felt any discomfort or unhappiness, and both parties said goodbye in a very friendly manner when parting.

It can be said that the welcome ceremony was quite successful.

Next, of course, Ning Weimin arranged for everyone to board the Yamato Sightseeing tour bus to go to the hotel where the crew was staying.

The first point that needs to be made clear is that Ning Weimin was particularly not short of money at this time.

In addition to the fact that his industries were making money for him day after day and accumulating a large amount of cash.

The key is that the 15 billion yen that Kenichi Sagawa transferred to him from the sale of stocks, and the 30 billion yen that Sumitomo Bank loaned him again, have all arrived in his account.

Therefore, Ning Weimin now has up to 500 million US dollars in wealth at his disposal, and he is fully prepared for the upcoming "Black Monday".

The only thing that makes him regretful is that the current Japanese stock market has not yet introduced a short-selling mechanism, otherwise it would be a double blessing.

Secondly, Ning Weimin is a person who has a strong sense of national sentiment, is very sentimental and values ​​friendship.

This time he invited the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions". Although there were mercenary motives, he wanted to take advantage of the big IP of "Dream of Red Mansions" and use the crew and actors to make profits for his own industry and conduct commercial publicity.

But he is also willing to do his best and contribute his strength to spread Chinese culture and promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.

He always believed that if he wanted the Japanese to truly admit their guilt for the crimes they had committed and become the Chinese's grandsons, it would not be enough to surpass them in terms of military force and technology.

That can only make them submit, but not make them admit defeat.

I want to truly convince the Japanese and make them admire and fear China from the bottom of their hearts.

Then we must crush them in all aspects of cultural entertainment, material enjoyment, and economic trade, and stand high above them.

Let them realize that Li Gui is Li Gui and Li Kui is Li Kui, and they cannot survive without the big tree of China.

As a result, I feel depressed and can't help but admire you and rely on you.

That is the correct way to completely eliminate their unreasonable desires and achieve peace in Asia.

Needless to say, Ning Weimin certainly couldn't let the Japanese underestimate his Chinese compatriots, so he had to show them the proper respect.

To this end, he did not skimp on the reception standards, just like when he received the inspection team from the investors of Tan Palace Restaurant.

Not only did he arrange the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" at the New Otani Hotel, which has a close relationship with the Republic.

He also paid for 200 meal coupons for the revolving buffet restaurant on the top floor of the hotel and handed them to the group leader to make it convenient for the crew to have meals in the next few days.

That is to say, during the few days the crew stayed in Tokyo, even if there was no banquet arrangement, all 27 crew members could go to the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner at any time with the coupons. Not only that, Ning Weimin also gave each person 100,000 yen in pocket money for daily spending.

Some of the costumes provided by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Catton for "Crazy Rich Asians" were delivered to the hotel for everyone to choose from.

These two initiatives were a huge surprise and immediately won the hearts of the entire crew.

You know, for these domestic actors at this time, whether they go to Hong Kong or go abroad, everyone has "costume expenses".

But it's probably only around 500 RMB.

The money the crew members received was at most enough for them to order a suit in the "Red Capital" in China and have their hair done at the "Silian Barber Shop".

So the reality is that even though everyone has gone abroad, they still have no money and can hardly buy anything or do anything.

At most, I would just wander around the streets and satisfy my cravings with my eyes, ears and nose.

Like what happened in May this year when the crew of Dream of Red Mansions went to Hong Kong.

People went out to the streets to see the prosperous night scene of the port city, but under the neon lights, they were reluctant to even buy a cup of "Yuanyang" or a "pineapple bun".

The tie used by Ouyang Fenqiang was even borrowed from "Li Wan's" lover.

When the entire group completed their mission and left Hong Kong City, they did not take away anything they had bought in Hong Kong City.

Everyone just bought some small things like sunglasses, lighters, scarves, socks, etc. according to their ability.

This feeling of loss due to being short of money was probably something that only the mainland stars in the 1980s could feel so deeply.

To be honest, even in this day and age, it is very difficult for actors from mainland China to visit Hong Kong, which is enough to make people around them envious.

But after returning from their experience of going to Hong Kong to promote ATV, the crew members all felt that it was not very meaningful.

Not to mention how tired they were from all the busy work, the key point was that they didn't feel like they had gained any new knowledge or bought anything good.

Because of this, when we came to Japan this time, no one in the group had any hope of shopping or window shopping.

Because everyone knows that things in Japan are more expensive than in Hong Kong. If you can't even afford it in Hong Kong, forget about buying in Japan.

Unexpectedly, Ning Weimin would be so generous.

Not only have we arranged such a luxurious and comfortable living environment for everyone, but we have also prepared two great gifts for everyone.

  This is definitely a surprising turn of events, a completely unexpected miracle!

Wouldn't everyone be cheering?

Who can control this kind of joy that comes from the heart?

Not to mention that all the actors and technical staff were overjoyed, even "Bao, Dai and Chai" were jubilant, and everyone almost shouted "Long live" three times.

Even Ren Dahui, the knowledgeable production director, did not expect that such a big pie would fall on his head just after arriving in Japan.

He didn't know the exact value of the brand-name clothes that Ning Weimin allowed them to choose freely, but Ren Dahui knew very well that 100,000 yen in foreign currency could be exchanged for more than 6,000 yuan.

This figure is almost several years' salary for each of them.

It took three years to film "Dream of the Red Chamber", but "Jia Baoyu" only received a salary of 2,880 yuan.

Ning Weimin's move was so generous, and everyone had a share. This was completely beyond Ren Dahui's ability to understand.

