Chapter 112: A Comedy Film

Chapter 112: A Comedy Film

Yang Xin’er was not one to stay idle; she was never cut out to be a housewife. Not merely because she lacked the skills required, but also because she did not possess the calm temperament that such a role demanded. She could not endure the loneliness either.

After staying home for a while, she began accepting some commercial engagements. Among them was participating in the New Year's Eve gala at Nanhu Television Station, which meant Zhang Le spent the New Year alone.

There was no way around it—Nanhu Satellite TV had invited him too, but he had to decline as he was busy with the post-production of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Of course, in China, the Gregorian New Year held little significance. Apart from some businesses conducting sales promotions under that name, the most lasting impression was probably the one-day holiday of New Year’s Day itself.

However, for someone like Zhang Le, the New Year holiday meant very little. Whenever he wanted a break, he could take it without waiting for a national public holiday.

Zhang Le was indeed busy. Besides overseeing the post-production of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, he had to occasionally promote Tang Xiao’s new film, Nightclub.

While Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was undoubtedly the main project of Xinle Film Studio, Nightclub was also a film produced by the same studio. Zhang Le was not only the screenwriter but also held the title of executive producer.

The investment in this film was modest, yet expectations were high. Zhang Le was quite optimistic about its box office prospects. Another dark horse might emerge; it was not impossible.

Tang Xiao’s debut film, Meet the Father-in-Law, though it did not break the billion-yuan mark, still brought considerable profit to the company and attracted many fans. Of course, the biggest box office draw was not director Tang Xiao, nor screenwriter and producer Zhang Le, but the lead actor Feng Lei.

Feng Lei’s portrayal surprised Zhang Le. He broke his usual image by adopting a bald hairstyle and played He Sanshui, a somewhat down-and-out, world-weary middle-aged man.

Nightclub’s style was vastly different from Flirting Scholar, even differing slightly from the original version. Feng Lei’s performance made Zhang Le see him in a new light. A completely different style, yet handled remarkably well.

Tang Bohu was played in an exaggerated, even slightly unhinged manner, whereas He Sanshui appeared restrained, perfectly matching the film’s dry humor. Feng Lei’s acting had certainly improved significantly.

Of course, Feng Lei’s acting was progressing, and Tang Xiao’s directing skills were advancing as well. But among the three, Zhang Le’s growth was the most remarkable.

After shooting Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Zhang Le’s progress was a qualitative leap. Naturally, the effort he put in was unimaginable.

“You’ve been working on this film for quite a while,” Tang Xiao remarked to Zhang Le. “Is the post-production still not finished?”

“There are still some details to fix. It’ll probably take another month or two,” Zhang Le replied.

“When do you plan to release it?” Feng Lei asked. “And what about your Kung Fu project? I’ve been waiting so long I’m about to wilt.”

“Probably a summer release,” Zhang Le thought for a moment and said. He glanced at Feng Lei and added, “Kung Fu will likely be delayed. We’re still negotiating with the special effects company. Once that’s settled, the project will start.”

“So, what’s the plan? Are you just going to shelve it?” Feng Lei curled his lips in disdain.

“You’re not without work these days! I heard from Sister Wen that you’re very particular about the roles you take,” Zhang Le rolled his eyes.

“I just don’t want to ruin my image by taking lousy films. With a big star like me waiting to act in your movies, you should be grateful!” Feng Lei laughed.

“What about you? Any plans?” Zhang Le, tired of Feng Lei’s banter, turned to Tang Xiao and asked.

“That depends on your plans!” Tang Xiao smiled. “You’re the boss.”

“Don’t you have your own ideas?” Zhang Le shot Tang Xiao a look. He knew it was a joke and wasn’t offended.

“I have a soft spot for comedies. Do you have any good scripts on hand?” Tang Xiao suddenly asked.

“What kind of comedy?” Zhang Le inquired.

“A pure comedy,” Tang Xiao answered.

“In your opinion, what makes a comedy pure?” Feng Lei chuckled and asked.

“One that can make people laugh—that’s a pure comedy,” Tang Xiao said plainly.

Zhang Le was noncommittal about that definition, but hearing Tang Xiao and Feng Lei, he recalled a certain film.

“I do have a story. Not sure if you’d be interested?” Zhang Le smiled. “The story isn’t complicated; in fact, it’s basically a straight man’s fantasy, with a plot lacking logic or moral compass, but it will definitely make people laugh.”

“Tell us!” Tang Xiao was curious, while Feng Lei was already eager.

“It’s about an old man supported by his wife, who pretends to be impressive at the wedding of his goddess, only to have his wife tear him down and chase him off. After a dream, he realizes that even if he achieves fame and success, he might still meet a miserable end. It’s better to live peacefully with a woman who loves you unconditionally and cherish life. The highlight is this dream.”

“In the dream, he goes back to his high school days...”

The dream was simple—a reincarnation story set in high school, full of hilarious moments. It also contained many memories, though Zhang Le had parodied them heavily, making them irresistibly funny.

Of course, the original parodied songs and celebrities didn’t exist in this world, but finding similar musical figures was easy.

“What’s the film called?” Tang Xiao asked excitedly, clearly intrigued.

“Goodbye Mr. Loser,” Zhang Le smiled.

“I want to play the lead!” Feng Lei immediately said. “I can’t go back to high school and start a superstar career for real, but I can live the fantasy in this film!”

When Goodbye Mr. Loser was released, it was a low-profile film with no big stars, no famous director, and no promotional hype. Yet it became a dark horse, succeeding both at the box office and with audiences.

Though many criticized its values, what man wouldn’t secretly wish to be like the lead character, with a wife who loves and supports him unconditionally? Even if they scolded him mercilessly.

Zhang Le, after the wake-up scene in the film, remained disdainful as usual. But the way the protagonist clung to his wife Ma Dongmei stirred longing in countless women.

Nightclub had a small budget and was almost entirely shot in a supermarket. Tang Xiao even secured several sponsorships, and excluding Feng Lei’s salary, it was nearly a zero-cost production.

Still, many looked forward to the film. A low-budget movie didn’t mean it wouldn’t be good.

The reputations of Zhang Le and Feng Lei still carried weight. Even though Zhang Le wasn’t directing, as screenwriter and producer, his mark was unmistakably on the film.

Meet the Father-in-Law, though not a blockbuster, won many fans. The reunion of Tang Xiao, Feng Lei, and Zhang Le drew significant media attention.

Moreover, their close relationship was widely reported, making them a hot topic.