So even though his mind was stunned by this unexpected fortune, he still maintained certain ideals and really didn't dare to reach out.

After exchanging glances with the two team leaders, they reached a tacit agreement and immediately called an emergency halt.

Everyone expressed their gratitude to Ning Weimin for his generosity and hospitality, but they would never dare to ask the crew members to accept the gift privately.

If for no other reason, I'm just afraid of making mistakes.

As a result, their statement immediately brought the jubilant atmosphere at the scene to a standstill, and everyone else was dumbfounded.

But just when everyone thought that the duck in hand was about to fly away, fortunately, Ning Weimin had anticipated this. He knew the situation in the country and had sufficient reasons to deal with this situation.

"Leaders, please don't rush to refuse. I know you have concerns, but I also have a few words in my heart that I want to tell you. First, from an emotional point of view, I am not an outsider like you, we were all born under the red flag. But I have been abroad for a few years and have made some money. So as the convener who invited you here, I have the obligation to take good care of you. The economic gap between Japan and China is too large. I give you this money, and I have no other intentions. It's the same as when I entertain my relatives in my hometown. I just simply hope that everyone can be more convenient in Japan and have more fun. Is it necessary for relatives to be so estranged?"

"Secondly, from a conscience point of view, I should also pay this money. The TV series "Dream of Red Mansions" can be filmed so well and this famous novel can be successfully adapted into a film and television. You all have made great contributions. I know a little about how our crew filmed the play. It took three years, regardless of fame and fortune, and really put a lot of effort into the creation. Everyone ate coarse food and wore silk and satin to play the role of young masters and ladies. The limited funds were all spent on costumes, makeup, and props, and not a penny of filming funds was wasted. It is this rigorous creative attitude that has created this TV series classic. I dare to assert here that with this version of the TV series, there is no need for others to shoot it in the future, and it is impossible to shoot it better than this one."

"So, from the perspective of being a descendant of the Chinese nation, I am not only deeply honored by this TV series, but I am also honored to have you all come to Japan this time. Moreover, I can also obtain continuous economic returns in Japan by acting as the agent for the overseas copyright of this TV series. Shouldn't I thank you all properly? Without your efforts and such a good TV series, how could I make money? So even though I have already paid the copyright fee to the TV series production center. But I still hope to thank you all a little more financially. Isn't our country calling for common prosperity? I am responding to the call. If I don't do this, I will feel guilty."

"Finally, I have another legitimate reason. This is because the money is actually a kind of compensation according to work. To be honest, when I invited our crew to come out this time, even if it is a cultural exchange activity, it actually has certain commercial purposes. Yes, the TV drama production center and I hope that through this promotion, we can expand the influence of this TV drama overseas and further increase the ratings of Japanese audiences. But at the same time, I also want to promote the sales of related books and products, so that I can make money from it."

"For example, I will arrange for everyone to attend the opening ceremony of two branches of Tangong Restaurant. I also hope to invite several main actors to take a day off to help me shoot a few commercials in Japan. Everyone who participates in this is working for me. Is there any reason to order people around for free? So if everyone is really embarrassed to accept this money and is afraid of having to explain it when they go back, we can just sign a labor contract to clarify the employment relationship. Earning money by working is always a fair thing, right?"

  Courtesy! Benefit! Love!

No matter which aspect, Ning Weimin has all the words.

And we also put forward practical solutions to the problems.

Everyone at the scene did not expect Ning Weimin to have such eloquence and such character. They could not help but feel deeply grateful and admired him greatly.

As for the two group leaders and the production director, they were all speechless at this time.

Especially when so many crew members were looking at them eagerly, it was difficult for them to say "no".

So several leaders met and discussed it again, and finally reached a consensus and nodded in tacit understanding.

"Okay, then let's sign a labor contract. Since you've said so much, we can't refuse your kindness, so we'd better obey you respectfully." Both team leaders expressed their opinions.

The production director turned around and said to everyone, "Please accept this money first, but I have to tell you in advance, no one should spend it in a hurry, we still have to hand over part of it when we return to China. The specific amount will be determined later after we discuss it. That's it, everyone thank Manager Ning."

As a result, the atmosphere on the scene changed instantly, and it became sunny and joyful again.

"Thank you, Manager Ning!"

These five simple words were shouted by all crew members from the bottom of their hearts, sounding sweet and melodious.

This is not surprising. Although it is impossible for all the money to fall into everyone's pocket, this is the best outcome.

It's better than not getting any penny. No one doesn't appreciate Ning Weimin's kindness.

Especially Deng Jie, who played Wang Xifeng. Maybe it was her nature, or maybe she just hadn’t gotten out of the role yet.

Or maybe because she had just starred in the drama "Two Sons Open a Shop" this year, she and Shen Lin followed Chen Peisi to attend Ning Weimin's wedding.

They have dealt with each other before and are much more familiar with each other than others.

At this moment, in front of Ning Weimin, she, "Feng Lazi", was more relaxed than anyone else.

He actually said, "Oh, look, look everyone. It turns out that our Rongguo Mansion still has rich relatives. Now we poor people don't have to worry. What's the big deal about having our house confiscated? Now, thanks to Manager Ning, we are shaking again..."

This is a fitting joke that is very immersive and has the final say.

The scene immediately erupted into laughter.

Even Ning Weimin was amused.

He could clearly feel how close and harmoniously the people in the crew got along with each other.

It's easy to imagine that such jokes between the two of them were commonplace during the three years of filming.

It is no wonder that Feng Lazi's husband would say something like that in the future: "Since the mainland has had film crews, I have never seen a crew as close as yours. It's so close that I am jealous!"


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